Meng Yanxing had to admit, the Emperor’s words were full of temptation to him. As His Majesty’s voice fell, he seemed to see himself in the future being pursued and revered by ten thousand people, even having his books become a mandatory subject in the imperial examinations. Perhaps, someone might even erect a statue of him.
Only, Meng Yanxing still had unease in his heart, feeling that this matter wouldn’t be as simple as the Emperor said. He opened his mouth and said, “May Your Majesty allow this humble commoner some time, to let this commoner consider it further.”
“The teachings of Confucius prevail across the land, and Tutor Meng, you have students all over the world. Now you have founded a new school of thought and written this book Male Virtue (《男德》), a thousand years from now, it might not be impossible for there to be Meng Studies (孟学).” Seeing Meng Yanxing’s expression growing more hesitant, Meng Fu knew she had said enough, and changed the direction of her words, saying, “Fine, since Tutor Meng still wants to consider it…”
She was still speaking when Gao Xi walked in from outside with small quick steps. Meng Fu stopped speaking and asked Gao Xi, “What is the matter?”
Gao Xi came over, bowed, and said, “Reporting to Your Majesty, Lord Liu has written another piece and presented it, requesting Your Majesty to read it.”
Meng Yanxing, kneeling on the ground, perked up his ears and listened attentively. He intuitively felt that the article presented by Gao Xi was related to the Male Virtue that His Majesty wanted him to write. Only, there were many officials surnamed Liu in court. Which Lord Liu was the Emperor referring to?
Meng Fu had only called a few officials and scholars after court, asking them to write a book meant to enlighten young children, ideally integrating arithmetic with daily life, so that readers could come to recognize themselves. This book was mainly for the Ninth Prince, so Meng Fu had instructed them not to mention the matter to outsiders.
However, Meng Fu also said that if the writing was good, it would be included in the Grand Canon (大典) and later printed and spread among the people. Upon hearing this, the officials indeed showed great enthusiasm, and in just a short time, Liu Changlan had already written two essays.
Taking in all the changes in Meng Yanxing’s expression, Meng Fu said, “There is indeed some improvement compared to the previous one, but it’s still lacking some fire. I feel Liu Changlan’s writing style is not as good as in the past, but it wins in sincerity of emotion. We’ll keep this one for now.”
So it was the Attendant Censor Liu Changlan. Meng Yanxing was slightly shocked—Liu Changlan would actually compete to write this kind of thing?
Gao Xi responded and carefully placed that essay into a box to the side.
Meng Fu said to Meng Yanxing, “Then I shall give Meng daren half a day to consider. Reply to me tomorrow morning. I hope Meng xiansheng can think it through clearly. Moreover, I do not want too many people to know about this matter. If others ask, Meng daren can simply say it is to write a book for me. Gao Xi, have someone escort Tutor Meng out.”
Meng Yanxing, full of thoughts, walked out of the palace. On the road, he encountered Minister of Rites Zhang Songzhi and Censor Gu Shuixiang. These two were sighing repeatedly, lamenting that His Majesty’s demands were too high—what they had written could not even enter the Emperor’s eyes.
Meng Yanxing subconsciously assumed they were talking about Male Virtue (Nan De). These two were both renowned talents in the world, especially that Zhang Songzhi, who had been the zhuangyuan [top scorer in the imperial exam] in the third year of Wen Kang; his literary talent was excellent. They were actually willing to write a Male Virtue based on Nü Jie for His Majesty?
Meng Yanxing increasingly felt he could not understand this world anymore.
He walked over and exchanged pleasantries with these two former colleagues. When the conversation was about done, Gu Shuixiang asked him why the Emperor had summoned him to the palace.
Meng Yanxing said, “His Majesty wants me to write a book.”
As soon as Meng Yanxing’s words fell, the two across from him immediately showed expressions of “I understand, I understand.”
Gu Shuixiang nodded and said, “I guessed it was that. But His Majesty does not allow us to discuss this matter in private.”
Since it concerned the Ninth Prince, it also touched on the dignity of the royal family. His Majesty’s request was understandable to all of them.
Meng Yanxing felt it was also understandable. What was there to discuss in private about a Male Virtue anyway?
He sighed lightly and couldn’t help but say, “His Majesty wants to hand this matter over to me, but I still haven’t decided whether to write it.”
Zhang Songzhi said in surprise, “Such a good thing, and Brother Meng you still hesitate?”
Could this old fellow Meng Yanxing have come over specifically to show off in front of them?
Gu Shuixiang followed up, “Exactly, didn’t His Majesty tell you that if the book is written well, it will be included in the Grand Canon?”
Meng Yanxing sighed and said, “He did say that. It’s just that once this book is written, it will definitely suffer a round of criticisms.”
