Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3926 It is people who can propagate the Way, not the Way that propagates people (Bonus Chapter)
China was the first country in the world to form the concept of "unified empire". However, after the formation of this concept, it was not elevated to the level of a belief. As a result, the evolution of the thoughts and beliefs of ordinary Chinese people was accompanied by constant fluctuations in social structure, political changes, economic forms and cultural exchanges, forming a multi-layered and dynamic state.

Human beings need faith.

This kind of "belief" is not limited to religion, but is a kind of inner strength, a reflection of the spiritual world.

"Are kings and nobles born with a special destiny?" is a belief.

Waiting for the next life amidst suffering, or waiting for some chosen one to descend, is also a form of faith.

Before the Qin Dynasty, the main practices were nature worship and ancestor worship.

This was mainly during the formative period of agricultural culture. The worship of natural forces such as heaven, earth, mountains, and rivers stemmed from the need for collective strength, that is, the clan system, to jointly resist external risks, coupled with the belief in gods and ghosts that arose from the inability to explain certain natural phenomena due to the low level of production and living technology.

Until the Qin and Han dynasties, after Emperor Wu of Han exclusively promoted Confucianism, ethics such as filial piety and benevolence gradually entered the common people. However, the popularization of knowledge still mainly remained in the upper-class institutions. As a result, Taoism and Buddhism emerged to fill the gap.

After the chaos caused by the Five Barbarian Invasions, the people sought unification amidst their suffering, and the political structure also needed unification as its ideological foundation. As a result, Confucian ethics began to decline and competed with Taoism and Buddhism for territory. The social upheaval gave rise to various spiritual comforts that allowed people to transcend suffering.

Even so, unification remains a "hidden" option, not a public belief.

Fei Qian now wants to remove this option from the hidden subdirectory and place it in the root directory...

It's still an option, but it's no longer hidden; it's even placed in front of other categories like "Loyalty, Filial Piety, Benevolence, and Righteousness"!

"The three dynasties displayed their omens, and the Five Sacred Mountains marked the borders. Heaven's mandate has been bestowed upon them, thus they reside in the center and govern the four directions; the earth, having borne its weight, must unite the diverse to achieve one radiance. I observe the eight directions in disarray, for without unification, there can be no order to govern the world; the people are scattered like stars, for without the supreme authority, who can stabilize the universe? This is the Great Unification!"

Fei Qian stood up, raised his arms towards the heavens, and proclaimed: "In the beginning of time, chaos reigned, and the nine regions rose like dragons. Shennong tasted herbs and established the states, Xuanyuan created tools to demarcate the borders. Even when the stars were separated by the constellations of Ji and Wei, the rites of the imperial court remained; even when the lands were divided between Jing and Yang, the regalia of the crowns and robes remained unchanged. Then the Zhou dynasty moved the tripod to Luoyang, and the traces of Yu's legacy flowed like light. The feudal lords held silk and paid homage to the Big Dipper, and the Baiyue people wore their hair in a topknot to worship the Yellow Emperor. This was not the silent workings of Heaven, but truly the aspirations of the people!"

"The spirit of Confucius and Mencius, honoring their teachers, swept across the land; the sound of drums signaled the approaching night, and the beacon fires of Longxi illuminated Xianyang. Guan Zhong minted coins, and Qi silk filled the markets; Fan Sui offered strategies, and Qin seal script became standard. All these were to break down the barriers of foreign powers and establish the fundamental principles of governance. When times are turbulent and circumstances are difficult, the Great Wall will surely appear, drawing water from the Milky Way to cleanse the land of frost. All share the blood of the Yellow Emperor and the Yan Emperor, and do not consider themselves powerful rulers. Banners obscured the sun as they patrolled You and Ji; warships sailed the tides to pacify Min and Yue. The seal of the Dian King was seen at the bottom of Kunming Lake, and the Han dynasty's imperial axe was displayed atop Shule City. Zhang Qian's raft reached the Milky Way, and new grapevines were planted; Feng Tang pointed his staff at Qilian, and the Xiongnu were slaughtered. Thus, the camel bells of the Pamir Mountains all praised the endless nights of Chang'an, and the Japanese boatmen inquired about the long years of Luoyang!"

