Chapter 178: All-rounder Kong Ming, Wolong Training Plan However, when Qin Zhen led his troops back to Shouchun, he found that Zhuge Liang had already been recruited. At Liu Bei's request, he decided to train him. After the two confirmed it at the banquet, Zhuge Liang came to Qin Zhen's house the next day with gifts. In this era, one had to give a gift of tuition to become a disciple. So when Zhuge Liang wanted to become a disciple, he naturally had to bring gifts with him. These gifts were prepared by Zhuge Jin, and consisted of three pieces of dried meat and two pieces of cloth. Although the gift is not expensive, it is to express my thoughts. However, these gifts were not given to Qin Zhen, but to Cai Yan. In order to prevent being criticized in the future, Qin Zhen adopted the method of teaching on behalf of his teacher. Therefore, after Zhuge Liang entered the sect, he was not taught by Qin Zhen himself, but was considered Qin Zhen's junior apprentice. The person he worshipped was Qin Zhen's father-in-law and master, Cai Yong.

The method of teaching art on behalf of a teacher is a social practice in the crosstalk world of later generations. But now it is used by Qin Zhen to recruit Zhuge Liang, which is naturally a new thing. Cai Yan was already three months pregnant and had gained a lot of weight. Seeing Zhuge Liang paying homage to the portrait of her late father, she rolled her eyes at Qin Zhen and said softly: "Since my husband is willing to accept Kong Ming as his teacher, why bother involving my father?" In her opinion, Qin Zhen's move was unnecessary. Since Zhuge Liang followed Qin Zhen to study, he naturally did not come to learn Confucian classics. What you learn is about practical application in the world and the art of warfare. In fact, Qin Zhen didn't learn all this knowledge from her father at all. She herself didn't know where her husband learned such great talent. But she knew one thing, that with Qin Zhen's talent, he could definitely establish his own school and accept disciples. But there is no need to give this title to her father. However, Qin Zhen, seeing this, whispered to his wife: "Madam, you are wrong. I have inherited my father-in-law's teachings, so I should promote what he said." "Now is the time to teach the master. When Kong Ming has learned something in the future, he can work with me to promote the master's knowledge, so that future generations will know the master's name!" In fact, the reason why he taught art on behalf of his teacher was that he did not want some of Cai Yong's things to be lost. After all, although he learned a lot from Cai Yong, he only knew the basics. It should be noted that Cai Yong, as one of the great Confucian scholars in the late Eastern Han Dynasty, had far less influence on later generations than Zheng Xuan and others. One reason for this was that Cai Yong had been displaced for many years and had no apprentice to inherit his skills. The other half is because a large number of Cai Yong’s works have been lost. In fact, his father-in-law could be regarded as the number one figure in the literary world in the late Han Dynasty. He was well-versed in poetry, music, calligraphy, painting, classics, etc., and was an expert in everything! Most of his poems and essays have been lost, his music has not been passed down, and his calligraphy, painting, and classics are even fewer.

These are all cultural treasures, it would be a pity if they were lost. Now Cai Yong’s few disciples include only Ruan Yu, Lu Cui, Su Lin, Gu Yong, Wang Can and others. People like Ruan Yu, Wang Can and others, although they were among the Seven Sages of the Jian'an Period, did not begin to promote Cai Yong's teachings. Lu Cui, Su Lin and others do not have much talent and are unable to take on important tasks. Gu Yong was similar to him, both were good at military affairs and politics and did not like literature and art. Only Zhuge Liang, who is a versatile man with extraordinary talents, can fully inherit Cai Yong's skills. Therefore, in a sense, Qin Zhen accepted Zhuge Liang on behalf of Cai Yong to compensate his father-in-law. When Cai Yan heard his explanation, she was secretly delighted and thought that her husband was thoughtful. But in the midst of my joy, I was also a little annoyed that he was so unruly. Even with outsiders here, I could still be so intimate with him. With such a mindset, he gave Qin Zhen another affectionate look. Qin Zhen was already accustomed to it, so he turned around and watched Zhuge Liang pay tribute to Cai Yong. After the ceremony, he introduced Zhuge Liang to Cai Yan and said: "This is my wife Zhao Ji, and she is also your senior sister!" "Most of my teacher Cai Gong's talents and knowledge were acquired by Zhao Ji." "After today, you can read all the books in the mansion. If I'm not here, you can ask my servants to find them for you!" Although the interactions between men and women in this era were not like those in later generations, there were still restrictions between men and women after marriage. Bringing your wife to meet guests is an extremely affectionate act! When Zhuge Liang saw this, he was moved, and when he heard that he could borrow Cai Yong's collection of books, he was even more delighted. He was a person who loved reading, and Cai Yong's collection of books was unique in the world. If he could borrow the book and read it, that would be exactly what he wanted! While he was thinking, he treated Qin Zhen and Cai Yan as a disciple, thus establishing the relationship between him and Qin Zhen as both a teacher and a brother. Seeing that he was so polite, Cai Yan nodded secretly and asked: "Did Kong Ming ever marry?" Upon seeing this, Zhuge Liang replied: "I have engaged the daughter of Huang Chengyan from Jingzhou. We were supposed to get married this year, but it has been postponed due to my uncle's death!" Cai Yan was asking politely, but upon hearing this she nodded and smiled: "The Huang family is also a prominent family in Jingzhou, and they are a good match!" After talking to Zhuge Liang for a few words, she walked towards the back hall with her bulging belly. After all, it is a man's business, and it is not convenient for her as a woman to interfere. After Cai Yan left, Qin Zhen began to talk with Zhuge Liang. The topic of conversation was naturally about Zhuge Liang's current academic progress.

