Confucian and Taoist scholar

Chapter 490 Rise and Fall of Nations
Chu Jiangshen chuckled and said, "In that case, let's go together."

As for Qingwan and the other two girls, Chu Jiangshen didn't ask anything. According to the information he had received before, Lu Zheng was accompanied by two girls, but no one knew the origins of these two girls.

Now that I see these two girls, they seem to be quite extraordinary, probably not just maids or servants.

Especially that little girl, Chu Jiangshen had a very special feeling about her, as if the power she contained was extraordinary, and he felt a bit resistant to her.

Without giving it much thought, Chu Jiangshen used his divine power to envelop the small boat with a wave of his hand.

The small boat immediately sank into the river and sped through it.

Fish of all sizes can be clearly seen swimming in the river.

Chu Jiangshen said from the side, "My cave is not far from here, we can get there in a moment."

Lu Zheng asked curiously, "How large is the waterway under the jurisdiction of the River God?"

Upon hearing this, Chu Jiangshen calmly replied, "Within Jiangzhou, the main stream of the Yangtze River, stretching over three thousand li, is entirely under my control. As for the tributaries, some are managed by my subordinates, while others are divided among the local water gods..."

In the beginning, the State of Chu did not have so many gods.

But as the population grew, especially the number of influential people, various deities and official titles also increased.

A little here, a little there, even the Chu River has to be divided among various states for their own management.

Fortunately, the Chu River was important and was not further subdivided, but the tributary waterways were divided into sections, which were given to many people with connections.

Upon hearing this, Lu Zheng said, "The Yangtze River is over three thousand miles long, that's quite vast."

Chu Jiangshen chuckled and said, "It's alright, there's basically nothing to do usually, so I don't need to worry too much."

Chu Jiangshen paused, then said, "I've heard that the great river flows through your An Kingdom, and there's no god in charge of it?"

Lu Zhengdao: "There shouldn't be any, at least I haven't heard of any. After all, this river has been flowing for millions of years. There were no gods back then, and it was fine. If a flood really happens, the government can take care of it. If they can't, then they've neglected their duty..."

Upon hearing this, Chu Jiangshen thought to himself that these words were practically a direct statement that the great river did not need gods.

However, given the different national circumstances, Chu Jiangshen couldn't really refute anything.

Chu Jiangshen suddenly thought of something, but then suppressed the thought and said instead, "I've heard that a lot has happened in Anguo recently. Your Emperor An is implementing new laws, which has caused a stir in the court, and some ministers have even been demoted..."

Lu Zheng said, "Is that so? That's a good thing."

Chu Jiangshen's eyes flickered, and he couldn't help but say, "The laws of our ancestors are hard to change. Young Master Lu, aren't you afraid that your Anguo will suffer because of this..."

Lu Zheng said calmly, "People always have to move forward. How can the country become prosperous and strong without implementing new policies? We can't just keep enjoying the accumulation of our ancestors and live off their wealth forever, can we?"

Lu Zheng looked at Chu Jiangshen and said, "Jiangshen has been a god for so many years, he should have experienced more things than I have. Can't he see through this principle?"

Chu Jiangshen smiled upon hearing this and said quietly, "He sees things clearly, but he lives in a muddle. I can only follow the court's way of governing the local areas; I can't stir up any trouble."

The reasoning is clear to everyone.

As gods and officials, how could they not understand certain principles?

It's just that there are many things that people don't want to do. Without new policies, everyone will still have all the benefits they deserve.

However, if there is any major change or reform, it will affect too many interests.

Who knows if they'll be the one kicked out?
Rather than risking reform and offending many people, it's better to just live as we are; there's nothing wrong with that.

Sitting around and eating away at one's fortune will eventually lead to its depletion; but this mountain hasn't reached the point of being empty yet...

Chu Jiang thought to himself that their Great Chu was a vast and resource-rich land, with mountains of gold and silver that they couldn't possibly spend all of in a short time, so there was really no need to worry about such trivial matters. Previously, some unknown classic had appeared in the world, causing a tremor in the fate of their Chu state, but now they were all doing just fine, weren't they?
Hearing that Chu Jiangshen seemed unconcerned, Lu Zheng couldn't help but say, "The rise and fall of a nation is the responsibility of every citizen!"

"Uh……"

Chu Jiangshen was speechless for a moment. Why was Lu Zheng worrying about the affairs of their Chu Kingdom?

Chu Jiangshen thought for a moment and couldn't help but chuckle, "That makes sense. So, does Young Master Lu wish for the prosperity of our Great Chu, or..."

Chu Jiangshen posed a question to Lu Zheng, wanting to see how Lu Zheng would answer it.

Upon hearing this, Lu Zheng replied, "What I seek is for the people of the world to live in peace and prosperity. If the State of Chu can achieve this, what does it matter if it becomes the ruler of the world?"

Chu Jiangshen looked at Lu Zheng with surprise, never expecting Lu Zheng to be so open-minded as to say such a thing.

He didn't detect any deliberate flattery of the Chu Kingdom in Lu Zheng's words; they were genuine.

In other words, Lu Zheng wouldn't mind whether it was the State of Chu, the State of An, or any other major power, as long as they had the ability to bring peace and stability to the people.

To be the ruler of the world? Chu Jiangshen sighed inwardly. As the righteous god of Chu, he knew very well that it was difficult for Chu to achieve this in the present day.

On the contrary, the neighboring country of An has suddenly implemented various new policies, which may lead to its rise and prosperity, or it may bring about its own destruction.

Chu Jiangshen couldn't help but ask, "Young Master Lu, who do you think is the ruler of the world today?"

Lu Zheng said, "I have only traveled to two countries, and I have only heard a little about the situation of other major countries. I dare not make any conclusions. If there is an opportunity in the future, I will give Jiang Shen an answer!"

Chu Jiangshen thought that Lu Zheng would talk at length and express his opinions on this matter, just like he had encountered some people before. But Lu Zheng only said this, which was quite honest.

Chu Jiangshen couldn't help but think that this boy was indeed a great talent.

"Alright, alright!" Chu Jiangshen said with a smile, "Then I'll wait for your reply... We've arrived!"

Chu Jiangshen had a thought, and the small boat in the river stopped.

Ahead, on the bank of the great river, there was a cliff, with waves crashing against the shore.

Chu Jiangshen arrived at the stone wall, raised his hand and gently touched it, and golden light shone forth.

A ripple spread across the water, the current parted, and a white jade stone staircase appeared.

"Please, everyone!" Chu Jiang said politely.

The group entered the passage and walked for several dozen feet before a bright and open space appeared before them.

A white jade and crystal palace came into view, and a group of handsome servants came forward to greet them.

Chu Jiangshen summoned a subordinate and had him take Chu Yu to familiarize herself with the affairs.

Knowing that she was not qualified to be a guest here, Chu Yu bowed to Lu Zheng and the others in thanks, and then hurriedly left with Jiang Shen's subordinates.

Then, Chu Jiangshen led Lu Zheng and the other two into a palace.

Servants came and went, gracefully serving food.

Chu Jiangshen, holding a wine cup, said with a smile, "Distinguished guests, you have come from afar. I would like to offer you all a toast!"

Although Lu Zheng and the others were much younger than him, Chu Jiangshen was not foolish enough to treat them as juniors.

(End of this chapter)