Chapter 24 Section VI

Just when Pan Zhaolin was worried about "what to do next", a young man came to the editorial department of "Bianjing News". This man's name is Wang Zishao, his style name is Shengmei, and he is from Taiyuan. He was one of the famous "Ten Diamonds" during the Xining period, and was nicknamed "Ya Nei Diamond". The knowledge of philology is excellent, so Sang Chongguo and others have also heard of him.But Sang Chongguo despised him very much in his heart. After exchanging greetings, he asked lightly: "Master Wang came to despise him, what's the matter?"

At this time, Ouyang Fa received the news that his father Ouyang Xiu was seriously ill, so he was packing his things and preparing to return home.Seeing Wang Zishao coming in, he couldn't help being startled. He also knew Wang Zishao: he had been a supervisory censor in Lixing, and he was a colleague of Cheng Hao. Later, he was demoted to Shangyuan County and became a transit judge in Hunan. Why did the time appear in the capital again, and came to "Bianjing News".He was worried that Sang Chongguo didn't know the details of this person, so he hurried over to greet Prince Shao.

But he didn't know that Wang Zishao came to the capital for business this time, paid a visit to Wang Yu, and got a good job by the way. As long as the matter is completed, Sinong Temple will assign him to lift the two Zhejiang Changping and give him a There is a big difference—but for Wang Zishao, the most important thing is to have the opportunity to face the saint again at that time. He only needs to perform in front of the emperor, and he will not worry about not being able to get a post in the museum.He took a look at Sang Chongguo and said with a smile: "I have heard about Sang Changqing's name for a long time. When I was in Hunan, I heard the name of "Bianjing News". I admire it very much."

Sang Chongguo said politely: "Where, Mr. Wang is too much." Wang Zishao smiled all over his face, and said: "Mr. Sang, you don't have to be too modest. I came this time to meet Mr. Sang, who is famous all over the world. On the other hand, I wrote a report because I didn't know how to do it. Can't get into the eyes of Young Master Sang?" Both Sang Chongguo and Ouyang Fa were taken aback. Since the publication of "Bianjing News", there have been many people who have written articles, and most of them are celebrities, but they rely on their own dozen "reporters" to write reports. In addition, only a few students from Baishuitan College and Guozijian occasionally write.It was the first person like Wang Zishao who took the initiative to write a report and send it over.

Sang Chongguo quickly said: "How dare you, Mr. Wang was born as a Jinshi, so the article must be good." He also suspected that what Wang Zishao sent was just his own manuscript. Wang Zishao smiled noncommittally, took out a volume of manuscripts from his sleeve, and handed it to Sang Chongguo. Sang Chongguo took it, opened it, and was stunned on the spot.There are several large characters titles written in beautiful regular script calligraphy: "The Strange Case of the Military Supervision Device".There is a line of subtitles under it: "Zhentianlei gunpowder formula was stolen, the emperor was furious; Master Shi Ziming improperly recommended people, and was fined for one year."The signature is: Taiyuan Sanren.

While observing Sang Chongguo's expression, Wang Zishao said with a faint smile: "The strength of "Bianjing News" has always been admired, but I'm afraid this report will involve too much, whether your newspaper publishes it or not, and I don't care about it. Dare to force." Ouyang Fa also saw the title on the manuscript. Seeing that Sang Chongguo lost his mind for a while, he had a lot of experience in dealing with the world, so he immediately replied: "My lord, the Song Dynasty has its own "Emperor Song Publishing Edict". News reports should not be false. This newspaper Authors of news reports have always been required to take responsibility for their articles. Mr. Wang must first sign and seal the manuscript to prove that the manuscript was written by Mr. Wang and take responsibility for the article before we consider publishing it. In addition, the editors of this newspaper also have to review whether the article is Leaking court secrets, whether the content conflicts with the "Emperor Song Publishing Decree", etc., so whether to publish this report cannot be decided immediately."

