CHAPTER 539: CHAPTER 288: WHATEVER MY LORD COMMANDS, I SHALL DO

Meng Changce’s upcoming arrival in the capital to lecture held no allure for Zhao Yao. First, he had no intention of currying favor with Meng Changce. Second, he was neither a literati nor a student, not particularly passionate about scholarship, nor did he wish to become a literary giant. Third, Meng Changce was someone that both the Crown Prince and Prince Dai were keen to draw close to, making Zhao Yao more inclined to avoid him altogether.

Zhao Yao also had no plans to attend Meng Changce’s lectures. His aptitude for studying wasn’t great, and he deemed it unnecessary to listen to Mr. Meng’s teachings, fearing he wouldn’t understand them even if he did.

Although Meng Changce was highly esteemed and profoundly respected by scholars and students across the land, Zhao Yao did not hold such... reverence for Mr. Meng. However, Mr. Meng’s character was indeed admirable; he did not seek fame or dishonest gain, remaining a true scholar with profound literary accomplishments that significantly fostered literary progress in Great Zhou.

He Lianfang generally despised those scholars and students of Confucianism, considering them vain, profit-seeking, and pedantic. Yet, he also held great respect for Meng Changce.

Meng Changce was the foremost great scholar of the era. It’s no exaggeration to say he held an immensely high stature in the hearts of scholars across the land, almost venerated as a saint among current scholars and students. His influence on the learned was greater than that of the emperor.

Scholars in the world may not know who the emperor is, but it’s impossible for them not to know who Meng Changce is.

The influence of a great scholar of the time could surpass even that of the emperor. If Meng Changce were dissatisfied with the imperial court, its reputation would become very poor, its situation naturally arduous, possibly even ruining the court at times.

An emperor desiring a good reputation, even if secretly resentful of the great scholar, must outwardly show respect to them. Fortunately, true great scholars care not for mundane affairs and refrain from meddling in court matters, so the emperor does not act against them.

If a great scholar meddled in court affairs and angrily cursed the emperor, their fate would be to succumb to illness or meet with an accident, never living well.

When the Great Zhou was first established, the late emperor repeatedly sought Meng Changce’s assistance to revise the rites and musical orders, as well as the moral codes and human relations, but Meng Changce refused.

During the previous dynasty, Meng Changce had once emerged but became deeply disillusioned with the world. From then on, he withdrew into seclusion, wholeheartedly devoted to scholarly research, caring no longer for worldly affairs.

This time, Meng Changce’s decision to lecture was profoundly surprising. It seemed the Crown Prince and Prince Dai’s people had greatly troubled him during this period.

Meng Changce’s impending lecture in the capital was a grand occasion for scholars and students across the land, a celebrated event in their hearts.

He Lianfang originally thought Zhao Yao would want to hear Meng Changce’s lecture, yet he did not expect him to disapprove.

"Why do you not want to go?"

"What’s the point of going?" Zhao Yao was disinterested in joining the fray. "I’m neither pursuing scholarship nor seeking an official position, so there’s no need to listen. Besides, with a great scholar like Mr. Meng lecturing, he’ll surely discuss profound topics I, as a young child, wouldn’t understand."

"It won’t be like that; a great scholar like Meng Changce lectures in an accessible manner. No matter who listens, they will understand and greatly benefit," He Lianfang persuaded Zhao Yao. "You should listen; it would do you no harm."

"I’m afraid I’d fall asleep listening." Zhao Yao candidly admitted his self-awareness.

He Lianfang chuckled, "Meng Changce genuinely possesses knowledge. His lectures encompass insights derived from a lifetime of study, unlike those charlatans who deceive people. You truly should listen."

Seeing He Lianfang’s admiration for Meng Changce, Zhao Yao was somewhat surprised.

"Second uncle, are you going? If not, should we go together?"

Zhao Yao did not notice the faint sadness that flashed in He Lianfang’s eyes as he said this.

"My legs are inconvenient, so I won’t go," He Lianfang appeared neutral, his demeanor serene as he continued, "I have no need to listen to lectures."

Zhao Yao glanced at He Lianfang, opened his mouth as if to say something, but after some thought, kept silent.

He Lianfang did not continue the subject, diverting instead to instruct Zhao Yao in military strategy.

Zhao Yao did not stay with He Lianfang for dinner. He left before the meal to head to what was formerly the Grand Commandant Mansion, now more suitably referred to as the Zheng Mansion.

Zheng Cheng and Zheng Qian had been awaiting him for quite some time.

As for Zheng Rang, he had gone to Liangzhou two years ago and was now a Grand Minister of Agriculture beside Prince Chu, highly valued by him.