After leaving Jiangning for almost a year, it was natural for Ning Yi to feel unfamiliar with some things in the city. If he knew the expansion of Takeshi in the past year, as well as the names of the new restaurants and teahouses in the city, the doubts in his heart would probably be swept away.
In the past year, Takeshi had opened a total of three new restaurants. The first one, Bright Moon Restaurant, had become one of the largest restaurants and entertainment venues in Jiangning. There were eating, performances, and various activities, and the restaurant was very lively. The second one was a teahouse called Qingyuan. It was made up of courtyards and private rooms of different styles. Most of them were places where scholars gathered. There were some women who sold their skills but not their bodies. It was very elegant. As for the third one, it was Yilan House. Its style was in between the two. It was not very lively, but there was the sound of stringed instruments. Occasionally, there would be people telling stories. It was similar to the western restaurants in the future. It was a little bourgeois, but it was also a normal place to eat.
The three restaurants were actually transformed from Ning Yi's previous ideas. They had different styles, but they still relied on the support of Kang Xian. In Jiangning, Princess Cheng's residence had never participated in social interactions, but in reality, it was a colossus that was deeply entangled. When Kang Xian issued an order, some of the big shots in the business world came to support the Bamboo Shop. These people probably wouldn't even know that the order came from this Prince Consort.
Some things had actually been done before Ning Yi left. He had contacted some women from the brothels who sold their skills but not their bodies to come to Takeshi. He had also bought some young boys and girls to train them in storytelling, acrobatics, performances, and so on. The older ones could help out in the shops. For these things, Ning Yi had taken a sum of money from Kang Xian. He said that it was the copyright fee for the previous disaster relief booklet. He had taken it with confidence.
However, Yunzhu felt that it was a loan. In recent months, she had been returning the money to Kang Xian one after another. Kang Xian didn't want it, but she was stubborn. She felt that Kang Xian had been asking about Ning Yi. How could she still owe him money? In the end, Kang Xian had no choice but to accept it. He secretly raised the reputation of Takeshi's Bright Moon Tower and Qing Yuan. Big and small banquets were held at Bright Moon Tower, while scholarly gatherings or poetry gatherings were held at Qing Yuan. This year, he arranged for the Lichuan Academy's poetry gathering to be held at Qing Yuan. Immediately, he made a name for himself. After the New Year, Memory Blue Residence no longer needed his advertisement.
They arrived at the Prince Consort's residence and found Kang Xian, who was accompanying his family to watch a show. The first thing the Prince Consort talked about was Takeshi's recent developments. When Ning Yi returned from Hangzhou, he basically knew everything that had happened during this period of time. There were no more troubles or loose ends, so there was no need to be polite with him.
"... There was one thing that was very interesting. In the front hall of Qing Yuan, there were many poems that were made into plaques and hung on them. A few of your poems were placed at the forefront. When Lichuan Academy held a poetry gathering on New Year's Eve, a Green Jade Case was placed there. Surprisingly, not many people dared to write poems to embarrass themselves. Since then, this matter has been discussed enthusiastically. "
After greeting Zhou Xuan, Ning Yi followed Kang Xian to the back garden. Hearing what he said, Ning Yi smiled and shook his head. "Isn't this too much?"
"Yes, it isn't..." Kang Xian waved his hand. "Although your family's Miss Yunzhu helped you promote it, I was also there at that time. I don't know why, but every time people talked about your Green Jade Case, there were a lot fewer people writing poems on New Year's Eve that night. Some people said that you have reached the pinnacle of the magnificence of the poem and that the meaning of the song is very comfortable. There are very few poems in the world. Hehe... But the poems you wrote in Hangzhou could actually go against the previous majestic atmosphere and were extremely graceful. If these people knew about this, I'm afraid they would really... say that you are the Sage of Poetry... "
Ning Yi frowned. "How many poems in Hangzhou?"
"It's Chang Ji Xi Ting at Sunset, intoxicated and not knowing the way back. Returning to the boat at the end of the night, mistakenly entering the depths of the lotus flowers... A short Dreamlike Order, making people feel as if it was right in front of their eyes. How could you write such a poem..."
After all, Kang Xian was a scholar. Even if he secretly valued the application of poetry like Qin Siyuan, as a disciple of Confucianism, there was no one who did not know poetry. Ning Yi smiled. "That's not what I wrote."
