Though Gongyang Confucianism was fierce and forceful, this savage beast still had a chain around its neck.
And that chain was the ritual order of the time.
"Vengeance shall fall upon the killer alone" meant that vengeance had only one target; the killer's family and descendants must not be implicated.
"In taking vengeance, do not root out future threats. Friends should defend one another, but not strike first on another's behalf. Such was the way of antiquity."
Lin Ke finished reciting the last passage he knew.
"Young Master Chen, what does this mean?" the Middle-Aged Daoist asked.
Lin Ke replied, "Vengeance should target the enemy alone. You must not wipe out his son as well merely because you fear the son might harm you in the future. You should help your friend take revenge, but not rush ahead to stab his enemy for him. Let your friend strike the blow."
"That is what it means to say, 'In taking vengeance, do not root out future threats. Friends should defend one another, but not strike first on another's behalf.'"
"I see." Looking thoroughly enlightened, the Middle-Aged Daoist offered a formal Daoist salute. "Thank you for your guidance. This humble Daoist has learned much."
Gao Yan sighed in admiration. "Brother Chen's learning is vast. We cannot compare." He had just been feeling pleased with the depth of his literary qi, but now that pride had vanished.
Wu Jun looked envious. "So Brother Chen has actually read the Book of Rites, the Analects, and the Gongyang Commentary. Your family must have a profound scholarly heritage."
"Only rubbings." Lin Ke cupped his hands. "Books are easy to access in the Capital City. Soon, the whole world will welcome a golden age of books."
Before he arrived, knowledge had been monopolized by powerful aristocratic families,