Fei Qian turned to look at Cao Cao and repeated, "Only when China is unified can it truly be called China; only by unifying China can we unify all nations!"

Cao Cao stared at Fei Qian in silence for a long time.

His white beard trembled slightly, and a complex light flickered in his eyes.

Finally, Cao Cao let out a long sigh, nodded, then shook his head...

"However, in all things under heaven, knowing is easy, doing is hard. Anyone can engage in armchair strategizing, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of past and present affairs. But when actually in the midst of it all, weighing the pros and cons, every step is fraught with difficulty! Ziyuan's policies and pronouncements today seem to be advocating for the people, with lofty ideals. However, they are too hasty, the reforms too drastic, the blade aimed directly at millennia-old habits and the very lifeblood of powerful families!"

Cao Cao said in a deep voice, "This is a cataclysmic upheaval! I dare to assert, based on my own experience, that even if you rely on this powerful army to temporarily subdue the world and gain power over it, the extent and depth of interests affected by such actions are unprecedented! The world... will inevitably descend into chaos! Not from external threats, but from within! When the flames of war reignite and rivers of blood flow, it will likely be even worse than it is now! This is not a curse, but the inevitable outcome!"

Fei Qian nodded and repeated, "Therefore, 'Great Unification' is necessary!"

"What?" Cao Cao frowned.

Fei Qian laughed, a confident and composed laugh. "Brother Mengde," he said, "I believe the exact opposite… Without destruction, there can be no construction; great destruction leads to great construction. Old ills are deeply entrenched and difficult to eradicate; only by thoroughly eliminating them can the world achieve true stability, not just temporary peace. Chaos is like scraping the bone to remove poison; only by removing the evil can unification be achieved. I, along with my soldiers and the people, am willing to shoulder this responsibility and bear this pain!"

The fundamental differences in their ideologies are laid bare here.

Cao Cao tended to repair and improve within the old framework to maintain balance.

Although he himself often breaks the balance...

Fei Qian, on the other hand, advocated breaking down the old framework and rebuilding a new order.

To rebuild a new pattern with the core idea of ​​great unification.

Seeing that he could neither convince Fei Qian on this issue nor effectively refute the facts presented by the other party, Cao Cao changed the subject and asked the core question he most wanted to know...

"Excellent! Even if Ziyuan possesses extraordinary ambition and the power to restore order to the world... then..." Cao Cao stared intently at Fei Qian, "Your Majesty! What do you intend to do with him?"

This is an extremely sensitive issue, directly addressing the core of power succession and political legitimacy.

Upon hearing this, Fei Qian's smile faded slightly, but he showed no panic. Instead, he gave Cao Cao a meaningful look and slowly said, "Didn't Dong Zhongshu already say that the emperor... receives his mandate from Heaven?"

Cao Cao was initially puzzled, but then a shocking thought flashed through his mind like lightning, causing his eyes to widen instantly and him to gasp, "You...you dare...this is utterly rebellious!"

Cao Cao understood Fei Qian's unspoken message!

The right to interpret and bestow this so-called "Mandate of Heaven"...

Fei Qian clearly had his own understanding and probably did not intend to completely follow the old principles.

Fei Qian laughed loudly, "It is the Mandate of Heaven! Since it is the Mandate of Heaven, the gods and sages belong to the Son of Heaven, and the mortals of this turbid world belong to the officials of the court... The ruler is divine, the minister is practical; the ruler is above, the minister is below, unified and consistent, without left or right, impartial and unbiased..."

Fei Qian's words proposed a revolutionary idea for restructuring the political upper echelons, which terrified Cao Cao.

He considered himself a powerful figure, daring to "hold the emperor hostage," but he never imagined so thoroughly negating the theoretical foundation of the Han dynasty's legal system. He realized that Fei Qian's ambitions went far beyond simply being a powerful minister; he was a reformer of the entire Chinese moral tradition.

