novelraw Chapter 208 : Fair and square
Chapter 208 : Fair and square
What was the most important thing in the teachings of the Confucian family?
Although many teachings would be important, there was a value that was the most basic.
It was filial piety.
That was the decisive reason why they could not back down an inch in this debate.
"The authenticity of the book is certain."
"As expected...!"
At Jae Seok-geon's remark, the scholars reacted violently, clenching their fists in a way that was uncharacteristic of Confucian scholars.
If they were not Confucian scholars who cared about their dignity, they would have hugged each other and shouted.
"With this, it has been proven that this book was written by Duke Zai (齊公: Zai Wo's title)."
"Then our argument will gain strength."
At a scholar's hopeful words, Jae Seok-geon shook his head with a firm face.
"In the first place, the Kong Family Mansion would have proven the authenticity of the book. We did it, so why couldn't the Kong Family Mansion?"
At those words, the scholar's expression instantly darkened. It was a correct statement. If it were the scholars of the Kong Family Mansion with their manpower and their endless knowledge, they would have already grasped the authenticity.
The reason why such a debate was taking place was not that the authenticity of the book was important.
"But the content is the problem. Seeing the mentioned content, there is certainly room to think that Confucius was no different from a lawless martial artist."
In fact, Jae Seok-geon considered it an over-interpretation.
What kind of era was it?
It was an era of blood and barbarism. Wasn't it an era where there was no benevolence and propriety, and only instinct and greed existed?
In such an era, could one sit people down and edify and teach them with ordinary lectures?
"In that era, it was natural for the numerous disciples of the Hundred Schools of Thought who traveled the Central Plains to have swords at their waists. The pioneers of the era, the scholars of the era, and the giants of the era all did."
It was clearly a means of self-defense. Perhaps the expression that was reminiscent of martial arts was also about the level of self-defense to protect one's body.
But some parts were strange depending on the situation and the person's interpretation.
Because it was written that he split rocks and jumped over space in an instant, like a martial artist that the Confucian family shunned and detested.
Of course, it was natural that the scholars and descendants who had inherited Zai Wo's academic style were not pleased with the content.
Even if they had inherited Zai Wo's academic style, if you went back further, it was an academic discipline that had started from Confucius.
But the real problem was that to deny the content, one had to deny the diary that Zai Wo had written, and that was to deny Zai Wo himself who had written the book.
And Zai Wo was famous for being the most disliked among Confucius's disciples.
Wasn't the story of being condemned by Confucius for not knowing morality and not knowing benevolence famous?
The Kong Family Mansion and the scholars of the numerous academic styles that followed it retraced the relationship between Zai Wo and Confucius, and emphasized that even if this book were genuine, the content could not be believed.
That was the topic that had caused this debate to take place.
"So they are saying that Duke Zai wrote false content to slander Confucius. Does this make sense! A teacher and a father are the same, so aren't they essentially driving Duke Zai to be a patricide who has insulted his father!"
The school that had inherited Zai Wo's academic style and the direct descendants of Zai Wo had no choice but to rise up.
This was not a simple proof of fact.
Because the honor of their school and ancestors was at stake.
In the Confucian family, which considered filial piety as an important value, could there be anything more terrible than this?
"Let's organize it once more. Not only Duke Zai's book, but there must be other books that have similar descriptions or techniques of the situation at that time."
At the remark of Jae Seok-geon, who was the head of the school that had inherited Zai Wo's academic style and a direct descendant of Zai Wo, the scholars nodded their heads.
But Jae Seok-geon sighed at the atmosphere he felt. A shadow was cast on the scholars' faces.
'It will be difficult.'
Because there were almost no historical records that described it as explicitly as Zai Wo.
It was then.
"The Neung family of Qufu?"
"Yes. The Neung family of Qufu wishes to see you, Young Master."
At the sudden news, Jae Seok-geon's brow narrowed.
"The Neung family of Qufu... isn't it the family that has produced Hanlin scholars for seven generations? The current head of the family is, um. Duke Neung Jo is asking for me?"
"To be precise, Duke Neung Jo's son has requested to see you."
"Hmm."
Jae Seok-geon stroked his chin and was lost in thought for a moment. If it was the Neung family of Qufu, it was a person from the Kong Family Mansion side. It seemed that they had said they would not participate in this debate.
