[Multi SUB] ｜现代汉语言文学博士与四名同伴穿越至南齐永明八年，开局即面临暴露身份的危机！他凭借深厚的文史知识，冒充顶级门阀“琅琊王氏”子弟！#下山追短剧#MiniDrama#精彩大陆短剧

[Multi SUB] ｜现代汉语言文学博士与四名同伴穿越至南齐永明八年，开局即面临暴露身份的危机！他凭借深厚的文史知识，冒充顶级门阀“琅琊王氏”子弟！#下山追短剧#MiniDrama#精彩大陆短剧

We ‘ve time-traveled! We’ve time-traveled! We can copy poems , fight battles, sleep with beauties on our laps, and wield power over the world ! You think this is a web novel? Then explain what’s going on here . Editor Xu , is that you? Dr. Wang, what are we going to do ? Doctor ? What doctor? Chinese Language and Literature, humanities trash! What good is that? Can you make salt ? Can you grow potatoes ? He’s a PhD from Peking University! Can he recite “Dream of the Red Chamber” from memory? Can you recite “Dream of the Red Chamber” from memory? Tang and Song poems are fine too! Just keep copying! Shut up ! Did I tell you to speak? Kid, you’re the only humanities student here, the most useless one. Be a good boy and listen to me . Okay, okay, let’s think of a way back first. My daughter is still at home. Maybe we can use this to go back to the modern world. What are you doing ? Editor Xu, you grandson! We finally time- traveled! Let me tell you, no one is allowed to leave ! With just the few of us, we can definitely become kings and tyrants in ancient times ! When I become emperor, I ‘ll reward you with some beauties! You…you look strange, brother! How are you? ” Congratulations on your fortune ! Help! There’s a ghost! There’s a ghost! Chase him! He’s not a time traveler ! If he gets away, we’re all doomed! There’s a ghost! Stop right there! Your boss is dead! Two are dead , three are captured ! Get up and tell us honestly! When did you cross the border ? How did you cross the border? No, we didn’t cross the border! I’m the sergeant here! Yesterday I received a document from Luyang saying that northern spies have infiltrated. Is that you? Northern spies have infiltrated. Is that you? Luyang belongs to Nanyang Prefecture. They want to arrest northern spies who crossed the border. This must mean we’ve traveled to a period of north-south division. We’re currently in northern Jingzhou ! It’s a miscarriage of justice! I really don’t know what northern spies are ! It’s a miscarriage of justice! It’s a miscarriage of justice ! It’s a miscarriage of justice! We’re not northern spies, otherwise we wouldn’t have run away , and we wouldn’t have been shouting and attracting attention ! Yes, yes , that’s it! So where are you from? Lingnan! Lingnan! You really dare to make this up! China has been around since the Warring States period… ” The household registration system was thus established. It was truly a case of a phoenix chick meeting a sleeping dragon in overseas Great Britain. ” And you, you unregistered resident, you from Lingnan, what kind of ‘ madman’ are you? Show me your household registration documents ! Unregistered residents aren’t under our jurisdiction. Send them to the administrative office to register and be registered. You come with me ! I’m also unregistered ! I’m also unregistered! I’m also unregistered! I see you’re all lying! You ‘re either Northern spies, runaway slaves, or bandits! Unregistered ? I’ll give you your damn unregistered status! Send this real unregistered resident away first ! Look, he’s fake! The three of us are together! I can testify! He’s fake! We’re either together or we’re together ! We’re together! We’re together! This is too much of a mess! Take them all back and torture them severely! Don’t be afraid to tell the truth, sir! sir! Spare us! sir! sir ! We are law-abiding citizens! ‘Sir’ is a Ming and Qing dynasty term . At this time… ” “Master” refers to one’s own father. ” Why are you calling me ‘ Master ‘? They call me ‘Master’ and say they’re not Northern spies . In our Great Qi, who calls others ‘Master’? That’s barbarian language! Barbarians don’t know propriety or shame; they just like to randomly call someone their father. Great Qi is the Southern Qi period. At this time, the Northern Dynasty was the Northern Wei. It seems I’m in Jingzhou during the Southern Qi period. The Southern Qi will not last long and will soon fall into war. Bring these three Northern spies back and let them fall into my hands. You’re unlucky. General , spare me! Spare me! I can make salt . I can write poetry. The boundless falling leaves rustle. ” He said, ” One is selling salt, and the other is singing. He’s a salt smuggler too. Take this one away so he doesn’t escape.” The Southern Dynasty has emperors who come and go, but the aristocratic families remain. The Southern Qi has had seven emperors in twenty-four years . Why not pretend to be from the top aristocratic family, the Langya Wang clan, and get past this first? I am Langya Wang. “The Wang clan of Langya , those who offend me will have their entire clan exterminated! You, the Wang clan of Langya , you …you dare to make this up? With your poverty, you ‘d never be born into the Wang family even in eight lifetimes ! A single coral tree in my family is worth more than all your lives combined! You say I’m poor ? I changed into these clothes to protect myself from thieves. I don’t have time to argue with you . Hold him down and slap him twice! Anyone who wants their entire clan wiped out, try it! You actually believe him? Even if he really is the Wang clan of Langya, you can’t exterminate an entire clan! This is clearly a treacherous commoner impersonating a noble, a wicked and rebellious person. A wicked and rebellious person shall be killed, their family executed, and their wealth confiscated! My Wang clan of Langya has been a noble lineage for generations. My uncle holds the official position of Attendant Gentleman of the Palace . If anything happens to me, I will report it to the Emperor! Do you think I ‘m joking about wiping out your entire clan ? Commander, maybe we should just forget about it. Let me tell you the truth, my surname is Wang.” The name is Yang, the character is Yan. The poem says, “Your son’s clear and bright countenance is Yang Qie’s countenance.” If I hadn’t encountered thieves on the road , I would have already met with the people my uncle sent to see me. Why would I be stuck in this wretched place ? Do you have any identification documents on you ? Didn’t you hear me clearly? I said I encountered thieves on the road, and even my clothes and carriage were in danger, let alone the documents. Whether they are real or fake, if they are fake, it’s fine, but if they are real, forget it, forget it , you can go. Hei Wu escorted Young Master Wang back to Jingzhou . Young Master Wang, I have offended you before. Please , I am also a member of the Langya Wang clan. I am also a member of the Langya Wang clan. I am also a member of the Langya Wang clan. I am also a member of the Langya Wang clan. I am also a member of the Langya Wang clan. I am also a member of the Langya Wang clan . I am also a member of the Langya Wang clan. I am also a member of the Langya Wang clan. I am also a member of the Langya Wang clan. I am also a member of the Langya Wang clan. I am also a member of the Langya Wang clan. I am also a member of the Langya Wang clan. I am also a member of the Langya Wang clan . I am also a member of the Langya Wang clan. You can get away as soon as you say you are my servants. Hey, brother, tell them quickly! Hey, brother, you two dog spies dare to impersonate me, a member of the Langya Wang clan! These two selfish villains will only cause trouble if they stay . You dare to hit me ? He is fake, fake! He , this British or something, he is a Northern spy ! You’re talking nonsense! You, Young Master Wang, just said they were spies. Do you have any proof ? I was with them when I was in trouble. Who would have thought that in the middle of the night I would hear the four of them talking about you in a foreign language ? You’re talking nonsense! You, Young Master, actually understand foreign language? Just so so, this is English . I’m fine. Thank you. You ‘ve been fooled by him again! You say I’m wronging you? Then let me ask you, what is the reign title of our dynasty? Jiajing, Jian’an, now it’s the eighth year of Yongming in the Great Qi Dynasty. Local officials have already issued notices, and the whole country knows. You still say you’re not Northern spies? Yongming is the reign title of Emperor Wu of Southern Qi, Xiao Shi . Please, young master, come back to the city with us. Taking these two Northern spies back for strict interrogation is not an option. Letting them go back, who knows what they might reveal? Wait , wait, young master, what else do you need ? This is too troublesome, creating trouble for no reason. This is not in accordance with the rules. Although they are Northern spies, perhaps we can get some information out of them. Just now, you shot those two without even asking them , not caring about rules or regulations. It was because their behavior was suspicious. We were also ordered to capture Northern spies. I don’t concern myself with other people’s business. I was just kindly reminding them that these two are talking nonsense, even claiming to be their fathers. Taking them back, who knows what they might say ? You scoundrel surnamed Wang, have you wasted your time plotting against us? Don’t believe him! He ‘s not a member of the Langya Wang clan at all! You bunch of idiots, you ‘ve all been fooled by him! Idiots, behave yourselves! There’s too little evidence regarding the Northern spies. Without witness testimonies, Shangguan won’t believe us based solely on our deductions. I’ll testify on your behalf in the name of the Langya Wang clan, so you can rest assured . This young master Wang said there were four Northern spies; killing them would be fine, and we’d even get a reward. But this one is supposed to be a salt smuggler. Whether we imprison them or release them, we’re afraid someone will come after us. So, I, your humble servant, thank you for your orders , and I’ve taken care of these two spies. Yes, Brother Wang, I was wrong! Please give me another chance! I’ll listen to you from now on ! I don’t want to die! I just transmigrated ! I’m the protagonist! Editor Xu, I’ve avenged you ! Young master, your status is noble ; I am but a lowly military officer and dare not presume to act on my behalf! “I urge you, young master, to come with us to see our captain. Lead the way, young master . This way, please, young master Wang. Our captain has arrived. Please proceed to the main tent and let him see me. Your Excellency has quite the grand bearing, making us come in person . May I ask your name? No need for formalities. My surname is Wang. I am a clerk. It is truly an honor to meet you , young master of the Langya Wang clan, today. I have heard that your uncle is a Gentleman Attendant-in-Ordinary. Is this clerk Wang? Perhaps he knows that the current Gentleman Attendant- in-Ordinary is not from the Langya Wang clan and speaks so deliberately? My family has been officials for generations, why should we concern ourselves with the size of the rank ? You say your uncle is a Gentleman Attendant-in-Ordinary, and the current head of the Imperial Library is not surnamed Wang . In our dynasty, the highest officials are the Three Offices and Five Departments. The head of the Imperial Library is a Gentleman Attendant-in-Ordinary, and there are two other Gentlemen Attendant -in-Ordinary. These three officials are always on the emperor’s left and right . In addition, there are eleven Gentlemen Attendant -in-Ordinary. My uncle is a Gentleman Attendant-in-Ordinary in the Imperial Library. Isn’t he a Gentleman Attendant-in-Ordinary? We, your humble servants, have heard…” “Yes, it was a mistake. It was indeed a Gentleman Attendant . It was a Gentleman Attendant. Why did Hei Wu help me offend the young master ? Please forgive me . What’s going on? What was your intention in knocking on the table just now ? I was reprimanding Wang Wenshu for his rudeness . You do know etiquette, but scholars and commoners should not sit together. It was improper for you and me to sit together just now. May I ask your honorable name? My surname is Xue, and I am the captain of this place. I am sorry for my lack of manners. I was in trouble and fortunately your family helped me. I thank you here. Young master, you are too kind. Please make me stay here for a day. I will send someone to take you back. The sun is about to set . I am sorry. Young master, please come to my house to rest for a day. Thank you for your trouble. Young master, I’m sorry. I only have simple food here. Would you like some? I don’t have a good appetite. I’ll share some with you. Young master , you have been traveling for a long time and are hungry all day . Please eat quickly. I don’t want to eat anymore. Just take it and throw it away. If you want to throw it away, then … Alright , alright. ” That’s enough, that’s enough. I’ll share some with you, but no , really no . Little Wu, give your father some and send it to Young Master Du . I’m so sorry, it was clearly an invitation for you to be a guest in my house. It’s alright , it’s your family’s grain anyway. There ‘s something fishy going on. After the Five Barbarian Invasions, the Northern and Southern Dynasties were another period of chaos. Human life was like grass. Black Five, the deadline is here , where’s the silver ? Third Master, please give me a few more days. You can take whatever you want, the house is yours . How much is this dilapidated house worth? If you can’t pay back the money, use people as collateral. Take that little girl away from me. You don’t want her , Wu is only nine years old. Brother, save me ! I owe you. ” I’ll take care of your favors, Ah Wu. Don’t be afraid. Who are you? Hei Wu, there’s no need to show him a seat. State your name. This trip has been quite interesting . I ‘ve met many people I’d never seen before and witnessed many things I’d never witnessed before. Now, any Tom, Dick, or Harry dares to ask about my family’s door. You dog thief, how dare you speak to Third Brother like that! Damn it! Hei Wu, kill the one who just cursed me! Insulting one’s mother is punishable by death! I’ll take responsibility ! Even if it goes to His Majesty, it’s fine! Hey, I … I didn’t mean that! Third Master, please save me! Kneel down and kowtow to the young master to apologize ! Young master, spare my life! This young master, I don’t know your name and I don’t wish to be your enemy , but the principles of this world cannot be escaped. The four words ‘debts must be repaid’ are simple. How much does he owe you? Thirteen thousand? No , where would I get that much? I didn’t have that much before , but you haven’t paid it back. The monthly interest is one-tenth, it’s clearly written in the contract. You can calculate it yourself. I won’t deceive you for such a small amount. Wait for him for three days . He ‘ll pay you back in three days. Hei Wu, he’s penniless. He can’t pay back today, but does he think he can pay back in three days ? Of course he can’t pay back, but I can…” Come back in three days at dusk to collect the money. But why should I wait three days? Because of the Langya Wang clan … this is the son of the Langya Wang clan, and his uncle holds the official position of Attendant Gentleman of the Palace. Since you’ve said so, we are not ungrateful. Please sign a pledge as a guarantee. The Langya Wang clan always repays its debts. See you in three days, sir. I have no way to repay your kindness. Little A-Wu, go back to your room and sleep. I can help people, but I don’t like being used. Tell me the truth. I did intentionally lure you here , but I had no other choice. I know you are temporarily… I invited you, young master, to my home because I had nowhere to stay. It wasn’t entirely because you, Master Du, deliberately volunteered to escort me so you could take his knife for me. I had no such intention. I simply thought that your status as a young master would surely frighten him, giving him more time to spare. Young master, I won’t use your money for nothing ; consider it a loan, and I will certainly repay you. If I said I couldn’t afford the money, what then? After I escort you back to Jingzhou, we’ll part ways here. I have another way to resolve this matter. What way do you have? It’s nothing more than taking a knife and… They’re fighting to the death , but have you thought about what will happen to Little A-Wu if you die ? Please take A-Wu with you, young master. I’ll repay you in the next life. But that won’t do. That girl is clever and mischievous; she needs her own father to keep her in check. I’ll figure out how to get the money, young master. You only have three days! Where are you going to raise the funds? Take all your money and come with me to Jingzhou tomorrow. I am deeply grateful for your kindness, young master. I have no way to repay you. From now on, I am willing to serve you as your retainer, even unto death. May I ask who the chief priest is? Is he not receiving guests? My young master is from the Langya Wang clan, and even the Lanling Xiao clan won’t do. He is from the Southern Qi royal family. “This is the Lanling Xiao clan ! What an arrogant tone ! The current governor of Jingzhou, the King of Badong, is also from the Lanling Xiao clan’s academy. The order of seniority is based on virtue, not rank. I have a letter here; please pass it on to the chief priest. I am not a messenger. The Southern Dynasties valued idle talk ; even powerful ministers like Huan Wen of the Eastern Jin and Emperor Wu of the Liu Song dynasty were looked down upon for their lack of eloquence. I must use my pedantry to counter pedantry. You want to use the Langya Wang clan’s name as a persuader ? What kind of persuader is that? If you ‘re not a persuader, why come to see the master to discuss classics and doctrines? You are not worthy ! Then what would be worthy? I will give you three questions. If you can answer them correctly… ” You’ve announced that if you don’t answer correctly, you ‘ll never be allowed to set foot in the county school again. The people from Wang Academy are here to cause trouble again ! This time, it was Senior Brother Xie who stopped them. This kid is going to lose face today by bumping into Senior Brother Xie! Please enlighten me! Here it says that learning literature is the last thing, but here it’s the first— isn’t that contradictory ? Senior Brother Xie is amazing! It really is Senior Brother Xie. I think this kid is finished today. It’s clearly a case of sending him to cause trouble for Confucius . Yes, the former refers to the order of practice after the disciple receives instruction , the latter to the order of the teacher teaching the disciple, then cultivating virtue, and finally, loyalty and faith can be preserved. Cultivating virtue is fundamental; what use is writing well if one cannot do so? Therefore, among the four subjects of Confucius’s school, morality comes first and literature last. However, when teaching disciples, literature is taught first. It’s like fishing; if you want fish, how can you do without a fishing rod? Where is the contradiction ? Oh, I see! That ‘s truly ingenious ! You can interpret it like that ? Impressive! Yes, you have some knowledge, but that’s all. Let me ask you again: In the Spring and Autumn Annals, how many places did the feudal lords move their capitals on their own? Go back! The gates of my Jingzhou Prefectural School are not for just anyone to enter. My young master has not yet answered ; how can you drive him away? If he can’t answer, can everyone wait until dark? It’s unfair for you to set the question. If my young master sets the question, you might not be able to answer it. If I come to ask you, then he will naturally set the question . Seven places? Which seven places ? Is this the third question? Of course not. I’m not asking you how many places ; I’m asking you to explain which places. Xing moved to Yiyi, Wei moved to Diqiu, Cai moved to Zhoulai, Xu moved first to Ye, then to Yi, then to Baiyu, and finally to Rongcheng. Let me ask you again: In the Zuo Zhuan, it is recorded that Jin moved its capital to Xintian. Why is the *Spring and Autumn Annals* silent on the three instances of Chu first moving its capital to Zheng and then to Yi? The *Spring and Autumn Annals* never records instances of feudal lords moving their capitals voluntarily ; it only records those forced to move by external enemies. For example, Xing and Wei were forced by the Northern Di , Cai by Wu, and Xu moved its capital four times, three times by Chu, and once by Zheng and Chu together. All seven times, the relocations were for the sake of protecting the country and its people. This is because the *Spring and Autumn Annals* firstly disapproves of feudal lords moving their capitals without reporting to the royal court, and secondly, it does not want the barbarian tribes like Wu and Chu to grow too powerful . This is the principle of respecting the king and repelling the barbarians . This is too impressive! Such extensive knowledge and a prodigious memory! May I ask your esteemed name? I will go and inform you . Langya Wang Yang , courtesy name Yan, of the Langya Wang clan. No wonder you are so learned and talented. But that’s not all; he’s from the Royal Academy. What kind of gentleman is he from the Royal Academy? How can we break our promise? Young Master Wang , please come inside with me. Wait a moment. Uncle Wang has invited a capable person from the Wang Academy. A letter is presented; please invite him in quickly. Uncle, please think it over . These past few days, the Wang Academy has been using the pretext of academic discussions to come and challenge us. Perhaps we should send them away first, and apologize after the crisis at the prefectural school is resolved . Learning is a matter of great importance and should not be based on sectarianism. If this person can truly teach me the Book of Documents, I will certainly bow down . Young Master Wang, how old are you? This letter is truly yours; you can answer all these questions. Yes , please sit down. (The Book of Documents, Yu Shu , Yao Dian ) You said the interpretation in the Kong Commentary is incorrect. What is the meaning of “An An”? It is recorded in the Book of Documents, Ling Yao. The Er Ya says Er Yong, Shi Xun . (The Table of Ancient and Modern Figures) An Ruzi is also written as Yan Ruzi , so in ancient texts, Yan and An are the same character, etc. The five thousand years of Chinese culture has continued uninterrupted to the present day. This is all due to the accumulation of generations of Chinese people. Oh, young master, you are very knowledgeable and have a strong memory! Bring some tea and fruit. An’an is a reduplicated word , similar to ” cautious” and “the vastness of the sky “. It has the same meaning as “Yan Yan”. Qinming Wensi An’an means that the literary thoughts come naturally rather than being forced. However, the “Kong Chuan” says that “to pacify the world is to be pacified”, which is really far-fetched . Oh, well interpreted! In “Gaotao Mo”, the clouds rise and the people are grains. Zheng’s commentary says that grains are rice. How should this sentence be interpreted ? Young master, your learning is very profound. I wonder which famous master you studied under? In this era, everyone asks about teachers. I can’t say Peking University. I have many teachers . He is from the Langya Wang clan. His surname is Wang, his given name is Yang, and his courtesy name is Yan. No wonder. You two are too kind. I came to ask for your guidance. I only want to talk about learning, not family background. “Excellent! Born into such a distinguished family, yet so humble. Since we’re only discussing scholarship, I hope you, sir, will uphold the impartiality of scholarship and not deceive me based on victory or defeat. Thank you, niece, when have I ever deceived you based on victory or defeat? You’re not from the Wang Academy, so naturally you’re not. I’ve heard that Mr. Liu is an expert in the *Shangshu* (Book of Documents). What does discussing scholarship have to do with the Wang Academy ? So there ‘s a conflict between the prefectural school and the Wang Academy. No wonder she’s being so difficult. Isn’t it better? It’s getting late; you can have your meal here. Thank you, niece, you can stay as well . I won’t need to. I’ll take my leave now. You are a man of great talent; I hope you will not hesitate to teach me in the