Chapter 53: The Scholar’s Position—Ecclesiastical Authority and Political Power

Zhu Biao could not understand why Zhang Yi spoke in such a way—was he merely courting attention, or was he being deliberately mysterious?

Zhang Yi said, “Big Brother, you don’t believe me?”

Zhu Biao thought for a moment and shook his head.

“It’s no wonder. Uncle has protected you so well that, many times, you cannot see through human nature. This brings up the boundary between religious authority and political authority!”

“Religious authority? Political authority?” Zhu Biao grew increasingly confused. What was Zhang Yi about to say?

“Since Dong Zhongshu dismissed the Hundred Schools and honored Confucianism alone, the way of Confucianism has dominated the mainstream of thought in our civilization. From then on, Confucianism became the sole school, and Confucius was elevated as the Supreme Sage. In truth, from that time, Confucianism ceased to be what it once was and gradually evolved into the present Confucian Religion.”

“Confucianism, Confucian Religion?”

“Is there a difference?”

“Confucianism is merely a school of thought, but Confucian Religion is a faith.”

Zhu Biao felt a surge of indignation and replied,

“How can Confucian learning be compared to Buddhism or Daoism?”

He did not agree with Zhang Yi’s assertion that Confucian Religion was a religion and spoke out in direct refutation.

Zhang Yi seemed to have anticipated his response, and with a mischievous smile, said,

“Big Brother, when you study, do you have a teacher?”

“Yes.”

“Do you respect your teacher?”

Zhu Biao pondered, then nodded.

Zhang Yi continued,

“Would you, out of respect for your teacher, provide for his son, grandson, and descendants for generations, offering sacrifices to them?”

Zhu Biao’s expression changed subtly; he seemed to grasp what Zhang Yi was getting at.

“Confucian learning does not concern itself with the afterlife, only with the present, so you consider it not a religion. But if it is not a religion, why must you provide for the descendants of the Supreme Sage for generations?

The essence of religion is the creation of gods. The Supreme Sage is the deity made by scholars, worshipped in the Temple of Confucius for generations. Not only that, but his descendants also enjoy the blessings of their ancestor, receiving offerings. How is this any different from religion?”

Zhu Biao wanted to speak but held back. At last, he sighed and said,

“Let’s suppose your argument has merit. What does this have to do with the positions of scholars at court?”

Zhang Yi replied,

“Confucian Religion has dominated our civilization’s mainstream thought for a thousand years. For their own interests, scholars place the Supreme Sage upon the altar, and the descendants of Confucius benefit from this, becoming the vested interests of the Confucian sect and incarnations of sanctity.

Thus, Confucianism was internally divided into two parts: the Duke of Sage Successors held the religious authority of the Confucian sect, needing only to preserve the sanctity of the Supreme Sage through generations. The other scholars, whether through diligent study or other means, controlled secular opinion and the bureaucratic class.

These two lines should not intersect. The duty of the descendants of Confucius is simply to be the Duke of Sage Successors and uphold the sanctity of Confucianism, while others wield power over this land.

But then the Mongols came. Though they cared little for Confucianism, they granted the descendants of Confucius considerable power. Especially Kong Kejian, who should have remained atop the altar, maintaining religious authority. Yet he sought political office, meddling in governance, thus overstepping his bounds.

Sanctity stems from mystery and distance. The task of the descendants of Confucius is to sustain the sanctity of Confucianism. Once the Duke of Sage Successors enters the mortal world, his passions and actions come under public scrutiny.

On the other hand, with the descendants of the Supreme Sage entering politics, how should other scholars interact with them?”

Zhu Biao seemed to understand and again fell into deep thought.

Political authority, religious authority...

Zhang Yi’s perspective might not be entirely correct, but it offered Zhu Biao a new way of thinking.

“Big Brother, you may think the heirs at court would support the Duke of Sage Successors, but actually, they would not. Everyone has their own stance. Throughout history, monarchs and scholars elevated the Duke of Sage Successors to preserve the sanctity of the Supreme Sage. This is the legacy left by Confucius for future generations, and their proper duty. If the Duke of Sage Successors becomes an official, it easily undermines that sanctity. Thus, from emperors to vested scholars, none would be pleased.

There is no perfect way in this world. The incense you enjoy upon the altar cannot be had once you descend from it. Kong Kejian failed to see this principle. The Mongols were ignorant of ritual, granting him the benefits of both powers. When the new dynasty arrives and sets everything right, he still vainly hopes to continue the privileges of the previous era!

Even without considering his opportunistic actions, which already go against the times, even if His Majesty tolerates him, the scholars who have regained authority would never allow it.

As the saying goes, the seat determines the mind—scholars have their own interests and positions.

In their eyes, there is no place for Kong Kejian at court. He is best suited to return to Qufu and be a clay idol! Simply put, if His Majesty does not promote him, it might actually be a form of protection...

When there’s no conflict of interest, he is the Duke of Sage Successors. But should he really enter court, with his abilities, the scholars whose interests are threatened would retaliate with greater ferocity than generals on the battlefield!”

Zhang Yi’s words left Zhu Biao parched and speechless for a long time.

A mere Duke of Sage Successors entering court—who could have imagined such undercurrents?

Zhu Biao bowed his head in contemplation, growing ever more convinced by Zhang Yi’s reasoning.

In truth, whether it was the emperor, Zhang Yi, or Kong Kejian far away in Qufu, all understood this principle.

That Duke of Sage Successors, knowing full well the Northern Yuan’s days were numbered, yet refusing to submit easily to the Ming emperor, likely did so because he knew there was no place for him in the Ming dynasty.

He longed for the Yuan not unlike Zhang Zhengchang’s sense of loss; what they missed was the glory and status granted them by the Yuan.

“The descendants of the Sage are not necessarily sages themselves!”

As Zhang Yi’s words fell, Zhu Biao truly felt foolish. Before leaving the palace, his father had sensed his discontent, yet had not explained it to him.

Perhaps, his father was waiting for Zhu Biao to experience the harshness of the world firsthand.

At this moment, Zhu Biao felt particularly troubled. Seeing his dejected demeanor, Zhang Yi even tried to comfort him,

“Big Brother, don’t be upset. After all, you are still young and have room to grow!”

Zhu Biao: …

Being comforted by a seven-year-old hardly brought him any joy, did it?

“Thank you.”

He replied solemnly, bowing to Zhang Yi.

Zhang Yi quickly waved his hand, “We’re family, why be so formal?”

Unexpectedly, Zhu Biao turned and called for the guard at the door.

“How much silver do you have?”

Zhu Biao asked, and the guard quickly replied,

“Young Master, when you left, the master instructed me to bring one hundred taels of silver!”

“Excellent!”

Zhu Biao pointed at Zhang Yi,

“Take my younger brother around Ying Tian Prefecture. Whatever he eats or buys, I’ll cover it. Later, escort him home safely.”

Zhang Yi: ???

What was that supposed to mean?