Chapter 10 Chapter 6 Personal Selection of the Virtuous

"Great unification! It's too good to say, Qin Shihuang unified the six kingdoms in the past, and I want to unify the world." Dong Zhongshu heard this, and secretly admired him: "This emperor, young and ambitious, will surely be an emperor who will shock the eight kingdoms in the future." In the middle of the night, the candle lights in the royal study room of the imperial palace were still on, and Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, who was sitting cross-legged in front of several tables, was tirelessly watching Confucius. Now, I want to personally choose the virtuous. Offer advice and suggestions, and make a big splash."

So Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty issued three imperial letters in a row and issued an imperial edict, asking all the wise men from all over the world to come to the capital to offer advice and suggestions. After Emperor Wu's edict was posted all over the country, it aroused huge repercussions.People rushed to tell each other, and people with lofty ideals packed their bags and prepared to go to the capital to apply for the exam. In a school in Guangchuan (now Guangchuan Town, Jingxian County, Hebei Province), a large tree was full of disciples listening carefully, and a big iron bell was hung on the big tree.A scholar just forty years old was giving a lecture. He had a fair face, black hair on his temples, and deep eyes.

He is the famous Dong Zhongshu in the Western Han Dynasty.He is knowledgeable, masters the five classics and a hundred schools of thought, and studies hard. He only reads in the window every day and never goes to play in the garden, so he has the reputation of "not peeping into the garden for three years". Emperor Han Jing was a doctor at the time, specializing in "Spring and Autumn", highly respected Confucius and Mencius, and had superb insights in Confucianism. Everyone respectfully called him Master Dong. At this moment, Master Dong is teaching "Spring and Autumn" to the students.

As soon as the get out of class was over, I saw the eldest disciple Lu Bushu running over sweating, and said, "Teacher, there is an edict posted at the gate of the city that the emperor will personally choose virtuous men." "Oh?" Mrs. Dong was very excited when he heard that, and hurriedly said, "Let's go and have a look." So Master Dong's disciples surrounded the teacher to read the notice. When we arrived at the gate of the city, sure enough, there were a sea of ​​people reading the notice. Master Dong also squeezed his head in to have a look, only to see the notice read:

"Okay, that's great." Master Dong couldn't help sighing. "Teacher, you are about to reach your prime." Lu Bushu whispered. In the evening, Dong Zhongshu was writing quickly in his study, with two big disciples, Lu Bushu and Chu Da, serving ink. What Dong Zhongshu wrote to the emperor was the famous "Countermeasures for the Virtuous" and "Three Strategies for Heaven and Man". Today is the third night. After Dong Zhongshu finished writing, the two disciples read it and said excitedly: "Teacher, the writing is so good that the emperor will definitely accept it after reading it."

At this time, the rooster crowed, and the three masters and apprentices opened the door and came to the courtyard. They saw that the east was already bright, and a red sun was about to rise.Dong Zhongshu was deeply moved. He stretched his arms and sighed: "The Master said: Don't be confused at forty. Alas, I am forty years old. After studying hard for more than thirty years, I should have a bright future." Dong Zhongshu and his two disciples Lu Bushu and Chu Da were sitting in a car. It turned out that Master Dong was notified shortly after he submitted the letter, asking him to go to Chang'an, the capital, for an interview with the emperor.

The three talked and talked in the car, and they were very happy.Lu Bushu was from Dong Zhongshu's hometown. He came from a poor background and studied extremely hard. He admired Dong Zhongshu very much and was determined to follow his teacher. Later, he followed in Dong Zhongshu's footsteps.Chu Da was from Lanling, clever and eager to learn, followed Dong Zhongshu all his life, and later served as Prime Minister Liang. The three of them traveled long distances, and it took them more than a month to arrive at Chang'an City, the capital, from Guangchuan thousands of miles away.When the two disciples came to Chang'an for the first time, they shouted excitedly when they saw the magnificent palace in Chang'an city from a distance.

