Chapter 510 Zhuge Liang scolds Wang Lang! Ancestors are not worthy of following the example!

Although Guo Jia took the initiative and launched a fierce attack, Zheng Xuan was, after all, a great scholar who was well-read and familiar with ancient and modern times. He quickly found loopholes in Guo Jia’s words and counterattacked, reversing the situation again.

“Guo Situ only saw the surface of Confucianism, but failed to penetrate its essence.”

After Zheng Xuan finished his discussion, he continued, “I have studied Confucianism for decades and have a rough understanding of it.”

“Confucius said to achieve benevolence, Mencius said to seek righteousness. The two words benevolence and righteousness are the foundation of Confucianism. The Three Cardinal Guides and Five Constant Virtues, rites, laws, honor and disgrace, all come from this.”

“Since the Spring and Autumn Period, our glorious China has been based on Confucianism, which has brought people together and made loyalty and filial piety flourish.”

“I do not deny that some villains use Confucianism to seek personal gain, but Confucianism is not wrong, and the words and teachings of the sages are also not wrong.”

“When Situ Guo assisted Your Majesty in times of crisis, and Sikong Yuan personally killed his father for the sake of justice, isn’t this the best interpretation of the words loyalty and filial piety?”

Guo Jia was speechless and could not refute.

Because that’s their disadvantage.

The Han Dynasty ruled the country with Confucianism. It is true that Confucianism and Legalism have various drawbacks, but their positive impact is greater, so he has been avoiding the important issues.

Moreover, from the bottom of his heart, he did not completely deny the idea of ​​governing the country by Confucianism. He just wanted to use new learning to develop technology and select talents.

But unfortunately, this battle between the old and the new concerns the fate of the promotion path, so it will only end when one side wins.

“Great! The teacher is really amazing!”

Below the debate stage, Cui Yan saw that Zheng Xuan had gained the upper hand and could not help but cheer in a low voice, feeling very excited.

The heads of other major families also smiled.

These remarks left Guo Jia speechless. He truly deserves to be the greatest Confucian scholar of the time.

This debate is already settled.

But at this moment, an inappropriate voice sounded: “Duke Zheng said that Situ Guo only saw the surface of Confucianism, but isn’t Duke Zheng the same?”

Everyone looked behind Guo Jia.

Pang Tong stood up, smiled slightly, and then bowed and said, “Junior Pang Tong, let me have the second debate with Duke Zheng!”

The first debate has just ended.

It is obvious that Guo Jia was not able to defeat Zheng Xuan in the debate.

Then the second game will be fought by Pang Tong.

Everyone in the audience looked surprised when they saw this. Pang Tong’s sharp tongue had been demonstrated before the debate began. He was definitely a difficult character to deal with.

Hua Xin became a little restless when he saw this. He wanted to stand up and argue, but when he saw that Zheng Xuan did not move, he had to endure it.

Zheng Xuan looked at Pang Tong with deep eyes and asked, “My friend said that I only saw the surface. What do you mean by that?”

Pang Tong smiled and said, “Mr. Zheng is right. Confucianism and Legalism do have many benefits. This is undeniable. Situ Guo has never denied it either.”

“Guo Situ’s point of view is also very clear. Confucianism and Legalism are good, but they are no longer suitable for the current situation, and they cannot meet the needs of the development of our Han Dynasty.”

“We are very clear about this, but Duke Zheng only sees the good side of Confucianism and Legalism, but fails to see the fact that Confucianism and Legalism cannot make the Han Dynasty rich and powerful.”

“How does a country become rich? How does it become strong? When the people are well fed and clothed, and the treasury is full, then it is rich; when the army is well-equipped and has countless cavalry, then it is strong!”

“However, neither Confucianism nor Legalism can satisfy these two points.”

Pang Tong stood up and paced on the debate stage, looking calm. Then he looked at Zheng Xuan and told a story.

“When I was studying abroad, I overheard a conversation between a farmer and a scholar.”

“The farmer complained about the hardship of farming. The scholar comforted him by quoting the words of a sage, saying: ‘When God bestows a great responsibility on a man, he must make him suffer in his heart and work hard in his body.'”

“Does Lord Zheng know how the farmer answered?”

Pang Tong asked Zheng Xuan with a smile.

Zheng Xuan shook his head slowly.

Pang Tong laughed: “The farmer said: Saint, you like to talk nonsense the most, you want him to try this for the rest of his life?”

“The scholar was speechless and finally left with his face covered.”

“I wonder how Mr. Zheng would answer the farmer’s question if he were the scholar?”

Zheng Xuan lowered his eyes and remained silent.

Because there is no solution to this problem.

No matter how much you reason with the farmer or how much you comfort him, it will not alleviate the hard work he endures.

Pang Tong’s angle of breaking the deadlock can be described as tricky. He did not talk about the drawbacks of Confucianism and Legalism, but only stated the objective facts, but it made it impossible for people to answer.

