Chapter 004: Conflict

Words that pierce the heart

However, the mention of the old matters concerning the Governor of Fujian today indicates that the opposition of the Western Law Party is well-prepared

Dai Jiabin is not a person from Middle-earth

However, in private, people still habitually refer to the ceremonial government as the Ministry of Rites, a mere change of name without any change in substance, well known to all.

The Western Law Party has existed since the time of Xu Guangqi in the previous dynasty, and it has now developed and grown stronger. While it may not be said to be deeply rooted, indeed, many ministers, like Xu Guangqi from the previous dynasty, have been baptized and become Christians, forming their own faction within the court

The private relationship with Dai Jinxian did not begin recently. Knowing that Liu Yu has an interest in Western studies, Dai Jinxian, much like Matteo Ricci, uses Western knowledge as a temptation, clearly indicating an intention to entice him into the faith

Is something wrong

This individual holds the title of Left Deputy Minister of the Government, and is also the Chief of the Astronomical Bureau, a legitimate official of the court, ranked third in the current dynasty. Additionally, he serves as the Chief Instructor of Western Studies at the Imperial Academy of Martial Virtue.

Jinxian, one of the twenty-eight lunar mansions, is also known as the Jinxian Star.

The guest is his courtesy name, and his Han name is Dai Jinxian. A few days ago, I indeed went to the Dai residence

Since the late Ming Dynasty, missionaries have been attempting to pursue an upper-class route. By the time of the Dashun, due to Li Guo's legacy emphasizing Western learning, the path became even more unconventional

This person's level of Sinology is quite high, having acquired the Chinese name Jin Xian, with the courtesy name Jia Bin, which carries deeper significance

In the past, when Emperor Taizu entered the capital and General Quan was plundering the city, a wooden sign was placed in front of the church, inscribed with "Do not disturb Tang Ruowang," demonstrating a certain tolerance towards missionaries. Li Zicheng, who almost never drank alcohol, even shared a drink with Tang Ruowang, and Chen Mingxia's submission was also persuaded by Tang Ruowang.

What is this for? To learn from Zhang Jiao of the Yellow Turban and practice the talismanic water? To learn from Zhang Lu and introduce the Five Pecks of Rice into the teachings?

During today's morning meeting, the governor of Fujian reported that someone in Fuqing County had accused the local Christian church of privately raising funds to build a church. Fuqing is a small county, yet upon investigation by the governor of Fujian, it was found that this small county actually has fifteen churches, with more than ten among the believers being students and candidates for the imperial examination. Men and women gather together without avoidance, disregarding the county magistrate's prohibitions, and on days of scripture recitation and worship, hundreds of people congregate in one place

When these matters are viewed together, it is likely that there will be a significant change in the court's attitude towards missionaries

It may be that Liu Yu is still unaware of the seriousness of the matter, so Liu Sheng emphasized: "The most critical point is that the memorial from the Governor of Fujian states: 'For those who enter the faith, more silver and clothing should be given for assistance.' It also mentions: 'I personally believe that giving silver to people without any kinship or reason, in order to win their hearts, must have a deeper meaning! If this is not prohibited, it will surely spread."

This world line also follows a similar path, and it is precisely due to the great achievements of the calendar that one is granted the title of Deputy Minister of Rites—of course, the official designation is Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Rites.

Liu Yu's preference for Western studies is well known in the capital, and it is acknowledged that he does not engage in proper pursuits. Being a scion of nobility and a young dandy, his lack of diligence in serious matters is not particularly concerning; in fact, being overly diligent in such pursuits might even lead to misfortune.

In addition to later conflicts with the Qing Dynasty, the Southern Ming, and the Zheng family, they also witnessed the power of Western firearms, and while it cannot be said that they had a broad view of the world, at the very least, their communication was never interrupted

In history, Dai Jinxian was already quite renowned

This individual is a mathematics professor at the University of Ingolstadt. At this time, Germany was still in a state of "I cannot find it on the map," making it difficult to clearly state his official nationality, or to refer to him as a person from an empire that is neither Holy nor Roman.