"It's fine for others, but you don't have to say that in front of me. Do you remember the other lines? Three mountains and half fall beyond the blue sky, two rivers divide into the Egret Continent. You have written this poem in front of me and Siyuan before. At that time, it was incomplete. This time in Hangzhou, you have completed it. On the Phoenix Platform, the phoenix swims, the phoenix goes to the platform, the river flows freely. The flowers and plants of the Wu Palace are buried in secluded paths, the clothes of the Jin Dynasty become ancient hills. Three mountains and half fall beyond the blue sky, two rivers divide into the Egret Continent. Always floating clouds can cover the sun, the absence of Chang'an makes people sad... "
Kang Xian read it out. In the end, he could not help but sigh and shake his head. "If someone had told me this, I would not have believed it. The poem is exquisite, but it can't be written by you. But this last line gave you away. Always floating clouds can cover the sun, the absence of Chang'an makes people sad. When you wrote the poem, you imitated the style of the Tang Dynasty. At that time, it seemed that you were too lazy to change it. Including the Chang Ji Xi Ting at Sunset, I don't know how much time you spent on it... To be honest, if you said that it was all done smoothly, I would not believe it. But this poem, to you, is probably not about expressing your feelings, but purely about you... Sigh, I don't know how to say it. Should I praise you or scold you to be worthy of myself? In short, with people like you around, how can I bear it? I don't know if I should ask you to write one more poem in the future, or just ask you to stop writing... "
All in all, when it came to this, the old man sighed at first, but then he became depressed. Ning Yi naturally understood the meaning behind it. Kang Xian treated these poems as if he had written them. Most people would have their own style when they wrote poems and lyrics, but the poems that he had copied before were all heroic and imposing. He had just thrown it to Liu Guihua casually, and Li Qingzhao's too. At that time, it was nonsense, but these two completely different styles, in the eyes of Kang Xian, became a different meaning.
To be able to play with several different styles of writing to the acme of perfection, it could only mean that the author had far surpassed this level, or that Ning Yi was such a genius that he could play with words to the acme of perfection. As long as there was a need, he could substitute himself into the style of the Tang Dynasty, and write poems like "Climbing the Phoenix Platform of Jinling", or "Journey of the Gallant", or "Dream Token", or other completely different scenes.
If this matter was just said, it would naturally be hard to believe, but of course there were all kinds of geniuses in the world. For example, some of the genius mathematicians of the modern era, their prowess was not because of logic that ordinary people could understand, but because the numbers themselves were alive in their eyes. Such people were bound to exist in every era, and Kang Xian might have seen similar people before. After he could be sure that these poems were written by Ning Yi, he eliminated all possibilities, and could only treat Ning Yi as such a genius. Even if he had no respect for poems, the poems themselves were like mud in his hands, and he could easily knead them. For a scholar who had tirelessly studied his whole life, this was naturally a depressing matter.
Since he already thought so, Ning Yi could not help but laugh. After a while, Kang Xian said, "These poems, it's good that you hang them on the head of that traitor. Whether or not there is a chance to clear your name in the future, I guess it doesn't matter to you. However, if you decide to go to the capital, before you go, I have something to ask you … Originally, we could talk about it in a few days, but we have been thinking about it for too long. "
At this time, they had already reached the pavilion in the middle of the garden, and there was no one around. Kang Xian's expression became serious, and Ning Yi also frowned. "What is it?"
"What you did in the Tyrant's Blade Camp was done after careful consideration. What do you want to do?"
"For the time being, it is used to bewitch people."
"Really?" The old man asked, staring at Ning Yi with a burning gaze. However, there was not much change in Ning Yi's eyes. After a while, he smiled slightly.
"If I go any further, I will be breaking the taboo. I know that you are not the first person to ask me about this recently. Ha … "Ning Yi smiled." But you also know that in a hundred years, these ideas are useless. At most, they can be used to bewitch those who are too idealistic. Since Duke Ming cares about this, it means that you are also an idealistic person. "
The old man's gaze was serious. He shook slightly and then let out a sigh of relief. "Of course, I know that these ideas are useless in a hundred years, but what on earth are you thinking about?"
Ning Yi thought for a while. "Then … let's not talk about Confucianism. Let's just talk about usage. Let's talk about generalization."
"Ha, you never talk about Confucianism. I am not a person who cannot understand. If you can explain things clearly, then let's do as you wish. "
"Since ancient times, every time there is a change of dynasty, what a country will become has been decided from the moment it was established."
The light from the lanterns shone over, reflecting specks of light in the pond outside the pavilion. From far away, there was the faint sound of opera. It was peaceful, but Ning Yi knew that the old man in front of him did not simply welcome him back. This was the representative of the most intelligent group of people in this era. There were some things that could not be deceived. The things that were written and said in the [Tyrannical Blade Camp], when they entered their ears, they would be able to see the danger within. Perhaps he had not completely understood the crux of this matter, and would not take his actions too seriously. But if he really did not take it seriously, then the old man in front of him with a benevolent smile had the ability to turn this place into a Hongmen Banquet … and the courage.