You say Confucianism is good and the words of the saints are wonderful, but can these be eaten as food? Can they be used as weapons? Can they resist the enemy?

And this is precisely the most fatal problem of Confucianism.

“When the world was in chaos and the Han Dynasty was in decline, Confucianism still trapped people in red tape. Those corrupt scholars spent their whole lives studying the classics just to pick out some sentences, which was useless in the chaotic times.”

“In the end, it was thanks to your majesty’s wisdom and bravery, the bravery of the generals, and the frequent strategies of the ministers that we were able to defeat all the powerful enemies and pacify the world.”

“Therefore, if we want to make our Han Dynasty rich and powerful, Confucianism and Legalism can only be used as a supplement. Only by vigorously developing new learning, improving weapons, building water conservancy projects, innovating farming, and strengthening national strength can we attract all nations to come and pay tribute!”

Although Pang Tong had an ugly face, his words were passionate and extremely inspiring when he spoke them.

“well said!”

Lu Bu in the audience was so excited that he couldn’t help but slam the table and cheer loudly.

He didn’t expect that this boy looked ugly but his words were so pleasant to the ears and really touched his heart.

Chen Gong glared at Lu Bu but said nothing.

Because he also agreed with Pang Tong’s words in his heart.

Pang Tong’s solution was truly ingenious, no wonder he was chosen by the emperor to participate in this debate.

Even a rough man like Lu Bu was persuaded, let alone the other scholars in the audience. Many scholars who supported Confucianism and Legalism could not help but fall into deep thought after listening to Pang Tong’s debate.

Hua Xin’s face looked very ugly. He wanted to go up and refute Pang Tong, but he couldn’t find any point to refute.

Seeing that Hua Xin did not move and Zheng Xuan was isolated and helpless, Wang Lang stood up and said, “You are such a sly talker, you actually said such a treasonous thing!”

“Confucianism has been passed down for thousands of years and is the root of Chinese civilization. Propriety, righteousness, integrity and shame all come from it. Duke Zhou created rituals and music, and Confucius traveled around to preach. This is what makes China different from barbarians!” “Now you are making such a fuss, saying that the teachings of saints are useless. Where do you put the saints? Where do you put the emperors of all dynasties?”

“The Three Bonds and Five Constant Virtues, loyalty, filial piety, propriety and justice all come from Confucianism and legalism. Our Han dynasty governs the country with filial piety. According to you, is this all wrong?”

“You are so brave!”

Wang Lang’s words were really nonsense. He forced the topic to change and put a big hat on Pang Tong.

The Han Dynasty ruled the country with filial piety. Your opposition to Confucianism and Legalism is your opposition to this concept established by the previous emperor. What do you mean?
Do you dare to say that the late emperor was wrong?

Pang Tong frowned and his face darkened when he heard this. Wang Lang’s methods were too shameless and he couldn’t refute them for the time being.

But at this time Zhuge Liang suddenly stood up.

He looked at Wang Lang with a sharp gaze and said, “Please don’t confuse the public or misinterpret this matter here, my lord!”

“When did Shi Yuan ever say that the teachings of saints are useless? Liang respected the ancient saints such as Zhou Gong and Confucius, and he also knew the importance of Confucianism to China. But today, you took my words out of context and tried to use words to shackle the road to reform!”

“Duke Zhou created rituals and music to suit the social situation at that time; Confucius traveled around the world to preach in order to save the troubled times.”

“But now the times have changed and the situation is very different. Shouldn’t we learn from the thoughts of the saints and adapt flexibly instead of sticking to dogma?”

“As for the Three Bonds and Five Constant Virtues, loyalty, filial piety, courtesy and righteousness you mentioned, we advocate new learning, not to abandon these moral principles, but to strive to use fair and strict laws to enable the people to truly practice courtesy and righteousness, and ensure that loyalty and filial piety can continue!”

“It is also to make the Han Dynasty rich and strong!”

“Besides, the Han Dynasty ruled the country with filial piety, which is understandable. But if the former emperors knew about this and saw the people trapped in war and the country in turmoil, would they want future generations to ignore reality, stick to the old system, and turn a blind eye to the suffering of the people?”

“The late emperor’s wish was to make the Han Dynasty prosperous and the people live and work in peace and contentment. Everything we do is to achieve this goal. How can it be considered as opposing the late emperor?”

Zhuge Liang’s words were fierce and thought-provoking, and he refuted all the accusations that Wang Lang had made against Guo Lai.

But this was not the end. He stared at Wang Lang fiercely and raised his voice:

“Wang Jingyan! You are well-read, but you are ignoring the facts and making up stories at this moment. You are not concerned about the people in order to maintain the old system. Don’t you feel ashamed?”

“We are dedicated to the prosperity of the Han Dynasty, and we have a clear conscience! But you, who talk about benevolence and morality, are doing things that hinder reform and harm the country and the people! How dare you talk so arrogantly here!

Wang Lang’s face turned red and veins bulged on his forehead. It was obvious that he was unable to withstand Zhuge Liang’s fierce attack.

