Chapter 142 Scholars Across the Realm, Utterly Humiliated

A brief silence descended upon the Imperial Study.

Old Zhu was also troubled. When Zhang Yi had chosen to coast along and slack off, Zhu Yuanzhang had eagerly wanted him to step up and accomplish something. Yet, as time passed and Zhang Yi’s extraordinary talents gradually shone forth, the emperor found himself facing the mounting pressure of exposure.

Xu Cunren had brought this up to him several times, and now Liu Bowen was raising the same point.

Under normal circumstances, he should have summoned this young Daoist priest from Mount Longhu and bestowed generous rewards upon him.

However, if he were to summon Zhang Yi now, all the groundwork he had laid previously would be utterly wasted.

"Father, is there truly a person of such wondrous capability? This son would dearly love to meet him..."

"Indeed, this son wishes to meet him as well!"

Zhu Shuang, Zhu Gang, Zhu Di, and the other imperial princes, full of curiosity about Zhang Yi from the descriptions provided by others, chimed in one after another.

"Folly!"

Zhu Biao put on a stern face, and the princes fell instantly into a terrified silence.

"This boy indeed merits an audience, but not at present..."

Zhu Yuanzhang’s expression remained unchanged before he handed Zhang Yi’s handwritten manuscript of the mathematics textbook over to the eunuch.

"I shall have this manuscript copied, and subsequently deliver it to the Imperial Academy for publication. This text shall be distributed to every prefecture, where they will print their own editions!

If any scholars wish to copy or purchase it, it shall be sold strictly at cost price!

Private book merchants are strictly forbidden from selling it at inflated prices.

Whoever dares to reap exorbitant profits from this matter shall forfeit their head to me!"

Xu Cunren wore a solemn expression and nodded in assent.

From the moment mathematics was incorporated into the imperial examinations, the status of this "textbook" had, to a certain extent, become comparable to the Four Books and the Five Classics.

No matter how much the Confucian scholars might scorn it, for the sake of their future careers, they would be forced to take Mathematics seriously.

"Following the special imperial examinations, mathematics shall be a mandatory subject in every single test. The county examinations, in addition to testing classical interpretations, shall also examine elementary mathematics; the provincial examinations shall test intermediate mathematics, and the metropolitan examinations shall utilize the advanced university textbooks...

The candidates' scores shall be weighted such that classical interpretations account for seventy percent, and mathematics accounts for thirty percent. However, anyone who fails the mathematics examination shall not be selected!"

Taking the established position of Confucianism into account, Old Zhu ultimately refrained from placing mathematics on entirely equal footing with the classical texts. Nevertheless, by drawing a hard line of failure, he ensured that no matter how peerless a genius a candidate might be, failing to achieve a passing grade in mathematics could result in them failing the exams altogether.

Liu Ji, Song Lian, and Xu Cunren exchanged uneasy glances.

Although they had known that the inclusion of mathematics in the imperial examinations was unstoppable, when the decree truly came down, they realized that the world had indeed changed.

Compared to Song Lian’s profound anxiety and Xu Cunren’s lingering bewilderment, Liu Ji actually broke into a smile, readily accepting the emperor’s command.

After a brief moment of thought, he inquired:

"Your Majesty, since this mathematics textbook was compiled by Zhang Yi, should we perhaps attribute authorship to him?"

The impact of this question was even more earth-shattering than the inclusion of mathematics in the imperial examinations itself.

Hearing this, the veteran scholar Song Lian almost choked on his breath. How could they have overlooked such a matter?

Attribution?

If the emperor were truly to credit Zhang Yi as the author, the pride of all the Confucian scholars across the realm would likely be dragged in the dirt.

A seven-year-old child from Mount Longhu would become someone whose textbooks even senior scholars had to study. To a certain extent, that would mean all of them were, in effect, Zhang Yi’s students.

If word of this were to spread, countless people would undoubtedly be driven to grief and despair.

Academic sectarianism had since ancient times been a psychological barrier that many found difficult to cross.

Zhu Yuanzhang also fell silent. After a moment, he asked:

"In your estimation, should we give credit to that child or not?"

