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What does it mean that words are the voice of the heart? Xun Yu's explanation, through the interpretation of the "Book of Changes," expresses his aspirations and the principles he adheres to!
Xun Yu innovatively proposed integrating the Five Elements into the concepts of Yuan (Origination), Heng (Prosperity), Li (Benefit), and Zhen (Persistence), giving them deeper meanings. He clearly extended these to the virtues of a nobleman, indicating that only those who follow such standards can be called true gentlemen.
He also outlined the mission of a nobleman: to transform things, comply with heaven, benefit the people, and stabilize customs. Finally, he alluded to the current political situation by referencing King Wen and King Zhou of Shang, suggesting that only a ruler with the four virtues can thrive, while one without them is doomed to decline.
At this moment, Xun Yu was like an unsheathed sword, revealing his sharpness...
The uproar in the audience was due to the novelty of Xun Yu's remarks and their pointed critique of the current government. Additionally, the stark contrast between Xun Yu's current demeanor and his previous behavior left many in disbelief...
In his younger days, Xun Yu's father, Xun Gun, fearing the eunuchs, arranged for Xun Yu to marry the daughter of Tang Heng, a powerful eunuch. This was a marriage, not a concubinage. In the Han Dynasty, if the master of the house was absent, the wife had significant authority over the household and its finances, unlike a concubine, who had little to no power.
For someone else, especially those who prided themselves on being part of the pure and uncorrupted elite, such a marriage would have been unthinkable—how could one marry into the family of a eunuch and still maintain one's reputation?
Thus, it was expected that Xun Yu would marry into a family of similar standing within the scholarly elite. How could he bring a eunuch's daughter into his home? Yet, Xun Yu quietly accepted this marriage without protest.
While people lamented the short-sightedness of Xun Yu's father, Xun Gun, for ruining not only his own reputation but also Xun Yu's, they also concluded that Xun Yu was a weak man who would never achieve anything significant.
No one expected that today, standing on the high platform, Xun Yu would not only show no signs of timidity but also deliver such shocking statements...
Fei Qian, however, was not surprised by Xun Yu's speech. Historically, Xun Yu had always acted in accordance with the four virtues of a nobleman. When Cao Cao violated these virtues by attempting to depose Emperor Xian of Han, Xun Yu openly opposed him, which ultimately led to his death, either directly or indirectly, at Cao Cao's hands.
A true gentleman with profound depth—this was the label Fei Qian mentally assigned to Xun Yu after witnessing his performance.
However, not everyone shared this view. Some believed that Xun Yu might be seeking attention with his bold statements.
An elderly man stood up, arrogantly cupped his hands, and declared, "Qian represents the strength of heaven. Human strength is limited, while the strength of heaven is boundless. Only the sage can emulate it. King Wen was good at utilizing the way of heaven, while King Zhou of Shang was evil, only imitating its form. This shows that heaven's changes are unpredictable and infinite, and humans cannot define heaven. How can there be such a thing as the four virtues?"
Everyone recognized the old man as Xun Wang, the younger brother of Xun Shuang and the fifth dragon of the Xun family.
Xun Wang was originally scheduled to speak first. Being Xun Yu's uncle by seniority and a seasoned scholar of the classics, he had prepared thoroughly. However, he was replaced at the last minute by Xun Yu, following the orders of the family head, Xun Shuang. Although he complied, Xun Wang was displeased and thus became the first to challenge Xun Yu.
Moreover, Xun Wang's argument aligned with Confucian beliefs. He essentially argued that human changes cannot keep up with the changes of heaven. Only the sage, or the Son of Heaven, can follow the way of heaven. King Wen succeeded by understanding and applying the utility of heaven's way, while King Zhou failed by only mimicking its form without grasping its essence. Therefore, heaven's way is ever-changing, and both the Son of Heaven and the people should adapt to it rather than impose constraints like the so-called four virtues.
In Confucian thought, the Son of Heaven represents heaven and is sacred. Whether it was King Wen or King Zhou, both were Sons of Heaven. The only difference was whether they could comprehend the will of heaven. Those who could naturally ruled well, while those who couldn't were destined to be replaced by heaven. To someone like Xun Wang, Xun Yu's proposition of imposing four virtues on the Son of Heaven was as absurd as trying to constrain heaven itself.
As soon as Xun Wang finished speaking, voices of agreement rose in a chorus. Clearly, many people supported his words.
On the stage, Xun Yu cupped his hands in a respectful salute toward Xun Wang. Without hesitation, he continued, picking up from Xun Wang's words:
"The holiness of Heaven is absolute, its sincerity unceasing. One cannot imitate Heaven's form, only comprehend and apply its will. Thus, in the Qian Hexagram, each changing line has its rightful place. A noble person observes Heaven's will above and applies it below. Every word and action must align with this principle. The doctrine of the Four Virtues serves as a constant reminder to be ever-vigilant, ensuring that one's actions remain blameless."
Xun Yu skillfully shifted the concept of the Four Virtues from Xun Wang's arrogant demand of Heaven to a guideline for noble individuals to reflect on their own behavior. This interpretation naturally aligned with Confucian principles, leaving Xun Wang with no clear point of attack.
Xun Wang snorted, unable to find a flaw in Xun Yu's reasoning, and begrudgingly sat down.
At that moment, Xun Shuang did not enter the assembly hall but stood outside, quietly listening. Upon hearing this, he smiled, turned, and left—his choice to support Xun Yu had indeed been the right one. Since Xun Yu had already stabilized the situation, there was no need for further concern.
Inside the hall, Fei Qian observed that Zao Zhi, beside him, was listening intently, his face full of admiration. Meanwhile, Fei Qian himself understood little of the discussion, much to his frustration.
Even so, Fei Qian knew that this lecture marked Xun Yu as the center of scholarly discourse with his discussion of the Four Virtues. His prestige would surely skyrocket.
'Sigh, when will I get my own chance to rise to fame? Why are they lecturing on the I Ching? Wouldn't it be better to talk about Marxist theory?' At least back in school, I memorized it for a passing grade…
'If that's too much, even a discussion on metaphysics or the dialectical unity of contradictions would do. I could at least show off what I learned from Hegel and Marx…'
As Fei Qian continued daydreaming, his expression suddenly changed. ''Wait, Xun Yu has been talking for so long—did they schedule a break?'' Is there a chance for a recess, even just to take a quick break?
He had drunk two extra bowls of millet porridge in the morning, and now… disaster was imminent.
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A/N: Xun Yu followed the principles of the Four Virtues, and in the end, it was those very virtues that led to his downfall. Otherwise, at his level of influence, as long as he didn't oppose Cao Cao's claim to the throne, Cao Cao wouldn't have moved against him. But alas, he couldn't overcome the burden in his heart.