future. Thank you , madam. You’re too kind. Mr. Liu, there’s no need for such formalities. Oh, how can there be no need? Young Master Hua, the Academic Secretary, today you discussed the *Shangshu*…” I must entertain you if you teach me . There are many such examples in the *Shangshu* (Book of Documents), with numerous errors and misspellings. Modern scholars are often misled by these errors, losing sight of the true meaning of the *Shangshu*. The timing is about right. Liu Zhao is an honest man . I’ll play coy and pretend to leave to ask him to help me solve the money problem. It’s getting late. Thank you for your hospitality . The city gates are about to close, and I should take my leave. Zhiyan, you can’t leave! Stay at the county school today. It’s kind of you, but I’m new to Jingzhou, and my money is still outside the city. I also owe some money to the clothing shop. I don’t need to go to settle the debt; I have servants who can do it. Black Friday, how much do we owe the clothing shop? Is it still possible to go outside the city to collect it now ? Thirteen thousand coins ? That’s a small matter. Go to the accounting office and get the money for this brave man. Then go and inform the kitchen. Tonight, I want to have a long talk with Zhiyan. Sir, there’s no need for that. If you continue with such formalities, it means you don’t acknowledge our friendship despite the age difference. Since that’s the case, thank you for your kindness, sir. Everyone praises the Prince of Jingling for his virtue. Is he truly virtuous? He granted me an official position simply because he thinks I’m advocating for the survival of the prefectural school for my own official rank . Uncle , I see that Prince Wang is learned and knowledgeable ; perhaps we should invite him to assist us. Many of the Langya Wang clan’s children study in Jiankang. Those who have come to Jingzhou are probably from branches that are at odds with the main line. My niece’s words make sense . Very well, let’s take this gamble. Even if the prefectural school is abolished , at worst, we can emulate Confucius and teach at home with our disciples. Zhiyan, thank you for your hospitality, sir. I should take my leave now. Zhiyan , with your learning, you should write a book. Very well, you can stay at the prefectural school and compile a book , writing down everything you told me yesterday. It will be called “The Modern Text of the Book of Documents.” ” Since that’s the case , your household registration should be affiliated with the prefectural school. To be honest , with your learning , you ‘re more than qualified to be a doctor at the Imperial Academy. But the prefectural school is in trouble. Our prefectural school inherits the Jingzhou school and values ​​the ‘Modern Text Book of Documents’ the most. But the Wang Academy wants to abolish the ‘Modern Text Book of Documents’ and the prefectural school, only establishing the ‘Ancient Text Book of Documents’. If he succeeds, then the ‘Modern Text Book of Documents’ will be lost in my hands. For the sake of the Jingzhou school, I beg you to affiliate with the prefectural school and fight for the theory. If we win , Heaven will not lose its culture; if we lose, I will have no complaints . Fighting is easy, but I don’t have a household registration . Oh dear , this is difficult. Thank you, niece, this matter still needs your help. If you, young master Wang, have a household registration and can truly fight for the prefectural school , then it’s like taking an exam for a government position. Good young master, I await good news. That’s all. The matter is settled . Thank you, young master, for saving my father and me. Today, I, Hei Wu, hereby swear to be your lord, I will be loyal to you to the death. Let’s get started ! In three days…” “I have something I need you to do after you learn how to use the Black Five . Go to Jingzhou City and find an umbrella craftsman to make ten of these folding fans. Then come back. Understand? Make sure you get the household registration done before you learn how to use the Black Five. With Liu Zhao and Lady Xie, it should be possible . The biggest problem now is that we don’t have money. We can’t keep relying on Liu Zhao. Oh, young master , come here, brother , please come here. Brother , this trick of yours has been used before. The fifth son of the Yin family of Chenjun , didn’t he try to ram Lady Xie’s carriage just like you? Guess what? He didn’t hit the carriage, but his leg was broken first. I also heard that he was arrested and imprisoned for six or seven days. Which Lady Xie are you talking about ? Don’t pretend with me. The Lady Xie I’m talking about is the sister of Xie Tiao , one of the Eight Friends of Jingling, famous throughout the world. You don’t know Xie Tiao ? Xie Tiao is the Xie Tiao in Li Bai’s poem, also known as Xiao Xie or Qingfa. I’m from out of town, just arrived in Jingzhou. Sorry, I thought…” You also came because of your reputation, but forgot to introduce yourself. I am Wang Yang, from the Langya Wang clan . How could you not know Lady Xie? It is said that Lady Xie is a descendant of Xie Daoyun, a scholar of the same lineage. I am from a distant branch of the family and do not live in Jiankang. Oh , I see. I was very rude earlier, young master . You did not know that Lady Xie always passes through this place when she travels back and forth . We waited here to see Lady Xie’s true face . I heard that Lady Xie is a beauty like a celestial being. I have never seen a celestial being before. Could it be her? Here she comes, the carriage is here. Lady Xie has left the mansion. Come, come, go and see. Excuse me, I can’t see her. You said that Lady Xie returned to the capital sometime ago. Then it seems that I will not be able to deliver this letter . You want to deliver it to her home? You make it sound so easy . Many people have tried to do this, but none of them have succeeded. Even if they did manage to deliver it, the recipient would not even look at it. You want her to read the letter? It’s not a difficult task, you’re just bragging, Brother Wang . What you just said is all true, of course it ‘s true . But to get her to see the letter, first we have to give her the letter, and secondly , we have to make her read it. So we have to think of a way to make her have no choice but to read it. Oh, then I’ll have to ask Brother Wang for some guidance. Helping you is no problem, but I have a favor to ask. I ‘m currently short of money and would like to borrow five thousand coins from you. I will definitely repay you in the future. Oh, I thought it was a big deal. It’s just five thousand. If this can be done, the five thousand can be considered a reward and you don’t need to repay it. Oh, this money must be repaid. Delivering a letter is just a small favor , how can I ask for a reward? If I didn’t urgently need money recently, I wouldn’t need to borrow five thousand coins from you. Oh, then I’ll have to ask Brother Wang for some guidance. Please give me some pointers. Let me see the letter. This …this isn’t quite right. Could it be some frivolous talk ? If so, I can’t help you . No, no, that’s not it! Oh , the wind rises, the wine is half gone , the willows droop and sway, the beautiful flowers receive the clear dew, the long boat carries the evening tide, the orioles sing from afar , hurry across the narrow bridge, not greedy for the green grass, first taste the purple grapes. How about that , Brother Le ? You still say it’s not frivolous talk, it’s lewd poetry! You can eat whatever you want, but you can’t say whatever you want. I ‘m just using the scenery to express my feelings , highlighting my leisurely and carefree demeanor . Anyway , that’s what my cousin said. Your cousin …oh, to tell you the truth, I can’t write poetry. I asked my cousin to write it for me. He said Xie Tiao’s poems are clear and elegant. Yang’s imitation of Xie Tiao’s poems is sure to be correct . This is a complete misunderstanding of Xie Tiao’s style! This poem, except for the first five characters , isn’t clean at all. If we give this poem to Lady Xie, I guarantee I’ll break your legs ! How could this be? How could this be an obscene poem? What is “flowers writing boats”? Why is it a long boat? What is “bridges writing bridges”? Why is it a narrow bridge? What is “oriole singing”? What is “fragrant grass “? Dewy and damp, and also tasting purple grapes! Think about it carefully! You… damn it , this bastard! I’m going to kill him now ! Wait, you’re not going to deliver the message to Lady Xie? Yes, yes, this is a big deal ! I need Brother Wang ‘s help! The five thousand I was about to receive almost flew away! Give me a pen , I ‘ll write it down for you. Okay, okay, a small token of my appreciation , please accept it, Brother Wang. ” Black Friday , huh? I am Le Pang from Binyang. May I ask, Madam Xie , please step aside, brother? It’s me, it’s me, it’s me! This young master is here to repay a debt . Yes, yes, yes, yes, he ‘s here to repay a debt. If you want to repay the debt , go to my residence, present your name, and explain the situation. There’s no reason to stop a carriage on the road. ” This voice sounds familiar. Could it really be Madam Xie from the county school? The lady doesn’t accept private letters , so I had no way to present my name. On this main road, I can ask her to clarify the debt. I never borrowed any money. It was my ancestor who borrowed from you, Madam. My ancestor is repaying a debt on behalf of you. Please, Madam, collect the debt for your ancestor. Nonsense! Produce me! We have evidence! The lady is a wanderer, a wine-loving traveler with a graceful waist. A slender palm holds light Dongshan, always rising for the common people, winning the reputation of a dashing prime minister . A cup of wine brews the tears of a treacherous minister. The chess game startles the Northern Barbarians. Fifty thousand palm-leaf fans can break the summer’s chill. A thousand years of affection. This poem is about Xie An, the famous prime minister of the Eastern Jin Dynasty and ancestor of the Xie family of Chenjun. Shouldn’t we play along? Grand Tutor Xie helped my ancestor sell fifty thousand palm-leaf fans. This kindness remains unreturned to this day. This poem commemorates Grand Tutor Xie’s noble character. I hope my lady will not refuse . Words fail to express my meaning. Di Yang Le Pang bows deeply. Deng Tu Zi, who are you talking about? A slender waist, my god! It really is her ! Arrest her! Wang Yang, I kindly helped you with your household registration, and you dare to collude with a纨绔 (a spoiled brat) to harass me! Lady Xie, you’re joking. That poem is about your ancestor! Eloquent tongue! Hu Yanxie, please calm your anger. It certainly wasn’t intentional. The household registration matter still requires your attention . The county school needs him to participate in the debate. I think he’s just a rote learner; he’s probably not good at debate and idle talk. It’s fine if we don’t process the household registration . My earlier offense was my fault , but this debate concerns the survival of the county school. I need your help, is that right? Do you dare to have an idle talk contest with me ? Of course. If I win, you’ll be my servant for three months, serving tea and water without complaint. If I lose, I ‘ll process your household registration. It’s a deal ! I’ll now write the ” Theory of Deng Tu Zi’s Lust” (《登徒子好色赋》) , a famous work by Song Yu, which tells the story of Deng Tu Zi in the court of the King of Chu. When slandered as lustful, Song Yu retorted that Deng Tu Zi’s wife was extremely ugly, yet he had five children with her. From then on, Deng Tu Zi became synonymous with lust. Deng Tu Zi didn’t mind his wife’s ugliness; he loved her and had five children —what else could that be but lust? Not minding his wife’s ugliness proves he wasn’t lustful . Moreover, it’s natural for a couple to have children. Having five children with an ugly wife doesn’t mean he was lustful . Then, if Yao had ten sons and Shun had nine, were they all lustful rulers? Not minding his wife’s ugliness doesn’t mean he wasn’t lustful ; it means he was so lustful that he was indiscriminate and indulged his desires. Having five children in a row— his lust was evident! Even Lady Xie knows to indulge her desires . “Hand back to the advanced one” —a discussion. The advanced man and his ugly wife had five children, which is considered unrestrained. Who set this rule ? By what right do you set this rule ? My argument is that I have made my own rules . So, according to this logic, lust is not necessarily a bad thing. Of course, it is a bad thing. The opening of the Book of Songs says, ” A virtuous lady is a gentleman’s favorite. ” Even sages do not avoid mentioning it. How can it be a bad thing ? The Zuo Zhuan says, ”
The Zuo Zhuan says, ‘It is not so.’ The King of Huainan said in the Li Sao Zhuan that the Guo Feng is lustful but not licentious, and the Xiao Ya is resentful but not disorderly.” So being lustful is not necessarily being lewd. Well said ! ( This is a quote from a poem by King Hui of Liang .) Why stay away from the color of fine clothes in the Book of Rites? The gentleman is afraid that the people are too fond of lust, so he keeps them at a distance. Confucius said this, but he never said that lust is bad. If lust is good, then why does the Analects say , ” When they are young and vigorous, they should be wary of fighting ”
? Does that mean fighting is bad? Of course it is bad. When Confucius wrote the Spring and Autumn Annals, he feared that rebellious ministers and traitors would fight. When Confucius served as the prime minister of Lu, he executed Shao Zhengmao in seven days. Was that fighting? When the country is in danger, why not fight? When the people are suffering, why not fight? When it is time to fight, even if there are thousands of people, I will go. When it is time to be fond of lust, even if my wife is ugly, I will not complain . This game is good. The prince is eloquent. Xinghan admits defeat. So your name is Xie Xinghan. Which two characters are in Xingguang (starlight) and Han (sea of ​​patronage)? The shadow of the star seems to float in the morning light . The light is like dew. What a good name. I only know this today. Thank you for your niece’s name. A woman’s maiden name is not easily revealed . Are you talking nonsense to him ? Zhiyan, what name will you two give your child ? The Jingzhou Academy no longer exists! Sir, why do you say that? These three people most admire the “Ancient Text Shangshu,” especially Lu Huan in the middle, who opened a school on Tiantai Mountain to teach the “Ancient Text Shangshu” and refute the “Modern Text Shangshu.” If they were to preside over the debate, they would probably lean towards the Wang Academy. The debate document has only just been put forward. They must have received the news early and set off in time to arrive. The debate was proposed by the King of Badong and was planned long ago. What should we do? Pretend to be sick to delay the time. I think of a way to change the referee. But I’m afraid that won’t work. How can I pretend to be sick under the watchful eyes of everyone ? Uncle is a gentleman, so he can’t pretend to be sick . But if we let some people pretend to be sick, they will definitely do it well . There are so many people here, let’s lay these things out on the table . (The crowd is in an uproar ) I don’t believe the King of Badong . The three things that cannot be openly favored by the Wang Academy: The King of Badong is capricious and erratic, like thunder. If questioned publicly, he will surely face retribution. What should we do now? I think nothing is good . Just participate as usual . Didn’t you understand what I mean? Participate as usual. The referee is free to decide the outcome. Young Master Wang is handsome and his fan complements it perfectly . Where did you buy this fan? It has three unique styles that I ‘ve never seen before. This fan is worth ten thousand coins. If you want it back, I’ll give you one. Is this the time to discuss fans? This is a discussion of scholarship, not idle talk . The outcome is not up to you , but up to the referee. Even if you can… Liu Deng was speechless, but the referee forcibly declared him the winner. What could you do? The debate over principles is subjective and has no fixed rules, especially the debate between the ancient and modern versions of the Book of Documents, which has been ongoing for centuries without a definitive conclusion. Now, these three referees all support the ancient version of the Book of Documents. The Society has no chance of winning this debate. They are right, but I can flip the table ! Where is the Prince of Badong? Wasn’t it supposed to be the time of Yi ? The fourth prince, the Prince of Badong, is the military governor of the seven provinces of Jing, Xiang, Yong, Liang, Ning, Nanbei , and Qin, and the governor of Jingzhou . What was that saying again ? There’s not enough room for everyone here. Greetings to the Prince of Badong ! Let’s begin, Liu Deng of Hedong … Wang Yang , courtesy name Wen Shen, was appointed as the Advisor to the Prince of Badong and the Chancellor of the Prince ‘s Academy. He was a student at the county school. This Wang Yang, who is he ? I’ve never heard of him. Liu Zhao didn’t go on stage; he invited the Prince of Langya . The Prince of Langya is quite interesting to Liu of Hedong . In the eighth year of Yongming (1530), the year of Gengwu, the first lecturer was Lu Huan of Wu County. The first discussion was about the merits of the Old and New Text versions of the *Shangshu* (Book of Documents). Who should speak first? The Old Text *Shangshu* is superior to the New Text *Shangshu* in many ways. If I speak first, it will probably take too long. Please speak first , or perhaps it’s Young Master Liu who should speak first . If I speak first… You won’t have a chance to speak at level 2. If you insist on being modest, then I can go first. The Ancient Text of the Book of Documents has fifty-five points that surpass the Modern Text of the Book of Documents. Are you sure you want me to go first? Fifty-five points is too many ; it ‘ll be dark by the time I finish . So, I’ll go first. I’ll just say seven words … The Ancient Text of the Book of Documents is fake. What did he just say ? He said it’s fake, fake. What do you mean by the Ancient Text of the Book of Documents? The Ancient Text of the Book of Documents is fake. Real or fake? Fake? It’s a forgery, a forgery by later generations. He actually said the Ancient Text of the Book of Documents is a forgery? He’s crazy! Yes, right ? Why did Liu Zhao choose such an ignorant and incompetent person to play ? He knew he was no match for Liu Deng, so he just wanted to show off. What’s wrong with his face? Although he’s young , he’s always been calm and composed when it comes to scholarship. Uncle, don’t panic , I believe him. Tao Te Ching, Tao Te Ching, Tao Te Ching, Tao Te Ching. I think everyone is really laughing all the time . Showing off is not allowed. How can the Academy allow you to be so presumptuous ? Liu Jijiu can list 55 places in the Ancient Text of Shangshu that surpass the Modern Text of Shangshu. I can also list 99 places in the Ancient Text of Shangshu. It is evidence of a forgery. However, if you want to prove it is a forgery , you don’t need to say so much. He’s not afraid of losing face for his Wang family. Which proper Langya Wang family member can come to the county school ? First question: The texts of the pre-Qin and Western Han dynasties never had the character “影” (shadow). The Zhou Li·Da Situ says that the sundial measures the shadow. Zhuangzi·Qi Wu Lun says that the net asks about the shadow. Jia Yi’s Guo Qin Lun says that the grain was carried and the shadow was cast. From here, the “影” (shadow) is used to replace the “影” (shadow ). Therefore, the character “影” never existed before the Eastern Han Dynasty. So, the “从逆凶” (following the opposite and being fierce) in the Ancient Text of Shangshu only affects this. Where does the character “影” come from? Where does the character “影” come from? Oh, I seem to remember there is a character “影 ” . Let’s find it. This is because the ancient text of the *Shangshu* was lost after the Yongjia Rebellion. Fortunately, Mei Ji has a copy. The current *Shangshu* is all based on Mei Ji’s version. Mei Yi was a Jin dynasty person who changed “景” to “影”. What’s wrong with that? Okay, let me ask again. Ancient historical records did not distinguish between the four seasons. For example, the *Shangshu* records that in the third month, the earth was born and the earth was saturated. In the fifth month, the Dinghai year was the second year after the conquest of Shang. It records events in months and years without distinguishing between the four seasons. The * Shangshu* is a book that records the words of sages and philosophers. The recording of time has always been arbitrary . Chapters like the *Mushi* do not even record the months, let alone the four seasons. However, the opening of the *Taishi* chapter of the *Ancient Text Shangshu* says that in the thirteenth year, there was spring. How could the character “spring ” appear in the real *Shangshu* ? Yes, that’s strange. Zhiyan is really a genius. You said that the distinction between the four seasons is not absolute. There are exceptions . The temple system of Shang and Zhou was different. Shang sacrificed five temples. The *Lüshi Chunqiu* says that there were five temples for five generations. The saying that there were seven temples only in the Zhou Dynasty is because the Zhou sacrifices included two more temples for King Wen and King Wu compared to the Shang Dynasty . However , the *Ancient Text of the Book of Documents* says that Yi Yin, a famous prime minister of the Shang Dynasty, wrote that there were seven temples to observe virtue . So, I ask, where were the seven temples in Yi Yin’s time ? Could he have foreseen the future? Errors in ancient books are common , so what’s the big deal? Haha, the black whistle has finally come to an end. It turns out it was an error. Wow , let me ask another question. The * Records of the Grand Historian*, “Annals of Zhou,” says that in the eleventh year, on the day of Wuwu in the twelfth month, the army crossed the Mengjin ferry . According to the *Book of Han*, based on the *Three Unifications Calendar*, King Wen received the mandate of heaven for nine years and died . He then set a new date for the Great Auspicious Day. The text discusses the mourning period for King Wu of Zhou , specifically the period of two years plus nine years of mourning , totaling eleven years. It claims that only the * Ancient Text of the Book of Documents* (《古文尚书》) lasted thirteen years. The text then asks if Sima Qian and others hadn’t read the *Ancient Text of the Book of Documents*. It questions whether people from the Han Dynasty could read it , while others could. The text then criticizes the use of Han Dynasty books to prove the *Ancient Text of the Book of Documents* is a forgery, arguing that the *Records of the Grand Historian* ( 《史记》) is the correct source for the conflict between the *Book of Documents* and the *Records of the Grand Historian*. Finally , it asserts that later works are insufficient evidence, and therefore the text concludes by stating that the text uses the *Book of Documents* to prove its accuracy. The *Book of Han* quotes the *Shangshu* (Book of Documents), specifically the “Yixun” chapter, saying that the *Shangshu* had a ruler named Fangming. Zheng Xuan’s commentary on the *Dianbao* (a dictionary of Chinese characters) quotes the “Yixun ” chapter, saying that it was ” carried with sincerity in a small amount of grain” and also said, “The journey is like three rice dumplings.” This is from the *Ancient Text of the Shangshu* during the Eastern Han Dynasty. However, the current *Ancient Text of the Shangshu* lacks these three sentences. How can this be explained? It’s not surprising that three sentences are missing. The *Santongli* (Three Unifications Calendar) quotes the “Biming Fengxing” chapter, saying that in the twelfth year , on the day of Gengwu in the sixth month, the king ordered the writing of the *Fengxing* ( Abundant Punishments). However, the current *Ancient Text of the Shangshu* does not record this. It seems that it is also