Tang Dynasty Little Godfather

Chapter 246 Sending a sheep into the tiger's mouth?
In his struggle with Madam Zixia, Wang Xi knew he needed to be patient. Ultimately, it was because they were family and belonged to the same sphere of influence.

Instead of simply cutting down the tree and taking it home, you have to urinate on the tree so that everyone knows who owns it.

There's no need to rush things over there.

For Wang Maozhong, what he needed was not patience, but immediate results.

Shang Yang's "standing a log" didn't mean planting a tree in the middle and then asking who would dare to cut it down and take it home after it grew up. Instead, it simply meant standing a log upright on the ground.

Wang Maozhong had to take advantage of his newfound power to immediately promote Daoist thought within the Ministry of Works.

It's that simple.

Although he now has some faith in Qi and Li Ke, his reason for doing so is still political. He knows that Li Longji is eager for him to be appointed Minister of Works, and that's why he must produce results immediately to lighten Li Longji's burden. Only in this way will he have the opportunity to be appointed Minister of War in the future.

Regardless, his ultimate goal was still to become the Minister of War, since all his influence lay in the horse administration and the military camp.

If he were to become Minister of War, his power would undergo a qualitative change.

Under his constant urging, Wang Xi finally arrived at the Ministry of Works today with his brothers Huangfu Sengnian and Li Jieman. The reason why Wang Shuang did not come was that Wang Maozhong was afraid of giving others a reason to say that he was doing it for his son.

Wang Maozhong's deep-seated inferiority complex caused him to act extremely strong-willed, always maintaining a straight posture in everything he did, including his demands on Wang Shuang. He took these details very seriously.

If it were Wang Shouyi or Li Qiao, they would definitely strongly urge Wang Xi and Li Jieman to come forward; otherwise, they would be even more panicked.

The Ministry of Works was also on high alert, with all officials present, as well as heads of other departments, including the two prime ministers Zhang Yue and Yuan Qianyao, and Wang Jun, the Minister of Personnel, who was also the main reason why Wang Maozhong failed to succeed Zhang Yue as Minister of War.

Zhang Shuo strongly recommended him to serve as Minister of War. Wang Jun was an official with typical Tang Dynasty characteristics, possessing both literary and military talents, and capable of serving as both a general and a prime minister.

He passed the Mingjing examination and entered officialdom, but for most of his life he served as a military commander on the frontier, defeating the Tubo several times and suppressing the Turkic rebellion, making numerous military achievements.

Later, due to his great achievements, he was slightly suppressed. After a year, he was reinstated last year as Minister of Personnel. However, he is equally capable in civil administration.

Not only Zhang Shuo, but Li Longji also thought highly of him. Compared to him, Wang Maozhong was much worse. Whether he was good or not depended on who he was compared to.

Yang Yang, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, and Han Xiu, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites.

There were also many doctors and attendants.

Examples include Zhang Jiuling, a secretary in the Imperial Secretariat; Pei Guangting, a vice minister in the Ministry of War; and Wang Hong, an assistant minister in the Ministry of Revenue.

However, it cannot be denied that many of them came to see the world, rather than to oppose Wang Maozhong.

This subject is still too new for most people to grasp; they don't yet know its significance.

This is quite a grand affair.

So when Wang Xi, Li Jieman, and Huangfu Sengnian, three weaklings, were surrounded by this group of elders, they were trembling as they thought about getting the tender chrysanthemums.

Li Jieman trembled, his thick lips quivering, and whispered, "Brother Que, didn't you say it was only the Ministry of Works? What... what's going on?"

Wang Xi said, "How would I know?"

Huangfu Sengnian said, "What's hateful is that the culprit has managed to escape."

He was referring to Wang Shuang.

Meanwhile, the ministers were looking at the three of them as if they were fools.

Why are there only three of you?
What about the nameless one?
They are unaware that the person giving the lecture today is actually Wang Xi. They dared not reveal this beforehand, otherwise they probably wouldn't even be able to get in the door.

