After a meticulous examination, all matters concerning rituals and principles were clarified.
Zhu Mo considered the grand ceremony honoring Confucius, an undertaking of immense significance. To craft an exceptional essay, he resolved to directly articulate the principle upon which the current dynasty was founded: governance guided by the ideals of Yao and Shun. This would seamlessly connect with his earlier treatise, the "Yunchao Shu" (On the Dynasty's Mandate).
After all, it was precisely because the Grand Ancestor established the nation based on these profound ideals that the concept of "Yunchao" (Dynastic Mandate) held meaning.
Reflecting on this, he felt a surge of emotion. If not for Gao Gong's betrayal and the subsequent intervention of these scholars, he might have struggled to grasp the essence of Yao and Shun's philosophy, remaining perpetually disconnected from the populace and unable to identify the true source of strength.
As his thoughts drifted, a sudden idea struck him. "Master He, what do you think of this? On the day of the Confucius ceremony, I wish to inaugurate the Zhoushan Public Office."
Zhoushan Public Office?
The three were utterly bewildered.
He then elaborated:
"I intend to establish an office specifically to adjudicate cases involving the Zhoushan pirates. In fact, most of the investigations are already complete; we have secured evidence of their murder and arson. However, these individuals include not only people from the Great Ming but also various nationalities such as Franks, Joseon, Wa, and Ryukyu. Our imperial court has no existing office authorized to pass judgment…
Therefore, I am contemplating the establishment of an office dedicated to handling transgressions between the Great Ming and foreign states. For these pirates, we shall classify their crimes as acts of war. Those with severe offenses will be executed, while others will be subjected to banishment, penal servitude, or flogging… This would be the nature of such an office… I believe it would be fitting to place it under the auspices of the Confucian school and inaugurate it concurrently with the Confucius ceremony!"
This?
While seemingly logical, it sounded exceedingly peculiar.
However, these three individuals were, after all, leading figures of their time and were already aware of the twelve-nation declaration of war. They quickly adjusted their perspectives.
Since the Great Ming was a superior nation, it naturally possessed the authority to arbitrate matters between the merchants and citizens of various states. The pirates' acts of murder and arson were utterly heinous, distinguishing them from ordinary enemy states. To punish them, their heinous crimes of brutality must indeed be formally established.
Lu Kun could not help but praise,
"Excellent! Zi Xuan, I believe this is feasible! The twelve nations claim these pirates are merchants and civilians, but Zi Xuan has secured evidence of their murders and arson. This calls for a proclamation to the world and righteous punishment! I believe that people's hearts are filled with compassion, and no one should object. In this way, the twelve nations will have no grounds for complaint!"
Indeed, indeed.
Li Zhi also remarked,
"This is precisely as it should be! Does the Confucian school not always advocate for benevolent governance that treats all equally? Can the teachings of Confucius and Mencius not govern these murderers or foreigners?"
He Xinyin pondered for a moment, a hint of apprehension surfacing.
"While the words are sound and the reasoning is not flawed, the Confucian school cannot be conflated with the Legalist school… Zi Xuan, I am not opposing Legalism, nor do I disregard Confucius as a sage. I merely mean that each should remain distinct and not be mixed. If this is proclaimed during the Confucian ceremony, some may indeed object…"
Heh heh.
Zhu Mo nodded, deeply impressed by his caution, recognizing him as a true master who maintained a clear perspective on significant matters. However, in this instance, his academic rigor was somewhat lacking.
He recalled a prominent figure on a certain forum mentioning that Confucius's "Spring and Autumn Annals" actually contained numerous judicial precedents. The so-called "Great Meaning of the Spring and Autumn Annals" was about using case studies to articulate the principles of benevolent governance.
Just now,
He also consulted the system—
[Process: Zhoushan Public Office, the first international tribunal of the 16th century;]
[Nature: An institution dedicated to adjudicating war crimes in East Asian nations, focusing on transnational organized violent acts;]
[Law: Confucius's Spring and Autumn precedents, and the provisions for foreign subjects in the Tang Code, both serving as sources of international law;]
[Feasibility: 85%;]
[Recommendation: Proceed immediately.]
Heh heh.
