Chapter Six: Historical Records and Collected Works

This child is exceptionally gifted and possesses a kind heart. Even if he cannot do good for others in the future, at the very least, he will not do evil. To extend a helping hand to those in need is the duty of us Confucian scholars, but alas... Gan Ruye turned to look at the pile of pickled vegetables, marinated dishes, and charcoal in the study hall. These were all sent by students to help him through the winter. However, most people in this city come from impoverished families, and it is a challenge for them to feed themselves, let alone provide for him. Among these items, most are bags of charcoal sent as a substitute for tuition fees, while the pickled and marinated dishes are quite scarce. Gan Ruye and Lin Junxuan, one older and one younger, are barely managing to survive this winter together. It is already a struggle to get through, so how could they possibly provide for anyone else?

Thank you, teacher. Lin Junxuan performed a bow and then entered Gan Ruye's study. In the evening, the light was somewhat dim, and Lin Junxuan did not clearly see the arrangement of Gan Ruye's room. Now looking again, he noticed that Gan Ruye's room was quite simple. Against the wall stood a thin wooden bed, on which lay only a thin quilt. Without that blanket, Lin Junxuan could hardly imagine how this gentleman would get through the winter

Lin Junxuan thought for a moment: "The students have some other questions, but the most confusing one is still this!"

"Chronicles" refers to a type of book that categorizes important events and then compiles them in chronological order. Such books are more engaging to read and also more organized

There are some books in my study, and you can browse through them. If you do not understand, it does not matter; just note down those words and come back to ask me later. " Gan Ruye's voice echoed once more.

What a formidable royal authority! Throughout history, royal power has always found it difficult to interfere with the records of historians, yet this dynasty shows no hesitation. Strangely, when the teacher mentioned this prohibition, there was no hint of resistance; rather, it seemed as if he fully supported this decree. How peculiar! One cannot help but wonder what has transpired and been documented over the past three hundred years that has made this emerging dynasty so sensitive about it. Since Gan Ruye was unwilling to elaborate, Lin Junxuan chose not to press further.

"Teacher, there are indeed some points of confusion in the students' minds." Lin Junxuan raised his head and looked at Gan Ruye with a puzzled expression: "The students have noticed that the books in the 'History' section only record events up to three hundred years ago, and there is nothing beyond that?"

In the historical currents of this world, countless dynasties have been obliterated. Names such as Xia, Shang, and Western Zhou are indeed well-known, yet they are not the three dynasties known to Lin Junxuan. Here, they merely serve as a reflection of the succession of three dynasties in the realm.

Lin Junxuan merely glanced at Gan Ruye before withdrawing his gaze. It was evident that Gan Ruye had a habit of studying early and was not inclined to be disturbed at that moment. After uncovering the blanket draped over him and carefully folding it, Lin Junxuan approached the basin, washed his face with a towel, and then scooped some water from the jug to rinse his mouth.

Perhaps I should write a letter to my esteemed teacher in Tokyo to seek his advice. After a moment, Gan Ruye had already formed a plan in her mind

Opening her eyes, Gan Ruyue solemnly said: "Since the establishment of the 'Hongji' Dynasty, there has been a decree in the 'Dragon Court' that for a hundred years, historians are not to record events from the past three hundred years, and Confucian scholars are not to retain any related texts! All relevant books must be burned! — Jun Xuan, this is a royal decree, and you must never speak of it in the future!"

After a rough reading, Lin Junxuan discovered a peculiar phenomenon: books of the "Chronicles of Events" type only recorded up to the Yu Dynasty, and the fall of the Yu Dynasty occurred three hundred years ago. The chronicles of the past three hundred years are entirely blank. After some thought, Lin Junxuan began to browse through other categories of ancient texts in the "History" section, but ultimately found that it was not just the "Chronicles of Events" type; all books ceased at the point of three hundred years ago.

