12dz Chapter 95 Cui Dunli in History Class
Chapter 95 Cui Dunli in History Class
After Zhen Xiaosi and Qiu Rongmu finished their spicy hot pot in a "whirlwind" manner, they quickly climbed over the wall and sneaked back to school, afraid of being discovered.
The two returned to their respective classes, and didn't seem to know each other very well.
Hey, the first period this afternoon is history class! What incredible luck!
History teacher: Zhen Xiaosi, and today's new student Qiu Rongmu, let's have a little challenge today.
The students began to applaud gleefully.
You two come up on stage and each talk about the character Cui Dunli. Let's see who can give a more compelling presentation.
Zhen Xiaosi (completely bewildered): What?! We're supposed to give a speech?! I'm not ready yet, teacher, this won't do! It won't give me any extra points on my final exam, it'll just increase the number of gray hairs on my smart head!
Qiu Rongmu (swallowing nervously): Teacher, isn't this too sudden? I haven't even finished memorizing it yet... I thought to myself, I haven't even digested the spicy hot pot I ate for lunch, how can I have the energy to prepare for Cui Dunli?
History teacher: It's okay, today is just to practice impromptu reactions. Come on, go up there. We can't let Cui Dunli, this historical figure, be forgotten; we have to give him some "face."
The students burst into enthusiastic applause once again.
(Zhen Xiaosi and Qiu Rongmu walked to the front of the podium, stood still, and began to look at each other, silently cursing the teacher and classmates who looked like they were enjoying the show. "How could this happen so suddenly?" In broad daylight, it felt like a nightmare...)
Zhen Xiaosi (suddenly glanced at Qiu Rongmu, then stepped forward, feigning composure):
Well, I'll go first! Cui Dunli—have you heard of him? He's not just any ordinary "diplomatic expert," he's the Tang Dynasty's super "errand king," running around more often than a delivery guy! As long as they're northern ethnic minorities, whether it's the Turks, Uyghurs, or Xueyantuo... they all have to give him a "daily greeting"!
Qiu Rongmu (nodding, slightly relaxed, finally finding some confidence): Yes! He's practically a "diplomatic expert" from the Tang Dynasty. Every mission he undertakes is incredibly effective, either sending people to their deaths or prisoners, and he even serves as a peace ambassador—a veritable "walking peace prize" recipient! Speaking of the battlefield, he also wiped out the remnants of the Xueyantuo, capturing 30,000 prisoners and beheading 5,000—just thinking about it is exhilarating! I think if he were to travel to the present day, he could definitely pull off a "diplomatic comeback" at an international conference!
Zhen Xiaosi (can't help but interject): Well deserved! Especially when he was sent as an envoy to Xueyantuo, he was practically a "diplomatic savior," directly saving Qibi Heli! Without him, who knows how many more people would have died in Xueyantuo!
Qiu Rongmu (making a serious expression, sounding exactly like a history teacher): That's right, he was not only awesome on the battlefield, but also a master of history! Did you know, students, that Cui Dunli also participated in the compilation of the Tang Dynasty's national history? That was writing history that even Emperor Gaozu, Emperor Taizong, and even Emperor Gaozong himself dared not write carelessly! He was practically the Tang Dynasty's "historical inspector"!
Zhen Xiaosi (waving): That's right! His line, "The Duke of Zhou executed Guan Shu, and Emperor Jing of Han quelled the Rebellion of the Seven States," was simply domineering! Just think about how Emperor Gaozong of Tang almost let those relatives who made mistakes go because of family ties, and Cui Dunli stood up and said, "No way! Before the law of the country, family ties are nothing! When we do bad things, don't we think about our relatives?"
Qiu Rongmu (continuing with a serious expression): Yes, that's what makes Cui Dunli so remarkable. Everyone can achieve something in history, but those who can maintain a balance between "relationships and the law" are the true historical figures! He stood up and defended the rule of law in the country; he was truly a "tough guy."
(The two felt they had almost digested the spicy hot pot, and were less sleepy and more pleased with themselves. They were starting to feel the atmosphere of the impromptu speech and were no longer so nervous.)
Zhen Xiaosi (proudly placing her hand on the podium): That's right! Right there in Xueyantuo, Cui Dunli, along with Li Ji, captured 30,000 prisoners and beheaded 5,000! That battle was so brutally spectacular! Xueyantuo was originally planning to hold a longevity banquet, but Cui Dunli directly sent them into the dustbin of history!
The history teacher and students all laughed.
