My aunt is Queen Ma

Chapter 21 Rambling
Zhu Chong was also a little fascinated by what he was saying, and asked, "What are you talking about?"

"What twists and turns?"

Zhu Yuanzhang also showed a curious expression.

Ma Yu said, "Logically, King Wu should be very happy after successfully destroying the Shang Dynasty, but everyone noticed that King Wu often looked worried."

Zhu Chong asked in confusion, "Why? Is there some hidden danger?"

Ma Yu said, "Everyone thought so, so the Duke of Zhou went to ask King Wu why."

"King Wu said he was carrying on his father's wish to attack Shang."

"Now that the conquest of Shang has been successful, it stands to reason that the Mandate of Heaven should have been transferred to him."

"But he didn't receive any instructions from Heaven, and he was worried that his destiny had been lost."

This... Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Chong didn't know what to say.

Is King Wu of Zhou a fool?
Ma Yu looked at the father and son and said, "Do you think King Wu is stupid for actually believing in destiny?"

Zhu Yuanzhang remained silent.

Zhu Chong also figured it out and said in surprise, "King Wu actually really believes that he has received the Mandate of Heaven because of his benevolence?"

Ma Yu nodded and said, "Yes, he really believes that his family has destiny."

"He not only believed it verbally, but also used it to teach his descendants to govern with benevolence."

Zhu Chong rubbed his head and said, "I didn't expect that he would have such a foolish side."

Ma Yu sighed, "Foolish? But he is indeed consistent in his words and deeds."

Xiqi received the Mandate of Heaven because of King Wen's virtue, and King Wu raised the banner of virtue to attack Shang and establish Zhou.

But he did not just use virtue as a cover, but truly believed that his family had a destiny because of their virtue.

Therefore, virtue was regarded as the foundation of the Western Zhou Dynasty.

"If this is all foolishness, then what is there to praise?"

Zhu Chong's expression was a little unnatural, and he changed the subject:

"What happened next? How did the Duke of Zhou comfort King Wu?"

Ma Yu shook his head and said, "Even the Duke of Zhou had no way to comfort him. It was King Wu who came up with a solution himself."

"He decided to build a capital city in a place closest to the sky so that he could easily listen to the voice of the heavens."

Zhu Chong's eyes lit up and he said, "Isn't it in Mount Tai?"

Ma Yu said: "No, it's Luoyi."

"Luoyi is the center of the world, and naturally the place closest to heaven."

Zhu Chong could not help but think of the previous lesson, when Duke Zhou built Luoyi, and said:
"So it was only after King Wu's death that Duke Zhou continued to build Luoyi, right?"

Ma Yu nodded and said, "Yes, Luoyi is the symbol of the Western Zhou Dynasty's destiny and its benevolent governance."

“This is where the perception that Luoyang is virtuous comes from.”

Luoyang is virtuous, but this is not something the people of Luoyang brag about. It was the Western Zhou Dynasty that tied its destiny to this city.

This was the common understanding of people all over the world at that time.

When Liu Bang wanted to make Luoyang the capital, Lou Jing said, "Do you think your virtue can compare with that of the Western Zhou Dynasty?"

Although Luoyang has natural defenses, its interior is narrow and plain. If the enemy blocks it from the outside, everyone will starve to death here.

If you don’t have the virtue of the Western Zhou royal family and can convince the people of the world, then don’t put the capital here.

Chang'an is the most suitable place for you to be the capital.

There are natural barriers to defend, and the vast Guanzhong Plain can provide food and fodder.

Even if there are changes in the world, we can still hold Guanzhong and look for opportunities to counterattack.

Liu Bang took the advice and therefore the Western Han Dynasty established its capital in Guanzhong.

"Moreover, from the time Luoyi was built until more than a thousand years later, it has never been destroyed."

“Although there have been several expansions and new constructions since then, those were all voluntary moves, not destruction.”

“So its inheritance has never been broken.”

"This is unique in Chinese history. The significance it carries is beyond the reach of any ordinary city."

"It's understandable that Emperor Gaozu of Han wanted to place the capital here."

"Until the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, this city of Chengzhou Luoyi, which had been passed down for more than a thousand years, was burned down by Dong Zhuo."

"Although Luoyang was rebuilt many times later, it is no longer the Luoyi of Chengzhou."

This can be said to be one of the biggest disasters in the history of Chinese culture.

Zhu Chong could not feel his regret, but instead felt very bored, and could not help but say:

"We've strayed off topic. Let's continue talking about destiny."

Ma Yu said seriously, "I'm just talking about destiny."

"Why didn't the capital of the Xia and Shang dynasties have such a high status?"

