History of the Great Zhou Dynasty

Chapter 171 Morality·Laozi

"Huh, we're finally here." Mi Yue poked her head out of the carriage window and looked at the solemn and orderly Zeng Guo City from a distance.

At first glance, it is a large and orderly place, with citizens dressed in decent clothes everywhere. Their faces are kind, and even those in simple clothes are polite and courteous.

Different from the tough and rough folk customs of the Chu State, Mi Yue was amazed by this casual and polite atmosphere that uniquely belonged to "Zhou Rites".

At the same time, people from Chu State, including Feng Yun, understood why Zeng State was known as the capital of rituals and music - rituals are life.

Mr. Shen Yinhua looked at it with longing, while Qu Yuan's eyes were burning, as if he hoped that one day, Chu would also perform rituals like this.

"Enter the city." Zhaoyang rode on horseback and drove forward. When he came to the guard at the gate of the city, he exchanged documents between the two countries.

It was obvious that it was Chu. Although the guard did not sneer, there was a perfunctory look in his eyes that was not easy to detect.

Zhaoyang frowned, but he didn't want to argue with the young general.

"Walk."

With a wave of his hand, Chu's chariots and horses drove into Zeng's country and headed towards Zeng's post.

Along the way, we can see many foreign guests. From the shape of their faces, many of them can be seen as coming from all over the world. This shows that the upcoming Lile Club is famous both at home and abroad.

The post arrived——

"Fengjun, please."

Ya Yan…

It can be heard that Zhaoyang was speaking Zhou Zhiyayan at this time, which is the official language. At this time in the Lile and Elegant Meeting, if he had not spoken the elegant language of the state, he would have been looked down upon by others even for speaking.

Ya Yan, Feng Yun will naturally do it.

Following Zhaoyang's leadership, several people from Chu State divided their places to rest.

At this time, there were only Feng Yun and Zhaoyang in the house.

Zhaoyang said: "Fengjun, I have heard that your Majesty has sent detailed work to the various countries in Penglize to investigate Fengjun's political achievements."

Feng Yun looked back, but Zhaoyang had already resigned.

"Achievements?"

Feng Yun just smiled.

His political achievements are in Baiyue, and a country's policies often need time to ferment before they can highlight their effects.

It has been nearly a year since Feng Yun became the Prime Minister of Baiyue. The state of Baiyue at this time is one way to evaluate Feng Yun's administrative ability.

Feng Yun is also concerned about whether Baiyue is prosperous now.

"It seems that Mr. Chu has already thought of inviting me to serve as an official."

"But his heart may not be pure."

Feng Yun didn't think much about it, but not long ago, a servant came into the house to take care of Feng Yun.

Feng Yun didn't have much scruples, and immediately went out to take a look at the situation in Zeng State.

"Mr. Feng, Mr. Shen Yinhua is about to invite Feng Yun to explain the matter in detail."

Qu Yuan was looking for it and happened to meet Feng Yun.

Feng Yun nodded and left with him.

We came to a small pavilion, surrounded by a lake. The lake water was rippling slightly in the autumn wind, which was very pleasant.

"Fengjun, please sit down."

At this time, Mi Yue and Mi Shu were already sitting on the side.

In the pavilion, there is a low table with several guest invitations placed on it.

Shen Yinhua looked unhappy and seemed to be lamenting. When Feng Yun came, he looked ashamed.

"Mr. Feng, I haven't told you this before. It's because there are three guests in Zeng Guo's ceremony."

"My guests are those who are attending the ceremony." As he said this, he picked up two of the invitations and handed them to Mi Yue and Mi Shu.

"This is generally obtained by the princes, princesses, and scholar-bureaucrats from all over the world."

"And the guest of honor is the one who takes the seat to discuss etiquette. It provides a place for outstanding junior students to discuss etiquette, so as to continue the etiquette and let everyone evaluate it."

"Finally, there is the guest of honor, who is the one who speaks the etiquette before entering the table. He is the one who judges the etiquette and music. He is mainly the elder of the etiquette and music from each country, and he is highly respected."

After finishing speaking, what was left on the table was just a letter from the guest. It can be seen that Zeng Guo did not pay attention to Chu State, or even Feng Yun.

