Chapter 490: Smiling in the Afterlife
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
“The late Emperor gathered all the books in the world and even gathered many ministers of the Hanlin Academy, as well as many old, retired ministers. Those who were quite famous among the people participated in the compilation. The late emperor even left the palace at one point to bow to the wise Sir Xian Yun and Sir Hu Shan, to invite them personally.”
Sir Xian Yun was used to being free, so he naturally did not agree. However, he offered a lot of rare books and many of his own handwritten books.
Sir Hu Shan had read “Law and Order”, and said his ability falls short of his desire to contribute.
After that, the matter was left unsettled.
When the late emperor passed away, the Documentary Scriptures had just been started, and it was on his mind even while he was on his deathbed. Therefore, after the current emperor ascended the throne, he still did not dare to neglect the compilation of the Documentary Scriptures.
The Documentary Scriptures were extremely vast. It contained the classics of a hundred schools of thought and was all-encompassing. More than a thousand people had participated in the compilation process, but it is still incomplete even after more than twenty years.
Yu Shanyan, who was at the side, also had a solemn expression.
She thought to herself, ‘Cousin Zhou is really amazing!’
Although participation in the Documentary Scriptures was allowed by the emperor’s vast and mighty grace, this grace would not have been bestowed if Cousin Zhou’s own talent was not passable.
Zhou Linghuai nodded. “Grandaunt, you might not know this, but the Documentary Scriptures was originally Emperor Gaozu’s idea. It’s still somewhat related to the Yu clan.”
Old Madam Yu stopped twirling her prayer beads. “How did you make this conclusion?
Zhou Linghuai continued, “Duke Zhonglie admired the ‘The Exploitation of the Works of Nature’ and called it the first complete book of the dynasty. However, although it was vast, the author, Duke Song, was weak. Therefore, the contents of the f The Exploitation of the Works of Nature’ was limited. If he could gather the books of all the different schools of philosophy, it would be a blessing for all ages. Later on, many related books were written. Emperor Gaozu was grateful to Duke Zhonglie and had the idea of compiling the schools of philosophy. That was why Emperor Gaozu took the initiative to restore the old books.”
It was not easy to compile an all-encompassing collection of documents.
It was imperative to restore the old scholarship.
Old Madam Yu sighed. “I didn’t know that there was such a history behind the Documentary Scriptures.
Zhou Linghuai continued, “As you know, the chronicles still show the benevolence and morality of the current dynasty. When Great Zhou was first established, it was not the time to publicize widely. Therefore, the
Documentary Scriptures was prepared from Emperor Gaozu until the previous emperor completely implemented it.”
The late emperor was benevolent, and the entire dynasty was convinced by his benevolence. The power of the Great Zhou Dynasty had also reached its peak. The vassal kings offered their loyalty, and the commoners recognised the ruler. All the civil and military officials submitted to the previous emperor.
If the documents are not compiled now, when would they be?
However, the previous emperor had been too benevolent. After the current emperor ascended the throne, he could not suppress the court officials. In just 20 years, he had completely ruined the previous emperor’s benevolent efforts.
How lamentable!
After sighing, Old Madam Yu said happily, “Good, this is simply great. After participating in the editing of the Documentary Scriptures, our Linghuai will also be able to become someone of great virtue like Sir Hushan and Sir Xian Yun, who will be admired and praised by the world. Even if he doesn’t take the imperial examination and enter the imperial court, his name will be recorded in history. If your grandmother and parents know about this in the afterlife, they will also be able to smile.”
When she thought of Yu Miaofu, she couldn’t help but feel a little sad and tears welled up in her eyes.
Yu Youyao hurriedly handed her a cup of tea. “Grandmother, Cousin has so much potential. You should be happy.”
When she found out that his cousin had received the task of compiling the
Documentary Scriptures, she knew that he would probably have to stay in the
Yu Residence for a long time with the identity of “Zhou Linghuai”.
Yu Youyao was happier than anything else.
Madam Yao couldn’t hide the smile on her face anymore. “Yaoyao is right. Every dynasty and every emperor advocates compiling books. The first, second, and third ranked scholars of the imperial examination also have to compile books when they enter Hanlin, but not just any books. Books like the Documentary Scriptures cannot be touched if one has not been in Hanlin Academy for few years. Of course we should be happy about such a good thing.”
Ever since Zhou Linghuai entered the residence, all the troubles in the capital belonged to others, and the happy events were all theirs.
Ling Huai participated in the editing of the Documentary Scriptures, and the Yu Residence’s scholarly reputation soared.
Matriarch Yu hurriedly pressed a handkerchief to the corners of her eyes. She took the teacup and said, “When you’re old, you are more emotional. No matter if you’re happy or uncomfortable, you have to shed tears to feel better.”
Zhou Linghuai hurriedly said, “It’s just in name. I’ll go to the Teng Library every few days…”
Old Madam Yu hurriedly said, “This is already very impressive. You’re still young after all. After getting a nominal position and staying in the Teng Library for a few years, your reputation will be revealed. In the future, you can even participate in court affairs through the Teng Library.”
By that time, illness can no longer be an obstacle to Zhou Linghuai. Those with illnesses and disabilities cannot become officials. However, there were many of great talents and great virtues in the past dynasties who all made exceptions.
As far as she knew, the people who were participating nominally in the compilation were either outstanding officials of the Hanlin Academy or retired old officials and virtuous people.
To be able to make a name for himself among more than a thousand people was simply amazing.
The emperor must have secretly checked Zhou Linghuai’s character to make such a decision.
At the end of the day, it was Zhou Linghuai’s own ability that allowed him such an opportunity.
Madam Yao quickly asked, “When will the official document be released?”
Zhou Linghuai replied, “About in the next few days.”
Madam Yao’s face was filled with joy. “That’s great. When the palaces documents are released, we will hold a family banquet to celebrate.”
Old Madam Yu strongly agreed.
The family was overjoyed.
Zhou Linghuai held his teacup and lowered his eyes.
In the past, he had only borrowed the Yu Residence and usually guided a few juniors of the Yu Residence. It was fine, but if he wanted to stay for a long time, he had to have a proper job.
Otherwise, no matter how talented he was, he would always be trapped in the Inner Residence. There was nothing he could do, and dissatisfaction will only grow in his mind.
The young lady has a “proper” father, and now, a cousin who had some talent even though he was disabled. This provided a boost to her ego outside.
Compiling books in the Teng Library has nothing to do with the court, and there was no need to go there every day. As long as he was more careful, he wouldn’t have to worry about exposing his identity and bringing trouble to the Yu Residence.
The family chatted and laughed for a long time.
While her grandmother was drinking tea, Yu Youyao hurriedly said, “Cousin, you came all the way back from You Prefecture. You must be tired.”
At the mention of this, Old Madam Yu reacted. “Look at my memory. I was so focused on talking to Linghuai that I actually forgot about this.” At this point, she hurriedly looked at Zhou Linghuai. “It’s been hard on you all the way back.
Go back and rest.”
Madam Yao also hurriedly said, “I haven’t seen Linghuai in a long time. I lost track of time after chatting with him. Yaoyao is still the most considerate and remembers Cousin’s health.” She looked at Zhou Linghuai. “Your health is more important. Don’t tire yourself out.”
Zhou Linghuai did not decline and thanked the elders for their kindness.
Yu Youyao couldn’t sit still anymore. “I’ll send Cousin back to Qingqu
Courtyard..”
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