Chapter 136 Literary War

As soon as she started writing, Guan Suyi couldn't stop, so she had to tie a small sandbag to Mu Mu and let him sit next to her to practice calligraphy. Mu Mu was very well-behaved, neither disturb nor noisy. When it was time for dinner, he even urged his sister to eat, for fear that she would exhaust her body.

Old Master Guan and Guan Father were not at ease at first, and ran to the study to take a look a few times, and only after reading the first page of the manuscript did they no longer bother her again.

"Although the mind is a little off, but the knowledge is greatly improved. Good!" Old Master Guan stroked his beard with a gratified expression on his face. Guan Father shook his head and smiled bitterly, didn't say anything. Where is his daughter's mind is a little off? She was about to jump into the fire pit!

Guan Suyi wrote for half a month before stop writing, checked the manuscript, polished it slightly, and then copied it several times, and let Jinzi took it to the literary notice to post it there.

"Miss, why didn't you ask someone to transcribe it and instead paste your manuscript directly? Your handwriting is well known to all scholars in Yanjing. If you publicize it like this, you will become very famous!" Jinzi pointed her finger to the signature and pointed out, "Because of the previous article "The Law of the People", the Innkeeper became highly respected by the people, words and talents are not under Xu Guangzhi. When everyone finds out that the Innkeeper is you, I am afraid it will attract a lot of criticism."

"Post it, I'm the Innkeeper and the Innkeeper is me, others can say whatever they want." Guan Suyi washed off the ink on her fingertips and spoke carelessly.

When Jinzi got the definite order, she left with the manuscript, bribed the guards who guarded the public notice, and posted her master's article. Only in a few moments it attracted a large number of people to stop and watch.

"Am I not mistaken? This is actually the masterpiece of the Innkeeper? Hurry up, hurry up, go to the bookstore to buy a brush and paper, and copy it down!" Only seeing the signature, before even reading the full text, some scholars hurriedly bought paper and writing brush. Yet many more remained, initially skeptical and then ecstatic.

The article really adhered to the legacy of the "Law of the People" and continued to oppose Xu Guangzhi. In the first sentence of the opening chapter, she directly reprimanded Xu Guangzhi for interpreting the words of the Sage with his own personal opinions, which was a big taboo. He forced his own academic views into the minds of students all over the world, making them lost their literary way; The next point was to clarify all his omissions, and to examine them with profound knowledge.

Everyone at the time knew that the Innkeeper had a deep knowledge in history, and her annotations of Confucian classics strictly followed the principle of "interpreting the scriptures with scriptures", with little personal opinion. If there were some confusions, she then implored all the great scholars to correct them. She welcomed criticism towards her article from people all over the world, and said that only in this way was the most rigorous learning attitude, rather than the words of one group became commonplace, so that the virtue of the Sage were reduced and diminished and eventually disappear.

At her concluding remarks, she pointed out that Xu Guangzhi was not annotating Confucian classics, but used Confucian classics to annotate his own thoughts. If the "Subset Commentary" circulated for a long time, what future generations would learn was no longer the thinking of Confucius and Mencius, but the thinking of Xu shi, and what they understand was not the words of the Sage, but the words of Xu shi. Xu shi's vain attempt to usurp the Sage's position, changed the Sage's words, and gain the reputation of "teacher of the world" was really just trying to gain fame for himself!

Finally, it was important to point out that the imperial examination was promoted by the emperor. If the students were fortunate enough to pass, they should be the disciples of the emperor, and serve under the emperor, not others.

Said to be an article, in fact, the number of words was enough to make a book. Because the Innkeeper's literary name was extremely popular, the onlookers first put her in the same position as Xu Guangzhi, and there would be no unnecessary doubts. After reading the full article, it was indeed deeply moving and profound. No matter how many times it was tasted, they still find it difficult to understand its true flavor.

As soon as the news spread, students soon came to watch, and before the students from the poor family could speak, the children of the noble family had already clapped their hands and applauded, full of admiration. They were of noble origin, and naturally they hired great teachers since they were young, and all of them were giants in the world, if want to annotate Confucian classics, who would dare to surpass them? But Xu Guangzhi went beyond it, and even published articles to flaunt himself and belittle others, how could they not hate him?

He described his critics as "Shu dogs bark at the sun*, and Wu buffalo gasped when he saw the moon*". All the literary giants naturally were aloof, so it was not good to argue with him. At this time, they thought about writing a book, but was afraid of being ridiculed for picking up other people's words, so they all kept silent. Now this Innkeeper pointed finger at Xu Guangzhi first, and also invited scholars from all over the world to criticize her own articles, in order to explore the Sage's words in a more in-depth and comprehensive way. This was equivalent to setting up ladder for those literary giants who were high above, if they don't go down at this time, when else?

After reading the article, all the great scholar thought about it, and immediately summed up and posted their most exquisite learning views, and of course did not forget to refute Xu Guangzhi. Although he had a solid foundation in Confucianism, his mind was too utilitarian. His annotations of Confucian classics were as described by the Innkeeper, most of them were his own thoughts cloaked in the Sage's words and couldn't stand the scrutiny.

More and more Confucian scholars joined the literary war, refuting each other, communicating with each other, commenting on each other, and annotating the Confucian classics in a comprehensive and thorough manner, making the students read it heartily and reluctantly to leave. It was no exaggeration to say that standing in front of this wall covered with splendid articles for a quarter of an hour was more useful than painstakingly reading for ten years.

By the time Xu Guangzhi received the news, his "Subset Commentary" had already been totally refuted by the literary giants, and many of the errors and omissions were so low-level that people laugh. He didn't bother to read it one by one, just found the article of the Innkeeper and read it silently, and when he saw the last sentence, he almost spit out blood.

He was not afraid to refute the academic views, he could write an article to dismiss them when he went back, but it alluded him of usurping the Sage's position and changing the Sage's words, which was clearly to cut off his literary path; It also pointed out that he had formed a party for personal gain and competed with His Majesty for disciples, which actually accusing words that were enough to make the whole Xu family beheaded! This Innkeeper was so vicious! It really used brush and paper like a knife, rushing to kill!

Xu Guangzhi was dizzy and about to collapse, but fortunately, Xu Yayan helped him in time, so he didn't collapse to the ground. Ji Chengyue happened to be nearby, so he hurried up to help, and ordered his servants to set up a carriage and send Master Xu home. Seeing Xu Yayan's gaze asking for help, he felt embarrassed in his heart, and his face couldn't help became gloomy.

The great Confucian giants in the whole Wei Kingdom simultaneously wrote articles to annotate Confucian classics, which was once-in-a-century event. Even his teacher Master Yun, who usually valued his own words, published five articles in a row, expounding his academic views in great detail. If he left at this time, it was equivalent to skipping class in the middle, and afraid that he would lag behind others in learning, so how could he be willing?

Fortunately, Xu Yayan saw his embarrassment and did not beg him to send them personally. While waiting for the carriage to approach, her eyes lingered on the Innkeeper's manuscript, and she suddenly exclaimed, "This, this is Guan Suyi's handwriting! The Innkeeper is Guan Suyi!"