"How can it be that this is just the case for our Chu country? They have always prided themselves on being noble and noble and think that the Chu country belongs to the barbarians, but!" Qu Yuan was annoyed and angrily said: "How can you treat Fengjun so lightly? Fengjun's reputation as a virtuous man is not good for Zhou.

To the southeast, the sound can be heard even among the barbarians and hundreds of people!"

"I'm going to seek an explanation for Mr. Feng!" Qu Yuan was really angry. Regardless of etiquette, he pulled out the sword on his waist and ran away.

"Wait, wait!" Shen Yinhua shouted hurriedly and went to stop Qu Yuan.

"Oh, Doctor Qu Yuan, where have you put the etiquette of Chu State? If it is spread among people, how will people from other countries view our Chu State?"

"I'm afraid that the voice of the barbarians is really branded on the faces of us Chu people!"

The anger in Qu Yuan's eyes did not diminish.

"Mr. Feng has shown me the kindness of preaching, and I must never betray him!"

"This time, we are not talking about people from the Chu State, but only as postgraduate students!"

Seeing that Qu Yuan could not be stopped, Shen Yinhua felt regretful.

Mi Shu and Mi Yue looked at each other, watching the two doctors fussing over each other, not daring to speak, but looking at Feng Yun.

Just listen——

"Original, it doesn't have to be like this." Feng Yun said. He picked up the invitation, shook his head slightly and said, "I told you that you don't need to flaunt your virtues. It also means that you don't need to compare and pay attention to other people's opinions."

"Speaking of these guests, Yun also hopes to change with Mi Shu and Mi Yue. Watching the ceremony is enough for Yun, and he has no intention of discussing etiquette or talking about etiquette."

Hearing the sound, Qu Yuan took a break.

"Master Feng, I was too reckless and forgot what Master Feng wanted." Qu Yuan bowed his head in shame after saluting.

"Sit down. For Yun, this position is insignificant, but for Chu State, this is what you all want to fight for."

Having been in Chu State for such a long time, Feng Yun naturally knew that Chu State, both the people and the powerful, wanted Chu State to be recognized by countries all over the Central Plains.

Sui Chu admired Zhou's rites and had exchanges with each other for a long time. The rites and music of Zeng State also entrusted the wishes of the country and its people.

"Chu is a big country, but it has no distinguished guests. At this time, Mr. Yuan and Mr. Yin Hua came to Zeng on behalf of the Chu state, and they are both honored guests, but they wanted to discuss etiquette to prove the etiquette of the Chu state."

Feng Yun said that he didn't have much pressure, but Qu Yuan and Shen Yinhua felt the pressure doubled.

Although Feng Yun came on behalf of the countries south of the Yangtze River, most of the people south of the Yangtze River were barbarians, and there were only a few Zhou Li countries, the largest of which was the Chu State.

This is why we are not allowed to have guests this time.

They are all barbarians who despise Chu.

Feng Yun has a long-term vision and cannot fight for it overnight, but Chu State has to fight for it.

A few people were sitting quietly, except for Feng Yun who was drinking tea leisurely, all with sad faces.

"Fengjun, why don't you give me the letter from the guest of honour, and I'll discuss etiquette with them!" However, the six-year-old Mi Yue was filled with indignation. At this time, she also understood the status of the Chu State in the eyes of other countries.

.

Thinking of her father's love for her, she felt obliged to do so.

"One more person, more power!"

"Princess, don't make trouble. How can a woman talk about etiquette? Will other countries laugh at the fact that Chu has no men?" Shen Yinhua hurriedly comforted Mi Yue.

Hearing this, Mi Yue pursed her lips and wanted to speak out of dissatisfaction, but Mi Shu stepped forward and covered her mouth.

"Yuemei!"

Mi Shu glared at Mi Yue, then saluted several people and said, "Mi Yue is young and talks nonsense. I hope you don't blame me."

As she said that, Mi Shu looked around and saw that no one was paying attention, so she breathed a sigh of relief.

But at this moment, she saw a young man's figure, and she wanted to investigate——

"Rust, rustle..." There was a rustling sound, and the footsteps were scattered, as if they were running away.

