fake gentry

The gathering at Mount Lu on the first day of the sixth month of the first year of Yongchang will surely cause a sensation in Jiangzuo.

Before today, Xie Hong was a completely unknown person.

From today onwards, this name will become incredibly popular.

He proposed the Four Books and Five Classics, summarizing them in a single sentence.

He offered a profound interpretation of the concept of "inner sage and outer king," and for the first time articulated the idea of ​​cultivating oneself, regulating one's family, governing the state, and bringing peace to the world.

Finally, his statement, "Use things without being used by things," was truly thought-provoking.

The three great scholars of Jiangzuo were completely defeated by a sixteen-year-old boy; it would be difficult for them not to become famous.

His demeanor and bearing, in particular, captivated the distinguished scholars present and made the young members of the aristocratic families feel ashamed of their own inferiority.

Even Tu Xiu and Zhang De had to admit that this kid was incredibly handsome.

The Jin Dynasty placed great importance on appearance.

Being handsome guarantees a place in history.

If someone is ugly, no matter how high their social status or how much education they have, they will become a laughing stock.

When Zuo Si of the Western Jin Dynasty wrote "Rhapsody on the Three Capitals," countless people vied to copy it, and the paper in Luoyang could not meet the demand.

That's how the saying "paper in Luoyang becomes expensive" came about.

Seeing that Pan Yue was sitting in his carriage and countless women were throwing fruit at him, he followed suit and countless women also threw fruit at him, filling his carriage to the brim.

It's all stone.

There's no other reason than that Pan Yue was handsome, while he was ugly.

What good is talent if you're so talented?

Xie Hong's biggest problem now is his identity and Luo Shao's accusations.

The difficult problem was handed over to Xie Kun.

Xie Hong's performance was so astonishing that even Xie Kun had to reconsider.

If he speaks, he will be suspected and criticized for neglecting his country and family in pursuit of extraordinary talent.

So he looked at Luo Shao.

This look suddenly roused Luo Shao.

Xie Youyu is unwilling to acknowledge Xie Hong?

The Xie family of Chen Commandery was on the rise in status, and Xie Kun valued the family's reputation above all else. If any of his family members were to be implicated in the affair of the Jie Zhao spies, it would surely damage the Xie family's reputation.

So this is Luo Shao's last chance.

Luo Shao was no fool to become the Prefect of Yuzhang; he had fully grasped Xie Hong's sinister intentions.

This kid was setting a trap for the Luo family from the very beginning.

Despite being ridiculed by everyone, he declared that he would no longer discuss metaphysics or Confucianism.

And he has done it now.

He impressed Gu He, Zhu Faqian, and Zhai Tang. Apart from the Eight Worthies of Jiangzuo, who else in the world was worthy of discussing metaphysics with him?

He also said that if even one member of the Luo family became an official, he would not take up an official post. The power of this move finally became apparent.

Luo's path was completely blocked.

If Xie Hong cannot be ruined today, not only will the Luo family be stripped of his title as prefect, but his status as a county official will also be immediately revoked, and the Luo family's centuries-old scholar status may be lost.

The only way is to stall Xie Kun. If the Luo family dies, the Xie family of Chenjun won't have an easy time either.

It cannot be said that Luo Shao's intentions were malicious; this was the only path he had left to take.

"Gentlemen, the more talented this young man is, the greater the danger he will pose. Are you all going to exonerate this Jie-Zhao spy?"

With nowhere else to turn, the Zhang clan chief could only follow Luo Shao's lead, waving his flag and shouting, "Lord Luo is absolutely right. This boy's identity and origin are unknown. May I ask you gentlemen, does the Langya Wang clan have such an outstanding scion? He must be a spy trained by the Jie Zhao."

Ge Hong sneered: "If you want to condemn someone, you'll find no excuse. Produce the evidence."

Luo Shao steeled his resolve and shouted, "Where is Zhang De?"

Zhang De, standing outside the crowd, trembled and could only step forward to bow and say, "I am Zhang De, a minor official, serving as the Assistant Magistrate of Chaisang County. I greet you all."

