Behind the Scenes, Forging the Legalist Canon

Although the Hanlin Academy's Hanlin Academician were the heads of the academy, they generally did not have the time or energy to handle the affairs of the Hanlin Academy. Therefore, the actual management of the academy was handled by the Subordinate Fifth Rank Academician Reader-in-Attendance and Academician Lecturer-in-Attendance.

In theory, there should be two people for each of these two positions, for a total of four. However, nowadays, there is only one person for both the Academician Reader-in-Attendance and the Academician Lecturer-in-Attendance.

The Academician Reader-in-Attendance was Han Bian, who gave the impression of being kind and approachable, while the Academician Lecturer-in-Attendance was Yang She, who gave the impression of being serious and unsmiling.

These two individuals have been managing the Hanlin Academy for so long that few people remember who managed Hanlin Academy before them.

Before Qiu Yan arrived at the Hanlin Academy, Han Bian and Yang She had already taken up the positions of two Grand Secretaries, one in charge of daily affairs and the other in charge of specific tasks.

After Qiu Yan took office, almost everyone in the courtyard instilled this concept in him—

Do not displease Attendant Yang, or you will be in trouble.

It is evident that in the eyes of those in the courtyard, Yang She was more imposing and intimidating, and no one dared to act recklessly in his presence.

"But who could have imagined that this dignified and rigid Academician Lecturer-in-Attendance was not acting out of his true nature, but rather a personality artificially created by others, a puppet of one person, making it difficult for others to discover who the real master was?"

As he said this, Qiu Yan stopped looking at Yang She, who was screaming in agony. Instead, he swept his sleeve, and a gentle force enveloped Yang She and penetrated into his body, soothing his soul.

A moment later, Yang She calmed down and fell fast asleep.

A voice came from outside the door--

"Mr. Qiu, you have such good insight. You've seen through the Origin Source of this Bamboo-Slip Fortune Concealment matter. Even my Inverted Words, Reversed Deeds couldn't escape your eyes. But I wonder, when did you discover that there was someone else hiding behind Yang She?" Then, Han Bian, with a smile on his face, slowly walked into the room.

His movements were devoid of any worldly air; the flick of his sleeves exuded the elegance of a scholar. Yet, the moment he stepped into the room, the oppressive atmosphere that had dissipated returned, enveloping the surrounding area.

Han Bian's actions and expressions were slightly different from before, appearing more elusive, and his overall aura seemed to have undergone a subtle transformation.

"If Yang She truly the mastermind behind everything, orchestrating events in the Imperial City, interfering repeatedly, establishing inns to gather the Fortune of passing examinees, and even harboring scholars to thoroughly examine ancient and modern texts, then his involvement in numerous events behind closed doors, with a hidden presence behind almost every single one, is simply too bizarre. Someone with such insight and skill would act so ostentatiously, leaving many flaws, and even failing to detect the Hundred Schools Aura."

Looking at the newcomer, Qiu Yan showed no surprise, but said with a sigh, "Yang She must have had his own ideals and ambitions, but you, Scholar Han, have instilled your own thoughts, ideas, and temperament into him. Unknowingly, he has become a tool of others, which is truly lamentable. But in essence, what he did, he thought, came from his own will, but in reality, he was nothing more than a puppet on strings, manipulated by everyone."

Han Bian shook his head and said, "Sir, you are mistaken. In this world, a person should have aspirations. Whether it is seeking a teacher or studying, it is all about being influenced by the thoughts of others. A person is like a blank sheet of paper at the beginning, and their nature is inherently evil. Only by transforming their nature and Transforming Nature and Developing Artifice can they become a human being. Otherwise, they are just a beast. In this process, they are being transformed and changed by others. It is a long and gradual process. What I am doing may seem radical, but it is actually following this path, only a little faster."

As he spoke, he glanced at the sleeping Yang She and smiled, "For Yang She, all of this is his true desire and hope, so what is there to lament? Mr. Qiu hasn't seen through these things yet. Well then, since we're here, let's have a discussion. I heard that the Emperor has bestowed upon you the title of Doctor of the Imperial Academy. This title is excellent. I've been scheming here for many years without success, and this fortuitous opportunity will fall into your lap."

"Oh? Judging from your tone, you want me to follow in Yang She's footsteps and become your puppet?" Qiu Yan's expression remained unchanged as he quietly looked at Han Bian, uttering words of surprise, but his face showed no trace of astonishment.

"How can you call them puppets? If you accept my teachings, then we are colleagues and fellow students, pursuing the righteous path together. How can you be called puppets?" Han Bian showed a hint of surprise, as if he was truly stunned by Qiu Yan's words.

Qiu Yan said no more, shook his head, and took a step. As his foot landed, the entire pavilion seemed to shake, but the surrounding bookshelves remained completely still. It seemed that only human perception was affected.

Han Bian's expression changed slightly, then he shook his head. "The Way of Knowledge and Action is truly profound. Knowledge can lead to action, and action can distort perception. Even if it is not placed in the Divine Ability of doctrine, but in the realm of supernatural powers, it is a rare method. No wonder the Central Plains Daoist Sect attaches such importance to your two classic texts. They have coveted them several times in recent days, and although they have been repelled one after another, they are still persistent. There are even rumors that your classic texts contain unparalleled divine skills!"

