Chapter 250: Why Do Scholars Need to study?
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Herlyee Translations
The criminal who was tied to the cross torture rack was forced to let out a miserable scream!
Even Qin Yong, who was used to bloodshed, was shocked.
After all, Third Young Master Shen’s temperament gave people the feeling that he was as gentle as jade.
But who would have thought that he would have such a cold side?
In the end, all the criminals who could not withstand the torture confessed. Shen Yao did not expect the mastermind of the arson to be the brothel madam of the brothel.
“Third Young Master, the Wind and Moon Restaurant of Thunder Mountain County seems to have a powerful background.” Qin Yong frowned slightly and asked in a low voice, “But why would the Shen family have a grudge with the Wind and Moon Restaurant?’
Shen Yao lowered his eyes, hiding the hostility in them.
“Ahem.” Qin Yong hurriedly smiled awkwardly. “But how do you plan to deal with this group of people?”
This group of skilled arsonists were all hired thugs secretly raised by the Wind and Moon Restaurant.
“Cut off the tendons in theiir hands and feet. When it gets dark, throw them all back to the Wind and Moon Restaurant,” Shen Yao said softly as he lowered his head and rubbed the pouch at his waist.
” -Okay.”
He used the calmest tone to say the most ruthless punishment. The third young master of the Shen family really could not be judged by his appearance!
After coming out of the secret room, Shen Yao was not in a hurry to leave. Instead, he rested for a while and went to see Master Song.
In the front yard of the Qin family, there was an elegant and unique tea room.
The tea room was not big, but the decorations inside were luxurious.
As soon as Shen Yao stepped into the tea room, he smelled a faint fragrance.
Taking a closer sniff, it seemed to be the fragrance of tea mixed with wisps of sandalwood.
A middle-aged man with disheveled hair and dressed in green was sitting cross-legged in front of the curved pear blossom wood tea table, resting with his eyes closed.
“Master Song.” Shen Yao stopped in his tracks and bowed slightly.
“In the Analects of Confucius, there is a saying, ‘A gentleman does not ask for food to fill his stomach, and he does not seek peace in his residence. If he is sensitive to things and careful with his words, he will be upright. It can be said that he is eager to learn.’ What’s the explanation?”
Shen Yao raised his eyebrows silently. This Master Song was very interesting.
“Confucious thought that a gentleman should not seek to be full, nor should he seek to live comfortably. He should be agile and diligent in his work, and he should be more cautious in his words. He should be close to people with morals and knowledge, and learn to correct his shortcomings. That would be good enough for him to learn.”
Shen Yao smiled calmly.
“There seems to be some disdain in your tone?” Master Song suddenly looked up into Shen Yao’s eyes with a burning gaze. “You don’t agree with Confucious’s words?”
“Confucious’s thoughts center on benevolence.” Shen Yao chuckled. “But not everyone in this world is a good person!’
“Some people put on a virtuous and benevolent appearance, but they do dirty things like to pilfer, to philander.” Shen Yao suddenly sighed. “I’m inexperienced and don’t dare to judge Confucious’s thoughts. It’s just that sometimes, I don’t agree.”
“Before Young Master Qin left, he told me that if Young Master Shen Yao comes to visit, I have to welcome him warmly.” Master Song slowly stood up and walked in front of him. His eyes were like torches as he said in a deep voice, “Just now, Young Master Shen’s understanding of the Analects of Confucius was indeed unique and creative, but… ‘
“Different paths lead to different goals.” A faint smile suddenly appeared on Master Song’s face, but the smile did not reach his eyes.
“If Young Master Shen wants to participate in the imperial examination, you must first convince yourself to trust Confucious’s thoughts,” Master Song said earnestly. “If you don’t even believe yourself, how can you get a good ranking during the examination?”
“Master Song, please forgive me for being rude,” Shen Yao suddenly said. “l just want to ask you a question. Why do scholars need to study?”
“Many students have studied hard for years just to get on the rankings,” Shen Yao suddenly said with a smile. “Getting on the ranking and rising to the top. From then on, they can live a luxurious life. Is this the meaning of studying?’
‘Your words are biased.” Master Song shook his head in disagreement.
“Studying is to cultivate one’s character and open one’s mind. The meaning of studying is to know shame and distinguish right from wrong.”
“There are many people in this world who like to study, and there are even some women who like to study. However, women can’t participate in the scientific examination at all. Is the meaning of their studying also for pleasure?” Master Song could not help but ask, “Shen Yao, I once read your theory. Your calligraphy is good, and your opinion is sharp and special. You can be said to be unique and stand out from the crowd.”
“But your only flaw is that you’re too clear-headed.” Master Song suddenly walked to his side and patted his shoulder. He sighed softly and said, “When you participated in the imperial examination three years ago, I was also one of the judges. Your theory of water management received unanimous praise from other colleagues. Only I gave you a low score.”
“Senior, you’ve actually read the essay written by me?” Shen Yao was shocked. “But my results back then…”
Sun He got someone to swap his test paper. The answer sheet that originally belonged to the word “Shen Yao” had long been changed.
“Back then, I impeached a profligate son of the Sun family in the court. In the end, he was displeased by the emperor. The Sun family even wanted to secretly take my life. Fortunately, Young Master Qin saved me and I was able to live in this world.” Looking at his stunned gaze, Master Song sighed softly. “Shen Yao, I heard some hostility in your words just now. If you don’t ease yourself early,
I’m afraid you’ll hurt yourself in the future.”
“If the path in front of you is destined to be full of thorns, retreating is not the only choice.” Master Song suddenly smiled. “If you have enough ability and courage, you might be able to cut through the thorns on a muddy path and finally be invincible, right?”
“I’ve learned a lot.” Shen Yao smiled gratefully and looked at Master Song with heartfelt admiration. ‘Qin Minghong is right. Senior is indeed a knowledgeable person. Listening to your words is better than studying for ten years.”
“I’m flattered.’
“Master Song, are you willing to help me resolve the hostility in my heart and take me in as your disciple?” Shen Yao looked into his eyes and asked sincerely.
“l heard that Young Master Shen’s calligraphy is excellent. If Young Master Shen really wants to take me as your master, why don’t you copy the Analects ten times?’ Master Song looked into his eyes and smiled.
“Okay.”
Hongxing Restaurant.
It was not until dusk that Ji Zhao woke up from her sleep.
She slept soundly.
There were no nightmares. It was very sweet.
“You’re awake?” Hearing the commotion, Shen Yao immediately walked up to her and smiled gently. “Are you hungry?”
Rumble—
Ji Zhao lowered her head and looked at her stomach that was already flat from hunger. She covered her face shyly..