Luo Shao pointed at Zhang De and said to Xie Kun, "My lord, this man is the witness who witnessed Xie Hong murdering the gentry."

Xie Kun glanced at Zhang De and said calmly, "Tell me everything you know."

Zhang De glanced at Luo Shao in fear, but Luo Shao gave him a sharp look. So Zhang De had no choice but to speak as instructed by the clan leader Zhang Xun.

Even Zhai Qian's act of impersonating Zhai Tang to send an invitation to Xie Hong was part of their plan.

Zhai Tang almost couldn't sit still on the spot.

Zhai Qian!!

Treason! !

Xie Kun was not just a figurehead; he frowned and asked, "If that's the case, why don't you just arrest him directly?"

Zhang De trembled slightly: "With Mr. Zhichuan and Lord Xi of Guangping here, this humble official dares not disturb them."

Gu He chuckled lightly and said coldly, "So you forged Lord Zhai's invitation?"

Zhang De dared not speak.

Prefect Zhou Guang of Xunyang could not allow Xie Hong to be ruined, as he would not gain any benefit from this gathering. He spoke directly, saying, "Lord Youyu, the matter said by Prefect Luo needs to be verified from multiple perspectives before it can be judged rashly. I am willing to cooperate with Lord Youyu in the investigation."

Luo Shao shouted, "Prefect Zhou, are you protecting a Jie-Zhao spy?"

Zhou Guang sneered: "Don't worry, Master Luo, I will investigate this matter thoroughly and ensure that no one is wrongly accused."

Before Luo Shao could speak again, he immediately turned to Xie Hong and said, "Young Master Xie, would you mind presenting the family genealogy in front of everyone?"

There are many names for genealogy.

A genealogy that records the branches of a family is called a branch genealogy; a genealogy that integrates multiple family branches is called a general genealogy; and a genealogy that emphasizes generational inheritance among the gentry is called a genealogy book; while the genealogy of the imperial family is called a jade genealogy book.

Xie Hong remained silent for a moment upon hearing this, then straightened his clothes and said loudly, "Bo Deng Gong Xie Zuan actually had two sons. The eldest son was Heng Zai Gong Xie Heng, and the second son was my ancestor."

Xie Kun frowned and said, "My father never mentioned that he had a younger brother. When the Xie family crossed the Yangtze River to the south, they took all their clansmen with them."

Xie Hongxin grinned.

Damn it, you old bastard, you forced me to do this.

Let me make it up for you.

"Young Master Youyu, have you ever heard of Yuanze Gong of the Longkang Huan Clan?"

Xie Kun was taken aback.

Yuan Zegong was Huan Fan, the Grand Minister of Agriculture of Cao Wei. Xie Zuan, the ancestor of the Xie clan of Chen Commandery, was recruited by Huan Fan and appointed as his subordinate. The two were as close as brothers.

This period of history was recorded in the Xie family history.

Xie Hong sighed: "In the past, during the Gaoping Mausoleum Incident, Emperor Xuan of the Gaozu Emperor controlled Luoyang and ordered Yuan Zegong to take over the Central Army, but Yuan Zegong disobeyed the order and went out of the city to join General Shuang."

"At that time, Duke Boden advised Duke Yuanze to stay in Luoyang, but Duke Yuanze went out of the city alone on horseback to Gaoping Mausoleum."

"In the end, Yuan Zegong's entire clan was exterminated, while Bo Denggong was promoted by Emperor Xuan to the position of Director of Agriculture, marking the beginning of the rise of the Xie clan of Chen Commandery."

Xie Kun knew about these things; they were Xie family secrets. However, everyone present, including Zhai Tang, was hearing about them for the first time and was utterly shocked.

Xie Hong dropped the final bombshell: "To repay his kindness and to continue the lineage of the Huan clan, my ancestor Xie Ji changed his surname to Huan the following year. In my generation, my father and brothers continued the Huan clan and allowed me to return to my ancestral home. Since childhood, I have identified myself as a member of the Xie clan of Chenjun."

Xie Zuan's actions were entirely in accordance with etiquette and were even considered a commendable act.

Luo Shao, both anxious and furious, shouted: "Where are your father and brothers?"

