Chapter 9 The eighth chapter encounters nothing without a reason, how can it not grow old quickly——Death recorded with a smile
Deng Ai, who was powerful and ambitious yesterday, became a prisoner overnight.Sima's proclamation was everywhere, and tens of thousands of soldiers would stand up and watch the commander.Looking at the prison car going away, I was not as happy as I had imagined in advance, but felt a bit of sadness: The era—or the history in the eyes of future generations, finally returned to the "normal" track: Gonggaogaizhu—> Bird Do your best to hide.
The cold wind blew a few strands of white hair in the prison car, and I realized that Deng Ai, who had taken off his crown and robes and was not surrounded by soldiers, was really old.
"I've only heard of the sorrow of the fox when the rabbit dies. How can there be any reason for the sorrow of the rabbit when the fox dies?" Zhao Zhi joked.
"It's nothing." I smiled self-consciously, "It's a little sad, just because my prophecy has come true."
"Isn't that bad?"
"It's very boring, and the era that can be predicted is by no means wonderful."
"Don't jump to conclusions, the story is not over yet. Zhong Hui and Jiang Wei will arrive in Chengdu soon, and it's time for Sima Zhao to take action. Why don't we go and have a look?"
He and I were once again cold-eyed bystanders. ...A civil official was advising Sima Zhao: "Zhong Hui has five or six times as many soldiers as Deng Ai. Since you have ordered him to arrest Deng Ai, why do you have to go through it yourself?"
Sima Zhao replied: "Don't worry, you don't need to remind me with irony, I still remember what you said that day."
"What did they say that day?" I asked Zhao Zhi.
"That man is Sima Zhao's subordinate Shao Ti. As early as when Sima Zhao decided to send Zhong Hui as the commander to conquer the Han Kingdom, he said to Sima Zhao: Zhong Hui is a high-minded man, and there are no important relatives in his family who can be hostages. He is alone leading a heavy army, fearing that it will arouse his disobedience. Now he deliberately contradicts his intentions, aiming to tell the clock that his rebellion will gradually germinate, so we have to be careful."
"You also have the potential to be a historian." I praised, "This story is very capable!"
"I'm too lazy to spend mana on this kind of thing." Zhao Zhi waved his hand complacently, and sat back with me in the hut again, "Come on, let's talk about some historical events freely. What kind of person do you think Zhong will be?"
"Unrivaled intellect. Unmatched in his time." I confessed.
"I was expecting a different answer." Zhao Zhi looked a little disappointed.
"'Those who don't know the beauty of Zidu have no eyes' (only those who don't have eyes don't know the beauty of Zidu).
"Well... even he himself thinks so." Zhao Zhi put a voice in my ear: "I have drawn all kinds of strategies since Huainan, and the world knows them all. I want to stay safe and return!" (I Since Huainan put down the rebellion, it has been exhausted, known all over the world. Where can I submit with such a talent?)
"What I care about is not his intelligence." Zhao Zhi smiled slightly, "Think about it: Sima Zhao, Shao Ti, Jiang Wei, Zhong Yu (the brother of Zhong Hui), Xin Xianying, Xu Yun's wife we talked about before, and even And you, no matter whether you are familiar with Zhong Hui or not, you can guess his state of mind and behavior indistinguishably. A true 'wise man' can be calculated so easily by everyone?"
"Come on, sit down, and I'll explain to you." I acted like a teacher, "'Wisdom' is a misleading word, and people with this title tend to give people the impression that they know everything. impression, but in fact they are only outstanding in some aspects. The world compares Zhong Hui to Zhang Liang, the third master of the Han Dynasty, but I think he is more like Han Xin."
"why?"
"Like Han Xin, Zhong Hui is good at military strategy and battle formation, but lacks the necessary understanding of people's hearts. This kid comes from a famous family, and he has strategies far superior to ordinary people. He has always been able to use these to get everything he needs. Naturally contemptuous of the minds of others, he is completely indifferent to the strength of others' hearts, which makes him completely incapable of grasping the wisdom of the human heart, and thus completely incapable of concealing his own." I use the word "completely" again and again to express my Regarding his "absolute" judgment on people, "the supreme thing in Zhong Hui's heart is naked desire for power. It is not difficult to see this and predict, use, and guide him."
"The wisdom of grasping people's hearts?" The monster laughed, "I thought that reading people's hearts was the exclusive domain of Nightmare Masters, and it could only be done by relying on mana."
"That's different. What you interpret with magic power is only the 'thought' of a certain moment in the human heart, but a person's thoughts are always flying and jumping. You can read his thousand thoughts about one thing, but you can't predict his final thought. What we do with wisdom is to infer how he will eventually act based on his life and events."
"Don't be ashamed to say it! My interpretation is accurate, but your prediction is okay?" Zhao Zhi refused to admit defeat.
"Of course I can't." To make him happy, I changed the subject, "But someone can."
"Who?" Zhao Zhi asked unconvinced.
"Jia Xu and Jia Wenhe."
Zhao Zhi was speechless.That's right, we have talked about Jia Xu many times before, this is an unavoidable figure from the Three Kingdoms.In the era of shining stars, it is difficult to say who is the number one wise king, the number one capable official, the number one brave man, the number one general, and the number one lobbyist... But Jia Xu can almost be called the "number one counselor". All strategies are based on the successful grasp of people's hearts.I didn't appreciate the nightmare master's frustration too much, and my mind wandered to another matter.
"Zhao Zhi, do you remember? I said that I should try to spread 'Cao Pi' into other people's biographies."
"Could it be that Jia Wenhe is also one of them?" Zhao Zhi was curious.
"Yes. I think that Cao Pi's teacher in terms of resourcefulness and social conduct is actually Jia Xu. I put a lot of effort into this person's biography." I handed him a few pieces of paper.
"Xun Yu, Xun You... Jia Xu?!"
I know why he looks surprised: Earlier, when I talked about Jia Xu, I didn't have any good feelings. "Civil and chaotic martial arts-two words have disturbed the people of the world twice", this is my initial evaluation of him.
The first time, after Dong Zhuo was killed, his generals Li Jue, Guo Si and others were panicked and wanted to flee to their hometown Liangzhou, but Jia Xu persuaded them: If they leave, a pavilion in charge of local security will Long can capture and kill you, it is better to gather troops and attack Chang'an again!If things are successful, they will be able to control the state power; if things fail, there is still time to escape.The generals turned around and captured Chang'an.Then the soldiers of Liangzhou acted recklessly, causing great damage to the world.The second time was when Cao Cao was hesitating between Cao Pi and Cao Zhi and didn't know who to make as his successor, he asked Jia Xu for his opinion, and Jia Xu deliberately acted distracted.Cao Cao asked angrily: What are you thinking?Jia Xu replied: I am thinking about Yuan Shao and Liu Biao.A word to wake up the dreamer: Yuan Shao and Liu Biao both abolished the elders and established the younger ones, leading to internal disputes and the fall of the regime.Cao Cao finally made up his mind to book Cao Pi as his successor in the order of elder and younger.In the end, the Later Han Dynasty was replaced by Cao Pi.
