Chapter 67 Section 6 Mencius Discusses Sword and Archery Art

In the Battle of Guiling, the Qi army won a great victory, which made Mencius eclipsed. Not to mention that Sun Bin and Tian Ji were praised by the government and the opposition, what embarrassed Mencius the most was that many important officials and elders of Qi State used this to criticize Mencius inexplicably, as if Mencius had opposed this war.Among these people, the prime minister was the most jealous. He blatantly said to King Qi Wei that Mencius is a pedantic and outdated antique, and that the state of Qi needs a military strategist like Sun Bin most.Even Zou Yan, Shen Dao, Chunyu Kun, and Tian Pian, famous scholars in Jixia Academy, also said a lot of derogatory words about Mencius.In contrast, Xun Kuang, who was as "extreme and sinister" as Shaozheng Mao, openly praised Mencius, and wrote to King Qi Wei, advocating that Qi State should try its best to keep Mencius who was "broad, deep, honest and sincere" and "do not use his way of governing. , and use his method of academic study to build a banner of civilization for the state of Qi!" Three times a day, there were many rumors, and Mencius was full of emotion.Of course he was very clear that a powerful official like Zou Ji opposed him because he was afraid that he would be reused by King Qi Wei.People like this also know very well that for a master like Mencius who is famous all over the world, he is either not used or reused, and he will never be sent to a idle job like a Chinese doctor.Once Mencius is reused, even if he cannot be dismissed from Zou Ji's position as prime minister, he will still share more than half of the prime minister's power.For a scholar like Zou Ji who was born as a luthier, once he loses his position as prime minister, he will withdraw from the aristocratic class forever, and even risk his life.Mencius felt that this kind of so-called celebrities who put their life foundation on a high crown are actually very pitiful and insignificant, and it is very dirty to work with them.Zou Yan from Jixia Academy criticized him because he was afraid that he would take away his status as the "master of the world" if he made the order of the academy.The other scholars followed suit, because they were afraid that Mencius's knowledge and eloquence would overwhelm their brilliance in Jixia Academy.Even Xun Kuang, who is upright and upright, does not think that he can govern the country and the people, but can only study.Such a reputation is obviously a symptom of hopelessness.Mencius' enthusiasm for Qi Guo gradually cooled down.Although King Qi Wei has not said anything about these discussions, Mencius has already seen that Qi is not a place to stay for a long time.

That night, Mencius wrote a frank and euphemistic "Ci Qi Shu" and prepared to present it to King Qi Wei the next day. Wan Zhang hurried in, very excited, "Report Master, King Qi has already arrived outside the gate!" "Oh? Who is going with you?" "King Qi bikes, no one goes with him." Mencius's heart skipped a beat, "Open the middle door and welcome King Qi." When Mencius came out of the gate, King Qi Wei had already got off the car and walked towards the gate.Mencius bowed deeply, King Wei of Qi cupped his hands and said with a smile: "I haven't visited my master for a long time, and I feel very uneasy. I came here today to ask for advice." Mencius smiled and said, "How can Meng Ke dare to ask King Qi to visit? Please. "As he spoke, he accompanied King Qi Wei to the main hall.Mencius' disciples were very excited, and stood in two rows in the courtyard in awe, listening to the conversation between the teacher and King Qi.Gongsun Chou served tea respectfully and stood aside.Wan Zhang was behind the wooden screen preparing to record the words of the Master.

"Master, although our army defeated Wei State and saved Zhao State, this king has encountered a problem. Zhao State is actually indifferent to Qi State. The border. Chu State tried hard for me to form an alliance to defeat Qin, but now it suddenly betrayed the alliance and fell to the defeated Wei State. Please teach me, why are these three countries like this? How should Qi State respond? " King Wei of Qi was very confused, and also very serious. Mencius, however, smiled slightly, "There are cunning tricks in diplomatic relations, and there are also tricks. Meng Ke knows nothing about it."