Wang Zishao was stunned, he didn't know there were so many rules, so he smiled and said: "Then according to Mr. Ouyang, when can I give you an accurate answer?" Ouyang Fa pondered for a while, and said with a smile: "Master Wang, why not go back first, leave the manuscript and address, let us edit and discuss it, if it is published, we will pay the manuscript fee, if it cannot be published, we will also Return the manuscript to Mr. Wang. I don’t know what Mr. Wang wants? As for the time, I think it’s a day sooner, or two or three days later.” Wang Zishao smiled, cupped his fists and said: "In that case, I will write my name and address in the capital in the manuscript, and then go back and wait for the good news."

Wang Zishao's report, within the "Bianjing News", is tantamount to throwing a big stone on a calm lake.According to the rules, Sang Chongguo summoned all the editors for a meeting to make a decision. After everyone carefully circulated Wang Zishao's report, almost all of them objected to publishing this report—these people were all from Baishuitan College, many of them admired Shi Yue, and were even Shi Yue's students directly; and Shen Kuo also once He is the Dean of Gewu College of Baishuitan College, and now he is back to teach at Baishuitan College.This kind of incense makes these editors reluctant to publish such a seemingly "neutral" report anyway.

An editor stood up and said excitedly: "This is all falsehood. The government has not finalized the case. If we publish it, many citizens will mistakenly think that Dean Shen is indeed corrupt." There were voices of approval. Sang Chongguo had calmed down a lot, and he asked calmly: "What you said is untrue, the tone in this report is quite clever, and he didn't say that the government has finalized the case, he just stated objectively that there is such a thing. In this case, can you point out which sentences in the report are not true?" The man was speechless.Everyone circulated the report silently again, and found that it was indeed impeccably written.I'm afraid that even they can't write such a "perfect" report-using 100% truth and 100% misleading.

Cheng Hao sighed: "This report cannot be written by Wang Shengmei, he has no such ability. In this report, there is not a single place that violates the "Emperor Song Publishing Edict" - such a sensitive subject matter, even veterans can Not easy to do." Sang Chongguo and Ouyang Fa immediately understood Cheng Hao's implication. Sang Chongguo suddenly remembered what he said to Shi Yue in Baishuitan a few months ago: "Ziming, I will always stand by your side and help you realize this great ideal." Promise of!Sang Chongguo is not completely ignorant of Shi Yue's current predicament. Publishing another report at this time, no matter what the reason is or how it is worded, will inevitably severely damage Shi Yue's reputation among scholars and the people, and Shen Kuo and Sun Gu will be affected. I am afraid that the grievances I have suffered will not be cleared up even more.At least at least, they also made things more complicated.