For such a person who is difficult to be given a positive moral evaluation, I actually put him in the category of Xun Yu, uncle Xun You and nephew Xun You who are the best in terms of virtue and strategy, and the three of them jointly biography!
"Isn't your change too big?" Zhao Zhi was stunned, "I thought you would put him together with Guo Jia, Dong Zhao and other people with schemes and no morals."
"At first glance, it is indeed true, but after thinking about his life and deeds in detail, I think he is not as simple as 'conspiracy but no virtue'. Zhao Zhi, on this issue, my classification criteria are very clear: The attitude towards the Han Dynasty and the stable and peaceful society it represents. As early as the ninth year of Yanxi (AD 166), Jia Xu was promoted as a filial and incorruptible official in the palace. Being implicated, he saw that the current situation was chaotic and nothing could be done, so he said he was sick and resigned, and lived in seclusion at home for nearly twenty years."
"Oh? Just like Kong Ming's high lying in the middle!"
"I didn't elevate him to the position of prime minister." For me, there is no other person who can match that position, "but they are very similar in terms of waiting for time. If Jia Xu is really a chasing fame He should stay in the palace and wait for an opportunity to contact the emperor. This is the best way to get ahead. When the party is in trouble and a large number of officials are dismissed and returned to their hometowns, if a scholar-born official is willing to attach Power eunuchs can get promoted more easily. Jia Xu did not do that. Instead, "Gou Quan's life was in troubled times". Afterwards, the government went from bad to worse. All ambitious Han celebrities in the state joined the Qianghu army, but Jia Xu defected to Dong Zhuo's army who came to attack—no matter what happened, Dong Zhuo was an official army representing the central government at that time. This move also fully demonstrated that Jia Xu Xu’s basic position. Don’t underestimate this choice. This is different from Guo Jia, Dong Zhao and others who wanted to plot the Han dynasty from the very beginning. .”
"Then he also assists Li and Guo to disrupt the world!" Zhao Zhi said.
"If the Li and Guo tribes really scattered and fled, would the Kwantung princes disband their troops and serve the court because Dong Zhuo was killed by Wang Yun?"
"……of course not."
"That's right. If the Qiang and Hu soldiers really fled, they would turn into bandits without organization and cause even greater damage to Guanzhong. In this case, it's better to guide it as a force to support the Han Dynasty. "
"Excuses!" Zhao Zhi laughed, "History writers, you can always find grand excuses."
"Why should I make excuses for such a person?" I said seriously, "It's not an excuse, it's a reason. You see: Li and Guo are soldiers and know little about politics. Xu came to manage government affairs. Jia Xu may have seen this in advance. During his tenure, he promoted honest officials, tried his best to help the Han Dynasty and maintain the status of Emperor Xian. When Li and Guo began to fight each other, he secretly Summon the Qiang and Hu generals in the army, give them officials and wealth, let them go back to Liangzhou, and reduce the scale of the warlord's attack as much as possible, and the people will suffer less because of it."
"May I extend your meaning?" Zhao Zhi interjected suddenly, "Just as the world will not be more peaceful because Jia Xu did not suggest that Liangzhou soldiers enter Chang'an, Zhao Lie will not stand on his own because Zihuan does not replace Han. Returning the government to Xiandi and surrendering to the emperor. Therefore, these two incidents cannot actually be used as a reason to condemn Zihuan or Jia Xu."
"Yes." I affirmed briefly and quickly, thanking him in my heart for saying what I couldn't say, "When the world is in chaos, you don't have to cling to the old status. It is a more wise and courageous choice to follow a more practical path. .”
"Do you not hesitate to bear the infamy for this? I didn't expect it to be so great..."
"Okay, okay!" I interrupted him dumbfounded, "Don't go to the other extreme, they are not that noble. They don't make choices that will definitely be scolded, whether they use Liangzhou warlords to protect the central government or represent Han, Jian and Wei are both controversial and more WTO-oriented choices.”
"After all, they all suffered from a certain degree of misunderstanding."
"Indeed. In the impression of the world, both Cao Pi and Jia Xu are famous for being treacherous and immoral. Cao Pi ascended the throne, and Jia Xu was the head of the three lords. The world said that Jia Xu had no virtue of the three lords. This is just Cao Pi. In order to repay Jia Xu’s kindness in making a statement and establishing an heir. But..." I pointed to a record for him and asked, "Can you show this scene?"
"a piece of cake."
The smoke curled up to reflect the humble figure of a young gentleman.
"Tsk tsk, Zihuan is really handsome." Zhao Zhi looked smug.
"What kind of reaction! He's not your son!" I snorted.
A maid served tea from outside the door.
Cao Pi's face was full of anxiety: "It's urgent, please ask Mr. Jia to come out and see you."
"Mr. Jia suffers from a serious illness. It is really inconvenient to see guests. I hope the second son will forgive me."
Regardless of the maid's words, Cao Pi walked out as soon as he put the teacup away, as if he wanted to break into the master's bedroom.
"Second Young Master, Second Young Master!" The maid chased him out.
Supported by two servants, Jia Xu greeted her in front of the bedroom door.Seeing this, Cao Pi frowned, as if he had something very secret and important, and he didn't know how to say it in front of others.
"Mr. Jia." He saluted respectfully.
Jia Xu said: "Young Master Lao is concerned. Xu has already guessed what you want to ask."
"You must have something to teach me."
"May you show your magnanimity, uphold virtue, practice the studies of ordinary scholars, study hard day and night, and do not violate the rules of being a son. This is enough." - This is Jia Xu's answer: To Cao Pi " How can I compete with Cao Zhi for the throne?" The answer to this question.
"That's enough." I pointed to the words in black and white: "'May the general revive his morality, practice the career of a simple scholar, work hard day and night, and not violate the way of Zi. That's all.' Here. Jia Xu passed it on to Cao Pi and Cao Pi Lai. The foundation of self-reliance is not scheming, but a very pedantic morality. This cannot but make people think deeply." I sighed, "So I recorded this passage in "Jia Xu Biography" and put him When it comes to the height of juxtaposition with Er Xun, I hope that future generations can appreciate a real side of Cao Pi that reflects Jia Xu’s personality. I think this side is probably something that your Cao Pi doesn’t like at all by nature, but he still Succeeded in carrying it..."
