Chapter 005: Zi Lu

Taking advantage of the lively conversation, Xi Bin solemnly asked: "Zilu, you are a man of both literary and martial talents, and I hold you in high regard. I wonder if you would be willing to come under my command and join me in creating great achievements?"

Zilu said: "When Master Kong arrived in the State of Qi, he was initially treated with great respect by the Duke of Qi. However, the nobles and ministers of Qi were envious of his talents and repeatedly slandered him to the Duke. Ultimately, Master Kong was not given significant responsibilities. The Prime Minister Yan Ying further advised the Duke, stating that Master Kong was eloquent and skilled in debate, but overly focused on rituals and laws, neglecting production and practical matters. The rituals he advocated were those that could lead to the ruin of families in order to conduct elaborate funerals, which were of no benefit to the state or the people, and thus not worthy of emulation. After hearing this, the Duke grew even more distant from Master Kong, which is why Master Kong left the State of Lu and went to the State of Song. Unfortunately, he also did not gain favor there and had no choice but to return to Lu."

Xi Bin was quite disappointed. He did not know whether Confucius's ideals would be realized in five thousand years; at least, it was impossible in the next two thousand years. Even during the dynasties that revered Confucius as the Most Sage and Preceptor, it was merely a façade, as none truly governed the country according to Confucian principles. In the current era of great contention, his political propositions were not only unsuitable for the feudal lords but also for his own future. Thus, although he initially had some intentions of attracting followers, these gradually faded away.

Xi Bin asked without hesitation: "So, does Zi Lu think that what the Qi Prime Minister Yan Ying said has any merit?"

His assertion of establishing order in chaotic times is to restore the Zhou system and revive the ancient rites. Xi Bin, hailing from the 21st century, possesses insights that encompass the political system developments explored and attempted in China over the past two thousand years since the Spring and Autumn period. He is certainly aware that such an idealized system is unattainable, at least it has not been realized by the 21st century.

Xi Bin listened and, after rubbing his sore jaw, asked: "You just mentioned that Master Kong was an official in the State of Lu, so how is it that he is now in such a dire situation? Where does this come from?"

Unlike the Confucian scholars of later generations, who learned the arts of literature and martial skills to serve the imperial family and maintain the existing system, the scholars of today actively explore and create new systems, participating vigorously in the process of changing the world. These explorers of human civilization are worthy of respect

The revival of the Zhou system by Confucius, along with the adherence to the Zhou rites, does not necessarily require the worship of the Zhou Son of Heaven. Rather, he hoped to find a ruler who could implement this principle, thereby achieving great governance and eternal peace for the world

The successful political thought of the 21st century is the rule of law, while Confucius's political thought is based on the rule of man. The fundamental condition for its realization is that those who govern, as well as those at all levels who hold power, must first become moral exemplars. It is through these virtuous gentlemen that the world is governed, thereby transforming a nation ruled by man into a society governed by humanity

The so-called Dance of the Eight Qiao refers to a large-scale dance performed by 64 individuals. During the dance, eight dancers are referred to as a "yi," and eight "yi" corresponds to sixty-four individuals. According to the Rites of Zhou, only the Son of Heaven is permitted to observe the Dance of the Eight Qiao, while feudal lords may observe the dance of six "yi," and nobles may observe the dance of four "yi." Therefore, only a dance performed by 32 individuals should be appreciated at the level of Ji Sun.

Zilu laughed heartily and said, "Indeed, I am only nine years younger than Master Kong. In my youth, I was bold and fierce. Once, I encountered Master Kong and got into a verbal dispute, which escalated to physical blows. Master Kong possesses innate strength, but his martial skills are far inferior to mine, and I gave him a thorough beating..."

It was at this moment that Xi Bin realized that, like the figures depicted in the *Illustrated Book*, Confucius was not yet the sage among sages or the perfect man among perfect men. He was merely a scholar, akin to many commoners of the Spring and Autumn period, striving across various states for his ideals and political beliefs

Xi Bin found it somewhat amusing and exasperating. At this moment, he truly understood how much Confucius valued propriety. When the ruler of the State of Lu was driven away by a minister, Ji Sun Yiru, he did not protest. Yet now, Ji Sun Ruyi merely hosted a large party at home, which slightly exceeded the norms, and he was filled with rage. It seemed rather misplaced in perspective.

Oh... it's nothing. Xi Bin smiled and changed the subject, asking: "Zi Lu, I see you are not much younger than Master Kong, how is it that you became Master Kong's student?"

Zilu sighed, saying: "Master Kong teaches that the ruler should be a ruler, the minister should be a minister, the father should be a father, and the son should be a son. I believe there is nothing wrong with this. If all the people in the world could follow this principle, who knows how much conflict and turmoil would be reduced. For example, if the rulers and ministers of the State of Wu could uphold this principle, how could Prince Guang possibly usurp the throne?"

Zilu said: "Lord Qingji, you are also aware that the great power of our State of Lu is currently held by the three prominent families of Jisun, Shusun, and Mengsun. Two years ago, the ruler attempted to suppress these three families but failed and was forced to flee to the State of Qi. Since then, the State of Lu has been without a ruler, and the most powerful Jisun Yiru has taken on the authority of the ruler. After Jisun Yiru married the daughter of the ruler of the State of Song and returned, he held a grand banquet for guests, even overstepping the ceremonial norms to enjoy the Eight Dances. Confucius was greatly angered and publicly reprimanded the Jisun family, and in his fury, he resigned and went to the State of Qi."

Xi Bin's health has improved significantly; he sat in the car and said with a smile, "Well, I indeed had this thought before"

Recalling the first time he met him, he had wanted to recruit this old master as a subordinate, which made Xi Bin feel quite embarrassed. However, after spending a few days together, as they gradually became familiar with each other, the sacred halo that had surrounded Confucius began to fade away.

