Chapter 8: The Resolution of Righteousness, [Research] Destiny

Ever since Lu Jing perceived the Eight Trigram Diagram and doubts arose in his heart, he had already been informed of certain information.

Destiny and opportunities are divided into nine ranks.

White, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, Gold!

For example, the opportunity of obtaining the Great Bright King Flame Heaven Great Sage Visualization Diagram that Lu Jing received yesterday seemed to be attached to the [Auspicious Destiny] he obtained, which is a blue opportunity, ranking seventh.

Subsequently, the [Diligent and Hardworking] destiny he obtained through the [Auspicious Destiny] is a white destiny, the lowest rank.

Lu Jing knew that obtaining a destiny like [Auspicious Destiny] and an opportunity like the [Great Bright King Visualization Diagram] would be extremely difficult.

"Among these options, the one with the richest reward is the third [Great Calamity] hexagram, which can grant a yellow destiny and a yellow opportunity."

Lu Jing thought quickly.

A yellow opportunity belongs to the fourth rank.

If he could obtain such an opportunity, Lu Jing would surely gain a great deal.

However, the first option he ruled out was precisely the third one.

Refusing to answer, scolding Lady Zhong...

These few words, seemingly easy, must be understood in the context of the flourishing Confucianism that permeates the land, where filial piety is also deeply ingrained.

In such a situation, defying one's mother and rebelling against the family... would mean losing the right to be a person in Dafu.

With such a handle, if the Old Lady and Lady Zhong were enraged, they could beat Lu Jing to death in the courtyard, and no one would dare to say a word against them.

Some might even praise them for their strict household management.

The best outcome would be if the Old Lady and Lady Zhong showed mercy and spared Lu Jing's life. However, once this incident became public, Lu Jing would be despised by others, and the Dafu Confucian path would never accept him again.

Even if Lu Jing were to gain an opportunity in the future and participate in the imperial examinations, no matter how excellent his essays were, his examiner would never let him pass after hearing that he had defied and scolded his mother.

For these reasons, the [Great Calamity] hexagram, while offering the richest reward under the [Auspicious Destiny], also has the most dire consequences.

Being a great calamity means self-destruction, and once chosen, there would be no chance of redemption.

"This [Great Calamity] hexagram must not be chosen."

"Besides the [Great Calamity] hexagram, the [Calamity] hexagram, while offering a substantial reward, could also result in a severe beating, possibly leaving one bedridden for months."

The Lu family's rules are extremely strict. If he angered the Old Lady and the First Lady, the punishment would not be a mere formality.

Being subjected to the family rules could leave one bedridden for months.

For Lu Jing, the pain would be secondary; it could also affect his martial arts training plans.

"Therefore, even if the reward is substantial, the [Calamity] hexagram cannot be chosen."

"The [Neutral] hexagram is too compromising, with too little reward. Since this choice has appeared, it must be seized firmly."

"From this perspective, the [Auspicious] hexagram, while offering less reward than the [Calamity] hexagram, can avoid many immediate troubles..."

In a brief moment, various thoughts flashed through Lu Jing's mind.

"The reason I wanted to give a perfunctory answer just now was a momentary impulse, disliking the high-and-mighty attitude of the Southern Duke's Mansion."

"Young people should not lack spirit, but when there is a benefit, why hide one's abilities?"

"Moreover, since I have promised the original body to strive for a noble title for this body's mother and a phoenix crown and red robe, I must not be overly reserved."

Lu Jing lowered his head, deep in thought. In the main hall, everyone's gaze, except for the Old Lady Ning who was meditating, was on Lu Jing.

Lu Qiong's eyes held a mischievous glint, seemingly eager to see Lu Jing make a fool of himself.

Sheng Zhi, in her red attire, was somewhat curious.

Lu Yi pursed her lips, apparently not believing that Lu Jing could offer any substantial insight.

Seeing Lu Jing's delay in answering, Lady Zhong's already furrowed brows deepened.

She was about to scold him when she saw Lu Jing, who had been deep in thought, suddenly raise his head.

In his mind, the memories of the original body regarding the "Righteousness" merged.

His clear eyes sparkled.

Since his arrival, Lu Jing had known that the "Righteousness" text was very similar to the "Doctrine of the Mean" from his previous life.

And coincidentally, Lu Jing's research direction in his previous life was "Research on National Learning and Confucian Classics"!

Thus, Lu Jing began: "The path of righteousness is not about adhering to the middle!"

As these words were spoken, everyone in the main hall listened attentively.

"Lu Jing has studied righteousness for many years and gained much. The meaning of 'zhong' (中) is neither excess nor deficiency, opposing both 'excess' and 'deficiency.'"

"While 'zheng' (正) means eternal and unchanging. Most Confucian scholars believe that righteousness is about being impartial and moderate, adhering to the middle."