After the initial shock, Cao Cao forced himself to calm down, seized upon another key point, and said with a mocking tone: "General of Chariots and Cavalry, your ambition is as high as the heavens... but the world is vast, and affairs are numerous; how can one person's heart and strength possibly encompass and manage them all? Even if you had three heads and six arms, what could you do?"

Fei Qian nodded, agreeing with this point. "Brother Mengde's words are indeed apt. The strength of one person has its limits. Therefore, I will not use the old system of the Qin and Han dynasties. Below the Prime Minister, there should be three departments, each responsible for decision-making, review, and execution; below these, six ministries should be established: Personnel, Revenue, Rites, War, Justice, and Works, each with its own responsibilities, clearly defining their powers and duties, forming the central hub of the court."

It wasn't just the Three Departments and Six Ministries; below the Secretariat were the Three Grand Masters. Only after entering the Secretariat were one qualified to be promoted to Prime Minister. This meant that although the civil service path wasn't as risky as the military path, it still required accumulating seniority. By the time one actually reached the position of Prime Minister, one was already quite old, and after ten or twenty years, one would inevitably face old age and declining health...

Upon hearing this, Cao Cao was taken aback at first, and then carefully considered the framework of the Three Provinces and Six Ministries that Fei Qian had described.

Although Fei Qian only gave a general overview and not a complete explanation, Cao Cao could vaguely sense that the ideas of checks and balances and professional management were indeed more refined and practical than the original, rather chaotic and overly formalistic Three Dukes and Nine Ministers system of the Han Dynasty...

But Cao Cao also noticed the redistribution of power under this new model, especially the immense power of the Chancellor. He couldn't help but sneer and mock: "Brilliant! In this way, isn't this new Chancellor, the General of Chariots and Cavalry, more like the Emperor than the Emperor himself? The Emperor is merely a figurehead!"

Cao Cao believed that this was just another form of centralization of power, or even just an excuse for Fei Qian to want to centralize power!

Fei Qian laughed again, a strange clarity in his smile. "Prime Minister Cao is wrong again! The Emperor is just the Emperor! But the Prime Minister, and the officials of the Three Departments and Six Ministries, should not be ministers of the Emperor, but sons of the people, sons of all the people!"

"What should a person in office be like? He must regard the common people as his parents, embrace their hunger and thirst, and feel their pain and suffering. His actions must be based on the people's welfare, and his strategies must be innovative and adaptable to changing circumstances. How can he be swayed solely by personal desires? Only then will official conduct be upright, and the seal of office truly respected. Then, all the people will look up to him like the sun, and praise him like clouds; young and old will cherish him as their own family, and sing his praises like springtime. His virtue will be known throughout the streets and alleys, and his benevolence will be felt in the villages. Everyone will say, 'This is the sweet pear tree!' But if one builds a platform in the void, a mirage that is merely for show; and violates the Way and oppresses the people, the hearts of the people will surely turn away. Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it; this principle has never changed since ancient times!"

"The emperor?" People? 』

Cao Cao murmured to himself, this concept was too foreign to him, even somewhat unorthodox.

In his mind, officials are the shepherds of the people, and the people are the ruled; so how can there be the concept of "children of the people"?
He tried to understand, but found it incomprehensible, which ultimately turned into a deep sense of powerlessness and alienation.

He discovered that the gap between himself and Fei Qian was not only a difference in military strength or political skills, but also a huge chasm in fundamental concepts and worldviews.

Seeing Cao Cao remain silent, his expression quite complex, Fei Qian suppressed his smile and slowly said, "Prime Minister Cao, you have said enough today. You have seen the military situation, and you have asked your questions... It is getting late, Prime Minister Cao may return."

what?
go back?

Where am I?

What am I here for?

Are we just here to drink tea and chat?
Cao Cao suddenly looked up, his eyes filled with disbelief.

He braved countless dangers to come here, having imagined many scenarios...

They were detained, humiliated, and... even prepared to die!

The only thing he didn't expect was that Fei Qian would let him go so easily, as if he were just an ordinary visitor who could be seen off after he had finished observing.

