Confucian and Taoist scholar

Chapter 577 Royal Library

Chapter 577 Royal Library

The Shu emperor pondered that a classic work had suddenly emerged from the Confucian school. Although its reputation was not good, it was still a classic and a sacred work.

How could the Taoists lag behind others? They had to put together a complete work.

When Yun Xiao heard that the Shu Emperor had such an idea, he was taken aback. Knowing the emperor's nature, he always liked to find some fun.

But suddenly wanting to create a classic, or even just compile one, is no easy task. How can one just act on a whim? This isn't like planting flowers...

"Ah, this..."

Yun Xiao's expression was somewhat conflicted. "Although I am a Daoist seeking the Dao, my learning is merely picking up scraps of others' wisdom and imitating the predecessors. I am afraid I am not up to the task..."

If he could create a similar masterpiece, he might become a saint on the spot.

However, Yun Xiao was well aware of his own limitations.

Upon hearing this, the Shu Emperor said, "Master, please do not be modest. I have mentioned this matter to others as well. If we all work together and pool our wisdom, we might be able to come up with something..."

The Shu Emperor wasn't stupid; he wouldn't entrust the task to Yun Xiao alone.

The Shu Emperor paused for a moment, then said, "With enough people, there's nothing that can't be accomplished! I plan to gather renowned Taoist sects from all over Shu to lend their support, but getting all those old guys to come out and help might be a bit difficult."

The "old fellows" that the Shu Emperor was referring to were highly respected figures in the Daoist community, reclusive masters of Daoist cultivation.

Getting those people to give up their own pursuits and come together to compile a Taoist classic is undoubtedly very difficult.

Upon hearing the Shu Emperor's plan, a hint of unease flashed in Yun Xiao's eyes. He should have gone into seclusion for a few more years if he had known.

This breakthrough presented him with a difficult problem.

Although their Qingyang Palace is quite prestigious among the Taoist sects in Shu, it would be impossible to persuade those people to work for the imperial court, no matter how much they pleaded.

"Your Majesty, this..."

Yun Xiao was at a loss as to how to persuade the Shu Emperor to abandon his idea, as both compiling scriptures and gathering powerful figures from various Daoist sects were impractical.

The Shu Emperor said leisurely, "I previously consulted Master Yuxu, who said that you, True Man, have some ideas and might be able to make this happen. True Man, you must not disappoint me!"

Ah this...

Yun Xiao was speechless. Was it possible that he was in seclusion at the time, and his junior brother's words were just an excuse?

Those who had contact with the Shu emperor knew that he was a very stubborn person. Once he decided to do something, not even ten dragon horses could pull him back.

Yun Xiao felt that Yu Xu knew he couldn't persuade the Shu Emperor, which was why he said those things.

"Junior brother has misled me!" Yun Xiao suddenly felt like he had been tricked.

Faced with the burning gaze of the Shu Emperor beside him, Yun Xiao could only say, "Your Majesty's words, this humble Taoist will carefully consider..."

The Shu Emperor said quietly, "Very good. I have already spoken to some people about this matter, and they are all very supportive..."

The Shu Emperor mentioned several Taoist priests with prominent titles, all of whom were highly respected in the Shu Kingdom. "They are currently all in Furong. You can discuss with them later. Compiling a classic text as soon as possible would benefit future generations, wouldn't it?"

Yun Xiao said, "Your Majesty is absolutely right."

Yun Xiao thought to himself that those people probably weren't truly supportive; they were probably just forced into it by circumstances. The Shu Emperor then asked, "You have a good relationship with that Lu Zheng; you value him highly?"

Yun Xiao couldn't help but say, "I've met him several times before in Anguo, it's a kind of fate! We hit it off and became acquainted..."

Yun Xiao gave a brief explanation, but he didn't go into too much detail or overly praise Lu Zheng's talent, nor did he say that Lu Zheng had the aptitude to enter the Daoist sect.

He still had a conscience and didn't want Lu Zheng to get involved in the vortex he was in.

"I see……"

The Shu Emperor nodded slightly, but did not ask any further questions. He then chatted with Yun Xiao about other things.

……

In the palace, Wang Qianyang led Lu Zheng to Wenhai Pavilion.

When Wang Qianyang learned of Lu Zheng's reward, he was quite surprised and felt a little envious.

He was one of the most favored sons of the Shu Emperor, but he couldn't just take away the treasures from the Wenhai Pavilion at will; he had to earn them through his performance and hard work.

Last year, Wang Qianyang worked incredibly hard to get the opportunity to go to Yunmeng Sect for an exchange, and he managed to surpass his brothers and sisters.

Wang Qianyang walked beside Lu Zheng and said, "Wenhai Pavilion has a large collection of books. If you take your time to choose, it will take you ten days or half a month to finish. However, I am quite familiar with the collection. I can help you choose the books you want."

Lu Zhengdao: "Thank you for your help, Brother Qianyang. I have recently been studying classics of the Legalist, Agricultural, and Medical schools."

Wang Qianyang's eyes flickered. He had noticed that Lu Zheng liked to read all kinds of books when he was in Yunmeng Sect, and now he still liked to study other classics.

Shouldn't a Confucian scholar, given the opportunity, choose some Confucian classics?

Wang Qianyang couldn't help but remind him, "In the Wenhai Pavilion, there are classic manuscripts by great Confucian scholars, as well as articles imbued with righteous spirit, which are the works of great Confucian scholars from the previous dynasty..."

Wang Qianyang then gave a brief overview of the book collection at Wenhai Pavilion, indicating that it contained not only genuine sacred classics but also other rare and valuable books of various grades.

Since Lu Zheng can choose two treasured books from them, he should choose the best ones and not waste such an opportunity.

Lu Zheng thought to himself that he even had the classics on silk, so there was no need to waste his time on those copies or articles.

Previously, while at Yunmeng Sect, he had no opportunity to read through the entire Wanjing Tower. Now, he couldn't miss the chance and hoped that Wenhai Pavilion would contain the books he wanted, especially the classic works of Legalism.

Lu Zheng smiled slightly and said, "Confucianism and Taoism are my strengths, but now I want to make up for my weaknesses, so I'd like to look at other types of classics."

Wang Qianyang was stunned for a moment. He had never heard that Confucian and Taoist scholars would study other types of classics in order to make up for their own shortcomings. This had nothing to do with Confucianism, right?

Is it because they think they are so talented that they squander their energy like this?

Wang Qianyang thought for a moment, then said somewhat embarrassedly, "I haven't read many of the types of books Brother Lu mentioned, so I can't really offer any advice..."

If Lu Zheng wanted the Taoist treasures in Wenhai Pavilion, he could list them off like the back of his hand and recommend a few to Lu Zheng.

However, Wang Qianyang only studied the classics of Legalism, Agriculture, and Medicine in a rudimentary way and did not delve into them. He was unaware of which of these books in the Wenhai Pavilion were the best treasures.

Wang Qianyang then added, "Wenhai Pavilion has a keeper of the collection who knows the most about its books. I'll ask him for you later."

"Alright, thank you so much, Brother Qianyang," Lu Zheng said.

Wang Qianyang smiled and said, "It's nothing. Brother Lu thinks highly of me and calls me brother, so how could I not help?"

(End of this chapter)