After the emperor's edict went out, Luoyang... showed little reaction.
Ultimately, those who truly held power would never think of going into seclusion.
After Xuanxue arose, some frustrated men of renown began promoting such ideas. It would take another forty years before even those in power began living as recluses within the Imperial Court.
But in Cao Mao's time, matters had not yet deteriorated to that extent.
Rather than the emperor's punishment of these recluses, everyone cared more about Official Learning.
That was the major issue affecting their interests.
It became the hottest topic in Luoyang.
Yet Cao Mao paid no heed to their thoughts and began implementing it directly!
For a time, numerous departments of Great Wei bustled with activity. Ji Kang became Cao Mao's public representative for Classical Studies, and large numbers of literati well versed in Wang Learning were promoted to Erudites of Classics Study, charged with continuing the research.
Meanwhile, the prevailing wind within the Imperial Academy also shifted, and Wang Learning gradually began to account for the largest share.
The entire dynasty came under the canopy of a new doctrine, with the Three Ages Theory and the Nine Eulogies becoming the principal subjects of research.
Cao Mao devoted all his energy to learning.
He first visited the Imperial Academy, personally inviting Wang Su there to lecture on Classical Studies and listening alongside the students.
Then he gathered men of renown, personally taking part in debates and composing essays.
Since the emperor favored Wang Learning, the ministers and officials naturally followed suit. Wang Learning overtook its predecessors, and for a time, essays poured forth, with all manner of research on the subject continually emerging.
But all this was confined to the Central Plains. Around the borders of Great Wei, more important matters remained.
Chang'an.
Wrapped