As he spoke, his eyes were fixed on Qiu Yan, as if trying to find something on Qiu Yan's face.

But Qiu Yan continued to walk, step by step, causing the two to feel a continuous shaking and tremor, as if an earthquake had struck. Yet the entire building remained unharmed. The oppressive feeling that permeated everywhere was shattered by the tremors, scattering like glass. But before it hit the ground, it was driven by an invisible Literary Thought, rushing towards Han Bian!

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

Those suppressed fragments, like sharp blades, whistled past, seemingly intent on piercing several holes in Han Bian's body.

However, it was ultimately just a feeling of oppression, the source of which was Han Bian's Legalist School thought. It was heavy and solemn, with a kind of oppressive feeling on ordinary people's minds. Driven by Qiu Yan's Literary Thought, it flew back quickly, but before it could touch Han Bian's clothes, it was blocked by a black Literary Thought and disappeared silently.

"Mr. Qiu, are you determined to be my enemy? Fine, I, Han, am not afraid. To be honest, I have been stationed in the Hanlin Academy for many years, reading extensively, and I have not been without gain!" As soon as he finished speaking, Hundred Schools Aura immediately emanated from behind Han Bian! They were none other than the three Hundred Schools Aura!

"My book, 'The Jun Tong Shu Yu,' has never truly been published. Today, let's compare it with your two classic works. Both of our doctrines originated from the ideas of our predecessors, and in fact, we were influenced by the thoughts of others, giving rise to our own pursuits. Now, by comparing and verifying them, we can distinguish between them. One can use the other as nourishment to grow stronger and then spread throughout the world!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a phantom book flew out from above Han Bian's head, quickly solidified, and the cover revealed the four characters Jun Tong Shu Yu), which merged with the three Hundred Schools Aura and rapidly expanded.

Within the halo of light, the scene shifted, revealing groups of students within the Imperial Academy, slowly expanding within the room until they were about to envelop Qiu Yan.

At this moment, Han Bian continued, "Mr. Qiu, you Divine Ability and have a powerful background. If you wish to suppress me, that would be simple. But I wonder if you dare to debate with me? Although I am not well-known in this world, I am confident that this classic text contains a bit of the essence of Legalist School and is second to none. If you can win, I will give it all to you!"

As they spoke, and the halo spread, several faint lines of Order flickered and pulsed between heaven and earth!

"Oh?" Qiu Yan felt something. His perception was momentarily dazed, and he vaguely saw the Chaotic Thunder deep in the starry sky. He immediately knew that this Han Bian was actually a person who had merged with several Order!

"You say that, first you used those words to put me down, and now you use this book to tempt me, trying to get me to discuss the Dao with you. That's not entirely impossible," Qiu Yan smiled, then changed the subject, "But this matter is not up to you to decide! Nor can it be led by you! Since I, Qiu, am here, how we discuss the Dao is not for you to arrange!"

Han Bian's expression finally changed significantly, but before he could react, three clear halos suddenly rose behind Qiu Yan, accompanied by a fourth blurry light, which Han Bian with surging momentum.

Han Bian's three halos of light were immediately suppressed, and the scene of the Imperial Academy within them trembled as if it might shatter at any moment! At the same time, deep within the suppressed halos, gurgling Literary Thought burst forth, but these Literary Thought were also somewhat unpredictable, possessing a flavor of being able to restrain and control the mind with an invisible force!

Feeling the heavy pressure falling on him, Han Bian narrowed his eyes slightly, a cold glint flashing deep within them, and then said, "Very well, let's begin our discussion of the Dao from this moment on..." As soon as he finished speaking, a series of "poof" sounds came from the surrounding bookshelves, and Fortune gathered, causing the scene of the Imperial Academy to suddenly expand, as if it had stepped out of an illusion and landed around it, abruptly changing the entire landscape of the Book Pavilion!

The next moment, Han Bian and Qiu Yan appeared as if they had arrived at the Imperial Academy. Dressed in loose robes and with long, flowing beards, they became two lecturers in a spacious classroom with rows of desks and chairs, where several distinguished students sat.

These students are all imbued with Fortune.

Being able to enter the Imperial Academy is a sign of extraordinary Fortune. Luck nourishes a person, and it will naturally manifest in one's spirit and energy, even if it is just an illusion.

However, the students' expressions revealed something unusual—anxiety, tension, and resentment—and their eyes were fixed on Han Bian.

At this moment, Han Bian stepped forward, raised his arms, and shouted, "The rise and fall of the nation is the responsibility of every citizen! You are all talented individuals of the country, and it is your duty to step forward, set an example for the people, punish the treacherous officials, and cleanse the court of corrupt ministers! What is there to fear in sacrificing yourselves!"

These words, mixed with a touch of Legalist School Mind Arts, spread and resonated in the minds of the students, instantly stirring their emotions. They rose to their feet and shouted, "Execute the treacherous minister! Cleanse the court of corrupt officials! Execute the wicked minister Qiu Yan!" (To be continued...)

P. S.: Finished at midnight!

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