Chapter 321: Taking a Disciple
# 321. Taking a Disciple
Inside and outside the Meridian Gate, a deathly silence reigned. Hundreds of officials seemed collectively struck dumb, their ears still echoing with the biting sarcasm of that one line of poetry.
Only the literati among them could truly grasp the how sharp the ridicule contained in that verse was, a barb aimed straight at their heart.
Scholars do not fear being insulted, nor do they fear arguments; some even revel in seeing arguments as a path to understanding, priding themselves on the exchange. Those of lower rank enjoy quarreling with higher-ranked officials, while renowned scholars seek out arguments with those of equal standing—and sometimes even the emperor. When the emperor loses his temper, they would point at him and say, “Look, look, he’s lost his composure…”
Among them, the supervising secretaries excelled in this art.
Yet scholars, particularly those in high office, fear being condemned by three things.
First, by historical records.
Second, by essays.
Third, by poetry.