"Why do people think Luoyi is so special?"

"Even after thousands of years, even if it's been destroyed and reduced to ruins, it's still admired by the world?"

"Is it just because it's a city?"

"No, what everyone recognizes and admires is the benevolence of the Western Zhou Dynasty."

Zhu Chong scratched his head again and subconsciously looked at his old father.

Finding that he had no intention of speaking, I could only bite the bullet and say:

"I see. Then what happened next? Was it because the Western Zhou royal family was so dissolute and immoral that everyone stopped recognizing their destiny?"

Ma Yu nodded and said, "Yes, at the end of the Western Zhou Dynasty and the beginning of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, the Zhou royal family was immoral, and the lives of the people became increasingly difficult."

"People not only doubted Zhou's destiny, but even began to doubt heaven itself."

"The proud are good, the hard-working are careless. Heaven, look upon that proud man."

"Haotian is not kind, so he has sent down this punishment. Haotian is not benevolent, so he has sent down this great calamity."

"Such words cursing the heavens began to appear frequently in the Book of Songs."

"This also means that the Mandate of Heaven for the Zhou royal family is declining."

"Although Guan Zhong and Duke Huan of Qi reaffirmed the Zhou rituals, they temporarily propped up the collapsing sky."

"But everyone understands that the era of the Zhou royal family is over, and a new era is about to begin."

“The reason people still use Zhou Li is not because they believe in it, but because they haven’t found a replacement for it yet.”

"As the wars of annexation among the vassal states intensified, each state began to reform and strengthen itself."

"Based on practical needs, the idea of ​​[practical merit] has gradually emerged and is being recognized by more and more people."

"Some people have also proposed the theory of the five virtues based on the concept of destiny, but it is not taken seriously by everyone."

"The idea of ​​practical achievement is still the mainstream."

"Reforms in various countries were also carried out around this idea, and Shang Yang's reforms in Qin were the most thorough."

"The farming and warfare system took the idea of ​​practical merit to its extreme."

"So when Qin Shi Huang unified the world, he never claimed to have received the Mandate of Heaven. He believed he had gained the world through merit."

“So he didn’t use the honorific title of Son of Heaven.”

"Son of Heaven" is a unique title created by the Zhou royal family based on the concept of the Mandate of Heaven. It did not exist before."

"Qin Shi Huang believed his contributions were greater than those of the Zhou royal family and disdained the title of Son of Heaven."

"Instead, he created the word 'emperor' and referred to himself as 'I'."

Zhu Chong suddenly realized, "So that's how it is... Then my father drove out the barbarians and unified the world, so could he also create a unique title for himself?"

Zhu Yuanzhang's face suddenly turned dark: "You evil beast, shut up."

The flattery hit the horse's hoof, and Zhu Chong closed his mouth embarrassedly.

Ma Yu also laughed in his heart, thinking that Zhu Laoer was truly a filial son.

If this gets out, your father will be put on the fire.

Zhu Yuanzhang said to Ma Yu again: "Go on."

Ma Yu coughed dryly and said, "Emperor Gaozu of Han also did not claim the Mandate of Heaven when he gained the world."

"The Book of Han records that seven princes of different surnames jointly submitted a petition, arguing that Emperor Gaozu of Han had the greatest achievements in pacifying the world and should be given the title of emperor."

Why did the seven princes of different surnames jointly submit a petition? Because they were like shareholders.

All shareholders believed that he had made the greatest contribution and should inherit the title of emperor.

"In the Records of the Grand Historian, the word 'merit' also appears frequently."

"When Emperor Gaozu passed away, the ministers considered Emperor Taizu's contribution to pacifying the world to be the greatest, and he should be given the title of Gao."

"The 'Gao' here is an honorific title, not a posthumous one. The word 'Gao' didn't exist in the earliest posthumous name system."

The honorific title belongs to a certain person alone, while the posthumous title can be used by all emperors.

Although the words are the same, they represent different meanings.

Whether Liu Bang was the first emperor of Han or the first emperor of Han, this question could support many public accounts in the past.

However, although the title of Emperor Gaozu of Han is not in accordance with etiquette, it is a commonly used title that has been used since the Western Han Dynasty, and there is no need for us to keep holding on to it.

Zhu Chong subconsciously replied, "I was saying that he was clearly the Emperor Taizu of Han, so why was he called Emperor Gaozu of Han? So this is the reason."

After saying this, he secretly looked at his father's face again, and only felt relieved when he saw that Zhu Yuanzhang did not scold him.

Then he asked, "When did the theory of destiny begin to be revived?"

Ma Yu said, "It was also during the reign of Emperor Gaozu of Han."