"Cheating tricks? According to the master, what is the right way?" King Qi Wei was surprised. "Those who follow the righteous way will be governed by the laws of the state. Those who have great plans will ensure the well-being of the common people." "However, if the master doesn't play tricks, how can he govern the country?" King Qi Wei obviously felt a little regretful in his tone. Mencius, however, was very plain, "If the Dao is not practiced, what good is deceitful way? It is not the way to build a country and seek a king." King Qi Wei sighed softly, but was speechless for a moment.Mencius took out a roll of bamboo slips from his sleeves and held them in both hands, "King Qi, this is Meng Ke's "Ci Qi Shu". Thank you King Qi for treating Meng Ke generously."

"How? Master wants to leave Qi State? But why?" "Meng Ke's family has an old mother, so Meng Ke may be allowed to come to Qi State again if he has to serve his old mother and go to the earth." King Qi Wei was silent for a long time, "Master is very filial, how can you force him to stay?" He sighed deeply, as if he was very regretful. Mencius stopped talking, and King Qi Wei, who always talked and laughed, seemed to have nothing to say.Mencius respectfully and solemnly sent King Qi Wei outside the gate, and King Qi Wei bowed his hands generously and said, "Master, in three days, this king will see you off at the Changting Pavilion."

That night, the disciples all felt a little lonely. Qi Guo and Jixia Academy had just aroused their lofty ambitions in their hearts, but they suddenly wanted to leave. "You are depressed and speechless. Could it be that you leave Qi for being a teacher?" Mencius smiled. Gongsun Chou cupped his hands and said, "I think Master should respect King Qi's love for the virtuous, so it seems abrupt to leave in a hurry." Mencius still smiled faintly, "When you travel among the princes, you should despise them, and don't put them in your mind. Our Confucianism upholds the Dao. In this decadent world, we should be the teacher of the king, not the weapon of the king. To be the weapon of the king, we must To practice deceitful tricks, one must be a dog. To be a king's teacher, one must practice the right way, and one's body will be immortal. Now in Qi, where dogs are rampant and the avenues are destroyed, how can you compete with them for the crown?"

The hall was full of silence, and a solemn and tragic spirit of martyrdom was born in the hearts of the disciples. Three days later, King Qi Wei led a group of ministers and princes to give Mencius a grand farewell party at the Changting Pavilion outside Linzi City.The atmosphere seemed even warmer than when Mencius was greeted.After Mencius got off the car outside the long pavilion, he was immediately surrounded by the ministers and the scholars of Jixia Academy. They greeted with concern, kept them warmly, comforted them attentively, and praised them sincerely.Mencius still had a calm smile that would never change, he folded his hands and looked around, taking care of all the enthusiasm.

"Hundreds of officials and princes are seated—!" The minister of ceremonies announced loudly, and the bustling praises and cares ended. King Qi Wei held Mencius' hand in the peaceful music, and walked into the Dashi Pavilion side by side. Other officials and other officials sat down in front of the long table under the tent outside the pavilion.The music stopped, and King Qi Wei said loudly: "Master Meng is a great filial piety and a great sage, a model for the world. Today is a farewell farewell for Master Meng. I hope Master Meng will come back as soon as possible!"

"May Master Meng come back as soon as possible—!" There was an overwhelming response, especially enthusiastic. Mencius cupped his hands beside King Qi Wei and said with a smile, "Thank you for your hospitality, King Qi, and Meng Ke will never forget it." King Qi Wei raised his title, "Come, do it for the health of Master Meng Gaotang!" "Master Mencius is in good health—! Do—!" Mencius hugged the jue and surrounded him, and drank it all in one gulp, expressing his deep gratitude to the king and ministers of Qi. As soon as he was seated, General Tian Ji stood up from under the tent next to the stone pavilion, cupped his hands and said, "Master is leaving today. There is something Tian Ji can't explain himself. Please enlighten me."

