The world of film and television starts from the flow of money

The snow in December falls fast and stops fast. Last night the sky was full of flying catkins, but this morning the sky is clear.

The sky was clear and blue, almost transparent. The sunlight shone through the thin clouds and onto the snow-covered eaves, reflecting a crystal clear silver-white.

The snow in the Dongcheng Hutong was trampled by pedestrians, leaving footprints of varying depths. The bluestone road was wet, and the melted snow water flowed along the cracks in the stones and formed thin ice in the low-lying areas.

There was thick snow on the branches of the old locust trees on the street. Occasionally, the wind blew a few clumps of snow down and hit the shoulders of passers-by, causing them to laugh and curse.

The tea stall at the entrance of the alley had an oilcloth shed, and white steam was bubbling from the copper kettle on the stove. The aroma of tea mixed with the smell of charcoal drifted in the cold air. Several porters wrapped in cotton jackets squatted under the shed, holding coarse porcelain bowls and sipping hot tea. The white steam from their mouths mixed with the tea mist, blurring their faces.

Yi Huawei and Yue Lingshan walked on the snow, and the snow under their feet made a slight creaking sound. Yue Lingshan was wearing a silver fox fur cape, and the snow-white fur around the collar made her skin look like jade. Her almond eyes were as bright as stars, and there was a faint smile on her lips. Yi Huawei was wearing a blue shirt, a black cloak, and a simple long sword hanging from his waist. He walked steadily and with a restrained demeanor.

After turning a narrow alley, the view suddenly opens up.

A courtyard with blue bricks and gray tiles stood quietly. A plaque with black background and gold characters hung on the gate, with the words "Zhao Mansion" written on it. The brushstrokes were powerful, obviously the work of a famous artist. The snow in front of the gate had been cleared, revealing the bluestone steps. There were several plum trees planted on both sides, with red plum blossoms blooming proudly in the snow, and a faint fragrance floating in the air.

The couplets on both sides of the gate are particularly eye-catching:
The sound of wind, rain and reading is pleasant to the ear.
Family affairs, state affairs, world affairs, and care about everything.

The pen strokes are sharp and the ink looks fresh, obviously it was written not long ago.

Yi Huawei stopped and stared, his lips slightly raised: "Gu Xiancheng's handwriting is indeed extraordinary."

Yue Lingshan nodded gently: "Looking at his handwriting, it does have some style, but I wonder if it is like Qin Hui or Cai Jing."

"Haha~, Gu Xiancheng's Donglin Academy emphasizes - being upright and impartial, having a dignified character, taking the world as one's own responsibility, and starting the Donglin tradition of clean discussion."

Yi Huawei shook his head: "Too much publicity will only lead to factional disputes and the beginning of party disasters."

"Oh?"

Yue Lingshan looked at Yi Huawei: "…Brother, what do you mean by that?"

Yi Huawei was just about to explain something to Yue Lingshan when a young man in a green cotton-padded jacket came from the alley.

The man was about 20 years old, with delicate features and a scholarly air. He walked briskly, holding a book in his hand, and his eyes lingered on the couplets at the gate for a moment, with admiration flashing in his eyes.

Seeing Yi Huawei and the other man standing in front of the door, he hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward and saluted: "Excuse me, brother, is this the residence of Lord Zhao Nanxing?"

Yi Huawei glanced at the young man's face and saw that he had a clear face and a refined temperament. He couldn't help but smile and said, "This is Lord Zhao's residence. Are you here to listen to Lord Zhao's lecture?"

A hint of joy flashed in the young man's eyes, and he bowed and said, "That's right." He looked up at the couplet on the gate and exclaimed: "The sound of wind, rain, and reading, all are pleasant to the ear; family affairs, national affairs, and world affairs, all are of concern.' Good! This couplet is extraordinary in spirit, I wonder who wrote it?"

Yi Huawei smiled and said calmly, "This couplet was proposed by Gu Xiancheng. Have you ever heard of Mr. Gu's name?"

The young man's eyes lit up when he heard this: "Master Gu's name is of course well-known...Master Zhao is giving a lecture here today, and I came here because of your reputation."

As he spoke, he looked at Yi Huawei and bowed, "I am Feng Menglong from Suzhou. Your Excellency is so impressive. May I know your name?"