"At the beginning of the Western Han Dynasty, the system of etiquette and law was not sound, and the princes and nobles acted recklessly, and there were open fights in the court."

"Emperor Gaozu of Han wanted to rebuild the system of rites and laws, but he didn't understand them and was troubled by this."

"At this time, the great Confucian scholar Shusun Tong stepped forward and explained the Zhou Dynasty's ritual and legal system to him." "Emperor Gaozu of Han accepted his advice, adopted the Zhou rituals, and rebuilt the ritual and legal system, while also inheriting the title of Son of Heaven."

"It was also at this time that the titles of the monarch, Son of Heaven and Emperor, began to be used together."

"Afterwards, at Zhang Cang's suggestion, he adopted the theory of the Five Virtues, and the concept of destiny was revived."

Zhu Chong questioned: "Isn't it said that the Han Dynasty inherited the Qin system?"

Ma Yu laughed and said, "There are also hundreds of generations that have followed the Qin Dynasty's political laws. This refers to the Qin Dynasty's political system."

"That is, the county system, population management system, tax system, land system, etc."

"The Zhou Li is a system of etiquette and law that establishes the relationship between people."

Zhu Chong nodded and said, "I see. Governing a country is truly complicated."

Zhu Yuanzhang's heart moved, and he asked, "Do you understand all this?"

Ma Yu nodded slightly and said, "I understand a little bit, I understand a little bit."

Zhu Yuanzhang was so angry when he saw his arrogant look that he couldn't bring himself to ask for advice.

He just frowned and snorted coldly, and said nothing more.

Ma Yu didn't bother to care about what he was thinking and continued:

"Emperor Gaozu of Han was a very interesting man."

"If it were an ordinary person, they would definitely not really believe in destiny."

"Bring Zhouli here and throw Tianmingguan aside."

"But he was different. After accepting the Zhou rituals, he really began to believe in destiny."

"He was wounded by an arrow during the campaign against Ying Bu, the King of Jiujiang."

"At that time, the imperial physician said that he could cure me, but he drove them away, saying that my life and death was determined by fate."

"Now God wants me to die, why should I be treated?"

"This kind of open-mindedness in the face of life and death is truly unique among monarchs throughout history."

"Of course, the reason why he wanted to commit suicide was also related to Lu Wan."

The two were born on the same day of the same month of the same year. They were childhood friends and best buddies.

Unfortunately, it was such a person who, under the instigation of others, became suspicious of Liu Bang.

This was a huge blow to Liu Bang.

But Lu Wan did not really betray Liu Bang. When he learned that Liu Bang wanted to commit suicide, he went to Chang'an to explain clearly.

He had only been halfway there when he received the news that Liu Bang had passed away.

He knew very well that there was no way to explain things anymore.

So he fled to the Xiongnu and eventually died there.

It can be said that this is a complete tragedy.

Zhu Yuanzhang's lips moved. Liu Bang and Lu Wan reminded him of himself and Tang He. If Tang He betrayed him...

At this moment, he understood Liu Bang very well.

Zhu Chong disagreed: "I think Emperor Gaozu of Han was a bit foolish. If he had treated his injuries and lived a few more years, wouldn't Empress Lü have been able to disrupt the government later?"

Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't help but nod, this is the truth.

Although he sympathized with Liu Bang, it did not mean that he accepted his actions.

You can be calm about life and death, but you have to do what you need to do before you die.

Wouldn't it be difficult for our descendants to be given authority that is full of thorns?

Ma Yu shook his head and said, "The issue of Empress Lü's political disorder is not that simple, and the negative impact is not as great as you think."

"It's hard to explain this right now, I'll tell you later."

Having said this, he glanced at Zhu Yuanzhang and added:

"If there is a future."

Zhu Yuanzhang's face turned dark. If I hadn't promised the girl, I would have slapped you to death.

After a while of rambling, Ma Yu continued to talk about destiny:
"Although Emperor Gaozu of Han revived the concept of the Mandate of Heaven, the mainstream at the time was still the idea of ​​practical achievements."

"That's why after his death, the ministers gave him the title of emperor because of his greatest merit."

"This situation continued until the reign of Emperor Wu of Han."

"Emperor Wu of Han disliked the teachings of Huang Lao. If he wanted to shift his approach from inaction to action, he had to promote the concept of destiny."

Zhu Chong asked in confusion: "Why?"

Ma Yu said: "In the eyes of people at that time, the Liu family's conquest of the world had nothing to do with the Mandate of Heaven. It was because Emperor Gaozu of Han had the greatest merit that he was elected emperor."

"Emperor Gaozu of Han made the greatest contributions, but his descendants did not make much."

