fake gentry

Everyone in the hall was taken aback by Wang Dun's words.

The so-called three difficulties were actually tests conducted by the General's office when recruiting subordinates.

These three difficulties vary depending on the type of person being recruited.

For example, if the person was a famous scholar, Wang Dun would need their reputation and status, so these three questions would be just a formality, and he could easily dismiss them with three questions.

If the position being recruited is a general functional official position, then their abilities will be tested.

To publicly challenge someone with three difficulties in the council hall clearly places Xie Hong at the level of a renowned scholar.

What is the General doing? Is he going to recruit Xie's son?

Wang Dun's actions were unpredictable, and his subordinates could hardly fathom him. Even his closest adopted son, Wang Ying, couldn't guess anything about him.

But Xie Hong's next words immediately angered Wang Ying.

"My lord, I once swore an oath at Huangshi Rock in Lushan that I would never again discuss metaphysics or Confucianism. If your three questions involve metaphysics or Confucianism, please forgive me for not answering."

Xie Hong's theories on the Four Books and Five Classics had spread to Wuchang, and Lu Wan, Wen Qiao, and others often debated this matter in private, sometimes even engaging in all-night discussions and debates.

Regardless, they were all greatly shocked by Xie Hong.

There are different levels of reading ability.

For sons of aristocratic families, being able to write and read was a basic requirement.

If one can recite one of the classics, one is considered a qualified scholar.

If you can recite it and understand it, that's considered excellent.

If one can offer their own unique interpretations, then they can be considered erudite.

The words Xie Hong spoke at Huangshi Rock in front of dozens of scholars and hundreds of students were transmitted to Wuchang verbatim.

Even renowned scholars like Lu Wan and Wen Qiao had to admit one thing.

That shows that Xie's son was truly learned.

He summarized his so-called Four Books and Five Classics in one sentence, which was incisive, brilliant, and unparalleled; even the most learned doctor could not refute it.

The private debates among Lu Wan and others were nothing more than a discussion of the Four Books and Five Classics.

This is no joke. If Xie's son's mastery of the Four Books and Five Classics becomes a fait accompli, then he will be a follower of both Confucianism and Taoism.

How old is he?

If he becomes a master, what are we so-called celebrities?

Therefore, we must find fault with it and refute this claim.

Xie Hong's unwillingness to discuss metaphysics and Confucianism did not surprise anyone present; in fact, they felt a strong sense of empathy for him.

Nobody wants to waste their time arguing with a complete novice in their area of ​​expertise.

It would be an unfair victory.

Xie Hong's new interpretation of the Book of Rites: The Great Learning from Zhuangzi is enough to make anyone dare not underestimate him.

But some of the people present were very angry.

Wang Ying directly shouted at Xie Hong, "You arrogant brat, Xie! Do you know where you are? Who is the person in front of you?"

Xie Hong remained silent, but Wang Dun's brows furrowed slightly.

He had no son, so he adopted his elder brother Wang Han's son as his heir. However, Wang Han had a bad reputation. He was not only fond of corruption, but also ignorant and stubborn. Moreover, it seemed that the people in his branch of the family were all fierce and violent.

Wang Ying inherited almost all of his father's flaws, so his reputation in the shogunate was not very good.

But after all, he was Wang Dun's adopted son and the future ruler, so people usually turned a blind eye to him and didn't hold it against him.

Wang Dun also had many grievances against him, but his younger brother Zhu Faqian was a recluse with no sons, so he could do nothing about it.

We can't just abandon our own brother's son and adopt another cousin's son instead, can we?

Xie Hong glanced at Wang Ying, smiled, and bowed, saying, "May I ask who you are?"

His only impression of Wang Ying was that his ship had been sunk.

Wang Ying was furious. He'd just been introduced, and they'd already forgotten? The Xie son deserved to die! He sneered, "I am the son of the Great General. Anyone who enters the General's staff must undergo the Great General's three trials. Why are you the only exception? Are you looking down on my father?"

Xie Hong chuckled inwardly.

Both of your fathers are here, why would I look down on either of them?

Wen Qiao immediately looked at Lu Wan, hoping that Lu Wan would speak up and lend a helping hand to Xie Hong, but Lu Wan smiled slightly and gently shook her head.

Wen Qiao was born into the Wen clan of Taiyuan. He was known for his loyalty, courage, and high emotional intelligence. He turned the tide three times in his life, making unparalleled contributions to the establishment and stability of the Eastern Jin Dynasty. He was later hailed as the first-rate minister of the Eastern Jin Dynasty.

