novelSusiti Chapter 920 Going Against the Grain
Chapter 920 Going Against the Grain
"My nephew Kong Xuan has been studying Confucianism in seclusion until now. Now that he has suddenly entered the world, it must be because someone from the Confucian school helped him. I understand your curiosity about the Duke of Zhenguo."
"In my opinion, the Duke of Zhenguo is no ordinary man. He has a broad mind and vision beyond ordinary people. What is even more rare is that he knows how to use people and how to make everyone play their greatest role under his command."
"The establishment of the Jixia Academy is one of the clear proofs of his emphasis on education and his willingness to recruit talented people."
After the two were seated, Guan Zhong slowly began to speak.
Kong Xuan nodded slightly, remaining silent as he quietly sipped his tea and listened to Guan Zhong's eloquent words.
"The Jixia Academy was established to gather the best talents in the world, to jointly explore the way of governing the country, and to seek the well-being of all people."
"As a protector of Confucianism, my nephew Kong Xuanxian has a profound understanding of Confucianism. If he can teach and impart knowledge here, he will surely add a bright touch to the Jixia Academy."
Guan Zhong paused, looked at the naturally proud young nobleman before him, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes, and continued.
Upon hearing this, Kong Xuan felt a surge of emotion.
He thought he was only visiting Guan Zhong, but he didn't expect Guan Zhong to invite him to stay at the Jixia Academy to teach and impart knowledge.
This is undoubtedly a great honor for a Dharma protector who loves Confucianism and is dedicated to spreading Confucianism.
However, Kong Xuan hesitated for a moment. He had come to Hengzhou to seek refuge with the legendary wise ruler Su Ye, but he never expected to encounter such a situation at the Jixia Academy.
"Nephew Kong Xuan, there is no need to worry. The gates of Jixia Academy are always open to you. You are welcome to come here to teach and impart knowledge anytime and anywhere, as long as you are willing."
"As for the Duke of Zhenguo in Tianheng Prefecture today, whether he is a wise ruler or not cannot be determined in a single sentence."
"But I believe that Su Ye has the potential to become a wise ruler. He knows how to listen, is courageous in innovation, and more importantly, he cares about the common people. Such a great ruler is worth our assistance, or rather... waiting for time to tell!"
Guan Zhong seemed to sense Kong Xuan's hesitation and smiled.
At this moment, Guan Zhong and Kong Xuan sat facing each other, the candlelight flickering in the room, illuminating their focused faces.
The teapot on the table emitted wisps of steam, which mingled with the occasional night breeze drifting in from the window, bringing a touch of coolness. Suddenly, Kong Xuan changed the subject, and the two immediately shifted their conversation from the initial topic to a discussion of Confucianism.
"Nephew Kong Xuan, the Confucian way lies in benevolence, propriety, righteousness, loyalty and trustworthiness. However, the way to govern a country requires both civil and military considerations in order to achieve long-term stability and peace."
Guan Zhong stroked his long beard, a smile in his eyes, and slowly began to speak, following Kong Xuan's guidance.
"What Mr. Guan Zhong said is absolutely right. Although Confucianism values civil administration, it is not lacking in martial prowess. It uses literature to convey the Way and martial arts to defend the Way. The two complement each other."
"In recent years, I have been cultivating myself in this world, and I often think about the teachings of Confucianism. I strive to integrate benevolence and righteousness into military strategy, so that war becomes a means to stop fighting, not a war for killing."
Kong Xuan smiled slightly and cupped his hands in greeting.
"On the battlefield, things change in an instant; one must have the ability to strategize and win battles from afar."
"Although I have not yet personally experienced war, I know that speed is of the essence in war, but peace is even more important. Peace benefits both sides, while war harms both."
"Therefore, I believe that the wisdom of Confucianism can also be applied to the battlefield. Winning by wisdom is the best strategy."
After speaking, Kong Xuan stood up and paced around the room. His five-colored robes shimmered in the candlelight, like the brightest star in the night sky. He continued.