Therefore, after thinking for a while, he began with these words.
"The reason I say this is because, at the beginning of every dynasty, the Emperor, or perhaps the trend of thought at that time, will decide the dynasty …" He lifted his hand and gestured. "It will decide what the ruling class of the dynasty values more. If we only ask for one thing, such as for the country to be strong and prosperous, then it is very simple. We will reduce the restrictions and let the place develop. In less than three generations, as long as the country still exists, we will be able to flatten the foreign races and recover Youyan. Who says it is not possible?"
"All dynasties perished because they were weak. Only the Han dynasty perished because they were strong. If we rule the country like the Han dynasty, then we can perish like the Han dynasty. After the Han dynasty perished, the successive dynasties paid more attention to centralization of power and checks and balances. The art of the Emperor says that those of the same level as him must be constantly suspicious and wary of each other to achieve balance. Right now, we are talking about how to revitalize the military. In truth, there is a path that is very simple. If it can be done, then the current Emperor only needs to let go of the control of the lower ranks, and use the standards of the Han dynasty. In less than sixty years, if the Wu dynasty still exists, then if there is still the Liao and Jin in the north, then I will chop off my head and give it to you. "
Kang Xian looked at him. "Hypothetical?"
"En, hypothetical." Ning Yi nodded his head. "The reason it is hypothetical is because it is irresponsible. In the current situation, if we really do this, then in less than twenty years, the feudal vassals will rise. But the reason I say this is to say that in every dynasty and every generation, what the higher ups emphasize can be controlled. It is just that there are not many directions that can be chosen. If we lean towards one direction, then we have to give up some other things. If we choose the current prosperity of Jiangning, then we will not be able to see the scene of the tiger soaring like the clouds, or the trampling of the Helan Mountains. This is our own choice. "
"So what?"
"Duke Ming, I know that the so-called ten thousand generations of peace of the Confucian school, is to find the best state. But today, we will not talk about saying, only about using. Since the establishment of the Wu Dynasty, the direction it has taken has already been set. The net that we Confucians have built will continue to tighten, tighten, and tighten. Since ancient times, why had the reformers never had a good ending? It was because every system would spontaneously maintain its own state and trends. Why did the Northern Expedition go wrong? It was because the network had become so intertwined that whoever wanted to show off would be covered in blood from head to toe. It did not matter if it was a good thing or a bad thing, because no one would have the space to show off. This was the best way for the country. This was decided when the country was founded, and no one was allowed to move around recklessly! If this Northern Expedition succeeds, then we are really lucky, and we have used a lot of strength. But can't you see what will happen next? The net will still tighten. "
Ning Yi tilted his head and smiled. "This time, when I came back from Hangzhou, I pulled a lot of strings. The Su family has a relative called Song Mao, Song Yufan, who is a provincial governor. Duke Ming, you know what will happen next. When he comes over, he will come to visit me. Our interests will be linked together, and we will become even more powerful. But maybe he is a corrupt official, and I will be implicated by him in the future. This is a risk. The property of Princess Cheng's Mansion belongs to the royal family. You seem to be in charge of your own business, but you know what kind of connections you have. These people represent all kinds of interests. Duke Qin was assassinated by those merchants who don't want to go to war with the Liao Kingdom. Duke Ming, do you have such people behind you? "
Kang Xian frowned.
Ning Yi continued, "No one can touch it. This has been decided since the founding of the country. Even now, the current Emperor can't change it. If he wants to change it, even he will be badly injured. Perhaps there are two generations who are willing to take the risk to lead the country to the other side, but who really dares to?"
"Duke Ming, what you are studying now is Confucianism. Next, you can say that the laws of heaven exist and extinguish human desires. The rules that people follow are all clearly defined. How men, women, saints, they are all carved out. This is the Dao, but in terms of use, it is to make people unable to move, and more and more unable to move. If the current world only has the Wu dynasty, and it continues to develop like this, the Wu dynasty will not collapse in a thousand years. This is peace for all ages … But the country has enemies. If we choose this direction, if we are surrounded by rules and all kinds of interests, in the end, it will be the situation of the northern expedition. I can't beat others, and it will become more and more difficult to beat them … "
"In reality, there is naturally a difference from what you said. We have really gone astray. There are people who dare to reform and dare to make bloody mistakes. There are people in every dynasty and generation." After thinking for a long time, Kang Xian slowly said, "But in general, it is similar to what you said. Even so, what does it have to do with what you did in the Tyrant's Saber Camp?"
