Only profound, unique and divine.
The words just spoken by He Yan were actually a borrowing from the original phrases in the "Book of Changes."
The last sentence spoken by He Yan said, "Only the divine does not hurry but moves quickly, does not go but arrives. I have heard such words, but have not seen the person."
The profound, was talking about Xiahou Xian. The few, was talking about Sima Shi. The divine, only heard its words but not seen the person, this wasn't He Yan himself?
This design is indeed ingenious, incorporating the three aspects of the way of the sage described in the "Book of Changes" to include Xiahou Xuan, Sima Shi, and He Yan himself.
If described more pragmatically, Xiahou Xuan can see through the world, Sima Shi focuses on practical matters, and He Yan has profound thoughts. This roughly conveys their characteristics.
Xiahou Xian clapped his hands and praised, "Pingshu's brother's study of the principles of ease seems to be even more profound."
He Yan smiled and said, "If there is constant renewal, there will be newness every day; and again, there will be newness. The Book of Changes is ever fresh when read continuously."
Sima Shi unconsciously nodded his head.
He Yan looked at Sima Shi: "Zi Yuan, how do you think my three comments were just now? It's not enough for you and I, along with TaiChi three, to be in the same list. "
Sima Shi bowed and offered a respectful greeting: "What Brother Pingshu has said, I am truly ashamed and feel unworthy to accept such praise."
"What is there that I cannot accept?" He Yan laughed: "Let's not talk about Zi Yuan's status as a talent from Luo Commandery, but just consider your status as the son of the Marquis of Song. How many people dare to speak out against you?"
"By the way, Zi Yuan," He Yan asked, "In a few days, I will be dining with Li Feng and Zhuge Dan. Why don't you and Tai Chi come along as well? Moreover, Du Ru, Marquis Du Wu, has also come to Luoyang. It would be a good opportunity to meet him all together."
"Du Xu? Is he from the Jingxian Du family?" Sima Shi asked.
He Yan laughed and said: "Zi Yuan actually does not know? Du Xu is the son of the former Minister of Rites, Duke Bohou of the Jingxian Du family. This time, he was recommended to the Han Shang Taizong by your father, Marquis Sima of Song."
Sima Shi suddenly understood.
The intertwining roots of the nobility refers to the fundamental nature of official positions and academic pursuits, intermixed with many complex official relationships, marriages, and camaraderie among colleagues.
Like the father of Du Xu, Duke Bohou.
Simya Ji's father, Sima Fang, while serving as the County Magistrate of Luoyang, once recommended Cao Cao to be the Northern Prefect of Luoyang, which was an initial stepping stone for Cao Cao's official career.
After Sima Fang was transferred to the position of Marquis of Jingxian, Du Ji became an old subordinate under Sima Fang. Later, when Du Ji came to Xuchang, he was recommended for an official post by Xun Yu. After Du Ji's death, by the year Taihe 1 (237 AD), Simya Ji recommended Du Ji's son, Du Xu, and as a result, Du Xu moved from his hometown in Jingxian to Luoyang.
It is not avoiding one's kin that constitutes good governance. The Later Han has always been like this for two hundred years.
A was an old subordinate of B, B was a hometown friend of C, C and D were good friends as well as colleagues, and D married A's daughter.
This way, the children of the gentry have no trouble securing official positions; at least serving as an officer in a prefecture or a county is not an issue. Power does reproduce, after all!
Xiahou Xian interjected and asked, "When did Zhuge Dan return to Luoyang?"
He Yan looked at Xiahou Xian for a moment: "When Zhuge Gongxiu was a water department official, he once tried out a ship with the Grand Secretary of Rites, Duke Bohou of the Jingxian Du family, also known as Du Xu's father Du Ji, in Taohu River. After encountering stormy weather, Duke Bohou drowned in the water while Zhuge Gongxiu was rescued. He was also demoted because of this incident."
"This time, it was together with Du Xu, and he was recommended to the Han Shang Taizong by the Marquis of Song."
Xiahou Xian nodded in agreement. "Zhuge Dan is also well-known, and it has been a long time since I have had the chance to meet him. It seems that my wish will finally be fulfilled."
Sima Shi listened to the conversation between the two men, and for a moment, he felt dazed.
Why is He Pingshu willing to boost my reputation, is it because of my talent and character, or because Xiahou Tai Chu persuaded him, or because of the many students and former subordinates I have gained through my father?
Sima Shi hesitated for a moment, but quickly realized what he needed to do. "I am not just a person who can be filled with alcohol or food," he thought, "even a bit of fame is something I can handle. Accepting the offer is the right thing to do!"
Can the eight dragons of the past Xun family all be as dragons now?
He Yan's way of boosting someone's reputation is probably a first in this world, and it's much more refined than anything like 'Divine Lord'.
Only profound, so capable of completing the tasks of the world, Master Sima.
If I can become a Minister of Song like my father, should I also be able to achieve the "completion of the affairs of the world" as well?
