Chapter 803

The morning glow in the eastern sky was as splendid as blooming flowers.

Xiao Ming turned around and first looked at the morning glow for a while before looking at the three. In Chang’an, he had met Ge Yiren, Yu Zhiyong, and Ni Kuang a few times, but they were not very familiar, though they did know each other.

According to Fei Ji and Pang Yukun, these three were opportunistic, swaying with the wind. But now, for him, he needed such people to promote and carry out this Renaissance.

“What important matter do you have to seek an audience with me?” Xiao Ming’s expression was cold. Strictly speaking, he could have treated the three as convicted criminals, for they had worked for Prince Zhao, and it would not be an exaggeration to call them rebels.

Although all three families performed meritorious deeds during the attack on Chang’an, it was merely kicking a dog when it was down.

Precisely because of this, these three were merely commoners in front of Xiao Ming. Coupled with his intention to chastise the three, his attitude was naturally a bit indifferent.

Ge Yiren, Yu Zhiyong, and Ni Kuang exchanged glances. Ultimately, the two looked at Ge Yiren, motioning for him to speak.

After a moment of hesitation, Ge Yiren said, “Your Majesty, early this morning, I, your humble commoner, saw this ‘Treatise on Celestial Bodies’ in the newspaper. For a moment, I was astonished by its divine theory. The world is ignorant, unaware of the principles of celestial movement. Now, Your Majesty’s making it public truly awakens us mortals.”

“Indeed. We are truly enlightened, finally knowing the wonders of the universe,” Yu Zhiyong said with a cheerful smile.

Ni Kuang then said, “Inspired by this, we believe that Confucian legal principles are somewhat too outdated and should adapt to the times. However, as Confucianism is the state religion of the Great Yu Empire, this is a matter of great importance. Thus, we specifically came to seek an audience with Your Majesty to inquire about your imperial will.”

Qian Dafu, standing to the side, gently shook his head upon hearing this. The shamelessness of these three had reached its peak.

Xiao Ming’s eyes showed a hint of a smile upon hearing this. When he learned that Ge Yiren sought an audience, he was secretly pleased. This indicated that his judgment was correct.

This way, he would not have to be an enemy of all Confucian scholars under heaven. He only needed Confucianism to adapt to the Great Yu Empire’s changing circumstances. This way, Confucianism would not only cease to be an impediment to the Great Yu Empire but would instead become an aid in popularizing science.

So he said, “Do the three of you truly believe so?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Precisely because I felt such inspiration, I, your humble commoner, came to the palace to seek an audience,” Ge Yiren said with a fervent expression, clearly implying a desire to break ties with the old Confucian establishment.

Xiao Ming laughed heartily. He said, “Good! Confucianism, after all, still has some sensible great Confucian scholars. Since that is the case, do you three have any good strategies to deal with the agitated Confucian scholars?”

“Naturally, we do,” Ge Yiren said. “We, your humble servants, are willing to lecture in the Confucian academies to clarify the essence of the new Confucian learning.”

“New Confucian learning, hmm, not bad.” Xiao Ming looked at Ge Yiren. Now he understood that he still needed these scholarly figures who were skilled at flattery around him.

After a moment of contemplation, he said, “Now that the three of you have come, I will speak frankly. This Confucian learning must change. Firstly, its ignorant doctrines must be eliminated, making scholars across the land embrace the path of science. Secondly, it must advocate the theory of industry and commerce strengthening the nation…”

Facing the three, Xiao Ming articulated all his thoughts. Broadly speaking, he intended for Ge Yiren to remove the dross and extract the essence, for Confucianism was not entirely without merit.

Ge Yiren listened attentively, basically understanding Xiao Ming’s meaning. After a moment of thought, he said, “Your Majesty, these matters are quite difficult to handle. Even if we lecture on these topics in the Confucian academies, it might be very dangerous.”

Xiao Ming smiled. He knew that Ge Yiren was bargaining. After all, no one in this world was willing to do thankless tasks, especially an old fox like him.

However, he had already made up his mind. He casually said, “Currently, there are only two Grand Secretaries in the Grand Secretariat’s Nine Pillars; seven positions are vacant. I will reserve one for you. If you can bring about significant changes in Confucian learning, this position will be yours. How about it?”

Ge Yiren’s heart trembled. This was what he had been longing for. He quickly bowed and said, “Thank you, Your Majesty, for your immense grace.”

Xiao Ming nodded, “However, before that, I should also bestow upon you official positions for your security. How about this: effective immediately, I will enfeoff you all as Grand Academicians of the Hongwen Hall?”

Yu Zhiyong and Ni Kuang had initially been worried that Xiao Ming would only grant an official position to Ge Yiren and not to them. Upon hearing this, they were immediately overjoyed and quickly expressed their gratitude.

Ge Yiren was very satisfied. The position of Grand Academician of the Hongwen Hall had long existed in the Great Yu Empire, overseeing the compilation of classics and serving as imperial advisors.

However, if favored by the Emperor, this position commanded immense power; if ignored by the Emperor, it was merely a nominal title. But even so, it brought great honor to one’s name.

Moreover, Grand Academicians of the Hongwen Hall had always been renowned scholars.

Now that the benefits were given, Xiao Ming’s hope was that Ge Yiren would make it happen. He said solemnly, “The matter of New Confucianism is entrusted to the three Grand Academicians. I do not wish to see only scholars who cling to the Four Books and Five Classics throughout the land.”

“Rest assured, Your Majesty. With your old servant present, I will ensure that Confucian learning adapts to the times,” Ge Yiren said. After a pause, he continued, “Your Majesty, there is one more matter I need to clarify.”

“Speak.”

“Qufu Kong family,” Ge Yiren said.

Xiao Ming’s gaze sharpened. The Qufu Kong family could be called a millennium-old clan. Regardless of dynastic changes, they lived peacefully and prosperously generation after generation.

After a moment of contemplation, he said, “Since you are a Grand Academician of the Hongwen Hall, go and visit the Kong family. Take two items for me: the first is this ‘Treatise on Celestial Bodies,’ and the second is my Shang Fang sword.”

Ge Yiren felt a sudden chill down his spine upon hearing this. He secretly congratulated himself for having arrived so promptly.

The Emperor’s instruction to send these two items was simply too direct. The “Treatise on Celestial Bodies” naturally demanded that the Kong family adapt to the times, while the Shang Fang sword had a dual meaning.

Firstly, if they were ignorant of the times, it was a sword of execution. If they were sensible, it was a sword of prosperity.

Swallowing, Ge Yiren said, “I have noted it. I will personally deliver these two items to Qufu.”

For these great Confucian scholars, Qufu held the status of a sacred place. To increase their influence, many great Confucian scholars would often visit Qufu to establish their reputation.

Having made his stance clear, Xiao Ming dismissed Ge Yiren and the other two, waiting only for the three to create some stir in Qingzhou Province.

Watching the three depart, Xiao Ming had Qian Dafu prepare a carriage. He intended to visit the military machinery department.

Attacking Pingzhou had exacted a considerable price, making him realize that if he continued fighting this way, his national strength would also be severely depleted.

Therefore, the explosive shells with fuses and landmines from the military machinery department were extremely important this time. As long as these two items were sent to Pingzhou City, the situation in Jinzhou City would become much easier.

Especially landmines. Burying these items on the inevitable path of cavalry would surely produce unexpected results.