"If you want to inherit his throne, you must inherit his virtues and systems."

Zhu Chong seemed to have thought of something and said, "This is the same principle as when King Wu of Zhou supported the spirits to attack the Shang Dynasty, right?"

Ma Yu said approvingly: "Yes, the principle is the same."

"Huang-Lao thought was established by Emperor Gaozu of Han. Emperor Wu of Han wanted to change it, but others saw it as him abandoning Emperor Gaozu's ideals."

"Then why do we still respect him as the emperor?"

"So Emperor Wu of Han had to reiterate the idea of ​​the Mandate of Heaven. His Liu family was able to conquer the world because of the Mandate of Heaven."

"To this end, he adopted Dong Zhongshu's suggestion and revised the theory of the five virtues, changing the water virtue established in the early Han Dynasty to the earth virtue."

"He also vigorously promoted Dong Zhongshu's idea of ​​the interaction between heaven and man, and ultimately completed the reshaping of the Mandate of Heaven."

"From then on, the concept of the Mandate of Heaven took root in people's hearts, and every dynasty claimed that they had received the Mandate of Heaven and ruled the world."

Zhu Chong suddenly understood and was about to say that he had learned something new.

Unexpectedly, Ma Yu suddenly said, "But after the establishment of the Ming Dynasty, the concept of destiny was once again in turmoil."

Zhu Chong subconsciously asked, "What's wrong?"

Only after he finished speaking did he react. Okay, the topic returned to the beginning: his own father did not believe in fate.

Sure enough, Ma Yu continued his words and said, "Your father doesn't believe in destiny, and he doesn't know what destiny is."

Surprisingly, after hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang was not as angry as he was at first. Instead, he asked:
"You've said so much, but you still haven't explained why Mencius' words are correct."

Ma Yu smiled and shook his head, saying, "No explanation? Then let me ask you."

"Why did everyone at that time believe that King Wen had the Mandate of Heaven?"

"Could it be that the heavens told us this in a dream?"

"No, it's because everyone recognizes King Wen's virtue and is willing to believe that he has the mandate of heaven."

"What is destiny? It is what everyone in the world recognizes as destiny."

"If it can be called destiny even if no one in the world recognizes it, then anyone can close their doors and think they have destiny."

"Just like Luoyi, it is not because of its virtue that people recognize it."

“It is because everyone recognizes it that it becomes a symbol of virtue.”

"Mencius's thoughts did not emerge out of thin air, but were formed by summarizing the experience left by his predecessors."

"His interpretation of the will of heaven, his country, his monarch and his people is recognized by everyone in the world."

"Besides, do you think Mencius's knowledge is for ordinary people to see?"

"No, it's for the monarch to see."

"He is telling the monarch what true humanity is."

"If you hate your ruler for treating your subjects like dirt, then your subjects will treat your ruler like an enemy."

"But if someone slaps you, can you not feel humiliated and angry?"

"You like the king to want the minister to die, and the minister has to die."

"Ask yourself, can you, when someone hits you on the left cheek, not only remain calm but also turn the right cheek?"

Zhu Yuanzhang's face turned pale, but he could not refute.

If he could do it, there would be no Ming Dynasty today, and there would be no Hongwu Emperor.

Ma Yu was getting more and more excited as he spoke: "If you can't do it, why do you think others can?"

"Human nature will not change because of your preferences."

"You can twist the heart of one person, but can you twist the hearts of millions of people in the world?"

"It doesn't matter whether you like it or not, and it doesn't matter whether you admit it or not. What matters is that this is reality."

"You can use your power to delete these words from Mencius."

"But have you ever thought about what the consequences would be if your descendants really believed that they were supreme and could do whatever they wanted?"

Speaking of this, Ma Yu couldn't help but get angry.

You don't even need to look at later generations, just look at Zhu Yuanzhang's sons and you'll know.

His sons have a high success rate, but the probability of them becoming animals is also ridiculously high.

With such a father's guidance, it's not surprising if he goes astray, but it would be abnormal if he doesn't.

Zhu Yuanzhang was so embarrassed by what he said that he flew into a rage. He stood up and kicked over the low table on the ground:
"How can this be? You have no respect for your elders, no respect for your king or your father... You... humph..."

After saying that, he turned around and walked out of the cell.

Zhu Chong saw it and without any fear, he quickly asked:

"Dad, please don't leave. What should I do?"

After walking a long way, Zhu Yuanzhang replied:
"We don't have an unfilial son like you. Just stay in jail."

After saying that, he walked around the corner and disappeared.

Leaving Zhu Chong with a confused look on his face.

(End of this chapter)