The elite did not migrate south

Chapter 564 No difference

As the name suggests, official learning refers to the doctrines recognized by the government.

The dispute between ancient and modern scholars over official schools almost shook the foundation of the Later Han Dynasty.

This classic is the foundation of the great families and the tool they use to monopolize academic studies. Obviously, it cannot be touched easily before they have gained power.

But now, Cao Mao is really not afraid of what trouble these big families may cause.

The war to destroy Shu raised Cao Mao's status to a terrifying level. Even if Emperor Liezu came out of the ground, he would have to stand aside!
Cao Mao originally only had the support of the generals and soldiers, but now, with the leasing of public land, the former tenants of the Wei Dynasty were also grateful to Cao Mao. With the support of farmers and soldiers, Cao Mao could do whatever he wanted.

Cao Mao summoned the brothers from the Bamboo Grove to come to the East Hall.

Now, the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove have been disbanded by Cao Mao, and Wang Rong has been arrested for accepting bribes and secretly purchasing a large amount of land. He must serve in the military until he is at least fifty years old.

Shan Tao and Xiang Xiu went ashore directly, formally surrendered to Cao Mao, and became officials of the Wei Dynasty.

Both of them now work in the Shangshutai.

Ji Kang was halfway to success. He was now studying Wang's philosophy, trying to find something that could heal his first half of life. Only Ruan Ji, his nephew and Liu Ling were still drinking.

Soon, these people appeared in front of Cao Mao.

They probably haven't gathered together for a long time.

When they appeared in the same place again, they no longer seemed as close as before.

Everyone sat on his left and right.

After they had bowed and greeted each other, Cao Mao finally asked, "It's been a while. How are you all doing?"

"Your servants are all well."

everyone replied.

Cao Mao felt very emotional. He still remembered that he had sat with these people. At that time, he was very cautious, afraid of offending them, and only wanted to get their help.

But now that the big thing has been accomplished, the relationship between me and these people has become delicate.

Cao Mao had no ill will towards them personally, but his doctrines and ideas were something he had to oppose.

What would happen if all the talented people in the world imitated them, drinking and taking pills all day long, and running into the mountains and forests?
Even now, Wang's philosophy has begun to spread, but the influence of these people is still huge.

When Wang Rong was punished earlier, the students of the Imperial College were already restless. Many scholars are still dissatisfied with the verdict and believe it is tyranny.

Cao Mao first looked at Ji Kang.

"Mr. Ji, I heard that you have been studying Wang's teachings diligently these days. Have you gained anything?"

Ji Kang was somewhat different from the others. He accepted seclusion from the world because he was powerless against reality, not because he really agreed that seclusion in the mountains could solve all problems.

After Wang Su reinterpreted metaphysics, Ji Kang's thoughts changed rapidly.

Upon hearing the emperor's question, Ji Kang immediately said, "Your Majesty, I have made considerable progress these days. I have a general understanding of the prince's teachings and am still studying diligently."

Ji Kang then expressed his thoughts.

"In the past, we all thought that the Nine Praises of Taixuan were merely the true meaning of nature, unapplying them to reality. But after the prince pointed them out, I finally realized that the Nine Praises are not just about nature, but also about the world. These cannot be viewed separately. The Nine Praises describe the laws of nature's changes, and understanding these laws can be used to govern the country."

Ji Kang looked at several of his friends and explained his ideas seriously.

Except for Xiang Xiu and Shan Tao who nodded, the rest of the people remained silent.

Cao Mao was overjoyed at this moment. He said happily: "I plan to make Wangxue an official school and recruit corresponding doctors of classics. I think this matter can be handed over to you to take care of!"

There are usually two ways to establish official schools. The first is assessment. Subsequent assessments can only be participated in through Wangxue. The knowledge used for assessment is naturally official school. The other is the academic institutions such as Taichang in the temple, which mainly focus on Wangxue and recruit doctors of classics.

This time, Cao Mao was planning to let Ji Kang be in charge of the official school of classics, and let him lead many talented people who studied classics to study Wang's school of thought, and give up the study of other classics, so as to increase the influence of Wang's school of thought.

Ji Kang was somewhat surprised. He said hurriedly, "Your Majesty, I do not even have such knowledge, how can I let Kong Chao do it?"

Cao Mao shook his head. "Kong Chao has more important things to attend to. Please don't shirk your responsibility, Ji Gong!"

"This matter belongs to you!"

After saying that, Cao Mao looked at Ruan Ji again.

Ji Kang was as hot-tempered as fire, while Ruan Ji was as calm as water. The two men were very similar yet completely different.

Cao Mao asked, "Mr. Ruan, have you ever read it?"

Ruan Ji said calmly, "I have read it."

"What's the gain?"

"I'm not qualified enough, so I haven't gained anything yet." Cao Mao narrowed his eyes. "I see, this isn't because you're not qualified enough, it's because you're not interested in this."

"How about this, starting tomorrow, you will follow Ji Gong and be responsible for the study of the classics and Wang Xue."

Ruan Ji remained as calm as ever, "Yes."

