met free Chapter 164 Cultural Discussion
Chapter 164 Cultural Discussion
At night, the academy was brightly lit, like a dazzling temple of knowledge. The bright lanterns hanging high above, like stars in the night sky, illuminated the entire academy as bright as day. However, beneath this bright light, a tense and intense undercurrent of thought surged, like an invisible storm about to sweep over.
Inside the academy, scholars gathered, the originally peaceful and harmonious atmosphere ruthlessly shattered by a heated debate. Desks were neatly arranged, piled high with books and writing materials. The scholars sat around them, each with a serious expression, their gazes revealing a dedication to truth and a firm adherence to their views.
"Traditional culture has been passed down for millennia, and women should follow the old rules. The so-called awakening is a blasphemy against our ancestral wisdom!" a senior scholar declared righteously. His graying beard trembled slightly, as if bearing the weight of time and tradition. His gaze was as firm as a rock, as if he upheld an unshakable truth. His expression was so solemn it seemed to freeze one's heart. He scoffed at the idea of women's awakening, his tone brooking no room for questioning. "Since ancient times, women have been considered virtuous, and their duty is to support their husbands and raise children. Talking about awakening now is like subverting the world and disrupting the order of things!" He spoke, rapping his folding fan against the tabletop, making a clattering sound.
"Times are changing, and the emergence of new ideas is an inevitable part of social progress. Women's awakening is a pursuit of equality and justice; how can it be seen as a betrayal of tradition?" a young scholar stepped forward, his words fervent. His face flushed crimson, and veins throbbing on his forehead seemed to be an outward manifestation of his inner passion. He retorted unflinchingly, his determined eyes burning with a blazing fire. "Today's society is rapidly changing, and women are equally talented and capable. Why can't they pursue self-realization? Awakening isn't a betrayal, but a complement and development of tradition!" He waved his arms excitedly, as if to deeply imprint his views on the crowd.
New ideas and old notions clashed fiercely here, sparks flying. Each side held its own, refusing to yield, the arguments rising and falling, each wave surging higher and higher. The entire academy seemed like a smoke-filled battlefield, the tense atmosphere almost suffocating.
At the same time, serious disagreements arose within the academy due to differences in academic viewpoints.
"Neo-Confucianism emphasizes moral norms and order, which are the cornerstones of social stability and cannot be easily shaken," argued a scholar with years of Neo-Confucianism. His brow furrowed, his hands waving incessantly, trying to reinforce his point. "Heavenly principles exist within all things. Humans should follow them, restrain themselves, and return to propriety. Only then can we maintain social harmony and peace." His voice was steady and powerful, his eyes revealing his unwavering faith in Neo-Confucianism.
"The School of Mind emphasizes individual inner experience and conscience, which are the key to human liberation." Another scholar who supported the School of Mind was undeterred. He stood tall, his eyes piercing, his voice resonant like a bell, each word ringing with force. "Conscience is inherent in the human heart. As long as we act according to our conscience, we can achieve the highest moral standards." His eyes were firm, as if the truth of the School of Mind burned a blazing flame within him.
The deadlock between the various viewpoints escalated, and the atmosphere within the academy grew increasingly tense. Some scholars, faces flushed, argued loudly, their voices threatening to break through the roof; others bowed their heads in thought, silently weighing their options, their brushes moving mindlessly across the paper; still others paced back and forth anxiously, their anxiety evident, mumbling to themselves, their words incoherent.
Concubine Su learned about the situation of the academy and decided to organize a cultural exchange conference.
She meticulously planned and oversaw every detail, from the guest list to the venue's layout. She invited not only celebrities, learned scholars, and esteemed Confucian scholars, but also elites from diverse fields, bringing together distinguished individuals from all walks of life. The exquisite invitations sent from the palace were like white doves carrying hope and wisdom.
At the start of the assembly, Imperial Concubine Su sat at the head of the table, her gaze calm and profound, like a bottomless lake. She wore a magnificent palace dress, embroidered with a lifelike phoenix, seemingly poised to soar at any moment. The pearls and jadeite on her head shimmered softly in the light, illuminating her dignified and beautiful features.
