The Ming Dynasty's Five Hundred Years

Chapter 207 Sword Pointing at the Confucian Temple
It has to be said that Li Xianmu's persona, built over ten years, was so successful that the world thought he was a saint-like figure.

Since they are saints, it is normal for them to call for their deaths when faced with someone like the Duke of Yansheng who has brought shame upon the family.

In reality, Li Xianmu held an indifferent or even disdainful attitude towards Confucianism.

Because he was the only one in the world who knew that his father, who was called a Confucian sage, actually looked down on Confucianism, and only had to put on a facade because of the circumstances.

Li Xianmu was indeed loyal to the Ming Dynasty. This loyalty stemmed from the affection of his maternal grandfather Zhu Yuanzhang and his uncle Zhu Di, as well as the status of his mother, Princess Lin'an.

But more than anything, he felt a sense of ownership instilled in him by his father, Li Qi.

He did not regard the Ming Dynasty as the Ming Dynasty of the Zhu family. In Li Xianmu's view, even if the emperor did something to harm the Ming Dynasty, it was unacceptable!

He loved the Ming Dynasty just as much as he loved the Li family.

"Xianmu, do you have any ideas or countermeasures?" The emperor's voice came from the palace gate, and Li Xianmu awoke from his silence.

"Your Majesty, I do have some ideas, but they are somewhat contrary to popular opinion."

Zhu Di's eyes lit up. Li Xianmu actually had a solution. He strode forward, patted Li Xianmu's shoulder heavily, and laughed loudly, "What do you mean by defying the world?"

The matter of the Duke Yansheng is now threatening to overthrow the righteous path of the world. If it is not resolved, how can the scholars of the world live in peace?
"Speak your mind. What storms haven't I weathered?"

A collective sigh immediately filled the hall. How could the scholars of the world feel at ease? Indeed, if today's events were to spread far and wide, the court's suspicion of Confucian scholars would inevitably unsettle the hearts of all the scholars.

Weren't the numerous tragedies during the Hongwu era caused by the growing estrangement between the late emperor and his ministers?
"Please, Your Majesty, ascend the steps and take a seat!"

Li Xianmu smiled and bowed, Zhu Di was taken aback for a moment and then laughed loudly. He walked up the steps and sat on the throne, facing south. He was solemn and composed, and the atmosphere in the hall became solemn. The Fengtian Hall, which had been a little messy just now, was once again orderly.

Li Xianmu was satisfied; this was the atmosphere that should be present when discussing important national affairs.

Only a solemn and dignified presence can command respect.

"During the Tang Dynasty, the Temple of King Wu Cheng was first established, with Zhang Liang as its consort. Later, ten people who had made achievements in military strategy throughout history were selected as the Ten Philosophers of the Temple of Wu Cheng. Subsequently, famous generals and brave warriors from ancient times to be consorted with the temple, making a total of seventy-two people."

The people in the hall were puzzled, wondering why Li Xianmu suddenly started talking about the history of the Martial Temple, and what this had to do with the Confucian school.
"The establishment of this Martial Temple is actually in response to the Confucian Temple of our school. The way of the sage is all-encompassing. Those who engage in civil affairs must also be prepared for military affairs. The two maintain symmetry in terms of sacrificial standards and even architectural layout, forming a pattern of civil and military correspondence."

At this point, Li Xianmu paused, then uttered a startling statement: "But in my humble opinion, the establishment of the Temple of Martial Arts far surpasses that of the Temple of Literature!"

This single sentence immediately caused a huge uproar. The once solemn and dignified Fengtian Hall was now filled with noise and commotion in an instant.

"Lord Mingda, be careful what you say!"

"Lord Mingda, this is far too much. The Confucian Temple came first, its merits will last for thousands of years, how can the mere Martial Temple compare?"

“Li Xianmu, you should never have belittled the Confucian Temple like this. How can a sage be subjected to such humiliation?”

“Your Majesty, Li Xianmu has repeatedly uttered wild words. I believe it is not appropriate to listen to his outrageous remarks any longer, and he should be demoted immediately.”

"Your Majesty, please make the decision!" This time, the civil officials in the hall were truly anxious. Previously, these were all matters of Confucianism, so how could some military generals be allowed to override the Confucian temple?
"quiet!"

Zhu Di merely raised his hand slightly, and the eunuchs on both sides immediately interrupted the angry words of the courtiers in the hall with loud screams.

"I believe Xianmu wouldn't speak without reason. You people have no ideas and can't share my burdens. Now you even want to stop Xianmu. It's truly laughable," Zhu Di said sarcastically. "Xianmu, continue."

Li Xianmu paid no attention to the innocuous remarks made by the ministers in the hall and calmly replied, "I naturally have my reasons."

We will not discuss for now which of the two kings, Wenxuan or Wucheng, was superior.

Consider the selection of the Ten Sages of the Martial Temple; each one was renowned and awe-inspiring in their time. Whether it was their knowledge of military strategy, their military books passed down to later generations, or their actual battle achievements in their own time, they were all unparalleled throughout history.

Looking at the generals who were honored after the Ten Sages, each one has their own biography in historical records, boasting countless achievements. They were truly the best of the best, the most outstanding generals. While perhaps one or two were merely filling the ranks, the vast majority were truly deserving of respect!

Li Xianmu's heartfelt words revealed his true intentions: the emperor had guessed it, the crown prince had guessed it, and the courtiers in the hall had guessed it as well.

Some people looked grim, while others seemed thoughtful.

As expected, under everyone's gaze, Li Xianmu still threw out his shocking statement: "Look at the people enshrined in the Confucian Temple. The vast majority of them are disciples of Confucius, who have no reputation in the history books and no achievements in history."

No one knows exactly how much ability he has.

No one knows what great things he did in the past.

Whether they even possessed noble virtues, no one knows.

These are the three kinds of people who only appear in the Analects, yet they are enshrined in the Confucian Temple and enjoy the incense offerings of scholars from all over the world for thousands of years!
Is this normal?

Is this reasonable?

Shouldn't this be changed?

I think the reason why the social atmosphere has become like this is because the Confucian Temple, which is revered by scholars all over the world, has fundamental problems.

"If the Confucian Temple is not renovated, the world will not be at peace!"

Li Xianmu uttered these shocking words, and even though everyone had guessed it beforehand, gasps of astonishment still filled the air. No one expected that Li Xianmu would actually say it; he was truly a heretic!

First they attacked the Duke Yansheng, and then they attacked the Confucian Temple!
If Li Xianmu's father hadn't also been one of the sages of Confucianism, they would have almost suspected that Li Xianmu was really going to betray Confucianism!

"Li Xianmu, His Majesty asked you for a plan, but you've been rambling on about irrelevant things!" Left Censor-in-Chief Liu Guan shouted. "The Confucian Temple has been established for hundreds of years. What does it have to do with our Great Ming? What are you thinking that you would even attack the Confucian Temple?"

Do you think the high-ranking officials in the court can't see through such far-fetched arguments? Do you think His Majesty will be fooled by you?

"You can't talk about ice with a summer insect." Li Xianmu gave Liu Guan a disdainful look. "You don't understand what I'm saying, yet you keep babbling on and on. It's ridiculous."

(End of this chapter)