Section 8

Shiyue chuckled, both coaxing and deceiving, and said: "Sister, do not underestimate this cover. Achieving a design that is both original and retains an elegant antiquity is quite a challenging task. Think about it yourself and see if this makes sense. Moreover, the cover of this book is akin to the face and attire of the book; it is also very important"

Shiyue smiled and said: "Can you help me come up with a cover design for 'The Analects of Confucius: Justice'? It should be ancient and elegant, befitting the identity of this book, what do you think?"

Shiyue pondered for a moment and smiled, saying: "This is indeed the idea. My work 'Justice' has a slightly different structure from that of my predecessors, and it may require writing around 200,000 words. I also hope to complete the draft within a month, so having a few more people would make things easier. However, if they are unwilling to come, Yifu, do not force them."

Sangzi Er felt quite reluctant about being asked to design a cover, pouting and saying, "What a big deal this is."

Tang Di and Sang Chongguo were almost taken aback when they heard him say "one hundred and twenty thousand words". When they heard him say that he would complete the draft within a month, they found it even more unbelievable. Sang Chongguo sighed, saying: "I, a foolish younger brother, originally did not believe that there are those who are born with knowledge. Now, seeing you, Brother Ming, I finally believe that the ancients did not deceive me."

Upon hearing these words, Sang Zier was unaware of the gravity of the situation, but Sang Chongguo and Tang Di exchanged glances. Both were scholars and understood that to thoroughly comprehend a classic text, at least five years of study was required; however, to master it could take a lifetime. To author a work such as "The Justification of the Analects" without decades of foundational knowledge in classical studies and extensive reading of historical texts and collections was simply impossible! Seeing that Shi Yue was barely in his twenties and yet made such grand claims, how could they not be astonished? Writing poetry well is merely a matter of talent, but what is needed to write "The Justification of the Analects" is profound scholarship.

Shiyue observed the expressions of the two and already understood their thoughts. He did not say much, but continued, "It is just that my calligraphy is known to Yifu and Changqing, so I need your assistance. Firstly, you will need to write the characters, as I will primarily dictate; secondly, if there are any phrases that lack elegance or if I have any inaccuracies in my memory, I would need both of you to help me correct them—yet I do not know if Yifu and Changqing are willing to assist me with this request"

Shiyue felt a slight flush on his face, secretly exclaiming "shameful" in his heart. He thought about how he had shamelessly deceived the world and usurped fame, which hardly qualified him as a righteous person. Moreover, he had to deceive those who believed in him, which made him feel even more guilty. However, the task he had to undertake was too daunting, and he could not help but rely on the knowledge he had acquired a thousand years later, which was also an unavoidable circumstance

Shiyue picked up the book "The Analects" and, showing it to the three, said with a smile: "Since the time of our dynasty, when Zhao Pu, the Chancellor Zhao, claimed to govern the world with half of "The Analects", this text has been highly regarded by scholars. However, the annotations currently in circulation are He Yan's "Collected Explanations" from the Han Dynasty, which compiles the old meanings of Han Confucianism, and I fear they stray far from the teachings of Confucius. Moreover, Huang Kan's "Commentary on the Meanings" contains many errors. I, lacking in talent, have delved into "The Analects" and believe my understanding is quite close to the original intent of the Sage Confucius. I wish to write a book titled "Correct Interpretations of The Analects" to be published for the world; would that not be a wonderful endeavor?

Sang Zi'er gently asked, "Brother Shi, what brings you here today?"

In a moment of distraction, I heard Sang Zier sweetly say, "Brother Shi, what can I help you with?"

After a while, Shi Yue suddenly laughed and said, "It is truly heaven helping me."

Shiyue had not originally intended to assign any tasks to this young lady, but since he had already promised her, it would not be appropriate to go back on his word. With a sudden inspiration, he smiled and said: "There is an important matter that I need you to help me with."

The arrangements were finalized, and everyone began to take action. Tang Di went to invite the others. Except for Chen Yuanfeng, who declined due to his lack of academic proficiency and expressed the need to focus on his studies in preparation for exams, Li Dunmin and the Chai brothers gladly accepted the invitation. Sang Chongguo then informed his father and prepared several guest rooms to accommodate Li Dunmin and the Chai brothers in his home.

Upon hearing that there was an important task for her, Zi'er happily asked, "What is it? Hurry and tell me, I will definitely help you." This elicited smiles from Tang Di and Sang Chongguo.

Sang Zi'er lowered her head in thought, seemingly agreeing with Shi Yue's reasoning. She then smiled and said, "Indeed. Brother Shi, rest assured, the cover I create will not disappoint you."

When Shi Yue arrived at the study, he saw Sang Chongguo, Tang Di, and Sang Zier all sitting there waiting. He smiled faintly and walked straight to Sang Chongguo's desk, took out a copy of the "Analects," casually flipped through a few pages, and a hint of a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. The three of them had no idea what he was up to and could only wait quietly.

Although the two were somewhat skeptical, they believed that Shi Yue was profound and inscrutable. Since he had spoken up to seek help, they naturally agreed wholeheartedly. Tang Di understood that this task was monumental, and after a moment of thought, he said: "Relying solely on the two of us may not be sufficient in terms of manpower. I will invite Chen Yuanfeng, Li Dunmin, and the Chai brothers to assist us. With the strength of six people, it may become somewhat easier. What do you think, Ziming?"