As the sky gradually brightened, Liang Rong woke up from his slumber. Winter had set in, and getting up early in the chilly morning was always a bit challenging. However, today Liang Rong didn’t linger in bed. Without waiting for the maid’s reminder, he turned over, got out of bed, and hurried towards the desk in the room.
“Young Master!” The attending maid quickly called, “It’s cold; put on your clothes first!”
Liang Rong seemed oblivious as if preoccupied with something. He swiftly opened the wooden box on the desk, appearing somewhat anxious. Once he saw the contents inside the box, a visible relief washed over his face, and he broke into a silly grin.
“Young Master, the things sent by the Master are well taken care of by us maids. How could anything go wrong? Come, let’s get dressed first.” Liang Rong was small in stature, but he carried himself with great composure. Even his personal maid, who rarely saw him in such a childish manner, couldn’t help but laugh while covering her mouth.
Liang Rong blushed, feeling a bit embarrassed, as he walked back to let the maid help him get dressed and freshen up. He was aware that the gifts sent by his father must have been carefully handled. However, these presents had arrived just last night via a fast horse, and in his early morning haze, Liang Rong couldn’t help but worry that it might have been a dream from the previous night. How could he not be anxious? Seeing the items still present dispelled his lingering unease.
Once dressed and having washed his face and brushed his teeth, with his hair neatly combed, the maid’s hands moved skillfully. She deftly gathered his soft black hair into two small buns, smiling as she asked, “On this birthday, this servant has arranged little buns for Young Master. Does Young Master like them?”
Looking at the two round buns in the bronze mirror, Liang Rong’s eyes lit up, nodding vigorously. Today, he turned eight years old, entering a significant age, and it was appropriate to wear buns. Although it felt a bit unusual, Liang Rong couldn’t help but feel a sense of maturity after having his hair done this way. After scrutinizing the round buns in the mirror, Liang Rong finally approached the dining table.
The morning meal on the table was different from usual, featuring several soft and warm sugar buns. The attendants by Liang Rong’s side were all experienced members of the Liang family, well aware of the young master’s habits on his birthday. With the young master’s father now serving as the regional governor and stationed far away in Jinyang, leaving Liang Rong alone in Shangdang, they couldn’t afford to be negligent. They made sure to make the young master’s birthday as joyful as possible.
Indeed, upon seeing those sugar buns, a bright smile appeared on Liang Rong’s delicately carved face. Sitting obediently at the dining table, he picked up one sugar bun and began to eat it carefully. Rock candy was expensive, and normally, they wouldn’t use such a crude method for breakfast. However, Liang Rong was genuinely delighted, savoring the sweetness of the sugar core as if it melted in his heart.
Finishing his breakfast at a pace slower than usual, Liang Rong picked up the wooden box on the table and headed towards the backyard.
Nowadays, the book collection has been moved out of the governor’s mansion, and most of the backyard has become the territory of the Chongwen Institute. Liang Rong came here daily to attend lectures. Those admitted to study here were either outstanding sons of military officials from the Liang family or descendants of officials in Shangdang. Regardless of the background, everyone sought to please Liang Rong as much as possible. However, the atmosphere within the institute was excellent, without the negative tendencies seen in the Imperial Academy in Luoyang. Liang Rong, like an ordinary student, diligently studied, took exams seriously, and earned honors through his abilities.
But today, he felt a bit more joyful. He arrived early at the school, searching for his mentors. While his previous tutor, Cui Ji, had become the Prefect of Lu City, managing the entire Shangdang region, and was quite busy, Liang Rong sought guidance from the head of the county school, Fan Long.
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Fan Long was well-versed in classics and well-read, an overqualified teacher for a young child. Despite this, he taught with care. Every two days, he would come to the school specifically to enlighten Liang Rong. Today, Liang Rong wanted to consult him.
Seated in the study, Liang Rong, without the assistance of his maid, placed the wooden box on the table. Carefully opening the lid, he took out what was inside: a book. Following the Liang family tradition, it was neatly bound, but instead of printing, the characters were handwritten. It was a book of scriptures, a gift from his father for his birthday, transcribed personally by his father. Liang Rong couldn’t help but feel excited. Even though he hadn’t studied this scripture before, and there were no annotations, he wanted to learn it seriously. This book, given by his father, needed to be studied earnestly. When he met his father later, he also wanted to show that he had been diligently studying and hadn’t neglected his education.
Caressing the book for a moment, Liang Rong, with great care, began reviewing his previous lessons. Just as he had read for about fifteen minutes, footsteps were heard outside the door.
