The Song Dynasty was the king for thirteen years before he knew that he was Tianlong.

Chapter 370 The Hundred Schools of Thought
"You, you still dare to argue?" Xue Lu, who was behind the table, was so angry that his black beard bristled and he slammed his fist on the table.

"Student..." Zhao Ti wanted to argue his point, but seeing the different expressions on the faces of the people in front of him, and glancing at his teacher, he paused.

"Couldn't you have come to school a little earlier? Why did you have to arrive at exactly the right time?" The prefectural school administrator spoke up, his tone indifferent, clearly dissatisfied, but he didn't say that the student was late.

"This..." Zhao Ti thought for a moment, realizing that there had never been such a thing before. If he needed to arrive earlier than the start of school, he could simply change the class time. However, the school administrator spoke in a persuasive tone and did not continue to accuse him of being late. So he could agree and put the matter at hand aside.

A gentleman's conduct is not rigid or bound by convention; he prefers to act directly rather than resort to crooked means.

Instead, they are outwardly flexible but inwardly principled, adaptable, discerning of priorities, clear about the future, and know when to advance and retreat.

Attending classes is the most important thing right now. Since the state government has advised him to come earlier in the future, he should just agree. He shouldn't let a small matter interfere with the important thing.

As for why I always arrive early, but only arrived at the last minute today, there is no need to explain. A gentleman should be discerning about the ways of the world, understand the principles of things, and not do useless work, do unintentional things, or waste his energy.

To do something knowing it's impossible may make one a hero, and to go against the tide may make one a hero, but it's a completely different way of dealing with the world from that of a gentleman. One can respect and admire such a person, but one may not necessarily learn from their way of doing things.

"What's your name?"

Just as Zhao Ti was about to agree to the educational commissioner's request, a voice suddenly rang out. The voice was very clear and seemed to reach straight to one's heart.

He looked up and saw a person sitting in the center of the desk speaking. He had identified this person as Li Meng when he was outside the door because he was sitting in the middle of the desk lecturing, and he had never seen this person before in the state school.

It was difficult to observe from outside the door, but Zhao Ti took a closer look. The other person should actually be fifty years old, but he looked younger, appearing to be only in his early forties.

Li Meng had bright eyes, a handsome face, a thin beard, and a somewhat thin build. He wore a light gray scholar's shirt and didn't look particularly remarkable. Judging from his appearance and demeanor, he didn't seem as radiant or eye-catching as some college professors.

But his voice was very clear and firm, like the striking of metal and stone, as if it contained extraordinary power. Even in the noisiest place, it could be heard clearly and went straight into people's minds and hearts.

"Student... Zhao Ti." Zhao Ti bowed to Li Meng, his tone neither humble nor arrogant.

Li Meng laughed and said, "This is not your fault. I have a habit of arriving early, which I developed when I was working at the Hanlin Academy. I would arrive at the academy 15 minutes early every day. I did not change this habit after I resigned. You may not arrive at school on time every day either. Maybe something happened that delayed you today. It was just a coincidence that this awkward situation occurred."

"Student..." Zhao Ti was surprised. He hadn't expected Li Meng to be so approachable. Not only did he speak in a way that was like a gentle breeze, but he also clarified the matter in just a few words, showing that he was open-minded and had exonerated himself from the situation.

As the saying goes, "If someone gives me a peach, I will return the favor." At this moment, there is no need to explain why I didn't know the other person would arrive fifteen minutes early; I can just go with the flow.

“Sir, you are wise. I understand. You are magnanimous. I thank you.” Zhao Ti bowed again respectfully.

"Go sit down," Li Meng nodded.

Zhao Ti turned and walked towards the group of students. The registrar looked unwell and wanted to speak, but was stopped by the education commissioner's gaze.

By this time, all the students from the state school had arrived. Although Mingzhi Hall was spacious and grand, the students all sat at the front to listen more clearly. Zhao Ti looked around but there were no seats available, so he had to walk to the back.

Suddenly a low voice came: "Brother Zhao, come to my place."

Zhao Ti looked over upon hearing the sound and saw Mo Xun sitting upright to the side, occupying two stools.

Mo Xun gestured to him, and Zhao Ti thought for a moment before walking towards him.

Mo Xun offered up a wooden stool, and Zhao Ti didn't ask him why he had taken up two seats. It was inappropriate to ask now, and since he had already decided to sit there, there was no need to ask.

If you are concerned about someone taking up a seat improperly, then simply refuse and find another seat. There's no need to sit down and then ask questions, or even condemn the other person's behavior after you've sat down.

There are injustices, unfairness, immorality and immorality in the world, and a gentleman should point them out. But do not seek out the reason why someone might reserve a seat for another person, since all the other students are here and only you are not. Isn't it because you are kind enough to reserve the seat for him?

Since that's the case, one cannot both sit and criticize, both gain and lose, both receive benefits and then try to clear one's name and occupy the moral high ground. This is not the act of a gentleman, but rather that of a petty person.