"Ah, Chang'an, we have finally arrived at the feet of the Son of Heaven." After the three masters and apprentices found a building to live in, they went to watch the night view of Chang'an at night.Kyoto is very lively at night, there are many shops in the city, the lights are bright, the streets are noisy with cars and horses, pedestrians are bustling, it is very lively... They strolled to Changle Palace, Master Dong said: "This is the palace of the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager admires Huang Lao, claims to have no desires and inactions, but is obsessed with power and controls Emperor Wu. Emperor Wu hates this deeply. This time, the Holy Majesty Personally raising virtuous people from the people is probably to give myself strength."

Master Dong pointed to a towering and majestic palace to the west and said: "That is Weiyang Palace, where Emperor Wu proclaimed himself emperor of the world. Emperor Wu is so young and pays so much attention to the selection of talents, it can be seen that he must be a man who wants to make a difference and is unwilling A monarch under control." The next day, Master Dong and his two disciples reported to the bus Simamen.The bus order said: "Master Dong, your countermeasures have been submitted. If there is any news, I will inform you. Please write down the residence hall in the register."

When Master Dong went to the hotel, he found that many famous people had come to report.Such as Gong Sunhong, Yan Zhu, Xu Le... "Master Dong, please ask your disciples to receive the subsidy. This is what the emperor put down." "Oh, thank you, Your Majesty, Long En." Master Dong bowed his hands to the south. At night, a bright moon hangs in the sky, and in Weiyang Palace, the emperor's Che study room is still shining with candlelight. Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty was reading Dong Zhongshu's "Three Strategies of Heaven and Man" while lying on the table, and he was very excited while watching.

"Great, great. "Strengthen the power of the king, the power of the king is granted by God... "That's very well said." The emperor stood up, walked to the window, stretched out his arms, took a few breaths of fresh air and returned to the table, picked up Dong Zhongshu's "Three Strategies of Heaven and Man" and continued to read. "It's great to have desires and actions." Emperor Wu raised his head and said smugly, "I am no longer restricted by the inaction of Huang Lao. If I want to have ambitions, I must do something great." When Emperor Wu read "Since the Han Dynasty conquered the world, those who have always wanted to govern well but have not been able to govern well until now have lost it because they should be changed and not changed." Stick to the rules...that's a good point." Emperor Wu approved the words "the head of the virtuous" on Dong Zhongshu's report. The emperor stood up and yawned, the servant brought the Ye Dian up, and the Emperor Wu used it a little, then waved his hand and told him to go away.Then he ordered Dongfang Shuo's report to be fetched. The servant said: "Your majesty, Dongfang Shuo's report was pulled by two bullock carts, filling half of the room. I wonder which part the emperor wants to read?" "Oh, I forgot. I heard that there are three thousand memorials for him, so let's read the first one first." "yes." The servant brought Dongfang Shuo's report and put it on the table. Emperor Wu opened it and looked at it. "... In the thirteenth year of the year, I studied books, and three winters were enough for literature and history; I learned fencing at the fifteenth; I studied poetry and books at the sixteenth, and I recited 220,000 words; Emperor Wu thought: This man has read a lot of books. Emperor Wu continued to read. Dawn was about to dawn in the east, and as soon as the rooster crowed, Dong Zhongshu got up gently by himself and went to punch under the two cypress trees in the courtyard.After a while, the two disciples also got up and danced their swords. After the three practiced, they entered the house and ate some breakfast brought by the shopkeeper. When they were drinking morning tea and chatting, the bus order led two palace men to report: "Master Dong of Guangchuan listened to the decree: the emperor hand-picked the 'head of the virtuous'." , order to immediately enter the palace to be questioned about the best policy." "Thank you, Majesty Ron." Dong Zhongshu hurriedly took a bath and changed clothes, then followed the palace servants.When we arrived at Weiyang Palace, many celebrities were already waiting in front of the main hall.Everyone stood with their crowns on their belts, holding their voices