Guo Youzhi returned the favor, moved his seat to make way for half of the straw mat, and invited Fei Yi to come and sit with him, and then asked, "I wonder if Brother Fei supports New Learning or Old Learning?"
Both the government and the public refer to this debate as the debate between Old and New Learning Dispute, Reformists and Conservatives.
"I naturally support Imperial Academy,"
Fei Yi said without hesitation, "For people like us who come from humble backgrounds, being recommended is undoubtedly as difficult as reaching the sky. Imperial Academy is the only way out."
"Furthermore, New Learning of the Imperial Academy is not like Hongdu School, who learns useless skills such as calligraphy, painting and calligraphy. Imperial Academy Four Great New Learning is beneficial to the country and goes straight to the root of governing the country. I came to Chang'an this time just to study at the Imperial Academy."
Guo Youzhi's eyes lit up when he heard this, and he said happily, "I didn't expect that brother Wenwei and I have the same views. I also have plans to study at the Imperial Academy this time."
"I just heard that the entrance exam is quite difficult, but I don't know if I can pass it."
Fei Yi smiled and said, "Just do your best. Since you and I are planning to study at the Imperial Academy, why don't we just be our companions?"
"Good!"
Guo Youzhi happily agreed, and then asked, "Brother Wenwei, who do you think will win this debate?"
Fei Yi thought for a while and said, "It's hard to say. Each has its own advantages. We can't make a conclusion yet."
"But I think...Imperial Academy is more likely to win."
Although the education he received since childhood was Confucianism, he also knew that the traditional Confucianism had its limitations.
There is no problem in educating the world and persuading people to do good, but what Son of Heaven wants today is to strengthen the country, which Confucianism cannot do.
What's more, the winner of this debate will eventually become the mainstream doctrine taught to countless students. This is the foundation for eternity, so of course we should be more cautious.
"Why does brother Wenwei say that?"
After listening to Fei Yi's words, Guo Youzhi asked.
Fei Yi was not ambiguous and said directly, ""I, Great Han's emperor Your Majesty, is a monarch who pays great attention to hard work."
"Jian'an Machine, Jian'an Plow, Foundry Bureau, Imperial Academy, all demonstrate this. Otherwise, Old and New Learning Dispute won't be able to win."
"With Your Majesty behind us, we have a great chance of winning."
To be fair, Son of Heaven has never mentioned which theory he prefers, but Son of Heaven's various actions in recent years all show that he pays more attention to practical work than empty talk.
"Of course, Confucianism's side doesn't necessarily lose. After all, what people want for so many years... and the implications are huge."
"Anyway, let's see who can win the argument."
Fei Yi made a summary.
Guo Youzhi heard this and felt thoughtful in his heart.
At this moment, there were commotions and some shouts of surprise from the crowd around them.
"Coming, coming! Guo Jijiu and Zhuge Zhongshu are coming!"
Guo Youzhi and Fei Yi raised their heads after hearing this and looked in the direction of the commotion. Then he saw four scribes coming to the debate venue under the protection of soldiers maintaining order.
The two leaders looked young, but they were both very handsome. One of them was holding Feather Fan in his hand, looking very elegant.
Of the two people at the back, one is thin and capable. Although he is wearing a long gown, he can't hide his knight-errant temperament; the other is ugly in appearance and has an arrogant expression.
These four people are Guo Jia, Zhuge Liang, Xu Shu and Pang Tong!
"That's Guo Fengxiao? Lingyun Pavilion's number one hero, the first of Grand Secretariat Academician, one of Three Excellencies, Imperial Academy's wine sacrifice... so young!"
Guo Youzhi exclaimed, his eyes full of admiration and yearning.
The deeds of Guo Jia can be said to be quite legendary. He got acquainted with Son of Heaven in times of adversity, secretly helped Son of Heaven escape from the control of Yuan Shao, and finally reversed the situation and defeated Yuan Shao Unification of the North.
However, after going through so many things and becoming the number one Civil Officials, looking back, I was only in my early thirties.
This is really a role model for them Impoverished Scholars.
The arrival of Guo Jia caused a great shock, and many scholars stood up to salute him.
Today's Debate Conference, many people came here for Guo Jia, just to admire the grace of the leader of Grand Secretariat Academician.
Guo Jia kept smiling and greeting the scholars on both sides, and then led Zhuge Liang and others through the crowd to meet Jia Xu and others.
"You are worthy of being the leader of Civil Officials. We cannot envy you such majesty and pomp."
Jia Xu was as weird as ever, and Lu Su, Fa Zheng and others behind him couldn't help laughing when they heard this.
The popularity of Guo Jia is indeed ridiculous, but after all, he is the representative of Sons of Humble Families who has reached the top, so it is normal for him to be welcomed and admired by scholars.
"Mr. Zheng, haven't they arrived yet?"
Guo Jia is already accustomed to Jia Xu's yin and yang, so he doesn't feel anything at all, so he just asked.
Zheng Xuan The venue over there is still empty.
However, Cui Yan and all the aristocratic families Clan Head have arrived. They are all waiting somewhere and looking over here.
