Chapter 34: Explain! The four ways to write the character 回! (2/2)

What kind of question is this?

Xu Yanmiao spoke with utmost sincerity: “I’ve heard from many officials in court that scholars of the Ancient Classical School are deeply devoted to studying texts, especially adept at nitpicking words and dissecting phrases. They are exceptionally rigorous in their approach to Confucian classics, even researching all the possible ways to write the character ‘回’ (hui). I found this fascinating, so I came here to seek advice.”

The words sounded polite, but when carefully examined…

Anyway, the hand holding the teacup in Quan Xie tightened. If not for the fact that the person in front of him was an imperial envoy, he would have smashed the teacup at him already.

Suddenly, a loud voice roared from the side chamber: “How dare you, you insolent brat!”

—Who are you mocking with that sarcasm?

An elderly man, leaning on a cane, stormed out with a furious expression and glared at Xu Yanmiao: “Who told you that the Ancient Classical School was so fixated on trivialities?”

Xu Yanmiao replied with utter confidence: “Everyone in court says so.”

Then he cheerfully exclaimed, “It’s an honor to meet you, Master Quan!”

Quan Yizhang glanced at him. Even though he recognized the statement as a provocation, he couldn’t let such a blatant slander against his school go unanswered.

“Go back and tell them: the scholars of Modern Classical Studies are nothing but the prattle of rural fools, frogs in a well! How could they possibly grasp the profound truths of Ancient Classical Studies?”

As for taking up an official position? Hmph. Did they think such an obvious taunt could fool him?

“Got it! I’ll be sure to pass on the message!” Xu Yanmiao’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

“But still, how many ways can you write the character ‘回’?”

Quan Yizhang answered coldly:

“We have never studied such things.”

“But isn’t the Ancient Classical School dedicated to exploring the origins of sounds and characters, interpreting and annotating…”

“Ridiculous! How dare you twist our rigorous textual studies and historical investigations into an obsession with a single character? Laughable! You Modernists, always distorting the words of the sages to flatter your emperor and serve your own political ends. It is your faction that seeks to extract meaning from fragments and nitpick trivialities!”

“Mm-hmm!” Xu Yanmiao nodded earnestly.

Quan Yizhang waited for a rebuttal.

After several moments of silence, he frowned. “Do you have nothing to say?”

Xu Yanmiao shook his head honestly. “I don’t understand these things.”

Quan Yizhang: “…” He felt like his anger had been stifled mid-outburst.

Xu Yanmiao added: “By the way, I’ve also heard people say that The Rites of Zhou is a book of conspiracies, promoting a feudal system in politics and an economic policy similar to the well-field system to curry favor with aristocratic families.”

Quan Yizhang exploded: “Nonsense! The Rites of Zhou, originally called The Zhou Officer, is neither a classic nor a commentary. It merely describes the administrative system of the Zhou Dynasty, serving as a historical record for modern readers to understand ancient governance.”

Fueled by his anger, Quan Yizhang ranted passionately: “The Modernists are greedy for power, constantly twisting the principles of the sages to suit their policies and imperial preferences. They are merchants at heart, with politics in their eyes. Modern Classical Studies? Nothing more than the vulgar musings of shallow men!”

“Mm-hmm!” Xu Yanmiao nodded vigorously again.

“You’re so impressive!”@@novelbin@@

Quan Yizhang: “…”

Though Xu Yanmiao seemed to agree with his reasoning, Quan Yizhang felt inexplicably stifled.

Quan Yizhang asked: “Is that all you came to say?”

Xu Yanmiao replied sincerely: “I don’t understand much about the classics or debates. I just feel that what you’re saying is very reasonable and profound!”

Quan Yizhang, far from pleased, felt even more stifled.

Xu Yanmiao continued: “By the way—”

Quan Yizhang interrupted angrily: “If you don’t understand classical studies, why are you asking all these questions?”

“Huh?” Xu Yanmiao’s tone was cautious:

“I’m asking because I don’t understand… Am I not allowed to ask? Everyone in court speaks about the Ancient Classical School this way, so I just wanted to verify the truth…”

Quan Yizhang took a deep breath.

“I’m tired. You should leave. If you have more questions, ask another time.”

“Got it!” Xu Yanmiao left happily.

Quan Xie glanced at his grandfather. “Grandfather, he’s deliberately provoking you.”

Quan Yizhang nodded. “I know. Such a crude provocation won’t fool me.”

Late that night.

Quan Yizhang sat up in bed, stewing in anger. “Insolent fool!”

“Shallow wretch!”

“Vulgar ignoramus! Blind to reality! Peddler of falsehoods! Nothing but latrine talk!”

Even though he had seemingly refuted the Modernist criticisms of the Ancient Classical School earlier, he felt like he’d been tricked into shadowboxing, venting his fury at nothing.

After an entirely sleepless night, he declared the next morning: “I can’t let this slide!”

Quan Yizhang sought out Xu Yanmiao. “I’ll go with you. But I’m not taking up an official post—I’m going to debate the classics!”

Xu Yanmiao nodded obediently. “Understood, Master Quan.”

When Xu Yanmiao reported back, the emperor was dumbfounded. “How did you convince him to come?”

Xu Yanmiao: “Master Quan came to debate the classics.”

That alone was a significant achievement. In the past, even with the lure of debates, Quan Yizhang had always politely refused.

No matter.

The emperor was deeply impressed: “Xu Yanmiao, you truly are quick-witted.”

[I was just bluffing!]

Xu Yanmiao hesitated: “Your Majesty, I may have used a bit of manipulation and told a few minor untruths. Please forgive me, colleagues.”

The ministers: “???”

A sense of foreboding hung in the air.

Moments later…

An eighty-year-old elder stormed into the court, his face dark with anger, slamming his cane heavily on the ground.

“Who dared insult the Ancient Classical School? Step forward!”

The ministers: “??????”

Wait, when did we…

Sure, we study Modern Classical Studies, but why would we bother attacking the Ancient School? There’s no one left studying it in court anyway—who would even bring it up?

Meanwhile, Xu Yanmiao cheerfully whistled a little tune in his heart, his face radiating innocence.