Mencius replied with a smile: "Don't dare to teach, but do what you can." Tian Ji respectfully said: "The state of Chu offered a sword, and none of the officials and scholars could understand it. I have heard that Confucianism is profound in arguing about things and learning. At the beginning, Confucius had solved countless difficult things for other countries. Master, please identify this sword and solve the confusion for the world." King Qi Wei cupped his hands and said, "Master, thank you." "Please take a look at the Chu sword." Mencius did not refuse at all.

Tian Ji beckoned, and the servant presented an ancient sword in front of Mencius on a large plate.The ancient sword on the plate is about two feet long, and the bronze scabbard has mottled ancient patterns, which has the charm of ancient gold and stone utensils.Mencius took the ancient sword, weighed it with his left hand, and pressed the button of the sword with his right hand, but there was a faint sound of vibrating, a blue light flashed, and the ancient sword slipped out of the scabbard by about a foot!As the sword was completely drawn out of the scabbard, a cold light flickered in the pavilion.Looking from outside the pavilion, it looks like the reflection of a bronze mirror!All the ministers couldn't help being amazed.Mencius looked at the edge of the sword for a while, and flicked the blade of the sword lightly with his fingers, the golden sound of Qing Yang buzzed around the beam.Mencius wiped the sword again with a white silk scarf, and thoughtfully put the ancient sword back on the platter.The audience couldn't help holding their breath. "This sword is a fish-intestine sword, indeed a divine grade of ancient sword." Mencius replied affirmatively. King Qi Wei: "Master, please dismantle it in detail." Mencius calmly said: "If you want to talk about swords, you have to talk about their origins. The sword-making technique originated from the Chiyou tribe in the time of the Yellow Emperor. Chiyou cast three thousand swords with copper material from heaven, and defeated the Yellow Emperor's army repeatedly. According to legend, the most famous sword cast by the Chiyou tribe is It is a crescent-shaped "Chi You Tianyue Sword". Unfortunately, this sword has been lost to future generations, and it is hard to find. More than three thousand years later, there was a skilled craftsman Ou Yezi in Wuyue Mountain, who was good at making swords with iron materials and copper and gold. Therefore, sword casting has become a very deep knowledge. In the spring and Autumn period, there were Wu Guo Shengong Ganjiang and Chu State Shen Gong Fengbeard. The two sects stood side by side, and the sword casting skill reached its peak at this time. Ten famous swords, each one is a rare treasure, a god among soldiers." Tian Ji was surprised, "Tian Ji is ashamed to be a general, but he only knows two or three, how dare you ask the name of the ten swords?" "What are the ten swords? The first is Ganjiang, the second is Moxie, the third is Longyuan, the fourth is Tai'a, the fifth is Gongbu, the sixth is Zhanlu, the seventh is Chunjun, the eighth is Shengxie, the ninth is Yuchang, and the tenth is Juque. Among them, the last five swords are divided into big three and small two, called big punishment three and small punishment two. That is, Zhanlu, Chunjun, and Shengxie are all long swords. Yuchang and Juque are short swords. The first five swords are male and female, and the three divine swords. Ganjiang and Moxie are male and female swords. Tai'a, Longyuan, and Gongbu are the three famous swords. This is called the name of the ten swords." Mencius couldn't help saying that he was a little fascinated. "Where did the ten swords fall? Master?" King Qi Wei was very interested. "When the ten swords come out, the world will fight for the city and land for them. If you get the hands, you will keep them secret. Therefore, it is difficult to determine the whereabouts of the ten swords. There was a famous sword master Xue Zhu in the Yue Kingdom, who had five friends for the Yue King Goujian who loved swords. The famous swords are big punishment, three small punishments and two. It can be seen that the five swords once fell in the Yue Kingdom. General Mo Xie has not been heard of for more than a hundred years. The rest of the swords are also heard occasionally, and I don’t know where they are." "The special envoy of Chu State privately said that this sword is a general." Tian Ji blurted out. "No." Mencius shook his head and smiled, "This sword is definitely not a general. There are three things that are wrong. First, the shape of the sword is not. The general is a male sword. It is tall and long, and it should