Looking at the arrogant old man, Yang Fan was a little stunned, thinking that he had a grudge because he didn't show respect to him.
So he could only bow his hands and say, "Junior Yang Fan has met... er... senior."
Only then did I remember that I didn't know the other person at all, so I could only refer to him as a senior.
Kong Yingda chuckled and introduced: "Master Hou, this is Sima Caizhang, professor of the Imperial College and a great scholar."
Yang Fan could only bow his hands and salute again: "Junior Yang Fan has met Mr. Sima."
There is no other way. According to Kong Yingda, this guy is very famous among scholars, so he still has to show off!
What's more, Yang Fan still adheres to the principle of respecting the elderly and loving the young. Didn't you see that this old guy looked like he was already half dead?
It's just that this guy doesn't seem to be famous. After all, if the other person is a famous person who has been famous throughout the ages, Yang Fan must have heard of it.
Now I have never heard of the old man’s name. It seems that it was just Kong Yingda’s polite words!
But Sima Caizhang was so proud that he turned a blind eye to Yang Fan's choice of salute. He raised his head and said arrogantly: "Are you the Marquis of Zhongyi? You don't look very good either!"
"Although you are very polite, why are you so ignorant that you want to write a book at such a young age? Do you really think it is just playing house?"
"I have studied the ways of the saints all my life, and I have some experience in interpreting the meaning of the saints. I dare not write a book on my own to spread the teachings. How can you be so virtuous?"
Yang Fan is a little confused!
This guy feels too good about himself, right?
With such a condescending look, he almost treated himself as a disciple of his children and grandchildren, and really didn't consider himself an outsider.
Besides, why do people who are really capable have to brag about themselves?
As the saying goes, half a pot of water dings the winter. Which truly capable scholar is not humble and prudent, and how can he be so arrogant?
Just give him some color and open a dyeing workshop!
Haha, half of this guy's body is about to be buried, and I don't bother to argue with him.
What's more, the way of a saint is so easy to understand. This guy actually dared to speak so brazenly about his little experience, and he was so embarrassed.
China has thousands of years of history, and every sentence and word in the saint's classics has different opinions in Yang Fan's opinion.
Nowadays, it makes people laugh out loud when they hear someone dare to say that they have achieved some success in their understanding of the way of saints.
Just as Kong Yingda said that he had some achievements in his views on Confucianism, Yang Fan may have more admiration in his heart.
But if he dared to say that Kong Yingda's views on the way of saints had achieved some success, Yang Fan would definitely not agree.
Because the way of saints does not only refer to Confucianism, it also includes many disciplines, and each discipline has a long history, is profound and profound!
The words of saints have different opinions in every era. No one dares to boast that he knows everything.
Besides, the more knowledgeable a person is, the more aware he is of his own insignificance...
Nowadays, Sima Caizhang is so arrogant. Even if he has some talent and learning, he can't be much higher than he thought.
However, Yang Fan has been in the officialdom for almost two years, and of course he will not get angry when encountering problems like other young people.
As long as this guy doesn't cause trouble, Yang Fan doesn't bother to pay attention.
Yang Fan's rule is generally that if others don't offend me, I won't offend others!
But Yang Fan's flippant reaction made Sima Caizhang very angry.
Although he was nearly 70 years old, Sima Caizhang never accepted old age and believed that he would still be able to show his talents in the officialdom.
Especially when he was recommended by Fang Xuanling to participate in the compilation of the "Five Classics", he was extremely confident.
He believed that as long as he completed the compilation of the Five Classics, his achievements would never be lower than those of important officials in the court.
At that time, even if you have no achievements in officialdom in this life, you will definitely be able to be famous for generations by relying on the "Five Classics".
For his own achievements, shouldn't Yang Fan be complimentary... and say he has admired him for a long time?
Now Yang Fan is ignoring him, what is this guy's attitude?
In fact, Sima Caizhang was not completely ignorant of Yang Fan's deeds.
Of course, all he heard were gossips among nobles, so his impression of Yang Fan was not good.
It is even believed that Yang Fan was able to reach the high position of Minister of Rites through opportunism and seeking relatives.
Now that he met Yang Fan himself, Sima Caizhang certainly wanted to show off his talents and let others know that his abilities were much higher than the young boy in front of him.
Seeing that Yang Fan ignored him, Sima Caizhang became reluctant:
"Brother Chongyuan once said that Marquis Zhongyi is a rare young talent in the world. He has dabbled in the Four Books and Five Classics as well as the Six Arts of the Gentleman."
"And he compiled two works called "Yang's Enlightenment" and "Yang's Arithmetic". Although I have heard about it a little bit, I have never had the opportunity to see it."
"Brother Chongyuan just said that Marquis Zhongyi's works are good. If Marquis Zhongyi is free today, how about we discuss it with each other? I can also point out and help you with your shortcomings. It is not in vain that you and I are together today.