missing a sentence, which is not surprising. Perhaps the *Shangshu* quoted by the *Santongli * is fake. It’s fake. Do you know who wrote the *Santong Calendar* ? It was Liu Xin of the Western Han Dynasty. So what ? The *Bielu* , a catalog of books compiled by Liu Xin and his father Liu Xiang , records a *Shangshu* (Book of Documents) with 58 chapters, which is the authentic *Ancient Text Shangshu*. Liu Xin was a great Confucian scholar of the Western Han Dynasty and strongly advocated that the *Ancient Text Shangshu* be the official version. Does that mean the version he read was wrong ? On the contrary, Mei Chi’s version, published three hundred years later, is correct . Sir, how can a later-written book be used as evidence ? Mei Chi’s version, published so late, cannot be used as evidence either. The examples you just cited are all from the Han Dynasty. After the Qin burning of books, ancient books were incomplete. What credibility do they have? After the Qin and Han Dynasties, ancient books were even more incomplete. This is even more unbelievable. Furthermore , the pre-Qin book *Mozi* (墨子) records in the *Ancient Text Shangshu* (古文尚书) chapter “Da Shi” (大誓篇): ” When a petty person sees cunning and deceit , he hears but does not speak of it, thus committing a crime .” The current *Ancient Text Shangshu* does not contain this sentence. Does this mean that the *Ancient Text Shangshu* seen by Mozi is also unreliable? The current * Ancient Text Shangshu* is a fake . The Han dynasty version had sixteen more chapters than the * Modern Text Shangshu*, while the current version has twenty-five more. This chapter number does not match. The Han dynasty version of the *Ancient Text Shangshu* also had chapters such as “Gu Zuo” (汩作) , but the current version does not. This chapter title does not match the previously mentioned thirteen characters “petty person sees cunning and deceit. ” This content does not match. The *Zuo Zhuan* (左传) quotes the * Shangshu* (尚书) chapter “Xia Shu” (夏书), recording that Duke Zhuang of Lu spoke of virtue and then descended . Yet the current *Ancient Text Shangshu* includes these three characters as the words of Yu the Great . This is a forgery . ” Old Lu , say something! Yes, this battle is not about personal honor or disgrace. If this boy succeeds, how can we, the researchers of the *Ancient Text Shangshu*, stand on the lineage of the * Ancient Text Shangshu* ? Would n’t it be cut off ? This is the critical moment for the survival of the *Ancient Text Shangshu* ! Old Lu, Young Master Wang, well done ! Since Mei Shi presented the book, many outstanding talents have emerged , yet no one has questioned whether this book is a forgery . Could it be that your knowledge and wisdom have been unparalleled for hundreds of years? With your talent, could you forge a book that has deceived the scholars of the world for hundreds of years? With your talent, could you forge a book that has deceived the scholars of the world for hundreds of years? You want to lure me into a trap and make me argue whether I am smarter than the ancients ? This is far less offensive than the attacks from netizens on Tieba ! The current *Ancient Text Shangshu* is not fabricated out of thin air ; it is all plagiarized from other documents. It has twenty-five more chapters than the *Modern Text Shangshu*. Do you mean that every single one is copied? Almost. The chapter ‘Da Yu Mo’ is not copied. ‘ Wan Bang Xian Ning ‘ is plagiarized from the *Yi Zhuan*. ‘Wan Guo Xian Ning Di Ping Tian Cheng ‘ is copied from *Zuo Zhuan*, Duke Wen, Year 18: ‘ Only these subjects… ‘” The phrase “使予 从 欲以治 ” comes from Mencius , Book 1, Chapter 1. This is from the quote from Buzi, Book 2, Chapter 3 , which is Shun ‘s words . The phrase ” 使 予 从欲以治 ” is plagiarized from Zhong Zhi Nuo . The phrase “惟有惭德 ” comes from Zuo Zhuan, Book 29, Chapter 1 … Huang Yan Kong Zhang became Jia Yan Kong Zhang. God is not constant. God is not constant. It’s just a few words that changed the whole thing. It shows how careless this forgery is. Old Lu, don’t run away. Old Lu is dead. Quickly find a doctor. Murderers should pay with their lives. He killed him. Don’t let him escape . He killed him . Don’t let him escape. Yes, catch him. Protect Prince Wang . Don’t run away. Yes , catch him. Don’t let him escape . Don’t delay my watching the show. We can’t let them bully us like this. He can’t leave. Yes, he’s not allowed to leave . Yes, come out here. Yes , murderers should pay with their lives. It ‘s only right . King Ba Dong is here. Anyone who takes advantage of the chaos to fight, cause trouble, or make a scene will be arrested and handed over to the King for punishment. Of all the clever girls, Xie is the most clever. Kong Changyu and his classmates returned to their seats. Anyone who lays a hand on him will be severely punished. Old Master Lu, Old Master Lu is awake! Old Master Lu is still alive! This kid is good! He’s fainted again ! Old Master Lu, hurry, hurry, hurry ! Since this is all just a formality, why not declare the results of this conference pending due to the absence of the referee , or simply void it? They have any shame? I don’t . What kind of fan are you holding ? Reply to King Badong: This is a folding fan, invented by a reclusive master. I found it interesting and bought it to play with in my spare time , but it’s a bit expensive. One fan costs ten thousand coins , and there are only ten in total. I’ll have someone buy a few later. Well, now we’re rich! Wang Yang I’ll give you a question. If you can answer it correctly , you’ll be the winner of this academic debate. If you can’t, well , that’s another story. Your Highness, please give me your question. Tell me , how long would it take you to read the *Ancient Text of the Book of Documents* ? In the blink of an eye? Are you kidding me? No way ! Then read it now. I want to see how you can finish it in the blink of an eye . Read it now! I want to see how you can finish the *Ancient Text of the Book of Documents* in the blink of an eye. Alright, you, Wang Yang! Interesting ! Alright, this academic debate… After you won the county school, it became the only official school in Jingzhou. You were rewarded with 100,000 coins, and you finally made a fortune! Good, good! Mr. Wang, may I ask how you interpret the phrase ” The human heart is perilous, the moral heart is subtle”? Wang Yang, how dare you distort the truth and slander the classics of the sages! I’m going to the Imperial Academy to sue you! This young master Wang has three younger sisters, all of whom are stunningly beautiful. Please come to my residence for a chat! No, no, I won’t go to my house . Slow down, slow down, say it one by one . You must come to my house! Come on , what does “come to my house ” mean? Where are you going ? Chase me! Stop chasing me! I’m going to slap you ! Slap Wang Yang! Give me a book ! I want a book! Look at me, wearing Xie Gong’s clogs and holding Wang Yang’s fan , do I still look dashing ? I said you’ll live with me in the prefectural school, my room is yours. But really, no need , I dare not bother you. Well then , it’s settled , you’ll come to my door every three days to discuss scholarship. “The Modern Text of the Book of Documents” is sold out. “One Hundred Questions on the Ancient Text of the Book of Documents” must be written quickly. This time at the conference, you’ll be famous throughout the world, and I will be honored. The housewarming gift for the young master has been prepared. You can even manage accounts. Isn’t my little A-Wu, taught by Lady Xie, amazing? Yes , yes, little A-Wu is the most amazing! Young master , the King of Badong invites you . A carriage is waiting outside. Well, the King of Badong’s face is unpredictable, go quickly and be careful. Good sir, please go back first. Forgive my rudeness. Your Highness, Wang Yang has arrived. Greetings, Your Highness. Wang Yang, do you know what the punishment is for impersonating a noble? If the King of Badong really wanted to arrest me for impersonating a noble, he would have done it already. Why invite me here? According to the law, I should be executed . A few days ago, I heard an interesting story: someone impersonated a noble. You ‘ve fooled so many people, even I! What a coincidence ! Was that person impersonating a member of the Langya Wang clan , or perhaps one of your own ? I wonder who they are. You should know I dislike being deceived, especially. Who dared to be so bold as to deceive the Prince ? Last year, Jingzhou suffered a severe drought, causing grain prices to skyrocket. These aristocratic grain merchants are also hoarding state goods. The government has repeatedly forbidden merchants from inflating rice prices, but instead, prices have risen. Yesterday you said it had risen to how much? Three hundred and twenty-four wen per bushel. If you can bring down grain prices in Jingzhou, then I’ll consider this impersonation of an aristocratic family a deception . You’re very talented , I admire you! But you’ve deceived me! I don’t like Your Highness. You have such audacity! You think you can lower the grain price in Jingzhou in three days ? You can do that , so I asked Lady Xie to help me. But I can’t help you. My boats don’t have a single grain. Even if I send someone to buy some, what good will it do? I don’t need it. I just need Lady Xie to help me. You ‘re really bold. But will things really turn out as you expect ? No, as I expect. It’s like the story in “Records of the Grand Historian: Biographies of Merchants. ” You’ve read quite a lot, haven’t you? You ‘re fluent in the Book of Documents, good at philosophical discussions , and quite knowledgeable in history. Tell me, where did you come from, the Wang family of Langya ? I don’t believe you. You don’t tell the truth. Why should I help you ? To be honest, besides knowing… Besides discussing classics and history, you also have a unique skill you don’t know what it is. You can’t believe you can cook ! Did you know that even the sage said in the Analects… Of course, in front of Lady Xie, I’m not a gentleman, just a petty scoundrel, a smooth talker. Yes , yes, whatever Lady Xie says about me, that’s what I am . Hurry up! Watch your step ! What are you doing, brave man ? This brave man, brave man , brave man! Where does this come from? Such a big fuss! It’s Xie family’s goods ! People know this grain is expensive! Waiting to make a fortune! Thank you, thank you, young master! Someone has sent an invitation for you to come to my residence for a chat. The King of Badong is coming to thank me. It’s an invitation from Wang Rong of the Langya Wang clan. Wang Rong is one of the Eight Friends of Jingling. How come he’s in Jingzhou ? He’s a genuine member of the Langya Wang clan and an advisor to Xiao Ziliang , the King of Jingling. The King of Jingling and the King of Badong are mortal enemies! Oh dear, Zhiyan has finally arrived ! Please come and take a seat. This Zhiyan is a talented scholar of our time! His brilliance in refuting a group of scholars at the academic conference has spread to His Majesty in Jiankang and the King of Yuzhang. They all say that our Langya Wang clan has produced a steed of exceptional talent . Before I came to Jingzhou, my elders entrusted me to come and pay my respects. I wonder which branch of the Wang clan this Zhiyan belongs to? Wang Rong is an advisor to the King of Jingling . At this moment, he doesn’t mention the King of Jingling at all. Then he turned and inquired about the genealogy . ” This visitor seems ill-intentioned, ” he said. ” I am a sixth- generation descendant of Wang Xizhi, the Right Army General of the Eastern Jin Dynasty. My ancestor was Wang Ningzhi, son of Xie Daoyun. During the Sun En Rebellion, my ancestor went hunting outside the city and luckily escaped. Afterwards, he moved from Kuaiji to Yixing and lived a secluded life. Oh, so we are of the same generation! Then I shall shamelessly call myself your elder brother ! Oh , elder brother, I accept your greeting with a bow! Oh, don’t be so formal. We are of the same generation, no need for such formalities ! You don’t know, but I heard of your fame throughout the land. I was overjoyed and immediately sent people to inquire which branch of the clan produced this outstanding talent. So I wrote to various branches of the clan to ask. Oh, how come they haven’t heard of you ? It’s normal that I haven’t heard of you either. You must have been unsuccessful in your hometown and only found your talent in Jingzhou !” ” As a result, everyone searched every branch of the clan but couldn’t find you. Some people suspected your identity was fake and insisted that the government check your household registration. But don’t worry …” Ah, I’ve already reprimanded the person, and no one will bother with this matter again . Actually , there’s no need for formalities, you just don’t have a household registration . Incorporating you into the clan isn’t difficult . The clan praises you highly, but you haven’t yet achieved any merit, so it’s hard to convince everyone. My dear brother , you need to perform merit. Oh, thank you, brother. I don’t know what constitutes performing merit. I will certainly do my best. It’s not difficult, my dear brother. You just stabilized the grain price in Jingzhou. This time, you will surely gain the favor of the King of Badong. My elders meant that you should write down this important matter every time you meet the King of Badong. No wonder Wang Rong was able to do something like having the Prince of Jingling lead dozens of guards to force the emperor to abdicate before Emperor Wu of Qi, Xiao Ze, died . He died without cause . I should obey your orders, brother, but I don’t know what constitutes “obeying orders.” If things get tense, for example, making irresponsible remarks about the court and comparing oneself to Sun Quan and Liu Bei , that’s not good , is it? That’s framing the Prince. He ‘s just writing a few words to fulfill his obligations and not to tell the truth. If it ‘s not true, then why write it ? Zhiyan , in officialdom, others have to go down before you can go up. Besides, what’s important to you now is this household registration. If someone finds it, your life will be in danger. Even Liu Zhao and Zong Rui will be implicated for forging this household registration for you. This is a blatant threat. Let’s calm him down first. My brother has given me an order, and I shouldn’t refuse, but Zhiyan is really in a difficult position. When I first arrived in Jingzhou, my carriage was robbed , and I was really short of money. Even if I were appreciated by the Prince of Badong , I would be unable to repay the favors of the Prince of Badong’s men . What’s so difficult about this ? I’ll give you… You have twelve boxes of gifts, and I will also give you my carriage. Someone will deliver it to your residence shortly as a housewarming gift. Since that’s the case , thank you for your kindness, brother. But there’s no time to lose. I’ll think about how to deal with the Prince of Badong. If I get any news, I will definitely pass it on to you. Oh, very good, very good. Farewell, brother. Take care, my dear brother . I thought you were some great talent, but I won you over with just a few words. You’re just an imposter. It would be easier to let my men handle it. Why are you being so polite to him? What do you know? It ‘s precisely because it’s an imposter that it’s useful . If it were the real one , it would be troublesome. Wang Rong actually asked me to inquire about the Prince of Badong. No wonder historians speculate that the Prince of Badong was killed by the Crown Prince and the Prince of Jingling. However, this matter also involves Emperor Wu of Qi, Xiao Yi, and the Prince of Yuzhang, Xiao Yi. It seems that it’s not just the Prince of Jingling’s people who will come looking for me , Wang Yang. Is that right? What brings you here? My master invites you in. Please get in the carriage and kneel down. How dare you impersonate a noble family! I am Wang Yang from Langya. ” I will not change my name or surname. Where is this impersonation?” I read it to him. “I have investigated the Left Household Department of the Ministry of Personnel , the front wing of the Jia and Yi treasuries of Langya Wang clan. There are two living people named ‘Wang Yang,’ one is sixty years old and the other is seven years old. Young Master Wang, are you an old man in your sixties or a young boy with gray hair ? This is my family matter. What does it have to do with you? Since it has nothing to do with me , I will give this letter to the King of Badong. The King knows about my affairs. You can give it to him. This lady, do you dare to confront me in front of the King of Badong ? You still dare to be stubborn. Impersonating a noble family violates the law. The King of Badong cannot protect you. Besides, you are not that important. I can choose to use you or expose you directly. What do you want to do ? You have to ask yourself if you want to live or die . Of course I want to live. Very well , from now on I am your master. I will help you conceal your identity. You can continue to dream your noble dreams, but you must obey my orders, understand? Answer or die . The King of Badong’s soldiers are waiting outside.” Please invite Wang Yang to my residence for a chat. I’ll take my leave now. Thank you, Your Highness , for saving me . Wang Yang , I want to ask you , Xie girl, your boat was clearly carrying sand, only a few bags of real rice. How did you manage to lower grain prices in Jingzhou? Last year, Jingzhou only experienced a minor drought ; grain prices remained high mainly because grain merchants were hoarding domestic products. They were only interested in selling grain. Now that foreign grain was coming in , they were worried about being stuck with unsold grain. They not only had to sell their grain, but they also had to sell it earlier and faster than their competitors , because grain prices were inherently inflated and would collapse sooner or later. I merely lowered their market expectations and accelerated this process. Market expectations are the grain merchants’ judgment of future market conditions. Wang Yang , you not only deceived me, but also so many powerful families in Jingzhou. You are truly amusing. “I’ll reward Wang Yang with 200,000 coins as a funeral gift. Your Highness, please don’t tease me. If you wanted to kill me, why did you save me earlier? The person who captured you is Xiao Baoyue, the daughter of the Marquis of Xichang. The Marquis of Xichang is currently serving His Highness the Crown Prince. Young Master , you misspoke earlier. Your Highness didn’t save you. The daughter of the Marquis of Xichang, having failed to bribe you this time, will probably take your life. She is the daughter of Emperor Qi Ming, Xiao Luan , who later usurped the throne. Wang Yang , you really have good fortune with women! First that girl from the Xie family, and now Xiao Baoyue. Your Highness is joking . To be honest, before Xiao Baoyue met me, Wang Rong also came to see me. It’s true. When Emperor Gao was alive, the Prince of Yuzhang and His Majesty had a feud over the succession , and Your Highness is both His Majesty’s biological son and the Prince of Yuzhang’s adopted son.” And since you are wise and powerful , it’s natural that you attract suspicion. It’s common for the Crown Prince and the Prince of Jingling to want to plant spies around you. So you agreed to Wang Rong ‘s offer and accepted his gifts. That ‘s why we can’t let you live . That’s why we can’t let you live. If you want to do this, why don’t you just let Xiao Baoyue kill me? It would dirty your hands. Why bother? It’s pointless . Tell me, how come I can’t scare or deceive you? Your Highness has already scared me. I’ve long heard that Your Highness is good at managing your subordinates, but to know the whereabouts of me, Xiao Baoyue , and Wang Rong in Jingzhou City is quite frightening. You helped me stabilize the grain price in Jingzhou and have considerable business acumen. I will reward you with a great opportunity . If Your Highness can help me solve the household registration problem, I will be extremely grateful. That’s between you and Xiao Baoyue. I’m only responsible for helping you make money. What kind of money ? I want to do a business deal, but it would be too conspicuous for me to do it directly. You only need to be responsible for purchasing brocade. If you can manage it properly, the cost of making one brocade robe is no more than five thousand coins. The cost of one brocade jacket is the same , about four thousand coins. I’ll give you twenty million coins, you can use whatever method you want. If you can make four thousand brocade robes and jackets within two months, that will be considered a satisfactory result. The remaining money is yours . How about it … The cost of a brocade robe is two thousand times five … The cost of a brocade robe is two thousand times five… That’s one thousand units, and the cost of one jacket is two thousand times four thousand , which is eight million. A total of eighteen million can be done . You can earn two million
! You can earn two million! You can earn two hundred units . However, historically … the King of Badong was convicted of treason . “It’s about using brocade robes to trade weapons with barbarians . Fortune favors the bold , but we must find a way to mitigate the risks. Your Highness has so many men under your command, why let me handle this matter? Doing business on this scale, using the name of a noble family is the safest option. It can both maintain control and avoid miscellaneous taxes and customs duties . However, the relationships among noble families are complex, and the forces behind them are deeply entrenched. But you are different , Your Highness. I trust you quite a bit. Don’t worry, I have no foundation. Don’t worry , once this matter is completed, I will be your foundation. Thank you for your appreciation, Your Highness , but my studies…” “I ‘m afraid I don’t have the strength for this heavy task. I’m illiterate, impulsive, and an honest man. I believe that in this world, people are either my friends or my enemies. If you insist on refusing, then I ‘ll have to ask you about your meeting with Xiao Baoyue and Wang Rong. To gain the Prince’s trust, a little bit of studying can wait. But Your Highness, is the price you just mentioned a deal? Don’t wait until I take the job and find out it’s a trap . Not only will I not be able to complete the task with 20 million, but I’ll also have to pay out of my own pocket . If that’s the case, I’m short of money and can’t complete the task. Don’t worry, as long as this matter is done, I will reward you handsomely. Since that’s the case, I’m willing to serve Your Highness. But even though it’s a service , I’m afraid I can’t hide such a large amount of money and such a big deal from Xiao Baoyue and Wang Rong. The quantity of goods that the Prince of Badong wants is too large. If we buy in large quantities, it will only cause the price of brocade to rise and increase costs. ” As you instructed, I ‘ve hired a cook. I’ve checked her background; she’s clean. You’ve done a good job. This is a reward for you, young master . You mustn’t do this. I still owe you thirteen thousand coins . Consider that thirteen thousand as your settlement fee for becoming my retainer. This thousand coins is not only a reward , but also something you should have on hand while working for me. Also, from today onwards, you, Xiao A-Wu , will manage my finances. The servants’ monthly salary is two thousand, and the cook’s is one thousand five. As for your father, he gets three thousand a month. How much does Xiao A-Wu get? You get two thousand a month too. If you encounter anything you don’t understand, just ask Lady Xie, okay? ” My lord
, you
trust me so much, I am
