Who was Song Lian?
Many people are likely more familiar with his student, Fang Xiaoru.
Yes, that is the very same man who, according to a rumor spread by Zhu Zhishan, had his ten generations of kin executed by Zhu Di.
Most people’s understanding of Song Lian likely comes from two sources.
The first is a certain television drama that portrayed him as a rigid Confucian scholar out of touch with the times. It even transplanted the "North-South Ranking Case" that occurred in the 30th year of the Hongwu reign to the early years of the reign, twisting the facts to pin the blame on him. Those who know him through this show likely do not have a very favorable impression of him.
The second source is the essay in school textbooks, "Preface to Sending Off Ma Sheng of Dongyang."
This is a piece filled with deep sentiment and earnest care and expectations for a younger generation. Yet, many who have read it consider him hypocritical. The reason is simple: in the essay, he uses his own experiences as an example to admonish others, which comes across as a case of "the old woman selling melons—every one is better than the last," or self-promotion.
In a previous life, Ma Yu had encountered many people on the internet holding this view and had even argued with them. To put it in modern terms, this essay is essentially about how someone from humble beginnings can achieve social mobility. The essay rests on a grand premise: that studying can change one’s destiny. Many people complain that they studied but didn't change their fate, only spending a lot of money in the process, and conclude that the idea is a lie. But is there a possibility that they simply didn't read enough or study deeply enough?
Here is a "lukewarm" fact: what we typically call higher mathematics is knowledge from four or five hundred years ago. For those who want to engage in scientific research, higher mathematics is the most basic threshold. If someone is abysmal at higher mathematics but claims that there is no future in the sciences, isn't that just absurd? This is just an example; for reading to change destiny, there is a prerequisite: one must study with precision and depth. One must at least cross a threshold before talking about changing one's destiny. Without achieving that, nothing will change.
Song Lian was born into a poor family and couldn't afford books, so he had to borrow them from others. Who were the people with the means to possess collections of books? At the very least, they were minor landlords. Why would they lend books to someone they were not related to? This is where you had to demonstrate your unique qualities to impress others. What was Song Lian's uniqueness?
"From my youth, I have been addicted to learning."
"Addicted to learning" was his label. Not only was he addicted to learning, but he was also bright, humble, and cautious. In the cultural traditions of China, those who love learning and possess knowledge are always held in high regard. Even in the twenty-first century, even the slackers don't usually go out of their way to provoke the top students. In modern terms, Song Lian created a perfect persona for himself, becoming "the kid next door." Everyone in the surrounding villages knew he was addicted to learning, so the "families with book collections" also wanted to form a good connection with him and lent him books. He didn't become arrogant because of this or squander others' trust. On the contrary, he became even more humble; he treated the borrowed books with proper care and returned them on time every time. In this way, his reputation grew larger and larger. Any Chinese person understands the significance of a good reputation.
What if your family has no money and you can't afford to study under a famous master? First, ask for advice from the knowledgeable people around you. Once you’ve asked everyone you know, surely there are learned people in your town or county? Swallow your pride and go to them for guidance. The reputation you’ve accumulated will come into play here, at least earning you the qualifications for an audience. Once there, be respectful; if they lose their temper, take it, and wait for them to be in a better mood before asking your questions. By this point, people are often willing to tell you a thing or two. In this way, your knowledge becomes deeper, and your reputation grows ever greater, eventually achieving the leap in social status.
Furthermore, Song Lian was by no means a pedantic Confucian. He was very clear about what kind of skepticism his essay would face. At the end of the article, he stated directly: "To say I urge the villagers to study is my intent; to slander me for flaunting my success and acting arrogantly toward the villagers—do they truly know me?"
How did that saying go? I anticipated your anticipation.
The world is not perfectly fair. If you come from a humble background and want to change your destiny, you must put in more effort. This is what Song Lian wanted to tell future generations. It was incredibly sincere; no one could call him a hypocrite.
Ma Yu learned of Song Lian because of this essay, then went on to research his life and works. What kind of person was Song Lian at the end of the Yuan and the beginning of the Ming dynasties? Let's put it this way: all the scholars of his time had to lower their heads before him. He was the undisputed master of literature. Moreover, he was deeply involved in the formulation of the rites and laws of the early Ming, counterbalancing the "strict law" faction led by Li Shanchang by advocating for governing the people with virtue and being cautious in the use of punishment.
Of course, modern people view the ancients with the benefit of hindsight; Song Lian also had many flaws and deficiencies. For example, he placed too much emphasis on the rule of the Sage Kings and was too idealistic, downplaying practical reality. He held a negative attitude toward the thoughts of Guanzi and Xunzi, though he did not reject them entirely, still recognizing their strategies regarding education and practicality. This is also why he didn't object to looking at the books of Guan Zhong and Xunzi, yet could not accept the viewpoint of "Confucius and Mencius as the foundation, Guan Zhong and Xunzi as the application."
It was precisely because he knew who Song Lian was that Ma Yu felt this whole situation was magical. It was even more ridiculous than asking the little demon Boluo Ba to get rid of the Tang Monk and his disciples.
