Who is the world

There is no moon and no wind at night.

He looked up, but it was pitch black, not even the shadow of the tree.

The dizzy yellow candlelight shining through the room flickered, illuminating the shadowy buildings in the courtyard.

A blue shadow stood in the courtyard with hands behind his back, looking up at an unknown distance.

Xu Zixu closed his eyes slightly, and the frowns and smiles of the young boy in the past, childish words and childish words appeared in his mind, and a smile could not help showing on the corner of his mouth; when he remembered the scene of separation that day, he suppressed his smile again, sighed deeply, and his expression became unbearable again .

In a blink of an eye, tomorrow is New Year's Eve, I don't know where Yi'er and the teacher are, whether things are going smoothly...

In my lifetime, is there still a day to meet each other?

Or, when we meet again, the child has grown so much, will he resent his father for leaving without saying goodbye?

Even, eight or nine years later, when the youngest son grows up, can he still remember his father's voice?

Xu Zixu was full of thoughts, but in the end he just sighed, and opened his eyes again, his expression was no longer loving and worrying. His cold eyes showed his calm analysis of the current situation.

Although Chu Yi is the sixth prince and has won the trust and favor of King Tian Pei, there are dangers around him. Perhaps it is because of this emperor's reliance that he has fallen into a situation where his opponent is eager to get rid of him.

What is the situation inside Tianpei? Based on the current information, it is far from enough to draw a comprehensive and correct conclusion.

Chu Yi is a difficult opponent, which has long been determined. If we get rid of him, will it be good or bad for Chaoyang?If there are other people in the main combat faction... Regardless of the general's ability, the strength of Guang Tianpei's army should not be underestimated. If it is not possible, the two armies should avoid fighting, not to mention that there are other countries around the two countries, let alone Ximing The small country of Shameng, which occupies the junction of the three countries, is growing day by day. Recently, it has made frequent moves. It has annexed several small countries in the southwest, and its territory is gradually expanding. Its ambitions are obvious, and it has to be guarded against.

In addition, the origin and purpose of Wuyejiao, and how it will affect Chaoyang in the future, all need to be carefully considered.

Xu Zixu's eyelids closed slightly, recalling the conversation between the two on the high slope in the daytime, and what the other party's unfinished sentence was...

What message is he trying to convey...

"Are you missing the young master?"

Hearing this, Xu Zixu looked sideways, and saw a figure walking slowly up and down the corridor, and also stood at the entrance of the patio, looking up at the moonless night.

He restrained his mind, kept his face expressionless, and secretly wondered why the other party suddenly mentioned Yi'er...

"Isn't that the case for parents?"

Chu Yi's figure moved suddenly, and before Xu Zixu had time to retreat, he had already come a step in front of him, but he didn't take any further steps, and didn't make any physical contact. He just looked at the other party seriously and sighed: "Your Eyes, always too heavy."

Xu Zixu was taken aback.

"If you hurry up, you can arrive at the inner city of Shuangjing tomorrow afternoon. Let's rest early." Chu Yi took a step back, turned around and left, but said something unclear, "If you need anything, just ask ,You are welcome."

Xu Zixu looked at the back of him leaving lightly, and frowned slightly. At this moment, there was a strange sound in the air, and when he looked up, a bird was flapping its wings and flying close.

It's a messenger!

Xu Zixu went back to the room and unfolded the paper. There were only short numbers on it, which were written by his mentor, but this content...

Although it had been expected that Chu Yi would not simply let go, but why are there two factions?So where was the first wave of pursuit that the previous mentor and the others got rid of?

It seems that Chu Yishi just came here, not on a whim, but following his words, probably because he learned that his side had failed to track him down, so the intention of his last sentence...

Could it be that the other wave of people has a lot of background, and Chu Yi already knows its origin?

It seems that things are a little tricky...

In the morning of the next day, the two had successfully returned to the outer city of Shuangjing, where they joined Lian En and Suo Wangpin successively.

Chu Yi did not rush to the inner city right away, and instead sent the black cavalry back to an old-fashioned manor in the eastern suburbs of the outer city.

