Chapter 382

Ye Qingyun remarked, "The foundation of Confucian ritual lies in a single character: 'Difference'." Kong Guanxing could not help but nod in agreement. Ye Qingyun was entirely correct; the essence of ritual studies truly rested upon "Difference." This concept dictated that social distinctions—between high and low, noble and base, elder and younger—should be governed by specific codes of conduct. Only when each status and relationship was properly defined by its own ritual could a state of stability be achieved. That was the ultimate goal pursued by Confucian ritual studies. Any violation of these rituals would incur corresponding punishment. To put it plainly, it was all about rules. Without rules, nothing could be accomplished. Furthermore, this Confucian ritual system categorized all living beings into nine distinct grades, each with its own set of constraints. One was expected to act strictly according to their assigned station. No overstepping was permitted.