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Although Fei Qian realized that even without his unintentional promotion of Yuan Shao yesterday, the young scholars of Yingchuan would eventually flock to the "Model for the World," Yuan Benchu, he still couldn't shake off his unease. This discomfort even affected his focus during Xun Shuang's lecture.
If it weren't for his desire to meet Guo Jia, Fei Qian might have left yesterday...
On the high podium, Xun Shuang, dressed in flowing robes, looked every bit the transcendent sage as he expounded: "The Book of Changes contains sixty-four hexagrams, with eleven thousand five hundred and twenty variations, all originating from the Qian hexagram... The six lines of the hexagram change with time to form Qian, riding the six dragons to command the heavens... Qian represents the ruler... The flying dragon symbolizes freedom from constraints. Heaven signifies the initiation of order. The great man establishes laws, occupying the heavenly position, and the sage is the one whom all things look up to..."
Xun Shuang was expanding on the content Xun Yu had covered the previous day, delving deeper into the meanings of each line in the Qian hexagram...
At first, Fei Qian listened half-heartedly, but gradually, he began to sense something more profound—Xun Shuang's choice to lecture on the Qian hexagram at this time seemed to carry a subtle, calculated intent...
What does the Qian hexagram represent?
As Xun Shuang had just explained, the Qian hexagram symbolizes the ruler. The character "ruler" (君) can refer to a nobleman or the emperor...
The hexagram's lines, such as "the flying dragon in the sky," "the dragon at the zenith with regrets," and "the dragon appearing in the field," all derive from this hexagram...
And what is Xun Shuang known as?
One of the "Eight Dragons"!
When you layer these elements together, it becomes quite intriguing.
Is the Xun family using this lecture to signal their intention to step onto the political stage?
Reflecting on the Xun family's later actions, it seems this was indeed the case. Led by Xun Yu, a group of Xun family members aligned themselves with Cao Cao, who at the time represented the Han court. By then, the two leading figures of the ruling elite, Wang Yun and Yuan Wei, were already dead, leaving little competition...
Thus, the Xun family naturally became the most prominent ruling family after the Yuan and Wang families, overshadowing other Yingchuan families like the Chen family, who also joined Cao Cao. If Xun Yu hadn't met his untimely end—whether directly or indirectly caused by Cao Cao—it's hard to say whether the Sima family would have succeeded in their power grab...
Is this the Xun family's strategy, or is it common among other noble families?
First, create momentum, then ride the wave, and finally dominate through influence...
Xun Shuang's public lecture, viewed in this light, seems to have an element of building momentum. Otherwise, just the cost of hosting so many people at the Xun family's estate for three days, providing food and drink, would have been substantial!
Thinking this way, Fei Qian's interest waned. Sigh, whether it's people of the past or the present, they can't escape the pursuit of "profit." While an individual might, for a time, act on principle and sacrifice personal gain for a greater cause, when it comes to noble families, their actions are almost always driven by the family's interests...
From yesterday's "Model for the World" incident, it seems these Yingchuan scholars have been idle for too long, eagerly itching to align themselves with the powerful, expand their family's influence, and, of course, amass greater wealth...
All the lofty talk of saving the people and advocating for the masses, in Fei Qian's view, is just a facade these noble families use to justify their actions. Otherwise, consider this: during the late Eastern Han, the population dropped from 40-50 million to around 900,000 by the end of the Three Kingdoms period—a survival rate of only one or two out of a hundred! Where were these so-called advocates for the people when the common folk were dying in such staggering numbers?
Looking at Xun Shuang on the podium, exuding the aura of a transcendent sage, Fei Qian suddenly felt a wave of irritation.
Reflecting on the "historical limitations" often mentioned in history classes, Fei Qian thought that perhaps the current state of affairs and the historical trajectory he knew were shaped by the limitations of the Han dynasty's noble families.
Why does no one care about the most basic needs of the common people?
Having experienced life at the bottom of the social pyramid in his past life, Fei Qian deeply understood the suffering of those at the base. Although his status had changed now, he couldn't immediately shift his perspective and forget the values and worldview shaped by his past experiences...
Xun Shuang's lecture schedule mirrored the previous day's, ending at noon and followed by a free discussion period.
It was during this time that Fei Qian finally met the long-anticipated Guo Jia, Guo Fengxiao...
Dressed in a green robe with yellow brocade trim at the collar and cuffs, Guo Jia didn't wear a high hat but instead tied his hair with a square scarf, giving him a somewhat ethereal appearance...
As for his looks, you could say he was handsome, though not to the point of being dashing. He certainly didn't fit the image of a disheveled gambler and drunkard that Guo Lan had described. However, his complexion was somewhat pale, not the healthiest of hues...
But what surprised Fei Qian the most was how young Guo Jia, Guo Fengxiao, appeared! He looked even younger than Fei Qian himself...
After exchanging a few polite pleasantries, Fei Qian asked Guo Jia about his age and confirmed that he was indeed a year younger. At this age, in Fei Qian's past life, Guo Jia would have just been starting university. Could this really be the "genius" Guo Jia, Guo Fengxiao?
While Fei Qian was pondering, Guo Jia was also sizing him up.
The Fei family from Heluo? A second-rate noble family at best. I don't recall ever crossing paths with anyone from the Fei family. So how does this guy know my name? Could it be that Mao family from Henei I tricked last time? Or the Yuan family from Luoyang? Whatever, it doesn't matter. I won't admit to anything—
Having made up his mind, Guo Jia decided to take control of the conversation and asked, "I heard you have ties to Yuan Benchu?"
Huh? What's this about?
Isn't Guo Jia supposed to join Cao Cao? Why is his first question about Yuan Shao? Did my actions yesterday cause some kind of butterfly effect? Fei Qian felt a bit stuck. How should he answer this?
After some thought, Fei Qian decided to be honest. Judging by Guo Jia's sharp, calculating gaze, he knew it wouldn't be easy to deceive him. "I only know Yuan Benchu in passing. I wouldn't say we have any real connection. Yesterday's talk was just a misunderstanding."
Guo Jia nodded, thinking this made more sense. After all, how could a member of a second-rate noble family mingle with someone from a top-tier family like Yuan Shao? He then asked, "In that case, is it true what you said yesterday about Yuan Benchu hanging his official seal and leaving the city?"
"That part is true," Fei Qian admitted. However, he didn't want to let Guo Jia steer the conversation, so he said, "I have a question of my own. I've heard that you, Fengxiao, are known for your wisdom. May I seek your advice?"
"Flattery won't get you anywhere, but if you have a question, feel free to ask," Guo Jia replied casually—don't try to butter me up, but if you want to test me, go ahead...