The Ming Dynasty’s Prodigal Son - Chapter 43

[43.Chapter 43 This is my unicorn]

In fact, Hongzhi only listened carefully and realized that what Zhu Houzhao was reciting was the chapter “Mencius Boyi Pi Zhou”. Zhu Houzhao was usually playful and had only learned a superficial book of rites. Mencius in the Four Books, as far as Emperor Hongzhi knew, had not yet begun to study. This is because many articles in “Mencius” have collected a lot about the art of emperors. In the view of the scholars, it is better to start teaching from the easier “Book of Rites” and “The Analects of Confucius”. With the “Book of Rites” ” and the Analects of Confucius, it will be much easier to learn “Mencius”.

In the past, Zhu Houzhao hadn’t even figured out the names of Chunguan and Xia Bo in the Book of Rites, but now, he had memorized “Bo Yi Pi Zhou” by heart.

Emperor Hongzhi was suddenly shocked. He saw Zhu Houzhao seriously endorsing the words without any pause, and it was so clear that there was no mistake or omission: “The so-called Xibo who is good at caring for the elderly controls his fields, teaches trees and animals, and guides his wives.” To support him in his old age, he will not be old without silk at fifty, and at seventy without flesh…”

Now it was not just Emperor Hongzhi, but also the Hanlin who were on duty in Zhan Shifu, their eyes were shining brightly.

In front of them, the ridiculous crown prince disappeared, replaced by a smart and studious child, showing off his knowledge.

Yang Tinghe was so shocked that his jaw almost dropped. What shocked him was that he had never taught the prince this article before. So where did the prince learn it?

Emperor Hongzhi squinted his eyes, feeling more and more shocked. When Zhu Houzhao recited these hundreds of words, Emperor Hongzhi was still in shock. He looked a little unbelievable, as if the Zhu Houzhao in front of him was a different person, so he subconsciously said: “What’s the meaning of this article?”

Yang Tinghe and others also cheered up, staring at the Crown Prince one by one. It is rare for His Highness the Crown Prince to recite the article. However, if you want to know the mystery of this article, If he were not a diligent and studious person, he might not be able to explain why.

Zhu Houzhao thought for a while and said hesitantly: “I am afraid that what I said is not good.”

In fact, he had just recited the article “Bo Yi Pi Zhou”, and countless doubts had arisen in Emperor Hongzhi’s mind. Now he heard that Zhu Houzhao claimed that he was afraid of what he said. Okay, he was a little disappointed for a moment, and then he couldn’t help but comfort him. If he could recite it, he had learned it. But, where did he learn that his son could take the initiative to read?

But then, Zhu Houzhao shrank his neck and said, “The purpose of this article is nothing more than the issue of food and clothing.”

“The problem of food and clothing?” Emperor Hongzhi was stunned, chewing on Zhu Houzhao’s words.

Zhu Houzhao continued: “Yes, “Mencius” takes King Wen of Zhou as an example to explain his views on the problem of food and clothing. He believes that only by solving the problem of food, clothing, housing and transportation, the people have land and houses, and can produce food and carry out the sideline business of mulberry silkworms. Then, the world will live and work in peace and contentment. This is the so-called peaceful and prosperous age…”

Emperor Hongzhi’s eyes lit up. This explanation can be said to be quite satisfactory, and it was indeed Mencius’ intention in writing this article.

Unexpectedly…unexpectedly…

for no reason, Emperor Hongzhi suddenly felt ecstatic in his heart.

Just as he was furious just now, it was precisely because the prince did not strive for progress and had no knowledge or skills that he deepened his worries about the future. But now…

Zhu Houzhao said again: “However, if you just say this, I think it is still lacking. There are two other parts of this article that are really thought-provoking.”

He was actually thought-provoking.

And there are still two places.

Not only did Emperor Hongzhi never expect this, everyone in the Nuan Pavilion was also surprised.

The articles of saints cannot be interpreted at will. If you are a great Confucian, that’s fine. But if you, a simpleton who has not even learned the Four Books and Five Classics, misinterpret the meaning of the scriptures at will, wouldn’t you go astray?

Zhu Houzhao thought for a while and said: “For example, in this article, the sentence ‘There are people who are good at caring for the elderly in the world, and benevolent people will think that they will return home.’ The main purpose of this article also highlights the word filial piety, which means that filial piety comes first among all good deeds. A son should be filial to his parents; just as a minister should be loyal to the king; Mencius also had a hidden meaning in this: If loyalty and filial piety are advocated in the world, then great rule of the world will not be far away. However, how can we promote it? As for loyalty and filial piety, I secretly believe that this is related to the issue of education. If the father and the officials can set an example, then everyone in the world will follow suit. Wouldn’t this loyalty and filial piety be generalized?”