See……"
Sima Caizhang had a nonchalant look on his face, as if he could point out Yang Fan's books, which was a great honor to the emperor, and it was also the greatest blessing in Yang Fan's life.
These words immediately stunned Yang Fan!
I've seen shameless people, but I've never seen such shameless people. It's a pity that this old guy doesn't do sales!
Looking at the old man who looked like a fighting cock, Yang Fan looked at Kong Yingda with some surprise.
Some people are curious about how Kong Yingda, known as a great scholar, could have such a quarrel with such a domineering guy?
Although it is said that the essence of Confucianism is to be tolerant and magnanimous, showing the golden mean, doesn't Kong Yingda feel uncomfortable interacting with such a conceited guy?
Faced with Yang Fan's surprised gaze, Kong Yingda also seemed a little embarrassed.
There is no doubt that Sima Caizhang's talents and learning are second to none. Although he is not said to be the first person in the world, he has a wide range of interests and has unique insights.
That's why Fang Xuanling deliberately recommended him to join the writing team of the "Five Classics".
In the writing group of the "Five Classics", except for Kong Yingda and Yan Shigu whose reputations could overwhelm Sima Caizhang, everyone else had to behave like juniors in front of Sima Caizhang.
It's just that Sima Caizhang was obsessed with fame, and his arrogant temperament was incompatible with officialdom, which led to depression and ambition.
Over a long period of time, he has developed an aloof character, making it difficult for ordinary people to become his friends.
Otherwise, given that Sima Caizhang was already a doctor in the Sui Dynasty, he would definitely not be just a low-ranking Imperial College professor.
However, Sima Caizhang targeted Yang Fan so ungratefully that Kong Yingda looked a little ugly.
Kong Yingda could see how powerful the loyal and righteous man in front of him, who seemed harmless to humans and animals, was polite.
The temperament of this Marquis is like dry wood meeting fire, a spark will ignite it.
Even if he is facing the prince, this kid just raises his arms and hits...
Among the important officials, princes and nobles, whoever offends him will have a happy ending?
There are quite a few people who have broken arms and legs!
Back at Wangyue Tower, Xu Jingzong and his son wanted to cause trouble for the Marquis, but they were kneaded like dough by the Marquis.
As a result, Xu Jingzong and his son no longer dare to attend various gatherings in the scholarly community, and their reputation has plummeted!
Now this old friend actually dared to rely on his old age in front of Yang Fan, and even tried to gain a sense of presence. He was simply bringing humiliation to himself.
But Sima Caizhang was his old friend after all, and Kong Yingda couldn't ignore it, so he could only cough and defend himself:
"I'm afraid Marquis Zhongyi doesn't know something. Brother Caizhang is working with us to compile the "Five Classics". It is now nearing completion. It only needs to be reviewed by Your Majesty. In a few years, it will be used as a reading material for students in the Imperial College. The "Five Classics"
Brother Cai Zhang provided great help during the compilation process..."
Kong Yingda quickly picked out the good aspects of Sima Caizhang to evaluate.
Indeed, being able to participate in the compilation of the "Five Classics" is not only an affirmation of Sima Caizhang's talents and learning, but also a supreme honor for a literati.
The implication of Kong Yingda's words is that although his old friend is a bit arrogant, he is still a very talented person...
Yang Fan was not angry at Kong Yingda's deliberate defense. It was also a sign of respect for Kong Yingda to explain to him like this.
If faced with other people, Kong Yingda would not need to explain so much. You must know that Kong Yingda is someone who even dares to scorn His Majesty Li Er.
Yang Fan nodded slightly and nodded: "It turns out that Professor Sima has such a talent, I admire you. This junior is ignorant and ignorant, which makes Mr. Kong laugh! I will definitely visit him when I have time in the future to ask for advice."
With these words, Yang Fan put himself in a very low position, which was equivalent to giving Kong Yingda face.
It means that I will not compete with your arrogant old friend, not even to the end!
Hearing this, Kong Yingda twisted his beard, smiled, and nodded happily.
Who said that Yang Fan was a tough guy? Now that I saw him, he was just a well-rounded boy.
Not only does he know how to advance and retreat, but he also takes into account the dignity of others. He is so lovable!
Kong Yingda understood Sima Caizhang's temperament. This old guy was so conceited that it was impossible to make him change.
Now Yang Fan can swallow his anger for his own sake, which makes Kong Yingda very happy.
Of course, the reason why Yang Fan gave Kong Yingda such face was because Kong Yingda was a pure Confucian scholar.
More importantly, he wanted to use his reputation to make the Ministry of Information more convincing.
Besides, there's no need to argue tit for tat with an old man over such a trivial matter.
Although Yang Fan could ignore it, Sima Caizhang didn't think so.
Although this old guy is a bit stubborn, he is not stupid. Of course he can hear the harmony between Kong Yingda and Yang Fan, and he immediately angrily yelled: "Boy, don't you think I have the talent to teach you?"