"How could it be?" Ji Chengyue shook his head reflexively, and then took a closer look, he was speechless, and then his cheeks blushed layer by layer, he was completely ashamed. Just half a month ago, he said that Miss Guan was short-sighted and courageous, but it turned out that they were the ones who were really short-sighted. Her knowledge had far surpassed her peers, and she could stand side by side with all the great scholars. How could he have the face to point fingers at her? Indeed, the ignorant was fearless.

Guan Suyi's handwriting had long been famous in Yanjing, but before people were attracted by her outstanding literary talent and profound knowledge, so the students did not pay attention to the handwriting. However, when one person pointed out, more and more people would see it. The Innkeeper whose writing was like a knife and whose words were so incisive was actually a woman, and she also totally refuted Master Xu, who was several decades older than her. How knowledgeable should she be? At what age did she start reading? Guan family's education is really terrible!

Although some people criticized the Innkeeper's woman identity, the literary war between the giants was still going on, and the students were still writing wildly, they had no heart to care about anything else. On the way, the Innkeeper published two articles in succession, and the exquisite subtle remarks attracted many giants to discuss and refute. With this back-and-forth exchange, her profound Confucianism had been clearly demonstrated.

People who wanted to make a big fuss about her gender gradually gave up and concentrated on copying.

Because the literary war was intensified and in full swing, the authorities were alerted, and the imperial guards were specially dispatched to guard the literary notice, so that if any student of the great scholar want to post a new work, he must register it first. One wall was not enough, so several rows of wooden walls were added, and no one was allowed to take it off at will.

In the evening of the same day, the literary war came to an end, but the matter was not over yet. When the news was brewed overnight, it spread farther, so there must be more famous people joining in, perhaps great scholars from other places would also send their manuscript swiftly. This was not only a battle of Confucianism, but also a battle of literary names. Whether it was a scholar who purely studies Confucianism or a hypocrite who was obsess to become officials, they would not miss this opportunity.

Guan Suyi went silent after publishing three articles. She knew that the follow-up literary war had no place for her. She was just a brick that used to attract beautiful jade, and more Confucian giants would support this grand occasion.

—-

In the garden, the sky was full of stars, and the flying flowers were scattered. Guan Father held a can of oil lamp and sighed, "You made such a big movement with a wrong eye*. Fortunately, you're still aware how to retreat in the torrents, and stop before going too far, so that all the giants can overshadowed your limelight."

"A tall tree attracts the wind, and I, this little sprout, can't withstand the hurricane." Guan Suyi also held a can of oil lamp in her arms and whispered, "The literary war may last for several days. Father, have you ever thought about compiling everyone's articles into a book and make into a real "Subset Commentary"? Or gather the famous name of Wei Kingdom to jointly write a masterpiece involving all things, all disciplines and studies? To enlighten the world and guide the way for future generations. That's the real meaning of the literary war."

Guan Father looked at his daughter with new eyes, and said solemnly, "Is this what you expected?"

"Yes. Scholars of the world as teacher of the world, and all things have spirits when they last forever!" Guan Suyi's blood was burning, and it was boiling bit by bit.

Guan Father looked at her for a long time, and sighed deeply, "It is father who underestimated you. If what you said can be achieved, the Guan family will become the literary leader in one fell swoop, and scholars all over the world will be grateful for this kindness. This is the real power of enlightenment, and also the fastest way for the emperor to promote Confucianism. Yiyi, I thought about it before, maybe you can enter the palace and try it."

Hearing the last sentence, Guan Suyi was dumbfounded for a while before stepping into the study holding the oil lamp. Tonight, both grandfather and father plan to write through the night. The lights would not go out the whole night. The same situation must happen in every corner of Yanjing. And the next day, there would be no shortage of waves in the courtroom.

"Shu dogs bark at the sun*: an idiom for a simpleton who will marvell at even the most common things.

Wu buffalo gasped when he saw the moon*: a metaphor for being overly frightened by things that similar to the one that harmed you before. It was said that the water buffalo in jianghu area are afraid of heat and when it sees the moon, they think it is the sun so it gasped for breath.

wrong eye*: it means not paying attention to the moment.

Chapter 137 Literary Treasure

Emperor Sheng Yuan had received the "Subset Commentary" presented by Supervisor of Attendants since half a month ago, and many civil servants from poor families wanted to elect Xu Guangzhi as the chief examiner of the imperial examination, and even more students from all over the world cheered and made a big splash for him.

Obviously, he had refuted him twice before, reducing Xu Guangzhi's reputation to the mud, but he still had the ability to jump out, and each time he jumped harder and harder. This showed how ambitious this person was, how tough he was, and how high his ability was. Perhaps because last time he was dependent on the powerful people and lost to the heart of the common people, this time he learned the lesson and took control of the people's hearts first, and replaced the target with the world's students.

How many students were there in the world? Thousands upon thousands, with endless follow-up, and how many of them could get the guidance of great teachers? One in ten thousand! Xu Guangzhi was precisely looking at this point that he dared to cross many great Confucian giants and write the "Subset Commentary", because he knew that as long as this book spread, the poor students all over the world would become his loyal fans. Immediately afterwards, he published an article expounding his views on "The Teacher's way", branding himself as a pioneer who dared to be the first, the vanguard of promoting Confucianism, degrading those who rebuked him as Shu dogs that bark at the sun, completely blocked the mouths of all the present age's scholars.

This first punch and second punch smashed down one after another, and it really opened a way for him to reach the sky. Because of Madam, Emperor Sheng Yuan hated the house and its crows, and immediately wanted to dismiss the memorial, but because of his high reputation, if he suppressed him again, it could chilled the hearts of students all over the world, so he could only delay.

Whenever Supervisor of Attendants asked about it, Emperor Sheng Yuan said that he had not fully understand the "Subset Commentary" and had to ponder it more. After all, the promotion of the compulsory reading list for the imperial examination was a major event, so it had to be controlled. However, Supervisor of Attendants had already planned in advance, and just waiting for the emperor's approval, then he would join hands with Xu Guangzhi to write a few more Confucian commentary books, gain a name for himself, win over students, and expand his power.

Some people were waiting, and Emperor Sheng Yuan was also waiting. From what he knew about Madam, she seldom hated a person, but once she did, she would fight to her last breath. In the first two rounds, she fought with Xu Guangzhi to the end, there was no reason why there was no movement this time, so he sent a secret guard to inquire, and sure enough, he got the news that Madam was also writing a book.

Warriors fight with blade and sword's shadows, in bloody rain and bloody storm; scholars fight with words and brush, piercing the sky and cracking the stones*. Madam, are you going to start a literary war with Xu Guangzhi? Thinking like this, Emperor Sheng Yuan was looking forward to it, and he also opened the "Subset Commentary" and read it carefully, trying to find out any errors and omissions.