"You mean that Zihuan is still a qualified politician?" Zhao Zhi who heard another meaning in my words was very happy.
"It should be. In other words, he was only a little bit short of being crowned the title of 'Mingjun'."
"What's the difference?"
"He is not good enough in many fields. For example, if the Ninth Rank Official Law is formulated by him, then it will be fine."
"The Law of the Ninth Grade Officials? Speaking of which, I happen to have something to ask you. You must know that Chen Qun, who formulated it, is one of Zihuan's 'Four Friends'. But I really can't think of how Zihuan would make friends with him. I fell in love with friends." Zhao Zhi looked confused.
"You actually came to ask me such a thing?" I laughed loudly, "Aren't you very familiar with Cao Pi's relationship with his gang of cronies?"
Zhao Zhi scratched his head in embarrassment: "That's why I was surprised. It is said that he and the 'four friends'," he unconsciously said, "Sima Yi is like a treasure." Needless to say, Cao Cao tried to kill Sima Yi several times, but was saved by Cao Pi. Later, it can be said that they were friends of life and death; although Zhu Shuo did not have any outstanding talents, he was a close friend of the Cao family. Many of his letters can be handed down as famous pieces... But Chen Qun, his personality is completely different from Zihuan's."
"People with different personalities can be friends too," I interjected.
"Not only are they different, they are incompatible! More importantly, I haven't seen any real personal relationship between them. Speaking of friends...at least Zihuan's relationship with Xinpi is much closer than Chen Qun's. To prove this point, Zhao Zhi used a nightmare trick: After Cao Pi became emperor, he deliberately moved 100,000 people from Jizhou to Henan, where there were few people.The court officials all thought it was inappropriate.Cao Pi was stubborn.So Simpi went with the courtiers to see Cao Pi.
On the throne, the emperor, who guessed the intention of his subordinates, deliberately put on an unpredictable appearance, and asked with a calm and cold face: "What do you want to play?"
Most of the officials were trembling and did not dare to say a word.
Xin Pi stepped forward and asked, "I heard that Your Majesty wants to move the scholar's house, is there such a thing?"
"That's right." Cao Pi asked sharply, "You mean I got the wrong idea?"
"It's really a wrong idea." Simpi confronted.
"I don't want to discuss this matter with you." Cao Pi simply cheated.
"Your Majesty, don't you think that this minister is an incompetent person? How can you not discuss state affairs with him if you put him by your side as a counselor? What you said was not for your own selfishness, but out of concern for the country and society. How can you get angry at Weichen?"
"Damn it...!" Cao Pi seemed to grit his teeth and muttered something. He didn't answer Simpi's words directly.At this time, Xin Pi strode up to catch up and grabbed Cao Pi's skirt!Cao Pi didn't order anyone to take down this daring courtier, he just struggled to break away from Simpi—just like ordinary people when they quarreled, he fled like rushing into the inner palace.
"This pair of monarchs and ministers is really..." I said in a dilemma, "Harmony."
After a long time, Cao Pi turned out from the inside, and immediately said: "Zuo Zhi (Xin Pi's character), why are you pushing me so hard?"
"If the people are forced to relocate at this time, they will lose the hearts of the people, and there will be no food supply for them." Simpi said what an admirable minister should say.
"Forget it, you and I each take a step back, and half of it will be fine." Cao Pi made this decision.
Simpi no longer argues.
"That's why you have to be qualified to be an admonishing minister." I sighed, "Cao Pi is not a good king. The reason why Simpi dared to commit crimes is because he has a deep personal relationship with the emperor. No matter how you say it, he was hugged by Cao Pi Master! As for Chen Qun and Cao Pi, there shouldn’t be a relationship worth mentioning, right? That’s right.”
"correct?"
"Zhao Zhi, what is your overall impression of Chen Qun?"
"A true gentleman is worthy of respect, but quite boring."
"Very appropriate." I laughed. "A real Taoist is someone you respect and keep at a distance. That's why you wonder why Cao Pi made friends with him?"
"Yes, but... I remember when Zihuan talked about his relationship with Chen Qun, he quoted a sentence, why do others come when I have him?"
"'I have returned, and the disciples will benefit'?"
"That's right, that's it, what does it mean?"
"Thank you very much, this is very useful!" I wrote down the notes and explained, "This is what Confucius said, which means: Since I have a disciple like Yan Hui, my disciples have become closer and closer to me. Yan Hui's He was a model of morality, talent and learning, and he was close to Confucius, and others followed his example."
"Sure enough." Zhao Zhi was a little disappointed, "That is to say, Zihuan got close to Chen Qun in order to make other scholars follow him. This 'friend' is very reluctant and utilitarian."
"It seems so." I said with a smile, "However, 'benefiting family members' is the result rather than the goal. As far as Chen Qun is concerned, a scholar who can be regarded as a role model would not approve of this kind of utilitarian friendship. By the way, speaking of this, do you know Chen Qun?"
"I don't understand." Zhao Zhi admitted, "The personalities are too far apart."
"Chen Qun's character is derived from family traditions. 'Gongshiqing, Qingchang'," I quoted a proverb, "it refers to the Chen family. Chen Qun's grandfather was Chen Shi, the head of Taiqiu, and he was able to preach. Make the thieves who were about to commit crimes correct their evil ways and start a new life. After the disaster of the party, Chen Shi lived in the mountains to give lectures and became a great master. When he passed away, there were as many as 30,000 people who came to the funeral spontaneously from all over the country. Qun’s father, Chen Ji, was an official to Jiuqing Da Honghe, and his talents and virtues were also admired. Many of Chen Ji’s words and deeds have become models for scholars. On the one hand, he has always followed Chen Ji as an example."
"Oh, that is to say, the three generations of the Chen family, the officials became bigger and bigger, but their morals were worse with each generation? Haha!" Zhao Zhi realized.
"Chen Qun was somewhat wronged. His talents, achievements, and even his official position are all unique. It's just that his grandfather came first, so it seems that he has become unworthy for the sake of official position. You know, official position often drags down the world's respect for him. The moral evaluation of its owner. Chen Qun’s positive attitude towards life has caused him some ridicule. When the famous scholar Mi Heng came to Xudu, he was suggested to make friends with Chen Qun, but he said: How can I be with that kind of butchering pigs and selling wine? ——Sarcasm that Chen Qun is enthusiastic about government affairs, like a villain who only cares about his interests. In fact,” I justified his name, “Chen Qun is indeed a man of virtue, every word, deed, and every action Both are aboveboard, and he can really consider issues in the order of 'the people are the most important, the society is the second, and the emperor is the least' as Mencius said. What is more valuable is that he knows how to be flexible. Whenever the court loses power, he does not Instead of arguing with the emperor like Simpi, who was so red-faced and inseparable, he wrote a letter in private and discussed it repeatedly, which made the monarch more willing to accept opinions."
