Zhu Ziwen's gaze swept over the two of them as he cheerfully joined the conversation, "Goodness may not be absolute goodness, and evil may not be absolute evil. Consider a beggar on the verge of starvation, and a habitual swindler who gives him food to sustain his life—this constitutes a great lifesaving grace. Yet if that food was stolen from someone else, would we call this act good or evil? I agree with Brother Yu's view—there is no absolute good nor absolute evil in this world."
Chen Dayi, recapturing the feeling of scholarly discussions at the Hua residence, promptly followed up, "Our ancestors gradually refined moral codes generation after generation to distinguish good from evil. Yet rules are rigid while people are flexible. Some break rules due to laziness, while others use cleverness to take shortcuts. They generally adhere to rules but don't mind slightly crossing boundaries when it doesn't harm their interests, making their lives more comfortable. Is this evil? Not necessarily. I too agree with Brother Yu—there is no absolute good nor absolute evil in this world."
While this pavilion buzzed with lively discussion, other pavilions also pricked up their ears to listen. First-time participants in the Pure Conversation Gathering now began to understand—this was what such gatherings should truly be like.
Upon reflection, it made sense. Scholarly discussions—how could they be meant for political debates? If these gatherings lacked discretion, how would the Emperor ever tolerate them?
With this realization, more people joined in, discussing the nature of good and evil, then radiating outward from this starting point, finally embodying the true spirit of scholarly discourse.
Hua Zhi, however, didn't contribute further, continuing to leisurely roll the longan fruit between her fingers.
When the conversation turned to "The benevolent use wealth to cultivate virtue, while the wicked use virtue to obtain wealth," someone unexpectedly called upon Hua Zhi, "What is the young lady's perspective on this?"
Chen Dayi frowned but couldn't intervene on the young lady's behalf. The gathering permitted anyone to pose questions or call upon specific individuals to answer—this was how learning was examined. No one would want assistance in such matters, as it would imply incompetence.
Hua Zhi pondered the statement internally. "The benevolent use wealth to cultivate virtue, while the wicked use virtue to obtain wealth"—was this implying she was wicked?
"Whether we speak of the benevolent using wealth to cultivate virtue or the wicked using virtue to obtain wealth, the prerequisite is that they have no pressing concerns. When hundreds of family members face food shortages, their primary concern becomes filling their stomachs and surviving with dignity. To maintain dignity, one must first conduct oneself with integrity, leaving no room for criticism. Personally, I believe this is more important than grand principles. If everyone valued dignity more highly, the world would know greater peace."
"So the young lady sees no issue with the wicked using virtue to obtain wealth?"
"One saying may yield countless interpretations. To me, maintaining personal integrity makes all acceptable."
"..." Hua Zhi's simple phrase about maintaining integrity shattered her questioner's implications, and others soon steered the conversation elsewhere.
Zhu Ziwen gave his cousin a thumbs-up—she truly knew how to strike at the heart of matters, leaving no room for rebuttal.
The usually silent Hua Ling also revealed a faint smile. Her elder sister was truly remarkable—nothing could stump her. She knew this saying too, but if asked to respond, she feared she wouldn't be able to utter a single word.
Yu Xiasheng, seated opposite her, accidentally caught sight of her smiling face and momentarily froze, then immediately blushed and averted his gaze, not daring to look further.After several topics had passed, someone remarked, "Ancient teachings speak of the Three Obediences and Four Virtues, but I find these principles rather harsh towards women. What are your thoughts on this?"
Hua Zhi paused her idle play, picking up the longan that had warmed from her hand's touch. She slowly peeled it and popped it into her mouth—a sweet treat to temper her words, lest she speak too bluntly and offend.
"I share your view. Setting aside the numerous women throughout history who have made significant contributions, consider the Eldest Sister of the Hua family. Without her, the Hua family might have suffered the same fate as the He family. Had she been confined by the Three Obediences and Four Virtues, how could the Hua family enjoy such stability? While there may be some truth to these principles, they cannot be applied universally."
"Yet I believe the Three Obediences and Four Virtues serve to protect women. Women are naturally weaker in strength than men. If women roam freely without restraint, what would they do if they encounter evil-doers? Take the Third Miss of the Hua family, for example. Had she remained content indoors, would she have been taken away and caused such a scandal? Thus, I think these principles have endured for a reason."
Hua Ling's face turned pale, but she stubbornly lifted her head. Her Elder Sister had told her she was not at fault—the blame lay with Wei Chengxi. So, she was not wrong!
Hua Zhi spat the small longan pit into her palm, placed it on the table, and stood up, leaning against the railing as she gazed out. "If a traveler is struck by a falling rock on a mountain path, is it the traveler's fault or the rock's? If someone on a boat is robbed by water bandits, is it the traveler's fault or the bandits'? If a pedestrian is hit by a carriage, is it the pedestrian's fault or the coachman's? If someone is bitten by a dog for no reason on the road, is it the pedestrian's fault or the dog owner's?"
After a moment of silence, a male voice spoke up, "Eldest Sister, we mean no offense."
"This is merely a Scholarly Discussion—no offense taken," Hua Zhi replied with a light laugh. "Let this gentleman answer the question."
After a pause, the man responded, "If the traveler did nothing to provoke it, then they are not at fault."
"If someone encounters an evil-doer while traveling, is it the traveler's fault or the evil-doer's?"
"Naturally, the evil-doer is at fault."
"If a young lady encounters an evil-doer while traveling, is it the young lady's fault or the evil-doer's?"
"If the young lady had not gone out, would she have encountered the evil-doer?"
"When a man meets an evil-doer, it's the evil-doer's fault. When a woman meets an evil-doer, it becomes the woman's fault." Hua Zhi chuckled. "In my view, the so-called purpose of the Three Obediences and Four Virtues is merely to confine women to the inner quarters, preventing them from competing with men for their share of the sky. Ultimately, what men fear is that one day women might become too powerful and surpass them."
"Eldest Sister, your words are mistaken. Men and women are inherently different—how can such reasoning define the distinction between them!"
"Oh? Where lies the inherent difference between men and women? In strength or in intelligence? As for strength, it's true women are somewhat weaker, but at most, it just means two women can do the work of one man. As for intelligence... the struggles within the inner quarters are no less intense than those in the court. If women were to use the skills they hone in domestic conflicts to compete with you men, the outcome would be far from certain."
The same male voice spoke again, "If Eldest Sister is referring to yourself, I admit you are capable. But speaking in general terms, your words are rather extreme. Moreover, with such public exposure, you may find it difficult to secure a marriage. Additionally, have you considered how your actions affect those around you? The Third Miss may now find no suitors willing to seek her hand.""It's not that a husband is hard to find, but that no one dares to marry me. When it comes to the ability to earn money, the gap between you and me is as vast as the Great Qing Empire itself. In managing a household, the Hua family is now entirely in my hands. In terms of broad-mindedness, I consider myself as inclusive as the ocean. Regarding foresight, I know how to plan for the future. As for martial skills, I have the courage to compete with military officers. And you? You've never earned a single tael of silver yourselves, never cultivated an acre of land, never carried a load of water yourselves, can't even distinguish between salt, sugar, soy sauce, and vinegar—what else do you know besides a few dead books? How dare you shamelessly claim that it's hard for me to find a husband?"
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