Liang Rong quickly stopped and respectfully stood up to welcome the visitor. When he saw Liang Rong upon entering, Fan Long exclaimed, “Isn’t today Young Master Rong’s birthday? I thought I could come a bit later.”
Children always attach great importance to their birthdays. Fan Long specifically took the day off, thinking Liang Rong would take a break for half a day.
This was something Mr. Fan had instructed before, but Liang Rong was too excited and had forgotten it. Liang Rong blushed a little, saying, “I received a book and wanted to seek Mr. Fan’s guidance. I forgot about your previous instructions…”
Seeing the shy expression of the young lad, Fan Long couldn’t help but smile. Eagerness to learn was a refined virtue, and as a mentor, how could he dislike it? Seated behind the desk, Fan Long said, “Which book is it? Show it to me.”
Liang Rong quickly lifted the book and presented it to his teacher.
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Surprisingly, it was “Mencius1“? Upon seeing the title, Fan Long’s eyebrows raised. In the Han Dynasty, there was indeed a biographer for “Mencius,” but it was later abolished. “Mencius” was classified as a subcategory under the “Yiwen Zhi,” not considered a common book for children to read. However, with a second glance, he recognized the handwriting in the book. It was the handwriting of Minister Liang!
Turning the pages, Fan Long calmly asked, “Was this book a gift from your father?”
Liang Rong nodded proudly, “Indeed, it is a birthday gift from my father.”
Giving “Mencius” as a gift? Was Minister Liang intending for Liang Rong to understand “Mencius”?
Fan Long was well-versed in every book and knew the meaning behind “Mencius.” Mencius, born in troubled times, upheld the virtues of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, and wisdom, advocating for a government based on benevolence, cherishing innate goodness, and emphasizing the importance of the people over the ruler. Such views were quite out of place in the present world. With aristocratic families vying for power, who would care about the “people”? Moreover, nobody believed in the idea of “if the ruler oppresses the people too much, they will assassinate him, and the state will perish.” Those noble families would rather shut themselves in, exploit their subjects to the bone, and live their luxurious lives in peace!
However, looking at the current state of the world, one couldn’t help but admit that Mencius’s words held some truth. Yet, these ideas of benevolent governance and the way of kingship were no longer just things for subjects to learn.
Fan Long recalled the previous letter sent by Duan Qin. Although not explicitly stated, Duan Qin had already harbored ambitions for the country. In his eyes, Liang Zixi was a rare and capable monarch who might bring an end to this chaotic era. What about in Fan Long’s eyes? Being in charge of the emerging academy that controlled various studies in this vastly different world, what did he see? Wasn’t it something he had long sought but couldn’t attain, something that troubled his dreams? For him, a scholar from a humble background, there was no better sovereign than Liang Zixi!
Soon after firmly establishing this belief, a book like this arrived before him. Does teaching his only son with this book mean that the Minister has truly understood the path ahead and sees Liang Rong as the heir to the throne? In fact, Fan Long had always known that Liang Rong was resolute in mind and upright in character, destined for greatness. However, previously, he only taught this child as a noble, not a monarch. Perhaps this book, “Mencius,” marked the difference between the two.
A founding monarch who ends chaos with “benevolence.”
With thoughts swirling in his mind, Fan Long didn’t reveal any clues on his face, just saying, “This book talks about benevolence and virtue. Only by prioritizing the people can one win their hearts.”
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Liang Rong nodded as if understanding, “My esteemed father has also taught me that we must sincerely govern the people to deserve their support and offerings.”
Indeed! Fan Long’s overly serious face finally showed a faint smile, “Young Master Rong’s words are accurate. Let’s discuss ‘Mencius’ today.”
Apart from “Mencius,” there were many more things he needed to impart.
In the Chongwen Institute, an old man and a young lad were earnestly studying, while in the government office ahead, the expression on Cui Ji’s face didn’t look quite pleasant.
Just after Liu Yuan proclaimed himself emperor in Pingyang, Sima Yue, who had been stationed in Luoyang, led his troops to attack Jing County a few days ago.
The struggle for the pseudo-emperor has been ongoing for over half a year, leaving much of the country in ruins. However, Grand General Gou Xi recently recaptured Xiangyang, forcing the forces of the Prince of Chengdu to retreat to Jiangxia. Wang Mi and others scattered in disarray, once again leaving the Prince of Chengdu isolated. The imminent extermination of this rebel army has prompted Sima Yue to finally take action personally, leading the troops into battle.