"A little tactful, this is where his virtue is not as good as his father's grandfather."
"The people will benefit in the end!" I gave him a sidelong glance.
"Okay, okay, you're right." Zhao Zhi didn't intend to argue, "What about the 'friend'?"
"Be patient, the more complicated the story is, the more flavorful it is!" The anxious face of the nightmare master is admirable, but I took the topic lightly, "What do you think of the law of the ninth-rank official?"
One of Zhao Zhi’s strengths is that he has a fresh interest in everything in the world. Even if he lacks interest, he is willing to learn from people he trusts—maybe I am one of the people he trusts—by listening and discussing , so he never said such indecent words about Cao Pi: "I don't want to discuss this matter with you."
"Well, the Ninth Rank Official Personnel Law is really a typical 'Chen Qun system', full of...conservative idealism." Zhao Zhi frowned, "I think it is not as good as the Han Dynasty's investigation system."
"how to say?"
"The basis of the procuratorial system in the Han Dynasty is the evaluation of people in the village, and the basis of the Nine Rank Official Personnel Law is also discussion. The latter's evaluation power is more in the hands of Zhongzheng officials. It is very simple. The civil society is broad, comprehensive and fair."
"Very correct," I said, "but what is reasonable is what is reasonable, what is feasible is what is feasible, and Zhongzheng's appraisal is more feasible than that of the township party. First, the township may be able to evaluate virtue fairly, but a person's talent is high. However, it is difficult to judge by it. The "Xiaolian" who is often checked does not necessarily have the ability in government affairs, but the evaluation by Zhongzheng officials who have experience in government affairs and experience can not only tell whether the person has talent, but also It is possible to give a more detailed evaluation of his talent and what position he is suitable for, which improves the efficiency of the appointment of officials. Secondly, the original basic evaluation of talents comes from public opinion, and "public opinion" does not have any direct coercive power. In the unclear era, it is easy to be ignored and trampled on. Therefore, there is no restriction on the selection of talents. It will be like the proverb in the later Han Dynasty: to promote talents, not to know books, to check filial piety, to live apart from father, to be poor, to be pure, white and turbid, to be high-ranking Good generals are as timid as chickens. (The promoted "scholars" don't study at all, the promoted "xiaolian" don't support their fathers, the promoted innocent scholars are actually as filthy as mud, and the promoted high-ranking good generals are as timid as chickens. )”
Zhao Zhi was stunned: "You mean, if the officials are allowed to preside over the review, the review and appointment will check and balance each other, at least to avoid the phenomenon that the politicians come out of the same school? But this requires the Zhongzheng officials to be like Chen Qun, who have both moral and ability, and knowledgeable people." Mingli! That’s why I said he was idealistic. Besides, he emphasized that the family background of talents is also an important criterion for judging, what is it not conservative?”
"This... can't be helped." I smiled wryly, "This is determined by his background and personality, and it cannot be said that it is completely unreasonable. Compared with poor families, high-school children will indeed receive better education, have better talents and more A clear concept of self-discipline. You see, even in troubled times where talent is the most important thing, those talents who stand out are mostly from scholars. Uncles and nephews of the Xun family, Guo Jia, Sima Yi, Zhong Yao, Pang Tong, Fazheng... and even Prime Minister Zhuge and Lu Xun can be regarded as coming from a famous family."
"One day the famous family will completely rot under the pampering of this kind of privilege, and this system will have no positive meaning." Zhao Zhi said angrily.
I stared at him, unable to tell for a moment whether it was a casual remark or a serious prophecy.Zhao Zhi hit on the major hidden worry of the Ninth Rank Official Personnel Law.
"Hmm... it takes a few generations for the whole class to rot, at least it's better than one person rotting."
"You seem to be referring to something else?" Zhao Zhi had a keen sense.
Instead of answering, I asked, "What does the Prime Minister attribute to the decline of the Later Han Dynasty?"
"'Dear little man, Yuan Xianchen, the reason why the Han Dynasty has fallen since then, when the first emperor was here, whenever he discussed this matter with his ministers, he sighed and hated Yu Huan and Lingye.'" Zhao Zhi blurted out without hesitation—how could this guy be? He is ignorant, but he has memorized "Teacher List" thoroughly.
"Yes, after Emperor Guangwu of the Later Han Dynasty founded the country, the powers of the three princes were reduced. Most of the power, including personnel power, was concentrated in the hands of the emperor and his directly subordinate institutions and personnel. The abuse of power. In ancient times, treacherous villains were bound to form cliques, so the disaster became more and more serious. As the prime minister pointed out, the two dynasties of Huan and Ling gradually formed the two dominations of "five princes" and "ten permanent servants". A group of eunuchs that harm the government and the country and the people."
"Yes, the empress dotes on Huang Hao, Huang Hao wins over Chen Zhi and Yan Yu..."
I glared at Zhao Zhi, who wasted no time, and continued: "Imperial power is unlimited, a foolish king can greatly damage the country, and no one can guarantee that there will be no foolish king. Thanks to you, I have also realized recently that the fundamental solution The method is to draw salary from the bottom of the pot and limit the power of the monarch. On the one hand, the nine-rank official law is indeed to ensure the interests of the aristocratic family, and on the other hand, it is to share and restrict the highest power. It is better for a group of people to control power than one person. After all, the possibility of chaos in power is smaller."
"Chen Qun also thinks so?"
"It should be." I smiled, "Chen Qun is different from his father and grandfather. He was an official all his life and never wrote or lectured, but the world recognized him as 'responsible for teaching the world'. Probably because he was committed to not maintaining the The continuation of a certain dynasty, but to establish a system based on good morals and fair public opinion, relying on this system to ensure efficient and stable administration, and then to ensure the peace of the world. For this reason - never blindly obey the imperial power. He He is completely equal to Cao Pi, who represents the highest power, in spirit, so even Cao Pi can only be regarded as a friend rather than a subject. I think this is the true meaning of Cao Pi always treating him as a "friend."
"That is to say, if Zihuan didn't recognize this spirit, Chen Qun wouldn't recognize him as a friend either?" Zhao Zhi said happily.