deeply grateful ! I have something to ask you to do . I need to purchase four thousand brocade robes and two thousand bolts of brocade. Please deliver this invitation to the brocade workshops in Jingzhou and have them put out a public tender. No, you cannot enter. Sir, please allow me to inform you . Oh no ! People from the Ancient Text School of the Book of Documents are here to see you! You must leave quickly! What ? They’re here ! Brother Zhiyan, you must leave ! I’ll hold them off ! Brother Zhiyan, you must leave ! I’ll hold them off! Yes, yes, leave ! What? They won’t offend me unless they offend me. If they come to discuss classics and clarify principles, that’s fine. But if there are petty people who want to cause trouble , Hei Wu, come with me! Yes , Zhiyan ! You are the true scholar! Students of the county school, come with me to find some suitable weapons to protect Zhiyan! Good , let’s go quickly! May I ask what brings you here? Please, my lord, teach me the Book of Documents !” Please, Your Highness, instruct me, Wang Yang, in the teachings of the Imperial Academy. I am unworthy, but I wish to study with you all, learning from each other and delving into the profound meaning of knowledge. Just now , I spoke about what constitutes an intellectual and what constitutes the intellectual class. However, I believe that every intellectual must possess a passion for exploring knowledge to be considered an intellectual, and every intellectual class must possess a spirit of transcending reality to be considered an intellectual class. Only in this way can one break free from the shackles of the mind and follow only the truth. The intellectual culture of a nation must be guided by the pursuit of truth, aiming for both breadth and depth , to achieve a truly grand and far- reaching vision. If one talks only of ideals and wealth , then the nation’s universities become places for flies to swarm , and advanced learning becomes merely a stepping stone to advancement. Such individuals are not true intellectuals. If the intellectuals of a nation cannot possess a bright ideal that extends beyond themselves , then they cannot seek the well-being of the people, nor can they hope for progress and prosperity . Your Highness, tell me about this article that Wang Yang casually wrote. It is merely empty talk and may mislead the nation. Wang Yang , it’s truly gratifying that the Wang clan of Langya has produced such a talent ! But is he real or fake ? If he is, then it’s even more alarming. Send a message to the King of Badong , telling him to find a way to recruit Wang Yang into his ranks. If successful, cherish him dearly; if not, or if he is difficult to control, find an opportunity to kill him. Congratulations ! Xuanquan Cloth Shop won the bid for 4,000 finished brocade robes and 2,000 pieces of brocade, with a transaction price of 3,000 coins. Chu Nan Embroidery Workshop won the bid for 4,000 bolts of post-post jackets, with a transaction price of 2,500 coins. This public bidding, plus the cost of the 2,000 bolts of brocade used to deceive, resulted in a total profit of 3 million coins . This is enough to report to the King of Badong. But we need to find a place for the extra 2,000 bolts of brocade . My lord, Manager Zhang of Xuanquan Cloth Shop presented a bolt of Shu brocade, two celadon-glazed pots , and a colorful phoenix incense burner . Manager Li of Chu Nan Embroidery Workshop presented four bronze candlesticks, a pair of silver bracelets, and a jade dragon belt with cricket, bat, mit, and dragon patterns. Thank you, Madam , hurry up, hurry up, hurry up! I heard you’ve made a fortune . It’s just a pity you’re only a member of the gentry. “You’ve compromised your integrity to engage in commerce, and people outside are saying you’ve disgraced your scholarly ways and abandoned the essential for the trivial . It’s a pity that such a talented person has gone astray. These are just self-righteous words. I am but a humble scholar, and I cannot escape worldly concerns. Madam Xie, you’ve come at the right time. I have a favor to ask . What is it? I heard that your merchant ships came here because the price of brocade in Jiankang has skyrocketed, so you came to Jingzhou to purchase it. I still have two thousand bolts of brocade in my warehouse. The price is five cents lower than the market price. Although it’s a good thing , wouldn’t it be more interesting to see it rot in your hands? Madam Xie, you’ve become like the King of Badong. Madam Xie, what do you want? Just say it. Madam Xie, if you tell me to go east, I would never dare to go west. If someone bullies me, will you intervene? Are you sure it’s someone else bullying you , not you bullying others? What do you mean? Who dares to bully Xie Jianzi? That’s going against me, Wang Yang. Madam, please speak freely.” I will definitely seek justice for you. Come with me to the banquet tomorrow and you will know. Nona Wang Yang has willingly degraded himself, yet he engages in commerce despite being from a noble family , gathering peddlers and laborers together . Gifts, carriages, and horses fill the alleys. Young Master Liu, you are mistaken. Nowadays, most noble families are engaged in commerce. Even your Liu family of Hedong has a considerable business. Why nitpick and speak hurtfully? It is him. You have seen him at the academy. A gentleman understands righteousness, while a petty person understands profit . Young Master Wang Qiao and the gentry have fallen into commerce to seek profit . What face do they have? They sit with us in the Analects, and you say that sages are petty people . The opening of the Analects, Zihan chapter, is Zihan speaking of profit. The first sentence of Mencius meeting King Hui of Liang is Mencius, Ran Hui III, Part 1. The distinction between profit and righteousness has long been settled. I only know “when you see profit, think of righteousness,” but I have never heard of “when you see righteousness, think of profit.” As for Brother Wang, I ‘m afraid you forget righteousness when you see profit. Young Master Liu, what you say is petty righteousness . Small gains: Things that benefit the country and its people are truly great gains . Therefore, the *Mozi* says that those who act with benevolence must strive to promote the benefit of the world. There are many things that benefit the country and its people, and commerce is one of them . If used well, it can greatly benefit the country and its people. Emphasis on agriculture and suppression of commerce : Anyone who has read a little and knows a little about the ways of the world knows this. Yet you, Wang Yang, have exaggerated to this extent in order to win a debate, cover up your shame, and hide your ugliness. As the saying goes, regarding the accumulation of grain, merchants do not engage in farming; they cannot produce more rice or weave more cloth. They only know how to accumulate and wait for the right time, buying and selling , which only makes life a little more convenient, at most only of a small use. You are wrong. Although merchants do not farm or weave , they can increase the total amount of grain. Speaking recklessly and without explanation , just listen to me. The essence of commerce is exchange , and the benefit of exchange is that it can improve efficiency. For example, you, Liu Deng, are skilled in farming. Wang Yang, how dare you humiliate Emperor Wen of the Imperial Farming Ceremony? Marquis Wu personally tilled the land; three generations of sage kings all personally engaged in farming. I say you, Liu Deng, are skilled in farming, and you feel insulted? You are more noble than Emperor Wen of Han and more virtuous than Marquis Wu . You despise farming ; how can you say that if a man doesn’t till the land , he will starve? You, Liu Deng, didn’t till the land, yet you didn’t starve! My Liu family is a noble and aristocratic family; why should we learn to farm like commoners ? This person’s words are rude; how can such a lowly scholar be so disrespectful to his fellow guests ? Please make this person leave immediately . I am Xiao Xing, courtesy name Shuda, from Lanling, here to study in Jingzhou. This banquet is hosted by Xiao Yan. It is about Emperor Wu of Liang, Xiao Yan , and his son . Please prioritize reasoning and give examples. If it’s unnecessary , please don’t involve fellow guests. Okay, let me give you another example. There is a person who is good at farming and can grow ten shi of grain every six months, but is not good at weaving and can only weave five bolts of cloth every six months . There is also a person who is good at weaving and can get ten bolts of cloth every six months , but is not good at farming and can only grow five shi of grain every six months. Without any exchange , that is, without any commercial activity , if both of them want to farm and weave, then their… The income, that is, the total amount of labor income in a year , is fifteen shi of grain and fifteen bolts of cloth, right? That ‘s right. With exchange , that is, with commerce, the two people can do what they are good at. The one who is good at farming doesn’t need to spend time weaving cloth and can concentrate on farming all year round. He can grow ten shi of grain in half a year and twenty shi of grain in a whole year. The one who is good at weaving cloth can also weave twenty bolts of cloth. So their annual income is twenty shi of grain and twenty bolts of cloth. Because of exchange, smart exchange can improve efficiency . Efficiency is utility. Let the good people do what they are good at. This is professionalism. When the degree of professionalism is high, efficiency is improved, which increases the wealth of society and the country. Weaving cloth does not necessarily take up farming time. Weaving cloth can be done during the off-season. Farming and weaving cloth are just a metaphor. The same applies to other things. Young Master Liu, you can’t not even understand this principle, can you ? Suppressing commerce has been our country’s policy since the Qin and Han dynasties and has been used to this day. So are you criticizing our country’s policy as wrong? Young Master Liu, you are wrong again . Emphasizing agriculture and suppressing commerce : It has always been private merchants who have been suppressed, never official merchants . Since the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, all those who sought to enrich the country and strengthen its military have monopolized the resources of mountains and lakes. The Eastern Han Dynasty perished because Empress Zhangde abolished the state’s salt and iron monopoly for personal gain . Suppressing commerce merely transfers the profits of merchants to the state ; its essence is nothing more than the pursuit of profit. The market tax, salt tax, and other taxes of our dynasty are essentially commercial taxes. Therefore, it is not that I am recklessly criticizing national policy , but that you have never understood national policy. Deceitful words, sophistry, and clever rhetoric have long been classic examples of the harm caused by merchants. Prioritizing profit above all else. How can one educate the people? The *Discourses on Salt and Iron* states , “From this point on , the morals of the world will decline , and it will be difficult to restore purity. Benevolence and righteousness have been completely lost .” This
is exactly what is meant by “the words of the Duke of Zhou,
the words of the Duke of Jin, the words of the Duke of Jin in the Analects.” The Duke of Jin is referring to you, Wang Yang . The Master said, ” I have never seen a good benevolence and righteousness; they are not for empty talk.” Instead of empty talk about benevolence and righteousness, one should think about policies that benefit the country and the people. Historically, the selling of official positions and titles , and the imposition of exorbitant taxes , have all been due to the court’s lack of funds . Even the mighty Shenwu could not obtain five thousand cavalry to resist Cao Wei . Our dynasty has also established itself in Jiangnan; if we do not build up cavalry, how can we conquer the Central Plains? You, Liu Deng , also once said that once the Northern Expedition begins, the daily cost of rice, provisions, and carriages will be a thousand gold pieces. You never mention money. ” If you don’t see profit, where will the money come from? Where will the troops come from ? Where will the provisions come from? Once the northern barbarians invade from the south, will you use benevolence and righteousness to repel them? Talking about benevolence and righteousness is useless when there’s no trouble. Liu Deng was right about you. If you want to train troops , you must first increase your wealth. The previous policy of checking the registers was to increase taxes . If taxes haven’t increased, then you should start with commerce. That’s enough, Wang Yang ! Wang Yang, your words are false and argumentative , taking things out of context to create heresies to disrupt the righteous path, using sophistry to deceive people, using the profits of commerce to suppress the righteousness of the sages, harboring the surname Canhua and engaging in the business of merchants. Now you show no remorse. Instead, he shamelessly speaks ill of the national policy. Uncle Da, Wang Yang, is so greedy for commerce and profit that he should be ranked with commoners and peddlers. How can he sit with us, the gentry? Please remove this man from his seat and expel him from the mansion to set an example. Brother Liu, it’s a rare occasion for us to gather and have a pleasant conversation. Please don’t get angry. Let’s end the debate here and have a good drink . Gentlemen agree to disagree. Differences of opinion are common, so please don’t get angry. The more we debate, the clearer things become . Young Master Liu, please don’t argue impulsively. It’s better to persuade with reason than to be aggressive. It’s not that I, Liu Deng, am just… This isn’t a matter of personal pride ; it’s not that I lost the argument and therefore launched this attack . Rather, it’s that I won’t allow anyone to confuse right and wrong here. Uncle Da, my father used to praise you for your exceptional talent, refined character, and clear understanding, making you a role model for us scholars. Now, the gentry are losing their order, and the root of this chaos lies in forgetting righteousness, fighting for profit, and the mixing of the noble and the common people . Today, I declare that I will absolutely not sit with such a person who tarnishes the reputation of the gentry and uses clever words to cover up their wrongdoing. Is it really necessary? The Liu family of Hedong disdains associating with such a person. Either he leaves, or I leave. General Xiao, perhaps you should reconsider. Sending off guests ? I’ll go with you to admire the flowers. Young Master Liu, what are you asking me to do ? Asking Young Master Liu to leave the mansion? General Yu, are you out of your mind? You’re telling me to leave? This is Uncle Da’s idea. You and Young Master Wang are both guests I invited. There’s no reason to send guests away. If Young Master Liu wants to stay , I ‘m happy to , but don’t bring up the matter of canceling the banquet again, or don’t blame me for being ruthless. Xiao Yan, how dare you insult me ​​like this! Even if the Duke of Liu himself came , I would still refuse to let him in if he didn’t want to . ” Send the messenger to see Young Master Liu . Please , Young Master Liu, come on in. Alright, alright. Today’s debate with Young Master Liu was merely a playful exchange and should not be taken seriously. Please, everyone, do not spread this around. Naturally, no outsiders will know of our debate. Madam Xie, I remember you know Young Master Liu’s father. Please write a letter explaining everything . Also , invite some friends to persuade Young Master Liu . I, Liu Deng, have taken note of today ‘s events. Farewell. How could you do this? A child throwing a tantrum in front of servants —if only his father came, he’d be cured! Young Master Wang , today’s debate was merely a verbal exchange . Your teasing words towards Liu Deng are rather unkind. The purpose of this elegant banquet is to exchange knowledge. If everyone behaves like you, I fear a fight might break out soon. General Xiao is absolutely right. I will also be leaving now. Thank you for your hospitality, General Xiao. Today’s feast has been thoroughly enjoyed . It’s getting dark; please stay a while. The messenger originally thought Young Master Wang was only skilled in the *Shangshu* (Book of Documents), but unexpectedly , he is also quite knowledgeable in practical matters .” ” Young Master Wang is even more talented than Wang Rong. You flatter me. General Xiao, you are skilled in both literature and military strategy. Since I arrived in Jingzhou, I have accompanied Lady Xie to banquets. Even in front of the King of Badong, she was quite lively. Only in front of you, General, was she respectful and well -behaved , not daring to overstep her bounds . I have recently encountered three problems. Seeing that you, Young Master, have profound knowledge of worldly affairs, I humbly request your guidance. This is a problem that a friend of mine has encountered. The powerful families of Xuancheng County… ” The custom of using copper for decoration to flaunt wealth has become increasingly rampant , even
reaching the point where many aristocratic families
are melting down coins to make copper for decorating their eaves. However, the current monetary system is flawed , and copper coins are becoming scarce ; this will harm the country in the long run . Yet, the arrogance of the aristocracy and the repeated attempts by local officials to prohibit it are futile. If this matter is reported to the Emperor and a decree is issued to prohibit it, punishments will be necessary . Lighter punishments will be ineffective and will damage the Emperor’s authority; heavier punishments will harm people and may incite local resistance . Furthermore, asking the Emperor to issue a decree specifically on eaves might be seen as an act of oppressive rule. May I ask, sir, what advice do you have for me ? Even the King of Badong… Prince Jingling and the others wouldn’t consider the Southern Qi history to understand why Xiao Yan suddenly came to Jingzhou. General, this friend of mine is a prefectural governor, higher than a prefectural governor ; he’s the chief administrator of the prefecture. What does this have to do with this? I have no intention of inquiring. As long as a decree is issued, this matter can be easily resolved. If the gentry were willing to obey, this matter would have been resolved long ago. No, the decree is for the gentry, but for the brothels , brothels, brothels! That’s right, General Xiao’s friend, please issue the decree that all brothels in the prefecture, regardless of age, must purchase copper from the government to pave their eaves. Newly opened brothels without copper eaves will not be allowed to open. From now on, this copper eave will be standard equipment for brothels. General , General , brilliant ! One more question, it’s all in the wine! One more question, the matter of household registration, I’ll solve it for you! General, you ‘re quick-witted! General , I need some free time. I’m currently tied up with worldly affairs and cannot speak frankly with you today, given our limited acquaintance. I hope you will forgive me. Please tell me about another friend of mine who has also encountered a problem. They discovered a copper mountain, and the court has specially set up an official to mine and mint coins. However, after several months, the money they’ve earned is only ten million , but the costs they’ve incurred are equal to the profits. Now, the costs are not only not decreasing but are also the same as the profits. If this continues, what’s the point of minting coins? Besides abandoning this copper mountain, what other options does the court have? Besides abandoning this copper mountain, what other options do they have? My friend Xiao Yan holds a position in the central government, concerned with the nation’s finances and grain operations. He is involved in mining resources and can issue decrees— this is the authority of a prime minister or higher. It’s not something that the Prince of Yuzhang, who is only the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, could possibly have. Since his failed attempt to seize the throne, Prince Xiao of Yuzhang has withdrawn from worldly affairs. This friend is presumably Emperor Wu of Qi, Xiao Yi. The current problem is excessively high costs , and the reason for these high costs is high administrative costs. What does this mean? The court sends people to remote areas, resulting in cumbersome personnel and management. It’s likely that the system is simply copied from the capital, unfamiliar with the local environment and unable to adapt to local conditions. Therefore, the costs are high and the efficiency is low. If everything is done well in the early stages , the costs should gradually decrease later. There’s no reason for the costs to increase. This is a typical lack of vitality , like a stagnant pool without flowing water. It will only slowly dry up and stink. But once flowing water is introduced, the situation will change completely . This flowing water, it is said, comes from outside the government. This is not acceptable. Emperor Wen of Han had the Rebellion of the Seven States because of private minting of coins. Moreover, private minting inevitably involves adding lead and iron, damaging the currency system. During the Jinghe era of the previous dynasty, counterfeiting was rampant . These copper coins were as fragile as paper, crumbling at the slightest touch. As a result, the price of rice rose to 10,000 coins per dou. Even if the copper mountain market is abandoned, it cannot be left to private individuals. It is not left to private individuals, but rather to be managed by the government and merchants . Only those involved in mining and minting , with strict control over the qualifications of merchants, must cooperate with and be supervised by the government. The imperial court sends inspectors to prevent currency collapse. As long as the ownership of the copper mines and the decision-making power over minting are in hand , there is no need to fear the local power growing too strong; it’s just a matter of distributing some of the profits. If introducing private individuals can truly make the copper mines profitable, then of course it’s feasible. Merchants earn more through dividends, and naturally they will be more dedicated. Moreover, the private merchants who can participate are all local powerful figures, so there will be less resistance in implementation . The imperial court only needs to carefully send officials to prevent collusion between them and the local authorities through institutional means. There can be checks and balances between government offices. There can be conflicts or even opposition between government offices . As long as the imperial court sends people to inspect regularly and act as the arbitrators of these conflicts, the local authorities and government offices will naturally not dare to disobey . Brother Yan is learned and insightful , truly a great talent . It’s a pity we didn’t meet sooner. Come on , drink some hangover soup. It will make you feel better. My lord, it’s Black Friday. Where are you going ? Thank you, madam. This is a gift for you. Your taste in choosing this is really bad. Is this nice? It depends on who wears it. It looks good on Lady Xie. You’re just being clever and flattering, you only want to make her happy. Since you still know how to give gifts , I’ll take 1500 bolts of brocade. Supply them . There are 2000 bolts of brocade in total . If the Xie family takes 1500, it will be troublesome when dealing with Wang Rong and Xiao Baoyue. If they really want more, it will be difficult. It ‘s already ordered, so we can only send out 1000 bolts. Then we’ll rush to make another 500 for now . That’s settled then . Okay. Hei Wu, take Lady Xie’s people to the warehouse and get her 1500 bolts of brocade. Yes , my lord, the King of Badong’s goods also need to be delivered today. Your subordinate cannot drive for you today. It’s alright. Oh, brother, my brother ‘s face ! You’ve finally come! I’ve missed you terribly! Oh, you ‘ve come all this way ! Why bring a gift? Brother, you’ve helped me with the important matter of household registration. This is just a small token of my respect . Come, come, sit down! Sit down
