Chapter 370

Chapter 370

Can a strategist not ascend the throne? Final Volume: The Rise and Fall of Kingly Enterprises, Unification of the World Chapter 370: Debating the Talents

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Can a Strategist Not Ascend the Throne?

Chapter 370: Debating the Talents

“Saying that I am not talented, but his performance doesn’t show any humility at all,” Ni Heng looked towards the stage, feeling that it was not hard to see Zhong Changtong’s confidence in debating the heroes today from his performance.

“I heard that when Xi Biejia saw him studying at Leping Academy years ago, he seemed like a reserved and cautious person. This must be the manifestation of talent,” Yang Xiu replied.

These two should actually be in Chang’an at this time.

But Yang Xiu had just made a trip to Ye City, ostensibly to care for his old father’s health, but in reality, he brought a batch of “Changyan” to Ye City, distributing them as gifts, which greatly angered Yuan Shao, his uncle.

Yet, he could do nothing about Yang Xiu.

Even in war, envoys are not killed, so what’s wrong with Yang Xiu visiting relatives?

Moreover, after Yuan Shao got this work, he couldn’t help but prepare to watch the fun in the Si Li area.

If the celestial phenomenon of red energy piercing the Purple Palace had already made Yuan Shao stir up rumors, then the publication of “Changyan” made him even more determined to take advantage of the actions within the Chang’an court to pull Qiao Yan down through court struggles!

But before he could make any moves beneficial to him, Yang Xiu had already completed the book dissemination in Ye City and then leisurely left Ye City.

When he passed through Luoyang, it was the time for the debate on “Changyan” at Dingzhong Temple. Remembering his youthful arrogance when he invited Qiao Yan for a duel, Yang Xiu couldn’t help but come to watch the excitement.

As for Ni Heng, according to him and Yang Xiu, he came here because there was nothing fun to watch in Chang’an City.

Probably because he directly made Chunyu Jia vomit blood on the street, so those gossiping about Qiao Yan in Chang’an City avoided him. The only one who could stand up to him on the street was Yu Fan, who was so reckless that he even cursed himself, leaving Ni Heng often speechless.

Hearing there was a new debate in Luoyang, Ni Heng rushed over without hesitation.

“Manifestation of talent or accumulation of experience is hard to say,” Ni Heng muttered.

Zhong Changtong on the stage didn’t seem like a mere mouthpiece pushed by Qiao Yan, but his flamboyance was clearly different from Ni Heng’s.

This is interesting.

With Qiao Yan’s temperament, she would never let someone easily refuted appear in such a public occasion.

Rather than seeing this newly famous young man fall, Ni Heng would prefer to see him showcase his skills here, angering those who intend to trample his “Changyan” theory into the ground.

Unfortunately, even though Qiao Yan scheduled the Dingzhong Temple meeting at the beginning of December, some from remote areas couldn’t arrive in time. Those who would challenge Zhong Changtong today were either instructed by certain people in Chang’an City or those in Luoyang who were not employed by Qiao Yan and dissatisfied with the statements in “Changyan.”

Ni Heng suddenly said, “I see an acquaintance, going to say hello.”

Before Yang Xiu could stop him, Ni Heng had already squeezed through the crowd to a middle-aged man, boldly starting a conversation with him.

Yang Xiu could be sure he wasn’t mistaken; the moment Ni Heng appeared before him, the man’s face changed.

This change also made Yang Xiu recognize his identity.

In May of the first year of Jian’an, when the Grand Marshal issued the alcohol prohibition order, she gathered the powerful families of Si Li and Nanyang to announce the decree, suppressing them with superior brewing techniques while offering soy sauce and other items as bargaining chips.

Before she stated all the conditions, one who challenged her was the man Ni Heng approached.

A descendant of the Ren family from Zhongmu.

“Have you studied further and are now ready to showcase your skills again?” Ni Heng asked seriously.

The man instinctively stepped back.

“Just joking, just here to see the big scene.”

Of course, he was dissatisfied with the statements in “Changyan.” He once told Qiao Yan that their powerful families sheltering people as hidden households were sharing the pressure of gathering refugees for Chang’an City, solving their employment and survival issues, and he still holds this view.

But look at how Zhong Changtong describes them in this book!

He says they are “self-serving with bribes, unpunished by law,” and their power should be reduced.

If Zhong Changtong wasn’t heavily protected by Qiao Yan’s subordinates, making it easy to link any mishap to them, he would have given him a hard time.

But such words can be openly said to those with similar interests, and even criticized behind their backs. No wonder Qiao Yan chose to separate her stance from the Qiao family of Yanzhou. Even if she hadn’t become independent then, after such actions, regardless of her being the Grand Marshal, the Qiao family of Yanzhou should have removed her from the family tree—

But he couldn’t say this to Ni Heng.

He indeed had no intention of going on stage to debate Zhong Changtong.

In the Henan Yin area, due to Luoyang once being the emperor’s residence, there are many families with generations of high officials and abundant wealth.

These prestigious families are interconnected, and more than one or two intend to suppress Zhong Changtong.

Why must he go on stage again?