I don't even want to talk to him about surrender!
Cao Cao immediately understood.

This is absolute confidence, and also the ultimate contempt!
Fei Qian didn't care whether Cao Cao had discovered anything, nor did he care whether Cao Cao would fight or surrender after returning.

Faced with the overwhelming trend and absolute strength, Cao Cao's personal choice—whether to truly surrender or feign surrender—had negligible impact.

Releasing him back would only demonstrate the magnanimity and composure of the General of the Cavalry, and would further demoralize the remaining Cao army...

Look!
Your prime minister personally went to the General's camp, but the other side released him without a second thought. How can you fight this battle?
Upon understanding this, Cao Cao felt a surge of intense anger, but even more so, a sense of helplessness and sorrow.

I'm angry because I was so scorned!

The helplessness stems from the fact that the other party has the right to be disrespectful...

Cao Cao stared at Fei Qian, his voice hoarse, "General of the Cavalry... what spirit! But the world is unpredictable! What you sow today will surely bring you backfire tomorrow! They... will never accept this! Even if they can't defeat you, they will do everything in their power to deal with your descendants! After you pass away, aren't you afraid they will rewrite history, distort the truth, and condemn your words and deeds today as rebellion and tyranny?! Like... like Wang Mang?!"

Even though the plan failed, Cao Cao still tried to turn the tide and tried to win back Fei Qian.

Fei Qian listened quietly, his face showing no fear, but rather a detached calm.

"I'm afraid, but I'm not afraid either."

Fei Qian said slowly, "The path of change is always fraught with thorns. Future generations will have their own opportunities and hardships, which I cannot fully protect. As for one's place in history..."

Fei Qian gazed into the distance, his gaze seemingly piercing through time and space. "The truth will ultimately remain. Not in the historical records and bamboo slips of the imperial court, but in the folk songs of the fields, in the stories of the alleyways, in the oral traditions passed down through generations… Even with alterations and embellishments, one day someone will brush away the dust, allowing what should be remembered to reappear… For the hearts of the people are like a mirror, and time is like a sieve; falsehoods and superficiality will eventually dissipate, and true merits and demerits will be judged by posterity."

These words left Cao Cao speechless.

Looking at his opponent, who was younger than him but appeared so resolute and expansive, Cao Cao was filled with mixed emotions.

There was hostility, vigilance, and incomprehension, but at this moment, an indescribable feeling of emotion and respect also arose.

Perhaps this is the breadth of vision and magnanimity that pioneers of the new era should possess?
Even Cao Cao himself thought that Fei Qian was too idealistic, even too naive...

That's all...

Cao Cao simply waved his hand wearily, as if he had unloaded a heavy burden, or as if he had conceded defeat in the final debate.

He stood up, ready to leave.

Fei Qian's voice came again, clear and calm, "Prime Minister Cao, for the sake of our past friendship, I will grant you three days... After three days, regardless of surrender or battle, our army will surely take Sishui Pass... You should take care of yourself..."

Cao Cao paused slightly, but did not turn around. He simply walked slowly down the high platform with heavy steps.

Dian Wei rushed forward to help him up, but Cao Cao pushed him away.

Cao Cao remounted his horse, not glancing at Fei Qian again, and headed towards Sishui Pass with his head held high.

……

……

On the other side, after Cao Cao left the pass and disappeared into the dust leading to the Flying Cavalry camp, undercurrents began to surge within Sishui Pass.

Everyone knows that regardless of the outcome of Cao Cao's trip, the final showdown is imminent.

This feeling is like everyone knowing that gold prices will eventually fall after a long rise, and the stock market will eventually rise after a long fall, but while everyone understands the general principles, how many people can actually time things correctly?

Or how many people think they are the chosen ones, that every move they make will be a lucky one?
Among this group of people, the Imperial Censor Xi Lu was the one whose mind was most active.

He was adept at observing the political climate, and when his previous attempts to persuade Liu Ai and Liang Shao to negotiate failed, he already sensed something was amiss.

Now that he saw Cao Cao taking such a risky, almost suicidal move, his last shred of hope for the Cao family was completely shattered.

