Chapter Forty-Seven: Kong Yingda Coughs Blood!

Kong Yingda’s brow furrowed deeply; it was clear he’d never heard of such a thing before. Yet, he couldn’t deny that Li Yi’s words held reason.

“Since you know that today’s merchants are all petty-minded, why do you still propose His Majesty establish a money house and engage in such base pursuits?”

Li Yi chuckled. “If I may be accused of glossing over the benefits of a money house to the people of Great Tang, then let us discuss the matter of the royal family engaging in commerce—whether it is good or ill. Just now, Lord Kong, from your words, it seems you believe the royal family should draw a clear boundary with merchants. If that is so, then do merchants have any future at all?” At this point, Li Yi simply addressed him as Lord Kong; after all, if he kept calling him Teacher Kong, how could he possibly rebuke him?

“Indeed, the royal family is the most noble of all; how could they stoop to such lowly business? As for merchants, why bother with those base sorts?”

“Then let me ask, Lord Kong: during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States period, the world was in chaos, the people destitute, and thought backward. If Confucius and the other sages of old thought as you do—‘Let it be, these are but base folk; as long as the ruler prospers, all is well’—would there have been the Hundred Schools of Thought, would there be today’s era of peace? If, throughout history, rulers had abandoned unsavory matters or people, how would the realm be governed? What you propose is inaction—facing hardship, you do nothing; facing what you disdain, you do nothing; facing the lowly, you do nothing. If all affairs of the world were governed by personal whims, how could there be a peaceful age? Take merchants today: you ignore them, others ignore them, and let them be—how can you speak of ruling the world then? When you dismiss one of the four classes of the people at a whim, what is left that you would not discard!”

Li Yi’s words struck at the heart; perhaps he was overgeneralizing, for the affairs of the world are never so simple. But he never intended to solve it all at once; his goal was to tear open a breach—once the opening was made, the path ahead would be much easier. So, regardless of absolute right or wrong, first he had to subdue them.

Kong Yingda was trembling with rage, his lips quivering. Never had he been so admonished, especially by a mere child! Some of the other stubborn old Confucians wanted to intervene, but thought better of it, realizing their oratorical skills were lacking. Those with ability noticed Emperor Li Er’s delight, nodding his head, and wisely kept their silence. Only Kong Yingda stood his ground, fearing nothing.

“You impudent child! Affairs of the realm are not so simple. Do you think a mere money house can change the nature of merchants?”

“Hmph! I’ve always believed there is no difficulty in the world that cannot be overcome by those with resolve. If you’ve never tried, how can you know you will not succeed? But if you do nothing, you are certain to fail. The money house is but a starting point. What matters is not its function, but the example it sets—a model of the Confucian merchant, an exemplar of virtue. I believe you’ve heard of the term ‘Confucian merchant’ and of being a role model, have you not?”

“Absurd! Placing Confucians and merchants side by side is an insult to Confucianism itself. And you, a child, would presume to enlighten the masses? Have you never heard the Master’s words: ‘The people may be made to follow, but not to understand’?”

“Lord Kong, perhaps the absurdity is yours. When the Sage founded Confucianism, he never ranked his disciples by degree or class—who are you to say merchants are unworthy to learn Confucian teachings? As for that saying, of course I’ve heard it, but your interpretation is not the true one!”

“Preposterous—utterly preposterous! I have studied for decades. Though I may not have memorized every classic, I know most, especially those of Confucius. And you claim I am mistaken?”

Even the ministers present thought Li Yi was being arrogant—debating Confucianism with Kong Yingda was truly like showing off one’s meager skills before a master.

“Heh! Is that so? Then permit me to point out your error. ‘The people may be made to follow, but not to understand’ comes from the Analects, Chapter Taibo. Your reading is that the common folk may be guided along the path set for them, but need not know why. Is that correct?”

Kong Yingda snorted. “That is correct!”

Li Yi’s expression grew solemn. “That is sheer nonsense. If Confucius truly meant that, why did he have three thousand disciples and seventy-two worthies to educate the people? He was the first to found a private school, dedicating his life to teaching. He said: ‘For anyone who brings a bundle of dried meat, I have never refused to teach.’ And: ‘Never weary of learning; never tire of teaching others.’ For someone so devoted to education, how could he have uttered such words to keep people ignorant? The true meaning should be: ‘The people—if they can, let them act as they will; if they cannot, let them know why not.’ Or, as some say: the public’s will, if permissible, let them pursue it together; if not, ensure they know why.”

“You… you… how dare you recklessly interpret the words of the sages, you…” Kong Yingda choked, unable to catch his breath, so enraged he coughed blood and fainted on the spot.

Li Yi hurried to his side to check his pulse. Seeing it was merely a fit of anger, similar to what had afflicted Li Jing before, he pressed the acupoint between Kong Yingda’s nose and upper lip, reviving him.

Emperor Li Er, seeing Kong Yingda rescued, breathed a long sigh of relief. Had anything happened to Kong Yingda, the Confucians’ outcry would have drowned him in spittle.

“Attend me! Take Lord Kong to the Imperial Medical Institute—quickly!” ordered Li Er. Then, turning to Kong Yingda, he said, “Lord Kong, let us leave this matter for today. We will continue our discussion in tomorrow’s morning court.”

After vomiting blood at his age, Kong Yingda had no energy left for court. Moreover, he felt disheartened; Li Yi’s words today had utterly upended his beliefs. Philosophy is subtle, but it is nonetheless the guiding principle of one’s life. Li Yi had shattered his worldview—it would take time to recover. Yet, upon waking, Kong Yingda seemed to have reached an epiphany regarding the money house.

“Your Majesty, I shall speak no more on the matter of the money house. My health fails me; may I have leave to rest at home for a time?”

Li Er, seeing a turning point at last, was greatly pleased, though he did not show it. “Very well! Rest and recover, Lord Kong. I will send the imperial physicians to treat you. Recover soon—the Great Tang still needs you!”

Kong Yingda’s eyes filled with tears at these words. The sincere feelings between ruler and minister made Li Yi shudder inwardly—what a pair of performers!

Afterward, Li Yi stepped forward to apologize: “Teacher Kong, this unworthy junior spoke out of turn just now. If I have offended, I beg your forgiveness; please do not hold it against me.”

Kong Yingda huffed, stroking his beard. “Now you call me Teacher Kong? What about just now? But as for apologies, there’s no need—I only hope you will act as you speak, and not let my scolding be wasted.”

Li Yi smiled wryly—he’d not expected the old man to have such an endearing side. “Rest assured, sir. Where there is a will, there is a way. If one is determined, even the most daunting obstacles will fall; with perseverance, one’s efforts are never in vain.”

“Haha! Well said! I shall watch and see!”

“Then may I be excused from today’s assignment?”

“Fine! I know you’re busy—just have someone deliver it to my residence.”

As soon as he finished, Kong closed his eyes, and attendants carried him out.

With Kong Yingda gone, Li Er’s confidence returned in full force. “Now, regarding the matter of the money house—does anyone still have objections?”