If Zhong Changtong brings up events from three or four years ago and discusses them in public, he would feel embarrassed.

As soon as he finished speaking, a young man went on stage.

Perhaps someone intended to test Zhong Changtong’s abilities first, so they sent someone of similar age to interact.

But as soon as the young man introduced himself as from the Du Ling Huang family, Zhong Changtong asked, “Du Ling Huang family? The descendants of Marquis Jiancheng, with five or six family members serving as officials with a salary of two thousand dan?”

“Exactly,” the young man’s face showed pride when Zhong Changtong mentioned Huang Ba, who served as Chancellor during the reigns of Emperor Wu, Emperor Zhao, and Emperor Xuan of Han.

Prestigious families often emphasize heritage, and the Du Ling Huang family, with over two hundred years of history, is considered to have excellent lineage.

This representative, though young, had already been recommended for filial piety and integrity in the county and would soon go to Chang’an to experience the Hongwen Hall.

But Zhong Changtong wasn’t interested in discussing family heritage. Seeing that the other didn’t detect the sarcasm in his words but instead thought it was a customary introduction, he sneered, “In the past, when Wang Mang usurped the throne, the Du Ling Huang family’s titles were revoked. When Emperor Guangwu restored the Han, the titles were reinstated, but the Du Ling descendants, content with their prestigious status, clung to their farmhouses and fortresses, enjoying wealth and comfort, merely reminiscing about the past, stagnant and self-satisfied.”

“There were a few who sought change, moving to Jiuquan a hundred and eighty years ago, becoming a prominent family in the county. Unable to govern the frontier, the Han court allowed local governance of the Four Commanderies of Hexi, so the Jiuquan Huang family seized control of the county, expelled officials, and eventually became the Prefect. The Lord, governing Liangzhou, bided his time for years, finally eliminating the Jiuquan Prefect Huang Yan.”

This happened recently!

Due to Liangzhou’s remote location and the Four Commanderies of Hexi being isolated by the Wushaoling Mountains, the Jiuquan incident and the second round of suppression of the Hexi powerful families following the consolidation of Xu Rong and Ma Teng’s positions hadn’t reached the Central Plains. Thus, when Zhong Changtong revealed this news, the Du Ling Huang family member was shocked.

What’s going on? What does it mean to eliminate the Jiuquan Prefect Huang Yan?

Zhong Changtong didn’t give him time to react and continued, “May I ask, brother, without any official decree, how dare you usurp the three celestial symbols and dragon insignia?”

Wearing the attire of a dragon without even a single green ribbon to one’s name, how can one claim to lead a thousand households and command the labor of a renowned city? What argument can you present to convince me?

What a statement! “Without even a single green ribbon to one’s name, yet daring to wear the dragon’s attire!”

Indeed, in recent years, the Du Ling Huang Clan has had few members holding official positions, and even those who do are far from outstanding.

Yet, even such individuals command hundreds of servants and wear extravagant clothing that exceeds their station. To say they are usurping the dragon’s attire is not an exaggeration.

Suddenly faced with such accusations and the news of the Jiuquan branch being wiped out, the young man could no longer confront Zhong Changtong. Without even uttering a word of challenge, he slinked away under the gaze of the crowd.

Witnessing this scene, Ren Yi, who was standing below the stage, couldn’t help but let out a sigh of relief.

He had thought it best for someone with a “record” like his to not rush into the spotlight.

Yet, his gaze towards the stage still lacked any sense of reverence.

Zhong Changtong had used the argument of family background to suppress the Du Ling Huang Clan’s scion, leaving him no room to critique Zhong’s policies. However, this logic couldn’t be applied to all opponents.

After all—

“If he can’t criticize you, perhaps I can?”

Before the Huang scion had even disappeared from view, another voice chimed in.

Zhong Changtong calmly bowed to the newcomer, “Naturally, Zhong Yingbo can.”

“I’ve heard that when you were the magistrate of Wan County, you would personally address the common folk during your days off, engaging with them and making the officials feel ashamed, thus ensuring no one dared to disobey. Your integrity and sharp rhetoric are indeed top-notch. May I ask, what do you wish to teach me?”

Zhong Changtong’s explanation made Zhong Fu stroke his beard, his previously tense expression relaxing slightly.

The Zhong Clan of Luoyang, descendants of Zhong Shanfu, are indeed a prestigious family.

And Zhong Fu himself is not like the previous volunteer who relied solely on his ancestors’ reputation. He has a reputation as a capable official, having risen to the position of Grand Master of Imperial Entertainments. As Zhong Changtong said, there’s little to criticize about him, and engaging in a debate here is certainly within his rights.

But Yang Xiu, standing below the stage, sensed that Zhong Changtong’s politeness towards Zhong Fu didn’t align with his otherwise sharp demeanor today.

He mouthed the words “Grand Master of Imperial Entertainments” to Mi Heng, who had just finished speaking with Ren Yi and returned.

The position of Grand Master of Imperial Entertainments isn’t exactly auspicious. Wasn’t Chunyu Jia, who was infamously angered by Mi Heng to the point of vomiting blood, also a Grand Master of Imperial Entertainments?