Zhu Biao was the first to step forward and speak: "Since he compiled it, this son believes authorship should be attributed! Otherwise, it would chill the heart of that Zhang family scion. This son understands the concerns of the esteemed tutors—that the scholars of the realm cannot accept this matter. Yet, Your Majesty’s aspirations for Zhang Yi do not lie in the worldly reclusion, but rather within the imperial court!

This Zhang scion may well become a pillar of the court in the future. Therefore... this son supports attribution!"

With Zhu Biao taking the lead in expressing his opinion, Zhu Yuanzhang turned his gaze toward Song Lian and Liu Bowen.

Song Lian’s complexion turned ashen, yet he was unwilling to voice his opinion.

Whether Zhang Yi would shed his Daoist registry in the future was a matter for another day; if his name were credited now, the faces of esteemed Confucian scholars like themselves would likely be utterly disgraced.

Liu Ji pondered for a moment and said:

"Your humble servant generally agrees with the Crown Prince’s perspective, but suggests that this matter be postponed for a period!

Presently, the court is still embroiled in the turbulence surrounding the inclusion of mathematics in the imperial examinations. If the identity of the mathematics textbook’s author were to be leaked as well, it might provoke unforeseen changes...

Your humble servant suggests bestowing upon Zhang Yi a literary pseudonym. Doing so would demonstrate that we are not stealing his credit, while simultaneously averting unnecessary complications!"

The others nodded in agreement upon hearing this.

Although the integration of mathematics into the imperial examinations could not be called unprecedented, those who had pursued it with the sheer force of will exhibited by Zhu Yuanzhang were few and far between.

This policy was driven entirely by imperial authority, leaving the official class harboring resentment.

To provoke their nerves further—while Old Zhu was certainly not afraid—would be an act of rashness.

After all, the primary goal was to see the policy implemented, and Zhang Yi cared little for such empty fame anyway.

"Very well!"

As the emperor nodded in agreement, Liu Ji, Xu Cunren, and Song Lian all breathed sighs of relief.

"Father, what pseudonym shall we bestow upon the Zhang family scion?"

Old Zhu recalled the single character "Yi" that Zhang Yi had casually written upon his desk.

"‘Yi’ as in the character for change and differences; let us call him Master Yi! As for these dozen or so textbooks, let them be titled *The Twelve Volumes of Mathematics*."

"Yi, as in the *Classic of Changes*?"

Liu Ji and Song Lian exchanged glances. It appeared the emperor held a remarkably high opinion of that child!

They let out collective breaths of relief. It was good that this matter could be resolved thus; otherwise, had Zhang Yi’s true identity been exposed, it would undoubtedly have triggered yet another massive storm.

Leaving aside outsiders who knew nothing of the truth and would feel humiliated, even Song Lian, a grand scholar, broke out in a cold sweat over the prospect.

"Xu Cunren!"

Zhu Yuanzhang called out, prompting the latter to hastily bow and await instructions.

"The Imperial Academy shall add two doctors of mathematics. Draw up a list of recommendations and submit it to me. Regardless of whether those individuals agree or not, submit the roster!

If any of them refuse, do not blame me for making a public spectacle of them!"

The subtle undercurrent of murderous intent in Old Zhu’s words was palpable...

Everyone present understood that those who had engaged in passive resistance against Xu Cunren over the integration of mathematics into the examinations had likely incurred the emperor’s wrath unto death.

"Understood!"

Xu Cunren lowered his head in compliance.

At the same time, Song Lian proposed:

"Your Majesty, since mathematics is now part of the imperial examinations, your subject has another matter to raise!

Though this minister has been favored by Your Majesty to instruct the Crown Prince and the imperial princes, I am truly ignorant of the Dao of mathematics!

When Your Majesty seeks mathematics instructors for the Imperial Academy, you might as well also appoint mathematics tutors for the princes within the palace..."

Princes like Zhu Di and Zhu Shuang, who had originally been standing to the side like idle onlookers, let out immediate wails of despair upon hearing that they too were expected to study mathematics.

"Very well!"

Deeming Song Lian’s reasoning sound, the emperor finalized the arrangement.

With all matters settled, Liu Ji and the others withdrew from the Imperial Study.

"Father, the second son of the Zhang family is exceptionally capable. Might we meet him?"

"Father, why not have him enter the palace to tutor us in our studies..."

"I heard Sister Chang say that he possesses Daoist arts, that he can make talismans fly and start fires in mid-air!"

