In the southern part of Luoyang, there is the Chongwen Observatory.
Cao Rui was escorted by Gao Tanglong, Cao Zhi, and Wu Zhi, and they slowly walked into the hall.
The dozens of officials, scholars, and prominent Confucian scholars in the hall had already lined up in two rows and bowed together as the emperor entered.
Cao Rui smiled and nodded, saying, "The literary talents of Great Wei are all gathered here. This is also the original intention of setting up the Chongwen Observatory."
"Professor Gao Tang, many of these faces are unfamiliar to me. Please introduce them to me." Cao Rui turned his head towards Gao Tanglong.
"Abide by the order." Gao Tanglong stepped forward slightly and stood to the left front of the emperor.
Cao Rui looked at Zheng Chang standing at the front, smiling and said: "Mr. Zheng does not need to be introduced."
Zheng Chang also bowed with a smile.
Then, Gao Tanglong led Cao Rui to the side of Zheng Chang, where an elderly Confucian scholar stood.
Gao Tanglong said: "Your Majesty, this is Su Lin, also known as Su Xiao You, who is a scholar of the Five Classics. Su scholar also serves in the Imperial Academy and is particularly proficient in the I Ching and Spring and Autumn. "
Su Lin bowed and saluted, "Your servant Su Lin from Chenliu, has the honor to meet Your Majesty. In the past, I had the pleasure of witnessing Your Majesty's teaching style at the Taixue."
"Scholar Su is truly the orthodox of Great Wei Confucianism." Cao Rui smiled and nodded, then was led by Gao Tanglong to the next person.
Gao Tanglong introduced, "Your Majesty, this is Doctor Le Xiang, also known as Le Wen Zai. He excels in studying the 'Spring and Autumn Annals of the Zuo School' and holds the position of instructor at the Taixue."
Cao Rui nodded. Although the people introduced by Gao Tanglong were all great Confucians, they all came from the Imperial Academy. Gao Tanglong seems to be bringing the Imperial Academy here.
Cao Rui's vision for the Chongwen Observatory was as an institution that integrates classics, history, and literature, meant to lead the academic and literary trends of Great Wei, not to become another Taixue.
Fortunately, the next few individuals were not from the Taixue. The famous scholars who had just paid their respects to the emperor, such as Miao Xi, Zheng Chong, and Xue Xia, were all renowned for their talent and scholarship.
However, just a moment later, Cao Rui looked at He Yan and was slightly surprised.
He Yan took the initiative to bow and greet, without waiting for Gao Tanglong's introduction: "Your servant pays his respects to Your Majesty. I have come to Chongwen Observatory to refine my scriptures."
Cao Rui always felt that He Yan had a certain bias towards 'softness,' or rather, he didn't seem as masculine as traditionally defined men. But Cao Rui was still aware of He Yan's literary talent, and nodded to greet him.
He Yan came to Chongwen Observatory to refine scriptures?
From the previous few people's positions, it can be seen that Gao Tanglong invited all the distinguished Confucians and scholars with a long reputation in Luozhong, most of whom were from the Imperial Academy.
Would Gao Tanglong summon He Yan? If not Gao Tanglong, then it must be King Cao Zhi of Yongqiu?
Indeed, it's interesting.
The person standing next to He Yan also bowed first as He Yan did.
After the man raised his head, Cao Rui said with a smile, "I have long heard that Xiahou Zhiquan is skilled in literature. What are you here to take charge of?"
Xiahou Hui answered respectfully, "Your Majesty, I have also come to Chongwen Observatory to refine scriptures."
Xiahou Hui is the sixth son of Xiahou Yuan and the brother of Xiahou Ba, the current Governor of Liangzhou. The Cao family is so skilled in literature, and Xiahou Hui has also been nurtured in this tradition since his childhood, having studied together with Cao Pi.
After a short while, Cao Rui had already met the famous scholars and Confucian scholars present. However, in Cao Rui's mind, there appeared the figure of Wang Su, who had straightened his back constantly during their meeting at the mansion of the Prime Minister Wang Lang a few days ago.
