Confucian and Taoist scholar

"The lamp burns at midnight, the rooster crows at dawn; this is the time for a young man to study. He who does not know the importance of diligent study in his youth will regret it when he is old and gray..."

In a school in the relief area, the innocent voices of children reading aloud could be heard.

Those children were all recently rescued.

Many of these children had lost their loved ones and had previously been slaves or lived a life of homelessness and begging.

If it weren't for the caravans that went out to provide relief along the way, most people wouldn't have survived the winter.

Now, the adults and children who have been settled in this area no longer have to worry about making a living.

They only need to focus on taking care of their health and diligently studying at school.

Those who perform exceptionally well will receive praise and substantial rewards.

Whether they are innocent children or elderly people, they all cherish the hard-won life they have now and want to work hard to become a member of this area, unwilling to return to the dark and hopeless life of the past.

Seeing is believing, and this old chief priest from the Jixia Academy saw many novel things as he walked through the relief area.

Moreover, the streets and residential areas of the entire area are clean and tidy, the passersby are warm and friendly, and the order is well maintained, presenting a thriving scene...

If it weren't for the fact that this place was a relief area, the old chief priest might even have mistaken it for a town under the rule of some capable official.

However, this is only a temporary place to settle refugees, and the living conditions and facilities are already quite rudimentary.

Afterwards, Cheng Li took the two of them into the city for a visit.

Originally, Jiamu City was just a small city, but after being incorporated into the Taiping Domain, it was replanned and rebuilt.

The current Jiamu City is comparable in size to some of the state capitals of a great dynasty.

Of course, unlike those dynastic cities, there are no powerful families or wealthy households in this city, and naturally there is no division between rich and poor areas.

All the architectural assets here belong to the public.

Cheng Lixian led the two to the administrative region, wanting the chief minister to see how democratic self-governance was carried out in places without a monarch-subject system.

In administrative districts, there are administrators similar to officials, but they do not have much power and are subject to public scrutiny.

If someone neglects their duties or acts improperly, they are likely to be reported and complained about, and will be subject to corresponding penalties.

In a dynasty, such a thing would be considered a case of a commoner suing an official, a situation where someone would accuse the official in court.

The result was usually that the person who raised the problem was dealt with, rather than the officials.

Cheng Li led the two on a tour of the various departments in the administrative area, and then to the teaching area, showing them what true universal education, education for all, and individualized instruction really meant...

In the lively and spacious classroom, the priest and the young man could even see some monsters and people who had not yet taken human form sitting in rows, listening attentively to the lessons.

During recess, children from all ethnic groups play together.

If some pedantic scholars with stubborn dynastic class ideology were to see this scene, they would probably exclaim, "What kind of behavior is this?"

Cheng Li said softly, "This is not the fiefdom of a great clan, nor is it a sect of immortals. The vast majority of people living here are ordinary folks... I think there is no town as peaceful and well-governed as this in the entire Great Qi Dynasty, is there? Isn't this the peaceful world that the sages pursued?"

"This place is indeed a bit different."

The old man chuckled and said, "Some things here have broadened my horizons. Were they all his ideas?"

Upon hearing this, Cheng Li thought for a moment and said, "Does the Grand Master think he has a mastermind behind him? I thought so too, but neither I nor anyone close to him has ever seen anyone behind the scenes... Almost all the changes here are due to his plan."

“I used to wonder how he could come up with so many novel ideas for governing the world. He said that many of these ideas were put forward by our predecessors. As long as we are good at summarizing and then putting them into practice, and then combining them with the actual situation to improve them, many things can be easily accomplished.”

The old man couldn't help but say, "It's easy to talk about principles, but it's very difficult to put them into practice. He is indeed an extraordinary young man."

"Unfortunately, some of your ideas are too idealistic and will not last long in such a world."

The old man looked at Cheng Li and said slowly, "It is peaceful here. Firstly, the criminals serving in the local government do not dare to resist for the time being, and secondly, there is no powerful foreign enemy to invade. If one day a powerful force comes to invade, what will you do under the threat of internal and external troubles? Regardless of other factors, if the Wei Kingdom is determined, a million iron cavalry will be able to destroy everything here if they march north."

The old man felt that this place did indeed appear to be a peaceful land, but there was no powerful force to protect it.

It is difficult to maintain long-term stability with just a few powerful cultivators and no organized defensive force.

Lu Zheng had actually thought about this problem long ago, and he still required that each region not organize garrison forces similar to the army.

Without establishing a nation or forming an army, this peaceful region is seen by many forces as nothing more than a minor skirmish.

Once an army is formed, it gives the impression of being ambitious, which is actually detrimental to the stability of the Pacific region.

In some matters, we always have to make choices.

Before he truly gained power, Lu Zheng felt that showing weakness was wiser than letting others perceive him as a threat.