and holding their breath, but there was a young man in smart clothes who walked around with ease, chatting with the people around him from time to time. The man also noticed the dignified Dong Zhongshu with Eguanbo belt, he walked over, bowed, and asked, "Could this teacher be Mrs. Dong?" Dong Zhongshu hastily returned the courtesy and said, "This is exactly me, who is the unknown celebrity?" "Dongfang Shuo, who was born late, was very surprised to hear that the master hadn't visited the garden for three years. No wonder he is so knowledgeable. It's my luck to meet you today." "Where, where, I have little talent and little knowledge, so I have to be more diligent and frugal. I also heard that there are as many as 3,000 bamboo slips on the Dongfang Shuo in Pingyuan. I really admire it." Looking at his handsome face and sharp eyes, Dong Zhongshu sighed in his heart, he is extremely clever, but he doesn't know if he is on the right path. Dongfang Shuo looked at Master Dong, saw that he was humble and kind, with deep eyes, and thought to himself, he is worthy of the demeanor of a great Confucian. The two exchanged a few words of pleasantries, Dong Zhongshu saw that he was unrestrained and unrestrained, not as humble as a Confucian, and thought to himself, the Empress Dowager Dou only worships Huang Lao, and most scholars nowadays follow the trend.Then he asked: "Could it be that celebrities admire Huang Lao?" Dongfang Shuo heard this, smiled back, and said, "Wan Sheng neither worships Huang Lao, nor appreciates Confucianism, Wan Sheng only respects himself." Master Dong saw that he was uttering outrageous words at a young age, and thought to himself that the Dao did not agree with each other, so he stopped talking. The palace people came out and announced: "The Holy Majesty announces that all the sages will enter the palace, please come to the team to enter." Dongfang Shuo shook his robe and was the first to enter.Dong Zhongshu waited for everyone to go in, and then he was the last one to follow into the hall in a calm manner. Dong Zhongshu stood in the corner of the last row, keeping his head half down. He didn't dare to look up slightly until the emperor spoke.Ah, I saw the young emperor sitting majestically on the dragon chair, a ray of sunlight slanted in, and he could see the emperor's dragon face clearly, the heavens are full, the brows are wide open, under the sword eyebrows, a pair of big eyes are shining... Ah, the true Son of Heaven, no wonder he is so thirsty for talents at such a young age, and he will surely achieve great things in the future. With his unique sharp eyes, Emperor Wu excitedly inspected His Highness...all of them were full of ambition and their eyes were enthusiastic.Suddenly, he saw standing in the middle of the front row a tall, slender young man with a smile on his face, looking forward to the shooting stars. He was half a step away from the front row, his eyes were bright, and he was eager to try.At this time, the emperor thought of the words in his self-recommendation book "eyes are like hanging pearls, teeth are like shells". Emperor Wu smiled and thought, this person must be a madman Dongfang Shuo. Emperor Wu looked back again, and in the corner of the last row stood a man with a square face, fair face, long eyebrows and big eyes, standing in the corner of the last row. "Three years without peeking into the garden" is a great Confucian who has a broad knowledge of the Five Classics. "Master Dong." Emperor Wu suddenly called out. When Dong Zhongshu heard the emperor named him, he hurriedly came out to report: "The poor man is here." Emperor Wu asked: "Is Master Dong the one who submitted the "Three Strategies of Heaven and Man"?" Seeing that the emperor didn't call him by his name, Dong Zhongshu was very excited and hurriedly replied, "My Majesty, I am Dong Zhongshu from Guangchuan." "Okay. I have read Qing's three strategies, and they are very well written. You have studied "Spring and Autumn" very well, and I am also very interested. I would like to discuss it with Qing in the future." "The minister obeys the order. The minister should try his best to read it." Emperor Wu saw that Master Dong was standing respectfully, and he himself was sitting upright, and asked again: "Qing's "Three Strategies for Heaven and Man", the first strategy is 'The great origin of Tao comes from the sky, the sky does not change, and the Tao does not change'. Regarding this, I am very concerned, and I really want to know, what is the deep meaning of Qing's proposal?" Master Dong reported: "Your Majesty, I believe that the sky is the highest and eternal. Those who are good at talking about