"I see. I'll meet him now."
In any case, he would have to meet him to know his purpose. Jae Seok-geon nodded his head readily.
As the errand-running servant came and went, the door soon opened and people came in.
'Huh?'
Jae Seok-geon's head tilted to the side.
Because the faces of the people who came in were peculiar.
So to be precise...
'Who is the leader?'
Three young men and women, and a middle-aged man with a face full of scars.
'The three look like scholars...'
While Jae Seok-geon was wondering who to talk to, the young man among them opened his mouth. He was a young man with a kind impression from his gently curved eyebrows.
"Are you Duke Jae Seok-geon?"
"That's right. I am Jae Seok-geon."
"These two are the children of the Neung family of Qufu, and this young lady and I are called Cheon Mubaeck, who have received a short teaching from the Neung family."
"The children of the Neung family and a teaching... Yes, what is it?"
Cheon Mubaeck said with a faint smile.
"I came to help you."
"Help, you say?"
The pavilion of the Kong Family Mansion where the World Debate was taking place.
Here, help would be one thing without having to add any explanation.
Although Jae Seok-geon shot a strange gaze, Cheon Mubaeck was not shaken.
'Quite... a bold man.'
Jae Seok-geon was quietly impressed. No matter what Confucian scholar it was, it was difficult to maintain a calm mind when standing in front of him. Because Jae Seok-geon was a great Confucian scholar who led one of the largest schools in all of academics. A young Confucian scholar would usually freeze up.
"What kind of help are you talking about?"
"I am here to help you in the debate."
"In this debate? Didn't you say you received the teachings of the Neung family of Qufu? Except for the fact that you are not a descendant of Confucius, aren't you an academic style that is no different from a direct descendant of Confucius?"
Jae Seok-geon's wariness was further strengthened.
Although their academic style was completely different, and their surname was not Kong. Wasn't it the Neung family, which was no different from a direct descendant of Confucius?
And yet they were offering to help him?
From Jae Seok-geon's perspective, he had no choice but to be wary. But at Cheon Mubaeck's following words, his eyes widened.
"Isn't it the duty of a scholar to seek the truth?"
"...!"
A strong shock that hit the back of his head shook his head.
Although it was a calmly spoken word, it could not be simply passed over. No, it was difficult to pass over.
Jae Seok-geon's head rang.
To seek the truth.
'...That is the duty of a scholar.'
Jae Seok-geon's gaze, which was looking at Cheon Mubaeck, trembled.
To seek the truth was the duty of a scholar, and the reason for studying academics. Wasn't it something that anyone who held a brush and opened a book would know?
But Jae Seok-geon felt an unbearable shame and embarrassment, and his face turned red.
'Wasn't I just bound by my academic style and school, hiding the truth and emphasizing only the favorable facts?'
The World Debate was perhaps a major event that made the hearts of scholars pound.
All the scholars of the Central Plains gathered to discuss academics and to seek learning from each other.
But what about the debate now?
'Divided by academic style and school, hiding the truth and asserting only their own opinions. Only for the benefit of the academic style and school they belong to.'
Proving the content of the diary that Zai Wo had left would be the truth.
What had Jae Seok-geon done?
Wasn't it just the thought of confronting the logic of the Kong Family Mansion?
'My goodness. I had forgotten my duty.'
At the late realization, Jae Seok-geon was silent for a moment.
'Yes. The truth.'
What was the use of academic style and school? As long as the truth was revealed.
What was there to not be able to get help to seek the truth?
"Yes, what kind of help are you offering?"
Jae Seok-geon's attitude towards Cheon Mubaeck also changed.
The wariness that had been sharp without him realizing it softened, and a politeness was contained in his voice, as if he were treating a fellow scholar.
Cheon Mubaeck, who had noticed the change in emotion, grinned.
"It's simple. To prove that the content of Duke Zai's book is not wrong, wouldn't it be enough to confirm whether the descendants of the Kong Family Mansion have learned martial arts?"
"Well... how can we do that?"
"A martial artist knows a martial artist well."
"..."
Jae Seok-geon tilted his head.
Cheon Mubaeck smiled.
"Let me introduce myself again. I am Cheon Mubaeck, who has received the undeserved moniker of Heavenly Dragon Sword Hero in the martial world."