"To say that peace for all ages is a bit exaggerated. In fact, whether it is governing a country or in politics, it is usually just to check for loopholes and fill in the gaps. It is like carrying a scale and constantly shaking it. Where there is a problem, there is a patch. As for the overall situation, it is always going in one direction. Mencius said that in five hundred years, there will be a king who will rise. In a dynasty, five hundred years is the limit. Because it is too tight, it becomes harder and harder for others to have hope, and their resentment will grow. Then, with a boom, the scale will fall to the ground. Once it falls to the ground, people will live a life worse than pigs and dogs … "
Ning Yi paused. "But perhaps there is a way to avoid this. It may not be the best, but it can avoid the worst."
"Is it what you did?"
"In one sentence, the minority obeys the majority."
Kang Xian laughed. "When that time comes, will the minority behind you and behind me obey the majority?"
"That is a problem of the details. Duke Ming, the Confucian school has been passed down for so many years. Every generation, the one in power is called the Emperor. The passing down of culture determines the rules and the way the system exists. Suppose there is such a system in the future hundreds or thousands of years, with a change every three to five years, and someone wants to rebel, he will naturally be able to rise. Then, will there still be people who will rebel? There will not be a time when people are worse than pigs and dogs. "
"How can it be like that? If there are more people, then talk. Is it a game of rock-paper-scissors? And do you know the meaning of the thief of virtue in the countryside? If you rise to power, will you be willing to give up your power? In the few years that you are in power, you will wipe out all of these things! And to ensure that this method is passed down, you … where do you think His Majesty is? This idea of yours is treason and heresy. "By the end, Kang Xian had already subconsciously lowered his voice.
Ning Yi looked at him. "These are all minor details. Duke Ming, don't tell me you can't think of it. It is the culture that everyone believes in that determines what the dynasty is like. Culture, determines the system – I call it the system. If everyone believes that the minority obeys the majority is the truth, some things will slowly be worn out … and that should be a matter of hundreds of years later. The minority obeys the majority. Everyone is saying that, and I'm just saying it in a different way. Duke Ming, let me say something treason and heresy. If the Wu dynasty does not last for five hundred years, shouldn't there be something new? "
"This is your idea …" After a long time, Kang Xian sighed. "A … new playing house. Since the Tang Dynasty, there has been more than one person who wanted to go to the Great Harmony and donate their family property to live the life of old age in the mountains. All of them ended in disappointment. Yours is different, so I looked carefully. Who knew … that this is what you were thinking. This idea is too treason and heresy. You have to restrain yourself. There are some things that cannot be changed. How can you bargain? Generally, the minority obeys the majority. "
The old man spoke of treason, but in reality, he did not have that kind of treason in his heart. Philosophy was the end of all disciplines. Since ancient times, there were many people who studied Confucianism who were wild and unruly. They had all kinds of ideas, and it was possible that no one had ever raised the level of the overall situation to see why these ideas were formed. If one could not think this way, then how could the Analects of Confucius, which emphasized the principles of human conduct, rule the world with only half of the Analects of Confucius?
He was no longer wary of this because he sensed that the realization of this idea was remote. If he were to punish someone for a crime just because of the phrase "the minority obeys the majority," that would be too much. In Confucianism, the minority obeys the majority, but this was on the concept of the same class. What Ning Yi had said just now was to popularize this concept to everyone. If he wanted to do something, he would touch upon the core of the class division of Heaven, Earth, Monarch, Teacher, and so on. That would truly be treason and heresy. He was only saying that this theory might be better, but it was just an overly bold exploration or experiment. Although Kang Xian did not take it seriously, it was not to the extent that he wanted to draw a clear line.
In Kang Xian's eyes, Ning Yi was just a Confucian scholar who wanted to create peace for the world. Although he really did not pay attention to Tao and simply considered the aspect of "use" too much, these ideas were not necessarily without reference. It was just that without Tao, he lacked a soul.
After all, this was a young man who was too talented and had too many ideas. He sighed and said, "You can succeed in Hangzhou because you always do things outside the rules. You always have a broader vision than others. But if you blindly jump outside the rules, you will eventually get into trouble. It's not that you don't understand this, but if you are going to Shangjing next, I think I still have to remind you."
"Well … but I am still thinking about Shangjing. Tan'Er is about to give birth, and Tong Shumi has already started to go north. After all, I do not understand the specific operation of the officialdom. I am afraid that Shangjing may not need me."