Gan Ruye is a Confucian scholar, yet he is not a pedant. Confucian scholars emphasize "When one achieves success, one should benefit the world; when one is in hardship, one should cultivate oneself." If one were to take in the beggars from the city out of goodwill, but ultimately, when food runs out, not only can they not save those beggars, but they also face their own issues of sustenance, such a thing is beyond what Gan Ruye would do. Helping others must also be done within one's means.

Teacher! Lin Junxuan stood up, casually closed the pages of the book in his hand, and bowed respectfully: "The student is indeed reading books from the 'History' section"

"Teacher, teacher?" Lin Junxuan looked at Gan Ruye in astonishment and called out

As the pages of the book are turned, a series of weighty historical scenes unfold, and this unfamiliar world finally reveals a page before Lin Junxuan's eyes

Taking out a thick book titled "Chronicles of Events," Lin Junxuan sat down on the floor not far from the bookshelf, illuminated by the white light streaming in from the doorway. Lin Junxuan's reading was quite focused; if he were to read in a conventional manner, it would take at least five or six days to finish the two-section bookshelf. However, Lin Junxuan only skimmed through it, emphasizing the major events of the dynasties rather than the stories of the emperors, kings, generals, ministers, and nobles within the text.

Is there anything that remains unclear?" Gan Ruyue asked again

In another corner, Lin Junxuan saw an old bookshelf leaning against the wall. Although the bookshelf was quite old, it was very clean and free of dust, indicating that someone frequently wiped it down

Jun Xuan, are you reading the "History" books? A familiar voice once again came from above. Lin Jun Xuan raised his head and found that Gan Ru Ye had finished the morning reading at some point, standing at the door and looking at him, with a hint of strange expression in his eyes

When Lin Junxuan woke up, the charcoal in the brazier was still burning, and the scholar Gan Ruye was not by his side, while the blanket that was originally covering him was instead draped over himself

Among these books, there are no more than five that have lasted for over a thousand years, with the longest one belonging to a dynasty that has a history of more than three thousand years... As for the shorter ones, they are merely matters of day and night...

Little did I know where this child learned such fishing skills. On such a cold night, he was actually able to catch fish from the river, which is truly impressive! As my gaze swept over the bowl of small fish, I, Gan Ruye, sighed inwardly. It was precisely because of this bowl of fish that I dared to speak of taking in the elderly. With these fish, the three of us should be able to manage to get through the winter.

There were three buns on the plate, and Lin Junxuan took one, leaving two remaining on the plate

You have awakened! A familiar voice came from above. Raising his head, Lin Junxuan saw at the front of the academy, on a purple square chair, Gan Ruye was sitting upright, holding a scroll in her hand, carefully studying it.

There is water in the basin, and the towel is placed beside your pillow. After you wash up, you can eat the buns on the plate; I bought them this morning, so while they are still warm, you should eat them first. Gan Ruye did not look up, her gaze remained fixed on the book, motionless. The charcoal in the brazier crackled as Gan Ruye finished speaking and fell silent.

Hahaha. Gan Ruyue laughed heartily: "I knew it. When I woke up in the morning and saw that bowl of fish, I understood. I initially thought you were just young and hungry, sneaking a bite in the middle of the night, but I didn't expect you actually went to give it to someone else to eat"

Did someone remove all the chronicle-type books? This was Lin Junxuan's first impression. Clearly, only Gan Ruye could do such a thing. Lin Junxuan frowned slightly but did not care much. The absence of chronicle-type books was not a significant issue, as "Records of Events" also documented the happenings of a world.