Zhu Mo offered a calm smile and said eloquently,
"Master He, did Confucius not serve as the Minister of Justice? I believe this is perfectly legitimate. Consider this: if I did not uphold benevolence and righteousness, I would have long ago flattened Lì Gǎng! Why would I go through such trouble? The reason these individuals are still retained is to clarify the evidence before punishment. Otherwise, would that not be punishing them without proper instruction? Does the principle of 'benevolent rule without discrimination' and 'all under heaven are the king's subjects' not apply here?"
Minister of Justice?
Hahaha.
Li Zhi suddenly burst into laughter, exclaiming,
"Brother Zi Xuan, you are absolutely right! The Zhoushan Public Office should indeed be the yamen of the Minister of Justice! And a Ministry of Justice common to the Great Ming and all the states! Haha…"
Indeed, indeed.
Lu Kun also nodded with a smile.
He Xinyin pondered further, murmuring,
Minister of Justice?
Public Office?
"I believe there is merit to this… These bandits have ravaged various countries, and no one could control them. If they can be adjudicated by the just and balanced principles of a king, then that would also align with the ideals of Yao and Shun and the Great Harmony…"
Mm-hmm.
That's right.
Zhu Mo nodded in agreement.
"Think about it, the Zhoushan Public Office specializing in transnational criminals is also in the spirit of the Spring and Autumn Annals… Confucius traveled to various states but could not implement his teachings, so he wrote the Spring and Autumn Annals to criticize rebellious officials and wicked ministers… If, at that time, there had been a public office that could adjudicate rebellious officials and wicked ministers from all states, would that not have been the way of the Son of Heaven? I believe Confucius would have been willing to serve as the Minister of Justice for such a public office… Let me tell you, this is what is called international law."
Mm-hmm, mm-hmm.
International law, international…
The three listened intently, a sense of recognition dawning upon them. If Confucius had established such a public office in his time, he would not have needed to write the Spring and Autumn Annals; he could have simply adjudicated and punished them directly.
With their plans finalized, He Xinyin swiftly drafted the ceremonial procedures.
Zhu Mo, recognizing the urgency of the matter, returned to the poets' shrine and consulted with Zhang Juzheng. Zhang Juzheng wholeheartedly agreed. They both urged Zhang Han to issue a directive that day, requiring all officials of the seventh rank and above in the province to attend.
…
Three days later,
At the Confucian Temple in Xinqiao, Quzhou.
Zhu Mo and Zhang Juzheng led the way, dressed in simple blue scholar's robes, returning to their scholarly demeanor, which appeared even more approachable. In front of the main hall stood a large crowd of officials from the province and three other provinces, all clad in the traditional attire of scholars. At this moment, everyone was solemn, and even the members of the Yan family were cowed into silence.
He Xinyin and Yan Shanong presided over the ceremony, meticulously following the predetermined rituals.
Zhu Mo and Zhang Juzheng stood side by side in the front row, followed by Zhang Han, Liu Yingjie, and Tan Lun in the second row. The third row was occupied by other officials. Although Hu Zongxian should have been in the front row, he was currently being used as a scapegoat by the Yan family and thus it was not convenient for him to appear.
Today, Zhu Mo also learned that the "Shi Lai" (offering of vegetables) ritual was, in fact, a story imbued with human warmth. During Confucius's confinement in Cai, when he was suffering from hunger and his disciples' faith wavered, only Yan Hui would forage for wild vegetables daily and place them before Confucius's residence in the early morning. This was the origin of the Shi Lai ritual.
This particular allusion proved immensely useful—
It could demonstrate to the world that Confucius was not a cold, distant idol but a person filled with human kindness. The philosophy of Confucius and Mencius was not as harsh and merciless, nor as unapproachable, as interpreted by Yan Song and Yan Shifan, but rather filled with benevolence and amiability.
Participating in such an elaborate ritual for the first time, he also observed closely. The ceremony, adapted by He Xinyin from ancient rites with some modifications, was truly orderly. For instance, the sacrificial offerings were almost entirely vegetarian, with no animal sacrifices. The first row featured fish, plums, and dates; the second row, hazelnuts, water chestnuts, and sedges; the third row, celery and preserved vegetables—all simple, common vegetables and wild greens that ordinary people ate daily.
Zhu Mo felt that this set of practices also held significance. At the very least, it could commemorate Confucius's past suffering and promote a spirit of frugal scholarship.
While contemplating this, the ceremony concluded swiftly.
It was Zhu Mo's turn to recite the sacrificial text.
This text was initially drafted by Li Zhi and Lu Kun, then revised by Zhu Mo. He had invested considerable effort in its creation.