Qiu Rongmu (also chuckling): Well said! He wasn't just good at fighting, he was also a brilliant writer! He helped the Tang Dynasty compile its national history! Just for that, he deserves the title of "both literary and martial arts master." If he were alive today, he might become a "Minister of Foreign Affairs and a national-level history expert"!
Zhen Xiaosi (glancing seriously at the history teacher, afraid something was amiss): That's right! Teacher, wouldn't you say he was the "guardian of the law" in the Tang Dynasty?! Do you know why he was able to "dismiss" Li Yuanjing and Li Ke? It's because, as I just mentioned, he reminded Emperor Gaozong of Tang, Li Zhi: "You can't let lawbreakers go free because of family ties. In history, the Duke of Zhou didn't let Guan Shu and Cai Shu go just because they were relatives! That's a big taboo, remember that."
Qiu Rongmu (whispering in a supporting role): Yes, that's what you call "strict family rules." Who says the ancients were all weak? Cui Dunli directly kicked aside Emperor Gaozong's "personal feelings" and treated everyone equally before the law!
Zhen Xiaosi (glancing smugly at Qiu Rongmu): Yes, yes, yes! Look at his actions, how much like Wu Zetian! For some "lofty ambitions," he trampled on all that fake family, friendship, and love! Trampled! The devil's steps…"
Zhen Xiaosi performed a segment of Michael Jackson's signature dance moves, instantly turning the classroom into a scene of uproarious laughter.
At this moment, the history teacher quickly shouted to stop everyone and quiet them down.
It was rare to see Teacher Xiao Ke so effective; the room immediately fell silent.
Zhen Xiaosi thought to herself, "Emperor Gaozong of Tang was so obedient in front of our history teacher. She really is a heroine among women, she's got some skills!"
The history teacher nodded in satisfaction and said with a smile, "You two are quite in sync, and your speeches are getting more and more interesting! Zhen Xiaosi and Qiu Rongmu, you both did a great job today! Although you made a few minor mistakes, you didn't go off-topic. Remember to prepare more thoroughly next time. However, this kind of impromptu performance really tests your understanding of history and your ability to express yourself."
History teacher (smiling as he begins the lesson): However, I must remind you all that every historical figure has their own complexities. Although Cui Dunli was very capable, some of his decisions were not necessarily perfect. History is not just black and white; often it is gray.
At this moment, Zhen Xiaosi's nemesis, Hu Ningning, raised her hand to speak.
Hu Ningning (with a deliberately "profound" look): Teacher, you're absolutely right! Behind every choice made by historical figures are various complex considerations. For example, Cui Dunli may have believed that "rule of law above all else" was the most important thing at the time, but some of the things he did disappointed many people. We should look at historical figures from multiple perspectives, not just on the surface.
Zhen Xiaosi (rolling her eyes, silently vomiting): Ugh, Hu Ningning is pretending to be a top student again. Her "philosophy of history" sounds like she just escaped from an "advanced course" for a history PhD! Seriously, she can't stand not putting on an act for a single class.
Hu Ningning (continues to smugly): For example, although Cui Dunli is so steadfast in upholding the law, do you think he's being a bit too "rigid"? Hasn't he considered the complexities of human relationships? If I were in his position, I might have some reservations. After all, if all my relatives were "sent to meet God," I'm afraid even my mother would abandon me.
Zhen Xiaosi (picturing her relative in her mind, coughing twice, and raising her hand to stand up): Hehe, Xiaolan, don't forget, our Cui Dunli is a "hardcore history buff," he's principled, unlike you—who lets emotions cloud his judgment when it comes to family. If you ask me, Cui Dunli's approach is simply "tough to the core"! If he were in modern times, he'd definitely be a "super lawyer," upholding "law above all" in lawsuits, showing no mercy whatsoever.
Hu Ningning (raising an eyebrow, pretending not to understand): Oh? Really? If Cui Dunli were a lawyer, he could probably make the other party disappear from the law in every case, right? Maybe his clients would even write a thank-you letter: Thank you, Attorney Cui, for making us realize that "the law is our last parent."
Zhen Xiaosi (thinking to herself): Wow, Ningning really knows how to recite tongue twisters! Next time, I'll get the teacher to give you a certificate that says "Best Tongue Twister Award"...
The history teacher quickly intervened (though he disliked Hu Ningning, he glared at Zhen Xiaosi): "Hmm, it seems everyone is starting to deeply reflect on Cui Dunli. Okay, that's all for today's lesson. Go back and think carefully about the 'multifaceted nature' of historical figures."
The students dispersed in a hurry.