What is the young master thinking? Zilu saw him lost in thought and assumed that he was still unwilling to accept the inability to recruit Master Kong, so he spoke up to inquire.

Zilu pondered for a moment and said solemnly: "What Yan Ying has observed is merely a fragment. However, I believe that Master Kong indeed has his limitations."

Xi Bin felt as if he were dreaming all the way. He often couldn't help but lean against the window to take a look beside him, and it took him quite a while to believe that the person sitting in the nearby ox cart was none other than the revered sage, Confucius, who has been worshipped for over a thousand years. Of course, Confucius is not old yet; he can eat several large bowls of rice in one sitting.

If it were not for the Han Dynasty elevating Confucius to the highest status, it would be difficult to say whether the various schools of thought could have continued to flourish freely, and whose ideas and scholarship would shine more brilliantly

Confucius emphasized teaching according to one's abilities, and so did Guiguzi. Guiguzi cultivated four extraordinary talents who made a significant impact, while Confucius produced several moral exemplars. There is nothing wrong with being a nurturing moral educator, but in terms of governing a country, he placed far greater importance on moral education and benevolent governance than on the rule of law, which is somewhat unrealistic.

His thoughts were fully observed by Confucius's student, Zhong You. Zhong You, styled Zi Lu, was the man whose swordsmanship and martial skills surpassed even those of Confucius when he encountered bandits in the forest. This person had a bold and straightforward personality, and he got along very well with Xi Bin. On the road, he simply squeezed onto his cart, drove for him, and chatted to relieve boredom

Throughout the journey, Xi Bin intentionally engaged in a discussion with Confucius. He discovered that Confucius's political principles and the texts he referenced were not as mysterious or profound as they seemed; in fact, they were quite understandable. The so-called education through rites and music, and the governance by virtue that Confucius advocated, essentially boil down to ruling the country with morality. The foundation of his ideal political system lies fundamentally in the concept of 'virtue'.

It is unexpected that this young man, Qingji, holds a great appreciation for his views. Upon hearing this, Zilu felt a sense of kinship and excitedly said: "In fact, Master Kong is not someone who is rigid and inflexible. If Master Kong were such a person, he would not have gone to meet the Duke of Qi. According to the principles of lord and minister, father and son, Master Kong should have gone to pay his respects to the Son of Heaven of the Zhou dynasty"

Looking at the ox cart ahead, Zilu turned back and smiled, saying: "Qingji, are you trying to recruit Master Kong to your side?"

Zilu laughed heartily and shook his head, saying: "There is no need to worry about it. Master Kong's teachings are about preserving what has been established, which is not suitable for you. You are currently facing national difficulties, and even Master Kong cannot realize his ambitions in your situation."

Xi Bin fell silent for a moment and said: "Human nature, greed! When human nature is filled with greed, it will no longer adhere to the rituals between rulers and subjects, fathers and sons. It is utterly impossible to desire a peaceful and prosperous era lasting for a thousand years. However, if the majority can accept Master Kong's ideas, it would at least reduce many conflicts and significantly diminish wars and conspiracies."

Xi Bin was left speechless, while Zi Lu spoke with great enthusiasm: "With this, I have become acquainted with Master Kong. As I interacted with him, I gradually realized that Master Kong's knowledge is profound, far beyond what Zi Lu can attain, thus I have become a disciple under Master Kong's tutelage"

Xi Bin let out a bitter smile; Confucius was not only unable to express his talents here, but throughout his lifetime, he would not be able to assert his principles anywhere. Perhaps he was more suited to being a great educator, a moral teacher. ... Speaking of governing in chaotic times ... Among Confucius's three thousand disciples and seventy-two sages, there has not emerged a single outstanding military strategist or politician; most were merely of noble character.

Xi Bin could not help but feel a deep respect upon hearing this. Whether it is Confucius or Zilu, both the master and his disciples were scholars who tirelessly sought the truth to benefit the world. Regardless of whether history proves their insights to be correct or incorrect, at the very least, they were sincere and pragmatic in their pursuit of knowledge. They continuously recognized, revised, and improved their own claims and viewpoints, showing neither obstinacy nor blind reverence for authority. They were nothing like the pedants of later generations, who would react as if their tails had been stepped on whenever someone mentioned any shortcomings of the revered sage.

Xi Bin did not continue to echo the sentiments; his understanding of Confucianism was limited, and he had no interest in studying this discipline. For him at that moment, the only true path to power was through the barrel of a gun, and he was concerned solely with the strengthening of his own capabilities

Confucius attempted to promote his political ideas to the feudal lords, but was consistently met with disdain. The rulers of various states treated him with respect, honoring his character and profound knowledge. As a student of Confucius, Zilu also felt a deep sense of sorrow.

In contrast, the founder of the art of strategy, Guiguzi Wang Xu, had only five hundred disciples, yet he taught the Four Heavenly Kings. Among the Seven Heroes of the Warring States, his disciple Su Qin served as the chancellor of six states, while the remaining state, the Great Qin Empire, had another disciple, Zhang Yi, as its chancellor. Additionally, Sun Bin and Pang Juan became renowned generals of that era

Xi Bin, based on Qing Ji's recollection, was aware of the matter regarding the marriage of the Ji Sun clan to the Song princess. It is worth mentioning that this princess of the State of Song was actually the niece of Ji Sun Yi Ru. However, this was not considered inappropriate at the time. King Cheng of Chu had also married the two daughters of the wife of Duke Wen of Zheng, which is akin to the Shunzhi Emperor of the Qing Dynasty marrying his own niece; such customs were not regarded as strange back then.