Pages 232-252
History 8 China The Examination
Summary: Pages: 232-252
Hong and Chen arrive in Linyi, "from which one fork in the road northward went on to Jinan and the other to Pingyi and Qufu" (233). Taking the road to Qufu, the hometown of the Master, would add four or five days of travel to their route, Hong agrees to go to Qufu, knowing his brother Chen wants to stop there. Chen promises that the next time Hong asks him for something, he'll do it. The brothers arrive in Qufu after four days, visiting a temple and then the tomb of Confucius. The next day they return to the tomb of Confucius but are asked by a man to follow them, claiming that "The Illustrious Vice Secretary of the Ministry of Rites at Qufu respectfully requested a few gracious moments of the Recommended Man's valuable time at his humble office" (238). Hong stays behind while Chen goes with the man. Chen meets with the secretary, Wei Xi, receiving a letter to take with him to Beijing and give to Censor Tang Wangai. The Tao brothers arrive in Beijing and go directly to the Examination Compound, receiving the expense money and the address of the home they'd be staying in. After a few days of adjustment, Hong delivered his letter to Sun Qi, who clarifies that Hong is a member of the White Lotus before Hong explains why he read the letter and tells his story of the Thousand Cuts. Sun Qi explains the meaning of the letter and tells Hong that the message was false, a ploy by Ye Pan to test his trust worthiness. Chen, also carrying a letter to the Imperial City, delivered it to Censor Tang Wangai before returning home.
Confucius:
"The Master believed a man's nature was more important than his birth. Many of Confucius' disciples came from the poor. He would have hoped for more respect from you, more attention to courtesy, more restraint in opinions- yes, I'm sure of that. But he'd have seen in you the four essential virtues. You're wrong, didi; he would have liked you." (235)
Class Distinction:
"Hong stared in awe at the richly decorated room; six-foot mirrors set in heavy wooden frames; benched with footrests and fluffed cushions; glass cases containing flower arrangements of jade; ostrich plumes set in tall ebony stands; tasseled chandeliers; vases five feet high; paintings and panels of calligraphy on every wall." (244)
Legalism:
"After a few thoughtful moments, the secretary said, 'You were seen kowtowing three times in front of the tomb. Three times. Is that correct?'
'I know thee times is reserved for the Emperor,' Chen admitted without hesitation. 'But I believe the same respect is due the Master.'
'Even though such behavior is treasonable?' " (240)
Duty/loyalty:
"The Red Horseman smile wryly. 'Come, they cut you twenty, thirty times. After the first hundred you'd have said anything.'
'No. Not after the full thousand. I'd never say anything.' " (250)
The Examination
Nyla Jennings
