Huangming

Chapter 513 Confucius Pays Homage, Confucianism Serves the Ruler

When Kong Zhenyun met Zhu Youxiao's gaze, he felt as if a huge boulder was pressing on his heart, and even his breathing became heavy.

His Majesty's words, though seemingly gentle, made Kong Zhenyun tremble all over.

The Southern Confucian scholars took over from the Northern Confucian scholars and succeeded to the title of Duke Yansheng.
But it will definitely not be easy for him to become the Duke of Yansheng.

Behind this lies nearly five hundred years of clan division and legal barriers, as well as the "orthodox order" established since the founding of the Ming Dynasty. Each obstacle is enough to crush him, a mere eighth-rank scholar of the Five Classics.

He lowered his eyes to look at the pattern on the official robe on his knees, but his thoughts drifted back to the Jingkang era hundreds of years ago.

That was the watershed moment in the fate of Confucius in the North and South.

At the end of the Northern Song Dynasty, the Jin people launched a large-scale southward invasion. The "Jingkang Incident" shattered the prosperity of Bianjing (Kaifeng). Kong Duanyou, the Duke Yansheng and the 48th generation descendant of Confucius, carried the Kong family genealogy and a wooden statue of Confucius and his wife. He followed Emperor Gaozong of Song, Zhao Gou, south and eventually settled in Quzhou, thus establishing the "Southern Kong" lineage.

However, the branch of the Kong family that remained in Qufu was Kong Duanyou's younger brother, Kong Duancao.

He chose to submit to the Jin Dynasty and was conferred the title of "Duke Yansheng" by the Jin people, continuing to preside over the sacrificial rites at the Confucius Temple in Qufu.

From that time onward, the Kong family split into two.

Although the Northern Confucian Mongols experienced several ups and downs during the transition between the Jin and Yuan dynasties, they always guarded the sacred land of Qufu and firmly held onto the title of "Duke Yansheng". More importantly, they preserved the orthodox foundation of "being bound to the sacred land".

And what about the Southern Confucian school?

After the fall of the Southern Song Dynasty, the Yuan Dynasty directly abolished the title of "Duke Yansheng" of the Southern Confucian clan, demoted them to ordinary clansmen, and left them to fend for themselves in Quzhou.

It wasn't until the first year of the Zhengde reign of the Ming Dynasty that Kong Yansheng, the 59th generation descendant of the Southern Confucian school, was appointed as a "Hanlin Academy Five Classics Doctor" by the imperial court based on his reputation for "respect and propriety".

The Five Classics Doctor of the Hanlin Academy was only a minor official of the eighth rank, whose duties were limited to presiding over the daily sacrifices at the Confucius Temple in Quzhou. He was not even qualified to participate in the national-level Confucius sacrifice ceremony.

Five hundred years of division and five hundred years of disparate status have long etched the mark of "the North as the legitimate successor and the South as a collateral branch" into the minds of people all over the world.

What weighed heavily on his mind was Qufu, that irreplaceable "sacred place".

Confucius was born in Qufu and was buried in Qufu. Every brick and tile of the Confucius Temple in Qufu is imbued with the symbolic meaning of "the source of Confucianism," which is the "sacred totem" in the hearts of Confucian scholars all over the world.

At the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang had just established the country when he specially summoned Kong Kejian, the 55th generation descendant of the Northern Confucian, and bestowed upon him an imperial edict that "the descendants of the sage should be treated with great respect."

It not only directly confirmed the legitimacy of the title of "Duke Yansheng" of the Northern Confucian Academy, but also raised its rank from the third rank in the Yuan Dynasty to the second rank.

Later, Emperor Jiajing of the Qing Dynasty promoted him to the first rank, making the Duke Yansheng the highest-ranking and most special noble among civil officials.

Every spring and autumn, the imperial court would send high-ranking officials with the highest sacrificial rites to Qufu to worship Confucius. The scale of the ceremony far exceeded that of any other Confucius temple.

Even during the Yongle era, after Emperor Chengzu Zhu Di moved the capital to Beijing, he still sent his crown prince to Qufu to pay homage to Confucius when he was overseeing the country. This "respect for the sacred site" is something that the Confucius Temple in Quzhou can never obtain.

