madnovel Chapter 570 Harmony with the World
Chapter 570 Harmony with the World
Chapter 570 Harmony with the World
"Whether they know me or condemn me, only the Spring and Autumn Annals will tell."
An Taixuan looked at Yang Heguang with a deep gaze. "Even sages don't care about the slander of others. Although I am not as good as a sage, I am not a foolish ruler either. What, can't the people of the world discuss matters of state? Am I such a petty person, Minister Yang?"
Yang Heguang quickly said, "Your Majesty is a benevolent ruler. However, some things really shouldn't be publicized so widely, making them known throughout the land and damaging Anguo's image..."
Yang Heguang felt that some matters should be dealt with and left behind. There was no need to publish monthly reports to spread the word throughout the prefectures and counties. He feared that the whole country would know about it soon. There was really no need to make such a fuss.
An Taixuan said calmly, "Minister Yang knows that this will damage the image of my An Kingdom? When they broke the law, did they ever think about these things for me?"
"I have heard that those who commit heinous crimes always repent when they are brought to justice. Do you think they truly repent for their wrongdoings, or do they regret not having concealed their crimes better?"
Upon hearing this, Yang Heguang realized that he hadn't come to see An Taixuan to discuss such matters, but rather to stop the monthly newspaper. At the very least, the publication of such a publication should be subject to official review; otherwise, any content could be published in it, which would have a very negative impact.
An Taixuan's eyes turned slightly cold as he continued, "To blend in with the light and the dust. 'Blend in with the light and the dust' is a saying of the sages, interpreted in a thousand ways by a thousand people. I would like to know, what is the meaning of Minister Yang's name?"
Yang Heguang felt a chill run down his spine, realizing that he had angered An Taixuan.
He quickly replied, "Thanks to the trust of the late Emperor and Your Majesty, I have been able to serve in the court for forty-three years. Everything I have done has been for Your Majesty and the people of the country..."
An Taixuan was too lazy to listen to Yang Heguang's declarations of loyalty, and waved his hand, saying, "Since that's the case, Minister Yang should manage the affairs of the Ministry of Rites well and avoid any trouble. As for other matters... As the sage said, 'If you are not in a position, do not meddle in its affairs.' Minister Yang has read the classics and should understand these principles."
Yang Heguang's lips trembled, as if he wanted to say something but stopped himself.
"Step down!" An Taixuan said calmly.
Yang Heguang had no choice but to bow and take his leave, saying, "Your subject takes his leave."
After saying that, Yang Heguang walked away, his figure appearing somewhat hunched over compared to when he arrived.
After the man left, An Taixuan murmured, "This Minister Yang, he's getting old, his thinking is too rigid, and he's easily confused..."
Yang Heguang may have had good intentions, but An Taixuan would not adopt them.
Now that Anguo wants to launch a major reform, some changes are inevitable.
For example, the publication of this "Seeking Knowledge Monthly" is very necessary, and the power of discourse should not be placed in the hands of the court officials.
Among the officials, there are still too many conservatives. If they control public opinion, it will be more difficult to promote reforms in the future.
An Taixuan's eyes flickered; he was well aware of what some people were thinking.
An Taixuan glanced sideways and saw that the people next to him were still passing around the monthly report.
Upon seeing this, Zhongliang, who was serving nearby, quickly took out a monthly report and handed it to An Taixuan.
Zhongliang explained in a low voice, "Three days ago, the Princess sent someone to deliver a monthly report, but since His Majesty is recuperating during this time, I put the report away for now..."
An Taixuan had said that he did not want to review any official documents or memorials during this period, but he did not blame Zhongliang.
He picked up the monthly report and read it carefully again, especially the article about his angry denunciation of corrupt officials.
An Taixuan felt that the writing was not detailed enough, but it was very vivid and could be rewarded.
Secondly, An Taixuan did not expect that there would be articles reporting on Lu Zheng, and that such a feat as entering Chu and beheading a god would be widely publicized, which was somewhat of a slap in the face to the State of Chu.
An Taixuan said leisurely, "Zhongliang, what do you think of this monthly report?"
Zhongliang smiled and replied, "It's very well written. Even someone like me who doesn't read scriptures much can understand it." The articles in the Seeking Knowledge Monthly are all very easy to understand, without any flowery sentences. Anyone who knows a few words can understand them.
An Taixuan smiled and said, "That's right, unlike some people's articles and memorials, which are full of fancy words..."
Sometimes, when An Taixuan reviewed certain people's memorials and remonstrances, he had to think carefully before he could understand their meaning.
An Taixuan asked, "What other moves has the Academy of Knowledge made?"
Zhongliang said, "The academy has divided the students into several classes, and some have already completed their studies and been assigned to work."
"Oh?" An Taixuan asked curiously, "What are you going to do?"
Zhongliang said, "Some people went to spread the new laws and seek like-minded people, while others were sent to do business... Some members of the Heavenly Craftsmen's guild took a large amount of wealth to select sites outside the city, supposedly to make some things that would benefit the country and its people, but they couldn't find a place to do so in Tai'an City..."
Zhongliang recounted some events that occurred at the university.
An Taixuan couldn't help but say, "It seems that those extraordinary people in the Academy of Knowledge can really make something of themselves. I'm quite looking forward to it."
In comparison, An Taixuan did not have high expectations for the Confucian and Taoist scholars at the Imperial Academy.
Almost all the students there were related to prominent families.
No matter how much they are trained, there will probably be very few who are truly loyal to the emperor and love their country.
This is why An Taixuan supported An Jing in establishing a new academy.
……
"The Way is like an empty vessel, yet its use is inexhaustible. It is like a deep pool, the origin of all things. It blunts sharpness, untangles knots, softens its light, and mingles with the dust..."
Yun Xiao's voice was melodious and lively, like the sound of heaven, pleasing to the ear.
Since it was a rare opportunity to visit a wild tribe, Yun Xiao also gave a lecture to the barbarian cultivators there, which could be considered an exchange of ideas.
Even though Bai Yue and the others had not formally studied Taoist scriptures, they all felt as comfortable as if bathed in a spring breeze when listening to Yun Xiao's sermons, and were intoxicated by the profound charm of the Taoist scriptures.
After Yun Xiao finished speaking, Bai Yue and the others were still somewhat reluctant to leave.
Qingwan, who was listening to the lecture, thought to herself that Yun Xiao had really shown his skills this time; ordinary lectures would not have such an effect.
After finishing his work, Yun Xiao went to find Lu Zheng and saw that Lu Zheng was still learning about the local situation from the people in the tribe.
These days, Lu Zheng is either engrossed in reading the law or consulting with locals, which makes Yun Xiao feel tired, as he thinks Lu Zheng has endless things to do.
After Lu Zheng finished his business, Yun Xiao approached and said, "I'm planning to go back. Xuan Lang and the others should finish their training. I need to take them back to Qingyang Palace. How much longer are you going to stay here?"
Upon hearing this, Lu Zheng said, "Then let's go back together."
Yun Xiao clicked his tongue and said, "I thought you were going to stay here for a while longer to educate the local tribes!"
Lu Zheng couldn't help but laugh and said, "Daoist, you think too highly of me. The situation here is very complicated, and it's not something that can be changed in a short time."
Lu Zheng discovered that the people here actually had very backward living and production standards, and their ideas and concepts were also very different, which were difficult to change in a short time.
(End of this chapter)