"Ha, and Brother Chang as well—every time he mentions that young Daoist priest, it grinds his gears with frustration. I don't much care for Brother Chang, so I figure Zhang Yi must be a good person..."

With outsiders gone, Zhu Shuang and the others clustered around Zhu Yuanzhang, eagerly prying for news about Zhang Yi.

Zhu Biao and Zhu Yuanzhang put on stern faces simultaneously, striking fear into the hearts of the young princes.

"Father, we are off to our studies..."

Zhu Di possessed the keenest situational awareness; sensing danger, he bolted immediately.

Zhu Shuang and Zhu Gang, snapping to their senses, scrambled out after him.

Only Zhu Su reacted sluggishly, and by the time he thought to run, his brothers had already vanished from sight.

"Fa... Father... I am also going to study!

Older brothers, wait for me!"

Watching the antics of these sons of his, Old Zhu could not help but shake his head and laugh.

The paternal and imperial majesty he had maintained with a straight face a moment ago instantly shattered.

"It simply won't do for these younger brothers of yours to lack strict discipline. Crown Prince, I intend to establish a school within the palace dedicated solely to the princes' education. What are your thoughts?"

Zhu Biao replied: "This is a splendid idea. How does Father plan to proceed?"

"I intend to build a library and concurrently establish a school, temporarily named the Hall of Vast Learning!

From now on, you and your younger brothers shall all study here!

The scions of the court’s meritorious officials may also enter the palace to study alongside you!"

At this point, Zhu Yuanzhang let out a cold snort:

"Scions like Chang Mao certainly need their spirits reined in by force. Having them enter the palace under the watchful eyes of tutors might just curb their wild natures!

Do they think I am unaware? Although I permitted them to study at the Imperial Academy, those fellows have scarcely ever set foot in the place!

Xu Cunren didn't dare discipline them, so I shall step in and do it for him.

If any of those rascals miss a single class before the Hall of Vast Learning is completed, I'll have their backs beaten with bamboo staves!"

Zhu Biao smiled. With the newly founded dynasty in its infancy, many regulations had yet to be properly established.

Take the founding ministers of Great Ming, for instance: the majority came from humble peasant backgrounds. Having attained great merit, they had not yet had the time to adjust their mentalities.

As for the education of their offspring, most lacked the bandwidth to care.

Some would hire private tutors to educate their children at home, such as Xu Da...

Yet many others had never even realized the problem. Old Zhu had sent the meritorious scions to the Imperial Academy out of pure goodwill, only for most of them to attend for a brief spell before abandoning it entirely.

Take Chang Mao, for instance—though Zhang Yi and Kong Ne had spent a considerable time at the Imperial Academy, they had never once laid eyes on that worthy brother.

As for the rest of the meritorious scions, the majority were complete strangers to one another!

"Unacceptable! If Chang Yuuchun should truly meet an unfortunate end, I have no intention of elevating such an utter fool to the status of Duke. Guards..."

Zhu Yuanzhang summoned a eunuch to draft an imperial decree,

which was then dispatched to the mansions of every meritorious official.

Any of appropriate age who failed to attend school would receive ten staves of the rod, no exceptions!

The eunuchs took the decree and left the palace. In an instant, wails of despair echoed across the various estates of the meritorious officials throughout Yingtian Prefecture.

Those scions simply could not comprehend why the emperor had suddenly taken such a fervent interest in their education...

Meanwhile,

Liu Bowen, Xu Cunren, and Song Lian departed the imperial palace.

Along the way, Liu Ji questioned Xu Cunren extensively regarding Zhang Yi.

Once outside, Song Lian departed first due to official business, leaving Old Liu and Xu Cunren without the inclination to linger, and they parted ways as well.

Upon returning to the Censorate, Liu Ji found himself entirely lacking in the mood to process official documents.

After pondering for a moment and giving instructions to his subordinates, he doffed his official robes and stepped out.

"Master, where are we headed?"

"Outside the city, to Qingxin Taoist Temple!"

After some thought, Liu Ji ultimately failed to suppress his curiosity and resolved to go see Zhang Yi for himself.

"Understood, Master!"

The carriage advanced slowly, traversing the streets of Yingtian Prefecture. The scenery outside the windows shifted from bustling to desolate.