No matter how much the Confucius Temple in Quzhou was renovated, it was still just a place of worship for the "southern lineage" and was always designated by the imperial court as a "local Confucius Temple." Even the standards of the ritual objects used in the sacrifices were one grade lower than those in Qufu.

The Northern Confucius is the sole holder of the "right to worship at the sacred site," while he, the Southern Confucius Doctor, is merely the presiding officer of "local Confucius worship ceremonies." From the moment they were "bound together at the sacred site," their relationship was destined to be worlds apart.

Kong Zhenyun quietly clenched his fist, his palms sweating.

He could imagine what awaited him once His Majesty truly conferred upon him the title of Duke Yansheng.

The disciples of Confucius in Qufu would rise up against him, accusing him of "usurping orthodoxy" and "betraying his clan."

The civil officials in the court, especially those old ministers who believed in the Cheng-Zhu school of Neo-Confucianism and adhered to ancestral rules, would submit a joint memorial to oppose it on the grounds of "violating etiquette and law" and "shaking the foundation of the country," which might even cause turmoil in the court.

Confucian scholars throughout the land would also be full of doubts about him, the "Duke Yansheng who came from the south," and would find it difficult to accept him.

This is hardly an inherited title.

This was clearly putting him on the hot seat, with the coveted honor of becoming the "Duke of Yansheng" on one side and numerous obstacles that could shatter him to pieces on the other.

He took a deep breath, and when he looked up again, most of the excitement in his eyes had faded, leaving only a heavy worry.

This path was too difficult, so difficult that he could hardly see any possibility of success.

Zhu Youxiao's gaze swept over the fine sweat seeping from Kong Zhenyun's temples, and he could even see the slight curling of his fingers hanging on his knees. His tense posture was just like a lamb facing a tiger.

He understood perfectly well, but his face remained impassive. He merely curled his lips and chuckled, "Doctor, there's no need to worry. Since I have summoned you here, I naturally have a way to ensure you can sit comfortably in the Duke Yansheng's mansion in Qufu."

"Everyone praises the Duke Yansheng highly, calling him a 'symbol of the orthodox tradition' and a 'model of Confucianism,' but in my eyes, this title is nothing more than a 'ceremonial instrument' that needs to be placed in the right position."

He paused, his gaze suddenly sharpening.

"Whoever I choose can become the leader. The direct line of the Northern Confucian school is dwindling, and the remaining members are of little use. My choice of you, a direct descendant of the Southern Confucian school, is perfectly legitimate. Who dares to object?"

Kong Zhenyun's breath hitched, and when he looked up, his eyes were filled with disbelief.

Zhu Youxiao didn't give him much time to be shocked, and continued:
"After you take over Qufu, the Confucius Temple in Quzhou will still be a local Confucius Temple, and the sacrificial standards will remain unchanged. It's just that your lineage has moved back from the south to the north and will take charge of the main lineage."

"When Emperor Chengzu ascended the throne as the Prince of Yan, and Emperor Jiajing succeeded to the ancestral temple as the heir of the Prince of Xing, weren't both cases cases of a minor lineage replacing the main lineage? If the imperial family is like this, why can't the Confucius family do the same?"

"As for what the people of the world are saying..."

Zhu Youxiao chuckled, his tone tinged with disdain.

"If the Northern Confucian Academy cannot select virtuous and well-versed disciples, are they going to let those纨绔子弟 (sons of wealthy and powerful families) and stubborn old men bear the name of the Duke Yansheng and disgrace the bloodline of Confucius?"
Furthermore, during the Jingkang Incident, Kong Duanyou followed the Song Dynasty south, upholding the Confucian principle of 'loyalty' and preserving the orthodox bloodline of Confucius. This integrity far surpasses that of the collateral branches who remained in Qufu and sided with the Jin Dynasty!
You are his descendant, who dares to say you are not the legitimate heir?

These words were like a thunderbolt that cleaved through the fog in Kong Zhenyun's heart, and like a warm current that dispelled all his worries.

He abruptly stood up, disregarding the proper etiquette between ruler and subject, and took half a step forward, bowing deeply to Zhu Youxiao, his voice trembling slightly with excitement:
"Thank you, Your Majesty! I will do my utmost to fulfill my duty as the Duke of Yansheng, to live up to Your Majesty's great favor, and to uphold the lineage of Confucius!"