Such a significant victory must be orchestrated by him personally! This is also the best way to consolidate his status and position. However, leaving the young emperor behind in Si County, facing the Han Kingdom of the Xiongnu across the river, inevitably raises some concerns.
To safeguard Luoyang, Sima Yue has also put considerable effort into re-establishing a large camp in Hongnong, strengthening the defense of various cities along the Yellow River. He has also issued orders for Fan Long to hold his ground in Shangdang. Under no circumstances should the nomadic horses cross the Xingdao and directly threaten Luoyang. Once the rebel forces of the Prince of Chengdu are eliminated, Sima Yue will return with his troops to personally confront the Xiongnu.
This plan sounds promising, but Cui Ji knows that the situation is not as simple as it seems. If the Xiongnu want to attack Luoyang, they will either cross the Yellow River or take the Xingdao. Once the enemy sends troops, Shangdang will face the brunt of the military. However, Shangdang is now the granary of Bing County. If chaos breaks out here, the entire Bing County will suffer from famine. Other prefectures and counties have just been pacified, and self-sufficiency is hard to maintain, let alone accommodating refugees.
A message must be sent to Jinyang as soon as possible. Cui Ji wonders if the lord can procure some grain from Luoyang. With a light sigh, Cui Ji picks up his pen and starts writing a letter.
Two days later, this official document landed on Liang Feng’s desk.
The author has something to say:
It was mentioned earlier that there was a bit of an error. Mencius did not hold a high position before the Sui and Tang dynasties. At that time, he was referred to as “Zhou Kong” or “Kong Yan.” The concept of “Confucius and Mencius” began to emerge during the mid-Tang period. In the Five Dynasties, Mencius was included in the classics, and after the Song Dynasty, “Mencius” became one of the “Four Books,” essential for imperial examinations. In the Yuan Dynasty, Mencius was posthumously given the title “Second Sage,” and this eventually led to the current saying of “Confucius and Mencius.”
1
a Chinese Confucian philosopher who has often been described as the “second Sage” (亞聖), that is, second to Confucius himself. He is part of Confucius’ fourth generation of disciples. Mencius inherited Confucius’ ideology and developed it further.
As the sky gradually brightened, Liang Rong woke up from his slumber. Winter had set in, and getting up early in the chilly morning was always a bit challenging. However, today Liang Rong didn’t linger in bed. Without waiting for the maid’s reminder, he turned over, got out of bed, and hurried towards the desk in the room.
“Young Master!” The attending maid quickly called, “It’s cold; put on your clothes first!”
Liang Rong seemed oblivious as if preoccupied with something. He swiftly opened the wooden box on the desk, appearing somewhat anxious. Once he saw the contents inside the box, a visible relief washed over his face, and he broke into a silly grin.
“Young Master, the things sent by the Master are well taken care of by us maids. How could anything go wrong? Come, let’s get dressed first.” Liang Rong was small in stature, but he carried himself with great composure. Even his personal maid, who rarely saw him in such a childish manner, couldn’t help but laugh while covering her mouth.
Liang Rong blushed, feeling a bit embarrassed, as he walked back to let the maid help him get dressed and freshen up. He was aware that the gifts sent by his father must have been carefully handled. However, these presents had arrived just last night via a fast horse, and in his early morning haze, Liang Rong couldn’t help but worry that it might have been a dream from the previous night. How could he not be anxious? Seeing the items still present dispelled his lingering unease.
Once dressed and having washed his face and brushed his teeth, with his hair neatly combed, the maid’s hands moved skillfully. She deftly gathered his soft black hair into two small buns, smiling as she asked, “On this birthday, this servant has arranged little buns for Young Master. Does Young Master like them?”
Looking at the two round buns in the bronze mirror, Liang Rong’s eyes lit up, nodding vigorously. Today, he turned eight years old, entering a significant age, and it was appropriate to wear buns. Although it felt a bit unusual, Liang Rong couldn’t help but feel a sense of maturity after having his hair done this way. After scrutinizing the round buns in the mirror, Liang Rong finally approached the dining table.
The morning meal on the table was different from usual, featuring several soft and warm sugar buns. The attendants by Liang Rong’s side were all experienced members of the Liang family, well aware of the young master’s habits on his birthday. With the young master’s father now serving as the regional governor and stationed far away in Jinyang, leaving Liang Rong alone in Shangdang, they couldn’t afford to be negligent. They made sure to make the young master’s birthday as joyful as possible.