Refining scriptures is not the same as teaching scriptures.
The scholars who specialize in Zhengxu at the Imperial Academy naturally have a strong understanding of Zhengxu when teaching it at the Imperial Academy, as it is a necessary process for cultivating talents.
But Cao Rui wants the Chongwen Observatory to hold the exclusive right to interpret Confucian classics!
If the Chongwen Observatory is filled with followers of Zhengxue, how can one expect to interpret classics, which will still be in the hands of those who have read books on Zhengxue for decades?
Wang Su ... The study of the Chongwen Observatory will have to distinguish itself from Zhengxue. What is important is not so much the arguments, but that the interpretation of these arguments should belong to the Chongwen Observatory, rather than those who have already died decades ago and his disciples.
The task is heavy and the road long.
Although there are nearly thirty people in the hall, with each person saying a few sentences, the total time it takes will not be much.
When they reached the last person, Gao Tanglong smiled and said, "Your Majesty, this is Wei Dan, also known as Wei Zhongjian from Jingzhao."
"I know you," said Cao Rui with a smile. "Zhang Zhi's brush, Zuo Bo's paper, and Wei Dan's ink are known as the three great essentials of calligraphy among the world's literati. In my view, the art of calligraphy is also a form of literature!"
Wei Dan bowed and said, "Your Majesty, your praise is too great. I will not hesitate to work hard for the Chongwen Observatory."
"Good." Cao Rui nodded in agreement.
After a moment, Cao Rui walked slowly to the central platform in the middle, and said aloud, "Today, I came to the Chongwen Observatory and met so many distinguished scholars and literati, which fills me with great satisfaction."
"I have made it clear before that the Chongwen Observatory should 'revere Confucians and value learning.' In addition to the study of classics, I also hope that the Chongwen Observatory can start compiling history and sorting out the articles of outstanding scholars throughout the country."
Cao Rui glanced around the people in the hall and continued, "During the Jian'an period, Emperor Wu ordered each prefecture to compile literature and establish schools in each county."
"During the Hongshi period, the previous emperor once again restored the Imperial Academy and established temples dedicated to Confucius in Lu County."
"Now, I have appointed three people to be in charge of the Chongwen Observatory."
Cao Rui pointed with his finger at the three people standing in the front row below: "The President of the Chongwen Observatory, Gao Tanglong, is responsible for compiling the history of the Han Dynasty; the Vice-President, King Cao Zhi of Yongqiu, is responsible for translating the Five Classics; and the Vice-President, Wu Zhi, is responsible for organizing all literary works of scholars throughout the country."
Cao Rui smiled and said, "These three people are all my trusted advisors. The success or failure of the Chongwen Observatory depends on them alone is not enough."
"All of you should use your heart to do your job!" Cao Rui said slowly: "If the literature is done well, I think it can also be conferred a title."
Indeed, no matter how many words are spoken, they are not as moving as the two words 'bestow a title of nobility'.
...
After leaving the Chongwen Observatory, Cao Rui specially called Cao Zhi to accompany him back to the palace.
On the way, Cao Rui asked straightforwardly, "Uncle, what do you think of Zhengxue?"
"Zhengxue?" Cao Zhi asked, furrowing his brow. "I'm not too familiar with the topic, Your Majesty. For decades, it has been a trend among scholars to study Zhengxue."
"That's a fair question." Cao Rui said. "How about I rephrase it this way: Uncle, do you think Zhengxue is entirely correct?"
Cao Zhi replied, "Even if Zhengxue is very good, how can it be entirely correct? As far as I know, figures like Kong Wenju, Wang Zhongxuan, and Bing Genju all had doubts about Zhengxue."
If Cao Zhi were to say that as well, then the idea that Zhengxue is not entirely correct, as mentioned by Wang Su a few days ago, would likely be reasonable.
Cao Rui asked, "If there are inaccuracies in Zhengxue, Uncle, can you create a new Confucian classic for me?"
New Confucian classics? Cao Zhi was momentarily confused. Hadn't he been translating the Five Classics into colloquial language according to the emperor's request? How could he be expected to create new classics?