When Kong Zhenyun bowed, Zhu Youxiao's smile gradually faded, replaced by a forced, insincere expression, his gaze falling on Kong Zhenyun as if examining an object.

Kong Zhenyun's back, which had just relaxed, instantly straightened again, and a layer of cold sweat seeped out from his back. His cheeks, which had been flushed with joy, turned pale in an instant.

He lowered his head awkwardly, his heart filled with panic:

Did I say something wrong?

Or did I offend His Majesty in some way?

The atmosphere inside the warm pavilion suddenly became stagnant, broken only by the occasional chirping of birds outside the window.

After a moment, Zhu Youxiao slowly spoke, his tone revealing neither joy nor anger:
"Tell me, how exactly do you intend to 'do your utmost' to be a good Duke Yansheng?"

Kong Zhenyun composed himself and quickly replied:

"After I take office, I will first preside over the spring and autumn sacrifices at the Confucius Temple in Qufu, and do so in accordance with ancient rites without any omissions."

Furthermore, strictly manage the affairs of the Kong clan, rectify the clan's atmosphere, and prevent descendants from doing anything that would disgrace the family.

This was the duty of the Dukes Yansheng throughout history, and he believed he was right.

But Zhu Youxiao slowly shook his head, his voice calm:

"wrong."

"wrong?"

Kong Zhenyun's pupils contracted slightly, and the smile on his face froze.

He thought for a moment and added:
"Then... I will use the name of the Duke of Yansheng to promote the Confucian tradition throughout the land, emphasizing 'self-discipline and restoration of propriety' and 'cultivating oneself, regulating one's family, governing the state, and bringing peace to the world,' teaching the people to understand propriety and righteousness, to know shame, to practice the principle of 'benevolence and love for others,' and to assist Your Majesty in educating all people."

This should be the core responsibility of the Duke Yansheng; he didn't believe His Majesty would still be dissatisfied.

To everyone's surprise, Zhu Youxiao shook his head again, this time with a colder look in his eyes.

Kong Zhenyun panicked completely, and sweat slid down his face.

His lips moved, but he couldn't say anything for a moment.

Presiding over sacrifices is wrong, and promoting the orthodox tradition is also wrong. So what should the "Duke Yansheng" in His Majesty's heart do?
Is it possible that what Your Majesty desires is not a model of Confucianism who upholds propriety, but something else entirely?
He raised his head and looked timidly at Zhu Youxiao on the throne, his eyes full of confusion and unease, like a student who didn't know where he had gone wrong, waiting for the teacher's answer.

However, there was no answer on the emperor's face; his expression only grew increasingly gloomy.

Kong Zhenyun stood frozen in place, her mind racing.

His Majesty's two rejections were not arbitrary; they must have stemmed from a failure to fully grasp the true needs of an emperor.

He gazed into Zhu Youxiao's unfathomable eyes and suddenly felt a chill run down his spine:
What His Majesty wants is never a rule-abiding "Confucian scholar," but a "Duke Yansheng" who can serve the new policies of the Ming Dynasty and the emperor's ambition!
In the instant his mind cleared, he knelt down with a thud, his forehead almost touching the blue bricks, his voice filled with urgent respect:
"Your Majesty, I am foolish and have failed to understand Your Majesty's profound meaning. I beg Your Majesty to enlighten me."

"What should I do to live up to Your Majesty's expectations and fulfill my duties as the Duke Yansheng?"

Seeing his expression, Zhu Youxiao, seated on the throne, finally showed a barely perceptible hint of satisfaction in his eyes.

He's quite quick-witted; he's not completely dense.

At this moment, Zhu Youxiao finally spoke.

Confucianism speaks of the distinction between Chinese and barbarians, and has always advocated using culture to pacify the barbarians, saying that "if distant people do not submit, then we should cultivate virtue and culture to win them over."

But let me ask you, if those Western barbarians and Southeast Asian savages don't recognize the virtues of my Great Ming Dynasty, and even dare to invade my coastal borders and harass my border people, can we really subdue them by simply appeasing them?"

"This……"

Kong Zhenyun's heart skipped a beat, and cold sweat instantly soaked his forehead.

