Chapter 83

Chapter 83

Li Yuanying successfully persuaded Li Zhi. He then dragged him along to look for Li Chunfeng to get the relevant records.

Hearing that the young prince wanted to debate about this topic, Li Chunfeng tried persuading him with a few words, telling him to not simply spread ideas casually.

Anyone who wants to overthrow this theory is liken to wanting to offend Confucian scholars all around the world. Since it is a fact that the monarch believes that he is ordained by the Heavens, then when his ministers want to persuade him, they can only use theory relating to destiny.

It is actually a kind of “Confucianism” to associate various “disasters” with politics and religion observed by the King and court.

Confucius knowledge and Confucius tactics only has 1 different character but the meaning behind both words were very different.

Knowledge refers to learning the school of thought but tactics refers to using it as a strategy of sorts.

Therefore, whoever wants to kill the theory of catastrophe, is equivalent to wanting to take away a big tool from the hands of Confucian scholars. This person will definitely become a thorn in the side of many people and may even be attacked by groups!

Li Chunfeng had a superior above him and didn’t need to take on everything by himself. He had time to study lots of miscellaneous things with observing astronomical phenomena being his specialty. However as he studied more in-depth about this topic, he finds more flaws in previous theories.

Whether it is the study of yin and yang or the various sayings in Confucianism, they are quite contrary to the laws of various celestial phenomena he has observed.

Li Chunfeng is a smart person who is well aware that being in his early thirties, his age is not seen as senior for his profession and his qualifications even less. If he speaks out about something rashly, he will only be attacked for being a lunatic. On the contrary, if he can subtly mix in what he has mastered into what he is learning then it becomes believable for the masses and he can obtain a promotion or benefits from it.

The thought of wanting to debunk a theory completely in such a simple and rude way has never occurred to him before.

He thought for a moment, then recommended a book to Li Yuanying: “Have you read <<Discourses Weighed in the Balance (Lunheng)>> before, Your Highness?”

Li Yuanying shook his head.

“I have the collection here. If your highness is interested, you can take it back and have a look. There may be something you need in it.”

When Li Yuanying heard that he had to read another book on his own he frowned and asked, “Is it interesting?”

Li Chunfeng stroked his beard. “It’s interesting. Theories of a hundred schools of thought are in it and there are some with special insights of its own.”

Li Yuanying happily carried two books. The <<comet records>> and <<Lunheng>> and left with Li Zhi.

“Since the minister also said not to write this article, why don’t we just stop?” (Li Zhi)

Li Yuanying didn’t think much at first, but now that he has heard what Li Chunfeng has to say, he also felt that it’s not a good idea to encourage Li Zhi to continue with it. Li Zhi has always been a good boy, Kong Yingda and the other ministers are always full of praises for him. It’s not right to suddenly ask him to write such deviant things.

“Okay, don’t write.” (Li Yuanying)

Li Zhi looked at the books that Li Yuanying was holding.

“Then shall we return these manuscripts?” (Li Zhi)

“I said that we won’t write the article but I still want to learn and read this. Up to you if you want to follow me.” (Li Yuanying)

After thinking, he gave Li Zhi the task of tutoring the girls today so that he can go home and read both books by himself.

Li Zhi objected: “I can’t teach sister Shu.”

Li Zhi realized that the pace of Li Yuanying’s learning was shocking. Two years ago young uncle was just a blank slate but now he has already read more books than himself. Recently, Li Yuanying invited Wei Shu over to study with them and Li Zhi suffered another blow. This little girl is not much older than Sizi but her calligraphy and comprehension are way better than most people. She doesn’t act like a 7 or 8 years old child at all!

Li Yuanying sat in front of Li Er and said: “These celestial phenomena have nothing to do with the broom star at all. In years with these phenomena, there were also great harvests and victories and in years without them, there were also catastrophes, defeats, and even national subjugation.”

He took Li Er’s hand and said firmly, “So, whether there is a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse or a star, it has nothing to do with how well you, the Emperor is doing! Brother, you are a good emperor. The best one!”

Li Er looked at the little boy sitting next to him and then at the two long scrolls .

“You guys, such consideration.”

Yuanying saw that Li Er’s eyebrows became relaxed and was in a better mood. He then told him about what Li Chunfeng had shared with him.

Li Yuanying frowned and asked: “Brother, is it really that hard and complicated when dealing with Old Wei and the others?”

Li Er glanced at his brother, tapped the scrolls lightly and said warmly, “Whether you believe these claims or not is not the most important thing.”

Li Yuanying sat up straight, waiting for His Majesty to continue.

“These statements are for the people. If the people believe them then they become facts. If they don’t then it’s b*llshit. If we want people to trust that the Emperor has the mandate from heaven then we need to accept the relations and theories between heaven and man.”

Listening to this, Yuanying felt a little bit clear but also a little bit lost. He pondered quietly before sharing his stance.

“Brother, you feel that not all Kings is able to restrain themselves, therefore even when your men chase after you and criticize you, you do not refute them but instead follow whatever the common men believes.”

This is tantamount to putting yourself in shackles to set an example for future generations. So that future kings will not shut their eyes and ears and become tyrants.

Li Er nodded.

Li Yuanying is an expert in finding different angles and fault. “Brother, why didn’t you tell me you didn’t believe in these superstition? You make us work for nothing!”

Li Er thinks that his younger brother is smart. But sometimes he is likable and sometimes very annoying.

When he was young, he followed his late father in raising troops. Due to this his hands were stained with the blood of countless people. He even got the throne by stepping on his brother’s corpse. If there was really fate and destiny, why did he have to fight his brother to the point of death for the throne? If he really believed in these teachings, wouldn’t he have to go to hell after death?

Therefore, he doesn’t believe in God or destiny.

He only want to live this life well, manage this chaotic dynasty well and leave a stable Tang to future generations.

If Li Yuanying hadn’t work so hard with Sister Shu to compile these scrolls to console the Emperor, Li Er would not have shared these thoughts with the boy.

Li Er looked at Li Yuanying solemnly: “In the future, you should think less about these things and read more useful books. You are not the only smart person in the world. What you can think of, others can think of; what you can see, others can too.”

Sensing the seriousness, Yuanying couldn’t hold back. “Brother, you have worked so hard.”

He also seriously assured him. “Brother, don’t worry. When I go to my land, I will repair the roads as soon as possible. Brother, you can visit me and often play at Mount Tai!”

Li Er heard Yuanying’s bold promises and couldn’t take anything seriously. He leaned back leisurely and pointed at the long scrolls.

“Look at your handwriting, it’s far worse than your little sister. Instead of talking big every day, why not practice your handwriting first.” .”

Li Yuanying: “...”

Notes from the author:

Little Prince: Furious.jpg