Confucianism under Heaven

Chapter 292 If you hear the Tao in the morning, you will die in the evening.

Chapter 292 If I hear the Way in the morning, I can die content in the evening.

Upon hearing this, Ye Ru gasped and then looked towards Chen Tianjian.

"You mean, the ancestor of the Poison Clan is still among the demon race and has already become a half-step demon saint?"

"If I'm not mistaken, they should still be here, and it was probably his idea to send people to hunt you down this time. He wants to use your dragon blood to advance to the level of a half-saint in the demon race."

Chen Tianjian pondered for a moment, then said.

"This is terrifying. Logically speaking, after so much time has passed, a half-saint's lifespan shouldn't last much longer, right?"

Ye Ru's lips twitched, and he asked in surprise.

"The Poison Clan is different. They use extremely vicious talents and powers to extend their own lifespan by taking away the lifespan of others. This is why the Medical Clan cannot tolerate the existence of the Poison Clan."

Xun Ao, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly spoke up.

Because many dragons had mysteriously disappeared in the past, they had investigated the matter, focusing on the demons and the poisoners.

After all, although humans and dragons are not exactly on good terms, many dragons are on good terms with humans, and the Four Dragon Kings also have a fondness for human literature, so they will not become enemies because of this.

"I see."

Ye Ru pondered for a moment, then nodded.

Unexpectedly, the Poison Family and the Medical Family have such a deep connection, and the founder of the Poison Family is still alive.

"Well, our Dragon Clan plans to hold the Dragon Clan Literary Gathering in early July. Brother Ye, would you like to come with us now? We can also thank you for saving our lives. Without you, Princess and I might already be food for the demons."

Xun Ao looked up at Ye Ru, then said in a deep voice.

"I won't join in the fun at your Dragon Clan's gathering. Besides, as a human, wouldn't it be beneath your Dragon Clan's dignity for me to be there?"

Ye Ru smiled and politely declined.

"Actually, it's a long story..."

Xun Ao sighed and said slowly.

"What do you mean by this?"

Chen Tianjian said.

"Although the Four Dragon Kings are harmonious, they don't compete with each other at the Dragon Clan Literary Gathering. Furthermore, the East Sea Dragon Palace always comes in last place. Therefore, the East Sea Dragon Palace is currently recruiting talented individuals in order to redeem themselves at this year's Dragon Clan Literary Gathering. And young Brother Ye Ru, with his exceptional talent, is a perfect fit."

Xun Ao explained it to Ye Ru.

"So you've come to me for help? I have the imperial examination coming up in a while, and then I have to go to the State of Jin. If I can, I will go, but if I can't, then I really can't."

Ye Ru thought about it. The other party had helped him a lot, including in rescuing the northern border from danger. They had also put in a lot of effort. As the saying goes, a drop of kindness should be repaid with a spring of gratitude. Moreover, the other party also needed his help. It was only right and wrong for him to go.

“Alright, we’ll go to the State of Jin to find you and then bring you to the Dragon Palace.”

Xun Ao said slowly.

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Brother Xun Ao."

Ye Ru bowed to him and said.

"It's alright, then Princess Yaoyao and I will take our leave first."

Xun Ao spoke again.

"Brother Ye, we'll be leaving now. Here, take this dragon seal. If you encounter any difficulties, I'll sense it and come to your aid."

Yao Yao put her finger to her lips, tilted her head back and thought for a moment, then took out a token engraved with a dragon's head, handed it to Ye Ru, and said again:

"Then we'll be going now. Welcome to visit the Dragon Palace of the East Sea."

After they finished speaking, the two transformed into a giant dragon and a jiaolong, soared away, and then disappeared into the smoke.

"By the way, Lord Chen, the imperial examinations are coming up soon, aren't they?"

After watching the two leave, Ye Ru turned to Chen Tianjian and asked.

"Yes, the imperial examination is in half a month. I have already made arrangements in the Forbidden City. I will take you to the examination site. After you finish the exam, you will immediately go to the capital to meet the Emperor."

Chen Tianjian thought for a moment and then said.

"it is good."

Ye Ru nodded:

"Then the student will take his leave."

"Well, this beast crisis has come at a really bad time. We have to redeploy our defenses now. What a headache."

Chen Tianjian rubbed his hair and walked out of the military tent.

"Phew, there are only half a month left. I need to prepare properly. This year's imperial examination will probably involve extracting passages from the Four Books and turning them into questions on the interpretation of the classics. All I need to do is understand the Four Books."

Ye Ru took out a copy of the Analects and began to read it.

"If you hear the Tao in the morning, you will die in the evening."

"That's something worth thinking about."

When Ye Ru saw this sentence, he felt that it was somewhat in line with the main theme of the Confucian and Taoist continent, that is, the main melody: becoming a saint is what everyone pursues, and many people have given their lives in pursuit of Confucian truth.

Therefore, this statement is very much in line with the history of the Confucian and Taoist continent.

Then, Ye Ru picked up a pen and began to annotate.

"Benevolence is the core of Confucianism and what Confucius pursued; it is the highest moral standard."

The word "Tao" lingered in Ye Ru's mind, refusing to dissipate, which stumped him.

Because this Tao is not the ordinary Tao, it is not a simple and superficial principle or reason. Here it is the same as what Lao Tzu discussed in the Tao Te Ching.

"The Dao that Lao Tzu spoke of is the truth of the world, so what is the Dao that Confucius spoke of?"

Ye Ru put down his pen, looked up at the window, and started tapping his fingers on the table.

"The Way of Confucius and the Way of Lao Tzu may not be the same. Among the classics, the Doctrine of the Mean and the Great Learning are all Confucian. So, could the Way that Confucius spoke of be the Doctrine of the Mean, or a path to becoming a sage?"

Suddenly, the word "moderation" came to mind, which undoubtedly gave Ye Ru some light and direction for his thinking.

The phrase "I could die content in the evening" is easy to understand, but the key lies in the explanation of the word "Tao." Lao Tzu's statement, "The Tao that can be spoken of is not the constant Tao," which refers to a state of desirelessness—"utmost emptiness and stillness"—is clearly incorrect.

Ye Ru then began to ponder the question of being a ruler or a subject. Confucianism is a worldly school of thought, and it also puts forward the Three Cardinal Guides and Five Constant Virtues.

"By the way, Lao Tzu's Tao is about returning to nature, while Confucianism emphasizes active engagement in the world. Therefore, it should pursue knowledge and contribute to society. In short, it's like Mencius's saying, 'When you are successful, you should benefit all under heaven; when you are unsuccessful, you should cultivate your own virtue.'"

Thinking of this, Ye Ru's book palace seemed to be illuminated by a lamp, and he completely understood. The next moment, his pen began to move, and he slowly poured out his thoughts with the pen. In just a moment, he filled the entire paper. At the same time, his thinking also made great progress.

Time slipped away like sand through Ye Ru's fingers as he recited the classics of the saints...