Xie Hong said sadly, "I died of an epidemic while fleeing the chaos in Jiangzuo."

Luo Shaodu laughed in anger: "Who can prove what you're saying?"

Xie Hong said quietly, "Huan Shi Maolun Gongyi, along with Youyu Gong, was one of the Eight Worthies of Jiangzuo. Perhaps he can testify to that."

Luo Shao gritted his teeth and looked at Xie Kun: "I ask Lord Youyu to make the decision."

Xie Kun...

"I need to go back and check my family history."

Luo Shao, his face flushed with anger, retorted, "Nonsense! Nonsense!"

Xie Hong laughed loudly, when suddenly Zhuge Liang possessed him: "Luo Shao, you despicable man! I thought you, as a member of a noble family in Yuzhang, would surely have virtue and integrity, but I never expected you to be such a vile person."

"The court is in turmoil, the people are in disarray, the officials are corrupt and incompetent, and beasts are eating the food of the emperor in the palace."

"Your family has lived in Yuzhang for generations. You were recommended for official service and should have been in charge of governing a region. You have lived half your life in vain. Not only have you not accomplished anything, but you are also good at talking big. You are like a dog with a broken spine that dares to bark and howl in front of you gentlemen."

"I have never seen such a shameless person!"

After Xie Hong finished cursing, he bowed to Xie Kun and said, "Clan Chief Xie is free to investigate. Since the Xie clan of Chenjun does not tolerate me, I will change my surname to Huan."

After saying that, he turned and left, reciting poetry as he went.

"The roc rises with the wind, soaring ninety thousand miles high."

"Even if the wind stops and the waters come down, it can still stir up the vast ocean."

"People of my time saw my unconventional style and laughed coldly at my boastful words."

"Even Confucius feared the younger generation; a man should not underestimate the young."

Those present looked at each other in bewilderment.

Xie Hong's act of directly confronting a renowned scholar like Xie Kun demonstrates his courage and boldness.

Xie Kun was completely terrified.

What did I say?

If I were to publicly acknowledge you, others would immediately laugh at me for being opportunistic and utilitarian.

I said I would go back and investigate, but that's just a way out. I'll come to you in three to five days and give you the most solemn ceremony to return you to your ancestral home.

Xie Kun subconsciously took two steps forward and reached out to stop Xie Hong. But Xie Hong walked very fast, giving him no chance at all, and in a few steps he was off Huangshiyan, as if a dog was chasing him.

Liu Chong glared at Xie Kun fiercely, then followed behind him arrogantly, sword in hand. Chen San and A Heng also hurried after him.

"Brother, slow down, wait for them."

Xie Hong said in a low voice, "We need to hurry to maintain our high-class image."

Liu Chong didn't understand what "high-class" meant, but he roughly knew what it was. Moreover, the words spoken by Brother Xie automatically elevated his understanding.

Show off and then leave; that's the best way to achieve the desired effect. Staying is actually counterproductive.

Xie Hong was well aware of this principle.

When Xi Yin saw Xie Hong leave, she cried out anxiously, "Sister, sister, brother Xie is gone!"

Xi Xuan's face flushed red, but fortunately, the thin veil covered her face so that no one would notice anything amiss.

Seeing Xie Hongyang leave, she felt a strange pang of sadness.

Xi Zhong took in all of this and thought to himself: I must write to the clan chief again and tell him about what happened today. Xie Fengzhi is so talented. If she is recruited by the emperor or Wang Dun and Tao Kan, she will surely become an enemy of the Xi clan. At that time, there will be no possibility for her and A'nu.

Xi Zhong turned to Xi Xuan and whispered, "My daughter, Xie Fengzhi is a good match. If you are interested, your uncle will do everything in his power to make it happen."

Xi Xuan felt a little shy and subconsciously wanted to refuse, but she couldn't say the words. Finally, she lowered her head and said softly, "Father will definitely not agree, and I will do my best for the sake of our family's reputation."

Xi Zhong immediately laughed, asking with a hint of mischief, "Does this mean my daughter admits to admiring Xie Fengzhi?"

Xi Xuan was immediately overcome with embarrassment and said, "Uncle..."