The Moon in the Qin Dynasty

Chapter 57 Calm daily life

"This is a method that ordinary people can also control. If you are proficient in mechanical arts and have cultivated enough to communicate with the vital energy of heaven and earth, then you can control it without this controller."

Ying Zheng looked at Xiang Lisheng in amazement, thinking, 'You Mohists are really talented, isn't Mozi really a time traveler?'

Xiang Lisheng felt the surprised look in Ying Zheng's eyes, and felt a little proud in his heart, "Our Mohist mechanical art is really amazing."

As he spoke, he took out the last item, which was a mechanical man, about one foot tall, wearing shrunken clothes and with a sword slung around his waist. Except for the size, everything else was exactly like a real person, extremely lifelike.

"Sir, please take a look. This one can also be controlled remotely. It can walk, run, and dance with a sword."

"When the Grandmaster and Gongshuzi heard about Master Yanshi's skill, they were shocked even with their abilities, and never dared to talk about art again for the rest of their lives."

"I, the founder of the Mohist School, also refused to admit defeat, but after all, I had too many things to do and could not focus all my energy on mechanical engineering. And my descendants were not worthy, and ultimately we were unable to create the mechanical man that Yanshi created, which looked like a real person."

"In the end, the only thing that was created was a robot that still needed human control."

Ying Zheng nodded and praised: "It is incredible. Using human ability to seize the fortune of heaven and earth."

Xiang Lisheng quickly replied: "Thank you for your compliment, sir."

Ying Zheng asked again: "If these can be remotely controlled, if they are larger, wouldn't they be able to carry out some dangerous tasks using remote control?"

Xiang Lisheng shook his head: "Remote control has too many limitations and disadvantages."

"First, the controls are complex and not flexible enough; second, there is a distance limit, and it cannot be controlled if the distance is too far; third, it cannot be controlled if the line of sight is poor. In addition, any unmanned or remotely controlled machine has a fatal flaw. That is, once it encounters a great master who can communicate and use the energy of heaven and earth, it can be easily interfered with, out of control, or even unusable."

"Besides, mechanical devices are expensive to manufacture. On the whole, remote control is not worth the cost. It's fine to just make some small toys."

Ying Zheng nodded: "Indeed, it makes sense."

"Oh, by the way, I heard you say before that the spiritual energy inside mechanical creations will disappear over time. The more you use them, the faster they disappear. How long can these items be used?"

Xiang Lisheng replied: "Although these mechanical devices are small, they are indeed complex. If they are left alone, three to five years is not a problem. But if they are played with frequently, they will no longer be usable in more than a year or two."

"Don't worry, sir. If they are no longer useful in the future, I will make a few more for you then."

Ying Zheng smiled and said, "Thank you, Mr. Xiangli."

Xiang Lisheng smiled and said, "No, no, as long as you like it."

"I will take my leave now. I will make paper as soon as possible."

Ying Zheng straightened his face and said, "Thank you, sir."

Ying Zheng looked at Xiang Lisheng's back, turned around and walked into the hall: "Gong Shujia must be won."

"I will not tolerate bargaining or laziness."

Ying Zheng entered the side hall, with an apologetic look on his face, and bowed, saying, "Mr. Boyang, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. I just had some important matters to discuss with Mr. Xiangli. Please forgive me."

Ran Hong hurriedly returned the greeting and said, "No problem, no problem. My lord has something to do, and this is what I should do. I naturally understand."

After hesitating for a moment, he asked, "I wonder if you have any important matters to discuss with the Mohists. I, a Confucian, may be able to lend a hand to you."

Ying Zheng smiled and said, "Sir, you really hit the nail on the head. I really need your help in this matter in the future."

Ran Hong was greatly encouraged when he heard this, and asked, "I don't know what you want, sir. I will do my best to help you."

Ying Zheng smiled and said, "I would like to thank Mr. Boyang first. This matter is beneficial to the country and the people, and will benefit all people in the world. It is just that it is still in the preparation stage. When it is ready, I will need the great help of Mr. Confucianism."

"I am not sure it will work now, so I dare not speak rashly. Please wait for a while. When the time comes, I will let you know and work with you to plan something great."

After several days of contact with Ying Zheng, Ran Hong knew that Ying Zheng was gifted, intelligent, and well-reasoned, and was definitely not the kind of person who spoke nonsense.

Hearing this, I knew it must be a big deal, and a very good thing. Even though it might be a bit exaggerated to say it would benefit the common people, it was by no means a trivial matter. For a moment, I was so overwhelmed with emotion that I could hardly control myself.

He bowed deeply to Ying Zheng and said firmly: "If you need anything, I will do my best. Now the time has not come. I am willing to wait for you to explain. The Confucian scholars of the Great Qin are ready to be summoned at any time."

Ying Zheng was unwilling to speak now, and Ran Hong was naturally helpless, but he was willing to wait. After years of cultivating his character in Confucianism, he still had some patience.

Ying Zheng returned the gift and thanked him, "Zheng knows that Mr. Boyang is a man of high moral character and a gentleman. For the sake of the people, Mr. Boyang has determined that he cannot refuse. Zheng thanks you in advance."