In this way, time naturally passed quickly, and unconsciously half a month had passed. Emperor Sheng Yuan found seven or eight doubts, recorded it in a booklet, and waited until he could ask Madam for advice in the future, but one day he received a stack of manuscripts from the dark guard, saying that it was Madam's masterpiece.

"It finished so soon?" Emperor Sheng Yuan was surprised, he opened two pages and couldn't help but chuckle. Madam, Madam, apart from being a rogue, hypocritical, and duplicitous, you are also arrogant and vindictive, use brush and paper as a knife, and really do not leave Xu Guangzhi any way to live.

"Learn and practice regularly* (xué ér shí xí zhī) ", Xu Guangzhi misunderstood the words "shí" (unit of time, it means regularly) and "xí"( means practice), and actually made Madam to go through all of Confucius's works to prove the true meaning of those two words, not let go of the slightest negligence.

Emperor Sheng Yuan could almost imagine her reading at night with the lights on and writing hard, and he could also imagine she went through the words one by one with her white fingertips. She was really not hesitating at all, when she decided to do something, she would try to do her best.

Taking out his booklet and comparing it with Madam's manuscript, Emperor Sheng Yuan was ashamed. He thought that he had worked hard and made great progress, but compared with Madam, he was still far behind. Presumably that the students outside who take Xu Guangzhi as their teachers were even lower.

When Emperor Sheng Yuan secretly decided to increase the difficulty of the imperial examination and select the real talents, another dark guard came to report that Madam's article had provoked a literary war, and now all the great scholar have gathered in the tea house opposite the literary notice. If there was an article that attracts their attention, they would immediately write an article to refute or comment.

The literary thought of an experienced scholar in the literary circle could not be compare with ordinary people, because there was mountain of books and sea of ink hidden in the heart, once they had an inspiration they could immediately write it down, no need to ponder over it too much. Therefore, in just half a day, Madam's article had already led to more than a dozen masterpieces. One was more profound than the other, one was more subtle than the other, the literary giants seemed to be competing with each other. First, they used three quarter of their power to test each other, when they saw that their opponents were very good, they showed their real skills. Later, more and more masters participated. In order not to be inferior, they even took out their hidden ability.

This made it advantageous for the students who came to watch. They felt that this article was exquisite, and that article was peerless. Even if they had a few hundred pairs of eyes, they couldn't read it all, and their hearts were burning with anxiety.

Emperor Sheng Yuan did not expect that Madam would make such a big move, but at present it was a good thing, and immediately dispatched the Guards to protect the literary notice, and one article was not allowed to be overlaid on another article; no one was allowed to take it at will; one eight (八) shape stone wall were not enough to post it, then another wooden wall was added; after nightfall, all articles have to be copied and backed up, and finally recorded it in a book.

Since ancient times, the people of the Central Plains have the habit of cherishing the broken broom as their own*. They loved to hide and tuck any secret skills they have mastered, and never divulge these even to their own disciples. Therefore, many skills or learning have gradually declined. Such a grand occasion where they tried to one-up each other and revealed everything they know, was simply unheard and unseen before.

When talking about inciting people's hearts, Madam was still the best on this matter. Instead it was Xu Guangzhi who was dragged over by her and used as a target, and suffered a huge secret loss in vain. Didn't you see that each of these great scholars had to step on Xu Guangzh in their article? It was also a trend brought by Madam.

While paying attention to the progress of the situation, Emperor Sheng Yuan was full of admiration for Madam. Seeing that she had quietly hid away and no longer participated in the follow-up literary war, he was relieved. Now that her pseudonym had been exposed, if she mix in it again, she might have the reputation of being rampant among the younger generation. But her age and gender gave her the most comprehensive protection. Just one sentence "Don't care about women" could stop the mouths of many literary giants and made her knowledge more noticeable.

A woman was only three points high, and when she spread out she could get seven points recognition, and with Madam's great talent, no one could belittle her against their conscience at this moment. However, in the future, if she use the name of the Innkeeper to post again, her authority and influence might be greatly reduced. People in the world despised women, this was a common practice and could not be changed.

When Madam becomes the Empress of Wei Kingdom, she will no longer be slight by anyone, and Zhen will make her the most honorable woman in the world. Thinking like this, Emperor Sheng Yuan finally calmed down, tore the note that recorded the slander towards Madam into pieces, and threw it into the brazier and burned it.

—-

The next day, there was silence in the court hall. Several civil court ministers who had previously urged Xu Guangzhi to become official were silent, sweating like a waterfall, secretly praying that half a month passed, and the emperor had forgotten their memorials. But heaven failed people's wishes, to their surprise the emperor took out a book, which was undoubtedly the "Subset Commentary", and then took out a thick stack of manuscripts, and said solemnly, "Yesterday, a literary war broke out in Yanjing, which really opened Zhen's perspective, it turns out that the battle for literary and academic names is no less powerful than the battle for city and territory. Zhen spent a day and a night reading the masterpieces of the great scholars, and these twelve sichen (tn: 24 hours) was far better than years of bitter reading, it stirred up the literary thought in one's mind, and leave a rich aftertaste!"

He casually threw the "Subset Commentary" aside, his tone was cold, "Zhen almost got duped by this master Xu again. Last time the policy theory broke my law and discipline in the court, this time wrote a book and messed up my literary exam. If Zhen approve your memorials and this book is listed as one of the required read for the imperial examination, it is equivalent to making Xu's words superior to the Sage's words; making Xu's Neo-Confucianism authoritarian in Wei's literary world. Ten or twenty years later, which scholar can understand the real thoughts of Confucius and Mencius? All become Xu Guangzhi's mouthpiece and supporters!"

Resolutely brushing off the book, he said word by word, "Today's students are all disciples of the Son of Heaven, not the disciples of others! If anyone wants to form faction inside and outside the court, and use power for personal gain, don't blame Zhen for shooting thunder! Xu Guangzhi is ambitious and his scheme is not small, Zhen really dare not use him, and whoever recommends him to enter the officialdom in the future, first settled his own official hat and then talk about it!"

People, who couldn't stand Xu Guangzhi's way of recruiting disciples and monopolizing the academic's court officials, today were ready to stop him from becoming official, but they didn't expect the emperor to completely block his front and back road himself, which was really gratifying.

"Your Majesty is wise!" One person bowed down and everyone surrendered, and the matter was thus over.

There was silence in the hall for a moment, and then everyone saw the Emperor Teacher walked forward and said slowly, "Your Majesty, the minister has a memorial to submit. Although Xu Guangzhi is fishing for fame, but he also set a precedent, to seek a good teacher for the students all over the world, so his original intention is still good, still ask Your Majesty to calm down his anger. This minister feels the Wei students' thirst for knowledge, implore Your Majesty to summon the world's great scholars to jointly create a Confucian treasure book to pass on to the present and future generations. In addition, please call the great masters of Hundred School of Thought to cast another encyclopedic collection, so as not to make the culture of the Central Plains decline and wilt down, and don't let us teachers wither." After the words finished, he fell down and knelt reverently.