"Ah, let go... Sir, I'm just passing by."

Then I saw Xiang Yan coming out carrying an eleven or twelve year old boy.

His clothes are luxurious, but compared with others in Chu, they are much simpler.

Shen Yinhua looked at it and frowned.

Qu Yuan's eyes moved slightly, he stood up and saluted, "I wonder what country the young master is from?"

"Huang...Huang Guo." The young man said, looking at Feng Yun.

Qu Yuan waved his hand and asked Xiang Yan to let people come over.

The young man hurriedly stepped forward and bowed to everyone.

"I'm in Huangguo, rest."

Huang State... Feng Yun looked at the map of the country and found that Huang State was located in the north of E State. It was a small country, similar to the countries of Tong and Ying.

But Huang Xie...

The fourth prince of the Warring States Period, Lord Chun Shen.

What Feng Yun remembers most clearly is that a generation of Chu kings were infertile, and Huang Xie married his pregnant concubine to him...

Feng Yun didn't know the details about this matter, but he only remembered these.

However, at this time, Huang Xie was not from the Chu State, but a young man of eleven or twelve years old from the Huang State's noble clan that had not yet perished.

"Who are you?" Mi Yue asked.

Huang Xie was stunned for a moment, then smiled and said: "Of course I am a guest. Xie has not yet become an official or has a family, so it is not easy to attend the ceremony."

With that said, Huang Xie turned around and saluted Feng Yun.

"Huang Xie, I have met Mr. Feng."

Feng Yun nodded and gave a slight salute.

And at this time...

"Jun Feng, there is someone visiting you. I hope to see you..."

After the armored soldiers, Zhaoyang arrived.

Zhaoyang said: "Mr. Feng may know a person named Ji Ran, who brought the history of the Zhou Dynasty's classics palace and wanted to see Mr. Feng."

Zhou Zhizang History...

Old Dan!

"Ji Ran is a native of the Song Dynasty. He was originally a prime minister in Yangyue. He resigned from his post a few years ago to pursue his studies. I am acquainted with him."

Feng Yun explained clearly what he could say, and Zhaoyang's eyes narrowed slightly.

Yangyue Dazai?

"I don't know where Jiran is. Sima Ke will go with me to see him."

Feng Yun stood up, straightened his clothes, put on his hair, and stood straight.

Seeing this, Qu Yuan also stood up.

"Fengjun, please meet Mr. Ji Ran..."

"No, it's not Jian Jiran, but another Shou Zangshi."

When Zhaoyang saw this, he understood that Feng Yun wanted to see him, and there was no doubt about it.

Zhaoyang thought deeply about this.

"Master Feng, please wait while I go and invite those two people in."

"There is Roosima."

Feng Yun personally arranged the bamboo mats and left one on the right for the gentleman.

Shen Yinhua frowned and said, "Fengjun, who is he who deserves such courtesy from you?"

"One is a man of great wisdom."

After Feng Yun answered, he saw two people arriving.

His clothes are simple and there is no sign of luxury at all. From a distance, he looks just like an ordinary person.

I won’t talk about Ji Ran for the time being.

Lao Dan has a broad forehead and erect ears, eyes like stars, a long beard and a mouth. When he moves, he seems to arouse the energy around him, like a steady and wise man.

"Mr. Lao Dan, please."

Feng Yun stood up to invite him.

It is for discussion of Tao and inquiry.

If you want to study in this glorious era, Laozi and Zhuangzi for Taoism, Confucius and Mencius for Confucianism, and Guigu for Zongheng... are all the places to go.

But Feng Yun already had a Taoist teaching, so studying rather than enrolling in school and discussing Taoism was the best solution.

"When I was in the Great Zhou Dynasty, I heard that there was a mysterious thing in the south. I just took things easy and had no intention of coming."

"I can take advantage of my free time to write poems. I traveled to several countries with my little friend Jiran. When I came to Zeng, I heard about Xuanxuan again. I thought it was the connection between Tao and fate, so I came to discuss it."

"I hope Mr. Feng doesn't think this is rude."

Lao Dan smiled lightly and saluted, and Feng Yun returned the salute.