Indeed, upon seeing those sugar buns, a bright smile appeared on Liang Rong’s delicately carved face. Sitting obediently at the dining table, he picked up one sugar bun and began to eat it carefully. Rock candy was expensive, and normally, they wouldn’t use such a crude method for breakfast. However, Liang Rong was genuinely delighted, savoring the sweetness of the sugar core as if it melted in his heart.
Finishing his breakfast at a pace slower than usual, Liang Rong picked up the wooden box on the table and headed towards the backyard.
Nowadays, the book collection has been moved out of the governor’s mansion, and most of the backyard has become the territory of the Chongwen Institute. Liang Rong came here daily to attend lectures. Those admitted to study here were either outstanding sons of military officials from the Liang family or descendants of officials in Shangdang. Regardless of the background, everyone sought to please Liang Rong as much as possible. However, the atmosphere within the institute was excellent, without the negative tendencies seen in the Imperial Academy in Luoyang. Liang Rong, like an ordinary student, diligently studied, took exams seriously, and earned honors through his abilities.
But today, he felt a bit more joyful. He arrived early at the school, searching for his mentors. While his previous tutor, Cui Ji, had become the Prefect of Lu City, managing the entire Shangdang region, and was quite busy, Liang Rong sought guidance from the head of the county school, Fan Long.
Advertisement
Fan Long was well-versed in classics and well-read, an overqualified teacher for a young child. Despite this, he taught with care. Every two days, he would come to the school specifically to enlighten Liang Rong. Today, Liang Rong wanted to consult him.
Seated in the study, Liang Rong, without the assistance of his maid, placed the wooden box on the table. Carefully opening the lid, he took out what was inside: a book. Following the Liang family tradition, it was neatly bound, but instead of printing, the characters were handwritten. It was a book of scriptures, a gift from his father for his birthday, transcribed personally by his father. Liang Rong couldn’t help but feel excited. Even though he hadn’t studied this scripture before, and there were no annotations, he wanted to learn it seriously. This book, given by his father, needed to be studied earnestly. When he met his father later, he also wanted to show that he had been diligently studying and hadn’t neglected his education.
Caressing the book for a moment, Liang Rong, with great care, began reviewing his previous lessons. Just as he had read for about fifteen minutes, footsteps were heard outside the door.
Liang Rong quickly stopped and respectfully stood up to welcome the visitor. When he saw Liang Rong upon entering, Fan Long exclaimed, “Isn’t today Young Master Rong’s birthday? I thought I could come a bit later.”
Children always attach great importance to their birthdays. Fan Long specifically took the day off, thinking Liang Rong would take a break for half a day.
This was something Mr. Fan had instructed before, but Liang Rong was too excited and had forgotten it. Liang Rong blushed a little, saying, “I received a book and wanted to seek Mr. Fan’s guidance. I forgot about your previous instructions…”
Seeing the shy expression of the young lad, Fan Long couldn’t help but smile. Eagerness to learn was a refined virtue, and as a mentor, how could he dislike it? Seated behind the desk, Fan Long said, “Which book is it? Show it to me.”
Liang Rong quickly lifted the book and presented it to his teacher.
Advertisement
Surprisingly, it was “Mencius1“? Upon seeing the title, Fan Long’s eyebrows raised. In the Han Dynasty, there was indeed a biographer for “Mencius,” but it was later abolished. “Mencius” was classified as a subcategory under the “Yiwen Zhi,” not considered a common book for children to read. However, with a second glance, he recognized the handwriting in the book. It was the handwriting of Minister Liang!
Turning the pages, Fan Long calmly asked, “Was this book a gift from your father?”
Liang Rong nodded proudly, “Indeed, it is a birthday gift from my father.”
Giving “Mencius” as a gift? Was Minister Liang intending for Liang Rong to understand “Mencius”?
Fan Long was well-versed in every book and knew the meaning behind “Mencius.” Mencius, born in troubled times, upheld the virtues of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, and wisdom, advocating for a government based on benevolence, cherishing innate goodness, and emphasizing the importance of the people over the ruler. Such views were quite out of place in the present world. With aristocratic families vying for power, who would care about the “people”? Moreover, nobody believed in the idea of “if the ruler oppresses the people too much, they will assassinate him, and the state will perish.” Those noble families would rather shut themselves in, exploit their subjects to the bone, and live their luxurious lives in peace!