, brother! Oh , sit down, my dear brother, sit down! The King of Badong heard that I’ve done brocade business and said that in the future… I provided all the brocade . I had just started to see some progress when I came to thank you, brother. Oh, the King of Badong appreciates you so much! I came up with a plan to hold an open bidding process to lower the cost. Now the brocade I’m offering is 20% cheaper than the market price. Then I bribed everyone in the King of Badong’s palace, and that’s why he entrusted the business to me . Do you have a way to sell this brocade in Jiankang ? Do you have a way to sell this brocade in Jiankang ? Oh, my dear brother, you’re a member of the gentry, how come you’re always thinking about these merchant ways? These are things that lowly commoners do . Brother, you don’t know, the little devils in the palace are even more greedy than the King of Badong. I’m like a skilled cook without rice, I can’t cook without rice. Oh well , I’ve put you in a difficult position . Has there been any new news about the King of Badong lately ? Aside from telling me about the brocade , there’s nothing else . You’d better hurry. The elders of the clan have recently sent letters urging me to inquire about the movements of the King of Badong. I’ll buy you some time for now . Now that you’ve gained the King of Badong’s trust and are getting on the good side of the shogunate , you must make more contact with them. Don’t worry, brother , I’ll definitely keep a close eye on things in the future. Yes, yes, yes, come, have some tea, have some tea, have some tea. Thank you, brother. Wang Rong is easy to fool. Xiao Baoyue, please have some tea, have some tea. Oh , have some tea. Lady Xiao, the murderous aura here is still so strong. You actually dare to come. More than I expected. ” Dare you, Lian Er ? This is bad! The guards of the Ba Dong Prince’s mansion are outside, saying it’s a routine patrol and they ‘re going to break in . You’ve come prepared, have n’t you ? You’re much bolder than me. You know the Ba Dong Prince is watching you, yet you haven’t moved. If it were me, I would have run back to Jiankang long ago. But so what ? Even if the Ba Dong Prince himself comes, he can’t do anything to me. That’s not necessarily true. You ordered me to monitor the Ba Dong Prince , are you trying to find fault with the prince for your own benefit, or are you plotting to frame him? Don’t worry, if the case comes to light, I will tell the truth and won’t falsely accuse you. With your sharp tongue, you ‘d be suitable for the Censorate . ” Even if you manage to become a Commandant of the Imperial Guards, that ‘s not bad . Oh, and you even dream of sleeping with the princess? You can have that too, but I think you have no chance. Besides impersonating a nobleman, you ‘re also involved in treason and collusion. Do you know who the King of Badong is buying your brocade for ? Of course I know —the Southern Barbarians! You know that, yet you still dare to do business with the Southern Barbarians. If you’re caught, your entire family will be wiped out. The King of Badong can’t even protect himself after selling the brocade to the Southern Barbarians ; as for you , you’ll be doomed. Governing the Southern Barbarians is the responsibility of the Governor of Jingzhou. The King of Badong has the authority… Within the bounds of propriety, Lady Xiao treated him like an ordinary merchant, criticizing him . Even if the matter reached His Majesty, the Marquis of Xichang would have a hard time explaining himself. What does this have to do with the Marquis of Xichang? Lady Xiao’s maiden name is Baoyue. Am I right? This is baseless accusation. Do I have to bring the royal guards to escort you before the King of Badong before you will tell the truth? Look at the tea,
look at the tea, pour the tea . Selling brocade to the Southern Barbarians in exchange for weapons and armor is probably not something that can be dismissed with the word “governance.” Lady Xiao, do you know what the biggest problem in governing the Southern Barbarians has always been? It is that force is insufficient to subdue them , and virtue is insufficient to appease them. Lady Xiao, if we were to mobilize the entire army of Qi to attack the Southern Barbarians, could we pacify them within five years ? No. The world is not yet settled , and the Northern Barbarians are arrogant. Not to mention the chaos in the south, even if it lasts for five years, I’m afraid that once the turmoil begins, the Northern Qi will immediately turn south. At that time, the Southern Barbarians will be in internal strife, and the Northern Barbarians will attack from the outside . The country will be in danger. Indeed, Liu Jinu has been conquering the Qiang for fourteen years. Spending 24 billion taels of silver daily and wasting a thousand taels of gold, the empire was exhausted, and the Liu Song dynasty declined as a result. The demise of the Han dynasty was caused by the Qiang and Hu tribes. At the height of the Eastern Han dynasty , the army was strong and the empire was strong. The Qiang were slaughtered, and their people were wiped out. Blood was shed in the fields in an attempt to exterminate them all. But after the fall of the Han dynasty, the Qiang rose again and became one of the Sixteen Kingdoms, vying for control of the Central Plains and causing chaos in China. When have the Qiang ever been exterminated? You are right. Go on, I want to eat some fruit. Bring me some fruit. Even with the strength of the Han dynasty, it is not possible to exterminate the Qiang. Our dynasty’s territory is only half of the Han’s, and there are still many barbarians under our actual control. To think that we can sweep away the barbarians is just to attack them without being able to eliminate them. If done well, like Zhuge Liang; if done poorly , I’m afraid … Before the army had even left the border, the barbarians rose up in rebellion , hence the unrest among the southern barbarians has persisted through the Han, Wu, Jin, and Song dynasties, continuing to this day. This is what is meant by “insufficient force to subdue” and “insufficient virtue to pacify.” It means that the barbarians are stubborn, greedy , and ignorant , making them difficult to win over with virtue but easy to subdue with force. Therefore, although there have been dynasties that tried to pacify them with virtue, it ultimately failed . Virtue may be temporarily effective , but the favor and gratitude depend entirely on the individual, and whether or not the influence is successful depends entirely on the other party’s mind. Sometimes the relationship cools down, sometimes they become arrogant, sometimes they repay kindness with enmity , and sometimes they harbor resentment. These are just a few examples ; this is what is meant by “insufficient virtue to pacify.” Therefore, both force and virtue must be used . No , this is not the case. (From the Book of Han) Isn’t the combination of the Way of the Hegemon and the Way of the King simply the Way of the King using virtue and the Way of the Hegemon using power? What’s the difference ? If virtue alone is insufficient to rule the world , then virtue must be combined with means to be considered the Way of the King. Many have used virtue to govern barbarians, either by persuading them with kindness and generous rewards , or by releasing captured barbarians back to their homes. Although there are many methods, none have been effective in the long run. Your words are good, but they are impractical and empty. What kind of virtue is this? What is the use of virtue? Since ancient times, the Chinese have been valued and the barbarians despised. If one can treat them all the same, one is a true king. The barbarians are the people of the Left Altar of the Earth, who do not know rites and music. How can they be treated the same as the Chinese? Now the Northern Wei is doing this. The Southern Qi dynasty’s Sinicization reforms were not driven by a desire for national prosperity and military strength. Even Xiao Baoyue was preoccupied with the debate between the Han and barbarian peoples. No wonder even Sima Guang was reluctant to write more about the Southern Qi in the *Zizhi Tongjian*. Did the distinction between Han and barbarian exist in ancient times? King Wen was born in the Eastern Yi, and Yu the Great was born in the Western Qiang. Both were considered barbarians by bloodline . The * Spring and Autumn Annals * distinguished between Han and barbarian not by bloodline but by culture. If Han Chinese acted like barbarians, they were considered barbarians; if barbarians had the heart of Han Chinese , they were considered Han Chinese . In the war between Jin and Chu, Jin was considered unjust for forcibly engaging in war with Chu. The *Spring and Autumn Annals* disdained this, hence the contemptuous title of Duke Jing of Jin as Marquis of Jin. Jin became barbarian, while Chu, considered barbarian, became a virtuous state. The distinction between Han and barbarian is not absolute. As long as one submits to me, praises my rites, music, poetry, and books, the whole world is Han Chinese. Our dynasty has long contended with the Northern barbarians for legitimacy. Without the distinction between Han and barbarian, how can we clarify the great unification of the world and rectify people’s hearts? Since the Five Barbarian Invasions, for over two hundred years, the Jiangnan region has always been the legitimate dynasty, rejecting the Northern dynasties as Northern barbarians. But as the Northern Dynasties grew increasingly prosperous and the Southern Dynasties gradually lost territory , what hope was there for unification? What hope was there for the people’s hearts? The outcome was not a debate between Chinese and barbarians, but rather about enriching the country and strengthening its military. Rather than getting entangled in this, it would be better to embrace all the people of the world and implement this policy. It cannot be rushed; it must be done systematically, like a gentle spring breeze and nourishing rain, silently nurturing all things. When the time is ripe , it will be declared to the world , like a rooster crowing and the world will be bathed in light. What exactly is the systematic approach? Well, someone, please bring the fan for the young master . The so-called systematic approach is like the question and answer between Emperor Taizong of Tang and Li Gong . I just feel that you want to hear it , but you are sitting behind this beaded curtain with some arrogance. Someone, please remove the curtain. Now that you have seen my true face, you should speak, right? The so-called means is to attack with benefits . Our current strategy for the Southern Barbarians is mainly to blockade them. The more you blockade them, the poorer they become, and the poorer they become, the more they want to plunder. The barbarians, penniless and carefree, simply fled into the mountains. Once the army withdrew, the barbarians would reappear; how could they possibly be wiped out? We must encourage trade with the barbarians and also encourage them to come to our land, letting them witness the splendor of our dynasty. You’re so generous! This expenditure is considerable, requiring a lot of money , but it can incite them to enjoy fine clothes and delicacies , guide them to cultivate land and borrow , and encourage them to plant whatever is profitable. The more they earn, the less carefree they become; the more they earn, the more attached they are to their homeland. Once their needs are met, this money will flow back . We can even have important figures among the barbarians own businesses in our dynasty, using profit to bind them. Then, anyone among the barbarians who wants to wage war will be a public enemy. We won’t need to lift a finger; those bribed leaders won’t agree. If we can make the barbarians feel they can make money by following us, only a fool would rebel. Trading with the barbarians would be a worthwhile deal: exchanging our dynasty’s abundant brocade for barbarian weapons. Brocade is neither edible nor useful for warfare; it is insignificant for both agriculture and military purposes. Exchanging it for armor is a profitable transaction. If this strategy can be successfully implemented in Jingzhou and Yizhou , our dynasty will have another path to a strong army and can also quell the southern barbarian border troubles. This plan is equivalent to a million- strong army. However, since they are not of our race, their hearts will surely be different. Later, the Han dynasty relocated the Qiang people to Guanzhong, which could have prevented Qiang troubles. The Wei and Jin dynasties pacified the barbarians, and later, during the Five Barbarian Invasions, the two capitals fell. If border trade and communication were opened, the barbarians would be driven out of control. Seeing that my military position is in danger of change, all previous gains will be considered as nurturing bandits. This is because the Han and Jin dynasties only allowed the Five Barbarians to live among the common people, relocating them without governing them. Furthermore, the Barbarians suffered from hardship and starvation, and were exploited by corrupt officials. The people were filled with resentment and injustice ; how could they not rebel? Not to mention that when the Barbarians were in this situation, the Han people would also turn them into Han people . This is not nurturing bandits , but nurturing the people and the army. Having discussed the way of the king, what about the way of the tyrant ? You are already tyrannical enough. If I teach you more tyranny, then the barbarians will be wiped out. My lord, you are joking. I am just a weak woman, merely bluffing. I dare not accept the title of “overbearing and domineering,” but with your magnanimity and extensive knowledge , young master, you will not hold it against me. However, I have acted improperly, and I hope you will correct me and offer your guidance. Lady Xiao is too modest. However, it is getting dark today , so let’s stop here . We can talk again another day . I will see you off , young master and lady . Farewell. King Badong invites you. You cannot use a knife. Beat him half to death and throw him out to feed the dogs, do you hear me? Where are you taking me ? You didn’t expect this, did you, Wang Yang? You will fall into my hands. Brother Liu , what do you want ? Of course, I want your life . But if you kneel down and beg me, I may consider letting you go . Liu Deng is laughing at me for this . Let’s see how you laugh later. Beat him! These are not Liu Deng’s men, they are robbers. Who the hell is Wang Yang looking for me, young master? Run! I am deeply indebted to you, young master. I risked my life to save you today. How dare you! I am Liu of Hedong. If you dare to hit me, you are all dead! Hand over the brocade. If you want the brocade , cut off his head and I will give it to you. Young master, a wise man does not suffer a loss in front of him . Admit your mistake. Stop pretending to be a good person. “You can kill me, but you can’t humiliate me, Grandma! Do you know who my father is? My father is the Grand Master of the Palace, the Left Grand Master of the Palace, and the Duke of Zhenyang. His former subordinates and officials are all over the world. I am the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, from the Liu family of Hedong. You can’t kill me , or I ‘ll make sure you all die without a burial place. Yes, yes, yes, half of the brocade in the world is collected by my young master. If you release my young master, any amount of brocade will do! Wang Yang , he is Wang Yang , from the Wang family of Langya. Yes, yes, it is me, it is Wang Yang, the leader. Wang Yang is a member of the aristocratic family. I think this one is more likely to be acting. He’s acting, do n’t you understand? Grandma, I won’t ask anymore. Who the hell is Wang Yang ? Yes, it is him, it is him ! Release my young master and I’ll go with you. Yes , it’s definitely not this one in white. I think this one is more likely. Keep the one in white here. Your young master definitely won’t save people. He’s plotting! He really is Wang Yang ! I beg you , I beg you, release me! I beg you! He risked his life to save you, and you only think about harming him. He’s truly shameless! A member of the aristocratic family, release this one in white and let him go!” I don’t care who you are. Go back and fetch four thousand brocade robes and four thousand armored coats and send them to Wenyang Gorge. Once the goods arrive, we will naturally release the person. The four thousand brocade robes and armored coats are exactly the same as what the King of Badong requested. So the King of Badong wanted the barbarians to rob me so that he could trade the goods. What a scoundrel ! Young master, I will come back. I will definitely save you. Come back to me ! You must come back! What? Wang Yang is back ? Then who is the person captured? Liu Deng, bring Wang Yang here ! I killed him! I killed him! My lord, please calm down! Wang Yang is famous throughout the world, and countless students admire him . I cannot kill him openly. Report to my lord, Wang Yang requests an audience. He dares to come here! Let him in ! Yes, my lord! My lord, I pay my respects to my lord! My lord, this is terrible! Liu Deng has been captured by the barbarians! What? How could this be? Oh dear! The son of the Duke of Liu is serving in Jingzhou. Now he has been captured ! What should I do? Oh, please, young master, quickly explain the whole story! My lord , this is roughly what happened, but Liu Deng… He shot himself in the foot. So , the one they want to arrest is you? Yes, they want to steal the brocade. Wang Yang, you’ve caused chaos in Jingzhou, what crime have you committed? Your Highness , I thought you’d treat me to fine wine and food, but I didn’t expect you to question me. I ‘m so disheartened! Fine wine and food! You caused Liu Deng’s arrest, and now you want fine wine and food again? I just helped you with the brocade, but Xiao Baoyue, spying on your whereabouts, discovered that the brocade was to be sold to the barbarians. A thought struck me, and I pulled out a plan to subdue the barbarians to appease her. Then I said it was your duty as the governor of Jingzhou, which fooled Xiao Baoyue. Oh, so in that case, I should thank you. Your Highness is too kind. I merely sincerely admire you and wish to join your military command. I thought that starting in your military command, I could first take the position of Southern General, the Military Advisor. This position is equivalent to a staff officer in the Jingzhou Commandery —a respectable and very high starting point. I need to convince the Prince of Badong that I am truly loyal to him. So how can you gain his trust ? You’re quite the schemer! Spend two years in my military headquarters, then transfer to the provincial government , and simultaneously become a local magistrate. After all that, you can enter the Ministry of Personnel in style. Although you’re a fake aristocrat , you’re quite bold and ambitious . This still depends on the Prince ‘s promotion. Fine, I grant your request. After you return, bring back that “barbarian control strategy” you used to fob off Xiao Baoyue and show it to me. Yes, Your Highness just let him go like that. As for the Prince of Yuzhang, a fake aristocrat ca n’t cause any trouble. Didn’t my uncle say that if we can control him, we should treat him with courtesy ? Prince Zhiyan said that you were frightened by the barbarians this time , so he specially sent me to prepare some gifts. Before, at the Prince’s residence, the Prince only inquired routinely, but Zhiyan is intelligent, so the Prince was afraid that you wouldn’t be able to frighten him, which is why he spoke so offensively . The prince instructed me to prepare a small gift to express my respects to you. Your Highness is a kind and generous man, and it is my honor to serve you. This is a trivial matter, nothing to mention. This is the strategy for governing the barbarians that Your Highness entrusted to me. It has been written down. Please give me your guidance . I will present it to Your Highness now. I will see you off. Please wait a moment, my lord . Do you still remember Captain Xue and the sergeant ? Of course I remember . What happened? The army’s pay is getting less and less, and the brothers are suffering terribly. If this continues, there is a fear of mutiny. So Captain Xue and the sergeant want to leave the army as soon as possible and come to you as your retainers. Has the army become so corrupt? When the imperial rations are issued, the Jingzhou military government first deducts a portion, and then it is further embezzled layer by layer. I heard from Captain Xue that he has not received his rations for several months. Go find Xiao A-Wu and get 100,000 coins. Give them to Captain Xue and the sergeant, and say that… Their gratitude for past favors led them to remain in the army, waiting for the opportune moment to discuss further matters. “Yes , Your Majesty, I will go immediately . A storm is brewing! The matter of the Prince of Badong exchanging brocade robes and jackets for weapons with the barbarians has been written in a secret letter. We must quickly present it to His Majesty. The Prince of Badong is capricious; once it’s handed over, he will surely fly into a rage , and our lives will be in grave danger! This matter was handled by Wang Yang; we will pin it all on him. We will say we were unaware of his actions. As a son of the imperial family, one should be loyal and filial, and bear the weight of the nation’s fate. Prince Xiang of Badong, being my own flesh and blood, was appointed to guard the western border of Jingzhou. I hoped he would diligently perform his duties to secure the nation’s foundation. Yet, he disregards the kindness of his sovereign and the laws of the court, daring to privately manufacture brocade robes and jackets, secretly exchange weapons with barbarians. What is his intention ? The Rebellion of the Seven Kingdoms began with the arrogance of the princes; Wang Yang must have leaked the secret, Your Highness.” Your Highness , Your Highness,