be about three feet. Less than two feet, it is the image of a small punishment. Second, the sword's edge is not. The man named Mo Xie is a male and female sword named after the husband and wife forged together. His wife Mo Xie threw herself into the furnace, and the iron juice came out. There are lines and spots on the blade of the sword, which are caused by the blood and tears of the female sword on the male sword. Although the ancient sword in front of me has lines, but they are on the body of the sword, not on the edge of the sword, and there are lines all over the body, so it is not a general. But the sound of the sword is not. The sword is the god of all soldiers. All famous swords have spiritual charm. When encountering big treacherous and evil, they will sing in the sheath; The vibration sound is different from any famous sword; the warning sound in the box is like a cold wind passing through the forest, and the mournful cry is low; It's long, like a long night of sadness. But the ancient sword in front of me has a clear vibration sound, and the lingering sound is clear and clear, which is very different from that of a general." "Master believes that this sword is a fish intestine, is there a source?" Zou Yan couldn't help asking loudly. Mencius drew out the ancient sword again, "This sword is short in shape, which is the first. The vibrating sound is clear and clear, which is the second. But the fundamental point is still in the lines on the sword body. Except for the blood and tears of the general Moxie, the other eight swords are famous swords. They all have different patterns, and they are all on the body of the sword. The pattern of Longyuan is like a mountain facing the abyss, the pattern of Tai'a is like flowing water, and the pattern of Gongbu is like a huge river. Please look at the pattern of the ancient sword in front of you. The folds are twisted and twisted, resembling fish intestines. The name of the sword fish intestines comes from the shape of the veins. Meng Ke concluded that this sword is the ancient sword of fish intestines. This sword. In Zhuanzhu's possession of the steamed fish belly, the fish was placed on the wine table, and the sword actually broke through the stomach, and it made Zhuanzhu Feijian kill King Liao of Wu, and pushed out King Helu of Wu, and accomplished a great feat." The young Xun Kuang suddenly got up and said loudly: "Everyone in the world says that Confucianism only understands rites and music. How do you know that Master Meng is so proficient in swordsmanship? I admire you so much!" All the ministers echoed in unison, "Master Meng is broad and deep, and I admire him so much!" Mencius was already disgusted with this young Xun Kuang, and with the crowd's support for him, he felt even more tired, so he couldn't help saying loudly: "Confucianism teaches people, both civil and military, and the six arts are proficient. Why do you only understand rituals and music?" Sun Bin outside the stone pavilion cupped his hands in salute, "I have heard that Master Meng's archery skills are superb, and I dare to ask Master to show his demeanor." Everyone knew that Sun Bin had been in Wei State for a long time, and Mencius was also in Wei State for a long time. Sun Bin's words were absolutely correct, and they couldn't help but echoed in unison, "I would like to see the master's shooting skills——!" King Qi Wei has great doubts, although Master Meng is a master, after all, he is a scholar, how can he be proficient in archery?He was suddenly alert, was someone trying to embarrass Mencius?With a flash of thought, he smiled at Mencius, "Master, you are talented, why care about small skills, don't wait for you to take it seriously." Mencius should have politely said that he didn't want to hear the word "little skill" from King Qiwei, but suddenly remembered the word "little trick" that he said to King Qiwei.People in the world all admire knowledge and skills with practical value. Du Mencius openly called practical knowledge a "little trick", which led the world to think that Confucianism knew nothing about practical skills and knowledge, and often responded with contemptuous ridicule. Publicly denigrate Confucianism.Just now, Mencius had noticed that the recognition of Yuchang Sword had shocked the monarchs and ministers of Qi State. At this moment, he suddenly thought that he should truly show the whole picture of Confucianism and change the world's prejudice against Confucianism!With this in mind, Mencius stood up abruptly, "King Qi and your lords, Meng Ke has made a fool of himself today." With a flick of his large cloth robe, he walked out of the pavilion, and the audience immediately cheered. Outside the