Emperor Sheng Yuan had a keen political sense, and immediately realized the huge benefits hidden in what Emperor Teacher said. Creating a Confucian treasure book could quickly establish the status of Confucianism in the country, and laid a solid foundation for the smooth implementation of the art of imperialism; Casting the Hundred Schools of Thought's treasure book, this huge temptation would surely attract countless talents and scholars to gather in Yanjing, and they could be used by the court.

After the war, although Wei Kingdom owned a vast land, most of the people fled beyond the pass or overseas, for fear that the barbarians would come to power and harm the Han people; and Xu Guangzhi shouted the slogan "Dismiss the hundred schools and revere only Confucianism" had also scared away all the scholars of the Hundred Schools of Thought. What did Wei Kingdom lack the most now? In addition to government income was talent.

The Jiuli people were good at martial arts but not proficient in literature, and they were not loyal to Emperor Sheng Yuan, so he could not use or dare to use them. On top of that, there were too few poor officials under his command, so that he couldn't completely eliminate the influence of the noble family in the government, just because they monopolized the academics and talents.

Legalist, Military School, physician, historians, farmers, Mohist… scholars from Hundred Schools of Thought were the pillars of the country. If they could gather in Yanjing and flood into the court, what's the problem with the Hu people*? What's the problem with Xue The Thief? Wei Kingdom would definitely become powerful within five years!

piercing the sky and cracking the stones*: describe a high pitched voice.

cherishing the broken broom as their own*: into attach value to something because it is their ownside.

Hu people: ethnic groups in the north and west of china in ancient time.

Chapter 138 Mother of The Country

Emperor Sheng Yuan was worried about how to win over these talents, and then Emperor Teacher gave him this wonderful idea. As long as the proclamation was issued to the world, and with the temptation to write a book that could be passed down for future generation, which literati could resist? As long as they were willing to come, he could make people stay behind!

"Emperor Teacher has a good mind! Bring the memorial, Zhen want to take a closer look!" He immediately asked Baifu to present the half-foot-thick memorial to the imperial desk.

The generals still did not respond, but the civil servants were already red in the face with excitement. Leaving a masterpiece for future generations, those who were fortunate enough to participate in this would surely leave a good reputation for all eternity! This was what they have been looking for all their lives, how could they miss it? Emperor Teacher really had a broad mind, and capable to expand the literary world, unlike Xu Guangzhi, who blindly deceived the world and stole name to gain profits.

Be sure to let the emperor approve the memorial as soon as possible! Be sure to get the book-writing position! Thinking like this, all the civil servants were ready to move. When the court disperse and the news spread, the great scholars who lived in Yanjing, would surely gather in the Emperor Teacher Mansion to try to contribute to the Confucian treasure book. This kind of thing did not need to be stirred at all. As long as the emperor call for action, the people of the world would definitely respond!

In a moment of thought, Emperor Sheng Yuan had already quickly read the memorial, and without even thinking about it, he lifted the imperial brush and wrote "memorial is granted" in bright red. He also appointed Emperor Teacher as Lantai Historian, in charge of setting up the compilation hall, and summoned the world's literary giants to participate in this grand event.

Old Master Guan kowtowed to accept the order, looking very excited. All the civil servants also knelt down and kowtowed, cried out Long live Your Majesty.

After another court affairs were dealt with, Emperor Sheng Yuan felt a little high-spirited, and was about to let Baifu shout the dismissal of the court. However he saw the princes of the Jiuli clan come forward in unison, begging the emperor to set up an empress. Because of his bizarre background, and because the previous emperor had murderous intentions for this son, the loyalty of the imperial family to Emperor Sheng Yuan was far less than that of the Han people. No one expected that it would be him who eventually ascend the throne, and on top of that he received Empress Dowager's instigation, so it was inevitable that they had a disobedient heart. Therefore, in the early days of the founding of the country, among the top ten surname of Jiuli clan only the Pan family sent their daughter to the palace, and the rest of the imperial concubines all had lowly background, considered as discarded pieces.

Now that the mystery of Emperor Sheng Yuan's life experience had been solved, and with the help of Han ministers, his power had become more stable and his prestige had risen. While the Empress Dowager's line had completely given up and almost hidden, causing the imperial relatives and the ten noble surnames panicked and wanted to stuffed their daughter into the harem.

The emperor was abandoned by his clan since he was a child, and was raised by a pack of wolves. Most of the troops who helped him conquer the world were Han troops, so how much feeling did he still have for his clan? No one dared to think deeply about the answer to this question. But watching him wantonly support Han ministers, and focused on suppressing the Jiuli clan nobles who were not loyal to him, they could assume one or two.

Strengthening his blood ties with the clan while the military power had not yet completely captured by him was a method that the princes had been painstakingly thought for many days. In any case, the Empress of Wei must be a woman of the Jiuli clan, and the next crown prince must be come from a concubine of the Jiuli clan, and the emperor must not be allowed to mess up the imperial bloodline.

Holding the list of potential empresses drawn up by several princes in his hand, Emperor Sheng Yuan laughed instead of getting angry, he leaned over and asked, "Who is Zhen?"

"Your Majesty, you are the lord of the Wei Kingdom." The nobles of the Jiuli clan were a little puzzled.

"How much power do Zhen have?"

"You are supreme!"

"Can Zhen be worthy of the most precious treasure in the world?"

"You are rich in the world, and the treasures in the world naturally belong to you."

"Then what do you mean by picking these ordinary women for Zhen? Are you looking down on Zhen?" Emperor Sheng Yuan threw away the list and said slowly, "If Zhen want to set up an empress, certainly have to marry a woman with the most beautiful appearance, the most outstanding talent, the most the noble family background and the highest moral virtue in Wei Kingdom, the other vulgar women not worthy of entering Zhen's eyes!"

As soon as these words came out, the whole court fell silent. The princes wanted to retort, but could not find a suitable entry point. He was the supreme being of Wei Kingdom, and of course worthy of the most outstanding woman in Wei Kingdom, what's wrong with saying that? Those four conditions were also essential qualities for the mother of the country, and none of them were indispensable.

This, this was completely different from what they originally thought! How to refute it? Could it be that you have to choose one from these women, Your Majesty? Could it be that you said you deserve such a perfect woman, then you can just casually get it? The current Emperor Sheng Yuan was not a tool that was used like a pack horse by the previous emperor in those days. He arbitrary decide the discipline of the imperial court and had real power in his hands, it was simply impossible to force him to submit. Even if the armies controlled by the ten noble surnames and the imperial clan were all added up together, they were only two-thirds of the Han army under his command. If they have a fight, they were bound to be doomed.

The most beautiful, the most talented, the most noble family background, and the most virtuous? The Han courtiers also pondered in their hearts, picking out the unmarried women in the capital one by one, only Guan Suyi, the granddaughter of the Old Master, accounted for all four points. Whether she was beautiful or not, anyone with eyes could see; whether her talent high or not, wasn't she talented enough to compete with the literary giants of the world several times, still need to elaborate? If the Emperor Teacher Mansion couldn't afford the four characters of "a noble family background", who could afford it? As for virtue, it's a matter of opinion.

