northernbook Chapter 405 3 questions
Chapter 405 3 questions
Chapter 405 Three Questions
Upon hearing Star Ape King's words, Ye Ru smiled and then said, "Our Yanhuang Kingdom's scholars have neither the time nor the interest to duel with you, so sending me alone is sufficient."
These words made the Star Ape King's expression turn somewhat ugly. He then leaped down, his gaze fixed intently on Ye Ru as if he were about to devour him:
"You? I know about the ranking system of your human race. You, a mere scholar, do you think you can challenge me to a duel? Ridiculous. If you don't answer correctly, I'll eat you."
Although the Star Ape King exuded a murderous aura, it did not frighten Ye Ru.
Ye Ru shook his head: "There is a sequence to learning and a specialization in different fields. That's all. How about this, let's make a bet. If I can beat you, you will be my bodyguard. If I can't beat you, then I'm willing to be eaten by you."
Ye Ru possesses the Complete Library of the Four Treasuries; if we only consider the amount of knowledge, probably no one in the entire Confucian and Taoist continent can rival him.
"Chief Ye, don't act rashly."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Dong's expression changed, and he quickly spoke up to remind him.
"Don't worry, I won't act rashly. Although I've heard that this Star Ape King is quite powerful, he is not one of us humans after all. As for his understanding of the classics of the saints, even if he reads all the books, it's impossible for him to do so."
Ye Ru shook his head, showing no fear on his face. Instead, he stared directly at the Star Ape King, which fueled the Star Ape King's anger.
"Chief Ye, you can't act rashly. You have to think it over carefully before you act, otherwise, how am I supposed to explain this to Minister Wen and Minister Wu?"
Zhang Zhi also spoke up.
If anything were to happen to Ye Ru, they would face the death penalty upon their return. Even though they were Hanlin scholars, Ye Ru's value far exceeded theirs.
They knew that Ye Ru was the future of the entire Yanhuang Kingdom.
"Gentlemen, please rest assured."
Ye Ru turned around, clasped his hands in a fist salute to the two men, and the soldiers behind him were also on high alert.
Ye Ru knew that the demon race and the Left Prime Minister would not let him go, and the Star Ape King in front of him would probably be his most powerful guard. Once he could get the other party to follow him, as long as the enemy was not too terrible, he could probably solve the problem easily.
"Alright then, Chief Ye, be careful."
Seeing that he had no choice but to go with Ye Ru after failing to persuade him, Zhang Dong had no choice but to go with him.
"Young scholar, your courage is admirable, but with your talent alone, I'm afraid you're not enough to compete with me?"
Star Ape King spoke slowly, also somewhat surprised. Why was the other party so confident? Could it be that the other party really had talent?
"No, we should try everything. We, the scholars of Yanhuang Kingdom, are not afraid of anything. Since we are here, we will make the best of it."
Ye Ru smiled and nodded, then said, "I don't know what you've thought about it. If I lose, I'm willing to be eaten by you. If you lose, then be my bodyguard, and I won't treat you badly."
"Fine! Since you dare, then I'll play along."
Star Ape King sneered, then said, "Anyone who wants to pass through my Black Wind Gorge must answer three questions correctly. If you answer all three questions correctly, you will be allowed to pass, and I will be your guard. If you answer even one question incorrectly, everyone present will die."
As soon as he finished speaking, he clapped his hands, and countless monkeys swarmed towards them, instantly surrounding Ye Ru and the others.
These apes may not be very strong, but they have the advantage of large numbers.
"Alright, then let's set the questions."
Ye Ru gestured with his palm and then spoke.
"Okay, I have studied the classics diligently. The essence of The Great Learning lies in the three cardinal principles and eight items. The so-called three cardinal principles are 'manifesting virtue,' 'renewing the people,' and 'attaining the highest good.'"
The eight items are "investigating things, extending knowledge, making one's will sincere, rectifying one's mind, cultivating oneself, regulating one's family, governing the state, and bringing peace to the world".
"Am I right?"
After Star Ape King finished speaking, he asked a question.
"Correct."
Ye Ru nodded.
"How would you interpret this sentence?"
Star Ape King continued.
Upon hearing this, Ye Ru pondered for a moment before slowly saying:
"These Three Cardinal Guides and Eight Principles actually encompass two major aspects: 'inner cultivation' and 'external governance,' representing the way of inner sagehood and outer kingship: 'When poor, cultivate your own virtue; when successful, benefit all under heaven.' This is the life goal and ladder of self-cultivation that Confucianism presents to us. These words need to be discussed within the context of the entire text."
After Ye Ru finished speaking, he paused for a moment. Even Zhang Dong and the other Hanlin scholar were pondering what Ye Ru had said.
Seeing that Star Ape King and the others were pondering, he nodded and continued:
The "Eight Items" are the specific steps to achieve the "Three Guiding Principles." The central element of the "Eight Items" is self-cultivation; this is my understanding.
Ye Ru did not explain his entire understanding, firstly because the principles in the Great Learning were obscure, and secondly because the text was too long and he was afraid they would not be able to understand it. Although they were all Hanlin scholars, the principles in the Great Learning were the culmination of the hard work of later generations of great Confucian scholars. It was not that they did not understand, but rather that they could not comprehend it.
“Excellent. Chief Ye’s understanding of the classics is indeed superior to ours. I used to think that Chief Ye was just a little famous, but now I see that he is truly talented. With Chief Ye’s help, our trip to Jin State can be completed successfully.”
At this moment, Zhang Dong was the first to snap out of his thoughts, and with admiration in his eyes, he slowly spoke.
These words gave him considerable inspiration, and if he could fully understand them, they might even help him advance further in his academic career.
"Not bad, not bad, you've passed the first question. But don't be too happy yet, there are still two more questions."
After pondering for a moment, Star Ape King seemed to have gained some understanding of this classic text of saints, and then spoke again.
"Ok, I know."
Ye Ru nodded.
"The second question is, how do you view the Doctrine of the Mean?"
Star Ape King said smugly that he understood the Doctrine of the Mean, which he had spent several months trying to comprehend. He didn't believe Ye Ru could explain it so easily.
"The Doctrine of the Mean refers to a balanced and moderate approach to life. It also appears in the Analects of Confucius, in the chapter 'Yong Ye': 'The virtue of the Doctrine of the Mean is indeed supreme.'"
Ye Ru slowly said, "The Doctrine of the Mean has three levels. The first level is to remain impartial and unchanging; this is a path to success through perseverance. Confucius said, 'The virtue of the Doctrine of the Mean is indeed supreme! It has been rare among the people for a long time.' The second level is peace and tranquility. Those who undertake great things and pursue profound knowledge must maintain a balanced and peaceful mindset, and remember not to aim too high."
Ye Ru's words lingered in everyone's ears, seemingly giving them some inspiration.