Ruan Ji was a real person who just wanted to play badly. He didn't care about anything and did nothing. He just did whatever the emperor said and didn't object much. This was different from Ji Kang. Ji Kang played badly just to oppose, while Ruan Ji played badly just for the sake of playing badly.

When Cao Mao really needed his help, he didn't put in much effort, which was completely different from the proactive Ji Kang.

This is also perfect for Cao Mao. It doesn't matter whether I can convince you or not, as long as I can make you work for me.

As for Liu Ling and Ruan Xian, Cao Mao had no idea about them.

Firstly, their reputation is not as high as the others, and secondly, their way of tanking is a bit excessive.

Therefore, Cao Mao simply waved his hand and said, "I strongly dislike your proposal. I want to bring order to the world, but this kind of order cannot be achieved by hiding in the mountains. I have heard that only when the emperor is incompetent and treacherous ministers are in power will wise men retreat to the mountains. Since neither of you has any intention of serving in the government, it probably means you think I am not wise enough. I have always been tolerant and will not force you."

"Since you want to retire, you two can find a suitable place to retire. From now on, just focus on your own affairs and stop gathering friends, giving lectures everywhere, and misleading scholars."

"If you don't have the intention to govern the world and serve the Holy King, then don't ruin the great cause!"

Cao Mao frowned and his expression became more serious.

"Back then, when the Sima family abused their power, the people suffered. Scholars were unwilling to serve, unwilling to become accomplices to the evil. This was the way of the wise. But now, I have swept away the treacherous villains. The court is filled with loyal and righteous people. The countryside is in ruins. I have destroyed Shu and conquered Wu, forcing the barbarians from all directions to come to pay tribute. Yet, these people still wanted to hide in the mountains and forests. This is something I really cannot understand."

"It is said that if everyone lives in seclusion, withdraws from the world, and does not interact with others, then the world will be peaceful if nature takes its course."

"But if you ask me, Huang Lao's theory of governing by inaction is definitely not like that."

"When the Former Han Dynasty was first established, the government adopted the Huang-Lao philosophy, advocating for non-intervention and governance. This non-intervention meant not imposing excessive corvée labor, allowing the people to relax and do whatever they wanted, and allowing them to do whatever they wanted without restrictions. This is how the Former Han Dynasty flourished. Was there no capable ministers at the time who could govern the country?"

"Did Xiao He and his men hide in the mountains to govern the country?"

"No matter how much we argue about the classics, we will never reach a conclusion. Even if we do reach a conclusion, it will only be because you are afraid of my power and are bowing your heads."

"But the rise and fall of the world can be witnessed directly. Since I came to power, the changes in the country are obvious to all!"

Cao Mao's voice was loud and clear, and everyone just looked at him but didn't dare to say anything.

Cao Mao stood up and said coldly, "From today on, the imperial court will adopt Wangxue as its official school and only recruit those virtuous people who are determined to govern the country. As for those who wish to retire to the mountains and forests, I will forbid their children, clansmen, and relatives from serving in the government, so as to avoid corrupting the moral code!"

Hearing this, Liu Ling was shocked.

He finally couldn't help it, "Your Majesty!!"

"What's the difference between this and the Party Imprisonment?"

During the Later Han Dynasty, the emperor banned those party members from getting close to each other and their clansmen from holding official positions, which triggered several party rebellions.

Cao Mao's ban at this moment obviously has the same meaning.

Seeing the anxious Liu Ling, Cao Mao looked at him with a smile on his face, "There is no difference."

Liu Ling said again, "Your Majesty, I believe that even if I live in seclusion in the mountains, I have not violated the law, nor have I shown any disrespect to Your Majesty. This is a pursuit of nature. Why does it require such a measure as the Party Imprisonment?"

Cao Mao said coldly, "When the Sage King appears, no one is left behind in the wild. Now you all want to live in seclusion in the wild. Aren't you saying that I am not the Sage King?"

"This is disrespectful to me, why can't I stop it?"

"Besides, you all don't want to serve in the government anymore. You just want to hide in the mountains and forests and not care about anything. So why should you care about being banned from serving in the government?"

"Isn't this the righteous path you're pursuing? Wouldn't it be great if your children and clansmen all followed you on this righteous path and didn't harm others?"

Liu Ling was speechless and looked at Ji Kang anxiously.

At this moment, Ji Kang didn't even look at him, as if he thought what the emperor said made sense.

Ruan Ji sighed and stood up. "Your Majesty, even so, this punishment is still excessive."

"The punishment is not excessive at all. This is the ethos of the Great Wei, and it will affect the future of scholars and even the fate of the nation. If everyone only thinks about how to avoid it and how not to do it, how long can the Great Wei last?"

"The Xianbei and Xiongnu are all studying the Confucian classics of the Later Han Dynasty, thinking about how to become stronger, while our scholars are thinking about how to hide. Are they preparing to hand over the country to others?!"

"I have already been very lenient by not arresting these people and executing their entire families. The scholars of the Great Wei should strive to strengthen themselves. Since they have enjoyed the benefits, why shouldn't they contribute?"

"My mind is made up, no need to say more!"

“Just do it!!”

(End of this chapter)