Some people criticize Guan shi's womanly character as being rigid and unladylike, but that was for ordinary people. If the emperor came forward to argue, the fact that she cut open the abdomen to take a child out, thus allowed the late Empress Dowager to rectify her name, was enough to earn her a favorable impression. Others could say hundreds of thousands of sentences about Miss Guan's disadvantages, but in the emperor's heart she was still good.

The emperor's words were completely pointed out to Miss Guan! Thinking like this, many people glanced at Emperor Teacher and Chief of Ceremonies to see how they would react.

However, to everyone's disappointment, Emperor Teacher and Chief of Ceremonies didn't even raise their eyebrows, as if it had nothing to do with them. That's right, although Miss Guan was both talented and beautiful, she had been married and reconcile, so how could she become the empress! Almost forget that key point!

Everyone reacted and breathed a sigh of relief. The lower-ranking ministers did not think about it anymore, but the noble and powerful ministers examined their daughters one by one to see who was talented, beautiful, and virtuous, and find an opportunity to let them meet the emperor in the future.

Emperor Sheng Yuan was not surprised when he saw that the two Mount Tai were indifferent, but he also could not help but a bit disappointed. What's wrong with a reconcile woman? A reconcile woman can't marry again? What a bunch of idiots! The words had been released, and if someone want to put a woman in his harem, he had to decide whether she was qualified or not.

After thinking about it, he slowly said, "All the beloved ministers worried that there is no master in the harem, and Zhen is also worried. But the mother of the country is the most honorable woman in the world, how can anyone deserve it? It's better to have the empress' seat empty than having unworthy people usurping the throne of Jiaofang Palace* and harm my great Wei's blessing, what do the beloved minister think?"

It had been raised to harming the country's blessing, who dare to refute it now? What's more, what the emperor said was right, whether the empress was virtuous and not, it was indeed a great importance. Don't you see that Xia, Shang, Zhou… all the previous dynasties died because of the chaos in the harem. Looking at it, the emperor's standard for establishing an empress was really reasonable.

After the court hall calmed down, Emperor Sheng Yuan raised his voice, "Do you have anything else, beloved minister? Let's retire if there is nothing."

Everyone hurriedly knelt down to send off the emperor, only to see him striding to the door of the Jinluan Palace, and suddenly turned around and smiled, "Emperor Teacher, Zhen asked you last time if you recognize the Innkeeper, you said you didn't know, and now Zhen find out that she is actually your granddaughter. Zhen will remember your crime of deceiving the monarch, in the future send the Innkeeper's calligraphy treasure to make it even."

Old Master Guan hurriedly knelt down to apologize, and when he got up again, His Majesty had already left. After coming out of the Jinluan Palace, the father and son showed a solemn expression. Who said that reconcile woman cannot enter the palace? Others might have forgotten, but they have not, the Jiuli people have always had the custom of son inheriting when the father died, younger brother succeeding when older brother died, not only in the change of rights and family inheritance, but also the marriage. Younger brothers married his sisters-in-law, sisters-in-law married husband's younger brother, and son even married the stepmother, all kinds of absurd actions had been passed down for hundreds of years and had evolved into the norm.

Even father's woman could marry, then what's marrying a second-married woman be count on? His Majesty's words today were deliberately addressed to the Guan family!

Old Master Guan unaware of the ins and out, so he was just a little worried, but Guan Father felt that the situation was over and he was powerless to struggle, he could only take one step at a time and go with the flow. Fortunately, although the daughter did not understand hidden plot, she was good at using open conspiracy. If she could occupy the phoenix position, she might avoid the worst end.

—-

When the court meeting was in progress, the literary war was still continuing, and the tea houses near the literary notice were already overcrowded. The prominent people occupied one place, and the students did not dare to enter and bother them, and could only linger nearby. Some tea house shopkeepers knew how to take advantage of the situation, selling both tea and brush, paper and inkstone, and the business was very hot.

One of the luxuriously decorated tea-house was gathering many noble children, they silently buried their heads to copy the articles. Guan Wenhai was also among them, but his face was not as excited as the others, sometime white and sometime blue, looking very twisted. The news that Guan Suyi was the Innkeeper gave him a slap in the face, and then Master Xu's works were refuted by many great scholars, and they used practical arguments to prove that many of his views were just conjectures. If they were used to teach students, it might be suspected of misleading people.

There was no doubt that Guan Wenhai was one of the misguided students. Thinking of the policy advice that he shared with the public half a month ago, he longed to go back in time and burn the manuscript. He even prattle on self-importantly, directly scolding his cousin for pretending to understand the matter, have shallow knowledge, and said that Guan Father had some grudge with him for refuting his article.

It turned out that he was the one who pretended to understand, and he was the one who harbored grudge. He mocked his cousin's words, and his cousin's reply to this had now become a reason for everyone to make fun of him.

"Remember the article that Guan Wenhai published last time? Looking at it now, it's ridiculous. Miss Guan warned him that he was wrong, but instead he slandered people for being short-sighted. I actually don't know that a person who could criticize Xu Guangzhi to the point of exhaustion and discuss the Tao with all the great scholars is actually not as knowledgeable as him."

"Hey, you don' know. He doesn't look at people's talent, he only looks at age. Older people are more knowledgeable, and younger ones are less knowledgeable, so he doesn't agree with the younger students, and must mock a few words."

"If that the case, then what kind of imperial examination is he taking? Just wait until he is seventy or eighty and go straight to get the champion title, won't it be possible?"

"Yes, that's what Miss Guan said too. Hahahaha…" The tea house was full of laughter, causing Guan Wenhai to have smoke over his head and too ashamed to show his face. Ji Chengyue sat in the corner and listened, his ears were also burning red. He also looked down on Miss Guan, indeed have eyes but fail to see. Fortunately, those stupid words were only mentioned to Xu Yayan, so it shouldn't be spread to her ears, right?

Lantai: is where the ancient books were collected in the palace in the han dynasty.

Jiaofang Palace: the residence of the empress.

Chapter 139 Denounced

Guan Wenhai felt uncomfortable in his heart, but he couldn't flare up, so he had to pretend that he didn't hear other people's ridicule. Just at this moment, a young servant hurried up to the tea house, searched back and forth a few times before running to him, whispering in his ear, "Young master, when Emperor Teacher came back from the palace, he immediately gathered the clan members, saying that he wanted to rebuild the clan school, inviting famous teachers to teach Confucianism to all children in the clan. He also said that the heir of the Guan family must fully inherit his mantle. People who don't need the teaching and don't want to change can cling to their mediocre talents…"

This statement was clearly criticizing himself, but Guan Wenhai had no way to refute it, just because he publicized an article with a very wrong topic half a month ago. He also sent that article to Master Xu's house, asking him to comment, so it received many praises and also spread his name as outstanding talent. Before the outbreak of the literary war, he, like Qi Yu, Ji Chengyue and others, were the hottest talents in Yanjing City.