please do not act rashly and recklessly . The situation is already dire; now you are amassing weapons and harboring malicious intentions. Is this not a sign of treacherous ambition and a plot to overthrow the government ? I cannot eat or sleep in peace. The bond between father and son is painful . Order Zixiang to deeply reflect on his actions and contemplate his sins behind closed doors. All the weapons and armor you have acquired must be surrendered for further investigation. If you still fear the severity of the crime, the laws of the land are in effect, and I will not show leniency. Your Majesty, I hereby order your immediate execution . King of Badong, receive the decree. Zixiang, receive the decree . Heaven and earth, gods and spirits, bear witness to my loyalty to the emperor. It is not the fault of these treacherous officials who have slandered me. Beyond Your Highness’s decree, does Your Majesty have any further words ? Your Highness , please explain the whole story clearly so I can relay it to Your Majesty. Thank you, Envoy . I have prepared some fruits and tea. Please , Your Highness, move to rest. Attendant Wang, please. Please invite all the high-ranking officials from the military headquarters. Then invite Wang Yang . Yes, wait … When you invite Wang Yang, do not say that Wang Yi has arrived. Yes , Attendant Wang, Your Highness, please… “Attendant Wang Yang, it must be you who betrayed me. Don’t blame me for exposing your identity . I recently heard a strange thing that is related to Attendant Wang. Oh, what strange thing? I heard that someone in Jingzhou is impersonating the Wang family of Langya. What? Is that possible? That’s outrageous! Where is that person now ? Langya ? Young Master Wang Yang has arrived! Your Majesty , how have you grown so much ? Your uncle almost didn’t recognize you! Answer one more question: I’ll take care of the household registration matter for you. This is a relative I made up before. Nephew greets Uncle. You recognize me, don’t you? I am now serving as Attendant Gentleman of the Imperial Library. Come, come, come quickly and sit here with your uncle. Your nephew didn’t know your uncle had come. I am sorry for not welcoming you properly . Please forgive my disrespect.” Could it be that my trip to Jingzhou was hasty and I didn’t inform Wang Yi beforehand, so how could he recognize him ? Could it be that Wang Yang is truly from the Langya Wang clan ? I haven’t seen my nephew for several years, have I? Yes, my nephew is quite good, isn’t he? This is the fine steed of my family; the rise of his lineage is surely due to this young man. He is indeed quite good . Alas, it’s a pity he’s not as handsome as he was when he was young . In my youth, I was all show and no substance, truly bearing no resemblance to my uncle. Only after growing up did I acquire some of my uncle’s charm. I see that you two are not alike. Charm lies in the spirit, not the appearance ; it lies in the bones, not the skin. Virtue brings people together even without seeing each other. This is what family tradition is all about. What kind of relatives are you two ? Alas, it ‘s a long story. I’m curious, so please … Speaking of which, back then, the great-great- great-granddaughter of my great-grandfather ‘s second son’s maternal nephew, and the great- great-great -grandmother of my great- cousin ‘s great-granddaughter , were descendants of this branch of the family . In the early days, when their lineage split , the generational order became disordered. Originally, my grandfather and his great-great-grandfather were of the same generation. Later, their branch inherited the main lineage and also secretly managed the minor lineage, thus adding a generation to their lineage. That’s why they called me my uncle . If we follow the original genealogy before the branching, he should call me grand-uncle. No wonder my uncle stood seventh from the west in the ancestral hall; it was to avoid the order of generations. Indeed, the great-great-granddaughter of my great-great-grandfather’s great-great-grandmother and the great-great-granddaughter of your great-grandfather’s second son’s nephew … We’re of the same kinship, so… wait , wait, wait! I understand, you’re uncle and nephew, right? Yes , yes, Third Master, I can’t refuse your kind invitation , but I haven’t seen my nephew for many years and miss him dearly. Oh, I must take my leave now. I ‘ll discuss official business with Your Highness after I’ve finished my family matters. No problem, no problem! Oh, Zhiyan, it’s been seven or eight years since we last met , hasn’t it? Yes, come with me to Wang Rong’s house, and we’ll share a table and get drunk together . Your Highness, I must take my leave now. Come, come, come, let me tell you… Wang Rong, that rascal can really drink ! How could His Majesty know about my trade with the barbarians ? Your Highness , this matter must have been done by Wang Yang. Indeed, Wang Yang was in charge of this matter , but he couldn’t deliver the secret letter to His Majesty’s desk. If we’re talking about this, then it’s the Chief Secretary… ” Your Highness, have mercy ! Your Highness, have mercy! We truly knew nothing of this ! Your Highness , I have been exceptionally promoted to the position of Clerk in Your Highness’s household by imperial grace. Although I am an official of the court, I have assisted Your Highness for over a year and would never dare to betray Your Highness. We are humble scholars who have achieved this position by imperial grace. Even if you were to report us, Your Highness would only be fulfilling your duty . What right does Your Highness have to hold us accountable ? Do you think I am following the Prince and can be manipulated at will? Since you won’t confess , then you will all die ! Your Highness/ Uncle , brother, wait, what did you call me, Uncle ? You two, you haven’t sorted out your seniority. You are my nephew, you are my grand- nephew. Uncle , my nephew , my family line has declined long ago and the population is dwindling. Although we have the surname Langya, we lack the means to live a life of luxury. When I first arrived in Jingzhou…” Penniless and alone , I felt lost and adrift , as if in a fog. Fortunately, my virtuous nephew didn’t abandon me and took good care of me. Although you ‘ve had your share of hardships , you’ve cultivated such talent , truly a blessing for the family. When I first arrived in Jingzhou, I couldn’t possibly have offered you any help; it was all thanks to you, my virtuous nephew. Actually, my uncle is right. When I first came to Jingzhou, it was thanks to you, my virtuous nephew , that I was able to ask about family ties, inquire about human relations, check the genealogy, and determine seniority. Oh, I didn’t check, my virtuous nephew , you checked ! My virtuous nephew is good in every way, except for his humility. He’s always been like that. I’m not being humble ; I just genuinely don’t understand. Uncle, why don’t you check it yourself ? You’ve already checked it ; what else do I need to check? How could I not trust you? It really was me ; I just checked it casually. Is the Hu City family register something you can just check casually? Even if we take a step back and say that my nephew Wei Daoxian discovered I was an imposter , he deliberately concealed it, still pretended to be related to me , and frequently visited me, even sending me twelve boxes of gifts. Twelve boxes ! What a generous gesture! Twelve boxes ! Come, come, let ‘s drink! Be careful, young master! The Vice Minister will be staying here these next few days. We will definitely take good care of the security around the residence. Please rest assured. Thank you for your trouble. Reporting to the young master , Master Kong sent word that after today’s banquet, the King of Badong killed the Chief Clerk Liu Yin, the Military Advisor Xi Gongmu, and the Military Advisor Jiang Nian. The case of Yin County involved eight people, including Military Advisor Zhou Yandian , Wu Xiuzhi, Wang Xianzong, and Wei Jingshen. This is equivalent to slaughtering the entire leadership of Jingzhou! What ?! This is outrageous! Wang Yi’s reaction is too exaggerated. Uncle, such a major incident has occurred at the Badong Prince’s Mansion. I must go and see for myself. Uncle, please rest here. Go quickly! You really killed Liu Yin and the others, so what ? A few poor scholars , you killed them! Your Highness , you are confused! They are all officials of the court. Even if you really wanted to kill them, you shouldn’t do it openly and personally . His Majesty will definitely punish you. So what do you suggest? The best course of action now is for Your Highness to go to Jiankang in person to apologize to His Majesty . Yan ‘s words are reasonable. Please decide quickly, Your Highness. No , I have been managing Jingzhou for a year. It was not easy to build up these people. We can earn back our wealth . The important thing is to preserve my life and power. Your Highness , please think it over! Don’t say any more. I’m not going anywhere. I’ll stay in Jingzhou . You unfilial son dared to kill officials of the court . Perhaps there is some misunderstanding, Your Majesty . I hereby order the Imperial Guard Commander Hu Xiezhi and General Yin Lue to lead three thousand Imperial Guards to Jingzhou, claiming it is to suppress bandits and quell the rebellion. A few days ago, Duke Liu pleaded with me to save Liu Deng; this matter was caused by Wang Yang, so let him go and rescue him. The Imperial Guard Commander Hu Xiezhi, General Yin Lue, and their three thousand men are to build a city at Yanweizhou. What strategies do you two have for me? Your Majesty is truly angry now. But Your Highness is Your Majesty’s own son; there is some affection between us . Your Highness can express your intention to submit , saying that you will soon depart for Jiankang to plead guilty and seek the withdrawal of your troops. What you say is very good; I beg Your Highness to understand . Can Your Majesty truly spare my life ? The Prince of Yuzhang and Your Majesty once had a struggle for the throne, yet Your Majesty spared the Prince of Yuzhang . To this day, Your Highness has only privately amassed some weapons; in truth, it is a son raising military equipment for his father. As long as Your Highness is sincere and earnest, and speaks less of the subject-matter and more of the father-son relationship, Your Majesty will not kill Your Highness. Report from Yanweizhou. “I have recently heard that bandits have risen up in Jingzhou, which greatly worries me. Just a few days ago, I learned that Liu Deng, son of the Duke of Liu, was kidnapped and his fate remains unknown. The court and the public are shocked. Where is the law? Therefore, I hereby dispatch the Imperial Guard Commander Hu Xie and General Yin Lue, leading three thousand elite Imperial Guards, to rush to Jingzhou overnight to quell the bandits and pacify the region. I hereby order Prince Langya , Wang Yang, to exhaust all his wisdom and spare no expense to rescue Liu Deng and ensure his safety. Anyone who obstructs the royal army or harbors criminals will be punished equally. Your subject, Wang Yang, respectfully reports this. The imperial troops have been assembled and are ready to assist the royal army in suppressing these villains. Your subject, Wang Yang, receives this imperial decree . Your Majesty’s compassion for loyal subjects is boundless. I will certainly not fail in my mission and bring the young master Liu back safely . You are Wang Yang , Your Majesty . There is another imperial edict saying that this matter arose because of you. Immediately must muster the troops and set off to rescue the young master Liu. I receive the decree. What do you mean by ‘suppressing the bandits’ ? It would just mean losing my post, Your Highness . There is still a chance to turn things around. Turn around my ass !” Did you betray me about my dealings with the barbarians ? I already vouched for you before, and today His Majesty has even issued a decree to protect you. Please calm down , Your Highness! Please calm down, Your Highness! The Imperial Guards have already deployed their troops at Yanweizhou. If you kill Wang Yang, you will be guilty of treason . The troops of Jingzhou are far inferior to the elite Imperial Guards of Jiankang, and His Majesty has renowned generals like Wang Jingze and Xiao Shunzhi under his command . The time is not yet ripe ; we should not act rashly. So, what do you suggest we do ? I can only obey His Majesty ‘s decree. Alright, Wang Yang , go back now and prepare tonight . Gather the troops and set off. Yes , pass down the order : give Wang Yang one hundred old, weak, sick, and disabled soldiers, and forbid them from receiving military pay. Let him die in Wenyang Gorge! Captain! Captain ! Captain ! My leg is crippled ! Captain ! I’m twenty-five! I’m an old soldier! What are you doing? What? Do you think it’s your turn to be old, weak, sick, and disabled? Stop pretending! Captain ! You can’t say that. The ones outside are all the Emperor’s elite troops. We are just local garrison commanders. If you really want to follow the Prince of Badong… Fighting this battle is a death sentence either way, and it might even implicate our families . First, our bandit suppression is much simpler and easier. Besides , Young Master Wang just gave us 100,000 coins ; it’s time to repay his kindness. The army camp can’t even pay its own rations; this job is unbearable. So, Captain, let’s chip in some money to bribe the higher-ups, and then have a few of our best, most elite brothers pretend to be wounded or sick. What do you think? Oh dear, Captain Xue, what happened ? Oh dear, I was injured on a mission recently ; I ‘m blind now, blind! And that platoon leader got an arrow in the knee; the doctor said he won’t recover . What are we going to do? Black Friday, let’s count the men and go home. Don’t forget to cover it up , okay ? Stop pretending! That ‘s impressive! Come on, hurry up, keep up ! So impressive ! Let’s go! I heard the imperial decree has been issued ordering you to rescue Liu Deng. Do you have to go? You absolutely have to go! But it’s better to go than to avoid the King of Badong. This is a map of Wenyang Gorge. Don’t die there! Thank you, Lady Xiao. Wenyang Gorge isn’t far from Nanjun. This is what Liu Zhao asked me to give you. Zong Rui is the Prefect of Nanjun. He even helped you with the household registration. Do you remember him ? Thank you! Hurry up, hurry up! Merchant , merchant! Oh, good, my lord! We only have one hundred people , and we’ve divided into five teams. We can’t stray too far from the villages; we’ll be vulnerable to barbarians. ” We ‘ve discovered a village ahead . Let’s set up camp there. You agree, my lord.” The village chief said, “We’ll stay at the inn. Can you herd cattle and sheep? We’re poor, so this is a given. Come on, drive them up the mountain and you’ll have the force of a thousand troops! ” “Yes, Fifth Squad Leader , tomorrow you’ll take these silks to Wenyang Gorge to visit those barbarians. Tell them we’re a merchant caravan from Lingnan, and these silks are a tribute . Be sure to speak politely and thoroughly investigate the terrain around Wenyang Gorge.” “Yes, General!” ” A message from the King of Badong… As a prince, how could I…” The son’s rebellion against his father was merely a careless act that resulted in the accidental killing of a court official . If the general doesn’t believe me, I can now return to the capital in a single boat to plead guilty before the Emperor. General, do not forget the instructions of the Prince of Jingling . According to the Commandant of the Guards, what should we do? (Brother , if we succeed in capturing the prince in Jingzhou, we will offend the Prince of Badong ; if we fail, it will be our incompetence .) If Badong Yu’s rebellion is confirmed , after this victory, you and I will have merit, and our brothers will also be rewarded . The Prince of Badong will find it difficult to regain power . The Prince of Yuzhang has a long-standing grudge against His Majesty. This Prince of Badong, though called a prince, is actually the adopted son of the Prince of Yuzhang. If we protect the Prince of Badong , we will offend His Majesty. Prince Jingling , at this time , even if the Prince of Badong is not rebelling , we must confirm it . Do not hesitate any longer! You are right . Go back and tell the Prince of Badong that our army are all loyal and righteous men, and there is nothing to say about those who betray their fathers. Yes, my lord, it’s done. I’ve seen Young Master Liu; his life is safe, though a bit disheveled. However, those barbarians said they wanted us to deliver the goods… It would be even better if they inspected it first when it arrived at their camp. So, tomorrow you can do it this way, leader. Our goods are all here! Leader, something terrible has happened! There’s dust flying outside, it sounds like a large army is coming ! Oh dear, what should we do? Leader, leader , something terrible has happened! Leader , they’re coming from the back mountain too ! Leader, they’re coming from the back mountain too! Kill them! Kill them! Kill them! Young Master Liu, I’ve come to save you! His Majesty sent me to save you ! I…I’ll help you untie the ropes! I’ll help you untie the ropes ! It’s alright , it’s alright! Oh, it’s alright! Wang Yang, Wang Yang, don’t cry, don’t cry! I know you’ve been wronged … This… Look at all these people! Get up quickly! It ‘s alright, it’s alright. Captain Xue, my lord, return the borrowed cattle and sheep to the villagers. Sergeant , Black Five, take all the goods back. We’ll camp in Nanjun for now and not return to Jingzhou. Okay , report ! The King of Badong has sent an envoy with forty cattle , two hundred shi of wine, and thirty carts of fruit, saying it’s for your kind service. Soldiers, pass down the order: tell the brothers that no one is allowed to touch this wine and meat. After this battle, I, the general, will lead the brothers to promotion and wealth. Then, how could we be short of this feast? Well, what should we do? In front of the King of Badong’s envoy… Throw them all into the river. Brother Wang, Brother Liu, please , Prefect , you ‘re too kind. We have just wiped out the barbarians of Wenyang Gorge, but we don’t know the situation in Jingzhou City and Yanweizhou. The King of Badong has the intention to surrender , but Yin Lue Hu Xiezhi refuses. Now we are at a stalemate, just like history. What exactly happened? Yin Lue Hu Xiezhi is not the garrison commander of Jiankang, so why is he in Jingzhou ? The thing is, someone informed on the King of Badong’s secret . His Majesty is blaming him. The King of Badong actually killed Liu Yin and the others . Fortunately, fortunately, I was captured by the barbarians. A blessing in disguise! What happened ? Just two hours ago, the King of Badong led his troops to attack Yanweizhou. The King of Badong is finished. I am the King of Badong’s friend. I will be implicated . Don’t scare yourself. Sit down first. Protect the King of Badong. Shoot for me. Kill this King of Badong! He’s getting bolder and bolder. He even wiped out my Imperial Guards . Father, please calm your thunderous anger. Fourth brother is so bold. If we don’t send troops to surround and suppress him , he may become a disaster. Your son begs Father to send Dan… General Xiao Shunzhi, the Prefect of Danyang, has been granted permission to lead troops to attack the King of Badong. You tell me, who will receive my head ? Your Highness, do not despair ; we are not yet at our wits’ end. The King of Yuzhang sent me secretly to Jingzhou. I urge Your Highness to go to Jiankang as soon as possible to plead guilty. But if I return to Jiankang, what will become of Jingzhou ? His Majesty has already dispatched Xiao Shunzhi, the Prefect of Danyang, with troops who are currently on their way to Jingzhou. Can Your Highness defeat Xiao Shunzhi if you raise an army now ? No , His Majesty is in his prime and healthy. Can Your Highness defeat His Majesty? No. Since there is no certainty, Your Highness should quickly return to Jiankang to plead guilty. At most, Your Highness will be stripped of your title and imprisoned, but you will still have your life. The landscape of the Southern Dynasty may well be yours. But I have been building up my empire in Jingzhou for over a year. Will this great foundation be lost? The King of Yuzhang instructed Your Highness to build up your empire in Jingzhou to wait until His Majesty is seriously ill before taking action. But Your Highness has not only been careless in your dealings, but you have also made one mistake after another. Zixiang understands Your Highness ‘s command . Zixiang will depart immediately . ” Drive the King of Badong …” Your humble servant is ill and unable to perform the full ceremony. The Prefect of Danyang has arrived just in time. I, the Prince, know my sins are grave and was preparing to return to Jiankang to plead guilty. Since I have encountered Your Highness , I have a message to announce: His Highness the Crown Prince has decreed that the Prince of Badong has rebelled and killed court officials. He is hereby granted the privilege of suicide, with his body preserved intact. His Highness the Crown Prince’s decree is not His Majesty’s order ; His Majesty has entrusted this case entirely to His Highness the Crown Prince. Guards! Seize him ! How dare you ! I am Xiao Shunzhi, the adopted son of His Majesty’s fourth son, the Prince of Yuzhang . You dare send the Prince of Badong on his way ? Properly collect the Prince of Badong’s body and send it back to Jiankang. Reporting to His Majesty, the Prince of Yuzhang, Xiao Shunzhi, reports that he encountered the Prince of Badong on his way to Jingzhou. The Prince of Badong, knowing his sins are grave, has already hanged himself. My son , Your Majesty… My dear brother, though Zixiang has committed a grave error, death is the end. Please, brother, consider our father-son bond and pardon his crime , preserving his posthumous reputation. My brother, the nation has its own laws . Precisely because Zixiang is my son, your adopted son, he cannot be forgiven. Otherwise, how can our Great Qi be at peace? Issue the decree: strip the criminal Zixiang of his imperial surname, Xiao, and change it to Qiao. Strip him of his title of King of Badong and change him to Marquis of Yufu. Take your time, take your time, there’s no rush. You’re back. Are you alright? It’s alright. I don’t need to go to the battlefield. It’s all my brothers who risked their lives. Uncle , my dear nephew, if you hadn’t returned, this girl Xie would have become a waiting-for-her-husband stone. My dear nephew, come inside quickly, there’s important business to discuss. Uncle, the King of Badong is dead . Your Majesty has stripped him of his Xiao surname and changed it to Qiao. Now he should be called Marquis of Yufu. Zhiyan , do you understand the meaning of this ? Yu Fu is a place name . His Majesty bestowed this title upon him , likely to signify the hidden sword within a fish’s belly. Zhiyan understands, so I won’t elaborate. May I ask , Minister Wang, has His Majesty said how to deal with the former subordinates of Marquis Yu Fu? My dear nephew, don’t worry. Your father, Duke Liu, also pleaded for you . His Majesty considers your youth and ignorance, and only asks your father to discipline you more. By the way , while you were away, Xie and I received a distinguished guest for you. What distinguished guest? Well, he was none other than the very famous Crown Prince’s Attendant , Wang Xiuzhi. Wait a minute, isn’t that the chief advisor to the Prince of Yuzhang? What is he doing here? Zhiyan, you don’t know, Marquis Yu Fu was formerly the adopted son of the Prince of Yuzhang, and only listened to the Prince of Yuzhang. Brother Xiuzhi came here to advise Marquis Yu Fu to return to Jiankang as soon as possible and apologize with thorns on his back. Who knew, it was too late. The Crown Prince’s edict arrived first, my lord. Then the Crown Prince’s attendant has come again. Please come in ! This visitor is ill- intentioned. Today, Zhiyan has returned. The soldiers outside are still moving things; it can no longer be hidden from him. Even if the Prince of Yuzhang is weak , he is still the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat; we cannot offend him. My uncle is right. Xiao Hei Wu, please invite him in ! Brother Xiuzhi, I have failed to greet you properly! My dear brother Zhiyan, look how late you’ve returned ! Brother Xiuzhi has been busy with affairs . I’ve only stayed a few days in Jingzhou, saying I wanted to see you. Brother Xiuzhi, please take a seat! Please, please take a seat! In the past, the Xie family had a precious tree; now, the Wang family has a trained steed. Talented descendants are emerging frequently ; I am very pleased! However, Zhiyan, you have not yet reached adulthood, and your academic record is still… The Jingzhou Prefectural School is not conducive to your career. How about this : I write a letter recommending you to study at the Imperial Academy ? Brother Xiuzhi, what you are worried about is exactly what I am worried about. I am currently still in Jingzhou, except for handling the aftermath of the Yu Fu Marquis’s matter , which is to take Zhiyan back to Jiankang with me. Is that good? But there is still the matter of the official rank for my dear nephew. Brother Xiuzhi, don’t worry . With Zhiyan’s talent and virtue, if he can’t be ranked as a top-rank official , who else is qualified to be ranked as a top-rank official? That’s very good. I heard that my dear nephew originally wanted to start his career as a servant in the Yu Fu Marquis’s household . Now that the Yu Fu Marquis is crippled, I have also thought about this matter. His Majesty greatly appreciates Zhiyan’s talent, so he will definitely start as a Secretary. My late father, Xi Zhi, also rose to power through this official position. Very good, very good. Brother Xiu , rest assured, I am a descendant of the Wang family, and I will certainly do my utmost to take care of you . Please do not worry. My visit to Jingzhou was ultimately secret; firstly, to see your face and demeanor, and secondly, because I feared you might be relegated to a lower position in Jingzhou. Now that I have seen you and know that you have handled everything well, I should take my leave. Please see me off, brother . Brother, please wait patiently . Xiao Yan has invited Wang Yi, who is a Gentleman Attendant at the Imperial Library, likely a man of Emperor Wu of Qi, Xiao Ji. Wang Yi is acting on behalf of Xiao Shi to prevent me from being won over by the Prince of Yuzhang’s men and becoming a problem. I’ve sent him away. Zhi Yan, you will accompany me to the Jingzhou Military Government . There are still important matters to attend to .