Your Majesty's words are a complete subversion of the core Confucian principles that have been upheld for thousands of years!
Traditional Confucianism advocates "universal harmony" and promotes the use of rites and music to educate and influence the surrounding barbarians, rather than using force to suppress them.

However, Zhu Youxiao's tone revealed a tough "fight if you don't submit" attitude. This was not "appeasement" but clearly "submission"!
He looked up and met Zhu Youxiao's sharp gaze, which cut through his hesitation like a knife, forcing him to confront this unorthodox question.

Kong Zhenyun's Adam's apple bobbed, but he ultimately suppressed his shock and bowed, saying:
"Your Majesty, I am unaware. Please enlighten me."

Zhu Youxiao chuckled, his voice tinged with mockery.

"Huairou is for our own people. The people of our Great Ming can enjoy the education and moral guidance."

But the barbarians are not of our kind and do not submit to our rule, so we cannot rely solely on words.”

"To make them submit, you must first make them fear."

If we want them to recognize us, we must first let them see the swords and spears of our Great Ming!
Once they are subdued, then teach them Confucian principles; this is the true meaning of "bringing people from afar."

"Confucius not only wrote the Analects, but also 'rules of the sword,' rules that are forged through the struggle are far more effective than empty words of reasoning."

These words struck Kong Zhenyun like a thunderbolt. His face turned deathly pale, and he gripped the hem of his robe tightly, forgetting even to breathe.

Your Majesty intends to completely reform Confucianism!
We must transform Confucianism, which emphasizes "benevolence and forgiveness," into a "powerful tool" for expansion!
If this gets out, Confucian scholars all over the world will probably rise up and attack His Majesty, accusing him of "desecrating the sacred way" and accusing themselves of "aiding and abetting evil"!
Before he could catch his breath, Zhu Youxiao threw out his second question.

Why did Confucius travel around the various states?

The purpose was to spread Confucian ritual and music culture to the various states and win the hearts of the people.

Beyond the borders of my Great Ming Dynasty, there are the Western Barbarians, the various barbarian states in the South Seas, and the remnants of the Mongols on the grasslands.

They don't even know the basic principles of 'benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness,' nor do they understand the rules of 'ruler, subject, father, and son.' What kind of 'world' is this?
"I ask you, what should be done?"

Kong Zhenyun's heart sank, and he instantly understood His Majesty's intention.

He took a deep breath, suppressing all the struggle in his heart.

Nan Kongpan had longed for the position of Duke Yansheng for five hundred years.

Now that the opportunity is right in front of him, he cannot give it up, even if it means going against tradition and bearing the blame!
He gritted his teeth, and when he looked up, the hesitation in his eyes had turned into determination. His voice trembled slightly, but it was unusually firm:
"Your Majesty is absolutely right! Since the barbarians are unaware of Confucian culture, it is up to our Great Ming to spread this culture to all countries."

First, protect the righteous path with force, then pacify the people with education, so that the whole world respects Confucianism and recognizes the Ming Dynasty as the legitimate dynasty! "Excellent!"

Zhu Youxiao finally revealed a genuine smile, his tone carrying a hint of approval.

"Ruzi can be taught!"

But the phrase "a promising young man" sounded particularly grating to Kong Zhenyun's ears.

He lowered his eyes, concealing the complex emotions within them.

He was well aware that his words had already deviated from the original intention of Confucianism.

Confucius traveled to various states to "make the rulers like Yao and Shun," to encourage the feudal lords to practice benevolent governance, rather than to force them with military force.

The Confucian ideal of "universal harmony" relies on the natural integration of cultural identity, rather than on "hegemony" gained through military conquest.

But he had no choice.

To become the Duke Yansheng and to allow the Southern Confucian Academy to take over the Northern Confucian Academy, one must follow His Majesty's wishes.

What His Majesty wants is not a "descendant of the sage" who adheres to old customs, but a "tool" that can endorse the expansion of the Ming Dynasty.

Even if this tool means he has to shatter the "sacred path" he has upheld all his life, he has no choice but to accept it.

The last wisp of smoke slowly dissipated from the incense burner inside the warm pavilion.

