bookbashuk Chapter 112 Qi Heng
Chapter 112 Qi Heng
Chapter 112 Qi Heng
"First of all, before Mencius passed away, the world had never been unified."
Wang You said calmly, "Secondly, you don't even understand why the Zhou Dynasty enfeoffed its people."
"Who says I don't understand?"
Sheng Changfeng retorted, "The Zhou dynasty enfeoffed feudal lords in order to uphold the king and repel the barbarians!"
During the Spring and Autumn Period, the hegemons often used "honoring the king and repelling the barbarians" as a banner to compete for hegemony. In fact, honoring the king and repelling the barbarians was the very purpose of the Zhou Dynasty's enfeoffment system.
"Since you know this, you should understand that the Zhou Dynasty enfeoffed feudal lords to protect the Zhou and used them to deal with the barbarians on the border."
How many feudal lords were initially enfeoffed during the Zhou Dynasty? How many remained by the Spring and Autumn Period?
Wang You countered, "If the enfeoffment system was so good, why didn't later dynasties continue to implement it?"
The enfeoffment system of the Zhou Dynasty naturally had its advantages at the time.
At that time, the Zhou Dynasty actually controlled a very small area, as most of the territory had been granted out to other states.
However, apart from the Central Plains, most other areas were inhabited by barbarians.
The feudal lords who were enfeoffed initially only had a tiny territory, and it took them time to establish themselves and expand.
The Zhou Dynasty was more like a federation. Although the emperor was honored as the Son of Heaven, the feudal lords were autonomous.
Coupled with the deep-rooted influence of clan and social etiquette, and the very slow pace of social development at the time, it was able to continue for eight hundred years.
If it were really that good, why didn't any later emperors follow suit?
Seeing that Sheng Changfeng still wanted to argue, Wang You, too lazy to waste any more words, said, "Do you think the Song Dynasty should follow the Zhou Dynasty and enfeoff feudal lords?"
Upon hearing this, Sheng Changfeng's face turned ashen, but he dared not say a word.
Since Liu Bang's White Horse Alliance, no dynasty in history has been willing to grant a kingship to someone of a different surname.
Those who were granted the title of king by a different surname never had a good ending.
At most, they'll posthumously confer a title upon him.
Nowadays, even members of the imperial family in the Song Dynasty don't have fiefdoms. Supporting the enfeoffment of princes would be tantamount to courting death.
Although Sheng Changfeng sometimes makes silly mistakes, he is not really stupid.
"It's getting late, let's go to the restroom, and then we should head back to the school," Sheng Changbai said.
Upon hearing this, Wang You didn't say anything more and spoke quietly with Qi Heng.
Just then, a commotion arose from the school.
Sheng Changbai's expression changed, and after saying something to Wang You and the others, he hurriedly headed towards the school.
Seeing this, Sheng Changfeng followed.
"Ziqian, we—"
"Yuanruo, come with me to the outhouse."
Wang You interrupted Qi Heng, and without even thinking, he could probably guess that Mo Lan and Ru Lan had gotten into a fight, and maybe even come to blows.
If the two outsiders were to go over at this point, it would only make things worse.
"That's true." Qi Heng nodded.
When the two returned to the school after using the outhouse, Sanlan was already gone.
Wang You's heart skipped a beat; it seemed they were really going to make a move.
Over the years, Mo Lan and Ru Lan have had more than one or two arguments.
But this is the first time someone has left like this.
However, Wang You and Qi Heng tacitly refrained from asking.
When the second class started, Zhuang Xuejiu arrived at the school.
After exchanging greetings, Sheng Changbai told Zhuang Xuejiu that Madam Wang had something to discuss with Sanlan.
Zhuang Xuejiu didn't pay any attention to this and started lecturing directly.
After listening to Minglan's story, Old Madam Sheng of Shou'an Hall sighed and said, "Mama Fang, go to Weirui Pavilion and tell Madam that the three young ladies have to go to school the day after tomorrow. Don't punish them too harshly."
"Yes!" Mrs. Fang responded and left.
Minglan got up and went behind Old Madam Sheng to massage her shoulders.
"Is Grandmother afraid that Madam will use this as an excuse to make trouble?"
"It's not that I'm afraid, it's that she'll definitely do it."
Grandma Sheng frowned and said, "Your father is also confused. I've already told him that the girls are all grown up and shouldn't be allowed to continue studying at school."
She had told Sheng Tong before the New Year that Sanlan would be fourteen years old after the New Year, and would be of marriageable age in another year.
Women study to become knowledgeable and courteous, and they have studied enough over the years.
But Sheng Hong said that once she finished reading this year, she was too lazy to say anything more.
"Since Grandmother knew the eldest daughter-in-law's temperament, why did she still ask Father to marry her back then?" Minglan asked curiously.
She heard that Madam Wang was handpicked by Old Madam Sheng for Sheng Hong.
Old Madam Sheng should have known about Madam Wang's temperament.
"Although the lady is not very cunning, she is not a bad person at heart."
Grandma Sheng said, "If she had been even a little more ruthless, would Lin Xiaoniang have survived until now?"
