"Your Majesty, the other day you said that Supreme Mystery derived from the Book of Changes, turning two into three: Heaven, earth, and humanity. I disagree. Supreme Mystery speaks of nine, expounds on nine, and emphasizes nine... where does turning two into three come into it?"
Ji Kang sat beside Cao Mao, looked him straight in the eyes, and began debating.
Cao Mao hastily lowered his head and said earnestly, "I truly dare not debate you."
"This is no debate. I am merely asking Your Majesty for instruction!"
No matter how Cao Mao declined, Ji Kang latched onto him and refused to let go, determined to get a clear answer.
Sima Yan procured some wine, and everyone began drinking freely, discussing Classical Studies as they drank. Zhong Hui was himself a leading figure in Xuanxue, and in the presence of so many eminent scholars, he was all the more eager to display his learning.
For some reason, Lü An also sought out Zhong Hui and began debating passionately with him. Lü An was not particularly well versed in the classics, falling far short of Ji Kang, Ruan Ji, and the others.
Against Zhong Hui, he could only suffer a one-sided thrashing, but he refused to concede, growing bolder with every defeat.
Far from getting angry, Zhong Hui was delighted. He held on to Lü An and launched into an endless stream of explanations.
"Your Majesty, Supreme Mystery says humanity has nine grades, Heaven has nine layers! Earth has nine levels! Kinship has nine clans!"
Ji Kang spoke loudly, then suddenly lowered his voice.
"My learning ranks lowest, yet I am willing to die for Your Majesty."
Cao Mao blinked.
"Shuye! Speaking of nine means a cycle, whereas three means progression. The two are different!"
"I have a letter. Please deliver