This person also has a hobby: helping young people.

Of course, the prerequisite is that you must be good-looking and also talented and elegant.

He wouldn't even bother to glance at someone like Wang Ying.

No one knew that he was in Wang Dun's staff on a mission to infiltrate, and that he was deeply trusted by Wang Dun. Soon, Wang Dun would send him to Jiankang to serve as the Prefect of Danyang as a double agent.

The position of Danyang Yin is equivalent to that of the Party Secretary and Mayor of the capital city, holding a high position and great power.

Like Dai Yuan, Wen Qiao loved gambling, and was a notorious gambler. Both of them would borrow money from Yu Liang after losing everything. Once, Wen Qiao had extremely bad luck and lost all his money. The casino staff wouldn't let him leave. Desperate, he told them, "Go find Yu Yuangui and tell him to come and redeem me." The unfortunate Yu Liang immediately smiled and paid to release him.

Seeing that Lu Wan was not taking the lead, Wen Qiao thought to himself, "I have a good relationship with Xie Youyu. I can't just watch his nephew be bullied. Let's see how he handles it. If things don't go well, I'll step in later."

The great scholars of this era were all drawn to good looks. Upon first seeing Xie Hong's appearance, they were immediately impressed. As for his talent and learning, it goes without saying that the controversy surrounding the Huangshiyan Gathering is still ongoing, which is the best proof of this.

However, if one is only knowledgeable in Confucianism and metaphysics, one cannot be called a famous scholar.

What is a celebrity?

You must be proficient in all the arts, including music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and also possess the demeanor of a renowned scholar.

Of course, courage counts too.

Xie Hong observed Xie Hong's expression and understood the situation.

Of those present, Wang Ying was the youngest besides himself, and Wang Dun remained silent, clearly letting Wang Ying do as he pleased, wanting to see him make a fool of himself or dampen his spirits.

If even Wang Ying cannot be dealt with, Wang Dun will inevitably lose interest in him, and at that time, his life will be in danger.

He immediately looked at Wang Ying and smiled calmly, "Why do you say that, Your Highness? I only said that I would not discuss metaphysics or Confucianism, but I did not refrain from the three challenges posed by the Grand General. If Your Highness is willing, I can also refrain from the three challenges posed by Your Highness first. Of course, riding a horse and shooting arrows are not allowed."

Xie Hong dared not underestimate Wang Ying. This guy possessed both the tyranny of his father, Wang Han, and the capriciousness of Wang Dun, and was not just a pretty face.

Seeing that Xie Hong had specifically stated that it was not a horseback riding and archery contest, Wang Ying couldn't help but feel a little smug. He sneered and said, "I won't take advantage of you. My father asked you three questions, and I'll ask one of them on your behalf. If you can pass, I have nothing to say."

Xie Hong smiled slightly and looked at Wang Dun.

Wang Dun's face betrayed nothing; he chuckled and said, "My son, may I ask?"

Wang Ying stared at Xie Hong, a cruel glint in his eyes: "Young Master Xie, I've heard you're skilled in mathematics. I have a problem for you; if you can solve it, you'll have overcome this challenge."

Xie Hong blinked rapidly, racking his brains to think of any mathematical problems that existed before the Eastern Jin Dynasty.

"Your Highness, please give us a question."

Wang Ying loudly proclaimed, "There is an unknown number of objects. When counted in groups of three, there are two left over; when counted in groups of five, there are three left over; when counted in groups of seven, there are two left over. How many objects are there?"

The main hall was deathly silent.

Xie Hong almost burst out laughing like a pig.

He gave the answer directly: "Two or three."

Wang Ying's face suddenly stiffened, and everyone in the hall looked at Xie Hong in astonishment.

Wen Qiao was the first to ask, "Young Master Xie, what is the meaning of 'two or three'?"

Xie Hong turned around, bowed to Wen Qiao, and said loudly, "This junior pays respects to Master Taizhen. Three times seven equals twenty-one, leaving two; five times four equals twenty, leaving three; seven times three equals twenty-one, leaving two."

Wen Qiao smacked his lips, unable to close them for a long time.

Is it really that simple?

We tried setting up counting rods for a month but couldn't get them to work.

Wang Dun laughed heartily, pointing his Ruyi scepter at Xie Hong: "Give me wine! Give me the strongest wine!"