Lao Dan acted naturally, not proud because he was once a minister of the Great Zhou Dynasty, nor was he restrained after sitting down because he was a guest.

After Lao Dan entered the table, Ji Ran also saluted Feng Yun, and Feng Yun invited him to sit down.

In this way, the seat under the pavilion became Feng Yun's main seat. Shen Yinhua, Qu Yuan and others all sat on the side, allowing Feng Yun and Lao Dan to discuss Taoism.

Looking at the invitation letter still on the table, Shen Yinhua put it away and said: "Fengjun is discussing with Mr. Feng. I have other things to do for the time being, but I can't look at it. I hope you can understand it."

At this time, Shen Yinhua was still worried about the invitation and really had no intention of listening to an unknown person discussing Taoism with Feng Yun.

He looked at Qu Yuan, but Qu Yuan had no desire to leave the table, so he did not force himself and left with a slight sigh.

Zhaoyang was guarding him, and his main purpose was to keep an eye on Ji Ran and prevent him from attacking Guangdong.

Mi Yue and Mi Shu sat quietly aside.

Even Huang Xie got a seat as a result and sat with Xiang Yan, unwilling to leave.

…

In this case, neither Feng Yun nor Lao Dan cared.

Lao Dan smiled and understood that Feng Yun was interested in discussing Taoism, and he also shared it, so he asked, "Do you have a question, Mr. Feng?"

A question is not a question.

Question: One person asks and another person answers.

Question: A question that everyone can answer.

At this time, when Lao Dan talked about the topic, he put the two people in the same position to discuss the Tao, rather than simply giving advice to the elder and the younger.

Feng Yun pondered and quickly determined the question——

"What is a country and how can it be sustained?"

At the first level of Dao Tian, ​​Chao Zu asked Feng Yun a question, which was exactly this question: "What is a country and how can it continue?" Feng Yun answered the question with the question of a country of hundreds of people, but it was only mediocre. He himself was not satisfied with the answer.

Now he wanted to ask Lao Dan, the great wise man, after everything happened.

At the second level of Dao and Heaven, Sui Renzu asked - How does the fire of civilization distinguish barbarians?

He didn't want to ask this question because he hadn't yet explored it and got his own answer. How could he ask it?

"What is the country?"

"How to continue?"

Lao Danmu was cautious, but he did not expect that Feng Yun would ask such a broad question. It is easy to explain a country, but it is difficult to discuss whether it can be continued.

"The purpose of a country is to surround its people and govern it."

"It can be divided into the territory, the people, and the ruler... The ruler is in charge of the territory and governs the people. If it is to be continued, it must obey the heaven and the earth, obey the people's hearts, obey the moral government, and let nature take its course. Only then can it continue."

Feng Yun nodded and let nature take its course. The continuation of everything in the world is indeed the birth and death of nature.

When the people around him heard what Lao Dan said, they all sat upright and listened carefully.

Therefore, Lao Dan and Feng Yun were immersed in the topic of discussing Tao.

Following the discussion, the surrounding literary atmosphere gathered faintly...

Feng Yun asked: "Although people survive in nature, their hearts are hard to return to simplicity. How can we solve the country's immorality?"

Lao Dan laughed loudly, closed his eyes and thought, raised his head and said: "Rule the country with justice and transform the people with virtue!"

"To regard a peaceful country as a country is to have a righteous land; to regard the people's hearts as one's heart is to have a virtuous people's heart."

"Those who govern the country should rectify the country's virtues and transform the people with virtue. They do not need to force it, and they will return to nature."

After finishing speaking, without waiting for Feng Yun to ask any more questions, Lao Dan asked: "How can Mr. Feng solve the problem?"

Feng Yun was slightly stunned, then smiled and said: "I was stupid. When I was serving the people, I struggled with my official career, but I also learned the solution in my heart."

"The country says its people are important, and the people say its country is important..."

When Lao Dan thought about it, his eyes brightened slightly, and he realized that one of them and his own words were external interpretations, and the other were internal interpretations, complementing each other.

He smiled and asked: "How can we make the people say that the country is important and value the country more than themselves?"

()