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In the study room of the Zhang residence, a heated argument could be heard.
The servants stationed at the door, initially tense at the sounds of the argument coming from inside, had now grown accustomed to it in just two days.
Ever since the patriarch brought back the two Great elders, Chen Dinghuai and Jiang Jiuzheng, two days ago, such arguments had been frequent in the study room of the Zhang residence.
Jiang Jiuzheng paced back and forth in the study room, hands behind his back, muttering to himself, “No, we must make a decision today! It has been three days already, and delaying the dissemination of these enlightening words is a loss! We have wasted three whole days!” He was eager to make it known to the world!
Zhang Yong and Chen Dinghuai sat in the host and guest seats respectively, with indifferent expressions.
Jiang Jiuzheng looked at the two of them, “Why aren’t you saying anything!”
“Sit down first, your pacing is making me dizzy,” Chen Dinghuai said.
Zhang Yong said, “Making a decision is all well and good, but you both should withdraw!”
Jiang Jiuzheng instinctively retorted, “Why should we?”
Zhang Yong said, “Just based on what that child from the Lu family said, that these are insights on studying obtained by Lu Desheng, wanting to gift them to me to inspire the hearts of our people.”
“He didn’t say it like that at all. Lu Mingzhi said that Lu Desheng wanted to share these words of wisdom with all the Great elders, you can’t hog it all to yourself!” Jiang Jiuzheng continued, “If it weren’t for me, with your nature, Zhang Yong, would this piece of paper even still exist with doubts.” He had contributed, so why should he withdraw?
Jiang Jiuzheng was not easy to dismiss. Zhang Yong looked at Chen Dinghuai, “How about you withdraw?”
Chen Dinghuai calmly said, “I am the Great elder of Lu Mingzhi, as the saying goes, those closest to the water get the moon first. If it weren’t for me that day, would Lu Mingzhi, this student, have shared these enlightening words with us? His actions are based on his understanding and trust in me.” Therefore, he could not withdraw.
The three of them looked at each other, unwilling to back down. These contemporary scholars, all over a hundred and fifty years old combined, almost came to blows over these few words of wisdom.
For the sake of these words of wisdom, the three mountain elders of their respective academies were unwilling to yield to each other. Each of them wanted to inscribe it on a stone tablet and place it in front of their academy’s gate, to impress and inspire the students who came to study. Hence, each of them wanted a unique copy, knowing that once these words of wisdom were used, their academies would gain great fame and recognition.
Zhang Yong had a headache. The argument had been going on for two to three days now, and continuing would only lead to a stalemate.
“Cease the fighting, cease the fighting. There will be no resolution if we continue to argue. So, I have a suggestion.”
“What suggestion?”
“The three of us, jointly submit a petition to the Emperor…”
In the end, they unanimously decided to request the Emperor to inscribe a calligraphy, using these words of wisdom as a motto for all three academies. The Emperor’s calligraphy would be engraved on a blue stone tablet or monument, serving as a warning and inspiration for the countless students.
“Should we invite Lu Desheng to join us?”
“No need.” After receiving these words of wisdom, they had planned to visit Lu Desheng, but he fell ill, and they did not want to disturb him while he was sick. However, they were anxious about this matter. In any case, they would not overlook his contributions.
Emperor Kang Cheng was a bit surprised to receive the joint petition from Zhang Yong and the others. This Grand Tutor of his had not sought an audience with him alone for a long time. But Emperor Kang Cheng knew that people like Zhang Yong were usually quiet, but once they made a move, it was no small matter.
Emperor Kang Cheng was pondering whether to see them or not, considering that his health was not yet fully recovered. He needed to take care of himself and not overexert himself, as advised by Minister Lu. The two of them had been exchanging notes on recuperation recently.
Recently, the Xianbei, Wuhuan, Shanxu, and other tribes have been raiding the border counties of Da Li, causing an urgent military situation in the northern frontier. The Crown Prince has already gone north to assist the military, and he is currently troubled, worrying about the Crown Prince’s performance. Lu Desheng also complained to him about the unreliability of his eldest son.