It took Liu Ji quite a while before he caught sight of the inconspicuous Daoist temple in the outskirts.

The temple bore the marks of time; although it had undergone repairs, the emperor’s perfunctory attitude at the time was glaringly obvious.

"With not even a decent patron in a place like this, life here must indeed be austere!"

Liu Ji muttered to himself, his favorable impression of Zhang Yi recovering fractionally.

Having served as an official in the late Yuan dynasty, he had witnessed the corruption of officialdom.

By the same token, during his official tenure, he had also witnessed the splendor of the Celestial Master’s Mansion.

The Zhang family had fared exceedingly well during the Yuan dynasty—while perhaps not possessing the social standing of the Kong family, they were vastly wealthier.

Liu Ji’s animosity toward Mount Longhu stemmed partly from sectarian bias—literati naturally looked down upon Buddhism and Daoism—and partly from the past conduct of Mount Longhu, which he found thoroughly unappealing.

As the carriage drew near the temple, Liu Ji noticed that another carriage was parked not far away.

Beside the carriage, an elderly servant and a young Daoist priest were chatting.

Liu Ji alighted from the carriage. Seeing him approach, the Daoist priest hurried forward:

"Esteemed elder, are you here to offer incense inside?"

"Indeed!"

Liu Ji did not reveal his identity. Without his official robes, he looked entirely unpretentious.

Deng Zhongxiu cast an appraising glance at Liu Ji. Though the visitor’s attire was unremarkable, he clearly possessed the bearing of a person of noble stature.

"Please, enter!"

It was rare for visitors to grace the temple, so Deng Zhongxiu naturally would not neglect him.

He ushered Liu Ji into the main hall. Liu Ji surveyed the surroundings and nodded in silent acknowledgment.

Walking before the statues of the Three Pure Ones, he lit three sticks of incense and offered a perfunctory bow.

"I wonder what the elder seeks in coming here?

Is it career advancement, or something else?"

Liu Ji chuckled and said:

"What, does the Daoist priest wish to divine my career prospects?"

Deng Zhongxiu laughed sheepishly:

"You jest, elder. This humble Daoist lacks the cultivation to attempt such a feat. Furthermore, our temple receives few patrons, and our abbot has no heart for managing worldly affairs—I merely asked out of casual curiosity!"

Liu Ji remarked:

"The incense trade of this temple is indeed mediocre. If I were the master of this temple, I would surely be frantic with worry.

I suppose your master is a man of lofty Daoist virtue, hence his disdain for such worldly wealth!"

Hearing this, the corners of Deng Zhongxiu’s mouth twitched slightly.

It wasn't that Zhang Yi disdained money; rather, the rate at which that boy spent money was terrifying. No matter how thriving an incense trade a temple enjoyed, how much silver could it rake in over the course of a year?

Aside from temple lands and rents, the incense offerings alone amounted to around five hundred taels annually at best.

Given the speed at which his junior brother burned through funds, that amount was utterly insufficient!

Naturally, Deng Zhongxiu had no intention of undermining his junior brother, so he replied:

"Elder, you do not understand. Our abbot is the youngest son of Celestial Master Zhang of Mount Longhu. In gratitude for His Majesty's grace, he remains here to chant scriptures and pray for blessings upon the emperor!

Because the abbot primarily spends his days chanting scriptures for His Majesty, he pays little attention to the upkeep of the temple!

This humble Daoist possesses shallow cultivation and can be of little assistance to our abbot, so I merely handle odd jobs at the front!"

"Oh!"

Hearing Deng Zhongxiu boast on Zhang Yi’s behalf about chanting scriptures for the emperor, Liu Ji nearly burst out laughing.

Fortunately, no one had taken that idle nonsense seriously; otherwise, that brat would have been given several dozen strokes of the rod!

"That being said, while this temple is small, the surrounding grounds are quite vast. Old me happens to be looking for a man of high caliber to consult on my future prospects—is your abbot available?"

"This..."

Deng Zhongxiu prepared to issue a polite refusal. Zhang Yi had explicitly instructed him that he would have nothing to do with matters of divination.

Compared to playing the charlatan and cheating commoners out of their money, Zhang Yi now had far more lucrative avenues of wealth generation and cared little for such petty tricks.