However, how much praise he had received then was how much ridicule he suffered now. What amazing talent full of knowledge? Just someone who drift with the waves and go with the flow, only know how to follow the crowd.

"What does the old man mean? Don't want to recognize me as the heir? How can great-grandfather agree?" Guan Wenhai said through gritted teeth.

"Now it's not a question of whether the clan leader agrees or not. You were very famous before, and you are the best among the Guan clan's juniors, the clan leader want to pick you to inherit the mantle of the Emperor Teacher, others can't say anything even if they have any resentments. But now you…" The little servant looked around and lowered his voice, "Now you have lost your literary name. Chief of Ceremonies advised you before, let you go home and read carefully, and then go to consult him again after changing the article. Who expected that after you went out of the Emperor Teacher Mansion you showed the article to the students of similar learning, and publicly mocked Seventh Miss for her poor knowledge, made outrageous remarks, and said Chief of Ceremonies was dissatisfied with you and tried to suppress you. After that, you became even more confused, and went to Xu Guangzhi's house and asked him to give pointers. You also borrowed his reputation to gain a reputation for yourself. If Xu Guangzhi has always been dominant, that's fine, the two masters can't do anything to you. But now Xu Guangzhi's "Subset Commentary" has been repeatedly criticized by many great scholars, and what even worse is the fact that his Gewu Zhizhi is precisely where he is wrong the most. So the reputation you have accumulated for many days destroyed, and you have become the laughing stock of the students all over the world. I don't know which meddlesome people informing Emperor Teacher what you have been doing recently, and also sent over the article that Xu Guangzhi revised for you, which angered Emperor Teacher and publicly scolded you for being stupid and uneducated. He also said that such a person is not worthy of inheriting his mantle, let alone becoming the heir of the Guan family."

The more Guan Wenhai listened, the paler his face became. He shook his hand and put down the brush, and asked, "Does he want to choose another heir?"

"Yes. The old master said that the heir of the Emperor Teacher Mansion can be talentless, but cannot be without virtue. You are disrespectful to Chief of Ceremonies, and you are not friendly to Seventh Miss. When you enter the house you were still smiling, but when you go out you would do your best to slander, neither have the wisdom to understand people nor the talent to differentiate learning. If the Emperor Teacher Mansion is stuck with you like this, then…" The little servant's voice faded away, he dared not to speak any further.

Guan Wenhai knew that the old man was always outspoken and would definitely not say good things, but he couldn't help but ask, "How about stuck with me? What did he say about me?"

"He said that if the Emperor Teacher Mansion stuck with an heir who is not filial, without talent without virtue, and two-faced like you, it would definitely decline in the future. He wanted to establish a clan school, and let all the school-age children in the clan to receive Confucian education, choose good seedling from them to personally guide, inspected the talent and morality together, and decided an heir after a few years. Because your article "Gewu Zhizhi" was highly praised by Xu Guangzhi, and it was very famous, the matter of you slandering Chief of Ceremonies and Seventh Miss is known to all the literati in Yanjing. When Emperor Teacher said this, the entire clan agreed with the exception of our family. No matter how powerful the clan leader, he could not go against the will of the entire clan. Even more did not dare to let people in Yanjing point at him and scold him for using power for personal gain, maliciously encroaching on other people's properties, and corrupting other people's lintel, so he could only nod his head in agreement. Didn't you want the respected status of Guan family's heir? In the future, not only inherit the vast wealth, promoted to a high-ranking post, but also assume the position of the leader in the literary world. Without some real talent and learning, no one can take this mantle. If you had taken the article home and corrected it earlier, there would be no such bad things like now. It's a pity…"

The little servant frowned and said, "Young master, go home quickly, the clan leader was so angry that he said he was going to use the family law on you, the master and madam are also waiting for you to go back and give them an explanation."

Guan Wenhai was dizzy and almost fell. He staggered a few steps and asked, "I can't be adopted into the Emperor Teacher Mansion? Has the whole clan agreed?"

"If you are still the most talented junior in the Guan clan like before, how could the clan dare to oppose you. But now your reputation is ruined like this, it's reasonable for Emperor Teacher to replace you, because the fault is all yours, not him. Don't think about it, go home and apologize to the clan leader, study hard in the future, and try to reverse the impression of the two masters on you. Maybe there's still a chance. The imperial examination will be held in two months. If you come back as a champion, those who slander you will look at you with admiration." The young servant supported his young master and carefully walked down the stairs.

"Yes, I can still participate in the imperial examination." Guan Wenhai, who was depressed, immediately pulled himself up and gritted his teeth, "If I win the top spot, I will definitely wipe away today's humiliation. If Guan Qiguang doesn't choose me, that's because he's blind as a bat!"

The two left the tea house in a vain footstep, and not long after they walked out, they saw Old Master Guan entering Wencui Building with his son and granddaughter, they then greeted all the great scholars, chatting and laughing. They stood on the terrace on the second floor, it's unknown what they were talking about, they actually caused all the literary giants to change color, and repeatedly asked whether it was true or false. After getting the positive reply, those literary giants were all laughing and looking ecstatic.

"Shopkeeper brings the wine! Wei Kingdom has such a wise monarch, and the literary world is having this grand event, we must have a good drink, and we won't go home if we don't get drunk!"

"Hey, wait! In order to show all the gentlemen's skills, we should drink after the battle. Whoever wins will be the main writer!" Old Master Guan pointed to the literary notice across the street, his eyes full of fighting spirit. Last night, he had already written a good draft, and he was just waiting for today to splash ink and write, cut down other outstanding heroes with his brush.

There were not a few great scholars who had the same idea as him, and now there was also a main writer position as the jackpot. They became more and more unwilling to miss this opportunity, and hurriedly took up their brush to write with their thought gushing.

Guan Wenhai saw his cousin chatting and laughing and being praised by all the great scholars, his eyes were about to burst into flames. He was supposed to be the heir of the Guan family, and all the praise and respect, as well as high official post, honors and wealth, should belong to him! If his cousin had not written an article to criticize Xu Guangzhi, his article would not have become the laughing stock of the whole capital, and his reputation would not have been destroyed.

My good cousin, you wait for me! Glaring upstairs viciously, Guan Wenhai walked quickly along the wall.

—-

At the same time, Xu Guangzhi was also waiting for news at home. He guessed that the emperor should approve the memorial for his appointment today. If Guan Suyi hadn't interfered with it, it might have been done, but now it was hanging.

He was on fire inside, his thoughts were disordered, but his face was very calm. He read Guan Suyi's article again and again, but he couldn't find any flaws. The education of the Guan family was indeed very good. With her being a woman, she was actually proficient in Confucianism. All the errors and omissions listed have undergone extremely rigorous examination. Only the words of the Sage were used to annotate the chapters and phrases, and there was rarely any personal opinion, which made him want to write an article to refute but had nothing to write.