What are you waiting for? Hurry up and go! I heard that you wish to see me alone . What advice do you have for a dying man ? You have only come to entrust your orphan to someone. Why do you say that Yu Fuhou is plotting a rebellion ? As his confidant, I cannot escape death. I am not afraid of death , but I still have my wife and daughters on my mind. You have helped Hei Wu and his daughter when they were in trouble. That is why I dare to ask for an audience. I hope you will take care of my wife and daughters. You are a man of great talent and magnanimity . His Majesty may not punish you severely. I come from a humble family and am not from a noble family. My status is vastly different from that of you, a member of the Langya Wang clan . I will not let you do this for nothing . Since Yu Fuhou took office in Jingzhou … The vast wealth amassed is stored in a secret vault. Only I and a few trusted confidants know the location of the hidden coins . The other confidants all died on the battlefield. Only I know this in this world. Since that’s the case, why not tell your wife that the estate left by Marquis Yu Fu is over three hundred million ? If I tell my wife and daughters, they are like innocent children carrying gold through a bustling market. It will only bring them trouble sooner. Sir, I truly admire your talent and refined manners. I agree to this . Good. Come closer. We ‘ll write fifty dead and thirty seriously wounded. That’s it. Captain, are all the brothers alright? Who the hell would want to go back and risk their lives for those corrupt officials who don’t pay their rations? I’ve already planned it out. The fifty dead will become the lord’s troops. They’ll be the lord’s servants. We’ll bring our families and follow the lord. Captain Xue, you’ve got a good plan. My lord… My lord, I’m not a cunning strategist . First, you ‘ll need more guards and servants by your side in Jiankang. Second, if people find out you led a hundred old, weak, and disabled soldiers to rescue Liu Jijiu, and the only one injured was by himself falling down, then we can’t hide the fact that we bribed the higher-ups to pretend to be old, weak, and disabled to serve you . Now, I’ll write it like this: the fifty who died in battle will become your retainers and go north with you; the thirty seriously wounded will return to the camp and report , or go home to farm, or follow you north —each to their own. Ah, are you seriously wounded or killed in battle? I’ll have to take care of that. I lost an eye before, and now I need to lose a leg too. After I’ve taken care of that, I ‘ll lead the remaining brothers to Jiankang to see you, my lord. Alright, is it time to set off ? Coming right away. Do as you say. Be careful. Okay, okay. Wow, this is much bigger than the mansion in Jingzhou. Do you like it? I like it . My lord seems to be from the palace. Are you Wang Yang of Langna? It was Prince Langna who overheard the Emperor’s decree that Prince Langna be summoned to the palace immediately. The student has received the decree; the Prince’s carriage is ready. Please come in, Your Majesty. The Prince has arrived! ” Your Majesty, I, Wang Yang of Langya, kowtow. No need for thanks. Your Majesty, I am currently reviewing your strategies for governing the barbarians , Xiao Yan’s strategy for recruiting you, and your memorials on copper mining . They are all very insightful. May I ask how old you are this year ? Your Majesty, I am twenty-two years old. Hahahaha, twenty-two! Amazing! Come forward ! Come boldly ! I have a secret to tell you. When I was in my twenties, I was just a clerk, but you, at twenty-two, are already assisting the Prince of Badong! Assisting the Prince of Badong! This student deserves death! Please, Your Majesty, punish me! But this is not the only capital offense you have committed . There is also the offense of impersonating a noble family and using the surname Lang . But I find this strange. Why don’t you use the surname Lanling ? Is the Xiao family of Lanling something that can be impersonated? Your Majesty, are you joking ? Do I look like I’m joking? Is Xiao Yang not as good as Wang Yang ? That sounds familiar. The Prince of Badong’s personality is like his father’s! ” “Your Majesty, my real name is Wang Yang.” My name was given to me by my parents and I cannot change it . Using the surname Langya was truly out of necessity . I was once forced to purchase brocade robes and jackets for the Marquis of Yufu . You are quite honest , Your Majesty ! Your wisdom shines upon me. I dare not deceive the world, but not the Emperor! Very well, since you say so, then come with me . I will show you a great treasure. Come quickly, look! This is the map of the counties of our Great Qi ! The map of the counties! How fast! These three waterways are difficult for transport boats to navigate during the dry season . We must also avoid the flood season in Lujiang and Chaohu, otherwise the waves will be too high and the boats will capsize . At that time, the transport boats can only dock and wait for two to three months , or switch to land routes. However, switching to land routes is too slow, taking more than five times longer than water routes. The consumption is too great , and even so , it is difficult for the grain transport to arrive on time . The court has tried its best , but with little effect . The grain transport is the hub of our country’s money and grain transport . Such time-consuming, laborious, and harmful practices are detrimental to the country. I have seen your policies on governing the barbarians , which all start with money. The monetary system is also quite insightful. It is normal for you to have no opinion on the grain transport. Many talented people do not understand these things, or they just say some clichés. First, the relay transport ships should not be empty. Temporary warehouses should be set up at several ports where there is a delay. If the grain ships are delayed for more than ten days, the grain should be stored in the warehouses and the government should release the grain when the ships can sail again. If it is not possible to keep the ships empty, cargo yards can be set up near the temporary warehouses. Low taxes fostered a prosperous and open trade market. After the grain was unloaded from the grain barges and stored in the warehouses , goods could be purchased in the market and then handed over to the relevant authorities for sale upon returning to the capital. This increased both revenue and efficiency — brilliant ! Continuing with the overall plan, distribution should be made locally, without rigidly adhering to uniformity. Regarding waterways, being able to connect with upstream and downstream is the most convenient. Therefore, the needs of the capital region should be met by sending supplies from the garrisons of Wu and Huainan, with priority given to Jiangzhou and Guangyue. For urgent needs, the grain from Xiangnan and Jingli should be transferred first , while grain from Bashu is the most downstream. The key point is to have a comprehensive overview and carefully examine the inflows and outflows . With these two strategies, the grain transport can be stabilized. Thirdly , there is also flexible allocation, adapting to the times, and acting according to the importance and urgency of matters , issuing or supplementing supplies as needed. If the supplies are not urgently needed, they can be distributed in the autumn. When the waterways are difficult to navigate in winter, we should first stockpile supplies and wait until the high water season to set sail. During the high water season , we should take advantage of the easy waterways to gather supplies to convenient destinations throughout the land. If the supplies are insufficient, the lands with surplus grain will distribute them on our behalf. The court has a special treasury that collects grain from areas where grain prices have fallen each year. If a grain transport ship is unable to reach a certain place for some reason , the special treasury will distribute the owed grain to that place in the form of silver, which will either be sent to the national treasury or handed over by the court to the local finance department for handling. The specific method can be adapted to local conditions. How wonderful ! Fourthly , although there are no rivers between Jingzhou and Yongzhou, my lord, look who has come! How come you don’t recognize me after only a few days? I dare not forget myself , nor do I dare forget my wife. I heard that you went to the palace to report last night and only returned at dawn . I have prepared breakfast for you . Eat it and then go to sleep. “Zhiyan, please accept my offer. I am twenty-two this year. My marriage is settled, and I already have someone I like, but I haven’t had a chance to propose. I think Zhiyan is a great man and should have nine wives. Your Excellency, you are joking. To be honest, I’ve seen women quarrel since I was young . I think one wife is enough . This quarrel is giving me a headache. I believe you can handle it. By the way, let’s not talk about my daughter Baoyue. You’ve met her. She has always been very proud and once told me that she would only marry a hero of this era and wouldn’t look down on any other man. I’m very troubled by this . But after returning from Jingzhou last time , she praised you highly. I wonder what Zhiyan thinks? ” ” My Excellency, I am a straightforward person. To tell you the truth, your daughter is very talented and I admire her greatly, but I cannot marry your daughter. Is it because my daughter is not good enough ? No, no, no, when I first met Lady Xiao, she ordered someone to put a sword to my neck. So now that I’ve met Lady Xiao…” I’m scared! What man is afraid of his wife? If I married her, she ‘d be completely subdued. I won’t do that! So you’re afraid of her? But I heard you almost captured her and took her to see Marquis Yu Fu! Back then, I could at least use Marquis Yu Fu’s reputation to save face. But now, if I really marry Lady Xiao, and we argue, and she puts a sword to my neck again , who can I complain to? If I complain to you, my future father-in-law , you’ll definitely side with your own daughter! My daughter is indeed a bit fierce, but I promise you, if you really become my son-in-law, I will absolutely not favor her. But… well, your daughter is still young. Perhaps in a year or two, perhaps there will be a more favored young man. Absolutely not! There is no more outstanding young talent in the world than Zhiyan. My lord, you flatter me! Let’s drink ! My lord, let’s drink ! Zhiyan, you’ve agreed, let’s discuss it further . We don’t know each other well , let’s cultivate him . Please, I ‘ll speak. Bai Yi, Your Highness, please wait! Who is this? Such a grand procession ! This procession is far beyond the bounds! Zhiyan , this is none of my business, don’t interfere. His Majesty is wise and insightful. How do you know he hasn’t tacitly approved of this? My lord, you are wise! His Majesty has summoned the prince to the palace to meet the Emperor. This student kowtows to the Emperor. Your Majesty, rise! Thank you, Your Majesty! Our dynasty, since the late Emperor … The previous dynasty’s corrupt policies included establishing officials to inspect household registrations and severely punish merchants and commoners who impersonated nobles to evade taxes. Since the third year of Yongming, the chaos surrounding household registration has continued unabated. Today, I have no choice but to compromise. However, the registration of commoners is the foundation of national tax revenue. Without this foundation, how can we talk about governing the barbarians, managing the grain transport, commerce, or even the Northern Expedition ? This matter requires officials and gentry to pay taxes together to break the deadlock , but this is extremely difficult. My late father, Daocheng, had no achievements in stabilizing the country and usurped the throne. This is called an illegitimate acquisition of power , and therefore, he cannot govern the country righteously. Previously, he merely inspected household registrations, and Tang Yuzhi of Fuyang rebelled . If officials and gentry pay taxes together, how can the entire Qi state be governed ? It’s not that there are constant wars, Your Majesty; Emperor Qi Wu is quite self-aware. It ‘s not that I pity my family’s empire, but if my family perishes , the northern barbarians will invade the south , and the culture of the Central Plains since the southward migration will be lost to the northern barbarians. Alas, my dynasty is suffering from a lack of talent. If I had someone like Zhu Fu Yan or Dong Zhongshu, how could the world not be at peace? So this is the play being staged. Your Majesty has not abandoned me, and I am willing to serve you with my life. Your Majesty, please rise ! What you say is very much to my liking, Your Majesty . Tell me, among my sons —the Prince of Yuzhang, the Crown Prince, the Prince of Jingling— who can ascend the throne ? You’ve gone through all this trouble just to throw out a death trap, Your Majesty ! This matter is not urgent . What year? What year? I estimate I only have two years left . To be honest, the Crown Prince is Your Majesty’s eldest son. It is best to establish the eldest son for stability. However, the Crown Prince has become increasingly arrogant in recent years, which may lead to a repeat of the story of the son usurping the throne during the Yuanjia era of the Liu Song Dynasty. Your Majesty should promote the Prince of Jingling to restrain the Crown Prince. Why not the Prince of Yuzhang? Can the Prince of Yuzhang really compete with the Crown Prince for the throne? Wondrous ! Your Majesty said that we are brothers, and for the sake of the whole , you were granted a peaceful death. I thank Your Majesty for your great kindness. The Prince of Yuzhang smiled. The Prince of Yuzhang understood. Birth, old age, sickness, and death are all part of life . What is there to be alarmed about? I heard it was the Crown Prince who did it. Oh, the Crown Prince’s behavior has become increasingly arrogant. Now he has even poisoned the Prince of Yuzhang. What should I do, Zhiyan ? Emperor Qi Wu Xiao Yi is much more insane than the King of Badong! Not only is he insane, but he’s also good at shifting blame. What are you panicking about ? Your Majesty , what should you do? Just save the King of Yuzhang , Wan. The King of Yuzhang, Wan
, I am heartbroken, but the affairs of state cannot be neglected . I appoint the King of Jingling, Xiao Ziliang, as Minister of the Imperial Secretariat and Governor of Yangzhou. The rest of his official positions remain unchanged. In the past, Zhiyan and other famous scholars such as Lu Huan sat on the ground in the streets of Jingzhou and immediately began to lecture, which was quite ancient. Brother Zhiyan, I have always admired you and wanted to find an opportunity to meet you, but unfortunately I have not had the time. Brother Zhiyan , His Majesty favors you greatly, but we have never met before. Brother Zhiyan, I would like to say a few good words for you on my behalf, which is a gentlemanly gesture. Prince Jingling, you are too kind. When I was in Jingzhou, my nephew treated me well . I am merely returning the favor to express my gratitude. Well, it is only proper for relatives to visit each other. I am very pleased that you, uncle and nephew, can support each other. Minister Wang is absolutely right. I am grateful for your kindness , Uncle . Although you do not hold an official position , you are a close minister of the Emperor. I hope you will speak well of me . Ah , it is not good words. I am just speaking out of public interest and upholding justice. The Crown Prince has arrived . Your subject, Ziliang, pays respects to Your Highness . We all pay our respects to Your Highness . You may dispense with the formalities. “I am pleased to hear of your promotion to Minister of State, my esteemed brother . Your brother has prepared a banquet for guests , but I have only invited you all to share in the merriment . Therefore, I will shamelessly come and join you at your table. Your presence is an honor for me, Your Majesty . I have been busy with state affairs and have long missed the pleasures of banquets. I wonder what interesting things have happened in Jiankang recently? I have heard that someone in Jiankang is incredibly audacious, impersonating a member of the nobility, not only deceiving the world but also fooling His Majesty and all the gentlemen present. Who is this? Such a thing is a crime of deceiving the emperor! Who is so audacious ? Such an interesting thing ! I wonder who it is ? It is not uncommon for people to impersonate nobles and swindle money. In the previous dynasty, someone impersonated a member of the Zhu family of Wu County and almost became the emperor’s son .” However, the record still revealed flaws, and the final sentence was beheading. Now, someone has actually impersonated the Wang family of Langya and even deceived His Majesty. This is truly unbelievable! I think His Majesty’s wisdom and discernment would not allow such a thing to happen . The Chief Minister Shen is quite right. But the imposter is among the nobles. May I ask your honorable name, sir? This humble commoner, Dai Zhigao, greets the Prince of Jingling. No need for formalities. Mr. Dai speaks with such certainty, it seems there is solid evidence . But I do not know who that person is. It is none other than the renowned Wang Yang. Wang Zhiyan . It is him! What is Wang Yang? How is this possible? The identity of the Prince of Wang has been jointly verified by Wang Xiu, the Attendant Gentleman of the Crown Prince, Wang Yi, the Gentleman of the Palace, and Wang Rong, the Secretary of the Imperial Secretariat. Could it be that you , an outsider, know more about the Langya Wang family genealogy than the Langya Wang family ? I have only studied it slightly. The Langya Wang family prospered in Jiangzuo, and many of them were descendants of Wang Lan, the Grand Master of the Palace of the Jin Dynasty. The picture shows ‘Wang Lan’. The most important lineage consists of two branches: the eldest son, Wang Cai , and the second son, Wang Zheng. Wang Cai was the father of the famous prime minister Wang Dao. Many of the prominent members of the Wang family in our dynasty came from this lineage . Wang Zheng was the father of Wang Kuang. Wang Kuang had two sons : the eldest, Wang Ji , and the second, Wang Xizhi. Wang Ji had no sons, so the family line passed down to Wang Xizhi. Five-tenths of Wang Xizhi’s descendants lived in Jiankang, two-tenths in Jinyang, Anlu , and Yingcheng , and the last tenth lived in the South China Sea. However, it is unknown which branch of the Wang family Wang Yang belonged to. Mr. Dai, Wang Gongdao was my ancestor. Please do not address him by his name. Your research has taken some effort , but you are not from a noble family. It is laughable that you would presume to discuss the origins and genealogy of the Langya Wang clan. Please enlighten me , which branch of the Langya Wang clan you belong to ? I am a member of the Yixing branch of the Langya Wang clan . There is no family genealogy in Yixing. So , is it really true ? May I ask, Mr. Wang, does the Langya Wang clan have a branch genealogy in Yixing? My Langya Wang clan was extremely prosperous during the Jin Dynasty, with many bloodlines . Do you find it strange that there is a branch genealogy in Yixing? It is this gentleman who is being aggressive. Anyone who doesn’t know better would think that you, as a member of the Secretariat, could find out the lineage of all members of my Wang family. Do you know the name of the second son of my ancestor, Wang Gongxi ? Wang Ningzhi. Please be more polite. Wang Gongningzhi is my ancestor. I see that your genealogy chart does not record the names of Ningzhi and his four sons . Wang Gongningzhi and his four sons all died in the Sun En Rebellion, so there is no need to record them. It seems that your genealogy collection is not very complete. Listen carefully : Ningzhi had four sons : the eldest son was Yunzhi; the second son was Pingzhi; the third son was Hengzhi; and the fourth son was Enzhi. It was on the day of Jia-yin in the eleventh month of the third year of the Long’an era of the Jin Dynasty that my ancestor Sun En captured the city. Ningzhi and his three sons all died for their country. My ancestor escaped the calamity while hunting, but was captured by the rebel army two days later. The Jin court sent the Northern Army to quell the rebellion . Sun En led over 200,000 men and women to the island , and my ancestor was among them. After Sun En’s death, the rebels elected Lu Xun as their leader. At that time , the Jin court was preoccupied with the Huan Xuan Rebellion and had no time to attend to the south , so Lu Xun was appointed governor of Guangzhou. Later, Emperor Wu of Song destroyed Lu Xun, and my ancestor was able to return north. My ancestor was saddened by the past events in Kuaiji and moved to Yixing, where his descendants settled for generations. Although he did not communicate with officials at court , many knew of his existence. Family records, household registers, paintings, and historical accounts all corroborate this. Why is Wang Zhongshu laughing? You dare to discuss the lineage of my Langya Wang clan after gathering a few old genealogies ? Who the hell are you implying? My uncle was right. After the southward migration of the gentry, there were frequent wars, and it was common for gentry families to suffer population decline. If the genealogy matches, that’s good. But I don’t know if you’re being too aggressive. Do you have some old grudge against my uncle ? Nephew, you’re joking. This is my first time meeting this Mr. Dai. If there’s no old grudge, please step back. Today, you have already offended me, my uncle, and our ancestors. Please take your leave. I will have my servants help you change . Gentlemen, let us drink this cup together. All of you, step back ! Your Highness, what great power you have! Even those who serve me are afraid of you. Why did Your Majesty kill Xiao Shunzhi? ( Didn’t Xiao Shunzhi die of depression? His death …) How dare you blame me? Your Majesty and I are father and son; there should be no secrets between father and son. Since the Crown Prince speaks thus, then I shall ask you: Why did Your Majesty exceed the prescribed ceremonial regalia? When the late Emperor was seriously ill, Your Majesty also exceeded the prescribed ceremonial regalia ; what is the reason for this? General Xiao was utterly loyal to Your Majesty ; Your Majesty should not have killed him . Xiao Shunzhi killed Marquis Yu Fu; it is only right and proper for me to avenge my son . Don’t you also wish to avenge your brother? Zi Xiang rebelled; he deserves to die. Besides, didn’t Your Majesty also kill your fourth uncle? Fine. ” Good! I’m old and sick. The mountains and rivers of the South will be yours in the future. Humph! Summon the imperial physician ! Summon the imperial physician! The Crown Prince is seriously ill! Yes, he suddenly fell ill. According to historical records, Crown Prince Xiao Changmao died before Emperor Xiao Shi passed away. Calculating the time, it’s about time. Your Majesty’s secret agents are all over Jiankang City, but the Crown Prince’s procession exceeded the regulations, yet no one informed Your Majesty. I thought… Your Majesty was just pretending not to know and was just chatting casually . Uncle, don’t worry. Prince Zhiyan is also here . What happened ?
