Chapter 76: Serving as an official in the court? Fu Nian’s choice!
Qin Wangfu.
Back garden.
Qinglong leads the Confucian leader Fu Nian.
Through the winding paths.
Slowly step into this world.
In the courtyard.
An old vine is wrapped around a wooden chair.
There was a figure sitting upright on the chair.
It seems to blend into the surrounding scenery.
Yet he has an aura of majesty without even getting angry.
This is the first time I see this scene.
I couldn't help but feel shocked.
People often use the metaphor of Shura to describe the cruelty and power of the King of Qin.
Now I see it with my own eyes.
Only then did I realize that this was true.
Even though they are far apart.
The invisible pressure emanating from King Qin.
It still made him feel nervous.
It seems to weigh a thousand pounds.
It forced him to bow unconsciously to show respect.
however.
As a Confucian.
Fu Nian quickly adjusted his mood.
With the tenacity and character unique to Confucianism.
Take a step forward.
Between a few steps.
Fu Nian has arrived before the King of Qin.
He straightened his posture.
Bow with both hands and perform a deep salute.
The voice was steady and powerful: "The head of the Confucian sect has come to pay his respects to His Majesty the King of Qin. May the King of Qin be blessed with good health!"
Lin Xuan raised his eyes slightly.
His eyes were deep and indifferent.
Gently passed by Fu Nian.
I thought to myself.
This Confucian leader came from afar.
There must be a deeper meaning behind it.
after all.
Confucianism sometimes intersected with the empire.
But the headmaster came in person.
It's anything but ordinary.
"Oh?"
"The head of the Confucian School came to Xianyang in person, but he did not enter the palace to meet Your Majesty first, but came to look for me instead. What is the reason?"
Lin Xuan's voice was calm and powerful.
Fu Nian's expression froze when he heard this.
Then he smiled and said, "Your Majesty, I am humbled to know that you are here to discuss important matters."
"Confucianism has a long history and has benefited the world. Countless students have been influenced by it, including many who are pillars of the empire. For example, Prince Fusu has unique insights into Confucianism."
"Therefore, Fu Nian boldly proposes to build Confucian ancestral halls throughout the empire to promote Confucianism, educate the people, and enable students to study Confucian classics more systematically."
Lin Xuan narrowed his eyes slightly when he heard this.
There seemed to be a light flickering deep in the pupils.
On the surface, this proposal.
It was undoubtedly a great boost to the culture and education of the empire.
But if you think about it carefully.
The profound meaning contained therein cannot be underestimated.
Confucianism.
Perhaps they intend to take this opportunity to expand their influence.
Even penetrated into every corner of the empire.
"The heart of Confucianism is clear to me."
"However, the matter of building an ancestral hall is no small matter and requires careful consideration."
Lin Xuan spoke slowly.
"This king would like to hear the detailed strategies of the Confucianists before making a decision."
Upon hearing this, Fu Nian secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
He knew that he had initially won the attention and consideration of the King of Qin.
He then further elaborated on the Confucian ideas and plans.
The words are sincere and the logic is clear.
Strive to impress the powerful King of Qin.
And Lin Xuan listened quietly.
Nod from time to time.
There was a deep light in his eyes.
It seemed as if he was weighing the pros and cons of this decision in his mind.
finally.
Fu Nian took a deep breath.
Take courage.
He poured out his deepest expectations and grand blueprint for the future of Confucianism without reservation. His words were sincere, and every word carried his love for Confucianism and his desire to pass it on.
however.
When these heartfelt words slowly fell into Lin Xuan's ears.
However, it did not immediately receive the expected praise or response.
Instead, it brought an unexpected decision.
Lin Xuan's eyes became deep and complicated after Fu Nian finished speaking.
He spoke slowly.
A condition was put forward.
A proposal that was enough to shock everyone present.
As long as Confucianism can agree to this condition.
He would generously approve the establishment of Confucian temples in every corner of the empire.
Let the wisdom and knowledge of Confucianism nourish every inch of land like spring rain and carry it forward.
however.
When this condition was revealed.
Fu Nian's expression suddenly became uncertain.
It was like a bolt from the blue.
What Lin Xuan requested.
He actually asked the three leaders of Confucianism to go to the Xianyang Palace in person and serve as officials in the court.
From now on, we will draw a clear line between ourselves and the distant Confucian world!
Become a member of the imperial bureaucracy.
this proposal.
For Fu Nian.
It is undoubtedly a heavy blow.
It is more than a redefinition of his personal identity and responsibilities.
It is also a huge challenge to the entire Confucian tradition and independence.
If so.
Confucianism will no longer be an academic temple where ideas can be freely spread and talents can be cultivated.
Instead, it is deeply branded with the mark of imperial power and has lost its transcendence and purity.
For a while.
Fu Nian's heart was in turmoil, with hesitation and struggle intertwined.
He knew it.
This choice will determine the future direction of Confucianism.
Should we stick to the thousand-year-old heritage and independence, or adapt to the times and dance with the empire?
He looked at Lin Xuan with an unquestionable look.
I felt unprecedented pressure and responsibility.
at this moment.
Fu Nian seemed to be standing at the crossroads of fate.
Every step seemed so heavy and difficult.
He needs time to think, to weigh the pros and cons, and to find the option that can both uphold the dignity of Confucianism.
It can also promote the balance point of promoting the development of Confucianism.
So he chose to remain silent.
Let your thoughts surge in your heart.
Looking for that glimmer of light that may exist.
After an intense ideological struggle and careful consideration.
Fu Nian finally made a difficult decision.
He slowly raised his head.
He looked at Lin Xuan with a firm gaze.
There was worry about the future of Confucianism in his eyes.
There is also awe at the powerful influence of the empire.
"Qin Wangmian, although Confucianism is a school of thought, it also knows the general trend of the world. Only by adapting to the trend of the times can it last long."
"Although the conditions you proposed are an unprecedented challenge for us Confucians, it would be a blessing for Confucians if we could use this opportunity to spread and recognize Confucianism more widely."
Speaking of it.
Fu Nian paused slightly.
It seems like he is giving himself some buffer time.
He continued, "Therefore, I am willing to accept your proposal on behalf of Confucianism. The three leaders of Confucianism will go to the Xianyang Palace and serve as officials. This will serve as a new starting point for cooperation between Confucianism and the empire."
Hearing this, Lin Xuan curled up a faint smile and a hint of admiration flashed in his eyes.
He knew it.
Fu Nian's compromise was not weakness.
Rather, it comes from careful consideration and long-term consideration of the future of Confucianism.
Such Confucianism.
It is more likely to be under the protection of the empire.
To achieve real prosperity and development.
"Well, Sect Leader Fu Nian is very understanding and righteous. This king is very pleased."
There was a hint of relief and anticipation in Lin Xuan's voice.
"From now on, Confucianism and the Empire will be partners in honor and disgrace."
"This king will fully support the development of Confucianism throughout the empire and make Confucianism an important part of the imperial culture."
As Lin Xuan's promise came true.
The atmosphere in the courtyard became relaxed.
But just then.
Qinglong suddenly walked in quickly.
"My Lord, the eldest son Fusu wants to see you!"
(End of this chapter)