When he wrote the book, he was indeed had some selfish intentions, secretly integrated his academic thoughts into Confucian classics, so his intention was indeed not pure. But which great scholars in the world was not like this? Otherwise, various schools of Confucianism would not appear. Many seniors haven't opened their mouths yet, as a junior why was she made a fuss? The first time was like this, and the second time was also like this. He had to suspect that Guan Suyi's actions were all instigated by Emperor Teacher and Chief of Ceremonies.

Could it be that the matter of framing Guan Yunqi last time was exposed? Already knew that he was my mastermind, but couldn't bring himself to fight with him, so let the junior find the other way? Even if Guan Suyi made the matter bigger, just one sentence "Don't care about women" could completely shut his mouth and made him suffer a dumb loss. Thinking like this, Xu Guangzhi was actually timid, because he understood that now he had no ability to compete with the Guan family's father and son, unless he gave up being a pure minister and re-attached himself to the County Prince Jing or the aristocratic family. But after this, his literary road was completely destroyed, and had no value for others. Even if he came to the door and knelt down to beg, afraid there was no way out.

He put down the manuscript with a look of trepidation.

Xu Yayan who accompanied him nearby asked anxiously, "Father, can you write an article to refute Guan Suyi? How old is she? How can she compare to you in terms of knowledge, it must be all nonsense."

Although Xu Guangzhi was eager for quick success, he would not deceive himself, shook his head and sighed, "Her articles are very rigorous, and they all criticize my views using the Sage's words. If I write an article to refute her, then I am refuting the Sage. Not only will I not be able to get anything good, but it also confirm the accusation of 'usurping the Sage's position and changing the Sage's words', then I will never be able to stand up in the literary world again in the future. Don't be as ignorant as Guan Wenhai, thinking that because the person is young so their knowledge is shallow. Father will give you a thorough understanding of her knowledge, not below me, and even slightly better."

Xu Yayan clenched the corner of her skirt tightly and said in a trembling voice, "Father, will you be alright this time?"

"The last time I lost to her, I can start all over again, but this time it's hard to say." Xu Guangzhi's eyes were red, and his voice was rough, "This time she didn't hold back at all. Not only cutting off my literary road, but also cutting off my way of living. What is the crime of competing with the emperor for his disciples, there is no such thing in ancient times, but I also understand that it will definitely not be a good thing. I only hope that the emperor is merciful and doesn't want to care about me, just cut off my official career and that's all."

"What if the emperor wants to care about you?" Xu Yayan unknowingly shed many tears, showing that she was very frightened.

"If the emperor wants to care about me, the whole family will be executed. I was really confused at the beginning, why didn't I think that this generation's students were also disciples of the emperor, how could I leave such a deadly handle to others! It is father who harmed you, father is useless!" Xu Guangzhi leaned back, his heart felt like ashes. Blame him for being too ambitious, but forgetting the danger of imperial authority.

Xu Yayan cried and comforted, "Father, don't say that, it's not that you are useless, it's that Guan Suyi has ulterior motives and deliberately misinterprets your meaning." It was only at this moment that she understood what it meant to be denounced by speech and writing, words were used like a knife. It turned out that when the soft brush was held in some people's hands, it could be turned into a murder weapon in an instant!

Chapter 140 Lesson For Women

The father and daughter sat silently, waiting in despair. At noon, the di eldest son Xu Tao, who gone out to inquire about the news, finally returned, with mixed joys and sorrows, "Father, you will be fine, the emperor did not care about you, only said that you will not be allowed to step into the official career in the future."

Xu Guangzhi was happy at first, then stiff again, with a look of resentment and unwillingness in his eyes. What's the difference between cutting off his official career and killing him? Was he had to waste all his talents and learning like this?

"Father, don't think too much, saving your life is the most important thing, where there is life there is hope. I heard that Emperor Teacher made a suggestion to the emperor to create a Confucian treasure book and Hundred Schools of Thought collection, and invite the literati from the whole world to work on this. He is now in the Wencui Building discussing this with all the great scholars, you have written a "Subset commentary", although there are mistakes and omissions, but there are also points worthy of recognition, as long as you ask a few well-known scholars to defend you, or you can find a position as a writer, after a long time, you can redeem your reputation. The emperor only said that you will not be allowed to enter the official career, but he did not say that you will not be allowed to write books."

"Let me think about it, don't be in a hurry now, let's wait until the storm subsides." Xu Guangzhi finally deeply understood a saying – the front rafter rots first*. If it weren't for him being too eager for quick success and instant benefits, instead joined force together with all the great Confucians to publish the article, there would be no such misfortune like today.

Xu Tao glanced at his sister, hesitantly said, "I also heard another piece of news. Today, the princes urged the emperor to establish the empress. The emperor said that he will marry a woman with the most beautiful appearance, the most noble family background, the most outstanding talent, and the best virtue in the whole Wei Kingdom. I don't know what other people think, but our family's Yan'er, except for her family background, have those three standards above, so she should be able to compete. Didn't Yan'er have a good friendship with the second daughter of County Prince Jing, Linxiang County Princess? In the future, you should walk around with the county princess more, maybe you can meet the emperor."

Xu Yayan's heart was beating wildly for a moment, but she quickly calmed down and said with a bitter smile, "These words seems to pointed out to that Guan shi woman."

Lin Shi, who had been listening for a long time outside the door, suddenly barged in and snorted coldly, "Yan'er, don't belittle yourself, that Guan shi woman is a reconcile woman, just some broken flowers and withered willows, how can she be compared with you?"

Xu Guangzhi's mind moved slightly, but he waved his hand and whispered, "It's hard to say. The customs of the Jiuli people are very different from Han people. It is very common for a son to marry his stepmother, a younger brother to marry his sister-in-law, and a sister-in-law to marry her husband's brother, it's all very common. Marrying a reconcile woman is nothing for them."

"But that's the empress! The mother of the country! How can you let a woman who had married before get that position? Besides, the emperor has all the power in the world, he can do whatever he wanted, if he wishes to marry a wife, how many clean and pure women can he get? Why insist on picking up a broken shoes that was worn by others? That Guan shi woman wants to be an empress, keep dreaming!" Lin shi hated Guan Suyi to the bone, naturally did not have a good word, then she was pondering about something, feeling overjoyed, "If that Guan shi woman can write a book and become famous, so can our family's Yan'er. Yan'er, go and take out your manuscript for your father to see, let him help you correct it and post it, then fight for the reputation of outstanding talent."

"But mother, you were so angry last time that you threatened to burn the manuscript, so I stopped writing. Now I have only written three or four pages, and it is still far from being able to be published." After reading Guan Suyi's article and learned that she was the Innkeeper, Xu Yayan's self-confidence was almost gone, she didn't want to take out the manuscript and make people's laugh.

"Go get it, father will help you see." Xu Guangzhi suddenly opened his mouth, and even his brother looked over with hope.

Xu Yayan had no choice but to take out the few pages and spread them out on the table one by one. Xu Guangzhi read a few paragraphs, clapped his hands and praised, "Good article! Although the writing is still immature, the idea is very profound. After the book is published, it may be passed down as heirloom! You continue to write, after you finish, father will polish it for you, it will definitely spread out a good reputation for you for having integrity and talent, let all the women in Wei Kingdom know that there is someone like you!"