Jiaoying Changting Pavilion was originally an empty field for parking horses, Tian Ji immediately ordered the soldiers to move the horses and chariots to make way for a wide arrow path, and set up a tall archery target.All the ministers and sons of the Qi State stood along the path excitedly, and the guards also stood watching from a high place. The entire arrow path was surrounded by dense circles.King Qi Wei stood on the king's chariot that was much higher than the crowd outside the pavilion, watching this literati bowing his bow with interest but not without worry. Mencius came to the crowd, glanced forward, and said with a smile, "General, can this be called archery? Change to the smallest target and set it to 180 paces." The audience was stunned into silence.Everyone knows that the target set for Mencius is a big target for archery beginners, taller than a real person, and it is only placed more than sixty steps away.Even so, being able to hit three arrows is very, very rare for a master of learning like Mencius.How many of the scholars who study practical knowledge in Jixia Academy can archery, fencing, and drive?So when they heard that Mencius required the smallest target, and one hundred and eighty steps, everyone couldn't help being surprised.You must know that the smallest target, 180 steps, is rarely used in the military for marksmanship, and those who are usually called marksmans are only "hundred steps through Yang".One hundred and eighty steps means that the archer must have the strength to open a twenty-stone strong bow, and must have excellent eyesight that has been trained for a long time. Such archers are also very few among the hundreds of thousands of troops!Qi Jun is good at martial arts, and highly respects the divine archery. Naturally, everyone knows the difficulty of it, and it is unbelievable for a while, but they dare not speak out. The whole audience is as quiet as an empty mountain and a valley. Tian Ji pondered for a while, and ordered decisively, "Extend the arrow path! Change the target!" After the order, the officers and soldiers retreated in an uproar, the arrow path suddenly opened up, and the small archery target in the distance was like a rabbit on a hunting ground. Generally vague. A military official held a longbow and three iron arrows.Mencius weighed it and said with a smile, "Please use the king's bow and arrow." The military official was puzzled: "This is the best bow and arrow in the army. The little official has never heard of the king's bow and arrow." Mencius sighed greatly, "Qi is a big country, but its weapons are so poor. How can it be strong? There are eight kinds of bows and twelve kinds of arrows. The king's bow is strong, and he can shoot chariots and leather from a long distance. The soldiers' arrows are clustered with refined iron. With long feathers as a tail, you can shoot Fang from a long distance without flying away. How can you be unprepared for such a sharp weapon?" Mencius was originally a master educator who came out of nowhere, and he could explain everything thoroughly and concisely and tirelessly.At this time, some comments were made, even the soldiers in the army had never heard of them, and everyone was stunned and respected Mencius for a while. King Qi Wei said loudly: "Master, please use my bow and arrow!" Then he took off the longbow and quiver from the king's chariot. Tian Ji stepped forward to take it, and respectfully presented it to Mencius.Mencius bowed his hands to King Qi Wei Yaoyao to thank him, then took the bow and arrow and said, "This bow is a Tang bow, and this arrow is a killing arrow. The Tang bow is strong and heavy, suitable for shooting deep. The killing arrow shaft is heavy and sharp, and it is stable for long-range shooting. It is also considered a good bow and a famous arrow. Generals, fighting in battle, only the king has a good weapon, but it is useless." Tian Ji bowed deeply, "I would like to follow the instructions. The Qi army should reorganize its military equipment and deploy the entire army." Mencius didn't say any more. He took off his loose cloth robe, revealing his tight white cloth shirt and trousers. His white hair at the temples set off his bronze-colored face with ravines and crisscross patterns, showing a kind of majesty and stability that has been weathered by hardships in the year of fate.He carried the quiver on his back and tried to draw the bow. He seemed to think that the bow and arrow were not satisfactory, so he put on a long arrow and opened the bow slowly.The powerful Tang bow suddenly opened like a full moon. Mencius kicked his legs forward and back, and stood motionless with his bow drawn. He glanced at his disciples