The vermilion gate has not been repaired for a long time, the red paint has peeled off, and it is full of cracks, revealing the original color of the wood inside. On the plaque of the mansion, there are four strong gold characters "Mingjing Villa" on a black background. There are not even stone lions at the gate of the mansion. Overgrown with grass, it looks like a ruined old family site.

After entering the door, Xu Zixu realized that the outside was ordinary, but the inside was unique. Bamboo pavilions, small pavilions, secluded corridors and rockeries, lotus ponds and pavilions, the environment is quiet, the elegant residences are scattered, and the area is very large.Perhaps because the end of the year is approaching, posting couplets with blessing characters adds a bit of joy.

All the way deep, I even faintly realized that this place is not easy, even the old man sweeping the floor has a fairy-like appearance, and the servants who occasionally pass by are also restrained and restrained, clearly possessing martial arts, and their skills are not weak.

With faint doubts, Xu Zixu followed Chu Yi into the inner hall. When the people inside saw them leave their seats one after another, they bowed respectfully and saluted: "I have seen His Highness Qiansui."

"Excuse me." Chu Yi strode up to the first seat, turned around and said solemnly, "This is King Jing, the honored guest of this hall."

Xu Zixu was startled, and heard Chu Yi order again: "Come here, add another one."

This one, however, is not added to the first one, it is actually driving with the first one!The atmosphere in the room suddenly became subtle.

Chu Yi didn't seem to notice, but his deep eyes looked around one by one without showing any traces, and naturally asked everyone to introduce themselves.Everyone has different complexions, but they dare not disobey His Highness's will.

The simple word "good" is really full of deep meaning. It should not be too concise to appear impolite, and it should not be too in-depth to expose themselves too much. It is undoubtedly a test for them to be sensual.

Xu Zixu listened carefully and returned the greetings one by one.In the past, I used to hear that His Highness Tianpei Sixth Highness loves and cherishes talents, accepts sages, respects sages and corporals, regardless of race, age, beauty or ugliness, but seeing him today, it is not an exaggeration at all.

After some introductions, under Chu Yi's signal, most of the people reported their affairs and then filed out. The remaining 15 people must be the most among them, including Ye Tingxuan and Fengzhihen who had seen each other before.

It turned out that such an inconspicuous villa from the outside not only belonged to Chu Yi's banner, but also hidden dragons and crouching tigers. It seemed that the people in front of him were all leaders, all of whom were unusual.Among the people who left, there were a few whose strength was unpredictable. They were clearly hermits and masters, but they didn't participate in the affairs.

Xu Zixu's face was calm and composed, but he was extremely shocked in his heart because of this man's audacity.

It should be noted that this introduction is tantamount to putting one's cards in front of him, a person who does not know whether he is an enemy or a friend. Perhaps it should be said to be conceited and arrogant: so conceited that he doesn't think Xu Zixu will reject his invitation; so arrogant that he thinks that even if Xu Zixu refuses , and cannot harm his interests!Maybe the people in Mingjing Villa are not all the forces, but they can undoubtedly be regarded as the core.

Not to mention that Xu Zixu's surprise was not trivial, even the reaction of everyone in the audience was different. They were obviously afraid, but because of His Highness, they couldn't bear to say anything.

For a moment no one spoke in the hall.

After a while, a person stood up, cupped his hands and said: "I will ask the prince for advice."

Xu Zixu got up and bowed back: "Mr. Xia is polite."

When he spoke again, it was not to discuss matters, but to ask him a question. He knew the other party's intentions in his heart and responded calmly.

Xia Shijie's face turned pale, he didn't expect that this person could still remember who he was among so many people, his eyes could not help but shine brightly: "There is an old saying that 'words must be believed, deeds must be resolute', what does the prince think?" ①

"It must be the extreme, and things must be reversed. Therefore, it is more advisable to 'speak with faith and act with fruit'."

"So the prince thinks that people can break their promises?"

"Being true to your word is a good story through the ages. However, a gentleman who keeps his promises must also judge the situation; there is a trade-off between great righteousness and small righteousness."

Xia Shijie's eyes became sharp: "Then, according to the lord, is His Highness's trip a righteous one or a small one?"

These words were clearly to ask Xu Zixu if he had any intention of turning his back on him.

