Chapter 118: Farewell

Most people are slow-witted and unable to see the true face of things; they often cast judgment and voice their clumsy opinions before the truth is even revealed.

This phenomenon is not limited to ancient times; keyboard warriors of later generations act exactly the same way when engaging in online cyberbullying. The only difference is that in ancient times, even if you acted like a keyboard warrior, there was no internet to hide your identity, and you would eventually have to face people in the real world.

Then, a very awkward situation arises. Before the truth comes out, you are the loudest and most vicious. Once the truth is revealed, the slap in the face is the most painful and humiliating.

Just as before the issuance of the secret edict hidden in the robe, Cao Cao was almost hailed as a saint by the scholars of Jingzhou. Wang Jun, as an old friend of Cao Cao, praised him as a man of great talent capable of saving the world. When Huan Jie incited Zhang Xian, he even compared Cao Cao to Duke Huan of Qi and Duke Wen of Jin.

Yet, once the secret edict was revealed, Cao Cao’s true face was laid bare before the world. The righteous cause he held in his hands vanished into thin air, and those who had fawned over him naturally suffered the most stinging slaps in the face.

However, unlike the shameless keyboard warriors of later generations who delete their posts and vanish from the internet as soon as the truth emerges, these scholars were standing right in front of Shen Chen in reality. They could not run away after spouting their nonsense, so they had no choice but to honestly accept Shen Chen’s reprimand, bowing their once-proud heads like quails, no longer displaying their previous arrogance.

With this reprimand, Shen Chen did not expect to make these people mend their ways overnight, nor did he expect them to become benevolent leaders or treat the lower classes with kindness. He only hoped his words would spread and awaken the few who, like himself, cared more about the downtrodden, the displaced, and the common people struggling to survive. If he could find a few like-minded comrades, he would be satisfied.

The carriage moved slowly, exiting the north gate of the city and arriving at the Xiangyang docks. Xiangyang is surrounded on two sides by the Han River; if heading south, one does not need to cross the river, but going north requires crossing it.

At this time, many people were already waiting at the docks. Besides the soldiers from Huangmen Pavilion who had come to transport the armor, there were Sima Hui, Deng Hong, Zhuge Liang, Xu Shu, Zhou Buyi, and others. When Shen Chen had gone to the Governor’s Mansion earlier, they knew a fierce battle was coming. However, they trusted Shen Chen and knew he would surely triumph, so they waited here early for his good news and his report of victory.

Now that Shen Chen had arrived, he was followed not only by scholars who were deeply moved by his speech and volunteered to accompany him, but also by many commoners from the villages around Longzhong. These villagers had learned that Shen Chen was leaving Xiangyang today to head north and resist Cao Cao, so they had come to Xiangyang early. They had waited at the gate of Deng Hong’s residence and followed along when Shen Chen left for the Governor’s Mansion to bid farewell to Liu Biao.

They had heard Shen Chen’s words and taken them to heart. They had already respected him for his teaching and virtuous conduct in the Longzhong countryside, but hearing his heartfelt words today had been profoundly shocking. Thus, even if it meant traveling far from home, they were willing to come and see Shen Chen off.

When Shen Chen stepped out of the carriage, he saw the docks were a sea of people. There were the villagers of Longzhong, the students he had taught, friends who shared his ideals, and great Confucian scholars who admired him.

"A-Chen!" Deng Hong was the first to greet him as he stepped down. "How did it go?"

Shen Chen smiled and said, "The matter of the secret edict has spread throughout Xiangyang. The entire province is outraged by the Cao villain’s bullying of the Emperor, and those pedantic scholars have nothing left to say."

"That is good," Deng Hong nodded happily. "I knew A-Chen would not be wrong. A villain who bullies the heavens above and slaughters the people below—how could such a traitor to the country claim glory? Those pedantic fools should indeed have nothing to say."

"It’s more than that," a student of Shen Chen named Xie Hui added immediately. "After the Master left the Governor’s Mansion, those scholars tried to attack him with words, but were all reprimanded by the Master. When the Master left, they even called out to respectfully see him off."

"Oh?" Deng Hong asked quickly. "What happened?"

Xie Hui then vividly recounted what had just occurred. Shen Chen did not stop him, watching with a smile. The boy’s original name was Xie Xiaodiao; he was thirteen, and because his family were musicians, his name was three characters long—a standard member of the lowest social class. Later, after becoming Shen Chen’s student, Shen Chen gave him the name Xie Hui, meaning to move from the darkness of the bottom to the light.

In truth, Shen Chen had many students now, but very few were permanent. Those sent to study were from impoverished families struggling to make ends meet; it was already difficult enough for them to send their children to study for half a month during the farming off-season, let alone keep them by his side year-round. Thus, since he began teaching the year before last, only a few, like Zhou Buyi and Xie Hui, had stayed with him consistently.

These individuals were either from noble or wealthy families, like Zhou Buyi, or were from the lower classes but engaged in relatively profitable trades like medicine or music, like Xie Hui. Few were truly commoners. Among them, Zhou Buyi learned the best, but since he was only eight this year, he could not yet fully grasp Shen Chen’s teachings, so Shen Chen could only do his best to cultivate the others.

After Xie Hui finished recounting the story, Sima Hui sighed, "Long ago, I felt that A-Chen’s knowledge and insight should be a model for the world. Today, it has been proven true. From this day forward, the crown of Jingzhou’s scholars belongs to none but A-Chen."