The Crown Prince has passed away. The Crown Prince has passed away. Your Majesty has already gone to the Eastern Palace. Nephew, we have changed our clothes and will go to the Eastern Palace immediately. Alas! Heaven , you are unjust! Why must I, an old man, bury my young? Your Highness, the Crown Prince has been kind and filial since childhood, and his body is strong . How could Your Highness die before me? Get up! Your elder brother and I are here to see you off. Father, your elder brother is already dead. Your Majesty and the Crown Prince truly have a deep father-son relationship. It’s truly touching. You’re overthinking it . This old man is confirming that the Crown Prince is truly… ” ” Your Majesty, there’s no smell of onions after you died ! Your Majesty, please take care of your health! The Crown Prince has always been filial. If he has a spirit in heaven, he would not want to see Your Majesty so grief-stricken! With the Crown Prince dead, who will be emperor after a hundred years ? Damn it, this old man is waiting for me here! Your Majesty, Your Majesty , you can choose again in ten thousand years ! I really miss the Crown Prince so much! Oh, right, the Crown Prince has an eldest son named Zhaoye. This son is benevolent and filial, and looks exactly like the Crown Prince when he was young . Otherwise , how about I make Zhaoye the Crown Prince ? This is the course of history, Your Majesty is wise. But Zhaoye is still young and lacks experience. No, he’s not young, only two years younger than me. But what if he is not virtuous ? I think the eldest grandson looks just like Your Majesty. So, you support the eldest grandson . In fact, whoever Your Majesty favors, I will support . I beg Your Majesty, even if you intend to make the Prince of Jingling the Crown Prince , it is not advisable to make him the Crown Prince too early. During the Yuanjia era of the Liu Song Dynasty, the son usurped the throne from his father. I hope Your Majesty will take this as a lesson . You understand me! I am very pleased! How about this, from today onwards, you don’t need to go home. Stay here…” “How can I stay in the palace to accompany you? How can I receive your gratitude ? This old emperor wants to keep me in the palace. According to the course of history, this old emperor is about to die. If I stay by his side, I will definitely be involved in the Prince of Jingling’s rebellion and the Marquis of Xichang’s rebellion. But if I don’t stay, I will die of depression. By the grace of Heaven and the order of the times, I hereby declare that my eldest grandson, Zhaoye, is hereby granted the title of Crown Prince and will reside in the Eastern Palace to inherit the throne. Prince Liang of Jingling is kind and benevolent . I hereby command Prince Liang to bring a hundred armored soldiers to Yanchang Palace to serve you with medicine. The Emperor has issued this decree and I shall carry it out immediately. Your subject Liang has received the decree. I thought that my father would value me more because of my learning and studies . Alas , I am not that prince or crown prince. I am just a young boy. I have just come of age. If I ascend the throne , the ruler will be weak and the ministers will be strong . The court may be in danger of being overthrown. My father has issued this decree. What can I do? Since Your Majesty has allowed us to enter the palace with armored soldiers, we also have the right to protect the imperial city. Now, my uncle, Wang Yang , is serving Your Majesty medicine. When Your Majesty is seriously ill, we will take over. ” The will changed the heir to a prince, and everything would fall into place . This is inappropriate; no son should act this way . Your Highness, at this moment, you must not be so sentimental . The fate of the Prince of Yuzhang is a warning
for you. Very well, this matter is entirely yours to handle. Your Highness , I am willing to accept the order and convey this message . Thank you, General Xiao. General Xiao, what great event is about to happen at this late hour ? It has not yet happened, so I have come to warn you. Please speak. The Prince of Jingling intends to take advantage of His Majesty’s illness to force the emperor to abdicate and tamper with the will. He even sent the two of us to contact him so that we could coordinate an attack from within and without. History has unfolded. Shouldn’t you two be the Prince of Jingling’s confidants? Why have you come to warn him? The matter of deposing and establishing an heir is an extraordinary matter and must be handled by extraordinary people. The Prince of Jingling is cowardly and the Prince of Wang Rong is arrogant . Neither of them are capable of accomplishing great things. We should sit and watch him fail. This is a matter of dying for him . Even if we were to participate, we would not help a mediocre ruler. The Southern Dynasties have lasted for more than two hundred years through the Five Dynasties. The only truly great rulers were Sun Quan and Liu Bei. If any of the current princes were like these two, it would be worth the risk. Have you two heard that the Prince of Jingling mobilized the troops stationed in Stone City or contacted the Marquis of Xichang? It’s just that the Marquis of Xichang is slippery and has now secretly pledged allegiance to the Crown Prince Xiao Zhaoye. As for Wang Rong, I don’t think he would want to make a fool of himself. No wonder they both look down on the Prince of Jingling and Wang Rong. These two launched a coup without touching the imperial guards in the capital or mobilizing the troops stationed in the suburbs, completely violating the law of succession of the imperial guards! After today, where do you two intend to go ? We will leave Jiankang immediately . But Brother Zhiyan, you are in danger , please take care. After this matter is settled, you, Shen Yue , Xie Tiao , and I will drink and get drunk together again . Take care, take care. Zhiyan, who did you see when you left ? Your Majesty, Your Majesty, just now the Prince of Jingling’s mansion sent an envoy to report that they wanted to collude with us to tamper with the imperial guards. “You dare to sow discord between me and Prince Jingling, you mere scholar! Take him out and execute him ! No need for the authorities, just kill him !” “Your Majesty! General Xiao and Chief Minister Shen have come to warn you ! Wait ! General Xiao and Chief Minister Shen have come to warn you about this matter. They say Prince Jingling is planning to launch an attack while Your Majesty is unwell. However, Prince Jingling hasn’t contacted the Marquis of Xichang or other commanders of the Imperial Guards . It seems he only intends to rely on Wang Rong’s men and the armor he brought into the palace to force the emperor to abdicate. Where are they? The two of them have already left Jiankang City. Take this token to the residence of Marquis Xiao Wan of Xichang. Order Xiao Wan to protect the emperor! Yes! Change into a eunuch’s clothes and set off immediately ! Surround them! Greetings to Prince Jingling! Brother Prince Jingling, what are you doing with so many civil officials during this coup? Cal” 666? Father, Ziliang has come to see you. Ziliang, why have you come at this time ? Your son heard that you were unwell, so I came to serve you and prepare your medicine. Is my medicine still warm? Yes, it is . I’m waiting for Your Majesty to wake up. Brother, thank you for your trouble. Prince Jingling is pure, kind, and filial. He should be the Crown Prince . Yes, with Crown Prince Wenhui gone, Prince Jingling is Your Majesty’s eldest son. Your Majesty has made the eldest grandson, Zhaoye, the Crown Prince . Although it is not impossible , the Crown Prince is still young. The ruler is young and the country is in turmoil. There may be trouble from within . Ziliang, what do you think? Your son only hopes that Father will recover soon . He dares not presume to take the throne. However, your eldest brother has unfortunately passed away . Although you are incompetent , you still want to fulfill your filial duty and take care of your eldest brother, your sons, and your younger brothers . Ziliang , you have been weak since childhood . This throne is more of a curse than a blessing for you. I know that since childhood, Father has disliked my mediocrity and weakness . He never said it, but he always thought so in his heart. Over the years, I have earned a reputation for virtue by studying and governing the people. But in Father’s heart, he has always valued his eldest brother more. Ziliang, take back what you just said! We’ll pretend it never happened and forgive you . Once the arrow is released, there’s no turning back! My father begs
Your Majesty, begs Your Majesty to abdicate ! We will take good care of you! Please abdicate ! Please abdicate! Wang Rong drafts the decree: Bring the Imperial Seal ! Your Majesty , Your Highness, Your Majesty, there’s no time to lose! Immediately go to the Fengtian Hall and summon all civil and military officials ! Wang Rong, you have rendered a great service this time ! Your Majesty, Uncle, I will trouble you to take care of my father. But my dear nephew, rest assured , Uncle, there ‘s no time to lose! Your Majesty, quickly write down the rumor that the Marquis of Xichang must enter the palace to quell the rebellion! This rumor must be written by you personally ! If Ziliang truly ascends the throne, can he protect our empire? Your Majesty,
Your Majesty, just as you said, the Prince of Jingling, he cannot protect the Prince of Jingling, yet the coup d’état did not immediately… Controlling the imperial
guards and the garrison in the capital region will inevitably lead to your death. You can only place your hopes on your grandson, Xiao Zhaoye. Zhaoye, behind Zhaoye is Xiao Wan. He is young, that ‘s true. Crown Prince Wenhui’s sons are all incompetent. Later, the Marquis of Xichang will usurp the throne. The Southern imperial family will eventually suffer the same fate as the Liu Song imperial family, killing each other. Just like you killed Prince Yuzhang and Crown Prince Wenhui , you and your father ultimately benefited Xiao Cha. However, he is old and won’t live for many more years. A younger, more capable ruler will emerge in this half of the Southern Dynasty. But dynasties rise and fall, and the country is in turmoil. Regardless of rise or fall, it is always the common people who suffer. Who are you, a subject from 1,500 years later? I am late in rescuing you. I beg Your Majesty’s forgiveness . Your Majesty has passed away . Your Majesty ‘s last words. A letter of proclamation was left for the Marquis of Xichang , ordering the execution of the traitor . Where is the Marquis of Xichang now ? His father, the Marquis, has led the Crown Prince Zhaoye to the Fengtian Hall to execute the rebellious minister and traitor. He has received this clear mandate from Heaven and the times . I have reigned for thirty-two years, yet the world is in turmoil. The will of the kings is not fulfilled, and the common people cannot even survive. Xiao Cha, you have entered the hall in armor and weapons ; are you rebelling? I, the Marquis, have received the Emperor’s grace for generations and dare not rebel . Today, I have entered the hall in armor and sword to execute you, you treacherous minister! The late King’s proclamation is here; who dares to be so presumptuous ? Your Majesty’s personally written proclamation is here, a command to save me! The sick and critically ill heir, the young and rebellious King Rong , covets the imperial throne. The Marquis of Xichang, immediately issued a decree to execute him and his followers. The Grandson Zhaoye succeeds to the throne. You should emulate the Duke of Zhou in assisting the government and securing the foundation of our Xiao Qi dynasty. All military affairs and important matters shall be decided by you. Your Majesty, I obey. This is impossible ; it is a decree written by Your Majesty yourself. If you do not believe it, wait until dawn when all officials go to court to verify whether it is indeed Your Majesty’s handwriting. This place is already surrounded by the Imperial Guards. Lay down your weapons ; your ignorance will be forgiven. If you resist further, it will be considered knowing treason and will be punished by the extermination of your three clans . Yang, you betrayed me ! Why should traitors and rebels be punished by everyone ? You impersonate a member of the Langya clan and pretend to be a nobleman. What kind of good person are you? Wang Rong, at this moment, we must punish you for treason! Arrest and kill him ! He was granted the title of Prince of Jingling and died in depression. Heaven has blessed us, and our ancestors have granted us peace. I, having inherited this great legacy, respectfully follow the late Emperor’s will and ascend the throne in the Fengtian Hall on the Gengwu day of the eighth month of the eleventh year of Yongming. Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! I have seen Lady Xiao ‘s face and greeted Lady Xie. Please take your seats and listen. It is said that Your Majesty disrespects the Empress Dowager. The late Emperor has passed away, and his posthumous title has not yet been determined. Yet , Your Majesty wrote over thirty “double happiness” characters in your study. These past few days, Your Majesty has neglected state affairs, indulging in pleasure with beauties in the harem. Your Majesty is the eldest grandson of the late Emperor and should uphold the principles of benevolence and filial piety. However , the late Emperor’s body is barely cold, yet Your Majesty has already indulged in pleasure, forgetting filial piety and brotherly love. Prince Ziliang of Jingling died of depression the day before yesterday. Now, hearing the words “died of depression,” I implicitly assume he was poisoned. How can such an emperor command respect? The Marquis of Xichang is the grandson of Emperor Xuan. “You have rendered outstanding military service to the nation and should inherit the throne. You cannot say that. The throne belongs to Emperor Gaozu and his son. Marquis Xichang is only Emperor Gaozu’s nephew. How can he inherit the throne? What you said about Lady Xiao is not appropriate . A gentleman loves others with virtue . Do you gentlemen have any other words to teach me ? I ask you, Grand Tutor, General-in-Chief, Marquis Xichang , nephew of Emperor Gaozu, whose loyalty shines as bright as the sun and moon and whose merits are as great as mountains and rivers. In the past, he killed Wang Rong to cleanse the court of corrupt officials. Now he should follow the example of Yi Yin, who exiled Tai Jia, and Huo Guang, who abolished Changyi. He should take charge of all affairs of state. He should ascend the throne and change the era name to Jianwu. All officials should follow the new system. He should quell the chaos, bring peace to the people, and glorify the Qi dynasty. This proclamation should be made known far and wide. Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor ! My daughter Baoyue is now Princess Shanyin . Your marriage to her is …” How have you considered this ? Your Majesty, I have already chosen someone for you . You mean Xie Tiao’s sister? You’ve reached adulthood and are of marriageable age, but your official position hasn’t been decided yet, have you? I heard Emperor Wu favored you as a secretary. Is that right? Yes , but it was just a jest from my uncle Wang Yi. Don’t take it seriously. You have rendered meritorious service in supporting the emperor. I’ve thought it over . Jingzhou is a crucial military stronghold for the Southern Dynasty, defending against the northern barbarians and guarding Yizhou in the south. If Jiankang were to fall, the defense of Jingzhou would depend entirely on the troops of Jingzhou. Therefore, since the founding of our dynasty, most of the governors of Jingzhou have been princes. Now, only my daughter Baoyue can shoulder this important responsibility. It’s just a pity she’s not a man. I ‘ve been thinking that if she could marry a virtuous husband and appoint him as the governor of Jingzhou so that we could jointly govern Jingzhou, I could be at ease. Marrying Xiao Baoyue as a donkey and horse captain and obtaining the position of governor of Jingzhou sounds like a good deal no matter how you look at it. What should Xie Xinghan do? As for Lady Xie, although I only have Baoyue… “A woman ‘s beauty is enough for a great man to take another concubine , as long as Lady Xie is willing to accept . Why are you so indecisive ? I am only worried that Princess Shanyin will be wronged . My daughter is not an ordinary woman. Rest assured , she will not mind. If you do not marry Baoyue , I will find it difficult to convince the people and even more difficult to be at ease. If you do not agree, it will be my turn to die of depression. Since that is the case, I accept the decree. You once jokingly said that you would be the Commandant of the Imperial Guards, and it has really come true . Yes, it is clear that I am quite destined for the princess. I did not expect that I am only in my twenties and already a veteran of four reigns. What will you do with Lady Xie, who is on good terms with you ? Since I have married the princess , I will respect her. Lady Xie and I can only be destined but not destined. Unless I become the emperor, the Xie family of Chenjun will not allow Xie Xinghan to be my concubine. Your beauty is rude. I have heard that praising virtue and merit is the grand ceremony of the emperor, selecting the virtuous and appointing the capable, which is a major task for the country. Commandant Wang Yang is loyal, honest, upright, and skilled in both civil and military affairs . In the Yongming period, he preemptively executed the traitor Wang Rong and made outstanding contributions. Now, Jingzhou and Xiangyang are strategically important.” The control of the upper reaches of the land is not limited to important officials who cannot pacify the area. The special envoy , Wang Yang, holding the imperial seal, is the military governor of Jing and Xiang, the protector of the southern barbarians, the governor of Jingzhou, and the princess of Shanyin, being gentle and obedient, is specially permitted to accompany the governor of Jingzhou . All ceremonial expenses shall be handled according to the old system of the court . The governor ‘s office shall assist in the arrangements. Unless you become emperor, my father will not agree to us being together . See Governor Gong Si . Mao Wei Mao Wang wore from one…” The public did it, but you really did it at the time of the meeting, came to strongly perform the room, the group Li lost, the note to the group Yang Li Luo Zhu Lu group Du came to think of Wei’s coming to the period of Li Qing material time group Zhang Jin’s nature came to Wei’s heat energy came to Jin Jin’s period of hand farm hand dream rub tongue Jin master from warm Zhang Jin, name nature Tai many 9 9 will do Bo 9,

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