A bunch of high-ranking officials have come here to listen to you three lads give a lecture.

Doesn't our Great Tang Dynasty have any dignity?
Wang Maozhong jumped out and pretended to be puzzled, asking, "Why are there only three of you? Where is your husband?"

Wang Xi said nervously, "My late master believed that he was not worthy of being here, so he asked the three of us to come and exchange ideas with you uncles and elders. It was just an academic exchange, nothing else."

When this statement came out, everyone was lost.

Yang Yang, the Vice Minister of Revenue, laughed and said, "Your master is truly living up to his reputation. He does things in a truly unconventional way. He thinks he is unworthy, but do you think you are?"

Han Xiu also shook his head. He didn't actually have much to say about academic matters; he just disliked people or things that were unconventional.

Huangfu Sengnian was annoyed by this tone and was about to argue when Li Jieman quickly interjected, "It really was just an exchange. Sir, I heard that the Ministry of Works just wanted to learn about the Qi and mechanics of Daoist thought, and about this subject!"

As he spoke, he gave Wang Xi a hard shove. "Brother Que is very knowledgeable, even in many ways, he is beyond what my husband knows. Really, really."

Wang Xi turned around and glared at the fat man, but he was already used to it. When they were fighting outside, this guy would risk his life to be his knife, but when it came to his elders, this guy would betray Wang Xi almost every time, unless there was really no other way.

Then Wang Xi said awkwardly, "That's not quite right."

As he spoke, he stomped his foot hard. "Let's be honest. Actually, my husband was against it because he believed that his knowledge was not applicable to governing the country. It was only because we were trying to help Shuang Ge, who is Uncle Wang's son, that we caused this trouble."

"I see."

Yuan Qianyao stroked his beard.

Upon hearing this, many ministers' expressions softened somewhat, while they still gave Wang Maozhong a few disdainful looks.

Check it out!

Look at that anonymous gentleman, how self-aware he is! He's a true scholar!
A servant is a servant!

Arrogant and conceited, looking down on everyone.

Everyone believed Wang Xi's words without question.

Indeed, Mr. Wuming always maintained a low profile and humility in this matter. He immediately stood up and said that he was not virtuous or talented enough and was not qualified to teach the Ministry of Works officials.

They agreed with this reasoning. Now that they know it was those kids who were causing the trouble, there's no point in continuing the conversation.

If it were Mr. Wuming who came, then everyone could sit down and chat. After all, Mr. Wuming is old, and whether you acknowledge it or not, he is a teacher, and teachers should be given the most basic respect.

However, to associate with those纨绔 (playboys) was simply an insult to the imperial court.

Zhang said, “Go back and have your husband come over. Tell him not to worry. We’ll just sit and discuss the Dao, without talking about rank or governance, just about scholarship.”

In his view, the fact that Mr. Wuming did not come would make things much more difficult.

"Yes."

The three little rascals took off running.

Unexpectedly, they bumped into someone.

It was Li Longji.

The officials immediately bowed.

Li Longji feigned ignorance and asked, "What's going on?"

He knew the inside story.

Xu Jin immediately stepped forward and explained the situation to Li Longji.

Li Longji pondered for a moment, then asked Wang Xi, "Que'er, does your master really not want to come?"

Wang Xi nodded: "If it's about opera, then you'd be willing to make the trip, but if it concerns national affairs, you're unwilling to get involved. You've always refused, and it was only after Shuang Ge pleaded with you that you allowed us to come."

Li Longji then asked, "Can you do it?"

Wang Xi scratched his head and said, "If it's just about letting everyone understand the principles of Qi, then I can do it, but I can't do anything else."

Li Longji nodded slightly, then glanced at the assembled officials and said, "I have had several conversations with Mr. Wuming. Indeed, as Que'er said, Mr. Wuming is indifferent to fame and fortune, and has the demeanor of a Taoist hermit. He is unwilling to discuss politics. Since that is the case, the court should not force him."