who had rarely seen him archery, and said earnestly: "The foundation of archery is the combination of strength and spirit." One, always draw but not shoot, and practice until the center of the target is as big as a plate and close to the nose, then you can draw the bow and shoot." As soon as the words fell, whoosh——!Whoosh!Whoosh!Three arrows fired in succession.With a sharp whistling sound, the long arrow flew towards the vaguely small rabbit-like archery target, piercing through the bull's-eye.When the last arrow passed through the bull's-eye, the faintly visible small wooden target crashed to the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust! There was a moment of shock in the audience, and there was thunderous applause and cheers.Qi's soldiers cheered and shouted in unison: "Master Meng, please teach the Qi army—!" Mencius put on his robe, smiled calmly and bowed his hands to the officials and soldiers.King Qi Wei got out of the car excitedly, and bowed to Mencius to the end, "Master's art is amazing, but how hidden is it? Master, please come into the pavilion and take a seat. Tian Yinqi has something to say." Mencius entered the stone pavilion and took his seat, and all the courtiers returned to their original positions, listening attentively to what the King of Qi had to say. King Qi Wei solemnly cupped his hands and said: "Tian Yinqi is deeply moved by the master's knowledge of arts and crafts. Now I solemnly ask that if the master abandons the way of benevolent government and rule of law, he will be the prime minister of Qi State and rule the country. I don't know what the master wants. How about next?" Tian Ji said with emotion: "Master Meng is the prime minister of the state of Qi, and he deserves it." Tian Ji and Zou Ji did not get along, so he responded immediately. Zou Ji also immediately said: "My king regards Mencius as his prime minister, he obeys the heart of heaven above, and responds to the wishes of the people below." He knew the nature of people like Mencius very well, and he was actually calm and composed. On the contrary, the disciples of Jixia Academy were terrified, and began to express their opinions and discuss. Mencius sighed, "Meng Kezhi can't give up the rule of benevolence and courtesy, just as the king of Qi can't give up the rule of law and hegemony. The way is different, and we don't conspire with each other. Meng Ke would rather not be the prime minister, but he should stick to Confucius' way of governing." Xun Kuang stood up and said in a loud voice: "The Master's way is noble and beautiful, but it is far away from the present era. In fact, it is perverted with a kind heart. If this way is used as a government, it will bring disaster to all people. Xun Kuang wishes Master to study forever, and don't do anything wrong. Your Majesty!" Shen Dao also cupped his hands and said in a loud voice: "Master, if you can make a weak country strong like my legalist Wei Yang, Confucianism will have the foundation for regeneration. Restoring well fields with empty words is like duckweed on water. How can we call it a political country?" Mencius showed a compassionate smile on his face, "The reform of the Qin State is actually a change of tyranny. Tyranny is fiercer than a tiger, and it will not last long. I, Confucianism, pursue the state of great harmony and set the pole for all generations. Although I know it is impossible, I will do it. , no complaints and no regrets. In order to preserve a ray of conscience for the cruel world, Confucian children would rather kill themselves for benevolence, and sacrifice their lives for righteousness, and never give up." After speaking, he stood up slowly, walked out of the stone pavilion, and came to the banquet tent On the red carpet in the middle, he took a long sword from Tian Ji's hand.Everyone couldn't help being shocked. "King Qi and all your lords, please listen to Meng Ke's song, as a great gift for parting." After speaking, Mencius danced his sword with his sleeves fluttering, and his sword light swayed. All the disciples were solemn, and sang in a low and desolate voice, "Where is the destiny, the world is floating..." The singing is repeated, turning into a distant echo between heaven and earth.In that era of fierce competition, Confucianism, with its profound wisdom, lofty ideals and untimely old-fashioned ideas, was forced to the altar by the general trend of the world and made sacrifices.More than two hundred years later, Confucianism was pushed to the status of "supreme" academic hegemony with its unique ethical and educational functions, killing all vigorous mainstream schools, and finally, it also became ossified and suffocated in the long years.