Because Qin Zhen now wants to train Zhuge Liang, but he doesn't know how much knowledge Zhuge Liang has mastered so far. Therefore, we need to find out the current knowledge of Zhuge Liang first, so that we can better teach students in accordance with their aptitude. As for what Qin Zhen asked, Zhuge Liang said respectfully: "In response to your words, students start to learn from the age of six, and first read the classics such as The Analects, The Great Learning, and The Doctrine of the Mean." "Later, I studied Mencius, the Book of Songs, and the Book of Rites." "Since I turned twelve, I have read Lun Heng, Jiu Zhang Suan Shu, Shi Ji, and Zhan Guo Ce, etc." “At the age of fourteen, I first read books such as Sunzi, Wei Liaozi, Guanzi, Shangzi, Wei Gongzi, and Sima Fa.” "Then I studied the Four Classes of People's Monthly Ordinances, Six Strategies, the Book of Changes, Han Feizi, Zuo Zhuan, Mozi, and Wu Zi for two years." "As for now, I am studying the teachings of Laozi and Zhuangzi, but I am only beginning to understand the general outlines and have achieved nothing!" As he said this, he lowered his brows. He felt that Qin Zhen must be very knowledgeable since he had learned from Cai Yong. What he saw were just some common things, so he naturally shouldn't be proud. Qin Zhen couldn't help but feel shocked when he heard this series of book lists. No wonder Kong Ming became almost omnipotent in the future. These books alone include Confucian classics, military classics, Legalist classics, and historical classics. He even read the recently published agricultural monograph "Monthly Ordinances for the Four Classes of People". This was only the 18-year-old Kong Ming. If he continued to accumulate like this until he was 27 years old, there would naturally be no problem for him to compare himself to Guan Zhong and Yue Yi. While thinking, he couldn't help but smile and said: "Like what Kong Ming said, even if you only take a general look at it, it is still a good idea to learn from the strengths of many schools of thought!" "Now you must have learned something, but I don't know where to start. I don't know what Kong Ming wants to learn from me." He was not going to use rote learning for Kong Ming. Because Kong Ming is different from others, rote learning is aimed at people who cannot learn. Kong Ming's current level of knowledge is not low, and he is a studious person. He can directly receive higher education. Whatever Kong Ming wants to learn, he will teach! After listening to Qin Zhen's words, Zhuge Liang thought for a while, then lowered his head and said: "I would like to learn some practical things from you, sir!" He was a man with aspirations, and the reason he wanted to learn from Qin Zhen was that he wanted to learn experience. If Qin Zhen asked him to perform some empty formalities, he would be unhappy. Qin Zhen was very satisfied with this answer and said: "The word 'practical' is used appropriately. If we talk about my way, it is nothing more than seeking truth from facts!" "Kong Ming wants to learn the knowledge that can be applied to the world, I will teach him!" "I wonder why Kong Ming thought the Han Dynasty declined?" When Zhuge Liang heard this, he knew that Qin Zhen was going to teach him the basics, so he sorted out his words and said: "According to my students, the reason why the Han Dynasty declined is nothing more than the two problems of the upper and lower levels." "Emperors Huan and Ling favored treacherous officials and distanced themselves from virtuous ministers. They cared nothing for the people and indulged in extravagance, thus losing the hearts of the people."