"Sir, you flatter me," Shen Chen bowed to Sima Hui. "I am merely practicing the righteousness in my heart. The world cannot do it because they do not yet understand my aspirations. Only you, Sir, truly understand me."

Eight-year-old Zhou Buyi raised his head and said earnestly, "The Master’s words are thought-provoking. I also hope that one day I can be like the Master and practice the path of benevolence and righteousness."

"Haha," Shen Chen laughed, patting Zhou Buyi on the head. "There are many truths in this world, and as humans, we must constantly seek them. As long as you can hold fast to your convictions, one day you will be able to achieve it."

Pang Tong sighed, "Those words still ring in my ears, and I am deeply moved. I believe that since the end of the Qin Dynasty, there have been countless great scholars, but you, A-Chen, have the deepest understanding of the Master’s Way."

"Brother Shiyuan, please, no more praise," Shen Chen smiled. "The people of Jingzhou may not recognize your talent, but I know it. I am merely talking big; to truly achieve what I have said requires action. It is only the virtue and talent of you, my brothers, and Master Decao that I truly admire."

Xu Shu said, "You fellow, you are so imposing before those scholars, yet so humble before us. Honestly, your words today should be recorded, using pen and paper..."

As he spoke, his gaze drifted to Zhuge Liang. He saw that Zhuge Liang had asked a servant to bring a wooden board, and the servant was holding it while Zhuge Liang began to write. Whenever Shen Chen and Zhuge Liang chatted, he would record their conversations. This practice had existed since the Spring and Autumn period, as seen in the *Analects*. Later, the *Fayan* written by Yang Xiong in imitation of the *Analects*, and the *Instructions for Practical Living* written by the students of the sage Wang Yangming of the Ming Dynasty, followed this same form.

The content consisted of books where Zhuge Liang and Shen Chen discussed the principles of the world. Zhuge Liang was both the author and one of the two masters in the book. Just as the *Analects*, *Fayan*, and *Instructions for Practical Living* were dialogues between students and masters, Zhuge Liang was showcasing his discussions with Shen Chen. Beyond the dialogues, there were the great principles Shen Chen taught his students, as well as some philosophical thoughts that Zhuge Liang himself held, all compiled into a book to be used as a classic for future generations.

Seeing this, Xu Shu changed his tone and said, "Look how clever Kongming is, he has already started recording it."

Pang Tong asked in surprise, "Is Kongming planning to write it down to study it often?"

"This is a book of the Great Way that A-Chen and I discuss daily," Zhuge Liang smiled. "Just like the *Analects* or *Fayan*. If you are interested, you are welcome to join us."

"Oh?" The others were momentarily stunned. Because three of the "Four Friends of Zhuge" had gone to the Wei state, Shen Chen had not shared his thoughts with them, so they were unaware of the book’s existence. Now that they saw the two were already writing and establishing a school of thought like the *Analects* or *Fayan*, they were filled with envy.

When is a scholar’s most glorious moment? It is certainly not passing the imperial examinations or having one’s name announced at the Eastern Flower Gate. It is writing a book that establishes a legacy and is passed down for generations. This had been true from the Qin and Han dynasties through the Ming and Qing. Yang Xiong had almost succeeded, but his defection to Wang Mang betrayed him. Over thousands of years, apart from Confucius, Mencius, and Xunzi, only Wang Yangming had become a sage. And in the Han Dynasty, so far, only Yang Xiong’s books were revered by his contemporaries. If one could write a new book that surpassed Yang Xiong and was revered as essential reading, perhaps two brand-new sages would emerge.

"May I have a look?" Sima Hui could not help but ask.

Zhuge Liang replied, "Of course. It is still being organized, but once I clean it up, I will hand it to you, Sir, to read."

Shen Chen added, "In fact, this book also records much of the true wisdom we gained when Kongming and I consulted Master Decao and Master Pang Degong. There are countless truths in the world; Kongming and I cannot interpret them all alone. If you could help us, we would be deeply grateful."

Sima Hui said with slight restraint, "That is only natural. Although I teach in Yingchuan, I have studied the classics for many years and understand some fundamental truths. If you have any questions in the future, you may ask me at any time."

*Hm.* This was all to help A-Chen and Kongming resolve their doubts, certainly not to leave his own name in a book for posterity.

Shen Chen and Zhuge Liang exchanged a glance, smiled slightly, and bowed to Sima Hui in unison. "Then we thank you, Sir."

"And us too," Xu Shu, Pang Tong, and the others said quickly. "We also wish to learn this Great Way of the world."

Zhuge Liang smiled and said, "When A-Chen returns, we shall all discuss it together."

They chatted for a while longer until it was nearly noon.

Shen Chen said, "Everyone, I must depart. You may stop here." He bid farewell to each of them.

They crowded around him to the side of the boat. After he stepped aboard, they continued to watch him.

"Everyone, wait for my return!" Shen Chen bowed, and the boat slowly set off.

They stood on the shore, waving goodbye.

Deng Hong sighed, "A-Chen has grown up. I truly did not want him to leave, but he insisted on going north to deal with Cao Cao. I only hope he returns safely."

"Indeed," Zhuge Liang nodded slightly. "Brother Chen has his own convictions. Now that I have just taken charge of my household and my younger brother is not yet able to handle affairs, in two years' time, I will never let A-Chen go on such a journey alone!"

He watched Shen Chen’s figure standing at the bow of the boat, drifting further and further north, his eyes filled with resolve. One day, he would stand beside Shen Chen and dedicate his life to their ideals!