Upon hearing this, Liu Yu was somewhat bewildered

Later, the Jesuits arrived in Dazhun to serve as missionaries

In addition to these official positions, Dai Jinxian also holds a very special identity as the Vice President of the Jesuit Chinese Diocese

Giving silver to others for no reason, winning people's hearts, must have profound meaning

This memorial from the Governor of Fujian clearly reflects an understanding of the imperial will, or perhaps it is a secret instruction from the Emperor

In the original history, this individual also made contributions to the Chinese calendar. Previously, the Chongzhen Calendar utilized the Tycho system. After Dai Jinxian and others took charge of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, they introduced a more advanced Kepler system, as well as logarithmic tables and other innovations to China. They improved the armillary sphere and introduced the technique of using Jupiter's moons to measure latitude and longitude in China, participating in the creation of China's first map with latitude and longitude.

This memorial is not merely the clarion call of a recent charge, but rather the war drum of a fierce struggle between two factions within the court reaching a boiling point

It is absolutely forbidden in the feudal dynasty to give money to strangers without any reason or relationship, and in times of disaster, assistance must be provided in the form of clothing and silver

However, the subsequent words of Liu Sheng, which were deeply cutting, were quite serious

This is not something that has occurred only this year, but rather it has been happening for several years, and at that time it did not cause much of a stir in the news

Liu Yu recalled that he indeed knew Latin. It sounded a bit absurd, but upon further reflection, it made perfect sense. Given the closed nature of the Qing Dynasty, even the ninth prince Yinreng, who was a sworn enemy of Yongzheng, was proficient in French, Russian, and Latin, and even attempted to Latinize Manchu, having written a distress letter in Latin.

A few days ago, the papal envoy returned from Europe, bringing back a stern "papal bull" from the Pope, demanding that Chinese Christians must not worship their ancestors, must not regard Confucius and Zhou Gong as saints, must not worship the Heavenly Emperor and deities, and must not refer to the Supreme Heavenly Emperor in a blasphemous manner. ... Chinese Christians in official positions are not allowed to bow to the emperor, as the emperor is not Jesus; it is illegal for Chinese Christians to regard Zhou Gong and Confucius as saints, as canonization requires the approval of the Holy See

Liu Shengjiu, being in a high position within the court, is particularly attuned to the subtle changes and various signs in the political atmosphere, much like the saying that the duck knows the warmth of the spring river first

At this point, there is no need to say more; Liu Yu has already understood his father's intentions and has further grasped the seriousness of the issue

Reflecting on my previous close association with Dai Jinxian, could it be that I am truly at risk of being implicated

Upon considering this layer of identity, Liu Yu felt a sudden jolt in her heart, vaguely sensing that something significant might indeed be happening in the court

The Great Shun Dynasty inherited the systems of the preceding Ming Dynasty, yet its nomenclature reflects a rustic revival of the Tang Dynasty. In terms of rusticity, only the later Taiping Heavenly Kingdom's revival of the official titles from the Shang and Zhou dynasties during the Spring and Autumn period can compare.

After arriving in China, Liu Yu was not well-informed about the progress of missionary work, as he had little interest in the concepts of heaven and hell. However, Dai Jinxian's career was advancing rapidly; through his calculations of solar eclipses and the drawing of star charts, he rose to the position of Chief of the Astronomical Bureau during the Shun Dynasty within a few years. He was also appointed as Deputy Minister of Rites and served as the chief instructor of Western studies at the Wude Palace, enjoying a remarkable and distinguished career.

Upon hearing the final remarks that struck at the heart of the matter, Liu Yu, despite having just crossed over for a little more than half an hour, understood the seriousness of the issue

It is said that the emperor became so enraged while questioning the missionaries that he smashed the inkstone.

Da Shun superficially emulates the Tang dynasty in every aspect, yet fails to grasp its essence, nor does it possess the economic foundation of the Tang era, resulting in a complete immersion in the loess of Shaanxi

The preceding remarks are mere nonsense, matters that are optional and unnecessary

However, as soon as the memorial from the Governor of Fujian was issued today, Liu Sheng immediately understood that there would be great turmoil within the court

The preceding remarks are meaningless, while the latter words are deeply cutting and indicate that a serious matter is about to arise

Liu Yu cautiously raised her head, hoping to discern something. However, Liu Sheng had been in the officialdom for a long time and had long since learned to conceal his emotions, making it impossible to read his feelings.