"My nephew Kong Xuanxian's words resonate deeply with me. Confucianism not only emphasizes the unity of knowledge and action, but also stresses the importance of flexibility."
"The same applies on the battlefield; one must adapt to changing circumstances and take advantage of the situation. It is truly commendable that my nephew can combine Confucian ideals with military strategy."
Upon hearing this, Guan Zhong's eyes flashed with a smile. He gently stroked his teacup and pondered for a moment before speaking.
The two engaged in an in-depth discussion about literature, morality, and Confucianism. Kong Xuan demonstrated his extraordinary battlefield strategy and ability to plan and strategize, integrating Confucian wisdom into military theory. He elaborated on this in a thorough manner, citing classical texts and using actual combat examples. His logical rigor was so impressive that even Guan Zhong was moved by it.
As Guan Zhong listened, he nodded, secretly admiring the man. This somewhat eccentric Confucian protector was not only exceptionally skilled in martial arts but also possessed extraordinary wisdom, making him a rare all-rounder in both literature and martial arts.
During the debate, Kong Xuan finally revealed a hidden meaning: he hoped that Guan Zhong could recommend him to Su Ye as a scholar.
How could Guan Zhong not have noticed this subtle meaning?
This further solidified his resolve. After a brief period of interaction, Guan Zhong, who had seen countless people, could easily determine that Kong Xuan was naturally proud and would never easily submit to another unless he was truly sincere.
Now that he is willing to join Su Ye's ranks as a scholar, he must value Su Ye highly and believe that Su Ye has the potential to become a wise ruler.
"Nephew Kong Xuan, I greatly admire your talent. The Duke of Zhenguo is my disciple, and with his broad mind, he will surely appreciate your talent."
"If my dear nephew is willing, I can write a letter and introduce you to Jinyu. What do you say?"
Having thought of this, Guan Zhong had already made up his mind. He stroked his beard and, following Kong Xuan's suggestion, chuckled softly.
"I would be more than happy to do so, and I would be very grateful to Mr. Guan Zhong."
Upon hearing this, Kong Xuan was overjoyed, but remained outwardly composed, bowing respectfully.
"Nephew, please keep this letter safe. Take it to Tianheng Prefecture, and Jinyu will come to see you."
Guan Zhong laughed heartily, then picked up his brush and wrote the letter in one stroke. He sealed the letter and handed it to Kong Xuandao.
Kong Xuan accepted the letter, bowed again to express his gratitude, and his admiration for Guan Zhong grew even stronger. It was so much easier to talk to a smart person!
Meanwhile, in Tianheng Prefecture, Su Ye was working on government affairs at his desk. It was late at night, but he was wide awake, his mind preoccupied with Kong Xuan's movements.
Just then, a light footstep sound came, and Jingni once again entered the room with a secret letter in her hand.
"Your Highness, another secret message has arrived from the Luo Wang (Net of Heaven)."
Jingni bowed and presented the secret letter with both hands.
"Master Guan Zhong has already written a letter recommending Kong Xuan to join Your Highness's service as a scholar."
Su Ye took the secret letter, gently opened it, and unfolded the scroll. It read:
"This... damn it, you, a top-tier war god with a base weapon level of 109, actually want to join my ranks as a scholar?!"
Su Ye was taken aback, then his lips twitched slightly, feeling somewhat speechless.
However, upon further reflection, Su Ye felt that this was to be expected. Kong Xuan was arrogant and conceited, and his choice to join as a scholar must have been to show his unique style in his own way.
"Give this letter to Mr. Guan Zhong and tell him that I am aware of Kong Xuan's situation and will make proper arrangements."
He turned around, sat back down at his desk, picked up his pen, wrote a few lines on the secret letter, put it in an envelope, and handed it to Jingni.
"Jingni, go and make preparations. I will personally go to welcome Kong Xuan tomorrow."
"Since he is willing to join my ranks as a scholar, I will naturally treat him with courtesy."
Then, just as Jing Ni was about to leave, Su Ye turned around and gave her another instruction.