Either don't sit down, or sit down gracefully to express your gratitude without asking anything else.

Reserving a seat is not a big deal and does not involve any legal trouble or criminal charges, so a wise person should assess the situation and act accordingly.

Zhao Ti nodded to Mo Xun, who smiled meaningfully, said nothing, and looked ahead.

At this point, all the students had arrived, and it was time to start class. The academic administrator first gave a speech, then praised Li Meng, and then Li Meng began to lecture.

Li Meng wrote the books "Tongxue" and "Minglun", the core of which is the two words "Tongming" (通明), which are also known as the Tongming School or Tongming Studies.

His view is to take "access" as the path and "clarity" as the ultimate goal.

"Tong" means to clear away the barriers of ignorance, so that all people, even ordinary people, can understand the fundamental principles of the world, without being hindered by their status or knowledge.

"Ming" means to light up the lamp of the mind, enabling one to see clearly the essence of things and the truth of right and wrong.

This school of thought does not emphasize complex classical texts, but focuses on principles that are commonly used in daily life, such as the order of spring planting and autumn harvest, the duties of neighborly relations, the straightforward understanding of national and familial righteousness, and the reality of karmic retribution.

Gentlemen can reside in grand halls or travel from village to village, explaining the ways of heaven in simple and easy-to-understand language, telling stories about human relationships, teaching farmers how diligence leads to prosperity, teaching women how kindness can sustain a family, teaching children how to be filial and establish themselves in the world, and teaching people of the world to distinguish right from wrong, to know reason, to understand righteousness, to seek a peaceful and prosperous life, and to strive for a peaceful world.

I do not expect everyone to become a saint, but I only hope that every household understands the principles of things, knows how to yield when encountering disputes, and knows how to make choices when facing gains and losses, so that in the midst of everyday life, we can see the clarity of the world and people's hearts.

Li Mengxian's lectures on "Tongxue" were delivered in a way that was not difficult to understand, even for those who had never been to school. His lectures were vivid and engaging.

It contained few classical allusions, but mostly interspersed with ancient and medieval fables to support its historical arguments, which the students listened to with great interest. Zhao Ti had only heard of the reputation of Tongming School before, but had never really been exposed to it. Now he listened intently, pondering it in his mind, comparing Tongming School with the principles and knowledge he had previously thought of.

In ancient and medieval times, there were various schools of thought and sages, each creating a legacy of learning. Each school was different and had its own merits. Those in power governed the country and managed the world, while ordinary people cultivated themselves and managed their families. Most of them focused on a specific area, and very few could be applied to everyone from the common people to the imperial family.

In ancient times, there were dozens of philosophers, including Mozi, Nongzi, Shangzi, Fazi, Bingzi, Mingzi, Yin-Yangzi, and so on. They were collectively known as the various philosophers. These philosophers, along with their disciples, created hundreds of schools of thought, collectively known as the Hundred Schools of Thought.

The doctrines of the various schools of thought in ancient China were often targeted at specific groups of people, or people in a particular industry, or to recruit certain individuals into that industry and impart their knowledge and skills.

The teachings of the sages, which can educate people from all walks of life, from emperors and prime ministers to peddlers and laborers, are the only true sages of literature. Since ancient times, there has only been one sage of literature, and that is Confucius.

The Master has no name, the Sage has no surname, the Great Way is in full bloom, nourishing all things silently. The Master's teachings enlighten all people, and can even be said to enlighten all living beings.

Confucius's teachings advocated education for all, and he taught dragons in the North Sea, qilin in the South Mountain, wild foxes in Qingqiu, and white snakes in West Lake.

Teach them to distinguish between good and evil, right and wrong, to understand the principles of heaven, and to comprehend life and death.

The Qilin of Nanshan learned the principles of not harming people and lived a peaceful life. However, it encountered a woodcutter who went deep into the mountains to chop wood. Startled by the woodcutter, the woodcutter swung his axe and accidentally injured the Qilin, which then died with a mournful cry.

When Confucius learned of this, he looked up to the heavens and cried out in sorrow: "The unicorn has died, and my way has reached its limit. In the future, all sorts of changes will surely arise."

Thus, an era came to an end.

Besides Confucius, there were two other sages, Xunzi and Mencius. Their teachings also aimed to educate people, but unlike Confucius, they did not teach all people without discrimination, thus not educating all living beings.

When Zhao Ti heard Li Meng's profound teachings, he was astonished. He thought, "This man makes up a doctrine that all people can learn. Does he want to become a sage like the Second Sage? Or does he even have the ambition to become a sage?"

However, upon further reflection, he realized that this was not a big deal. Since the time of the Sage and the Second Sage, many great Confucian scholars and famous figures had had this idea, all wanting to establish their learning and become sages, enter the Confucian Temple, and be admired by all scholars and people in the world.

But in reality, none of them succeeded. Although many became sages and eventually entered the Confucian Temple to serve, they ultimately did not become saints.

