Han officials

Chapter 312 Cai Yong's Divine Assistance
Seeing that everyone was deep in thought, Wei Zhe prepared to end the lecture.

It was clear that he wanted to leave the group but they wouldn't agree, and they all pleaded with him repeatedly.

They had a premonition that today's lecture might be recorded in history and leave a lasting legacy. Under such circumstances, not only the ordinary students, but even the several teachers themselves did not want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

So after Wei Zhe reluctantly stayed, the teachers couldn't care less about their students anymore. Amidst the students' aggrieved looks, several great scholars took turns asking Wei Zhe questions... no, they should be saying asking for his guidance.

Xi Lu respectfully bowed to Wei Zhe, even adopting the disciple's rites, and asked for his guidance:
"Sir, you say that the Three Cardinal Guides and Eight Virtues are the path to sainthood. Is there any other way to attain sainthood?"

Upon hearing this, Wei Zhe was inexplicably both amused and exasperated.

In a daze, he almost thought he was preaching in the Purple Cloud Palace, imparting the methods of immortals to attain sainthood.

After suppressing this absurd thought, Wei Zhe said rather nonchalantly:
"Of course there is!"

Upon hearing his words, the group of Confucian scholars immediately perked up again.

But then Wei Zhe calmly said:

"This method was recorded in the Zuo Zhuan. Shusun Bao once said, 'The highest is to establish virtue, the next is to establish merit, and the next is to establish words. Though time may pass, they will not be forgotten. This is what is meant by immortality.'"

"If someone could achieve these three immortalities, wouldn't he be a sage?"

However, Wei Zhe immediately changed the subject and sighed softly:
"However, this method is too ethereal. While the sages of the past may have been able to practice it, it is probably difficult for later disciples to even begin to understand it."

"In comparison, it is better to diligently follow the teachings of the Great Learning and practice them daily, and perhaps one day you will succeed."

Upon hearing Wei Zhe's words, Xi Lu pondered for a moment and then couldn't help but nod.

Indeed, the realm of the Three Immortals is too high.

The so-called "establishing virtue" is not simply about being a moral gentleman, but about creating and establishing laws that benefit all people.

Only in this way can one achieve the state of "immortality" in terms of "cultivating virtue".

"Establishing merit" means to create immortal achievements that save people from disasters and benefit the country and its people.

As for the standard for "establishing a doctrine", it is relatively simple: "the words are essential and the reasoning is sufficient to be passed down".

However, while the threshold for "establishing one's words" is low, achieving "immortality" is difficult.

At least among the great Confucian scholars of our time, absolutely none of them still claim to have reached this level.

It is precisely because of these ancient sages, such as Zengzi, Xunzi, and Mencius, that contemporary Confucian scholars consider them to have achieved the realm of "immortality" in terms of "establishing words."

Although Xi Lu was a great Confucian scholar from Guandong, he did not have the confidence to take on this path.

After Xi Lu, several other scholars asked him questions, which Wei Zhe answered one by one.

The lecture did not come to a complete end until the sun was setting and evening was approaching.

Seeing this, the teachers and students of the academy knew they could not insist any further, so they all bowed deeply to thank Wei Zhe for his teachings and guidance today. Wei Zhe accepted the bow with a smile.

However, just as Wei Zhe was about to leave, Cai Yong had a sudden thought and said with a smile:

"The grandeur of today will be known to the world in the future."

"At this juncture, I wonder what expectations Your Excellency has for the scholars of the world?"

In fact, Cai Yong had already made it very clear that he wanted Wei Zhe to leave behind a masterpiece.

Whether it's an ancient poem from the Book of Songs or an impromptu recitation of the Song of the Great Wind like Emperor Gaozu of Han, it's all acceptable.

Perhaps this is a kind of occupational hazard for historians—they always want to record some famous scenes.

If there isn't a memorable scene... then we can just create one.

Upon hearing Cai Yong's words, Wei Zhe immediately stopped in his tracks.

It's not that he's itching to copy; it's just that it's a rare opportunity to be a plagiarist, and it would be a shame not to show off now.

Not to mention that the text in his mind was a perfect fit for the current scene.

With everything in place—the timing, the location, and the people—all that was left was for him to deliver his lines. Thinking this, Wei Zhe immediately ordered someone to bring ink and brush, then strolled to the screen wall and began to write with flowing strokes.

A moment later, Wei Zhe put down his brush, turned to the group of Confucian scholars behind him, and said sincerely:
"This is my aspiration, and I wish to strive together with you all!"

After saying this, Wei Zhe left the academy with a sense of loss and returned to the Duke's mansion to handle state affairs.

He left gracefully, but the teachers and students in the academy were left numb.

Because it was clearly written on the screen wall:

Establish your mind for the world!
Make a living for the people!
Continuing the unique learning for the Holy Spirit!

May peace be created for all eternity!

Several Confucian scholars fainted from excitement the moment they saw these four sentences.

There were young and old people, but without exception, they were all people who were easily agitated.

But you can't blame them, after all, these four sentences would be effective in any dynasty.

The further back in time one goes in history, the more impactful Zhang Zai's four sentences become on Confucian scholars.

For example, at this moment, when Cai Yong looked at these four sentences, he shuddered and directly plucked out a small tuft of his beard.

However, the old man seemed oblivious, continuing to excitedly recite the four sentences.

Although they are neither poems nor songs, Cai Yong was certain that these four lines would have a far greater influence than the "Song of the Great Wind".

The more Cai Yong recited, the more excited he became, wishing he could take up his sword and armor and go into battle to kill the enemy.

Zheng Xuan was completely stunned. After a long while, he stroked his beard and burst into laughter.

Lu Zhi remained stunned for a long time before finally letting out a long sigh, completely relieved.

At this moment, Lu Zhi even felt that with the emergence of someone like Wei Zhe, the Liu family's destiny might have truly shifted.

Even though Lu Zhi still had feelings for the Han Dynasty, he had to admit that he was probably slightly inferior to Emperor Gaozu and Emperor Guangwu.

In contrast, the ideas of the other people in the academy were much simpler.

After pondering this sentence in his mind several times, Xi Lu felt more and more shocked the more he thought about it.

He couldn't help but admit his admiration on the spot:

"How fortunate we are to witness the birth of a new saint!"

Yes, Xi Lu was already certain that Wei Zhe would become a sage.

Because what Wei Zhe said today seems to be something he can actually do, and is doing, a fact that Xi Lu admires even more than the four sentences of Zhang Zai.

It should be understood that although there are many great Confucian scholars in the world today who are well-versed in the Book of Rites, none can compare to Wei Zhe in his mastery of the chapter on the Great Learning. Once the "Commentary on the Great Learning" compiled by the academy is published, the Book of Rites will likely have to be reshaped.

Once the "practical learning" centered on "The Great Learning" was gradually perfected, Wei Zhe could be considered to have completed his work in terms of "establishing words".

Needless to say, "making meritorious contributions" is even more important. What achievement can compare to governing a chaotic world and bringing peace to the land?
As for "cultivating virtue," that depends on Wei Zhe's future educational achievements.

Once Wei Zhe reaches the realm of "immortality" in this aspect, he will be a saint even if he is not one!

After listening to Xi Lu's summary, the surrounding teachers and students were surprised to realize this.

Some were shocked, some were delighted, and some were in a daze.

However, most scholars were excited, excited to hear the truth!
After all, if Wei Zhe really succeeds, it will further prove that his theory is not a fallacy!

Even if they may never achieve immortality in their lifetime, it is always good to have a real hope.

The Confucian scholars present felt they had found their purpose in life and were filled with confidence for the future...

(End of this chapter)