the sky must be imprinted on people; those who are good at talking about the past must be verified in the present. The divine right of the king means It is in line with the Dao for the ruler to take orders from the heavens, and for the ministers to obey the ruler, so the ministers believe that the power of the monarch must be strengthened." Strengthening the power of the monarchy is too good to say.Emperor Wu of Han applauded in his heart.Indeed, since he ascended the throne as a young boy, he has been controlled by the Empress Dowager. Although he is the emperor, he has to consult the Empress Dowager for instructions on everything... Huh, I will make my own decisions in the future, so I said loudly: "Strengthen the imperial power, strengthen the centralization of power, and say Great job." Emperor Wu asked enthusiastically again: "How do you think we can maintain the Dao?" Dong Zhongshu replied: "Maintaining the Dao is to maintain the Dao of governing the country. Your Majesty is the son of heaven, rich in the world, in the position of ambition, and can be called a master of friendship. Taking education as a major task. The minister suggested that the imperial court should respect Confucius to govern the country and promote education. "How happy?" "My Majesty, I think that if a sage follows the heavens and establishes the Dao, then the Taixue must be built. Only by revitalizing the Taixue and setting up wise teachers can we cultivate the people of the world." "It's well said, only by promoting Taixue and setting up wise teachers can we cultivate people in the world. This is the second strategy, what about the third strategy?" Emperor Wu asked excitedly. "The third strategy is great unification. Confucius revised "Spring and Autumn" to list the great unification as the key to governing the country, because the great unification is the foundation of governing the country. "Great unification, Qin Shihuang unified the six kingdoms in the past, and I want to unify the world even more." Dong Zhongshu listened to Ding, secretly admiring him, this emperor, young and ambitious, will surely be a mighty son of heaven in the future. Emperor Wu got excited and asked again: "How can we achieve great unification?" Dong Zhongshu looked around at the powerful officials around the emperor, thinking that the prime minister, Wei Wan, would support his point of view, and the rest of the people, there must be many who admire Huang Lao, and this has been going on for a long time.Empress Dowager Dou worships Huang Lao and advocates no desire and no action, who would dare to disobey?He knew what kind of risk he would face by making such a proposition, so he hesitated for a while... Emperor Wu saw that he was hesitant, and encouraged him: "It's okay for you to say it. For Datong, you must have a good idea." Seeing the emperor encouraging himself, Dong Zhongshu said, "My majesty, I think that if we want to achieve great unification, there is only..." Dong Zhongshu looked up and saw the encouraging eyes of the young emperor. He seemed to see a peerless hero waiting for him. Finally, he uttered a famous saying that has influenced Chinese political thought for two thousand years: "Depose a hundred schools of thought, and only one Respect Confucianism." "Ah," Emperor Wu was very excited, "Go on." "Only by respecting Confucianism can the people of the world come together with one heart. Otherwise, if each holds his own theory, it will lead to disintegration." "You might as well be more specific." "Yes. That is to say, all subjects that do not belong to the six Confucian arts, namely rites, music, books, poems, books of changes, and spring and autumn, and non-Confucian academic subjects are all prohibited, and they are not allowed to go hand in hand. Once the thinking is unified, heresy will not arise again, and academic and The law can be unified, and the people will know what to follow, this is what is called dismissing a hundred schools of thought and respecting Confucianism alone." Emperor Wu listened intently... and then asked everyone: "What do you think about this?" The prime minister, Wei Wan, came out and reported: "I want to report to the Holy Majesty, the old minister thinks that Master Dong's words are reasonable. The unification of "Spring and Autumn" is the way of Confucianism of Confucius. Only by respecting Confucianism can we get rid of heresy. Only then can the court be feasible, the emperor will be powerful, and the subjects will be obedient, and the great man can be powerful in all directions." Emperor Wu smiled and nodded.Then look around at the ministers to see what else they have to say.If not, Emperor