Nothing in this world is perfect; what's most important is suitability.
After thinking it over carefully, Minglan realized that although Madam Wang had many problems, she was not a bad person at heart, just as Old Madam Sheng had said.
Logically speaking, it shouldn't be difficult for a legal wife to deal with a concubine.
Generally, those who can favor concubines over wives are those whose wives' families are relatively weak.
With the Wang family behind her, even if Madam Wang used some tricks to kill Lin Xiaoniang, Sheng Hong wouldn't dare to divorce her.
But Madam Wang did not do that. In order to deal with Lin Xiaoniang, she actually bought her mother back.
What an incredibly stupid idea that could come up with.
"What do you think about this?" asked Old Mrs. Sheng.
"My granddaughter thinks her grandmother is right. It's not suitable for me and my two older sisters to continue going to school."
Minglan said, "Fifth Sister is alright. She was just being stubborn with Fourth Sister and didn't really have feelings for the young master. But it's hard to say about Fourth Sister."
"It didn't matter when we were young, but now that we're older, if word gets out, the Sheng family will lose all face."
"Can you bear to part with it?" Old Mrs. Sheng asked.
A hint of panic flashed in Minglan's eyes, but she forced herself to remain calm and said, "Grandmother knows me well. I feel like I don't get enough sleep every morning. Not going to school means I can sleep in, which is exactly what I want. So why would I feel bad about it?"
Grandma Sheng turned to look at Minglan and said, "You know that's not what I meant."
"What does Grandmother mean?" Minglan asked, feigning confusion.
"Stop pretending with me!"
Grandma Sheng said sternly, "You know what I'm talking about."
"Granddaughter has always kept Grandmother's words in mind and dares not forget them!" Minglan said.
Grandma Sheng turned around and said calmly, "Just remember that. Madam Sheng intends to marry Rulan into the Wang family. A few days ago, Madam Feng came to visit, and Madam Sheng mentioned it to her."
Minglan's eyes dimmed, and she said, "The Wang and Sheng families are already related by marriage, so this is a double blessing, a rare and joyous occasion."
"Ziqian, how about I treat you to a few drinks at Fanlou?"
After school, Wang You and Qi Heng walked out of the Sheng family home, and Qi Heng smiled.
"Why do you suddenly want to invite me to drinks?" Wang You asked in surprise.
"I have something I'd like to talk to Ziqian about," Qi Heng said.
"Perfect timing, it's been a long time since I've been to Fanlou." Wang You nodded with a smile.
"Come on, Ziqian, ride with me!"
Seeing that Wang You agreed, Qi Heng pulled on Wang You's sleeve and walked towards the carriage.
"Don't rush, at least let me tell the driver."
Qi Heng, feeling somewhat embarrassed, released Wang You upon hearing this.
Wang You went to tell the coachman, and then he and Qi Heng got into the carriage.
Upon arriving at Fanlou, Qi Heng requested a private room. While waiting for the ordered food and drinks to be served, he and Wang You chatted and drank.
"My second uncle wrote to me a few days ago. He has passed the provincial examination and plans to return to the capital soon to prepare for the metropolitan examination next year."
"You should come back soon if you want to take the imperial examination."
"Ziqian, what about you? You really don't plan to participate in the imperial examination?"
"My mentor will be the chief examiner for next year's imperial examination. If I participate, it will only put him in a difficult position."
Wang You smiled and said, "Besides, I'm already a Hanlin Compiler, am I going to give that up?"
"Too."
Qi Heng said with some envy, "If one were to participate in the imperial examination, only the second-place finisher in the imperial examination would be qualified to be awarded the title of Hanlin Compiler."
"I was just lucky."
Wang You shook his head and said, "Few of the probationary officials, editors, and compilers in the Hanlin Academy even give me a second glance."
"Haha, they're just jealous."
The two drank and chatted, and Wang You could tell that Qi Heng had something on his mind, as he kept drinking one glass of wine after another.
However, he did not ask proactively, waiting for Qi Heng to speak up himself.
After an unknown amount of time, Qi Heng drank another cup of wine, his eyes slightly drunk, and looked at Wang You, saying, "Ziqian, do you have feelings for Sixth Sister?"
"Yuanruo, you're drunk," Wang You said.
"I'm not drunk."
Qi Heng shook his head and said, "The Wang and Sheng families are related by marriage. Even if they were to form a marriage alliance, it would be impossible for you to marry a concubine's daughter. It's impossible for you two."
"It's impossible for me and my sixth sister, and it's even more impossible for you two."
Wang You picked up his wine cup, took a sip, picked up his chopsticks and ate some food, and said, "You are the only son of the Duke of Qi and the Princess of Pingning. In the Song Dynasty, apart from the royal family, how many people have a more noble status than you?"
"Given the Qi family's social standing, let alone the Sheng family, your mother probably wouldn't even consider some marquis's mansions, would she?"
Qi Heng fell silent upon hearing this, then picked up the wine jug, poured himself a cup of wine, and drank it down in one gulp.
Because he drank too quickly, the wine slid down his neck and soaked his clothes.