"Whatever you think." I grunted, "but it's strange. Since ancient times, the promising British lords have tried to concentrate power in their own hands, but Cao Pi is just the opposite. It doesn’t seem appropriate to say that the law of rank and person is just a condition for the aristocratic family to support him in proclaiming himself emperor. It’s just like... as you said, he really thinks he won’t live long.”
"So you can see this in the purely political realm?" Zhao Zhi couldn't help but sigh.
I nodded: "During his short seven-year ruling career, he has always been very interested in the system. Politically, it is the Nine-Rank Official Personnel Law. Economically, he tried to restore the five baht coin. Militaryly, he followed the previous generation's experience and formally established it. Governor. Even in literature, on the one hand, he writes freely and eclecticly, and on the other hand, he spends a lot of effort on literary criticism and theory. It's like... like he is eager to leave a legacy for future generations. It’s like something that can work on its own without relying on personal power.”
"How are these things working now?" Zhao Zhi asked urgently
"Ha, do you care so much about his posthumous reputation? I don't understand literature, and it has nothing to do with his emperor's performance; He has shown his old age, and the attempt to restore the five baht coins has failed, after all, he does not have the good political reputation of the former master and the prime minister."
"I didn't have time!" Zhao Zhi argued.
"Cut..." I scoffed, "To be honest, from a politician's point of view, his shortening of his past has actually fulfilled him, preventing him from doing more ridiculous things, in other words: bad things that leave a bad reputation You can tell by looking at Sun Quan.” ——The elderly Sun Quan became increasingly desolate and reorganized the state affairs into a mess.
"Hey, how can you compare Zihuan with Sun Quan who can be ignored?" Zhao Zhi still remembered my previous evaluation and said dissatisfied.
"It's kind of similar in nature, otherwise Cao Pi would not agree with Sun Quan's 'charming'. Haha!" I said, "The system can also restrain him a little bit while leaving it to future generations. It must be admitted that when rationality is freed from overflowing Cao Pi is better than Sun Quan at the point of pulling out his sensibility and introspecting himself."
"That's right..." Nightmare Master said very ridiculous words, "For the sake of his untimely death, the merits of his life are far greater than his past, right? Why can't he be called a Mingjun?"
"How could it be so good to be a 'Ming Jun'? First of all, Cao Pi did not have outstanding military achievements. How is this a blemish. As an emperor, when he doesn’t know self-control, he will affect state affairs because of his personal emotions, and this can almost be classified as a faint king. For example, because his uncle Cao Hong refused to lend him money before, when he The last emperor made an excuse to kill Cao Hong, but his biological mother Bian pleaded for mercy and refused to forgive, so Bian turned to take the pillow route to intimidate Queen Guo Queen: "Cao Hong dies today, and tomorrow I will let Your Majesty depose him." You." Queen Guo burst into tears and begged endlessly, Cao Pi spared his uncle's life... let alone forcing Zhang Xiu and Yu Jin to death purely because of personal likes and dislikes. Zhang Xiu is fine, Yu Jin was born and died for the Cao family A good general for many years, just because he surrendered Guan Yu, he was hated by Cao Pi from the bottom of his heart. If you want to force people, you can force them openly; Draw a picture of Pound's heroic sacrifice and Yu Jin's knees and rebellion, and then ask Yu Jin to go and watch... Such a cruel heart is really a natural genius! There is also a famous advocacy minister Bao Xun, because Cao Pi had a temper with him when he was in the East Palace. If you don’t vote, after Mrs. Guo’s younger brother broke the law, Bao Xun didn’t show face and dealt with him according to the law. Cao Pi hated Bao Xun and wanted to get rid of him quickly. Bao Xun made a small mistake, and the emperor just swiped his pen He was sentenced to death, and when Yousi raised objections to the sentence, Cao Pi even threatened: If you dare to talk too much, you will be buried with Bao Xun..."
"That's enough... that's enough! The more you talk, the more you talk." Zhao Zhi stopped me with a wry smile, "I was wrong. It's good that you didn't dismiss him as a fool, I shouldn't push myself. Fortunately, these pillars of the country are helping me. He, otherwise, with Zihuan's character, this emperor is really difficult to do." He sighed unsatisfactorily, "But after all, only a king can have a minister, look at the current Sima Zhao, who will support the country with him is either A minion like Zhong Hui, or a lackey like Jia Chong..."
"What did you say?" I vaguely felt something.
"I said Jia Chong is a lackey, why, is there a problem?"
This is of course no problem.Wei Emperor Cao Mao gathered the guards in the palace to fight against the authoritarian Sima Zhao, but was killed by Jia Cheng who led the imperial guards!For the sake of its own owner, it is the only loyal dog that can order to kill the emperor on its own initiative.
"It's not this, it's before."
"Before I said that what supports the country is..."
"Yes, that's it! Zhao Zhi, haven't you noticed? We have a certain deviation in the civil affairs of Wei State. Because you and I are used to a 'Han State' model: a small country with few people, in order to unify the world, all people are united. To unite and work hard, to run the whole country with the guidance and support of high-level people, or even a certain soul. However, in fact, there is no need to do this at all in the country of Wei, which has seven or eight people in the world. The problem they face is governance rather than chaos. You don’t have to rely too much on the central government, you only need to manage a city and a county well. Therefore, the key to its governance is not in the temple and Beijing officials, but in the local shepherds.”
As I said that, I took the paper, folded it several times, dripped a drop of thick ink on it, and showed it to Zhao Zhi: "This drop of ink is like power, which gradually disperses during the process of penetration from high to low. The more there are, the less the impact of imperial power and government orders on the bottom. In a big country like Wei, the distance between the top and bottom is far away, and it is the Mushou who is directly close to the people that exerts a direct influence on civil affairs."
"for example?"
"Just now you mentioned Jia Chong, but do you know who his father is?"
Zhao Zhi shook his head in embarrassment.
"You... care so much for the galloping horses, even Aiwu and Wudi pay attention to the bluebottles attached to their tails—such as Ding Yi and others, but ignore the cattle that plow the plow and carry the weight far away." I smiled and said Write a name on the paper, "Well, let me introduce you to one of these."
The name is: Jia Kui.
Jia Kui, a native of Hedong, was named Liangdao.When he was a teenager, he liked to play the game of arranging troops and commanding the army. His grandfather was shocked when he saw this, and said: "This boy will definitely be a general when he grows up." He dictated tens of thousands of words of the art of war to him.However, when I introduced this person to Zhao Zhi, I did not start from the small things like writing history, but chose an entry point that he was interested in.I said, "This man has helped Cao Pi a lot."
"Oh?" He really came alive.