Wu will issue a decree.Unexpectedly, Zhuang Qingzhai, Marquis of Wu Qiang, flashed out of the group of officials, and saw him shaking his gray beard, and said excitedly: "I want to report to the Holy Majesty, the old minister thinks that Dong Zhongshu's dismissal of all schools of thought and his exclusive respect for Confucianism is in essence to abandon the great The Huang-Lao thought that the Empress Dowager believed in would be tolerated by her ancestors, and she would be disloyal to the government. I believe that Confucianism is the real crooked way, and I will never allow it to mess with the government and confuse thoughts.” Wei Qihou Dou Ying went out and said: "My lord, Marquis Wu Qiang is exaggerating. Huang Lao's thoughts may not be admired by our ancestors, and the Confucian way may not be tolerated by our ancestors. Today's sage is a young British master, and we must respect those who have made achievements. Confucianism is imperative. From the perspective of veteran officials, Dong Zhongshu’s idea of ​​dismissing all schools of thought and respecting Confucianism alone can be implemented.” "You... hum..." Zhuang Qingdi snorted at Dou Ying. Dong Zhongshu also said: "I would like to report to you again, since the Han Dynasty conquered the world, it has been 60 to 70 years to govern by doing nothing. There are many things that should be governed well, but they have not yet been governed. This is because they have failed to abide by the established rules and cannot be changed." Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty's eyes lit up when he heard this, and he felt that this great Confucian man really spoke to his heart. Excitedly said: "Dong Aiqing's "Three Strategies of Heaven and Man" is very good. I will promote Confucianism, govern the country, learn the Five Classics, run Taixue, and teach people's livelihood. You don't need to argue any more, I have made up my mind. " The young Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty looked at Gongsun Hong, who was nearly sixty years old, and saw that although his temples were gray, he was dignified, and his eyes were deep, giving people a shrewd and capable intuition.Question: "Gongsun Hongqing, what do you think? I have read your countermeasures and they are very well written. I want to ask you that in ancient times, yin and yang were in harmony, the five grains were ascending, the six animals were wild, the dew was falling, the wind and rain, the golden harvest Xing... I want to listen, how can I practice the art of the sages, so that the emperor and ministers can discuss it?" Gongsun Hong is a virtuous scholar recommended by the Zichuan Kingdom. He advocates Confucianism and is good at steering the rudder with the wind. This time he was ordered to go to the capital to offer good advice. Gongsun Hong took a step forward, bowed behind him, and said to the sun: "My lord, the old minister thought that in the ancient Yao and Shun times, nobles and nobles did not reward the people and encourage good people, and the people did not commit crimes if they did not punish the law severely. Rewards are rewarded but the people do not persuade them, punishments are heavy and punishments are severe but adultery continues, and if the ruler is not upright, the people will lose their trust." When he said "if the emperor is not upright, the people will lose their trust", he looked up worriedly at Emperor Wu, who was listening with squinted eyes, and seeing him stop, he said, "Why don't you talk, keep talking! " Seeing that the emperor was not angry, Gongsun Hong went on to say: "So it is reasonable that those who are virtuous will enter, and those who are not virtuous will retreat, and the court will respect; , reward the virtuous, then the ministers persuade..." "That's right. From now on, I will punish the guilty and reward the virtuous. Only when rewards and punishments are measured can I be convinced of the world." Dongfang Shuo patiently listened to the countermeasures of the first two, thinking that it was his turn, and was eager to try it excitedly, but Emperor Wu looked around at the courtiers and said: "My love, today's countermeasure is very good, I am very happy." , I will consider it myself. Such countermeasures will be held more in the future, and I still want to listen, so let’s disperse now.” Dongfang Shuo was anxious when he heard Emperor Wu's announcement of the dispersal of the court, so he couldn't help but came out and said, "Your Majesty, there is still Dongfang Shuo in Pingyuan who has yet to take countermeasures!" Emperor Wu turned his head to look at the speaker, saw that he was a tall, slender young man wearing