Gu Shuixiang was slightly stunned — writing an enlightenment book [elementary instructional book] for young children would also be criticized? This enlightenment book was indeed very different from those in the past, and it was possible that some people would not be able to accept it. Meng Yanxing had already resigned from office for many years, yet he still acted so cautiously — no wonder he was valued by the late emperor. As for himself, he was still far from that level of cultivation. Gu Shuixiang thought for a moment, then said, “There might be somel after all, no one has written this kind of thing before. But what of it? Though a junzi is cautious even when alone [君子慎独 — a phrase from Confucian ethics meaning a gentleman behaves properly even without anyone watching], Brother Meng, aren’t you being a little too cautious? Opportunities like this don’t come by often.”
Meng Yanxing had served as Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, and in terms of how to educate princes, he had the richest experience. No wonder His Majesty would entrust this task to him. Gu Shuixiang felt a bit jealous in his heart but could understand. He continued to advise, “Brother Meng, you ought to be very good at writing this kind of article. I wouldn’t be able to. Even if I pour out all the ink in my belly, I still wouldn’t be able to come up with one piece.”
Meng Yanxing was very puzzled — was he really good at writing Male Virtue? Where did Gu Shuixiang see that?
He really didn’t know for a moment whether he should be happy or angry.
He looked carefully at Gu Shuixiang. Gu Shuixiang’s expression was sincere, not like he was faking it. He really believed it.
Gu Shuixiang lowered his voice and secretly asked Meng Yanxing: “Could it be that you still have feelings for His Majesty…”
Because there were people around, Gu Shuixiang did not dare make his meaning too obvious. Meng Yanxing decisively shook his head.
“Then why are you unwilling? The Ninth Prince’s age is also—”
The eunuch who was escorting Meng Yanxing out of the palace gave a cough. Gu Shuixiang realized he had misspoken and quickly shut his mouth, not daring to mention the Ninth Prince again.
Meng Yanxing only heard Gu Shuixiang say the Ninth Prince, and thought — this Ninth Prince is at such a young age and already has to start studying Male Virtue? It seems His Majesty is truly determined to carry this matter out.
Zhang Songzhi had been listening for a while and felt that Meng Yanxing had become even more pretentious than before. He couldn’t help but say in a sarcastic and mocking tone: “Enough, enough, if Brother Meng doesn’t want to, don’t force it. Brother Meng has always been one who writes saintly and virtuous essays — how could he be willing to write this kind of thing.”
Meng Yanxing naturally could hear the acidity in Zhang Songzhi’s tone. He couldn’t help but fall into self-doubt again. Could it really be that he was overthinking things? Since ancient times, those who achieved great deeds did not fuss over minor matters. If just enduring a bit of slander could exchange for the opportunity to leave one’s name in the annals of history — and could even lead the Meng family to a glory he never dared dream of — then this truly was not a bad deal.
None of the three said anything more. Not long after, they left the palace and went their separate ways, each returning to his own home.
The young eunuch who had been following Meng Yanxing returned to the palace immediately after sending him back to the Meng residence and recounted word for word everything he had heard along the way to Meng Fu. Meng Fu nodded. She knew this matter was now ninety percent settled.
And when Meng Yanxing returned to the Meng residence, Madam Meng saw that his expression was gloomy and would definitely ask what had happened. Afterward, Meng Yanxing would speak to her about their conversation, half concealed and half revealed. Madam Meng and Meng Yu wouldn’t think too much and would definitely urge Meng Yanxing to agree.
With multiple sides pushing forward, this matter would then be ten out of ten settled — Meng Yanxing absolutely could not refuse anymore. Tomorrow morning, he would come to the palace and agree to write Male Virtue.
Meng Fu knew clearly — His Majesty didn’t really want to promote Male Virtue; she just wanted to use the Male Virtue book as a way to ban Nü Jie. Her father, in the end, might have to bear the anger of some people. But since it was His Majesty who raised the matter, those people would not dare go too far — at most, it would just be some verbal nitpicking. By then, Meng Yanxing would know how to handle it.
As for how the world would judge this matter in years to come, who could say?
In short, this whole thing was a setup for Meng Yanxing. Yet Meng Fu did not feel a bit of guilt in her heart — not even the slightest sympathy. As if, once you peeled away the layer of “His Majesty” from the matter, it had absolutely nothing to do with her.
Meng Fu knew she was naturally cold and indifferent. Or maybe it wasn’t that she was cold — it was just that they never needed her to have too many emotions.
As expected by Meng Fu, early the next morning, Meng Yanxing came to the palace. He knelt and said, “Your Majesty, this humble commoner is willing to write the book Male Virtue for Your Majesty.”
Meng Fu was very pleased, and let Eunuch Gao help Meng Yanxing up and grant him a seat. Once Meng Yanxing sat down, Meng Fu immediately put a high hat on him [flattery or praise], saying: “I know Meng-xiansheng has great talent. The Male Virtue you write will surely not disappoint me.”