"If possible, let's go to Luoyang after the death of Cao Cao in the 25th year of Jian'an (220 A.D.)? It won't take much time, and there are a few very short clips."
It couldn't be easier for Zhao Zhi.
When Cao Cao died, Cao Pi was in Yecheng.All the officials sent urgent letters and discussed a lot, all advocating that the funeral should be kept secret and wait for the arrival of the prince.At this time, a tall man with a Chinese face stepped forward and objected: "The death of the king of Wei is a major event that shakes the world. Forcibly concealing it will not only fail to hide it, but will also lead to more absurd and dangerous speculations, causing people and soldiers I feel uneasy. I should announce this news to the world, and at the same time inform the far and near that I will escort the coffin back to my hometown. Only in this way can I show that the court is not alarmed, and also stop the delusional thoughts of those with ulterior motives."
“怎么样？”目睹众人接受了男子的建议，我问赵直。
"Not bad."
“还有更出色的表现哩！越骑将军曹彰率军赶到洛阳门外奔丧时，人人认为曹彰有夺嫡之心；那时曹丕不在左近，洛阳可调动的军卒远远不及曹彰带来的多，该怎么办呢？”
“怎么办的？”
“喂！别光听我说，身为天下第一魇师，难道不能亲历一次？”我笑道。
“好，我去亲历！偏不带你！”赵直显出他孩气十足的一面，转瞬已是不见。我悠哉游哉地煮起了一壶茶，平心而论，我倒乐得不与他去。在时空里穿来梭去对他来说也许是家常便饭，可我毕竟是个普通人：一方面，身临其境之后，我身体上总会产生轻微的不适；另一方面，更重要的是，随着与他交往的增多，我越发爱惜我普普通通的智能与身份，分享他那么强大的法力时，确实会使人感到……不实在与空洞：空洞、缺乏存在感。
赵直很快回来了，身躯还未完全恢复“实体”，他已经嚷嚷开：“真是很有用的家伙啊！”把我斟好的茶一饮而尽，“这就暖和多了。洛阳城外冷得要命！陈寿你知道吧？贾逵单人独骑迎上数万军队。在勇猛的曹彰面前，这家伙眼睛眨都不眨一下，胆子大得很。”
“他坚信蹈行的是正道，当然胆大。”
“曹彰开口就问：'先父的玺印在哪里？'你猜贾逵怎么回答？”我知道这个答案非得由辛辛苦苦跑了一躺的赵直来揭露才行，于是配合地只做不知。赵直模仿贾逵干巴巴的声音道：“'太子身在邺都，国家早已定下继承王位之人。先王的印章、绶带，不是君侯您应该过问的。'……就这样，一场风波化为无形。”
有用……赵直这个评价再正确不过。贾逵相当务实：军略出众、执法严明、刚直重义、深得民心。曹操曾道：“若天下二千石的官吏（郡守一级）都像贾逵这样，我还有什么可忧虑的？”后来他积功升至刺史，在任期间兴修水利、劝课农桑，治绩出众，曹丕也盛赞他：“贾逵才是真正的刺史。”他做到了一个“能吏”所能做的每件事。
“又想到一个恰当的、可以用来评述贾逵的词：可靠。”赵直端出月旦评的派头，“要是当初孔明身边多几个这样的人……”
“丞相的确非常看重这一类人才，记得他在隆中时对几位好友的评价么？'你们可以做到刺史和太守。'这其实包含很高的期许，期望他们能成为自己的得力助手。同时，他评价得也很精到。其中的孟建孟公威，就做到了凉州刺史，治绩完全可与贾逵媲美。”
“可惜也是在魏国。”赵直的情绪有些低落。
“的确，魏国人才很多，优秀的牧守比比皆是。扬州刺史刘馥，受任于丧乱之余，一人一骑驰入合肥，安聚百姓、招抚流民、怀柔草寇，数年之间竟然从无到有，白手打造了一个强盛的扬州；梁习治理并州二十年，不靠中央的任何援助，连续击退乌丸、鲜卑的进犯，收拢、招诱败散的异族士兵，不仅消弭边患，还增强了国家军力；其余张既、温恢、田豫、苏则、郭淮、仓慈等数十人，无不是典型的'良二千石'——镇守一方之良才，他们与他们苦心经营的一处处城池州郡，正是支撑魏国的一根根梁柱。从某种意义上说，这些人的作用不比曹丕、陈群、贾诩等谋谟于庙堂之高的大人物小。对，正是如此——正是！赵直，快！研墨！”我兴奋地驱使着魇师，“我要继续工作了！”
这便是《三国志·魏书·刘司马梁张温贾传》。卷末评道：“自汉季以来，刺史总统诸郡，赋政于外，非若曩时司察之而已。太祖创基，迄终魏业，此皆其流称誉有名实者也。咸精达事机，威恩兼着，故能肃齐万里，见述于后也。”（自汉末以来，刺史总领诸郡，督掌民政军事种种大权，不再像原来那样仅仅是督察的官职。从曹操创业开始，在整整一部魏国史里，以上六人都是刺史中广受赞誉、名副其实之人。他们为人精干，处置事务时都善于抓住其关键，恩威并施，所以才能治理一方，为后世所称述。）
废寝忘食的工作使我少有闲暇，对此时的我来说这是莫大的幸运，因为每当闲暇时我便会惊诧与痛恨于自己对时局的冷漠。作为一个汉国人、一个深爱着这个国家的汉国人，我竟能无动于衷地看着它燃尽仅存的一点火种，为它书写死亡的歌谣。
几天前赵直就劝我尽量少出门，他指着一屋子书稿道：“你出门的话，我无法兼顾两头。”
“外面发生的事也可能是我将要写入书里的历史，到时候你会告诉我我该知道的吧？”我尽可能平静地问。
“应该会。”这是他的回答。
我发了狂一样地埋首于工作，藉此逃避外在的一切与时时嘶咬内心的痛楚。进度出奇的快，我内心也渐渐平静。然而随着一段段人生在笔下定格，我一次次面临新的痛苦。每写完一个人物的一生时，心内都充满难以言喻的落寞与哀伤。既像是又送走了一个朋友，又不仅仅如此。我向赵直道：“感谢你的指引，让我能够真正怀着'同情'的意识去体味那些壮丽的人生，写作时我不再是个冷漠的旁观者或者单纯的记录者，而是真的化身为那些人，在撰写自己的理想与志望、奋斗与追求。因而，每当我书写的人物死亡时，就好像自己的一部分被从身体里永久地抽离了……每当这些雄健开阔的人格从我身体中被抽走，我就会意识到自己终究不过是个无用的陈寿。无数绚烂的颜色逐一地从我生命中流去，最后剩下的，怕只是一个黯淡无光、灰败衰朽的躯壳。难道这就是写史之人必须背负的宿命？我到底算什么？怎么能活得这么长久？”
内心深处压抑多年的悲哀在倾诉中爆发，我毫不掩饰地痛哭出来。魇师能够看透人心，却无法有效地安抚它。赵直聪明地选择了沉默。直到我抹抹脸向他展颜一笑：“……抱歉。让你看到难堪的样子。”
“能看到你这个样子，我深感荣幸。”他文质彬彬道。
“少来了！忒虚伪。方才是否在暗暗发笑？”
“那倒没有。”见我恢复正常，赵直舒一口气，他委实不擅应对这种场面，“陈寿，你方才最后两句话，很像子桓的口吻。”
“'余独何人，能全其寿'？”我感叹，“是啊，总有那么一些话，能最凝练地表达一些人共有的感慨。”
“既然谈到了死亡与寿命，我不妨带你去看一出与众不同的'死亡'，或者它更像一出玄谈。”
"who?"