Kong Zhenyun knelt on the ground, listening as Zhu Youxiao began to explain in detail the specific procedures for "spreading Confucianism to the four barbarian tribes".

To establish Confucian academies in overseas vassal states, to send missionaries to the Western barbarians with Confucian classics, to have the Duke of Yansheng lead the compilation of "New Confucianism" textbooks... Each of these measures was reshaping the image of Confucianism, and each of these measures was taking him further and further away from the traditional "sacred way".

But he simply kowtowed heavily, his voice carrying a resigned respect:
"Sir, obey the order."

Five hundred years of waiting ultimately could not withstand the temptations of reality.

The sacred path, which has stood for thousands of years, must eventually give way to the ambitions of emperors.

From this moment on, he was no longer just a Confucian scholar, but a "cultural standard-bearer" for the expansion of the Ming Dynasty.

He obtained the title of Duke Yansheng, but he also forever lost the "purity" he had once upheld.

As Zhu Youxiao watched Kong Zhenyun bow and accept the order, a feeling of controlling the world welled up in his heart.

The Southern Confucian school moving into the Northern Confucian school was essentially a case of a minor branch replacing a major one. Kong Zhenyun had no roots or foundation in Qufu, and although the disciples of the Northern Confucian school were unreliable, they would not easily submit to him.

Scholars across the land were keeping a close eye on this "unorthodox" Duke Yansheng, fearing that any misstep would invite criticism.

In this situation, Kong Zhenyun could only secure his position by relying firmly on the emperor.

This subtle relationship of interdependence was exactly what Zhu Youxiao wanted.

"Next, you will prepare a few editorials."

Zhu Youxiao leaned back on his throne, his tone indifferent.

"Write 'New Requirements for the Development of Confucianism in the New Era,' and thoroughly explain the principles of 'spreading Confucianism to the barbarians' and 'protecting the Way with force' that I told you today."

After you finish writing it, present it to me first, and I will polish it for you before publishing it in the *Huangming Daily*.

"editorial?"

Kong Zhenyun was stunned for a moment, then his heart sank.

Although he had lived in Quzhou for a long time, he had heard of the significance of the Huangming Daily.

This newspaper, established by His Majesty's personal decree, has now spread to the two capitals and thirteen provinces through the extensive postal system of the Ming Dynasty.

The prefectural city receives three issues per month, while the county town receives them slightly slower, but still receives reprinted copies.

From high-ranking officials and scholars from all over the country to wealthy merchants and gentry, and even some literate commoners, everyone would eagerly read it.

He vaguely remembered that when sweet potatoes and corn were being promoted, the Huangming Daily not only published planting diagrams of the crops, but also included records of how farmers in Beizhili doubled their yields after trying them. Even illiterate old farmers could listen to the explanations based on the illustrations. In less than half a year, the new crops became popular in the north.

Later, when foot binding was criticized, newspapers serialized medical records from the Imperial Medical Academy, saying that women with bound feet often suffered from bone diseases and had weak offspring. News also reported that gentry in Jiangnan were taking the lead in unbinding their feet, which actually made the practice of foot binding less prevalent in many places.

When the new policy was implemented, every issue had articles explaining the benefits of "land surveying" and "replacing native chieftains with centrally appointed officials," along with refuting those arguments that "violated ancestral rules," thus clearing away many obstacles in public opinion for the new policy.

To write "New Requirements for Confucianism" in this newspaper now is tantamount to using the name of "Duke Yansheng," whom everyone in the world believes in, to endorse His Majesty's advocacy for reforming Confucianism.

Once this editorial is published, Confucian scholars across the country will likely be in an uproar.

There must be quite a few who criticize him for deviating from Confucius's teachings and say he flatters the emperor.

Kong Zhenyun clenched his hands, hidden in his sleeves, his knuckles turning white, but his face dared not show the slightest resistance. He simply bowed and said:

"I... obey your order."

Zhu Youxiao took in his reaction but didn't point it out, only adding casually:
"You must understand that this editorial is not written for the people of Qufu, but for the people of the world."

Why does the new era need a new Confucianism?

Why did the Ming Dynasty want to expand outwards?

Why should the term "distinction between Chinese and barbarians" be rephrased?

These principles only gain belief if they are spoken by you, the "Duke Yansheng."