By the way, teacher, last night I encountered an elderly man who had fainted on the street. I thought he might be hungry, so I took some food from you and gave it to him. I hope the teacher won't blame me for taking the initiative!" said Lin Junxuan

"Go on." As Gan Ruye waved her hand, Lin Junxuan ran out of the academy. Gan Ruye walked to the window, smiling as she watched Lin Junxuan disappear down the street

After pondering for a moment, Gan Ruye waved his hand and said, "Since it is this way, you might as well bring that old man to the academy. It is cold outside—besides, you are already my formal disciple, and there are no parents to support you outside. From now on, you might as well live with me"

Last night, when Lin Junxuan went to fetch a blanket for Gan Ruye, he discovered an old wooden bookshelf in Gan Ruye's study. Now that he has received her permission, he is naturally overjoyed

The teacher is truly a lover of books! Standing in front of the bookshelf, Lin Junxuan slowly examined the collection within. The bookshelf is divided into seven tiers, with the books arranged neatly. Each tier of the bookshelf is labeled with a note, inscribed with brush strokes. The lower five tiers contain the "Classics," "History," "Philosophy," and "Collections," with the "History" section occupying two tiers of the shelf. Above that are books specifically recording the words and deeds of Mencius, titled "Mencius Studies." The topmost tier is labeled "Principles." In this tier, there are only three thin volumes: "Principles of the Ruler," "Principles of the Minister," and "Principles of the Son."

Jun Xuan, at the age of four, is already able to comprehend the historical texts, and his innate intelligence is beyond doubt. Our 'Meng School' has endured three hundred years of turmoil, experiencing both prosperity and decline, with talents dwindling. To have this child now is indeed a blessing from heaven. If he can be diligently guided in the future, the revival of the 'Meng School' may very well rest upon him. For the first time, Gan Ruye worries that his own abilities may be insufficient, fearing that instead of teaching this disciple, he might ruin him. A sense of unprecedented gravity fills Gan Ruye's heart as he closes his eyes in contemplation, realizing that the guidance of Lin Junxuan requires careful consideration. If he can be diligently guided in the future, the revival of the 'Meng School' may very well rest upon him.

Lin Junxuan was overjoyed: "The students thank the teacher! Junxuan will go tell that elderly person first"

These three principles are located on the top shelf of the bookcase. It seems that the teacher follows the teachings of Mencius; although he places great importance on his own doctrines, he still respects the moral and ritual principles even more, namely the three principles of ruler, minister, and son. Lin Junxuan is most interested in the books related to "History." "History" refers to various genres of historical works, which are divided into fifteen major categories, including official histories, annals, and chronological accounts. For Lin Junxuan, reading "History" is the best way to understand this world.

As Gan Ruye closed her eyes, emotions surged within her: "When I asked him to fetch a book from the bookshelf, I did not expect him to choose the 'Classics', 'History', 'Philosophy', and 'Collections'. Those are books meant for Confucian scholars. He is only four years old! How could he possibly read through the thick volumes of 'History'!"

The teacher seems to have mentioned that after three hundred years of turmoil, the "Meng School" gradually declined. Could it be referring precisely to these three hundred years? What exactly were these three hundred years like? Lin Junxuan sat on the ground, holding a book, lost in thought.

Disregarding other books, Lin Junxuan's gaze directly fell upon the works classified under "History." However, a peculiar phenomenon emerged: within the History section, there were no chronological records, yet other official histories, annals, edicts, memorials, and biographies were all present in abundance.

Is this the only one

The wind howled outside the window, and Gan Ruye leaned against the window, her brows tightly furrowed, her face marked by bitterness: "There are many beggars in this city of Lin'an. On a cold winter's night, I cannot imagine how many will freeze to death! It is a pity that I am merely a poor scholar, with good intentions but lacking the means! Now that the world is initially stabilized, and countless matters await resolution, I can only hope for the prosperity of my dynasty, so that in the future, no common people will freeze or starve to death!"

On the bottom shelf of the bookcase, alongside the "Classic of Filial Piety," there are several thin booklets, namely the "Thousand Character Classic" and the "Hundred Family Surnames," which are suitable for teaching young children. These books were prepared in advance by Gan Ruye for Lin Junxuan to read during his early study sessions. He initially intended to ask Lin Junxuan if there were any parts he did not understand, simply to inquire whether he had encountered many unfamiliar characters, but Lin Junxuan's response completely took him by surprise.