“子桓。”
“喔……”有点意外，他竟能以如此冲淡的口吻叙述这件事。
我和赵直又来到了嘉福殿。值得讽刺的是，作为一个汉国人，相对于成都的皇宫我更熟悉这里。
高大繁华的穹顶之下，两个人散漫无节地坐着，都是我记忆中的熟人。一个自然是曹丕，另一个也被赵直带领着见过几面——正始玄学的创始人何晏。虽然其人浮华不实，到底还是一代学术大师。
“真奇怪……”我自语。
“怎么？”赵直好奇地问。
“我记得这两个人的关系并不好。”我解释道，“何晏是汉末杀猪大将军何进的孙子。何进死后家道败落，何晏年幼丧父，不久，年轻守寡的母亲被初掌大权的曹操纳为妾侍，颇见宠爱。”我讽刺地补了句，“曹操这个人，也许对寡妇有一种异乎寻常的爱好。加上他伦理道德观念甚为淡漠，侍妾里有不少都带了前夫的子女。曹操不在乎这一点，把他们全当成儿子来看待。有些人最后还颇为显贵，比如做到骁骑将军的秦朗。不过这种事嘛，他亲生的儿子难免见了不痛快，尤其何晏……”
殿中曹丕笑了：“你这个不识抬举的假小子，这时候才想到来看我？”在亲友面前，曹丕从不用'朕'这个自称。
我笑着对赵直继续说：“何晏多少有些不识抬举。他天资聪明、长相俊秀，曹操很喜欢他，甚至想让他改姓曹，真正加入自己的家族。可当时才七岁的何晏竟然在地上画了个方块，入坐其中，说这是'何家的房子'，也就是说他自己是'何家'的家主。曹操只得打消让他改姓的念头，却也为此更喜欢何晏。据说，曹丕因而很不高兴，人前人后称何晏是'假小子'，即没有血亲关系的螟蛉之子。随着他们逐渐年长，这个称呼不仅用来指何晏是假儿子，也被赋予另一层含义，毕竟……”我扑哧笑道，“整日搔首敷粉、面白如玉的何晏看上去真的很娘娘腔。曹丕当政时，何晏一直没有任职。世间传言他俩关系很差，也不全是空穴来风。只是照你所说，这是曹丕临终场景的话，这时候两人独处，又有点……”
赵直反问：“何晏做官后如何？”
“他缺乏必要的政治智慧，站在无能的曹爽一边和司马懿父子作对；平时又不会做人，和司马师私人关系很差，事败后被司马家诛杀。”
“那你觉得他是做官好呢，还是像之前那样，做个第一流的名士学者、纨绔子弟好？”
“他若一直过着不涉政事的生活，于人于己都有好处。”
“既如此，你说一直不用他的子桓是为他好呢还是不为他好？”
这家伙也能这样“世俗”而犀利地看问题，这让我有了小小的败北感。赵直继续道：“其实他们两个，应该算是一对智慧和思想上的好敌手。就如……哎，陈寿，你说咱俩的关系是好还是不好？”
“一点也不好”我故意板着脸说。
这时何晏开口回答曹丕的话：“子桓你既然还没死，我也就没来晚。”
听了这极为无理不恭的回答，曹丕非但没有不快，反而非常高兴：“你终于肯叫我的字了。很久以前家父和我就把你当做子弟来看，你却拒人千里。”
“哼，我可不想一辈子都生活在你那过于伟大的父亲的阴影下，象你一样。”
“那父亲过世之后，你怎么还一直避免和我交往？”
“你这人名声够坏了，与你走太近会受连累。何况你身边都是陈群、司马朗那样杀猪卖酒般的言利小人，我才懒得正眼看他们。”
“杀猪卖酒？这是在说你的祖父何进大将军么？哈哈！”
亲切温和的谈话没有持续多久，曹丕发问：“你今天为什么而来？不是专程前来欣赏我死前的窘态吧？”
“不是'专程'，只是'顺便'。平时你没时间我没心情，难得有这样的好时候，我来找你……”传说中的当世第一美男子开颜一笑，“聊聊。”
“聊聊”，我当然知道这意味着什么。在我生活的时代，“玄谈”已经成为名士日常生活最主要的内容。饱学之士聚坐一处，高谈对世道人生的体悟，肆意挥洒着清新与自然，不畏权贵而又针砭时弊，超然世情而又深情款款。虽然迫于司马氏日益酷烈的政治压力，清谈逐渐刨去讥时论世的实质内容，成为一种避世方式，可其中体现的智慧与学问都不曾稍减，论者和听者往往都有所开悟。能亲耳听到玄谈的创始人与古今第一位名士皇帝的讲论，真是不虚此行。
“聊聊？那趁我疲敝你是准备以偏师而来呢还是准备起倾国之兵？”
“上国偏师，即可当下国全军，子桓你就准备济河焚舟吧！”
赵直拉拉我衣襟：“他们说的是什么意思？”他急切地问。
I snorted.玄谈是对智慧、学识、口才、急智乃至风仪的综合考验，反复辩难的对话中包含大量典故经义，学问稍差点的都反应不过来。赵直这个妖人想要听懂，实在难过摘星揽月。我敢肯定，这家伙带我来这里，一多半原因是为他自己。
“刚才的两句话里有两个近代典故、一个古时典故。其中之一你应该知道，就是《出师表》里的'天下三分，益州疲敝'，另一个是昭烈皇帝破格提拔魏延为汉中都督时，魏延放豪言说他能灭了曹操的十万偏师、挡住曹操亲率的倾国之兵。曹丕的意思是倘若何晏欺自己病体沉重、而不认真讲论，就会被轻易击败，还是全力以赴的好。至于何晏所说的'济河焚舟'，是指秦末巨鹿之战时，项羽面对对岸强大的秦军，渡河列阵后将船只全部焚毁，以必死之心激励部下。何晏之意是：他本就远远强过曹丕，不管自己认不认真，曹丕若不拼尽全力，就一点胜利的机会也没有。”
“原来如此……”赵直啮指道。
曹丕与何晏机锋频现。