a tall hat, and thought of the policy he submitted, which was "nine feet and three inches long, eyes like hanging pearls, and teeth like weaves." Now...you can be a minister of the Son of Heaven." I felt that this person was too arrogant, and now I saw his impatient look, and found it funny. I was about to speak, but the servant came to report: "Your Majesty, Duke Shen is here." "Ah, let him in." The eighty-year-old pedant Shen Gong walked in tremblingly with the support of his servants. He was a Confucian scholar specially picked up by the emperor in a dandelion car. Because he was afraid that the journey would bump his muscles and bones, the emperor specially ordered the wheel to be wrapped with cattail grass. . Old Shen Gong bowed and kowtowed to the emperor devoutly. "The old man pays my respects to my emperor, my emperor will live forever." "Ai Qing is free from courtesy." Emperor Wu specially added a sentence "give a seat".So the servant brought the chair and helped old Shen Gong to sit down. Emperor Wu respectfully said: "The reason why I respectfully invite the old man to Beijing is because I want to ask him about good strategies for governing the country, and I sincerely hope that you will give me your advice." Old Shen Gong hurriedly said: "Zhesha is old and old, and I am not talented. Thanks to the Holy Majesty, the Holy Majesty took the old man to the capital by bus. This is the greatest honor in my life. The old man will never forget it. As long as the old man knows Yes, I will respectfully answer." Emperor Wu knew that the reason why he brought the old Mr. Shen here in an Pugong car was not necessarily to listen to any good opinions, but mainly because of his prestige, so he said: "I would like to listen, please give me your advice." "Reporting to the Holy Majesty, I believe that all the monarchs of the past dynasties who can shake the world must do something. The ancestor Gaozu founded our Han Dynasty, Emperor Wen and Emperor Jing restored the economy, and the world is safe. My lord is the young British lord , with great ambitions, will be able to do a great job." After hearing this, Emperor Wu said excitedly: "In the opinion of Duke Shen, how can I achieve my wish?" "This old man thinks that he should follow the example of the former master, rectify the government, recruit wise men, and cover all directions... Cough cough..." Old Shen Gong coughed, perhaps because he was too excited, or because he was tired from the journey. "Is Aiqing unwell? Then rest for a few days before discussing." "Thank you, Lord Ron." Dongfang Shuo thought that it was his turn now, but the emperor said to Zhao Wan and Wang Zang: "You two are Mr. Shen Gong's disciples, so help him to rest. I'm tired today, so I'll change it." Let's discuss it again in the next day, and the court will be scattered." Maybe the emperor was tired, or for some other reason, how could he forget about Dongfang Shuo, he watched the emperor go away helplessly, so he had to be the last one to leave the hall. Back in the dormitory, Dongfang Shuo lay down on the bed, with his hands on the quilt, his eyes staring at the ceiling in a daze... The emperor was tired and forgot about me, or had he not finished reading my two carts of books?You have to find a way to get his attention... Dongfang Shuo's eyes lit up, and he finally thought of a way. In the evening, Emperor Wu and Wei Zifu went for a walk in the back garden, followed by the servants. Suddenly seeing a row of dwarf comedians kneeling in front of them and crying, Emperor Wu was very surprised and asked: "Bold comedians, why are you blocking the way and crying?" The dwarves cried and said: "My lord, don't kill us, keep us, it will bring happiness to my lord." After hearing this, Emperor Wu said inexplicably, "When did I say I wanted to kill you?" "Dongfang Shuo said it." "Dongfang Shuo, is that the plain man who wrote to drive two cars?" "Yes, Your Majesty, that's what he said. He said it was because we were too short." Emperor Wu was furious: "Bring me that Dongfang Shuo!" "yes." Dongfang Shuo was brought here. He was smiling and thought to himself that he could finally see the emperor alone. He knelt down and said, "Dongfang Shuo from Pingyuan pays homage to the Holy One. Long live the Holy One, long live, long live!!" "Bold Dongfang Shuo, why did you falsely preach the imperial decree, saying that I will kill them?" Dongfang Shuo said calmly: "My lord, these dwarves are only three feet long, but they can receive a bag of rice every month for two hundred and forty dollars. My minister is nine feet long, three times their length, but every month They only received one bag of