But he still forced himself to hold on and did not back down, gritting his teeth and retorting: “Humph! You are just looking for an excuse for your heresy!”

“The previous emperors worked diligently to educate the people with Confucianism, which led to the peace and prosperity of the Han Dynasty. Now you are trying to subvert tradition and start a new one. It is clear that you have evil intentions!”

Zhuge Liang laughed loudly, his laughter full of disdain: “Wang Jingyan, it seems that you are really stubborn!”

“In the past, the world was peaceful and prosperous, but because of the conservatism, corruption and stupidity of the later generations, the world was in chaos and the people suffered. If Confucianism has become a tool to whitewash peace and consolidate personal interests in their hands, then when will this kind of conservative “tradition” be broken?”

Wang Lang’s eyes widened, and he was shaking with anger. He pointed a trembling finger at Zhuge Liang and said, “Zhuge Kongming! How dare you slander the late emperor’s legacy like this? Are you worthy of the ancestors of the Han Dynasty?!”

Zhuge Liang had a stern look on his face, his eyes like knives: “I compare myself to Guan Zhong and Yue Yi, I am only concerned with making the Han Dynasty prosperous, everything I do is for the country and the well-being of the people of the world!”

“As the saying goes, destiny is not to be feared, and ancestors are not to be followed!”

“Reform and innovation are imperative! People like you who are so conservative and pedantic are no different from ghouls. You dare to talk about the people, the world, and the late emperor here. Aren’t you ashamed?”

“you you……”

Wang Lang’s lips trembled, and he was speechless for a long time. His chest rose and fell violently: “You are talking nonsense!”

Zhuge Liang pressed on step by step, his words becoming more and more sharp: “The world is just beginning to settle down, and the people are eager for a stable and prosperous life! Liang is implementing new policies and making reforms to comply with the will of the people and to fulfill his responsibility as a minister to the country and the people.”

“And you, Wang Jingyan, are hiding behind outdated dogmas, using empty moral accusations to try to stop the progress of our Han Dynasty. Who is hindering the prosperity of the Han Dynasty, and who is the enemy of the people of the world?!”

“I have never seen such a shameless person!”

Wang Lang’s eyes were wide open, his face was as pale as paper, and his body was shaky: “You…you…Puah——!!”

I saw a mouthful of blood spurting out of Wang Lang’s mouth.

He staggered a few steps and fell straight back.

This scene shocked the whole audience!
Wang Lang…was actually made to vomit blood by what Zhuge Liang said?

“Brother Jing Yan!”

Hua Xin and Bing Yuan’s expressions changed drastically, and they hurried forward to support Wang Lang, but found that his breath was weak, his eyes were dull, and he could no longer speak.

Guo Jia, Pang Tong, Xu Shu as well as Lu Bu, Sima Yi and others in the audience were all shocked.

They all looked at Zhuge Liang with horror, as he looked stern.

Zhuge Liang is usually gentle and seldom fights with others. But who would have thought that his move today would be so shocking!
Zhuge Liang did not stop at this time. His eyes swept across Zheng Xuan, Hua Xin and others, and finally looked at the people present in the audience.

“Today, Liang is not only debating with the great scholars, but also competing with these decadent and conservative ideas!”

“The essence of Confucianism lies in benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom and trustworthiness, in putting the people first and in allowing all people in the world to live a stable life!”

“But now, some people have twisted it into a tool to restrict innovation and protect their own interests. This is a great disrespect to the ancient saints!”

At this time, a scholar in the audience could not help but stand up and said, “That being said, how can Secretary Zhuge know that the new teachings are definitely correct?”

“Although Confucianism has its drawbacks, it has been maintained for many years. How can we easily abandon it? What if the new learning is not as good as the old learning?”

Zhuge Liang’s expression was stern, and he responded: “If we are afraid of changes and stick to our ways, then our Han Dynasty will never be revived!”

“When Shang Yang carried out the reform, the people of Qin were not happy at first, but what happened in the end? Qin’s national strength increased greatly, laying the foundation for unifying the world!”

“Although change may bring pain, as long as we are in the right direction and persist to the end, we will surely see the dawn of hope!”

“Change means life, no change means death!”

As soon as he finished speaking, someone else retorted unconvincedly: “The reforms that Zhuge Zhongshu talked about are just empty talk! The new learning is even more worthless!”

At this moment, the debate was no longer limited to the stage, but a debate with all the supporters of Confucianism present.

The debate also spread from the dispute between the new and the old to reform and innovation.

Zhuge Liang said without hesitation: “The foundation of the new learning lies in the four major categories of law, metallurgy, mathematics, and politics.”

“It is called a new school of thought, but in fact it is a combination of Legalism, Mohism and Confucianism, taking the advantages of each and discarding the disadvantages.”

“With the Confucianism of benevolence, justice, propriety and law as the soul, the Legalist system as the bones, and the Mohist technology as the flesh and blood, this——”

“It’s new learning!”

(End of this chapter)