"Thank you father!" Xu Yayan was overjoyed.

"It's father's fault that make you alienated Linxiang County Princess and almost ruined your future. If she sends another invitation in the future, you should accept it."

"But her shu brother is a greedy ghost, I'm afraid…"

"Don't go to the County Prince Jing Mansion, just invite people out to play. You can even inquire about the movements in the palace." Xu Guangzhi hinted.

"Daughter understands. Daughter will definitely not disappoint father." Xu Yayan's eyes lit up, and she became very excited. Father's official career has ended, but she still has infinite possibilities. She asked herself whether she have beautiful appearance, outstanding talent, and high morality, except for her humble family background, from head to toe she could hardly find any faults. As for this Guan shi woman, so what if her conditions were better? After all, it's just a broken flower and withered willow. The emperor was so honorable, how could he look up to her? As long as this "Lesson for Women" was published, all women in the Wei kingdom would take it as the guiding principle, and all the men in the Wei kingdom would praise her for having virtuous character, and even if it did not attract the emperor, she still could find a good family.

Thinking like this, Xu Yayan felt a sense of pride, and immediately took her leave and went back to her room, quickly writing.

—-

Because the previous article offended Xu Guangzhi, Old Master Guan led his granddaughter to personally apologize, and invited the other person to participate in writing the Confucian Treasure Book. His generous attitude attracted countless praises and Guan Suyi's literary name was extremely flourishing for a while. But in the eyes some conscientious people, she was the worst daughter-in-law, either causing this matter or causing that disaster, seemingly without end, no different from a calamity star.

The people who originally interested in marrying the Emperor Teacher Mansion gradually retreated, only Master Yun came to the door to ask for marriage for his direct disciple Ji Chengyue. Zhong shi was overjoyed and unreservedly agreed, and was preparing to send a post to invite Madam Ji for a meeting. However she first received a booklet sent by the other person, a total of several thousand words, and it could be read in a quarter of an hour, but it almost made Zhong shi vomit a mouthful of old blood.

"What do you mean is that if want to marry into Ji Mansion, we have read this book first? Do you want to let Yiyi follow what is written in this book and only after completing it that she can marry into her family? What is this be humble first, regard husband as heaven, faithful unto death? Is this asking Yiyi to be a mistress or a servant for her family? That old bitch is too deceiving, people still haven't passed the door, already played the mother-in-law's arrogance, then how about after passing the door!" Zhong shi even scolded some dirty words which showed that she was furious to the extreme.

Guan Suyi gave Minglan a wink and asked her to take Mu Mu to play in the garden. After the two people and one monkey had gone far, she crossed the threshold and picked up the small book that was thrown to the ground. The word "Lessons for Women" stung her eyes firecly, making her short of breath, and violent hatred surged, "Where did you get this?"

Zhong shi said vaguely, "I don't know which maid brought it in, don't look at it, it's all nonsense!" She made up her mind not to let her daughter marry into the Ji Mansion, and naturally she would not tell her the origin of this booklet.

But Guan Suyi was so sharp, she could guess it right away, "Is it sent by someone from Ji Mansion? Has this book spread all over Yanjing?"

"It cannot be said to spread all over Beijing, it only spread among the upper circles and Confucian families." Zhong shi had heard about this book before, but it was the first time she saw it with her own eyes, and sneered, "For those big men, this book is indeed a good thing, just give it to the women in the family to study, and it won't be long before they can train a bunch of fools who obey their orders."

Guan Suyi hastily turned two pages, said while her mind was wandering, "It's not only used by men to teach women, women can also use it to grind women. If the mother-in-law asks the daughter-in-law to act according to this book, she would really have to endure for decades before she could get out. Where is this a book, this is a shackle, a big mountain, its purpose is to detain and suppress all the women in the world, and they will never be free for the rest of their life!"

Seeing the inscription on the last page, Guan Suyi sneered, "Caiwei Sanren, Second Miss Xu? She must be the hottest choice for a good daughter-in-law in Yanjing now, right?"

"Yes, I heard that several noble families one after another have proposed marriage to her, saying that Second Miss Xu can be regarded as a model of female virtue, and marrying her will surely make a prosperous husband and prosperous son, and make the lintel shine." Zhong shi rubbed her temple and sighed. Other people's daughter was sought after by many families, why her daughter was so good, but no one showed interest?

"She must have rejected it, right? Where is she willing to marry a common people now? She's staring at the one in the imperial city. Not only her, but now a noble girl with a little family background, which one will be willing to marry at this time? The beautiful people can do their utmost to dress up; talented people can do their utmost to write poems; talentless and unassuming people just simply live in temples to cultivate, and occasionally donate porridge to help the refugees to show their high morality. A perfectly fine young lady is completely distorted just because of this first sentence. It's ridiculous and sad!" Guan Suyi threw "Lessons For Women" into the brazier and burned it, her eyes were soaked with coldness.

Zhong shi was also very dissatisfied and complained, "They can make troubles by themselves, why do they have to run to you again and again? Every one of them have poison in their eyes, as if they have a deep hatred for you. If you are not a reconcile woman, you're bound to be tear down to the bones. The emperor's four conditions are clearly talking about you!" Like Old Master Guan, Zhong shi naturally believed that her daughter was the best in the world deserved to be favored by the emperor.

The coldness in Guan Suyi's eyes retreated a little, her cheeks were flushed with a thin layer of red, and she said angrily, "Mother, please speak quietly, don't let others listen, otherwise our family will be drowned by people's spits."

"Let them spit, who the lover you talked about last time, you know, I know, heaven also know. I am reluctant to send you into that man-eating place to suffer, otherwise how can I let that evil madam of the Ji family bully you? Nowadays all the noble daughters in Wei Kingdom are unwilling to get married, they just want to aim for the heavenly riches and honor. I want to see when our family refuses this marriage, when Ji Chengyue can marry a wife!"

After cursing fiercely only then Zhong shi felt comfortable. She was about to make her daughter doing some embroidery with her, but saw Minglan running in while panicking and shouting, "Madam is not good, the young master is gone!"

"What did you say?" Guan Suyi's face changed greatly, and before Zhong shi could react, she ran out and ordered calmly and decisively, "When and where did he disappear, take me to see? Why didn't you stay with him? Forget it, it's no use blaming you now. Jinzi, hurry up and help me find him, it's only a short while, it shouldn't be go far. By the way, Hunnar has people around me, right? Get them all out to help, just say that I'll owe their master once, and I can repay it with anything!"

Jinzi didn't dare to delay, and hurriedly went to find people, she blew the beast flute hanging around her neck to summon the dead soldiers who were hidden in the dark. The young master disappeared in the mansion, and these people didn't find any abnormality. It would be fine if he just hid by himself, but if it was because some people playing dirty tricks, then the other person's background would not be simple.

the front rafter rots first*: who comes out first will be hit first.