"Ah, you will definitely need me. When the news of what happened in Hangzhou spread to Bianjing, he wrote to me and asked you to be sure to go after you come back. You also said that there are too many rules. In fact, what is lacking is people who can jump outside the rules. But it is just a look. People who can jump outside the rules are afraid of breaking the rules. When that time comes, I am afraid that even Elder Qin will not be able to protect you. "
"I am enlightened. I will pay attention. Let's see first and deal with the family affairs here first."
"There is nothing to deal with here. If there are a few clowns in your family, I can do my best to help. But your wife is pregnant. I think you will have to wait until the child is born before you leave. The other thing is the matter of Yunzhu. Have you decided what to do? "
"I am having a headache. This time I came to ask for your opinion."
"Ah?" Although it was Kang Xian who said this, he looked very puzzled at this time. "What is there to have a headache about?"
"A year ago, I thought about leaving the Su family and leaving with Yunzhu. Now I am having a headache. Tan'Er has already given birth. Should I break off with Yunzhu? But to be honest, between me and Yunzhu, I do not know the love between a normal brothel or a woman who sells herself … Ha, maybe everyone will think of me like that. But now, both the palm and the back of the hand are meat. This is purely my own fault. I want to hear your opinion. "
"Ha … Hahahahaha …" The old man suddenly burst into laughter. His laughter grew louder and louder, and after a long time, he finally stopped. "Haha … I was just thinking that although you are a lazy person, you are a cut above the rest in terms of ability and talent. If you were in a chaotic world, you might be an ambitious person like Cao Cao. I didn't expect … Haha, you can do those things easily, but now you are actually distressed over such a small matter. This is really … really hilarious."
Ning Yi looked at the old man and pursed his lips. "To be honest, I will not let go of any of them. I never thought that I would really let go of them. Fickleness, unreliable men, a man who is not satisfied is like a snake trying to swallow an elephant. It doesn't matter what others think. My real thought is: they are all my people. Why not? The reason why I'm asking you is because I want you to tell me more about how a real man should have three wives and four concubines, so that I can be a little more righteous in my unreasonable ways. "
Kang Xian spread his hands and said, "I don't know why you feel that this isn't justified …"
"You know … the minority obeys the majority … everyone has to be equal …"
"That means, you, your wife, and Yunzhu … all have to be equal."
Ning Yi laughed. In fact, the trouble was not as big as he said. Even in the modern world, the messy relationships between men and women were the norm in the circle he came into contact with. But if he was a man in ancient times, he would sincerely consider men and women in completely different positions. After all, he was a modern man. If he really valued each other, everyone would really stand on the same line. This was what made him feel interesting.
Kang Xian also looked at him for a long time, and finally patted his shoulder. His expression became slightly serious. "Ning Liheng, Ning Liheng … To be honest, before this, this old man still regarded you as an interesting young friend with potential and ability. But after what I said tonight, I can finally say that there is no difference between learning and learning, and the one who has reached first comes first. You and I, we can sit down and talk about the Tao without any difference. You are really thinking about these things, but … hahahahaha … "As he said this, he couldn't help but laugh." You are a little too trapped in a cocoon of your own making … "
Feeling that Ning Yi had really implemented these thoughts into his daily life, the old man laughed, and some of the thoughts and grudges of "treason" just now completely disappeared. Of course, this was a misunderstanding …
"It is not a big deal for a man to have three wives and four concubines. The meaning is that you should not pay too much attention to women. How is this unreasonable? I have nothing to say. Your wife is very respectful to you, and you have a child. Naturally, you should not abandon your wife. Otherwise, what difference is there between you and a beast? Miss Nie is so gentle and virtuous. She is waiting for you to come back, not because she is greedy for your family's property. With her character, if not for the stain of her past, she should be the legal wife of a big family. She really likes you, so no matter how you treat her, she will be happy. If you miss this kind of woman, it will be difficult for you to find a second one in this life. This old man has been dealing with the sisters more recently. If you let her down, I will ask Ah Gui to take a cloth bag and throw you into the Qinhuai River … "
The corner of Ning Yi's mouth twitched. Then, he laughed heartily, "Haha!"
*****
I overturned a very big plot line from before. As for what it is, I can only say after I finish writing the fourth episode. In the following period of time, I might not be able to control myself, so I will try my best to post a single chapter or a post in the book review and comment section to see if I am writing. The post will usually be posted between nine to ten at night. I can't be sure that the post will be accurate. The standard is that if I really can't write well, I still have to suppress it. But if I post a post, it is a reminder to myself. I will constantly think about it, and I can't sleep.
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