Yang Fan didn't know whether to laugh or cry, and said with a wry smile: "Senior, how can this junior dare to think like this? You are too worried!"
However, Sima Caizhang refused to give up and said directly: "You kid clearly despises me. I can't tolerate it, but I can't tolerate it. Today you must know how powerful I am."
Looking at the old troll as if he had been given blood, Yang Fan said helplessly: "Professor Sima, you really care too much. I sincerely admire you for your achievements in the way of saints!"
Sima Caizhang smiled proudly and asked: "In that case, I ask you, what do you think of the "Five Classics" compiled by me?"
Sima Caizhang attached great importance to the "Five Classics" that he compiled based on his own reference, and could not tolerate the slightest doubt or disdain from others.
Yang Fan's disapproval when he heard his name just now made him feel deeply humiliated.
Then he relentlessly attacked Yang Fan, wanting to overpower Yang Fan's "Enlightenment and Arithmetic" in compiling the "Five Classics" so that Yang Fan would be convinced!
Now asking Yang Fan what he thinks of the Five Classics is actually a naked show off.
Nowadays, the "Five Classics" he participated in compiling has not yet been finalized and has not been published. How can Yang Fan have Mao's opinion?
Besides, Yang Fan is a fake and has never even read the general contents of the Four Books and Five Classics. What can he think?
However, Yang Fan did not want to have any conflict with this old man who had a somewhat stubborn personality.
In ancient times, the relationship between superiority and inferiority or the relationship between old and young was still very important.
Regardless of whether he is right or wrong, if he insists on arguing with an elder who is only a few years younger than his grandfather, even if others know the reason, they will definitely label Yang Fan as disrespectful to his elders.
Thinking of this, Yang Fan had no choice but to say: "The younger generation is less talented and less knowledgeable. He doesn't even know what the Four Books and Five Classics are, and it is even less likely that he has any opinions on the works that the old gentleman participated in!"
"If the seniors can participate in the compilation, it will definitely be a great masterpiece. If a kid makes random comments, it will become a trick. I don't dare!"
Regarding the compilation of the Five Classics, Yang Fan only knew that it was completed in the Tang Dynasty.
After all, the "Five Classics" is a masterpiece that can be passed down to future generations, and its explanation is still remarkable, but Yang Fan did not understand its content at all.
Yang Fan could do as he pleased with the lake, but Sima Caizhang was very proud of his academic achievements.
He is even more proud of his participation in the compilation of the Five Classics.
Yang Fan's obviously perfunctory words naturally did not satisfy him, so he asked: "What do you think of "Enlightenment" compared to yours?"
Seeing Sima Caizhang chasing after him, Kong Yingda suddenly felt a little ashamed.
Yang Fan, a young man with such a grumpy temper, can still give himself a bit of a hard time.
But you, a person who is about to be buried, are so ignorant of how to advance or retreat. You simply don’t know what to do.
People have already tolerated you time and time again, so why do you, a bad old man like you, need to be aggressive?
Even though he and Sima Caizhang were on good terms, Kong Yingda felt that Sima Caizhang was going too far.
What's more, the compilation of the "Five Classics" is based on the summary, organization, and interpretation of the classics of sages, which is a work of picking up people's wisdom.
The "Enlightenment" written by Yang Fan is from another perspective to provide education and enlightenment for children.
The two works have different starting points, so what is there to compare?
Thinking of this, Kong Yingda said displeasedly: "Cai Zhang, is this the behavior of an elder? Don't you think it's too rude?"
Sima Caizhang may also feel that he is a little too impatient, but his character does not allow for submission, so he can only bite the bullet and say: "Reputation is a small matter, truth is a big deal. This boy obviously despises me, I have to let him know
There are mountain high mountain."
"I have eaten more salt than the grain I have eaten, and the bridges I have crossed are farther than the roads I have walked. Don't think that you can underestimate me just because you don't know the so-called "Enlightenment"."
Kong Yingda's old face turned cold and he said displeasedly: "There is no end to learning. As the saying goes, there is no first place in literature and no second place in martial arts."
"Literati only have others to look down upon themselves, so there is no reason for them to look down upon themselves. I think you are living longer and getting better, and you are actually getting angry with a young man. It is really inappropriate. I am ashamed to be associated with you."
Sima Caizhang's face turned red and his beard stood up in anger: "Academic exchanges are inherently divided between young and old. Isn't it too much to say this, Brother Chong Yuan?"
After hearing this, Yang Fan decided not to be spoiled anymore, and said solemnly: "Thank you, Mr. Kong, for your care. Since Senior Sima is so elegant, how can I let this junior down?"
"Since Senior Sima feels that he has a deep understanding of the way of saints, then Junior will take the liberty of communicating with Senior!"
This old man is so arrogant that he won't give up until he is given some color to show him!
If the tiger doesn't show off its power, does it really think that it is a sick cat?