Seeing Liu Yu's bewildered expression, Liu Sheng felt it necessary to clarify the seriousness of the situation. He shot a glare at Liu Yu and sighed.

Given the circumstances, I dare not conceal the truth any longer, so I must say: "Yes, I have been there. Firstly, my son has a fondness for Western studies, and secondly, he is also the chief instructor of Western studies at the Wude Palace, so it seems there is nothing inappropriate about it, right?"

The residence of the noble is situated too high, making it the most susceptible to being implicated. Therefore, the first thing upon returning home after the fall of the dynasty is to summon Liu Yu back.

After a long while, Liu Sheng still did not make a sound

There are some things that Liu Sheng cannot express too clearly, or Liu Sheng feels that Liu Yu is still young, and that saying many things would be in vain

I have long heard of the matters concerning Fuqing County. Let me reiterate, you should ponder this carefully. The affairs of Fuqing County date back several years. They were reported once several years ago, at which time it was stated that this was a trivial matter and not worth your attention. Today, the Governor of Fujian has once again made a grand report, and Your Majesty is greatly enraged. Do you understand now

What could possibly happen? Even if something were to occur, unless it is a major incident, how could it threaten the current Duke of Yi?

If one is to study Western knowledge, it is sufficient to do so within the Wude Palace. Beyond the Wude Palace, one should refrain from associating with those Westerners. Trouble is brewing. In a family like ours, which stands out in the woods, we are most susceptible to attracting attention

The six ministries of the Ming dynasty rushed to the restoration of the Tang dynasty under the name of the six governments, yet the Ministry of Rites was referred to as the Rites Government, the Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet were called the Chief Ministers of Military and National Affairs, and the Cabinet was named the Hall of Divine Favor. The first Chief Minister of Military and National Affairs of the Da Shun was the Thunderbolt Star, Huishi Yang, from the "Donglin General Record".

The matter in Fuqing County is quite strange

In the present day, during the reign of Tai Xing, in the seventh year of the era, the emperor is in the prime of his health and strength, and it is still early for the various princes to vie for the throne

In the family, the title has been passed down for four generations. Having witnessed numerous struggles in the court, one naturally possesses the skills to secure one's life and safety, along with a keen sense of perception

Since the time of Matteo Ricci in the previous dynasty, the Jesuits have attempted to engage with the gentry and upper classes. Liu Yu, in his childhood, had missionaries come to his home to teach him Latin and geometry

The sound of the drum signifies the onset of party strife

In the event of floods and droughts, wealthy individuals providing their own funds for relief has never been permitted throughout history, let alone in this case

This name aligns perfectly with his identity as the Chief of the Astronomical Bureau, reflecting the meaning of the celestial bodies; furthermore, the Star of Promoting Worthy Officials is one of the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions, responsible for recommending talented individuals, suggesting the hope that Da Shun will continue to recommend missionaries for official positions

However, this matter is not something to be hidden away; my father has known about it for a long time. After a while, Liu Sheng finally clicked his tongue.

Today, at the morning assembly, the Governor of Fujian presented this matter. If further connections are established, it would no longer be a matter concerning only Liu Yu. Future associations would seemingly indicate that the entire family of the Duke of Yi is taking a stance and expressing their position

In the current dynasty, among the missionaries, Dai Jinxian is the foremost.

It is merely the Ming Dynasty cloaked in the guise of the Tang Dynasty

This memorial is the prelude to the great war, an opportunity for the enemies of the Western faction in the court to wage war against it and suppress the increasingly powerful Western faction within the court

Dai Jinxian is not only the Chief of the Astronomical Bureau and the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Rites, but also holds the additional title of Vice President of the Jesuit Society in the Chinese region

Liu Yuxin thought to herself, since the conversation has reached this point, if I still do not understand, would that not make me a fool

As a non-firstborn son, unable to inherit the title, and with a family that enjoys abundant wealth and resources, he thus has the energy and financial means to indulge in some peculiar hobbies