He was convinced that the fall of Sishui Pass was imminent, and that the cavalry's blades could be aimed at his neck at any moment!

escape!
We must escape immediately!
Regardless, let's get out of this dangerous situation first and think about everything else later!

As the saying goes, "A wise man does not stand under a dangerous wall."
If sages and saints have taught in this way, then what could be wrong with it?

At the same time, Xi Lu was also timid. He knew that if he fled alone, whether he was captured by Cao Cao's army and punished for desertion, or fell into the hands of soldiers or bandits, his chances of survival would be slim!
So he needs a talisman!

Or rather, it's a valuable item that could increase the likelihood and success of his escape...

So, who else could be in Sishui Pass today?

If one could take the emperor out, even if it was just to keep him by one's side for a short distance, the significance would be entirely different!
This is no longer an "escape," but an "escort"!
He might even be able to get another promotion order, just like when Liu Xie "escaped" from Guanzhong, he also issued promotion orders all the way.
This gives us more leverage and room to maneuver...

Once this thought arose, it bred a madness in Xi Lu's heart, a mixture of fear and ambition.

As for the direction they fled, they absolutely dared not go west.

On one hand, there was the direction of the Flying Cavalry Army, and he himself was not well-liked by General Fei Qian. On the other hand, Cao Cao was not present, and the main generals of the Cao and Xiahou clans were focused on the western defenses. Going west would surely be like walking into a trap.

He chose to head east, hoping to escape this battlefield that was about to become a bloodbath...

Using his position as an imperial censor and the connections he had built up over the years, he secretly colluded with a few eunuchs and low-ranking officials who also wanted to flee, as well as a dozen or so wandering knights who were bribed with money...

While Cao Ren and the others were focused on the direction of the Flying Cavalry, Xi Lu secretly took two trusted confidants and, under the pretext of having an "urgent matter to report," requested an audience with the emperor.

Inside the main hall, Liu Xie was restless.

The sight of Cao Cao leaving, Fei Qian's unknown attitude, and the increasingly heavy pressure from beyond the pass all made him feel like he was sitting on pins and needles.

Upon hearing that Xi Lu requested an audience, Liu Xie initially did not want to see him, but the "emergency situation" made him uneasy, so he summoned him in.

Xi Lu entered the palace and immediately collapsed to the ground, weeping before he could speak, looking extremely worried and utterly loyal.

"Your Majesty! Your Majesty! Something terrible has happened! Disaster is imminent!" Xi Lu roared in an extremely exaggerated tone.

Liu Xie was startled, but he still forced himself to remain calm. "Minister Xi, what's the matter? Tell me slowly."

Xi Lu raised his head, his eyes brimming with tears, whether genuine fear or feigned sobs, it was unclear. "Your Majesty! Prime Minister Cao's journey is fraught with peril! The General of the Flying Cavalry is a wolf in sheep's clothing; would they truly negotiate with the Prime Minister? It's likely a trap! Even... even if the Prime Minister manages to return by chance, how could that bandit Fei easily give up? His army will surely arrive! Your Majesty!! This Sishui Pass is low and its garrison is exhausted and short of supplies. How can they possibly withstand the Flying Cavalry's ferocious army?! Once the city falls, swords and spears will have no eyes, arrows will fly everywhere. If Your Majesty's precious body suffers even the slightest injury, we, your subjects, will not be able to atone for it with ten thousand deaths!"

As Xi Lu spoke, he observed Liu Xie's expression. Seeing that the emperor indeed showed some fear, he was secretly pleased and continued to embellish the story: "What's even more terrifying is that the bandit Fei's forces include many barbarians from Xiliang, filthy and vile men! If they enter Guanzhong, Your Majesty... Your Majesty, though the emperor,... I fear you will not escape humiliation! We must heed the lessons of the past!"

Liu Xie felt uneasy after hearing Xi Lu's words, especially when Xi Lu mentioned the tragic events of the past, which touched upon Liu Xie's deepest fears...

Liu Xie asked, his voice trembling slightly, "Then...in your opinion, what should we do?"

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