"It's different. My only obstacle is my parents, but yours is the Sheng and Wang families."
Qi Heng's eyes grew brighter as he spoke: "As long as I can pass the imperial examination with flying colors, I can convince my mother to agree."
You're being too naive.
Wang You shook his head and said, "With the Qi family's status, even if you pass the imperial examination with flying colors, it will only be icing on the cake. It's not as important as you think."
Princess Pingning's father died saving the emperor, and she was raised in the palace from a young age.
So what if Qi Heng fails the exam?
It had no impact on his future.
Why did Qi Heng think that by passing the imperial examination with flying colors, he was qualified to negotiate with Princess Pingning?
The reason is simple: Princess Pingning took the matter of passing the imperial examination too seriously, which gave Qi Heng a false impression.
Why did Princess Pingning want Qi Heng to enter officialdom through the imperial examination?
Ultimately, it was all about saving face, not Qi Heng's future.
Princess Pingning was arrogant due to her personality and status, which made her disliked by many people.
Although others dare not offend her, they inevitably speak ill of her behind her back.
As her only son, Qi Heng could be given important positions even without passing the imperial examinations, but he would certainly face a lot of criticism.
This was naturally unacceptable to Princess Pingning, who valued her reputation.
But if Qi Heng were to marry a concubine's daughter, it would be even more humiliating for her than if Qi Heng had gained favor through connections.
Suppose that Princess Pingning has two choices: one is that Qi Heng will definitely pass the imperial examination with flying colors, but the price is that he must marry Minglan.
The other option is not to marry Minglan, but Qi Heng will fail the imperial examination.
Princess Pingning would not hesitate at all and would definitely choose the latter.
Saving face is one aspect, but so is the ingrained concept of social status.
Not to mention that Qi Heng was also planning to confront Princess Pingning after passing the imperial examination.
Having already passed the imperial examination with flying colors, Princess Pingning had even less reason to agree.
If the story had unfolded as it did in the original drama, even without Princess Jiacheng, Qi Heng would not have been able to persuade Princess Pingning to agree.
Princess Pingning was able to agree later because the shock she experienced in the palace made her realize her mistake.
Qi Heng wouldn't listen to any of this and stubbornly said, "Ziqian, I can see that Sixth Sister has feelings for you."
If you can convince your family, I'm willing to wish you well.
But if you can't, then stay away from Sixth Sister and don't let her get hurt.
"Yuan Ruo!"
Wang You put down his chopsticks and said calmly, "Whether I like Sixth Sister or not is my business. I have no engagement with her. If you really like her, you should first persuade your parents to go to the Sheng family to propose marriage."
You said if I can't convince my family, I should stay away from her and not hurt her.
But you're not confident you can convince your family, yet you keep pestering her. Have you ever considered the harm this is causing her?
Qi Heng opened his mouth, but for a moment he didn't know how to refute it.
"It's getting late, and I'm full, so I'll head back now."
Wang You got up and walked outside.
Qi Heng watched Wang You leave, then slumped down, picked up the wine jug, and tilted his head back to gulp it down.
Wang You's words directly exposed the veil of shame in his heart.
He advised Wang You to stay away from Minglan until he was sure he could persuade his family.
He himself wasn't confident in persuading his family, but he often wanted to talk to Minglan.
To be honest, he wasn't even in a position to say those things to Wang You.
"Ziqian!"
As Wang Yougang stepped out of Fanlou, he saw a young man walking towards him, surrounded by seven or eight young masters.
This young man was Zhao Sheng.
"Greetings, Your Highness!" Wang You bowed respectfully.
Zhao Sheng smiled and said, "What a coincidence! How about we go in and have a few more drinks?"
"Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness, but I am already too drunk to drink. I will offer you a toast to apologize another time when I have the chance," Wang You said, bowing.
"Um."
Zhao Sheng nodded slightly and led the group of young masters into Fanlou.
"Young master, why don't you sit at a teahouse nearby for a while? I'll call a carriage to pick you up," Xiaoman said.
"No need, it's not far, let's walk back," Wang You said.
He arrived in Qi Heng's carriage, and Qi Heng said he would take him back, so he didn't have the driver come to pick him up.
On the way back, Wang You couldn't help but wonder if he liked Minglan.
I definitely like it to some extent, but it's not that kind of liking.
However, Minglan is very mature and is indeed a good choice for a wife.
This maturity doesn't refer to age, but rather to mindset.
He hasn't met many women over the years, but while they appear well-educated and polite on the surface, he can still sense their psychological immaturity.
Wang You has memories of his past life, making it difficult for him to fall in love with a young girl.
Therefore, in his view, other aspects were secondary when choosing a wife; at the very least, she had to be psychologically mature.
Many people have a misconception that women in ancient times matured psychologically very early.
Actually, that's not the case. When it comes to interpersonal skills, girls from prestigious families tend to give off a very mature vibe.
But this maturity comes more from childhood upbringing.
There's a saying that children from poor families learn to be independent early.
It's not that being poor makes you mature, it's just that being poor forces you to be sensible.
It's more like being forced by life's circumstances than genuine maturity.