"Asking me to discuss scholarship with Song... Master Qianxi, that joke is not funny at all."
Zhu Biao said quickly, "I am not joking. Master Song truly wants to meet you."
Ma Yu said speechlessly, "No... even if my elders were here, they would have to show the respect of a student in front of him. Asking me to discuss scholarship with him—what are you people thinking?"
Zhu Biao thought to himself, *So, you actually know your own worth, kid. Not bad, not bad.*
"Brother Ma, it is not that I wish to make things difficult for you, but Master Song’s request is one I cannot refuse. I beg you..."
Ma Yu interrupted him, saying bluntly, "Do not speak of this again. Treat it as if I never heard it... You can take this wine back, too; I cannot afford it."
Seeing that he was truly ready to give up, Zhu Biao became anxious and prepared to persuade him further.
"Ahem." Zhu Shuang coughed and interjected:
"Brother Ma, I know Old Man Song’s temper. If you avoid this meeting, there will only be two outcomes. Either my eldest brother gets expelled from the school, or you’ll never get to read the books of Guan Zhong and Xunzi again."
Ma Yu paused, turned his head away from Zhu Biao, and said:
"I am a man waiting to die. Please forgive me, there is nothing I can do."
Zhu Shuang’s eyes rolled as he said, "Brother Ma, you and my eldest brother have formed a friendship, surely you don't want to see him—"
"Second brother," Zhu Biao interrupted, then performed a grand, respectful bow toward Ma Yu:
"I feel as though I’ve known you for a lifetime, Brother Ma. Although this is only our second meeting, I truly consider you a good friend. I know this is asking too much, but I am at my wits' end and have no choice but to seek your help. I do not ask that you convince Master Song, only that you share your perspective on the 'foundation and application' debate. Whether Master Song accepts it or not afterward, I will have no regrets."
Ma Yu hesitated. Looking at the sincere attitude of Zhu Biao and thinking about how his family had cared for him, he couldn't bring himself to refuse. Besides, traveling through time and having no curiosity about historical celebrities would be a lie. Why did he insist on waiting for Zhu Yuanzhang to return instead of killing himself to end the suffering sooner? He told himself it was to lecture Zhu Yuanzhang to his face, but in reality, it was curiosity—he wanted to see this key figure who influenced the direction of Chinese history.
Now there was an opportunity to meet the number-one scholar of the era face-to-face; he was tempted. Moreover, Zhu Biao’s words made sense. Everyone knew he couldn't compare to Song Lian. Being taught a lesson by him was normal; there was nothing shameful about it. He only needed to provide a few points of argument. If he could offer some highlights, it would actually make his own uniqueness stand out even more. As for whether he could come up with something fresh, he felt quite confident. At the very least, he could bring out some of the Chairman’s viewpoints, which would surely shock them. In any case, he was a dead man walking—what was there to fear about speaking something unconventional and being killed for it?
Thinking of this, he finally made his decision. Slowly turning his head to look at Zhu Biao, he said:
"I can meet him and share my views."
Zhu Biao was overjoyed: "Thank you, Brother Ma..."
Ma Yu waved his hand and said, "Don't be happy just yet. I have a condition."
Zhu Biao was not surprised and said, "Whatever the condition is, Brother Ma, just say it. As long as it is within my power, I will not refuse."
Ma Yu said seriously, "If you can survive Zhu Yuanzhang’s blade and have the opportunity to rise to a high position, please treat the people well."
Zhu Shuang was stunned. He had expected Ma Yu to ask for fine wine and food, or to be buried with his family after death. He hadn't expected it to be about treating the people well. This reminded him of the scene a few days ago when Ma Yu, with a face full of pain, recited "The people suffer." So, he cared for the people that deeply.
Zhu Biao was also filled with respect. He knew about what had happened earlier and knew that what Ma Yu had recited was Zhang Yanghao’s "Mountain Slope Sheep: Remembering Tongguan." However, as he hadn't been there, the impact wasn't quite as deep, and he hadn't taken it to heart. Today was different; he was experiencing it all firsthand. Ma Yu was willing to face the pressure of Song Lian, largely because of the care he had shown him. This was righteousness. And the condition he proposed was to treat the people well. This was benevolence. One had to remember, he was a prisoner on death row. For Ma Yu to still be thinking of the masses under these circumstances—this was true benevolence and righteousness.
Reflecting on his own disguise and how he had deceived him again and again, Zhu Biao felt even more ashamed:
"Brother Ma, please rest assured. In the future, I will certainly treat the people well and restore a bright and clear world to the empire."
With the matter settled, Zhu Biao did not stay long and soon left to return to the palace. After he left, Ma Yu became restless. He had been swayed by his emotions earlier and agreed to see Song Lian. Now that he had calmed down, he began to panic. This was Song Lian! Although the gap between them was huge and being lectured was normal, that didn't mean he didn't want to perform well. At the very least, he didn't want to be embarrassed. But he truly didn't know how to speak without losing face. He couldn't actually bring out the Chairman, could he?
Just then, Zhu Shuang spoke from the side: "Oh? Knowing how to be afraid now?"