"Your Excellency's praise is unacceptable to me. I am only an ordinary scholar, but I have been taught by the saints and I know that the world is my most important thing. Your Excellency is born extraordinary and of noble status. If you can do something to help the people, I will follow you until death."

Hearing this, Ying Zheng bowed deeply and said, "Thank you, Mr. Boyan!"

Ran Hong also returned the greeting deeply.

After hesitating for a moment, he advised gently, "I am your teacher and also your subject. I have the responsibility to advise you. Now there is something I have to say."

Ying Zheng nodded: "This is natural. Mistakes are inevitable for everyone. Even the saints and sages of the past could not avoid making mistakes. It is even more difficult for people to know when they have made mistakes. Therefore, it is a blessing for people to give advice regardless of the risk of offending others."

"Zheng is still young, so it is inevitable that he makes mistakes without knowing it. You are my teacher, and you pointed out my mistakes. Zheng is so grateful and happy. Please speak frankly, and I will correct my mistakes once I know them."

Ran Hong was deeply moved when he heard this, and exclaimed in his heart: "This is the virtue of a true sage king."

He said with emotion: "Your Excellency has real insights, and I admire you. What I said is not your fault."

"But we should take precautions before anything happens. This is also the duty of an official to give advice and advice."

"I'll be frank, sir. Mohist doctrines have many impractical practices. It's fine for ordinary people to do them, but if a monarch does them, it will definitely harm the country and the people. You must be extremely careful when studying Mohist doctrines."

"In addition, the Mohists are good at strange and tricky things, which are useless without engineering. However, you are of noble status, so you should focus more on governing the country and the people, and learn how to govern people. You must not indulge in the Mohist mechanical creations and strange and tricky things."

Ying Zheng stood up and bowed: "Thank you for your teaching, sir. I am very grateful and will keep it in mind."

Then he said: "Zheng understands his identity and what is fundamental, please rest assured, sir."

"But Zheng also believes that if a worker wants to do his work well, he must first sharpen his tools. If the benefits of creative tools can be improved, it will also benefit the world. The reason why humans are superior to animals is precisely because they use creative tools."

"Zheng's favorite thing is the Mohist theory of mechanical devices. Of course, Zheng has no intention of personally engaging in mechanical devices, nor does he have the talent for it. Zheng can only direct the leadership in the direction of action."

Ran Hong was a little nervous after hearing the first two sentences, but he felt relieved after hearing the second half.

He smiled and said, "I know your talent and virtue, so you will not have to worry. However, it is my duty to advise you, and I must do it. Please forgive me."

Ying Zheng smiled and said, "Sir, you are willing to speak frankly and give advice, which is truly for the sake of politics. Zheng is grateful and happy. If you don't know your mistakes, how can you correct them? Please don't worry about other things in the future and give advice diligently. Zheng, please, sir."

Ran Hong bowed deeply and said: "I will obey your orders and fulfill my duty as a minister."

Ying Zheng smiled and said, "Sir, please don't be so polite. Let's continue."

Seeing you two not getting along, I feel much more at ease.

When the teaching was over for the day, Ran Hong and his disciples left, and Ying Zheng called Cheng Jiao and said with a smile: "Brother, come here, I will show you something good."

Cheng Jiao was a little scared when he saw Ying Zheng. He realized that he didn't look like he was going to hit him, so he thought about it and realized that he had been very obedient recently and had not done anything wrong. When he heard Ying Zheng calling him, he quickly ran over.

"Brother, I'm here." When he arrived in front of Ying Zheng, he bowed obediently.

Ying Zheng stepped forward and held Cheng Jiao's hand: "Come here, brother. I have something good for you."

Ying Zheng took the mechanical white tiger, turned on the switch, used the controller to make it run, turned a few circles, and ran in front of Cheng Jiao.

You know what, it’s really fun.

Cheng Jiao's eyes lit up as he looked at the white tiger.

Ying Zheng smiled and said, "This is the Mohist mechanical white tiger. Do you like it?"

Cheng Jiao nodded vigorously: "I like it! Brother, will you give it to me?" Cheng Jiao was full of anticipation.

Ying Zheng smiled and nodded: "Of course, you have performed very well in your studies these days, and I am very satisfied. This is a reward for you."

Ying Zheng put the controller in Cheng Jiao's hand and taught him how to operate it. Cheng Jiao couldn't wait to start playing.

Ying Zheng gave him instructions, watched Cheng Jiao play for a while, and patted his head: "It's fun, isn't it?"

Cheng Jiao was so happy that he nodded vigorously: "Thank you, brother."

"Okay, it's time to go back. Let's take it home and have some fun."

"But remember, you can't play for more than 15 minutes a day, and you can't be lazy in your studies. You can't lose your ambition because of playing with things, otherwise I will take it back from you."

Cheng Jiao nodded vigorously: "Don't worry, big brother, I will definitely obey you."

Seeing Cheng Jiao so well-behaved, Ying Zheng was very satisfied.

Cheng Jiao picked up the white tiger, not minding its weight, and was reluctant to let it go. He bowed to Ying Zheng and prepared to leave.

