The immortal of the Tang Dynasty, but the game starts at Xuanwu Gate?

"Impressive, Mr. Chen."

After they came out, Wei Zheng approached Chen Huai'an and couldn't help but exclaim, "The mind is principle, extending innate knowledge, and the unity of knowledge and action—it's truly amazing!"

"Absolutely, absolutely." Du Ruhui also leaned in, nodding repeatedly. "So, what exactly does this mean?"

"Mr. Chen, could you please answer this for us?"

He should have kept quiet, because once he did, Fang Xuanling, Changsun Wuji and others gathered around, and even Yan Shigu and Kong Yingda came closer.

Chen Huai'an's eyelids twitched. He knew absolutely nothing about this.

In his previous life, he had indeed read some about the meaning of mind as principle, extending innate knowledge, and the unity of knowledge and action, but it was all fragmented knowledge. How could he possibly remember so much?

If he knew this and could do it, he wouldn't be a worthless Duke of Anguo; he would have become a saint. Why would he need to fear the powerful families?

Before a sage, what are aristocratic families worth? Even Li Shimin had to bow down in his presence.

However, with so many people in front of him, Chen Huai'an naturally couldn't say that he didn't know.

As for why I can't say, then don't ask.

Asking questions is about saving face.

Chen Huai'an pretended to be profound and said, "This field of study is vast and profound; it is the study of the mind, and one must rely on oneself to comprehend it."

"The key part is hidden in these three sentences. How much you can understand is entirely up to you."

"Know that those who learn from me will live, while those who merely imitate me will die!"

Wei Zheng looked puzzled, Du Ruhui fell into deep thought, but Kong Yingda looked as if he had suddenly realized something, and bowed deeply to Chen Huai'an: "Mr. Chen, I have learned a lot."

Chen Huai'an twitched the corner of his mouth, moved slightly to the side, and coughed dryly, saying, "No need for that, these are all minor matters."

"Of course, the most important thing now is to unify the interpretation of the classics. This matter will require further assistance from Supervisor Yan and Master Confucius."

Yan Shigu and Kong Yingda immediately agreed.

This was something they had planned to do anyway, and they would have done their best even if Chen Huai'an hadn't emphasized it.

"By the way, Mr. Chen," Wei Zheng asked, puzzled, "how did you convince the Cui family of Boling to support you?"

"They should stick together on this matter."

Chen Huai'an smiled but remained silent.

In fact, it wasn't him who persuaded the Cui family of Boling, but rather the Cui family of Boling who took the initiative to approach him.

Since Zheng Yuanzhu came to his door, the other members of the Five Surnames and Seven Families had all secretly contacted him, but he hadn't paid much attention to them. Only Cui Xuan took the initiative to visit him.

He showed great sincerity and had a very good attitude, and Chen Huai'an had a very pleasant conversation with him.

If it weren't for the Cui family sending assassins to kill him, Chen Huai'an would never have chosen the Zheng family; he would have chosen the Cui family of Boling or the Wang family of Taiyuan.

Among the five surnames and seven prominent families, the Wang family of Taiyuan had a relatively better reputation and was more to Chen Huai'an's liking, but their influence was slightly weaker.

Although the Cui family of Boling is arrogant and has a grudge against Chen Huai'an, they have a lot of influence.

In matters like this, you should choose the strongest allies; otherwise, how can the new system be implemented?

Secondly, the Wang family of Taiyuan only has a slightly better reputation and doesn't have any grudge against Chen Huai'an, so he has no reason to cheat them, right?

After careful consideration, the Cui family of Boling is still the best choice.

I won't feel guilty about scamming people anymore!

"..."

Do you know what you're doing?

Meanwhile, Lu Yanqing and the others immediately found Cui Xuan and Cui Gan: "Do I really need to emphasize the principle of 'if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold' to you?"

"What exactly did Chen Huai'an give you that made you betray us at the last minute?"

"Betrayal?" Cui Xuan's face showed displeasure. "I don't recall ever telling you we were allies. If we were never allies, how can you talk about betrayal?"

"And are you here to hold me accountable?"

"In what capacity did you come here?"

"You..." Lu Yanqing stammered, then said angrily, "Unifying the classics and implementing the new imperial examination system, do you think that will benefit you?"

"Even if Chen Huai'an lets you get involved, so what? Once this breach is made, it's like a riverbank being washed away; it'll be difficult to rebuild!"

"Aren't we natural allies in matters like this? How could you betray us at the last minute!"

Cui Xuan said impatiently, "If this is all you've come here for, then I'm sorry, I have other things to do and don't have the time to waste with you here."

"If you have something to say, then say it as soon as possible."

Cui Gan said calmly, "Haven't you figured it out yet? The Zheng family is a bunch of fools who think they're so clever, disrupting the balance between us, Chen Huai'an, and His Majesty. This matter must be resolved before March."

"The fact that so many locust eggs were dug up last year proves that a locust plague is inevitable this summer. They definitely won't wait until then."

"If they know what's good for them and cooperate, we can still get involved; if they don't..."

"hehe......"

Cui Gan sneered, Lu Yanqing was startled, and Cui Shanwei also lost his composure: "You mean... His Majesty might take drastic measures at that time?"

"Otherwise what?" Cui Gan glanced at Zheng Yuanzhu. "Why do you think His Majesty went to such lengths to bring Chen Huai'an and the Feng family together?"

"Use your brain and think it through. Why does His Majesty insist on a marriage alliance between Chen Huai'an and the Feng family? Wouldn't it be better to have a royal marriage?"

"Do I need to elaborate on the Feng family's influence in Lingnan? His Majesty might be increasing Chen Huai'an's power, and there's also the possibility that he's preparing to deal with the Eastern Turks and guard against the Xueyantuo."

"Of course, that includes dealing with us!"

"In this critical year of disaster, instead of trying to maintain a proper balance with Chen Huai'an, some people have brains full of excrement and insist on disrupting it!"

"Now look what happened, nobody gets to play!"

Zheng Yuanzhu's face darkened.

Everyone knows who Cui Gan is referring to as someone with a brain full of excrement.

This is practically tantamount to pointing a finger at him and cursing him.

"Then you should at least have informed us. Why did you have to do this at the last minute?" Lu Yanqing was still unconvinced. "Besides, we could have found a new balance to drag it out. By summer, would Li Shimin and Chen Huai'an still have the time to target us?"

Cui Xuan looked at him with disdain: "Has your brain been filled with shit? I suddenly understand why Chen Huai'an said you were childish. Damn it, you are truly childish."

"All you do is think you're so clever all day long."

Having said that, he had completely lost patience, pushed Lu Yanqing away, and walked away.

Cui Gan didn't want to stay either, so he followed them.

Only Lu Yanqing, Cui Shanwei, Zheng Yuanzhu, and Cui Dunli remained at the scene.

Cui Shanwei felt somewhat exhausted.

This Lu Yanqing is really like someone whose brain is full of shit.

Why should they inform you?

Wouldn't it be better for them to cooperate directly with Chen Huai'an?

The new imperial examination system had only six examiners in total, and the number of people responsible for standardizing the classics was probably not many outsiders used by Li Shimin. It can be said that each person was assigned a specific position.

Who's going to remind you after they've finished eating?

Just so you know, are you going to compete with them?

Only a fool would do that.

"..."