Kong Zhenyun was taken aback for a moment, and then immediately understood Zhu Youxiao's thoughts.

His Majesty does not want an ordinary article; he wants to use his position to cloak the expansion of the Ming Dynasty in the guise of "Confucian orthodoxy."

He took a deep breath, suppressed his anxiety, and kowtowed again:
"Your Majesty understands and will certainly not fail in your trust."

"Just go."

Zhu Youxiao waved his hand, while giving a meaningful reminder:

"To be a good Duke Yansheng, you need to know how capable you are."

Whether you can gain the recognition of Confucian scholars throughout the land, and whether you can help me explain the principles clearly, all lies in this editorial.

Kong Zhenyun bowed and retreated, his steps much heavier than when he arrived.

The warm pavilion finally returned to tranquility. Zhu Youxiao stretched, feeling somewhat exhausted from dealing with the trivial matters of the imperial clan and the Duke of Yansheng for several days.

He got up and walked to the window, looking towards the West Garden.

At this moment, the soldiers of the Noble Battalion should be training in the inner training ground there.

"Wei Dynasty".

Zhu Youxiao called out loudly.

"The old slave is here."

Wei Chao hurriedly entered from outside the palace and bowed to receive the order.

"Prepare the horses and head to the training ground in the West Garden."

As Zhu Youxiao spoke, he began to unfasten the jade belt of his dragon robe.

"Bring my silver-scale armor and tiger-head spear as well."

"Yes."

Wei Chao responded and left, muttering to himself.

His Majesty has recently placed increasing importance on martial arts, and goes to the training ground three to five times a month to practice, presumably to prevent his health from becoming sluggish and losing his imperial vigor.

Before long, Zhu Youxiao had changed into a silver-scaled outfit. The black outfit was sewn with fine silver pieces, which was both lightweight and could protect against stray arrows.

A jade belt was tied around his waist, from which hung a short knife.

He carried a tiger-headed spear in his hand, the spearhead gilded and the shaft made of fine mulberry wood. It felt heavy in his hand, yet effortless to hold.

He mounted his horse, followed by a group of Imperial Guards, and galloped towards the West Garden.

The training grounds in the Western Garden had already received the notification. When the soldiers saw the emperor arrive, they all stopped their drills and knelt down to welcome him.

Zhu Youxiao dismounted and waved his hand:

"Get up, all of you. You continue practicing. I'll practice my spear and arrow skills myself."

He walked to the open space in the center of the training ground, picked up the tiger-head spear, and practiced a set of basic spear techniques.

Thrusting, stabbing, picking, and chopping—the movements were fluid and graceful, the spear tip slicing through the air with a "whoosh" sound.

He practiced for about half an hour, and then stopped when a fine sweat appeared on his forehead. He took the handkerchief that Wei Chao handed him and wiped his sweat.

"Your Majesty's marksmanship has improved again."

Wei Dynasty flattered him at the opportune moment.

Then he practiced mounted archery, and it worked well.

All that hard work over the past few days has finally paid off.

Zhu Youxiao smiled and looked into the distance.

Three days later, they will summon the Portuguese envoy Angelica. Since she is a Western envoy, she must have seen many Western knights and officers.

If he, the emperor of the Ming Dynasty, had appeared weak and frail, she might have looked down on him.

Furthermore, now that the Ming Dynasty is expanding outwards, it needs a navy for the seas and an iron cavalry for the border regions. As the emperor, he needs to have a certain martial spirit in order to gain the trust of his subjects and the awe of foreign barbarians.

"Keep practicing."

Zhu Youxiao raised the tiger-headed spear again, the tip pointing straight ahead, a sharp glint in his eyes.

"I will not return to the palace until I am drenched in sweat from practicing today."

On the training ground, the sounds of horses' hooves and clashing weapons rang out once again.

As the emperor of the Ming Dynasty, he not only had to make plans in the court, but also had to prepare himself physically.

After all, the path to the revival of the Ming Dynasty requires both strategic planning and military protection.

I also wish him to live to be a hundred years old.

Otherwise, his death would immediately end the political situation and the loss of the person.

The so-called new policies and reforms are therefore out of the question.

His younger brother, Zhu Youjian, was not cut out to be an emperor.

(End of this chapter)