Seeing Guo Jia, they all looked back.
Fa Zheng said, "It's probably almost there, just waiting... but having said that, there are really a lot of people today."
"I have never seen such a grand event in the literary world."
Looking around, I am afraid that there are no less than two thousand scholars and scholars gathered here. It is not an exaggeration to say that it is a huge crowd.
From ancient times to the present, there has almost never been such a lively scene in the literary world!
This Debate Conference will definitely go down in history.
Guo Jia smiled bitterly and said, "The more this happens, the more pressure I feel. I really can't afford to lose in front of the world's scholars."
This Debate Conference is actually a huge gamble by both parties, because the ostentation is too great and the impact is huge. The outcome will determine the mainstream theory in the future.
Before anyone else could speak, Lü Bu shouted, "Why are you saying such depressing words? You also accompanied Your Majesty all the way. There are so many people watching. Be alert and don't lose your position."
"If you really can't argue, you can throw a cup and I, the general, will go up and behead that Old Thief."
"No matter how high you are, you dare to oppose Your Majesty - ugh!"
Before Lü Bu finished speaking, Chen Gong covered his mouth with a black face and cursed, "Shut up!"
Military Generals is not well-liked in the first place, so he just came to attend such a grand gathering in the literary world. Yet he still dares to speak nonsense, for fear of not attracting any hatred?
Guo Jia burst out laughing when he saw this. After Lü Bu made such a gag, the pressure in his heart was relieved a lot.
"It's just a mere argument, what's the point?"
"Just watch my performance later!"
Pang Tong said with an arrogant face, not taking the other party seriously at all - he has always had this kind of personality that relies on his talents and arrogance.
Sima Yi glanced at him and said calmly, "I'm not afraid of the wind blowing my tongue. I really don't know why Your Majesty allowed you to participate in the debate."
He doesn't like Pang Tong. He had an unpleasant experience with Pang Tong when he went to rescue Jing Province. He couldn't stand Pang Tong's arrogant look.
"Your Majesty has a sharp eye, how can you understand it? Why Your Majesty chose me instead of you, you really don't know why?"
Pang Tong retorted directly, without any intention of backing down because of Sima Yi's identity.
Sima Yi looked stagnant and remained silent.
After hearing that Zhuge Liang was participating in Debate Conference, he originally wanted to apply to Son of Heaven to participate, but his family was firmly opposed.
Sima Clan is also a wealthy team, so siding with the Imperial Academy will do no good to the Sima Clan.
In addition, Son of Heaven had no intention of choosing him, so he did not take the initiative to apply.
"Shiyuan!"
Xu Shu pulled Pang Tong's sleeve, feeling very worried. After all, Sima Yi is one of the important ministers of the court, Grand Secretariat Academician.
The two of them first joined Imperial Court. Although they were appreciated by Son of Heaven, they had no foundation. They offended Sima Yi and would only have difficulty in Imperial Court in the future.
Pang Tong also took it easy and did not continue to have a bad mouth.
At this moment, there was another commotion from the crowd. Everyone looked over and saw four old men in Confucian robes walking towards the center of the debate room.
These four people were followed by many Confucian scholars. When the Confucian scholars in the debate room saw them, they all became excited.
"It's Mr. Zheng Kangcheng!"
"There are also Lord Hua, Lord Bing, and Mr. Wang!"
"They are all great Confucian of this generation!"
"Why don't you see Guan You'an? Isn't he friends with Hua Ziyu and Bing Genju, collectively called One Dragon?"
"I don't know, I heard that Mr. Guan supports Imperial Academy's New Learning, so he refuses to participate in this debate."
"It doesn't matter, with these four great Confucian, we will definitely win this time!"
All the Confucian scholars were talking about it.
Chapter 508 Guo Jia versus Zheng Xuan! On the disadvantages of Confucianism and Legalism!
It was very rare to see four great Confucians gather together in the past, especially Zheng Xuan, who is now the well-deserved number one great Confucian in the world.
It is no exaggeration to say that almost all the scholars present have read his works, and in later generations they will be the compilers of textbooks.
One can imagine his great influence and high status in the literary world.
After seeing Zheng Xuan arriving, many officials present stood up and went to salute and greet him. Even Guo Jia and others also took the initiative to greet him.
Although they are opponents in the debate today, Zheng Xuan must still be given enough respect and the due etiquette must not be lost.
"Mr. Zheng."
Guo Jia bowed his hands to Zheng Xuan.
Zheng Xuan nodded slightly and said, "I am old and my legs and feet are not very convenient, so I came a little late, which kept Grand Minister over the Masses and you all waiting for a long time."
Guo Jia smiled and said, "Where is the old gentleman? I've just arrived, so I can't wait for a long time."
"The younger generation has heard of the old man's name for a long time, and the younger generation has read all of his works, and it can be said that they have benefited a lot from it."
After hearing Guo Jia's compliment, a voice suddenly sounded out, "I don't think so."
"Since I have read Mr. Zheng's works, why does Minister over the Masses Guo abandon Confucianism and Legalism and advocate New Learning?"
"Isn't this an act of forgetting one's ancestors?"