Cao Zhi hesitated and asked, "Your Majesty, what do you want me to do? I really don't understand."
"Alright," Cao Rui spoke in a lowered voice. "I'll ask Uncle a question. Since the Han Dynasty, there have been so many commentaries on the Five Classics. How can everyone be expected to master both ancient texts and modern ones, like Zheng Xuan did?"
"Can't each of the Five Classics have a standard version of commentary? If someone masters the Five Classics and understands the commentaries, that should be enough!"
Cao Zhi frowned and said, "Then, does that mean we don't need to study things like prophecies and scriptures anymore?"
"Uncle, do you yourself think studying prophecies and scriptures is useful?" Cao Rui asked in return.
Cao Zhi replied, "I believe its usefulness is quite limited."
"That's correct." Cao Rui continued. "I'll ask Uncle again: The court requires scholars to learn the Five Classics. What is the purpose of this? To become a doctor?"
Cao Zhi thought for a moment and said, "That's not the case. As per Your Majesty's meaning, scholars study the Five Classics at the Imperial Academy with the ultimate goal of serving as officials."
"That's what I want to talk about." Cao Rui said slowly: "Although the Five Classics are profound, learning so many versions is not very useful. One can learn them until they are in their mid-twenties and then be selected for official positions."
"Uncle, I believe this matter can be divided into two steps."
Cao Rui explained, "The first step is what Uncle is currently doing: translating the Five Classics into colloquial language."
"If this more understandable version of the Five Classics is widely promoted, it can simplify and focus on the commentaries of people like Zheng Xuan, Ma Rong, and Jia Qi. With a concise explanation, one commentary for each person would be enough."
Cao Rui looked into Cao Zhi's eyes: "I believe that studying Confucian classics is just a means for the state to select talent."
"The details of the differences in versions of the sayings of the sages in the Five Classics do not need to be worried about. Anyone who can understand and master the Five Classics must not be foolish, and they are certainly capable enough to serve as officials at the grassroots level."
"Uncle, do you understand what I'm saying?"
Cao Zhi nodded thoughtfully and then smiled slightly: "I understand Your Majesty's intention."
"The purpose of the court in teaching Confucian classics is to select suitable individuals to serve as officials and govern the people for the Great Wei. As for the subtle aspects of Confucian classics, whether it is according to Zheng Xuan, Ma Rong, or Jia Qi's commentaries is not important; what matters is their usefulness to the court."
"In addition, it is best to have some differences from Zhengxue, so that it can become the Confucian classics of the court and the Confucian classics of the Great Wei."
"Cao Rui laughed heartily. "I like talking with Uncle. He understands things immediately once you point it out."
After a moment of silence, Cao Zhi said, "Lately, I've heard that Your Majesty has gone to the Imperial Academy to give lectures twice. It seems that you are very concerned about the students there."
Cao Rui nodded and said, "This first batch of students at the Imperial Academy are all personally selected by me from various circuits and states, and I naturally have high expectations for them."
"I promised to give a lecture at the Imperial Academy once every quarter, so that the students can understand my intentions and grow up to serve our country."
Cao Zhi asked again, "Gao Tang the Doctor and I have discussed that the students at the Imperial Academy might also become officials known as Lang?"
Cao Rui nodded in agreement.
Cao Zhi then said, "Since that's the case, Your Majesty might as well bestow another title on the Imperial Academy!"
"What title?" asked Cao Rui.
Cao Zhi smiled and said, "Your Majesty can either bestow a plaque on the Imperial Academy or become one of its doctoral students."
"Saying 'Heaven, Earth, Emperor, Ancestors, Teacher', if the students of the Imperial Academy are all Your Majesty's students, what is there left for Your Majesty to worry about?"
Cao Rui looked at Cao Zhi suspiciously, truly puzzled as to how he came up with this method. The president of the royal academy of the Great Wei?
Cao Rui slowly said, "I have heard your suggestion, Uncle. We will discuss it further later."
... (This chapter ends)