It’s no wonder Zhong Fu had taken leave from Chang’an to come to Luoyang and challenge Zhong Changtong.

Unaware of the meaningful exchange below the stage, Zhong Fu addressed Zhong Changtong, “I wish to discuss the principles of governance with you.”

The challenge in his words was unmistakable.

After all, Zhong Changtong was only eighteen and hadn’t officially entered the political arena. For Zhong Fu to discuss governance with him was clearly targeting his inexperience.

Unfazed, Zhong Changtong gestured, “Please, enlighten me.”

Zhong Fu began, “In your writings, you argue that virtuous officials who decline rewards and live frugally, while earning a reputation for integrity, are actually going too far. You claim that people should enjoy their rightful benefits and that only then can officials perform their duties effectively. Thus, with good governance, such extreme examples of virtue are unnecessary, as the system itself will ensure fairness. But without any political experience, how can you make such assertions, dismissing the good deeds of past officials as inappropriate?”

As soon as Zhong Fu finished, someone in the audience cheered.

Indeed, if officials need to be well-fed to perform their duties, why advocate for political integrity?

And since Zhong Changtong lacks political experience, his claims might just be the product of impulsive thinking.

But Zhong Changtong’s response left everyone stunned, “To be honest, I derived this conclusion from you, Yingbo.”

Zhong Fu angrily retorted, “Don’t jest with me. Since I became an official, I’ve never taken a single illegal penny. My salary has only been less, never more. How can I be the example for your argument?”

Zhong Changtong smiled, “I was referring to your grandfather and father. Your grandfather, as the magistrate of Dingtao, amassed a fortune of thirty million. The people of Dingtao still remember this wealth, which came from trade, business dealings, and confiscations from the local corrupt. Yet, your family didn’t hoard this wealth. Your father, during his tenure, used this fortune to aid the poor of his clan and village, saving thousands. This act earned him the position of Minister over the Masses in the fourth year of Yanxi. Renowned officials like Qiao Gongzu and Huangfu Weiming were recommended by your father, making him worthy of the title of one of the Three Excellencies.”

“When the Grand Marshal reminisced about your grandfather, he often praised your father. Isn’t this the perfect example to support my argument?”

Zhong Fu was taken aback. He hadn’t expected Zhong Changtong to drag his grandfather and father into the debate.

In the Han Dynasty, filial piety was paramount. If Zhong Fu were to refute Zhong Changtong’s words, wouldn’t that be questioning his own ancestors’ actions?

He couldn’t continue!

Even though he knew Zhong Changtong was engaging in sophistry, he couldn’t say more.

Especially since he hadn’t yet achieved the rank of one of the Three Excellencies like his father!

Zhong Fu promptly excused himself and left, replaced by another challenger.

This newcomer was more cautious. If even Zhong Fu couldn’t critique Zhong Changtong on political matters, he, with even less capability, shouldn’t persist in a debate he might not win. Instead, he chose to address another point in Zhong Changtong’s writings.

Zhong Changtong didn’t believe in fate.

He asked, “In your book, you wrote that human affairs are fundamental, while heavenly will is secondary. Are you suggesting that divination, astrology, numerology, and other such studies are all nonsense? Even King Wen, when imprisoned, derived the Book of Changes. Today, scholars like Zheng Kangcheng of Leping Academy are leaders in the study of the Changes. Are you saying that even what they observe is false?”

Zhong Changtong replied, “Just as in governance, there’s a tendency to overcorrect. The same applies to the discourse on heavenly will and human affairs. The Shangluo Tai Clan excels in these studies, but there’s no need to attribute such lofty claims to me.”

“The belief in heavenly favor has become so pervasive that the masses cry out to the heavens, and countless poor die in ditches. Foolish rulers transfer power to their relatives and favor their close associates, allowing corrupt eunuchs to dominate both the capital and the provinces, reversing the roles of the wise and the foolish, and oppressing the people. Yet, when natural disasters like locust plagues occur, it’s not the eunuchs who are blamed, but the Three Excellencies, as if appeasing the heavens could solve the problem. Only by asserting that humans can overcome nature did we manage to eliminate the locusts and restore the people’s livelihood.”

“The studies of the Changes and the Luo Book have their place, but they must be applied with discretion. Perhaps you should first understand my arguments before criticizing them! Can’t you see the suffering of the people?”

The Tai Clan member looked around and saw many people glaring at him, causing him to step back.

Following him, Zheng Hun of the Kaifeng Zheng Clan also failed to gain any advantage from Zhong Changtong.

He questioned Zhong Changtong about the lack of precedent for restarting the well-field system in wastelands, unlike the situation with Zhong Fu, and asked for an explanation.

Zhong Changtong replied, “Innovation is beneficial when timely, and systems should be convenient for the people. If something is unreasonable, it should be changed. Ancient laws that no longer serve their purpose today must be reformed. If reforms lead to failures, they should be adjusted or restored!”

If we don’t even try, we’ll only regret it for the rest of our lives!

Zhong Changtong looked at the pale faces of his challengers and then scanned the crowd below, asking, “Is there anyone else who wishes to debate with me?”