Xuanjing City, Zhuangyuan Tower.
A group of scholars gathered together, examining the ancient texts that had recently caused a sensation across the land.
Since the emergence of these ancient texts, the bookstores in the city had been tirelessly reprinting them. Even so, the demand far exceeded the supply. These scholars had only managed to purchase a few scrolls today, thus inviting friends to appreciate them together.
"The highest good is like water, benefiting all things without contention. Marvelous, truly marvelous!"
"The Dao gives birth to one, one gives birth to two, two gives birth to three, and three gives birth to all things. Such few words, yet they evoke endless profundity. This scripture is truly extraordinary!"
"In my opinion, these three thousand words alone surpass all the articles I've read before!"
"I feel the same!"
"No, no, no, in my view, the intricacy of the 'Yi' surpasses even the 'Dao De'. Although the text is obscure and profound, every word is a gem, seemingly containing the ultimate truths of heaven and earth."
"Indeed, as heaven moves vigorously, a gentleman should strive for self-improvement! It speaks to the heart of our generation!"
The scholars were engaged in a lively discussion, completely absorbed in the texts.
At this moment, one of them suddenly sighed, "Who would have thought that such exquisite writings were buried underground for thousands of years, unknown to anyone. Every time I think of this, I feel a deep sorrow!"
This statement resonated with the others.
"Yes, our late master loved reading above all. If he could have read these scriptures, imagine how delighted he would have been."
"All the scholars of the past who couldn't hear of these scriptures were truly unfortunate!"
"But, are these scriptures really written by the ancients, lost due to war, and only preserved in fragments within ancient tombs? I noticed that the 'Nanhua' and 'Analects' mention people and events not recorded in historical texts." A voice among the crowd was somewhat abrupt.
The crowd was silent for a moment, then concluded decisively.
"It must be so. Such writings could not possibly be forged by modern people. Existing historical records only cover the last three thousand years. Before that, there are essentially no detailed records. These classics must be products of that time."
"I heard that when the antiquarian school presented to the emperor, they mentioned that in ancient times, there were a hundred schools of thought contending, and the classics they produced were as numerous as stars in the sky. The few scriptures we read now are but a trivial part of them."
This statement immediately caused an uproar in the tavern.
"Is that so!"
"Just thinking about so many classic articles buried underground, unseen by the world, fills me with immense pain and keeps me awake at night!"
"I wonder what the other classics are like."
...
"But after all, these ancient texts are deeply hidden within various ancient tombs. The antiquarian school's proposal to excavate tombs extensively to find lost classics is indeed against human ethics."
The scholars instinctively wanted to voice their agreement, but when they thought of the countless classic articles still waiting underground to be unearthed, their tone became less resolute.
"Didn't the leader of the antiquarian school say that they are engaged in protection, conducting rescue excavations, not acts of destruction?"
"Indeed, I heard that whenever they excavate an ancient tomb, unlike tomb robbers who cause wanton destruction and only take gold and silver, they carefully extract all items and preserve them properly. If anything is damaged, there are specialists responsible for restoration."
"Indeed, they cannot be simply equated with tomb robbers."
However, there were still many among them who held opposing views.
"It's just nice words. What's the difference? Who among us doesn't have ancestors? If your ancestral tomb were excavated like this, how would you feel?"
"This precedent must not be set, or it will lead to endless troubles. We must do our utmost to prevent it."
"Exactly."
...
Some people refrained from expressing their opinions, acting as mediators.
"The emperor and the court ministers must have already deliberated on this matter, so we need not worry excessively."
"Let's observe for now, let's observe."
...
As the 'Dao De' spread throughout the Great Xuan Kingdom, fierce debates erupted in various places.
Scenes similar to those in Zhuangyuan Tower today were countless.
Li Fan knew that trying to change the mindset of the world in a short time was certainly impossible.
For now, it was just the beginning.
But Li Fan was not worried about the task being unachievable.
In the current world, those who held the power of discourse were ultimately the scholars.
With countless classics as bait, Li Fan was not afraid that these scholars would not comply.
Moreover, Li Fan did not seek their support; as long as they did not oppose, it was enough.
...
While secretly plotting for the world, Li Fan was also gradually advancing the influence of the antiquarian school in the secular world.
In the sixth year of anchoring, the emperor suddenly fell gravely ill, bedridden. All the imperial physicians were at a loss. At this time, the antiquarian school presented a pill to the emperor, claiming it was found in an ancient tomb and suspected to be left by immortals, with the effect of reviving the dead and regenerating flesh and bones. Taking it might avert the crisis.
Initially, the emperor ignored it, but as his condition worsened day by day, nearing death, he took the pill with the mindset of treating a dead horse as if it were alive.
Unexpectedly, the pill had miraculous effects, and within a few days, the emperor recovered completely.
The court was shaken, and ministers discussed fervently.
The emperor even summoned the leader of the antiquarian school to the palace at night, inquiring about immortals for several days without attending court.
From then on, the emperor firmly believed in the existence of immortals. Secretly, he instructed trusted military officials to cooperate with the antiquarian school in searching for traces of immortals in ancient tombs.
In the ninth year of anchoring, the antiquarian school held an exhibition in Xuanjing City, inviting court ministers and the nobility of the capital to view it.
Although these people were wealthy and knowledgeable, they were all captivated and reluctant to leave after seeing the rare treasures on display.
After this, the antiquarian school lifted restrictions, allowing ordinary people to enter with a ticket to view the exhibition.
Xuanjing City was instantly in an uproar.
Countless people lined up, eager to enter the exhibition to glimpse the treasures. The number of people was so large that it caused traffic congestion in the capital. Fortunately, the emperor issued an order for the garrison to maintain order, preventing a larger disturbance.
The grand occasion lasted for more than half a month.
Afterward, instead of stopping, the exhibition began touring various places, unfolding across the Great Xuan Kingdom.
In the eleventh year of anchoring, Jianghuai Prefecture cracked a major tomb robbery case, capturing a team of over a hundred tomb robbers.
This group had been excavating ancient tombs in the deep mountains, causing immeasurable damage.
According to the law, this group should all be sentenced to death.
However, due to the large number of people involved and the extensive implications, the prefect of Jianghuai, Li Fan, dared not make a decision on his own. He sent a report, expedited by eight hundred miles, to Xuanjing City, requesting the emperor's decision.
Some ministers were extremely outraged upon hearing this, submitting petitions for immediate execution.
Strangely, however, the vast majority of court ministers remained silent at this moment.
The emperor also suppressed the memorials, not expressing any stance.
It was only after a month that the emperor's decree finally arrived.
Instead of sentencing them to death, they were all sentenced to slavery, to be kept in the capital.
Almost none of the court ministers submitted petitions in opposition.
Li Fan looked at the imperial edict, smiled slightly, knowing that the situation was set.
(End of Chapter)