"The lower class is full of corrupt officials, and the wealthy and powerful have annexed land, causing the common people to lose their fields and the farmers to have no land." "Since Emperor Shun, natural disasters have occurred one after another, and people's hearts are unsettled. Therefore, Zhang Jue, in the name of the great and virtuous teacher, incited the people and caused chaos!" "As for this place, the imperial court should have done its best to suppress the bandits and put an end to the chaos." "However, the previous emperor misunderstood Liu Yan's words, abolished the state and established governors, decentralized the power of the emperor, and the princes in various places took advantage of the situation to rise up and establish their own territories. The court was unable to control them, and thus the country declined!" Qin Zhen nodded after hearing this and asked: "What does Kong Ming think about the decline of the Han Dynasty? How can we save it?" Zhuge Liang heard this and thought for a while before saying: "From the students' point of view, the general trend of the world is to unite and divide. After a long period of division, there will be unity, and after a long period of unity, there will be division." "Now that the situation is so chaotic, we should find a hegemon to wipe out the chaos, persuade the king to be diligent in his work and love the people, and calm the chaos and bring peace to the people." "Reorganize the government, eliminate evil, suppress the powerful families, and distribute land." "If so, the Han Dynasty can be revived!" It has to be said that Zhuge Liang's knowledge far exceeds his age, and his ability to govern is evident in his words. However, when Qin Zhen heard this, he smiled and shook his head: "If we follow Kong Ming's advice, the Han Dynasty will surely be revived." "But the period from the pre-Han Dynasty to the present day is 400 years, and the period from the Guangwu Emperor to the present day is more than 100 years." "From this perspective, won't the Han Dynasty fall apart again in a hundred years?" "By that time, will there be another Kong Ming to calm the chaos?" After hearing this, Zhuge Liang was stunned for a moment, not knowing how to respond. In fact, he said these words to Liu Bei. At that time, Liu Bei praised him highly and called him a talent of gold and jade. But now that Qin Zhen asked, he discovered the problem. His argument is that long-term separation will eventually lead to reunion, and long-term reunion will eventually lead to separation. Based on this argument, he proposed to put an end to the chaos and restore order in the court. However, Qin Zhen's words pointed out the contradiction sharply. Since things that are together for a long time will eventually separate, if they reorganize the government now, the Han Dynasty will fall into decline again in another hundred years. In this case, his method can no longer be considered as saving the Han Dynasty. It's impossible for it to split up every hundred years and then reintegrate again, right? Not to mention whether anyone in the future will be able to do this, countless people will die every time there is a separation or reunion. What's the difference between this and the treatment of illnesses by quack doctors? If you treat it again and again but it never gets better, how can it be considered as curing diseases and saving lives? Thinking of this, he suddenly woke up and asked hurriedly: "Sir, I have never thought about what you said. I wonder if there are any mistakes or omissions. Can you point them out?" Qin Zhen saw that he had reacted and said with a smile: "If I look at what Kong Ming said, there is nothing wrong with it!" "It's just that Kong Ming didn't worry about it a little!"

Seeing this, Zhuge Liang hurriedly asked: "But I wonder what the students are worrying about?" As soon as he asked the question, Qin Zhen said seriously: "In my opinion, the reason why the Han Dynasty declined is not because the tillers had no land, but because the people were hungry!" "Hmm? What do you mean by that, sir?" Zhuge Liang frowned and couldn't help thinking to himself, if the tillers have no land, in other words, the people will not have enough to eat, right? Is Qin Zhen playing word games with him? But Qin Zhen heard this and said leisurely: "I wonder if Kong Ming has ever seen the victims outside Shouchun City?" "Are they farmers? Do they have their own land now?" When Zhuge Liang heard this, he was stunned and suddenly discovered a blind spot. It seems that things are really the same as Qin Zhen said. He always felt that the root cause of the troubles in the world was the annexation of land by the nobles. Because of land annexation, the people had no land and naturally no source of income, so they would starve to death if they did not rebel. But now in Shouchun, a very special situation has emerged. Thanks to Qin Zhen’s work-for-relief policy, these disaster victims had a source of income without having to farm! When people get money, they can not only buy food, but also buy clothes and houses. Although they had no land, the disaster victims in Shouchun did not show any signs of chaos. On the contrary, quite a number of disaster victims are living quite contentedly! Isn't this situation exactly what Qin Zhen said, that the problem is not that there is no land, but that there is not enough food to eat? After figuring this out, Zhuge Liang was stunned for a moment, unable to figure out where the problem lay! The root cause of the chaos in the world lies in the fields, so the people can survive without fields. But if all people in the world are like this, then who will grow crops? Without these food supplies, people will still starve to death, and the root cause lies in the fields. There seemed to be an extra step, but he couldn't figure out where it was! As he was thinking, he seemed to understand the meaning of Qin Zhen's words and asked hurriedly: "May I ask, sir, why are the people starving?" He thought that since Qin Zhen said the root cause was not the fields, there must be something else at work, but he just didn't discover it. When he asked this question, Qin Zhen smiled and said: "The reason why people cannot get enough to eat is, after all, due to insufficient productivity!" The word "productivity" was naturally a new term to Kong Ming. However, he was a very smart man, and as soon as he heard the word "productivity", he understood the general meaning. What is productivity? To put it simply, it is the power of products. Could this thing be the troublemaker that he had not yet discovered? Thinking of this, his eyes suddenly lit up, as if he had discovered a new world.

If he understands these, will he be able to solve the current dangers facing the Han Dynasty? At that moment, he no longer had any doubts, bowed his head and said: "Sir, please tell me what productivity is!" "I would like to seek this path, and I hope you will explain it clearly." Having said this, he bowed, looking extremely pious. When Qin Zhen saw this, he smiled with satisfaction. He was not afraid of Kong Ming asking all kinds of questions, but he was afraid that Kong Ming would not be interested. The current situation was just as he wished. Now understand productivity, then learn dialectics, and then some political economics. If you continue to cultivate in this way, Zhuge Liang will join the reform cause on his own without his reminder! With Kong Ming in charge, he has a successor! PS: I have to go home for two days for something, so I don’t have much time to write a book. I’m also a bit stuck in writing, so the updates are not very stable. I may update less in these two days. I will try to make up for it later. I hope all readers will forgive me. (End of this chapter)