Feng Menglong, the literary giant of the late Ming Dynasty?
Yi Huawei's eyes flashed with surprise, then he returned to normal and smiled, "It turns out to be Mr. Feng, I have heard a lot about you..."

Feng Menglong, born in Suzhou, could recite "Mencius" at the age of nine.

At the age of 19, Feng Menglong took part in the boy's exam for the first time. He amazed everyone with his essay "On Water Control". The chief examiner was about to select the first place, but frowned during the final review: "The sentence 'Yu dredged the nine rivers, and the people got food' actually linked the sage king's water control with the people's food and clothing, which is really a utilitarian theory!" In the end, he failed to pass the exam.

In the following twenty years, Feng Menglong took the provincial examination six times, but failed each time. The closest he came to fame was when he was criticized for being "frivolous and dissolute, and insulting civility" because he quoted the line "May all lovers in the world finally marry" from The Romance of the Western Chamber in his policy essay.

Of course, Feng Menglong is best known for the popular novels he compiled, such as "Zhi Nang" and "San Yan". Yi Huawei remembers that he used to use "Jing Shi Heng Yan" as an enlightenment book.

This time, seeing the real person, his tone suddenly became warmer.

After a few pleasantries, Yi Huawei turned aside and introduced, "This is my wife."

Yue Lingshan nodded slightly and looked at Feng Menglong. Although he was dressed like a scholar, his eyes were lively and his behavior was calm. He did not look like an ordinary scholar.

Feng Menglong was surprised to see the two men's extraordinary demeanor. He bowed and asked, "What are your names?"

Yi Huawei smiled calmly and said, "Huashan disciple Yue Huawei is just an unknown person."

Feng Menglong was startled for a moment, then he smiled and said, "So it's Master Yue, Madam Yue, I'm so sorry for your disrespect."

A trace of doubt flashed in his eyes, and he asked, "Are you two here to listen to Lord Zhao's teachings?"

Yue Lingshan raised her eyebrows and snorted, "You are so unreasonable, my husband is a scholar who knows everything about astronomy and geography. Why does he need to listen to others' lectures?"

Feng Menglong was choked, but he was not annoyed. Instead, he smiled and said, "I am sorry for being rude."

He turned his gaze to Yi Huawei, with a bit of inquiry in his eyes: "Since Master Yue is so knowledgeable, I wonder what you think of the 'Heavenly Mirror Record' advocated by Master Zhao?"

Before Yi Huawei could reply, the gate suddenly creaked open, and an old servant in a brown cotton robe poked his head out. Seeing the three people standing outside the door, he immediately bowed and said, "Are you here to listen to the master's lecture? Please follow me in."

Feng Menglong smiled and said, "Thank you for your help."

Yi Huawei hesitated for a moment, then nodded and said, "Excuse me."

The three followed the old servant into the courtyard. They were greeted by a bluestone patio. The snow had been cleared to the sides, revealing a cobblestone path in the middle. In the corner of the courtyard, an old plum tree was in full bloom, with red plum blossoms reflecting the snow and a faint fragrance floating in the air. There were a few red gauze lanterns hanging under the eaves, swaying gently in the wind, reflecting a faint red glow on the snow.

Feng Menglong took a deep breath and praised: "What a quiet and elegant place!"

Yue Lingshan glanced at him and said softly, "You, a scholar, do have some good eyesight."

Feng Menglong smiled and said, "Mrs. Yue, you are too kind."

Yi Huawei glanced at him and looked across the courtyard with an indifferent expression.

After the snow, the sky cleared up, the sun shone, and the courtyard was quiet and peaceful.

The old servant led the three people through the courtyard. The snow on the bluestone slabs had not melted yet, and they creaked when they stepped on them. There were a few bluestone stools under the plum tree. The snow had been swept away, revealing the delicate texture of the stone surface. There were a few red gauze lanterns hanging under the eaves. The candlelight swayed in the cold wind, reflecting the snow with a faint warm light. The door curtain of the east wing was half rolled up, and a figure could be vaguely seen swaying inside. The low recitation sound was mixed with the crackling sound of charcoal fire, revealing a warm feeling of bookishness and fireworks.