Before Deng Zhongxiu could speak, however, a figure emerged from the inner courtyard.

The moment the person caught sight of Liu Ji, he gasped in astonishment:

"Lord Liu?"

Liu Ji turned around and was met with the sight of a child staring at him in gaping disbelief.

"Kong Ne!"

Liu Ji recognized the boy’s identity as well: he was none other than the fifty-seventh generation descendant of the Kong family and the future Duke Yansheng, Kong Ne.

"Lord Liu, you are..."

With his identity blown by Deng Zhongxiu earlier, the young Daoist was now struck with panic and awe.

The person before him turned out to be a truly formidable figure.

"Your student, Kong Ne, pays respects to Lord Liu!"

"Kong Ne, do you not go by the surname Bai?"

Young Deng was nearly frightened out of his wits by the pair's identities. Though he had never met Kong Ne, he was well aware of who he was:

"You are the young master of the Kong family, Kong Ne of the Duke Yansheng’s estate?"

Hearing this, Kong Ne looked somewhat embarrassed. He bowed apologetically to Deng Zhongxiu:

"Brother Deng, please forgive me. I should not have concealed my identity from the start!"

"You are too kind, Young Master Kong!"

Deng Zhongxiu hastily returned the bow, not daring to accept a formal salutation from the future Duke Yansheng.

Daoist priest though he was, the influence of the Kong family pervaded every aspect of society across the land of China.

If one were forced to compare, the prestige of Duke Yansheng far surpassed that of the Celestial Master.

Wait...

Having confirmed Kong Ne’s identity, Deng Zhongxiu’s thoughts drifted back to the old man in the inner courtyard.

Good heavens!

With his fragile nerves, Deng Zhongxiu collapsed straight to the ground.

Duke Yansheng! The Duke Yansheng was actually residing right here in their humble Daoist temple, and moreover, he had lost his mind?

Knowing the truth left Deng Zhongxiu’s heart pounding wildly, completely shaken.

Liu Ji looked calmly at the two boys, a wave of suspicion rising in his heart.

From the moment Kong Ne recognized him and he exposed Kong Ne’s identity, their exchange had seemingly provided him with ample information.

His inadvertent visit to this temple today suggested there were secrets hidden within.

Kong Ne seemed to recall something as well, the gaze he cast toward Liu Ji laced with panic.

Had the news of his grandfather losing his mind and undergoing exorcism rituals here in the Daoist temple been leaked?

"Lord Liu, why are you here?"

Kong Ne forced himself to steady his mind, mustering the courage to spar with Liu Ji.

Yet how could his meager experience match Liu Ji’s? Old Liu could tell at a glance that there was a story hidden in the inner courtyard.

"I am here concerning a matter between myself and Zhang Yi!"

"My junior brother is indisposed..."

Without a moment’s hesitation, Deng Zhongxiu tried to run interference for Kong Ne.

Liu Ji smiled. Initially, he had simply wanted to drop by and observe the child who had won a wager against him.

He had not expected to stumble upon something so amusing within the temple grounds.

"This matter pertains to an agreement between Zhang Yi and myself. Little Daoist priest, you had better go announce my arrival!

Ah, you may inform him that my humble name is Liu Ji!"

"Liu Ji..."

Hearing this name, Deng Zhongxiu felt his head swell to the size of a bushel basket.

This affable old gentleman was none other than the legendary Grand Secretary and Censor-in-Chief Liu Bowen!

Liu Ji’s official rank might not be the highest, but his prestige among the common folk was immense.

Most importantly, this high-ranking official was the head of the Censorate. Even if he wanted to block the man’s path, it seemed an impossible task.

Just as Deng Zhongxiu was wracked with inner turmoil and Kong Ne was at his wit's end,

Zhang Yi clearly caught the commotion from the inner courtyard. He stepped out and asked:

"What is going on?"

The next moment, however, Zhang Yi laid eyes upon Liu Ji himself.

Observing the expressions of Deng Zhongxiu and Kong Ne, he roughly pieced together what had happened.

"So it is Elder Liu. This poor Daoist already told you that even if you lost, I wouldn't penalize you. What brings you here?"

The moment Zhang Yi opened his mouth, Liu Ji’s blood pressure spiked instantly!