"This report cannot be published." These words sounded in Sang Chongguo's heart and ears at the same time. "This report cannot be published." Cheng Hao repeated firmly, ""Bianjing News" should not be reduced to a tool for mutual rivalry in the officialdom! No matter how great the pressure is, we should have this principle." Ouyang Fa frowned imperceptibly. He followed his father's career ups and downs and had seen all kinds of darkness. Therefore, as the eldest son of the most prestigious academic master at that time, he was unwilling to take part in the imperial examination and gain fame. To learn all aspects of astronomy and geography, just thinking about learning to spend my whole life.Not long after the establishment of Baishuitan College, he admired Shi Yue's knowledge and came to Baishuitan College.Now moved by Sang Chongguo's ideals, he resolutely helped him to found "Bianjing News".At this time, with his sense of smell, he keenly felt the danger behind this incident, so he postponed going home and stayed to help Sang Chongguo make this decision. "Mr. Cheng, Changqing, everyone, I think no matter what reason we find, we have to publish this report!" Ouyang Fa knew that it was time for him to take responsibility. All eyes were on him. "Our original intention of founding "Bianjing News" is to report everything fairly, just as Ishiyama described in "The Reign of the Three Dynasties", using newspapers to scare corrupt officials and thieves, we It represents public opinion, axioms, and clear streams. We stand on the side of the people to check and balance the government and influence the government. Justice is our only reliance. No matter when, no matter what the reason, we must not lose this principle, otherwise one day, " Bianjing News will go bad, and it will run counter to its original idea..." Everyone here is well aware of this truth. It is explained in "The Rule of Three Dynasties", and Sang Chongguo often advocates it. It can even be said that those who co-founded the first newspaper in the Song Dynasty were all because of this Attracted by ideals, they came together.Everyone nodded silently, and Ouyang Fa continued to say: "Master Shi Shan once said in a speech that newspapers have positions. Our "Bianjing News" also has positions, but we have positions, not that we It is Mr. Shi Shan’s personal tool. We will not be anyone’s personal tool. Our position is the idea we insist on. This idea is to report the truth. If it is news that is not good for Mr. Shi Shan or someone close to us , we will not report, then we have betrayed this concept. "Bianjing News" is now facing a real test, whether we choose public or private, whether we choose to stick to our ideals or protect our private interests, all are decided today. I think that if we If we have a position, our position is neutral! The foundation of our newspaper is to be unbiased, unselfish, and non-party!" Speaking of this, Ouyang Fa paused for a while, he saw that many editors had been shaken, and even Sang Chongguo's eyes showed hesitation. "There is another reason, this reason, which leaves us with no choice. This is a realistic reason. Why did Wang Zishao hand over this report to us? Why did he specifically emphasize that it can be published or not? It's very simple, we were unfortunately involved in the In the midst of a political strife, some people included our "Bianjing News". If we published this report, they would provoke conflicts between Director Shi Shan, Dean Shen and us, and even the students of Baishuitan College, And if we don't publish it, I'm sure that tomorrow, there will be rumors circulating in the streets and alleys of Bianjing that we refuse to report unfavorable news to Shi Shanzhang. , will definitely attack us for forming a party with Mr. Shi Shan and say that we are Mr. Shi Shan's personal tool. When the time comes, there will be more and more voices to ban "Bianjing News", and those who believe that the newspaper is fair will support it. Our people will also doubt us. Once ordinary people can’t sympathize with us, and Shilin’s clear opinions don’t support us, we will lose our true foundation. Once the party’s crimes are confirmed, Shi Shanchang will not be able to bear it.” Ouyang Fa's words shocked everyone, even Sang Chongguo had never thought about such a deep conspiracy.Everyone whispered and discussed Ouyang Fa's words.Sang Chongguo also fell into extreme contradictions. Intellectually, he understood that what Ouyang Fa said was reasonable, whether it was out of his firm belief in maintaining "Bianjing News" or the reason for "Bianjing News" to survive. This story must be published.But if published, if published... "Ziming, I will always stand by your side and help you realize this great ideal." The words spoken in Baishuitan resounded in Sang Chongguo's heart again.Shi Yue can be said to be both his teacher and his best friend. Does doing so mean betrayal? Sang Chongguo was not the only one who had such conflicts. Someone stood up and said: "Although what Mr. Ouyang said is reasonable, I still oppose publishing it. In the most difficult time, succumbing to pressure and throwing stones at the people I respect the most, I be opposed to." But his words were not responded to. Those who can enter the editorial department of "Bianjing News" are all elite students with ideals and independent judgment ability. They know how to choose calmly. Ouyang Fa glanced at him and said: "You are wrong, this is not betrayal! Master Shi Shan taught us ideas, and the most correct way for us to respect him is to adhere to the ideas he taught us, not to be loyal to him personally. Master Shi Shan said to us: I love my teacher, and I love the truth even more! This sentence was engraved on the stone wall in the debate hall, and Master Shi Shan personally asked someone to engrave it, which shows his attitude. Ishiyama’s