However, looking at the current state of the world, one couldn’t help but admit that Mencius’s words held some truth. Yet, these ideas of benevolent governance and the way of kingship were no longer just things for subjects to learn.
Fan Long recalled the previous letter sent by Duan Qin. Although not explicitly stated, Duan Qin had already harbored ambitions for the country. In his eyes, Liang Zixi was a rare and capable monarch who might bring an end to this chaotic era. What about in Fan Long’s eyes? Being in charge of the emerging academy that controlled various studies in this vastly different world, what did he see? Wasn’t it something he had long sought but couldn’t attain, something that troubled his dreams? For him, a scholar from a humble background, there was no better sovereign than Liang Zixi!
Soon after firmly establishing this belief, a book like this arrived before him. Does teaching his only son with this book mean that the Minister has truly understood the path ahead and sees Liang Rong as the heir to the throne? In fact, Fan Long had always known that Liang Rong was resolute in mind and upright in character, destined for greatness. However, previously, he only taught this child as a noble, not a monarch. Perhaps this book, “Mencius,” marked the difference between the two.
A founding monarch who ends chaos with “benevolence.”
With thoughts swirling in his mind, Fan Long didn’t reveal any clues on his face, just saying, “This book talks about benevolence and virtue. Only by prioritizing the people can one win their hearts.”
Advertisement
Liang Rong nodded as if understanding, “My esteemed father has also taught me that we must sincerely govern the people to deserve their support and offerings.”
Indeed! Fan Long’s overly serious face finally showed a faint smile, “Young Master Rong’s words are accurate. Let’s discuss ‘Mencius’ today.”
Apart from “Mencius,” there were many more things he needed to impart.
In the Chongwen Institute, an old man and a young lad were earnestly studying, while in the government office ahead, the expression on Cui Ji’s face didn’t look quite pleasant.
Just after Liu Yuan proclaimed himself emperor in Pingyang, Sima Yue, who had been stationed in Luoyang, led his troops to attack Jing County a few days ago.
The struggle for the pseudo-emperor has been ongoing for over half a year, leaving much of the country in ruins. However, Grand General Gou Xi recently recaptured Xiangyang, forcing the forces of the Prince of Chengdu to retreat to Jiangxia. Wang Mi and others scattered in disarray, once again leaving the Prince of Chengdu isolated. The imminent extermination of this rebel army has prompted Sima Yue to finally take action personally, leading the troops into battle.
Such a significant victory must be orchestrated by him personally! This is also the best way to consolidate his status and position. However, leaving the young emperor behind in Si County, facing the Han Kingdom of the Xiongnu across the river, inevitably raises some concerns.
To safeguard Luoyang, Sima Yue has also put considerable effort into re-establishing a large camp in Hongnong, strengthening the defense of various cities along the Yellow River. He has also issued orders for Fan Long to hold his ground in Shangdang. Under no circumstances should the nomadic horses cross the Xingdao and directly threaten Luoyang. Once the rebel forces of the Prince of Chengdu are eliminated, Sima Yue will return with his troops to personally confront the Xiongnu.
This plan sounds promising, but Cui Ji knows that the situation is not as simple as it seems. If the Xiongnu want to attack Luoyang, they will either cross the Yellow River or take the Xingdao. Once the enemy sends troops, Shangdang will face the brunt of the military. However, Shangdang is now the granary of Bing County. If chaos breaks out here, the entire Bing County will suffer from famine. Other prefectures and counties have just been pacified, and self-sufficiency is hard to maintain, let alone accommodating refugees.
A message must be sent to Jinyang as soon as possible. Cui Ji wonders if the lord can procure some grain from Luoyang. With a light sigh, Cui Ji picks up his pen and starts writing a letter.
Two days later, this official document landed on Liang Feng’s desk.
The author has something to say:
It was mentioned earlier that there was a bit of an error. Mencius did not hold a high position before the Sui and Tang dynasties. At that time, he was referred to as “Zhou Kong” or “Kong Yan.” The concept of “Confucius and Mencius” began to emerge during the mid-Tang period. In the Five Dynasties, Mencius was included in the classics, and after the Song Dynasty, “Mencius” became one of the “Four Books,” essential for imperial examinations. In the Yuan Dynasty, Mencius was posthumously given the title “Second Sage,” and this eventually led to the current saying of “Confucius and Mencius.”
1
a Chinese Confucian philosopher who has often been described as the “second Sage” (亞聖), that is, second to Confucius himself. He is part of Confucius’ fourth generation of disciples. Mencius inherited Confucius’ ideology and developed it further.