Some ended up becoming a laughingstock. One of them was a man named Dongzi, who fantasized about becoming a saint and had everyone believe in his teachings. However, people found flaws in his teachings, such as the inclusion of personal interests and the lack of fairness and impartiality. They also discovered his moral failings, and he eventually fell into the position of being universally condemned. He had no choice but to hide in the deep mountains and eventually disappeared without a trace.

However, Zhao Ti felt that Li Meng's Tongming philosophy was quite good. At least he could put himself in other people's shoes and think from their perspective in everything he did, which surpassed the philosophy of many great Confucian scholars who wanted to become saints but did not.

Li Meng gave two lectures, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, but did not answer the students' questions during the lectures; he would save that for the last day.

Zhao Ti felt that Li Meng was right, and that was precisely where Li Meng's wisdom lay. He had only given one or two lectures, and had not even finished explaining the basic core doctrines. It would be unwise to try to answer questions at this point. If you haven't even heard the complete doctrines, the questions you raise are likely to be one-sided, and your answers will not address the crux of the matter.

The day passed quickly. After the afternoon lectures ended, the provincial education commissioner accompanied Li Mengxian out of the school, followed by the other officials from the prefectural school who filed out.

The students gradually left, and Mo Xun looked at Zhao Ti beside him and said with a smile, "Brother Zhao, you always arrive at the state school early every day, why are there so many of you tonight?"

Zhao Ti shook his head and sighed, "My uncle came from afar yesterday, and the meal took a long time. However, the time I spent reading in my room remained the same. Later, I overslept and got up late."

Mo Xun laughed and said, "So Brother Zhao really didn't know that Mr. Li had entered the study a quarter of an hour earlier."

Zhao Ti said, "If I had known about this, I would have come early even without eating, instead of being embarrassed and awkward on the spot."

Mo Xun said, "But Mr. Li is quite good. He actually made an excuse for Brother Zhao. Didn't Brother Zhao see that his face turned as black as a pig's liver when he saw the academic record?"

Zhao Ti sighed and said, "The matter originated from me. I can explain it to your face, but I won't talk about it behind your back."

Mo Xun smiled as he packed his writing implements into his book box, then suddenly said, "The poetry gathering is approaching, Brother Zhao, are you really not going to consider it?"

Zhao Ti asked, "What poetry gathering?"

Mo Xun said, "It's the poetry gathering hosted by Miss Luo Fu that I mentioned to Brother Zhao a couple of days ago. The previous poetry gathering where I asked Brother Zhao for poems was hosted by someone else, but this one was hosted by Miss Luo Fu herself."

Zhao Ti, who was also packing books, replied without looking up, "I really don't have time, and besides, I wasn't invited, so I won't go."

Mo Xun had already packed his book box but did not move. He sat on the stool and said, "Last time, I was honored by Brother Zhao's poem and I was in the limelight. But afterwards, I felt very ashamed. I was not only sorry for the books I had read, but also for Brother Zhao. So this time, Brother Zhao must go and take back the title that originally belonged to Brother Zhao. Otherwise, I will not feel at ease."

Zhao Ti said, “Brother Mo, what is there to be uneasy about? I am not a famous poet or lyricist, nor do I have any famous lines to claim ownership of. Since it has been given to you, Brother Mo, it belongs to you and has nothing to do with me anymore.”

Mo Xun shook his head and said, "Brother Zhao's thinking makes me seem even more petty. Brother Zhao said that not being invited is not a problem. I said at the restaurant that day that Miss Luo Fu gave each person two invitations, one of which was blank and without a name. As a woman, it is naturally inconvenient for her to associate with all the scholars in Yuzhou who are skilled in poetry. She asked her acquaintances to bring their friends so that everyone could be gathered together and the poetry gathering would not seem like a mere formality."

Zhao Ti finished packing and carried the study box on his back, saying, "Brother Mo, I think it's unnecessary. You know I'm in a hurry to study, and I don't want to miss a single meal or sleep. I really don't want to waste time on other things. Aren't you leaving, Brother Mo? I'm going home."

Upon hearing this, Mo Xun stood up, slung his book box over his shoulder, and walked with Zhao Ti, saying, "Brother Zhao, haven't you considered that this could be an opportunity to make a name for yourself? It might be very beneficial for your future imperial examinations."

The two went out and headed towards the outside of the state school. Zhao Ti thought about how Yang Jian had promoted his poetic reputation, which saved him from wasting his study time. Moreover, such a promotion was different from the frivolous and playful poetry gatherings. It was more like an ancient recommendation, which was more solemn.

He said, “Brother Mo, I do want to make a name for myself as a poet, but I don’t want to participate in poetry gatherings. I appreciate your kindness, Brother Mo.”

Upon hearing this, Mo Xun couldn't help but smile, then shook his head with a regretful expression.

After leaving the state academy, many carriages were parked ahead, sent by families of students from prominent backgrounds to pick them up.

Mo Xun bid farewell to Zhao Ti and got into a carriage. Zhao Ti watched the carriage leave, and then walked all the way to the Yujiang River.

(End of this chapter)