Emperor Kang Cheng suddenly realized that the monarch and his subjects had many common topics recently.
Wei Zili quickly said, “Your Majesty, Master Zhang said this matter is a good thing, and it concerns Lord Lu.”
Emperor Kang Cheng nodded in response, “Then let’s meet.”
As the leader of the three, Zhang Yong stepped forward to explain the purpose on behalf of everyone.
Emperor Kang Cheng understood after listening. It turned out they came to ask him to inscribe a motto for the academy. Although it required writing more words, a total of four sentences, which was much more than the four characters he had expected, it was still a trivial matter.
Emperor Kang Cheng was puzzled, “But what does this have to do with Minister Lu?”
Minister Lu, Your Majesty, are you only thinking about Minister Lu Desheng! Zhang Yong and others whispered to themselves.
“Your Majesty, this is a reflection on reading obtained by Minister Lu by chance.” Zhang Yong respectfully presented the paper, his expression solemn.
So, what he wanted to inscribe were the reflections Minister Lu had obtained by chance? Emperor Kang Cheng casually took it, but when his eyes fell on the four sentences, he was shaken to his core.
Establishing a heart for the heavens and the earth, establishing a purpose for the people, inheriting the wisdom of the ancients, and opening an era of peace for all generations!
What a lofty ambition!
Emperor Kang Cheng was moved. Wasn’t this the ambitious goal he had at the beginning of his reign, the target he wanted to strive for? It’s just that he didn’t express it in such clear language at that time.
This nearly fifty-year-old emperor’s eyes were slightly moist. He had reached the second half of the second half of his life, suddenly turning back to face his original intentions.
Zhang Yong and the others could understand Emperor Kang Cheng’s current mood, as it was similar to theirs a few days ago.
When they first heard this sentence, it was like the voice of heaven descending, silent but powerful, giving them a sense of being struck by lightning, followed by a tingling and trembling sensation from the depths of their souls.
Finally, Emperor Kang Cheng let out a long sigh.
“Grand Tutor, Minister Lu’s words are truly remarkable.”
“Your Majesty, these words were not realized by Minister Lu, but by the remarkable thinker Zhang Zai.” Zhang Yong emphasized, Your Majesty, stop thinking about your Minister Lu, does Lu Desheng seem to have such insight and understanding?
Anyone who can speak such words must be a great sage.
Your Minister Lu is just a messenger. We do not deny his merits, but we will not allow him to take credit for this achievement.
“Who is Zhang Zai? Where is he now?” Emperor Kang Cheng asked.
He couldn’t believe that in these past few days, they had not sent anyone to find Zhang Zai in person. But they couldn’t find him, right? If they did, they would have definitely recommended him to me. A great sage like him is much more important than someone like Fan Quan.
Zhang Yong and the others remained silent.
So, messengers are also very important. Without Lu Desheng, would you know about Zhang Zai? Would you know about these four sentences?
Emperor Kang Cheng immediately had people ready with brushes and ink. After a moment of concentration, he began to write with vigorous strokes, finishing four lines in one go. The inscription read: “Written by Zhang Zai, with the message conveyed by Yu Lu Desheng. Presented by Zhang Yong, Chen Dinghuai, and Jiang Jiuqing. Recorded in Song Zhi.”
Song Zhi was Emperor Kang Cheng’s courtesy name.
This achievement was thus shared among everyone.
Zhang Yong, Chen Dinghuai, and Jiang Jiuqing were all very excited.
The rest was simple—just hiring craftsmen to carve the stone tablets and build the pavilions. They later found the renowned sculptor Wang Tong from Da Li to handle the carving. With the support of money and power, it took only a day and a night for the new monuments to be erected at Wansong Academy, Bailu Academy, and Songshan Academy, standing on the left side of the academy gates or at the entrance, on a winter morning.