Ying Zheng winked at Cheng Jiao and said, "You are not familiar with it yet. You can control the White Tiger on the way back and get familiar with it."

Cheng Jiao knew that this was his elder brother's tacit approval for him to have fun, so he smiled happily and nodded vigorously: "Thank you, elder brother."

Ying Zheng looked at Cheng Jiao's back as he controlled the White Tiger and left. His small figure was full of joy and his eyes were deep.

The next morning, Lü Buwei came over and bowed respectfully to Ying Zheng. Ying Zheng returned the greeting and asked with a smile, "Mr. Lü, why did you come so early today?"

Lü Buwei smiled and said, "Yesterday, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince summoned me and told me about the young master's papermaking. Yesterday, I also found Chang Lu and Qing Qin and taught them some skills to do things, and sent a few reliable accountants."

"I am here to see you today, sir, to ask if you have any other plans that require my help. I am willing to do my best to serve you."

Ying Zheng said: "Thank you, Mr. Lu, it's just a small thing. I will naturally need Mr. Lu's help in the future. It's just preparatory work now. Everything still needs to wait until the paper is made."

"I obey your command. If you need anything, you can call me at any time."

He complimented with emotion: "The day you were born was extraordinary. You are blessed by heaven. You are the son of heaven. This is a celebration for the Qin Dynasty and the crown prince."

Ying Zheng shook his head: "The destiny cannot be violated, and the destiny cannot be known. How can people talk nonsense about the destiny? It's just a matter of being a human being and doing things, and constantly striving for self-improvement."

Lü Buwei smiled and said, "You are right, sir. You are modest, like a gentleman."

Ying Zheng said modestly: "No, no."

The two exchanged a few pleasantries in a harmonious atmosphere, and then Lu Buwei stood up to say goodbye.

After Ying Zheng sent Lü Buwei away, he thought to himself: "This old man really knows how to behave and do things."

Lü Buwei was also very proud: "In terms of investment, who in the world can compare with me? Chang Lu and Qing Qin are really lucky. If nothing unexpected happens, there will be no worries for three generations."

After a while, Yan Jin came to report: "Greetings, sir."

"I have already gone to find Lord Yanri and given him the order, and Lord Yanri has already followed it."

"Lord Yanri ordered his subordinates to tell you, young master, that within three months, Gongshu Chou must be invited to Daqin."

Ying Zheng nodded: "Okay."

"Keep an eye on this matter. Also, learn more about being an official in the future. There will be many things for you to do."

Yan Jin was overjoyed and bowed hurriedly: "I will obey your orders, sir!"

After Yan Jin left, Ying Zheng thought: "As long as there is no congenital problem, if you train him well, he will always be useful."

'And the Sunshade, although it's a bit too sneaky, it can be used and is a useful weapon.'

'He is already a top-ranking official in Luowang, and it is still the same forty years later. Even Zhao Gao has surpassed him. His intelligence and vision can only support this level.'

"He has little cleverness but no wisdom, no bottom line, and no courage. He only dares to engage in conspiracy and intrigue. He is a top-notch chamber pot."

'Forty years later, he can fight Wei Zhuang to a draw. His martial arts skills are definitely not top-notch now. This person must be a member of the core lineage of Luowang. Otherwise, at this age, his martial arts skills are unlikely to be top-notch, and he can hold great power.'

He shook his head: "A killer assassin organization does not rely solely on martial arts. Not every assassin is like Nie Zheng, who can kill people head-on with his unparalleled skills."

"It is unreasonable to say that this person is the future Xiaoyaozi. It is highly unlikely that he is."

Just when Ying Zheng was lost in thought, Chisongzi arrived.

Today is Chisongzi teaching Ying Zheng. I have to say that Taoist Tianzong really goes with the flow. He has never been in a hurry these days. Today is the first time he has come to Ying Zheng.

Ying Zheng went up to him warmly and invited Chisongzi to take a seat. Chisongzi was not polite at all. He bowed to Ying Zheng and sat down leisurely.

Ying Zheng was not interested in governing the country with Taoist teachings; he was not interested in using the Huang-Lao method to govern the country.

If the emperor wants to centralize power and rule the world, he must firmly promote the policy of governing the country with Confucianism and legalism.

Moreover, the people of the Taoist Tian Sect are really indifferent and arrogant. These people who have detached themselves from the world, if they were asked to do things and become officials, they would be too incompatible with the Qin Dynasty. The people of the Taoist Ren Sect who are involved in the world are almost the same, well, that's also quite bad.

However, he was very interested in the Taoist Tianzong's self-cultivation, alchemy and qigong. In Qin Shi Ming Yue, alchemy and drugs were really useful. Now that the vitality of heaven and earth still exists, many elixirs of heaven and earth have miraculous effects.

When an emperor becomes an emperor, he wants to live forever. This is the basic quality of an emperor.

Even if Taoist martial arts cannot bring immortality, they can strengthen the body, maintain good health, and increase lifespan.

This is why Ying Zheng is so enthusiastic about him.

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(End of this chapter)