* * *
The gazes that looked at Cheon Mubaeck, who was coming out after finishing his conversation with Jae Seok-geon, were complicated in many ways.
Although Neung-heo, who had been with him for a long time, just took it as it was, the gazes of Neunggok and Zhuge Seola were unusual.
Neunggok asked carefully.
"Well, Young Master Cheon, you have a deep knowledge not only of martial arts but also of academics."
"I have only read a few books and have imitated it."
At the humble words, Neunggok was about to say something but closed his mouth firmly.
A strange heat appeared in his eyes as he looked at Cheon Mubaeck.
'A few books?'
In his conversation with Jae Seok-geon, Cheon Mubaeck had generously shown off his knowledge.
When he had revealed his identity as a martial artist, Jae Seok-geon had expressed his rejection as if he were having a seizure, but Cheon Mubaeck had persuaded Jae Seok-geon by showing off his academic achievements.
'Isn't Duke Jae Seok-geon a person whose academic reputation is famous?'
The fact that he had participated in the World Debate alone proved his academic achievements.
Moreover, Jae Seok-geon was a great scholar who was recognized as the head of an academic style and school.
Even in the midst of Jae Seok-geon's sharp questions and discussions, Cheon Mubaeck had answered without hesitation.
Although Neunggok was confident that he could answer some of them, among them, there was a lot of knowledge that he could not recall no matter how much he thought.
'How can he speak with such interpretation after reading only a few ancient stories?'
He could not understand. No matter how much he looked, it was the maturity of a scholar who had read books his whole life.
'Are these people really martial artists?'
Neunggok's head became complicated.
Not only Cheon Mubaeck, but also Zhuge Seola, who was walking shoulder to shoulder with him, Neunggok could not hide his surprise. Because her appearance of answering Jae Seok-geon's words by bringing in the content of other studies, not just Confucian knowledge, was quite impressive.
Didn't even Duke Jae Seok-geon, who had expressed his rejection, at some point admire him quietly and enjoy the discussion?
In the end, Jae Seok-geon had acknowledged the two.
Although they were martial artists, they were martial artists with knowledge.
"They are people with the spirit of a hero, the heart of a gentleman, and the attitude of a scholar."
Jae Seok-geon's acknowledgment was a confirmation.
He had obtained the opportunity to speak on Jae Seok-geon's side in the debate that would be held in two days.
Neunggok, who had only thought of it as a place to observe, could not hide his astonishment at the fact that he had even obtained the right to speak.
'Could I organize my logic and make a statement?'
Although he had worried for a moment, it was difficult. Could he even say a word properly in front of the brilliant scholars?
Neunggok, who had bit his lip, looked at Cheon Mubaeck's back.
'Not all martial artists are lawless, and there is a reason why my brother is with them. As expected...'
On the other hand, Zhuge Seola was also impressed.
But there was also a slightly curious point.
"Young Master Cheon, you seem to be almost certain that Confucius was a martial artist."
"Does it look that way?"
"Yes."
Cheon Mubaeck did not answer and grinned.
It was a strange thing for Zhuge Seola. If you listened to Jae Seok-geon's side's logic, this side seemed plausible, and if you listened to the Kong Family Mansion's side's logic, that side seemed plausible.
In short, it was a series of logics that could not be confirmed in one way.
But Cheon Mubaeck felt as if he had a conviction that Confucius was a martial artist.
So he had offered to help Jae Seok-geon's side without hesitation.
From what part did he have that conviction?
Since he had a conviction, he would step up like that.
Zhuge Seola was purely curious. It was a curiosity that Zhuge Seola, who had walked the path of a scholar, had.
What kind of logic would he prepare? What kind of logic would Cheon Mubaeck, who she had only thought of as a martial artist with a deep mind, show?
"What kind of content are you going to prepare?"
"Well, we have to refute the logic fair and square."
That's right. The opponent was the Kong Family Mansion. The center of all learning in the world. The smartest intellectuals in the world. To stand against the logic they put forth, one had to put forth a fair and square logic without a single lie.
"Fair and square..."
"That's right. Fair and square, we have to win with incitement and fabrication."
"...What?"
Somehow. It seemed like two words that did not match were used together?
(End of Chapter)