The old servant bowed and said, "Please follow me, the master is giving a lecture in the east wing."

When the heavy cotton curtains were lifted, the warmth hit me. In the four corners of the room, there were gilded copper charcoal basins, the charcoal was burning vigorously, and the heat was steaming. On the east wall hung a painting of "Visiting Dai on a Snowy Night", the artistic conception of fishing alone in the cold river in the painting contrasted with the snowy scene outside the window.

Zhao Nanxing sat on a yellow rosewood armchair, wearing a dark green crane cloak, lined with a moon-white straight gown, and a plain silk belt tied around his waist, looking thin and solemn. He was about fifty years old, with a gaunt face, a bit of firmness between his eyebrows, and his eyes were bright. He was holding a volume of "Book of Rites" and explaining in a steady voice.

“‘Ritual is the order of heaven and earth.’”

Zhao Nanxing tapped the page with his fingertips and glanced at everyone in the hall: "The saints established etiquette not to restrain people's hearts, but to determine the status and stop disputes, so that the upper and lower levels are in order, and the respect for the inferior and the superior is appropriate..."

There were more than 20 people sitting in the hall, most of them wearing Confucian robes and square scarves, with focused expressions. Several elderly people stroked their beards and nodded, as if they had understood something; the younger ones lowered their heads and wrote quickly, afraid of missing a word. In the corner, a middle-aged man in a brown cotton robe closed his eyes and concentrated, tapping his fingers on his knees, as if he was silently reciting scriptures.

The old servant stepped forward and whispered, "Master, a guest has arrived."

Zhao Nanxing looked up and saw Yi Huawei and the other two standing by the door. He nodded slightly and said, "Please take a seat, all three of you."

Feng Menglong immediately bowed and saluted: "Student Feng Menglong greets Master Zhao."

Yi Huawei smiled calmly, clasped his fists and said, "I am Yue Huawei from Huashan. I heard that Lord Zhao is giving a lecture, so I brought my wife to come and bother you."

Yue Lingshan bowed slightly and scanned the room. She saw that everyone was dressed simply but had an extraordinary demeanor. She thought to herself, "This Zhao Nanxing is indeed worthy of his reputation. His disciples are all well-educated people."

Zhao Nanxing's eyes lingered on Yi Huawei for a moment, as if thinking about something. Then he raised his hand and said, "You three have come from afar. There is no need to be polite. Please sit down and listen to the lecture."

Servants had already brought three elm stools and placed them beside the hall. Yi Huawei lifted his robe and sat down, his posture calm; Yue Lingshan gathered her cloak and sat upright like a pine tree; Feng Menglong held a book in his hands, his eyes full of expectation.

Zhao Nanxing continued to explain the Book of Rites: The Book of Music, in a steady voice: "'Music is for unity, ritual is for difference.' Music is used to harmonize the people's hearts, and ritual is used to distinguish between the noble and the humble. Only when the two complement each other can we achieve the way to govern the world."

He paused, and glanced at everyone: "However, in today's world, rituals and music have collapsed, and music has lost its essence. In the government, people fight for power and profit; in the rivers and lakes, people live in misery. What do you think, how can we correct the original source?"

There was silence in the hall. Everyone looked at each other, and no one dared to answer easily.

Feng Menglong suddenly stood up and said, "I think we should take 'Tianjianlu' as the guideline to rectify the official style and clean up the bureaucracy so that everyone at the top and bottom can be content with their own positions."

Zhao Nanxing's eyes flashed with approval, and he nodded slightly: "Mr. Feng is right. However, 'Tianjianlu' is not a one-day job. It requires the unity of the government and the people to be effective."

Yi Huawei suddenly spoke up: "Master Zhao, if no one in the court is willing to do this, what should we do?"

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the hall was shocked and all eyes turned to Yi Huawei.

Zhao Nanxing stared at Yi Huawei for a moment, then said slowly, "Young Master Yue's question hits the nail on the head."

He stroked the scroll gently, and said in a deep tone: "If the superiors cannot do it, the subordinates should follow suit; if the officials cannot govern, the people should govern themselves. Donglin Academy was established for this purpose."

Yue Lingshan's eyes flickered slightly, and she whispered, "Husband, this Zhao Nanxing is a sensible person."