Xu Zixu's expression became even more indifferent: "What did Mr. Xia say about His Highness's trip?"

"This..." Xia Shijie was at a loss for words, and quickly glanced at His Highness the Sixth Highness who was watching from the wall. Seeing that his expression was leisurely and flat, no emotion could be seen, and there was a faint smile on the corner of his mouth, but it added a little pressure instead, and he couldn't help beating his heart. , After thinking for a while, he said to the person in the first seat, "This subordinate has overstepped."

Chu Yi waved his hand lightly: "No problem."

Xia Shijie saluted, and asked again: "Please tell me, my lord, why is it true to say something under righteousness?"

"Abandon selfish desires, take them in a proper way, take into account the overall situation, and follow what the hearts of the people want, and all people will admire them, and everyone will look forward to them. Don't worry that the people of insight in the world will not share their sincerity and destroy their promises; on the contrary, don't blame them. Believe what you say."

"Xia is taught."

"Wind Scar for advice."

"Don't dare." Xu Zixu bowed back.

"Heavenly principles and human beings, which one is superior?"

"The reason why people are human is benevolence. One cannot be a human being without benevolence; but if there are no human beings, what is the principle of heaven?"②

The trace of the wind reveals the color of appreciation. Many people in the world are stubborn and think that the laws of heaven are inviolable, but they don’t know that the laws of heaven are built on the basis of people and inherited from their ancestors. Although it cannot be denied that it has its essence, it must also admit its limitations. From the historical evolution to the present, some teachings left behind by the concepts of the previous generation should not be used but should be abolished.Especially in today's era when the three-party confrontation is gradually changing, small countries are merging, and wars are spreading around the surrounding areas, it is more necessary to adapt to the situation and be flexible in order to maintain a place to survive.

King Jing was able to break through this point and put people above the principles of heaven, his thoughts and insights are extraordinary.

"Governing the country and bringing peace to the world depend on people. To know human nature, it is hard to detect it. There are differences between beauty and evil, as well as different personalities. There are those who are gentle but deceitful; , there are those who try their best but are not loyal. How to distinguish them?" ③

"The way to know people has its own merits, but it is difficult to separate all methods from its origin. The ancients have summarized them in detail, and there are no more than seven: one is to observe their aspirations based on right and wrong; the other is to observe changes when they are poor The third is to consult with him for stratagem and to see his knowledge; the fourth is to tell him to see his courage in case of calamity; the fifth is to see his nature with wine when he is drunk; the sixth is to approach him for profit and see his integrity Qi said, expect to judge its faith based on facts. ③ However, when faced with a choice, we need to beware of big love and small love, big benevolence and small benevolence, and the temptation is not exhausted."

"Throughout the ages, countless Confucian scholars have proposed a world of great harmony, what do you think?"

"It can be regarded as a guiding light, so that future generations can strive and fight for it."

"You agree with the world of great harmony, but you think it is impossible?"

"Xu is hard to see in his lifetime."

"How many years later?"

"Taoyuan and Wutuo are beyond expectation after all."

"However, it is what the people of the world want for the world to be public. The harmony and friendship among all people is also a beautiful thing praised in ancient and modern times. Why can't we say that it can't be expected?"④

Xu Zixu took a breather, and calmly replied: "The theory that the world is a public is a great talk, but it is a pity that it is just a theory on paper. People's hearts are various and complicated. Human nature is inherently good, but also inherently evil, as well as lazy and greedy. It is an important factor hindering Datong."

"That is to say, it is controlled by people themselves?"

"But I believe that with the changes of the times, the world will tend to Datong."

The author has something to say: Note:

① "Words must be believed, actions must be resolute": from "The Analects of Confucius? Zilu", the general idea is that you must keep your word if you say it, and you must do what you do.Although we advocate keeping our word, it is not good to be too absolute.For details, please refer to the information

② "The reason why a person is a human being is benevolence. One cannot be a human being without benevolence.": From Kang Youwei's "Book of Great Harmony".

③From Zhuge Liang's "Jiangyuan".See source for original text and explanation

④ "The world is public" comes from "Book of Rites? Li Yun Chapter".See source for original text and explanation