rice, two hundred and forty dollars. They died of hunger, while the humble officials starved to death, anyway, they are all dead, the Holy One might as well kill us together." Emperor Wu listened in amazement, thinking to himself that this person could think of such words, it is really a strange person. Dongfang Shuo said again: "My minister thinks that the sage thinks I'm useful so I can use it, and if I'm useless, let me go back and forget it, so as not to compete with these dwarves for food." Emperor Wu laughed and thought Dongfang Shuo was funny, so he wanted to keep him, so he said, "Okay, I won't kill you, I have food and clothing for you to eat." After hearing this, the dwarfs quickly knelt down and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for not killing me." Then they all stared at Dongfang Shuo for a few more times before leaving. Dongfang Shuo asked: "Your Majesty, if you want to keep your ministers, you must give them a black hat!" Emperor Wu laughed again, and said: "Okay, I like your straightforwardness, just like Gongsun Hong, wait for the Jinma Gate." "Thank you, Lord Ron." Dongfang Shuo thanked him and left.I thought to myself, waiting for the Jinma Gate to be the emperor's adviser, the status is not bad, so let's mix it up for now! Emperor Wu looked at his back and said to Wei Zifu, "This man can make me laugh." Emperor Wu listened to Dong Zhongshu's advice, issued an edict to establish Chinese studies, installed a doctor of the Five Classics, and took the lead in reading Confucius, so Confucianism in the Han Dynasty began to flourish.With the support of the emperor, Confucianism gradually became the mainstream. Huang Lao thought headed by the Empress Dowager was severely impacted, and the conflict between the Empress Dowager and Emperor Wu became more and more acute. After the Empress Dowager Dou woke up from her afternoon nap, she recited it again, and then asked her personal servant: "Have you been to Weiyang Palace?" "Report to the Empress Dowager, I'm back." "What book is the emperor reading?" "Report to the Empress Dowager, the emperor is looking at Confucius." "Confucius again, it's rebellious." "Who did he summon in the mission room?" "Reporting to the Empress Dowager, the emperor summoned Dong Zhongshu, Gong Sunhong, and the old Shen Gong in the Xuan room." Empress Dowager Dou heard this, and smashed the medicine cup: "It's that Dong Zhongshu who bewitched the emperor to oppose Huang Lao..." Empress Dowager Dou asked again: "What did you say in the early court?" "Reporting to the Empress Dowager, Dong Zhongshu proposed to oust Huang Lao, oust hundreds of schools, and only respect Confucianism..." "I already know this, what did the other ministers say?" "Prime Minister Wei Wan proposes to ban legalists and political strategists, oppose Huang Lao, and respect Confucianism." "Hmph, call me Wei Wan." "yes." Wei Wan came, "I respectfully invite the Empress Dowager Shengan." "Master Prime Minister, before the late emperor passed away, he asked you to assist the young master, but you persuaded him to respect Confucianism. Is this what the late emperor told you?" "Reporting to the Empress Dowager, I think that Dong Zhongshu's opinion is correct. The emperor is young and promising and wants to do something great. It is a good thing to revitalize the court and rejuvenate the world. We can't limit him by wanting nothing." "You...even Dou Ying advocates Confucianism, you...you are all against...go down." "Xuan Dou is married." Dou Ying came to the front hall of the empress dowager's bedroom. "Dou Ying, you are my own nephew. I can't trust anyone else, but you, I can trust you, but you have disappointed me so much. How can you support the emperor's belief in Dong Zhongshu?" "Queen Mother, what Dong Zhongshu said makes sense. We big men have been recuperating for decades, so we should do something. Besides, the Xiongnu's border troubles have not been eliminated. We are not strong. Once there is a change, how will we resist it?" "There is no need to scare me. I know more about dealing with the Huns than you. Anyway, I want to warn you, don't separate yourself from me, otherwise it will be of no benefit to you." "If the empress dowager doesn't have any instruction, then my nephew will leave." After Dou Ying left, Empress Dowager Dou looked at his back with hatred and cursed: "Forget it, I misjudged the person." Empress Dowager Dou felt pain in her eyes, so she closed her eyes, pressed her hands on her eyes and panted heavily... After Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty discussed the countermeasures with Dong Zhongshu, soon after, Emperor Wu issued an edict: