The Moon in the Qin Dynasty

Chapter 40: Be flexible and keep improving yourself

Ran Hong had a lot of thoughts in his mind.

Although the Qin Dynasty was dominated by the Legalists, it did not exclude other schools of thought.

Among all the vassal states in the world, the Great Qin was the strongest and treated scholars from other countries the most favorably. Naturally, all the philosophers and schools of thought flocked to Xianyang City, seeking an opportunity.

Confucianism has always emphasized self-cultivation, family harmony, governance of the country and peace in the world. All those who have achieved success have taken the world as their responsibility, and their goal is to be in high positions in the court, govern the country and bring peace to the world. If Confucian scholars want to realize their lifelong ambitions, the Qin Dynasty is the best choice.

Since Xunzi came to Qin, he has been very impressed with the Qin Dynasty and wanted to promote Confucianism in the Qin Dynasty, but unfortunately the timing was not right.

But it also opened the door to Confucianism in Qin, and Confucian scholars from all over the world flocked in. Before this, no Confucian scholars had entered Qin for more than a hundred years.

It's a pity that the Qin Dynasty emphasizes pragmatism. In this respect, it is obvious that Confucianism is not as good as Legalism. It is even inferior to Taoism and Qin Mo's Xiangli Mohism.

Today is an era of great contention. Before unification, Confucianism had no competitiveness in the Qin State.

Even many learned people could only be confined to being a doctor in the Xianyang Academy, or even being a retainer of a duke or marquis.

All the Confucian scholars were trying their best to fight for an opportunity.

When the Crown Prince Zichu of Qin went to the Xianyang Academy to find a teacher for his eldest son, Ran Hong resolutely recommended himself and defeated a group of other Confucian scholars, firmly seizing this opportunity.

The eldest son of the crown prince is, in all likelihood, the future King of Qin. If one could become his teacher now, it would mean a chance for the future King of Qin to accept Confucian ideas, and this opportunity is crucial.

When we got here, we found many surprises. Not only was the eldest son here, but the second son was also studying with him. Even though the eldest son was not a teachable person, there was already a backup candidate.

When Ran Hong met Ying Zheng, he was very impressed at first sight. This boy was already quite tall, handsome, and had an extraordinary demeanor despite being young.

He was neatly dressed, meticulously meticulously, and his speech and behavior were respectful and polite. For his age, these actions showed extraordinary talent and intelligence.

It is so suitable for Confucianism!
I have to say that humans are really visual animals.

Ran Hong had already figured out how to teach Ying Zheng and promote Confucianism in the future.

Now he still has to surpass other teachers first, he has the confidence to do so.

The Taoist Tianzong advocates tranquility and inaction; what it pursues is the great way of heaven and earth, and it does not place too much importance on high positions and generous salaries.

The Confucian and Mohist schools have always looked down on each other and are not on good terms with each other. Moreover, Qin Mo is good at mechanical engineering. In terms of knowledge, Ran Hong is confident that Xiang Lisheng is not as good as himself.

The biggest competitors are still Zhong Cang and Lu Buwei.

Zhong Cang was a Legalist, and now he was the Grand Commandant of the Qin Dynasty. He had been Ying Zheng's teacher since he was a child, and the Legalists were the foundation of the Qin Dynasty, so he had no advantage against him.

Lu Buwei was Zichu's most trusted confidant and had close ties with Ying Zheng's family, but his knowledge was not very specialized.

The main opponent is still Zhong Cang. Fortunately, he is busy with court affairs and cannot spare much time. In specific terms, he still has a greater advantage.

Zichu said to Ying Zheng, "You all have important things to do. From now on, you must study hard on your own. Whoever is free can come to your palace to teach you."

"My child understands."

Ying Zheng said, "Father, I have already learned all the characters of the Qin State, and have also been taught by Teacher Zhong Cang. If you are busy, just arrange the schoolwork, and I can study on my own. If there is anything I don't understand, I will ask you for help."

"But my brother is still young. If he wants to learn, he must first learn to read."

"Please, father, please hire a teacher to teach my younger brother how to read and write."

Zichu nodded: "That's true."

Upon hearing this, Ran Hong stepped forward and recommended himself: "Your Highness, I have a disciple who serves in the academy. He is also very knowledgeable. Although he is not yet able to take on important responsibilities, he is also meticulous and thoughtful. Currently, he has no official position, so he is suitable to teach Master Cheng Jiao to read."

Zichu nodded: "That's great, thank you Mr. Ran Hong." "I will arrange for a disciple to come over later."

Zichu bowed to them and said, "Gentlemen, I leave my two sons to you. Please be patient and teach them strictly."

Several people hurriedly returned the greetings, saying that they were doing their best.

Zichu smiled and said, "Now that I have met you, gentlemen, if you have other things to do, you can go and do your work first."

Zhong Cang smiled and said, "Gentlemen, why don't you give me the chance today?"

"I am so happy to meet you again today. I also want to have a good chat with you. I have specially postponed my official duties today. You will not refuse me this opportunity, right?"

Several people laughed and said, "This is human nature, how can we not help others? Then we will leave for now."

Zichu said with a smile: "Zheng'er, your master Zhongcang always talks about you, so today you two can just reminisce about the past."

Ying Zheng smiled and said, "This is what I have been asking for. Mr. Zhong Cang has taught me with all his heart. I am very grateful and I miss you all the time."

"Okay, we'll be leaving first. Also, please take good care of Cheng Jiao and help him study hard."

"I obey your command. I respectfully send my father and all the gentlemen off."

Zichu left with his group.

Ying Zheng asked the maid to take Cheng Jiao to the side hall to play first, and invited Zhong Cang to take the seat of honor.

Both of them were happy to meet each other after a long separation.

"I haven't seen you for a long time, teacher. I know that with your talent, you can't remain unknown. Congratulations to you on your success!"

"This is all thanks to the kindness of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. I can only repay this kindness by sacrificing my life."

Zhong Cang always tells Ying Zheng everything he knows.

Zhong Cang couldn't help but sigh: "My ancestors didn't have a high status, and by the time of my generation, they had already fallen into decline. It can be said that our family is penniless."

"I lost my father when I was less than three years old, and my mother raised me with great difficulty."

Ying Zheng was a good listener and would not interrupt others when they were talking unless necessary.

"Thanks to my mother's loving guidance, although she is not well-educated, she is optimistic, tenacious, diligent and self-reliant."

"It was through my mother's words and deeds that I realized that if I wanted to change my fate, I had to study hard."

"My mother never let me do any housework. She just let me learn as much as I can."

"I am Kang Shu from the Wei State. There is a wealthy family in my village. Since I was young, I have brought my own food and clothing to study."

"I didn't ask for food or clothing, and I endured a lot of humiliation, only then could I accompany that young man from a wealthy family to study. The hardships I experienced were so many that I will never forget them."

"I finally gained some knowledge, and traveled around the world by writing to others."

"I am over thirty years old, but I have not achieved anything. Fortunately, the Crown Prince had a wise eye and did not despise my humble background and ugly appearance. He appointed me as his teacher. He also strongly recommended me. Now I am in a high position in the Qin Dynasty. It is all because of the Crown Prince's kindness."

Speaking of this, Zhong Cang couldn't help but shed tears.

"This is a great kindness that I will never forget, and I will never be able to repay even if I die nine times."

Ying Zheng stood up and bowed: "It is not a shame to be born in a humble family. A man is one who can bend and stretch. Your achievements today are also inseparable from your own self-improvement."

(End of this chapter)