"I have invited you all to gather here tonight to discuss the principles of culture, seek common ground while reserving differences, and promote the renewal of cultural concepts." Concubine Su's voice was gentle yet powerful, like a spring breeze caressing everyone's hearts, yet it carried an irresistible majesty. Her eyes slowly swept over everyone present, filled with expectation and encouragement.
The debate immediately began, with celebrities from all sides expressing their views.
The old scholar, a staunch advocate of traditional culture, spoke first: "Traditional culture is the foundation of our nation. Women's awakening violates moral principles and will inevitably lead to chaos. Our ancestral laws cannot be changed. Women should uphold the code of conduct for women, supporting their husbands and raising their children. This is the natural order!" He slammed the table with such force that the teacups on it wobbled slightly, spilling tea and soaking the surface. "If women are allowed to awaken and expose themselves to the world, social order will be utterly disrupted, and ethics and morality will be completely destroyed!" His voice trembled, as if he were witnessing a terrifying apocalyptic vision.
The young scholar immediately responded, "Society is developing rapidly, and women's awakening is an inevitable trend. It's a respect for human nature. If we cling to the old ways, how can our country progress? How can we keep pace with the times? We can't be bound by old ideas, but must bravely embrace new ones!" He excitedly clenched his fists, leaned forward, his eyes filled with eagerness and desire. "Women's awakening isn't about subverting everything, but about contributing more to social development on the basis of seeking equality and justice."
Scholars supporting different academic viewpoints also delivered brilliant arguments, exchanging sharp arguments with each other. They quoted from classics and cited a wide range of sources, covering everything from ancient texts to current social phenomena, from philosophical thinking to practical applications.
"The Analects of Confucius says: 'To restrain oneself and return to propriety is benevolence.' This is an eternal truth and the core of Neo-Confucianism," a Neo-Confucianism supporter said loudly.
"However, Mr. Yangming's theory of 'reaching the conscience' is the best medicine to solve the confusion in people's hearts at present." Supporters of the School of Mind did not give in.
"A woman's awakening should be based on traditional virtues and should not go beyond the norm."
"No, women should also have the right to autonomy so that they can display their talents."
The debate reached a fever pitch, with heated exchanges of views and high spirits. Some scholars, thirsty from their speeches, would gulp down their teacups and continue their impassioned speeches. Others, flushed with anxiety at having their views refuted, had beads of sweat dripping down their foreheads. Still others excitedly stood up, gesticulating with joy as they expounded on their views.
Concubine Su listened quietly, nodding slightly or frowning softly from time to time. Her eyes were focused and profound, as if she was pondering the deeper meaning behind each point. Her fingers tapped lightly on the armrest of the chair, the rhythm sometimes rapid, sometimes slow, revealing her inner thoughts.
After everyone finished speaking, Concubine Su stood up and said, "Everyone has their reasons. Traditional culture has its essence and should be passed on; new ideas are the needs of the times and should be embraced. Women's awakening is not a rejection of tradition, but rather a development and innovation based on tradition. Differing academic viewpoints are not irreconcilable; we should learn from each other and jointly promote cultural prosperity."
Concubine Su's words were like a revelation, plunging everyone into deep thought. The academy instantly fell silent, broken only by the occasional cough. Some scholars closed their eyes, lost in deep thought, while others whispered to their companions, exchanging thoughts.
After in-depth discussions, all parties gradually put aside their prejudices and began to seek consensus.
"Perhaps we can give women some room for development within the framework of traditional moral norms."
"Although Neo-Confucianism and the School of Mind have different focuses, they are both methods of cultivating the body and mind and can complement each other."
Finally, under the guidance of Concubine Su, a certain cultural consensus was reached.
"I have benefited greatly from this exchange. I hope we can all contribute to the development of culture together," said a famous person with great emotion. He breathed a sigh of relief and a gratified smile appeared on his face.
Inside the academy, the lights were still bright, and the light of thought shone even brighter that night.
Concubine Su's actions injected new vitality into cultural development and opened up new avenues for resolving cultural conflicts. The scholars gradually dispersed, their figures gradually receding under the light, but their thoughts and expectations for the future, like the light itself, remained undying.