Xu Jin said, "Your Majesty wouldn't allow us to interact with these children, would you?"

Li Longji, of course, refused to take the blame and instead looked at Wang Maozhong.

Wang Maozhong immediately said, "When I was building that ship, I didn't receive any guidance from the nameless gentleman. They were the ones who helped me the whole time. I think they can definitely do it."

Li Longji nodded. "You are now the Minister of Works. Since you think it's feasible, then let them give it a try. As the sage said, 'Among three people walking together, there must be one who can teach me.'"

That being said, it's not a trio anymore, it's a group of many people. Is it worth listening to a kid rambling on like this?
Xu Jin was about to argue again when Imperial Censor Pan Haoli suddenly pulled his arm.

Xu Jin looked back and suddenly realized what was happening.

This matter concerns whether Wang Maozhong can stay in the Ministry of Works. If Mr. Wuming comes in person, they are not sure they can handle it. But dealing with these three young men would be a piece of cake.

Since Wang Maozhong has already made the offer, he's basically sending a lamb to the slaughter.

Immediately changing his tune, Xu Jin cupped his hands and said, "Since His Majesty and Minister Wang insist on letting them try, then... then we are also willing to communicate with them."

After he said that, everyone realized what he meant and nodded in agreement, expressing their support.

Li Longji knew exactly what they were thinking, but if he couldn't control them, this idea wouldn't be able to be implemented. He waved his hand and said, "Then let's begin."

Everyone took their seats, kneeling on the prayer cushions, creating an atmosphere conducive to philosophical discussion.

Wang Xi stood in front of the gate. After all, he was too young to stand too far in front, so he had to stand at the very back.

Li Jieman and Huangfu Sengnian hurriedly helped Wang Xi bring over the easel that had been prepared beforehand.

Wang Xi looked around nervously, then silently turned around, wrote the character "道" (Dao) on the drawing board, and said with a mournful face: "According to what you said, Dao is related to non-action. Therefore, if you want to understand what 'non-action' is, you must first understand what 'Dao' is."

According to Taoist thought, the "Tao" is a law, the rule governing the operation of all things. Extending this to governance, it means governing through systems and regulations, constraining the behavior of subjects so that they all abide by the law.

It is said that Confucianism and Legalism both originate from the Dao, and that the rites of Confucianism and the laws of Legalism are the Dao of Confucianism and the Dao of Legalism, respectively.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

People are quite tolerant of Wang Xi. Given his reputation as a scoundrel, it's commendable that he would say something so conventional.

The idea that Confucianism and Legalism originated from Taoism is generally accepted, given that Laozi came first, followed by Xunzi and Confucius. While this may be debatable, they wouldn't make things difficult for a young man, so his statement is acceptable.

Wang Xi stared blankly at everyone for a moment, then asked, "So here's the question: which path is more important, this one or that one?"

Yuan Qianyao asked in astonishment, "What do you mean by 'this way' and 'that way'?"

Wang Xi said, "As I just said, the Dao refers to the laws governing the operation of all things. If we extend this to governing a country, it means using systems to restrain the people. But if these two conflict, which Dao should be followed?"

Han Xiu laughed and said, "Are you trying to test us?"

Wang Xi suddenly chuckled, revealing his true colors, and said slyly, "Yes, because that's how the teacher teaches us. He never gives us the answers and lets us figure it out ourselves. That's why I only know how to teach and communicate like this."

I'm a dog-headed vulture, I've never been afraid of anyone.

Li Longji chuckled and said, "Que'er, those sitting here are all pillars of our Great Tang Dynasty. Don't try to show off your limited skills here."

Wang Xi said, "Uncle, you are wise. Didn't you say that I was here to exchange ideas? If only I speak, wouldn't that be like teaching?"

Li Longji was speechless for a moment.

(End of this chapter)