"However, I believe the meaning of righteousness is not so superficial."

"In my view, 'zhong' is the great foundation of the world, and 'zheng' is the universal path. If one can achieve righteousness, the heavens and earth will be in their proper places, and all things will flourish..."

Lu Jing stood tall, the previous timidity and awkwardness in his eyes replaced by a bright light.

He spoke confidently, citing classics and offering simple explanations, drawing the attention of everyone present.

Lu Feng and Lu Yi, who usually had no interest in such matters, clearly felt the difference in Lu Jing compared to before.

"This Lu Jing... Why is he so confident?"

Sheng Zhi was somewhat surprised.

Lu Qiong initially found Lu Jing's insights obscure, but as Lu Jing explained in detail, he realized that Lu Jing's understanding of righteousness was indeed different from what was in the books.

However, despite this, Lu Qiong, who was not inherently bad but rather mischievous and disinterested in studies, did not find it particularly impressive.

Still, like Lu Feng and Lu Yi, Lu Qiong vaguely felt that Lu Jing's words carried a different kind of brilliance.

Serious, meticulous...

"This Lu Jing must have studied the 'Righteousness' thoroughly."

For some reason, both Lady Zhong and Lu Qiong, who had always been indifferent to Lu Jing, had the same thought.

Even the Old Lady Ning, who had been meditating, opened her eyes and watched Lu Jing carefully.

After a long while, Lu Jing finally finished his exposition.

"Therefore, in my view, the two characters 'zhong' and 'zheng' contain profound meanings, being the fundamental and universal principles of the universe. By adhering to righteousness, benevolence, righteousness, propriety, and trustworthiness can all find their proper places, and human spirit will flourish..."

"Perhaps this is also what Daoism refers to as the unity of heaven and man. Confucianism and Daoism, though different in origin, share a common goal."

Lu Jing's voice fell silent.

The main hall was so quiet that a pin could be heard dropping.

Those who understood righteousness were amazed by Lu Jing's unique insights.

Even those who usually disliked reading were surprised by Lu Jing's transformation.

Their gazes towards Lu Jing were varied.

After a few moments,

[The [Auspicious] hexagram is complete. Expressing your thoughts and knowledge has made everyone in the pavilion look at you differently.]

[Obtained: Research (Red) Destiny, one white opportunity.]

Research (Red): When studying classics, martial arts, or techniques, your comprehension ability is enhanced.

Lu Jing felt a surge of joy.

In his mind, a white light appeared, descended into his mind, and disappeared.

His aura became even more profound.

After a few moments,

Lady Zhong was about to speak.

But the Old Lady Ning waved her hand: "All this talk is too dry for me, a woman. I don't understand it. You may go."

Lu Jing, standing in the center of the main hall, immediately bowed and stepped back before turning and leaving the Liuguang Waterside Pavilion.

"You may also leave."

Lady Zhong said to the others in the hall: "Qiong, don't neglect your studies. You must study harder and not slack off in riding, archery, and swordsmanship. Your father will be back in a few days and will certainly test you."

Lu Qiong pouted and left reluctantly, not forgetting to glance at Sheng Zhi before leaving.

But when Sheng Zhi turned to look at him, Lu Qiong quickly averted his gaze and hurried out of the pavilion, seemingly afraid of her.

"Yi, since Miss Sheng is a guest, you should spend more time with her and make sure she doesn't get bored."

The Old Lady Ning, who had spoken only once, gave a rare and serious instruction to Lu Yi as Sheng Zhi bowed and left.

Lu Yi's eyes twinkled, and she pouted: "Grandma, Sister Sheng loves the peach pastries from Susiangzhai..."

"Jinkui, go to the ice house and bring a box of peach pastries."

... Everyone left.

From the inner chamber of the pavilion, a young girl and an old woman emerged.

The young girl had a delicate face and stood gracefully, with a long sword at her waist, exuding a sharp and ethereal aura.

The old woman was withered, with deep wrinkles on her face and dull eyes.

They bowed to the Old Lady Ning and Lady Zhong.

The Old Lady Ning, who had been lying lazily on a recliner, suddenly seemed to feel better, stood up, and smiled, inviting the two to sit and talk.

They talked for a long time.

The young girl and the old woman then left.

Lady Zhong, who had been looking out the window at the Liuguang Pond, suddenly turned and smiled: "The Old Lady is fortunate, and the Lu family is fortunate. Lu Jing is a good student."

The Old Lady's expression remained unchanged: "Fortunate? He is the son of a debt-collecting boat girl, now reduced to a lowly status."

She sighed: "A lowly son-in-law in the Shenshao Duke's Mansion... I am ashamed before our ancestors..."

"This is not a blessing for the mansion, but a disgrace."