Chapter 28 Help your father clear his name

Chapter 28 Help your father clear his name

Jiang Zhiyu glanced around and found that all nine classmates were full of fighting spirit.

"Zhi Yu, how do you think we should prepare for the review?" Xiao Wen, who was sitting next to Jiang Zhi Yu, spoke first with her eyes wide open.

Jiang Zhiyu smiled and said, "First, we need to identify our weaknesses and develop a review plan based on them. Then, we need to arrange our time reasonably and not let other matters affect our review progress."

"Yes, yes, yes! Zhiyu is right!" Xiao Wen nodded in agreement, then turned to look at other classmates.

"Then, how should we allocate our time next?" Zhang Anjie glanced at Xiao Wen and asked again.

"I think the morning time should be used to review poetry and songs, and the afternoon should be used to study the classics, history, and literature." Xu Guokun expressed his opinion.

"What about tonight?"

Zou Ting then added, "We can use the evenings to read some extracurricular books to broaden our knowledge."

"Okay, then we'll make it this way." Jiang Zhiyu said, "Starting tomorrow, we'll strictly follow this plan."

The next morning, the sun was shining brightly, pouring into the classroom of the Huang class of the Imperial College through the window. The students came to the classroom early and started their day's review plan intensively.

Seeing this, Deng Ziqiu from Xuan Class also joined their study army.

"Zhi Yu, please take a look at this "Book of Rites: Tan Gong". I still don't understand what the whole text is about." Deng Ziqiu came to Jiang Zhiyu's desk, pointed to a chapter in the book, and asked while scratching his head.

Jiang Zhiyu took the book and read it carefully. A trace of contemplation flashed across his brows and his eyes became focused.

She nodded gently and said to Deng Ziqiu, "Ziqiu, this "Book of Rites - Tan Gong" mainly talks about Confucius' views on funerals, which involves the relationship between ritual and benevolence, as well as the etiquette norms in funerals. You see, it mentions here that 'it is better to be frugal than extravagant in funerals; it is better to be sad than easy', which means that it is better to be frugal than extravagant in funerals; it is better to be sad than easy in form."

Deng Ziqiu's eyes widened. He had always been confused about the "Book of Rites", and Jiang Zhiyu's words made him suddenly enlightened.

He pointed to the words in the book and asked in confusion: "But why did Confucius think that funerals should be frugal rather than extravagant?"

Jiang Zhiyu smiled and explained, "This is because Confucius believed that the essence of funerals is to express grief for the deceased and remembrance of relatives, rather than to show off one's wealth and status. Extravagant funerals will instead allow people's grief for the deceased to be overshadowed by material things. You see, there is also 'three years of mourning, the universal way of the world', which shows that Confucius believed that the three-year mourning period was a ritual that everyone in the world should abide by. This is a respect for relatives and a maintenance of rituals."

Deng Ziqiu nodded thoughtfully, but he was still a little puzzled: "What would they do if they met someone whose family had fallen on hard times?"

Jiang Zhiyu thought for a moment and replied, "People whose families have fallen on hard times should pay more attention to the inner meaning of funerals. They can reduce the scale of the ceremony and simplify the etiquette, but they should not neglect their grief for their loved ones and their respect for etiquette. Confucius emphasized here that 'beauty lies in the obedience of etiquette', that is, funerals should be beautiful in conformity with nature and in accordance with one's heart, rather than in pursuit of extravagance in form."

Deng Ziqiu was enlightened after listening to Jiang Zhiyu's explanation. He couldn't help but sighed: "Zhiyu, you are really my mentor and friend. My previous understanding of the Book of Rites was really superficial."

Jiang Zhiyu smiled and waved his hand, saying, "Zi Qiu, learning is a process of constant exploration. When we encounter problems that we don't understand, it is our opportunity to learn. Let's discuss together and make progress together."

Just then, the bell of the Imperial College rang, announcing the end of the morning classes.

Deng Ziqiu looked out the window and said to Jiang Zhiyu reluctantly, "Time flies so fast. The morning class is over. Let's continue the discussion in the afternoon."

Jiang Zhiyu nodded, and they smiled at each other.

In the afternoon, the sun was still shining brightly, but the hustle and bustle outside the window had been replaced by the strong academic atmosphere inside the Imperial College.

Deng Ziqiu and Jiang Zhiyu sat in a corner of the classroom, continuing to discuss the profound meaning of "The Book of Rites: Tan Gong".

"Zhi Yu, why do you think Confucius emphasized 'benevolence' in funeral ceremonies?" Deng Ziqiu suddenly asked.

Jiang Zhiyu pondered for a moment and replied, "Confucius believed that benevolence is the core and foundation of etiquette. In funerals, benevolence is reflected in respect for the dead and care for the living. Only when we truly practice benevolence can we show true etiquette in funerals."

Deng Ziqiu fell into deep thought. He suddenly stood up, walked to the window, looked at the blue sky outside, and said with emotion: "Zhi Yu, I understand now. It turns out that "Book of Rites - Tan Gong" is not only a book about funerals, but also a book about benevolence. It tells us that no matter when and where, we should take benevolence as the basis and act according to etiquette."

Jiang Zhiyu looked at Deng Ziqiu's serious expression and felt very relieved.

She walked to Deng Ziqiu and said softly, "Ziqiu, you have a strong understanding. I believe you will become a kind and polite person."

Deng Ziqiu turned his head, looked at Jiang Zhiyu, and said sincerely: "Zhiyu, it is my life's honor to have a friend like you. Let's work hard together and grow together."

At this point, Deng Ziqiu suddenly thought of his father, who was still imprisoned in the Dali Temple with his injustice not redressed. He suddenly became sad.

Seeing this, Jiang Zhiyu asked with concern: "What's wrong? Are you still troubled by something?"

Deng Ziqiu shook his head woodenly and said in a low voice, "So many days have passed, and my father is still guilty. He was actually wrongly accused. He didn't kill anyone. The deceased was not even known to our family. My father was drunk that night, and when he woke up at noon the next day, he was lying in his room covered in blood. Last time, Shangguan Siye said that he would help me go to the Dali Temple to inquire about my father's situation, but after so long, there is still no news..."

After hearing this, Jiang Zhiyu frowned and patted Deng Ziqiu's shoulder distressedly: "Ziqiu, don't be sad. I will definitely help you find out about this matter and clear your father's name."

Deng Ziqiu looked at Jiang Zhiyu gratefully, tears flashing in his eyes: "Zhiyu, thank you. I know you must have paid a lot to help me, but I am really worried about Daddy, and I don't want him to suffer like this anymore."

Jiang Zhiyu shook his head: "Zi Qiu, don't worry. I will do my best to investigate this matter and will not let you down. However, before that, we still have to find a way to collect some evidence. At least, we have to prove that your father was drunk that night."