“子桓，果然千古艰难唯一死，死生自古困英雄。”
“怎么？你要鼓盆而歌么？”
“认错人了吧，我可不是董贤！”
要解释这种对答还真复杂。我耐着性子说：“鼓盆而歌之事你该知道。传说庄子妻子亡故时，他非但不悲伤，反而敲着盆歌唱。何晏在学术思想上比较倾向庄子，他话中之意是曹丕身为帝王，终究为死生所困，不及庄子豁达。曹丕的话说明他了解何晏在生死问题上的基本立场，以及他本人对这一立场的不认同；另一方面，何晏生活作风很不检点，有人说他有性别倒错的倾向。曹丕引述庄子对亡妻的态度，也是顺便开他玩笑。不过，”我耸耸肩，“这玩笑把曹丕也带进去了，所以才有何晏拿'董贤'说事。董贤是汉哀帝最喜欢的宠臣，二十出头就做到了大司马的高位，汉哀帝甚至有意把皇位传给他。何晏顺着曹丕的话头嘲讽他一直是个好色无道的昏君，同时为自己正名，及时与曹丕撇清关系。”释讲时我心内翻起波澜：之前从未想过有将死之人能如此坦然潇洒地谈论死亡。
赵直没有注意到我的心情，只道：“这些人说话真麻烦。”
“求之不得！你不愿听的话我就不多费口舌了。”
魇师连忙赔笑：“不，我是说，之后的正式内容我反而能听懂不少。”的确，此时之清谈尚未发展到日后玄远而言不及义的程度。
何晏递给曹丕一张纸：“这是我新写的诗。”
我凑上去看：“鸿鹄比翼游，群飞戏太清。常恐夭网罗，忧祸一旦并，岂若集五湖，顺流唼浮萍。逍遥放志意，何为怵惕惊？”
这显然是仿照《庄子·逍遥游》所做。《逍遥游》开头说北海有鱼名为“鲲”，可以化为传说里的巨鸟“鹏”。从北海迁徙到南海，它拍击水面，激起三千里高的大浪，而后乘御狂风，直上九万里高空。渺小的蝉雀只能在低矮的树丛间飞翔。大鹏从九万里高空俯视地面，能透过虚假看穿各种真相。
何晏诗中的鸿鹄，便是庄子文中大鹏的意象。他认为大鹏之自由仅仅是相对蝉雀而言。大鹏在自身的生活环境中，也会经常遭到网罗之类不测的危险，也有属于自己的忧患。在茫不可测的天意与生死面前，宏大与微小、崇高与卑微，其实没有差别。
“这算是比庄子高出了一层？”赵直又在偷窥我的思想，在现在的情况下，这种方式很有效，因此我默许了他的无礼。
“何晏的意思是：无论鹏程万里的曹丕还是游嬉树丛的何晏，只是境遇不同，在天意大道看来，两人都在为生活挣扎，境界上完全平等。翻云覆雨的功业不足称道，能够想开一点、'逍遥放志'一些，才是真正的赢家。”
曹丕也随口用诗来回答他：“神龟虽寿，尤有竟时。腾蛇乘雾，终为土灰。老骥伏枥，志在千里；烈士暮年，壮心不已。盈缩之期，不但在天；养怡之福，可得永年。幸甚至哉！歌以咏志。”
曹操这首诗传唱已过一甲子，何晏听罢只冷然一笑：“便是曹孟德诗中，也不得不承认，烈士骐骥，终究为死生局限，功名无尽而其生有涯……”
曹丕打断了他：“平叔，你未能真正了解先父此诗。被生、老、病、死所困的只是烈士骐骥的事业与程途，并非烈士骐骥本身。”
“纵使不为生死所困，也受到事业程途的奴役，自以为建功立业，远胜庸人驽马，穷途末路、死之将至之时，却发生一生汲汲追求的，不过一场虚幻。真是可怜、可笑。”何晏的说辞颇为有力。有时我也隐约想到这些，却不曾如此清晰明白。
曹丕微笑：“不知你该说我是冥顽不灵还是死不松口。我大限将到，却也没感到往日的一生是虚幻的梦境。不过平叔，你果真进益了。庄子常常谈那些能够乘驾云气、驱策日月、四海遨游、凌越生死的'真人”，他们将精神升华至常人难及的高度，俯视万象、冷眼死生，因而能有大镇定、大冷静，既不受喜怒哀乐的影响，也不被生死俗事所牵绊。而你敏锐地发现，这如同大鹏之观鸟雀，只是相对的超脱高妙，其实他们并不能看破与自己平行或者更高大的事物。这样的话……告诉我你'绝对高妙'的答案是什么？ "
被直指言论中心，一切为此准备的辩论技巧都失去效用。何晏在不快的同时也显得颇为开心。
“答案是'无'。子桓，儒学之士重视人生本身的'从始至终'，却忽视了更重要的东西：'始之前'、'终之后'。时空无始无终，其中显现的一切终是虚无。不但成败是非，连'看破成败是非'都是虚幻。万象由无中而生，所有有形之物与无形之志，都要归为绝对的'无'与沉寂。因此我们要做的不是'看破'，那说到底不过是大鹏之观燕雀，在享受凌驾于同类之上的快感而已。我们要做的，是'适意'。”
“哦……庄子不也说万物'如一也'么？”
“庄子的'如一'是在肯定'本来如一'的基础上，追求对自我和其他事物的超越，我的'如一'则是彻底的平等。”
“老子极重养生之道并且'恶死'，这和你的说法是否矛盾？”
“老子重的不是一般人理解的养生之道，是自然之道，他说人生天然有三成长寿、三成短命，可也并没有提出什么逆天的养生门路，只是要求人们顺其自然，完其寿数。他所厌恶的'死'，与提倡的'生'相对，不是指死亡与生存，而是指'僵硬，死板'与'灵活变通'。你也知道，老子始终在强调'道'，'道生一，一生二，二生三，三生万物'，道是万物起点，这和我说的'无'殊途同归。不过他没有过多强调这也是万物共同的归宿。至于他在人的精神修养上强调的'玄之又玄'，指的也是自我不断的提高和超越，这些都和我