“…”

Emperor Hongzhi was still livid just now, with blue veins popping out on his forehead, and his hands were itching unbearably. But now, when he heard this, his expression softened and he said repeatedly: “Yes, yes, a son of man should do this, and a minister of others should do this; the same principle applies. , As a father and a king, you should also set an example. You have read this book.”

Zhu Houzhao shrugged his head, but he was not happy yet, because he vaguely remembered something, and then said: “There is more. , this article not only advocates loyalty and filial piety, but also clearly states the principle of the sage king’s governance. He who is a king governs the world. The essence of the quality of the world lies in the people. As the article says, the people can eat Only when you are well fed and clothed can you accept enlightenment. Once you accept enlightenment, you will understand the truth. Therefore, the essence of everything lies in whether the people can have enough food and clothing. Therefore, if the ancient saints encountered dissatisfaction from the people, they would first. The thing is not to blame the people for why they rebelled, but to question their own faults first and issue an edict to blame themselves. If everyone has food to eat and clothes to wear, and it is too late for the people to live and work in peace and contentment, how can they be troublesome and unruly to the people? ? Therefore, through this article, I thought that it is difficult to govern the world, and it is easy to say that it is difficult. The king may not be able to understand the sentiments of the people, but it is easy to do so, as long as the emperor can understand the joys and sorrows of the army and the people. , Give the right medicine, why worry about the country not being able to cure it?”

“…”

The Minglun Hall was extremely quiet.

Everyone held their breath and looked at Zhu Houzhao in disbelief.

His Royal Highness the Prince… has enlightened…

Not only did he recite this small article very well, but he also explained the original intention of the article. He even thought divergently and understood the article from the words “loyalty and filial piety”. What followed was even more terrifying. It directly extends to the core of the emperor’s governance of the world, and explains these truths in their original form.

Emperor Hongzhi suddenly fell into a trance. His face suddenly turned red, and veins popped out on his forehead. He slapped the desk and the pen holder and inkstone on the desk flew around.

One of the white jade pen holders fell to the ground with a bang.

This frightened Zhu Houzhao’s heart, and he quickly shrank his neck. What, is the explanation wrong?

At this moment, Emperor Hongzhi suddenly laughed heartily: “Haha…haha…”

This laughter was not like Emperor Hongzhi’s style at all. Emperor Hongzhi looked around, then stared at Zhu Houzhao, and said: “This is my Qilin son.”

As a father, Emperor Hongzhi was of course extremely proud at this moment. His son has made great achievements and has made great progress. This excitement is no less than that of ordinary people whose children are named on the gold medal list.

He quickly stood up and walked to Yang Tinghe seriously.

Yang Tinghe was still wondering where the prince learned these things from.

But he saw Emperor Hongzhi bowing deeply to him.

Yang Tinghe was stunned.

How can a father salute his ministers? He hurriedly bowed down and said: “I will die.”

Emperor Hongzhi did not feel that he was going too far at all, but said excitedly: “I entrusted the prince to Yang Qing. Yang Qing taught me I work to resolve doubts and train the prince to become a talented person. Although I am the emperor, I also know the principle of respecting teachers. I offer this teacher’s gift to Yang Qing to express my gratitude to the Qing family on behalf of the prince. “

Everyone present looked at him with envy .

Yang Tinghe is here.

Yang Shiduo has actually trained the prince to this extent. It was not seen before that the prince could be so knowledgeable and sensible. No wonder His Majesty wanted to salute Yang Shiduo.

This is a bit embarrassing!

However, Yang Tinghe wanted to die. How could he be so shameless? He said in a confused voice: “Your Majesty, I…I am guilty of death because I did not teach the prince Mencius…”

After hearing this, Emperor Hongzhi was frightened. He jumped, then frowned and looked at Zhu Houzhao.

Zhu Houzhao said: “Father, this is what Fang Jifan taught his sons and ministers.”

“…”

Just now, not many people paid attention to the little flag officer of the Yulin Guards.

But as soon as he said this, countless pairs of scorching eyes fell on the rumored evil young man in the capital.

It had only been a few days since Fang Jifan had been working as an errand in Zhan Shifu. By calculation, it was only half a month. In less than half a month, the Crown Prince, who had always disliked reading, had learned “Mencius” by heart and could still say such a thing. The truth?

………

Children who love and support the author will not have bad luck.

(End of chapter)