mind will definitely understand that we do this because we insist on the Dao. If we don’t publish it, it will be a real betrayal. I said three reasons, but the most important of them are the first two. , not the third point. The third point is just to help us make a judgment. To be clean and self-respecting in political struggles, the most important factor is to always remain neutral. What’s more, if we don’t publish it, it will harm Mr. Ishiyama. Everyone should understand that." In fact, Ouyang Fa was not sure in his heart: "Will Shi Yue really not care about it? No one can accept the betrayal of the most trusted friend and the student trained by himself, right? Although he knows it is the most sensible choice." Thinking of it Here, he gave Sang Chongguo a worried look. On the one hand, it is the persistence of ideals and the "justice" that I believe in, and the future of the career I have devoted my best efforts to; on the other hand, it is the actual betrayal of the person I respect most who is also a teacher and a friend.Sang Chongguo fought fiercely between his promise and Ouyang Fa's reminder. This may be one of the most difficult decisions in his life. Do you hope Shi Yue understands and forgives?Sang Chongguo knows very well that once there is a rift between friends, it will always exist and it is difficult to disappear.Even if Shi Yue could understand, emotionally, it was hard for him to expect Shi Yue to accept it, because he couldn't accept it in terms of transposition.At this time, it is not too much to say that I am "adding insult to injury".But in the end, it still has to be decided. The future of "Bianjing News" is in my own hands, not only materially, but also spiritually.If it is published, the future of "Bianjing News" will be determined. It will be independent of any political forces and report neutrally and impartially. Newspapers, people will trust "Bianjing News" more!It's just that all of this is based on damaging Shi Yue's reputation and making things worse.And if it is not published, even if it barely survives, "Bianjing News" will be completely reduced to Shi Yue's follower, and all the ideas I have believed in will become nothing more than ridiculous irony! All eyes were on Sang Chongguo. Sang Chongguo knew that he could vote to decide. In this case, he might have more excuses—"What do I need this excuse for?" Sang Chongguo smiled bitterly in his heart. "If you need to choose, I will bear everything!" He made up his mind, stood up, and said solemnly: "This report will be published on the focus page tomorrow. According to the procedure, if there are three objections, a vote can be raised. If there are objections ,Please raise your hand." Sang Chongguo looked around the venue, only one person raised his right hand. "Pass." Sang Chongguo spat out these two words with difficulty. Cheng Hao waited for Sang Chongguo to finish speaking, got up and added: "I will write the editor's note. I will try my best to explain that this matter has little to do with Mr. Shi Shan, the case has not been investigated, and this report does not represent the opinions of this newspaper. View." Ouyang Fa moved his lips, and said, "I'll go back after finishing tomorrow's editorial. The title of the editorial is "Our Standpoint." Sang Chongguo nodded, with a resolute look on his face, and said: "Thank you, everyone, let's continue to work." After saying this, the strength in his whole body seemed to disappear suddenly, and he slumped on the seat all of a sudden, "In the ideal Between friendship and friendship, I chose my ideal..." Sang Chongguo didn't know at all whether such a choice was right or wrong. Cheng Hao saw Sang Chongguo take off the cloak hanging on the clothes hanger and was about to go out, he hesitated for a moment, and followed him out.The two went to the stable to lead the horse together, and walked silently to the respected teacher's residence in Baishuitan College.The two of them didn't ride horses, they just walked slowly. After walking for a long time, they saw a building in front of them. The two of them were already familiar with the plants and trees in Baishuitan, so they naturally knew that it was the Debating Hall.Sang Chongguo's heart moved, he led the horse and walked to the debate hall, Cheng Hao quickly followed closely. Because it was not a debate day, there was no one here.Sang Chongguo found the famous line engraved on the wall, looked at it for a long time, and sighed: "I love my teacher, and I love the truth even more!" Cheng Hao understood his mood at this time very well, but there was nothing he could do, so he could only say softly, "Mr. Changqing, do you want to let me know beforehand? This can reduce misunderstandings." Sang Chongguo hesitated for a moment, not knowing why, at this moment, he was very afraid of seeing Shi Yue, let alone how to speak about it.After a long silence, Sang Chongguo sighed: "Mr. Cheng, those who know me believe me, and those who know me forgive me. Why do you need to say more? The new school year is about to start, final exams, preparations for recruiting students, how many things are you busy with? There will be even more people in Baishuitan next year!" He was obviously looking for an excuse to escape, but he was unwilling to face this issue directly in his heart, and instead hid his original intention under a deeper lie. Cheng Hao didn't know what was going on in Sang Chongguo's mind. He was silent for a while, and sighed: "Yes! The prosperity of Baishuitan College has never been seen since Confucius. Shi Ziming is really a rare talent in a thousand years. Don't worry, he can Understood." Sang Chongguo glanced at Cheng Hao gratefully, squeezed out a smile, and said, "It's said that listening to Mr. Cheng's lectures is like a spring breeze. Baishuitan College is today, and Mr. Cheng has contributed a lot."