The Moon in the Qin Dynasty

Chapter 46: The Young Master is Really Born Divine
He nodded repeatedly: "Young Master, what you said is very true. I also studied under Xunzi Xiaoshengxianzhuang. Although I am not his direct disciple, I am very close to him."

"The way of a sage is to educate the people so that they can escape from hardship, not to force them to die."

"I agree with this idea. After hearing what Xunzi saw and heard about his trip to Qin, I led my disciples to Qin, just to help the people of the world."

"Your Highness, what you said about using the harsh laws of the Legalists to restrain the world and people's hearts is of course correct. However, if such harsh laws are always used, it will only make people in the world pursue profit instead of doing good, thus making everyone indifferent and morally corrupt. Harsh laws and harsh punishments cannot improve the world and people's hearts. Only through moral education can it be achieved."

"How can the world be stabilized by force (maintaining stability)? If we want long-term peace and stability (stability), we must never give up the way of gentlemanly education."

Ying Zheng nodded in agreement: "I also agree with what Mr. Boyang said. Giving equal importance to Confucianism and Legalism is the right path, just like people walk on two legs, right?"

"If you walk on one leg, you will not be stable."

Ran Hong smiled: "Sir, your description is very appropriate and correct."

"I have traveled in the Qin Empire over the years and have seen and heard a lot. Indeed, under the strict laws of the Legalists, the Qin Empire has a clean government, harmonious political relations, and a simple and honest people."

"Officials are strict and loyal, impartial and selfless; the people are honest and simple, and never pick up lost items on the road; soldiers are brave and invincible."

"But after so many years, I have discovered some deep-seated hidden dangers. The people of Daqin, including officials, are too utilitarian, their relationships are cold, their morals are empty, and they always seek profit and avoid harm, putting profit first."

"If the Qin Dynasty can always provide benefits to its subjects and common people, it will naturally remain strong. If one day it can no longer provide benefits, it will surely collapse."

"But, in this world, is there any benefit that can be given endlessly?"

When Ying Zheng heard this, his face straightened, and he thought: "The Confucians of this era are really different from those of later generations. They are not all just empty talkers. Ran Hong is indeed a well-known Confucian figure. Many of his views are very open and practical, and he does not blindly resist other theories."

'As expected, among the Hundred Schools of Thought, there is no sect that stands still.'

Ying Zheng said: "Mr., what you said is very true. I have discussed these issues with Mr. Zhong Cang and Mr. Lu in the past few days. Some Qin laws are indeed no longer suitable for today. It is time to change them."

“As the saying goes, if there are laws but no morality, they will eventually become bad laws; if there are morality but no laws, they will eventually become false morality.”

“The two must go hand in hand, using the rule of law to strictly restrain people’s evil thoughts, and using the moral teachings of a gentleman to guide people’s good thoughts.”

"Rewards and punishments are clearly defined, and good and evil are justified. Only in this way can the world be peaceful and the people be healthy!"

Ran Hong nodded heavily, very excited, and stood up and bowed deeply to Ying Zheng: "My lord, what you said is very true."

Ying Zheng quickly responded: "This is not just Zheng's opinion, but it is something that all knowledgeable people in the court of the Great Qin Dynasty agree on."

Ran Hong sighed: "It is easy to know but difficult to practice. The common people of Qin admire the laws of Shang Yang and despise our Confucianism. This is the embodiment of utilitarianism. After several years in Qin, my Confucianism has also made slow progress."

Ying Zheng said: "Mr. Boyang, nowadays, after all, the princes are in a three-way confrontation and the world is in constant conflict. It is indeed not the time to make a big change. Only when the world is unified can the gentleman's righteous path be practiced!"

Ran Hong sighed: "I know that too, so I am waiting too."

He smiled again: "The road must be taken step by step. I also know this."

"As long as you recognize my Confucian gentlemanly way of sages, then I will be satisfied."

"What needs to be changed is not just some laws, but the overall moral character; it is not about promoting virtue and despising profit, but about changing the pursuit of profit to valuing virtue; a gentleman's profit is obtained in a proper way."

Ying Zheng nodded: "Zheng naturally agrees."

“The people who change the world are never mean-spirited people, but always heroes and gentlemen who shine with the brilliance of human morality.”

"As long as people in the world put benevolence and righteousness first, then the world will not be too bad." Ran Hong nodded heavily: "What the gentleman said is very true!"

"Zheng has something to ask of you, sir."

Ran Hong bowed solemnly: "Sir, please speak."

"Zheng has read all the laws of Qin, and has discussed with Teacher Zhong Cang and Mr. Lu several times. There are indeed many laws of the Qin that need to be changed and revised."

"I would like to invite Mr. Boyang to join us in the discussion and offer suggestions for the political and legal system to be implemented in the future world of great harmony."

"I wonder if you would like to, sir?"

Ran Hong excitedly walked to the stage and bowed deeply: "I couldn't ask for more."

"Everything will stand in advance, and nothing will be abandoned if you don't."

"I am willing to prepare for the laws of the world in advance!"

Ying Zheng stood up and bowed back: "Legislation and revision are extremely laborious, and must be combined with actual research to ensure that they are reasonable, effective, and fair. It is extremely hard work. Sir, you are so kind, and the people of Qin are grateful to you."

Ran Hong said excitedly: "To be able to work for the people of the world is my lifelong wish, and it is also the responsibility of a Confucian scholar. Not to mention the hardship, I will not regret it even if I die nine times!"

"I should thank you, sir, for having the common people in mind and for giving me this opportunity. I will do my best and repay you until my death!"

"Thank you sir!"

Next, Ying Zheng followed Ran Hong to learn Confucian knowledge. Ran Hong was worthy of being a great Confucian scholar. He taught while entertaining, and the two had a very pleasant conversation.

When Ran Hong left Ying Zheng's palace, he was extremely satisfied.

I firmly believe that Ying Zheng is a born divine person, a one in a million innate gentleman.

He is extremely smart and wise at a young age, humble and polite, and has a kind heart. If he were a king, he would be the master of the world.

I must assist the young master with all my strength!
Ying Zheng respectfully saw Ran Hong off and watched his back as he left.

"When dealing with people and doing things, we should still stand on the high ground of morality, especially in this era, it is particularly useful."

'After all, people in this era are honest and simple-minded. Even the nobles, even if they are bad, are relatively simple and have dignity and bottom line. Although there are historical limitations, some of their behaviors seem very cruel.'

'But in terms of being insidious, cunning, and using ghostly tricks, he is far inferior to later generations; he can be said to be a bad person, but not a bitch.'

What I talked about with Ran Hong today was indeed what Ying Zheng was thinking in his heart. Confucianism is still very useful.

After the country is unified, using the Legalist harsh laws and military merit system is not a long-term solution.

Legalism is the way of tyranny, while Confucianism is the way of kingship.

Only when the way of the hegemon is mixed with the way of the king can one become the way of the emperor.

It is rare that Zhong Cang, Lu Buwei and Ran Hong are all talented people and pragmatists, so let them first come up with a set of regulations for the new law. This will take time, so let's do it first.

Forewarned is forearmed, without prejudging the waste.

(End of this chapter)