Yi Huawei raised the corners of his lips slightly and said no more.

"…The country must be stable and peaceful, the wood industry must be prosperous. The government must be open-minded…"

Zhao Nanxing paused for a moment, and swept his eyes across the faces of everyone present, as if he wanted to take in everyone's expression, and then said: "The Chinese mountains and rivers have been hit hard by agricultural disasters, and the weak and pitiful working people can no longer withstand this upheaval..."

As he spoke, his brows unconsciously frowned and a look of worry appeared on his face.

After Zhao Nanxing finished speaking, Yi Huawei, who was sitting at the bottom, straightened his body slightly and stood up. He clasped his hands together, bowed forward, and said loudly:

"Master Zhao, the government is corrupt and incompetent, the eunuchs are in power and the people are living in misery. Where can we find the stability, peace, prosperity and development you are talking about?"

As he spoke, his eyes looked straight at Zhao Nanxing.

Zhao Nanxing did not answer immediately after hearing this, but raised his head slightly, as if he was lost in memories. After a moment, he slowly said: "The Former Han Dynasty had the rule of Emperor Wen and Emperor Jing, and the Later Han Dynasty had the restoration of Emperor Guangwu. The Former Tang Dynasty had the rule of Emperor Zhenguan, and the Later Tang Dynasty had the restoration of Emperor Kaiyuan."

At this point, Zhao Nanxing sighed, then pulled himself together, a faint smile appeared on the corner of his mouth, and said:
"The current emperor is the true emperor. As long as the government and the people are united and help the emperor to implement benevolent policies and promote rituals and music, why should we worry about not being able to establish a prosperous era with a rich country and strong people?"

There was some consolation in his tone, as well as a hint of self-persuasion.

Yi Huawei smiled lightly, then his face turned serious: "The government has been levying heavy taxes, and the emperor has ignored state affairs for many years, only knowing how to ask for money from the people and set up mines and silver. Famines continue to occur in various places, and the people sell their children and daughters and become homeless.

What you said about the unity of the government and the people, the implementation of benevolent policies and the promotion of rituals and music, is nothing but a mirage. Nowadays, the court is full of flatterers, and officials who truly seek the welfare of the people are repeatedly excluded and suppressed. If this continues, how can there be a prosperous era with a rich and strong country? Mr. Zhao, if the court does not impose severe punishments, punish traitors and eradicate corruption, how can there be a prosperous and strong country? "

As soon as these words came out, the room suddenly became quiet, and the originally buzzing discussion came to an abrupt end. Everyone's eyes seemed to wander back and forth between Yi Huawei and Zhao Nanxing. Some showed surprise on their faces, some were thoughtful, and some frowned slightly.

Zhao Nanxing's expression changed slightly, the corners of his mouth tightened instantly, and a hint of unhappiness flashed in his eyes, but he quickly calmed down. He took a deep breath and said slowly:
"Mr. Yue is concerned about the country and the people, and dares to speak out. This is admirable! However, Zhao is here today to discuss the classics and academics, and does not want to talk about the current political figures."

As he spoke, he shook his head slightly, put his hands behind his back, and paced slowly, as if trying to calm his emotions:
"Besides, as scholars, we are paid by the emperor and we are loyal to him. How can we be so pessimistic? As long as we stick to the right path, think about the people of the world, and keep advising him, one day, the emperor will wake up."

"hehe."

Yi Huawei sneered, shook his head slightly, and showed a disappointed look on his face: "Master Zhao, I misjudged you."

Zhao Nanxing frowned, a hint of dissatisfaction appeared on his originally peaceful face: "What do you mean?"

Yi Huawei cupped his hands, his gesture was polite, but it was hard to hide his alienation: "Lord Zhao is daring and daring, and is well-known all over the world. After meeting him today, he is just like this. Forgive me for being disrespectful, and I'll take my leave!"

After saying that, he turned and nodded to Yue Lingshan. Yue Lingshan gently stood up, and the two walked towards the outer courtyard side by side.

The footsteps of the two people echoed on the blue brick floor, getting farther and farther away. Everyone in the room looked at each other, not knowing what to say for a moment. Zhao Nanxing looked at the direction where the two people left, and remained silent for a long time, with a complicated expression on his face.

(End of this chapter)