"Before, seeing you pontificate with your 'Heaven is first, I am second' attitude, I thought you were really something."
After knowing each other for so many days, Ma Yu was well aware of his personality and didn't get angry, instead counterattacking:
"Heh, at least I dare to face him, unlike some people who only know how to run their mouths but wouldn't dare let out a peep once they actually see him."
Zhu Shuang was hit in a sore spot, his face flushed red, the veins on his forehead bulging as he argued:
"What do you mean 'let out a peep'... That is called respecting the teacher and the Way..."
"Respecting the teacher and the Way—how can you call it not daring to refute?"
This was followed by phrases like "The urgency of learning lies in respecting the teacher," and "Value the teacher and honor the tutor, then laws and order remain," which made Ma Yu laugh out loud.
Zhu Shuang was even angrier, pointing at him and scolding: "Ma Yu, don't get cocky. Just make sure you don't end up unable to say a single word when you actually see Song Lian."
Ma Yu became interested and decided to tease him:
"Oh, and if I can converse with him normally, what will you do?"
"Then I will..." Zhu Shuang stopped mid-sentence, suddenly realizing. This Ma Yu was very strange; it was possible he actually could talk to Song Lian normally, so he quickly changed his tune:
"Plenty of people can talk to him normally. I can, too. I often refute him to his face, which is why the old man hates me. Talking to him normally is nothing; being able to go head-to-head with him is what counts as skill."
Ma Yu followed his lead and said: "That makes sense. Then, what if I can do that? What will you do?"
Zhu Shuang said: "I will agree to one condition of yours."
Ma Yu continued: "And if I can make a point or two that leaves him speechless?"
Zhu Shuang scoffed: "You? Talk about a toad yawning—you've got a big mouth."
Ma Yu thought, *Does this idiom exist in this era?* Of course, he didn't think he could out-argue Song Lian; saying this was purely to tease Li Wu.
"Forget whether I'm bragging or not for a moment—just tell me what you'll do if I can pull it off."
Zhu Shuang was hooked, saying: "If you can pull it off, from now on, I will follow your lead."
Ma Yu slapped his thigh: "Fine, a gentleman’s word."
Zhu Shuang also slapped the table: "Is as good as a bond."
With this banter with Zhu Shuang, the pressure in Ma Yu’s heart lessened, and he could finally think calmly. Soon, he had an idea. The most important thing in a debate is to play to your own strengths and attack the opponent’s weaknesses. His own strength was the information gap from his time-travel. Song Lian’s weaknesses were his fame and age—would he really have the heart to bully a younger child? Use morality to pin him down and create a favorable home-field advantage. Put simply, it was moral kidnapping. As for how exactly to do it, he would improvise after seeing Song Lian. Even so, he didn't think he could win. However, he wasn't too worried. As the saying goes, this wasn't a debate of the Way; he only needed to express his thoughts. Whether Song Lian agreed or not didn't really matter. Moreover, with his status and character, as long as Ma Yu wasn't being unreasonable, he likely wouldn't lose his dignity to humiliate him viciously.
With his confidence bolstered, he stopped panicking and began to leisurely eat his roasted soybeans. His calm demeanor actually made Zhu Shuang feel uneasy. *This kid doesn't really have an ace up his sleeve, does he?* He tried to probe a few times, but Ma Yu ignored him, so he could only sit to one side and sulk. *If I weren't afraid of making my mother and brother angry, I would have broken your legs and hands already. Then I'd skin you and sprinkle salt on you... Hmph.* Thinking of this, he suddenly felt much better.
—
Zhu Biao returned to the palace and recounted the whole process to Empress Ma, focusing on the condition Ma Yu had raised. Upon learning that Ma Yu’s condition was to treat the people well, Empress Ma was silent for a long time. Although she didn't say anything, her eyes softened whenever Ma Yu was mentioned afterward.
Since Ma Yu had agreed, the next step was to persuade Song Lian. Empress Ma merely told him that the person who had "corrupted" the Crown Prince had been found and asked if he wanted to see him. He agreed immediately. Afterward, Empress Ma told him about Ma Yu’s identity, naturally withholding some details—telling him only a portion. The shock Song Lian felt can be imagined.
His reaction, however, exceeded everyone’s expectations:
"Your Majesty, it would be a true pity to execute such a great talent. Please, Your Majesty, consider that there were extenuating circumstances and spare his life."
Empress Ma was very surprised: "Does Master Song not blame him for corrupting the Crown Prince? Why plead for him?"
Song Lian said sternly: "I simply do not agree with his views; I do not deny his talent. To have such insight at his age—even I was not his equal in my youth. His learning went astray because of the influence of his teachers; it is not his fault. If he is guided back to the right path, he will surely become a pillar of the nation in the future."
Empress Ma praised: "Master Song is truly a gentleman."
The rest was simple. Since Song Lian valued talent, he naturally wouldn't oppose meeting Ma Yu. Not only that, but Empress Ma also decided to go and listen in personally. Only by seeing the other party with her own eyes could she make a better decision.
One night, a few days later, Empress Ma, Zhu Biao, and Song Lian used the cover of darkness to arrive at the Yingtian Prefecture Prison.