Upon hearing the old man's question, Cheng Li calmly replied, "If that day ever comes, I will protect everything here with my life. Death is inevitable for everyone; some deaths are heavier than Mount Tai, others lighter than a feather..."

"Perhaps this peaceful land is just a fleeting moment, but we are truly putting the ideals of the sages into practice, and we have truly brought temporary stability to the lives of hundreds of millions of people. Everything we have done is worthwhile and meaningful."

"What's wrong with sacrificing one's life for righteousness and dying to uphold the Way? Isn't this exactly what the teachers at the academy taught us?"

……

Above Beiyu City, Lu Zheng led Yun Xiao and the others to overlook this region.

Qingwan was there introducing the area to everyone.

Yun Xiao stroked his beard and clicked his tongue, saying, "You've done a pretty good job building and planning this place, but the feng shui here isn't very good..."

Qingwan glanced at her and asked, "What do you mean?"

Yun Xiao said leisurely, "It's not a place of spiritual energy, the terrain is too flat, and there's no feng shui formation for protection..."

Qingwan replied, "It's not some strategic location. This place was built for people to live in. How could it be so comprehensive?"

Yun Xiao said, "That makes sense. I think this place is quite popular. Gathering energy can create momentum, and by leveraging that momentum, we can set up formations. People nourish the land, and the land nourishes the people... Over time, it will become a pretty good place."

Qingwan blinked and said with a smile, "Does the Taoist priest know this kind of formation?"

Yun Xiao hesitated for a moment before saying, "Yes, I do know how, but I don't have that much free time... I can give you the method, and you can find another array master to set it up. This kind of array can't be effective in a short time, so there's no need to rush if you're busy."

"Oh, that works too."

Qingwan didn't stand on ceremony at all and extended her hand to Yunxiao.

Yun Xiao couldn't help but laugh and said, "Young man, don't be so impatient. The formation is in my head. I'll make it into a jade slip and then give it to you!"

Upon hearing this, Qingwan said, "Alright, I'll show you around here first."

The group first visited the farms and workshops in the suburbs, and then went into the city to learn more about the various places.

Yun Xiao and the others discovered that this place was indeed well-managed.

Many of the governance policies were completely new to them. That night, Qingwan and Qingyi even took Wang Yanran to the night market.

Although this place couldn't compare to the bustling city of Furong, it still allowed Wang Yanran to see many new and exciting things, and she had a great time playing with the two little ones.

Yun Xiao then sought out Lu Zheng for a private tea chat.

Yun Xiao said with some emotion, "I've never really understood you. How do you have such great abilities to govern this place like this?"

Lu Zheng smiled slightly and said, "It's all thanks to everyone's cooperation; it's not something I could do alone."

Yun Xiao said quietly, "Tsk, others are willing to cooperate with you because of your methods, aren't they? With your talent for governing the world, if you worked hard to become an official in a great country, you could easily become a prince."

Lu Zheng chuckled and said, "There are no princes or nobles here. Someone like me would probably not be well received in the officialdom of a great country."

Yun Xiao smacked his lips and said in a low voice, "Speaking of which, those older members of the Shu royal family did have some reservations about some of your actions..."

After all, in the Taiping Domain, there is no regard for social status, and some powerful and influential people from outside the region find it difficult to adapt to the rules here.

"They are royalty, after all. They consider themselves to be of noble status, so it's understandable that they find certain things hard to accept."

Lu Zheng said calmly, "But this is not the Shu Kingdom. Daoist, you should remind them not to act the same way they did in the Shu Kingdom. I, Lu Zheng, always believe in reason, not people... Even if the emperor of any country came, he could not disrupt the rules and regulations here."

Yun Xiao raised an eyebrow. Good heavens, those words were truly frightening. He wouldn't even dare to say that if the Shu Emperor went to Qingyang Palace, he would have to abide by the rules of Qingyang Palace.

Yun Xiao couldn't help but say, "I've already reminded them. They may not know you, but I do! Besides, they're here representing the Shu royal family, so they'll be more restrained to avoid disgracing the royal family."

Lu Zheng nodded, then said, "Master, you are very knowledgeable. I have something I would like to ask you to help me with."

Upon hearing this, Yun Xiao asked, "What?"

Lu Zheng took out a booklet and said, "Take a look at these portraits and see if there are any problems."

Yun Xiao curiously opened the booklet and found it to be a portrait album, full of portraits of ancient people, including some Taoist saints.

Yun Xiao flipped through it and asked curiously, "This picture album, where did it come from? You didn't make this yourself, did you? What are you planning to do with it?"

Lu Zhengdao: "On a whim, I wanted to pay homage to the faces of the ancient sages and draw some pictures based on ancient books. I wonder if there are any errors? Daoist, please correct me..."

Yun Xiao clicked his tongue and said, "Is that so? Then let me take a good look at you..."

……

The next day, it was dawn.

Lu Zheng instructed Qing Wan to summon Yun Xiao and his group, along with the senior management of Beiyu City, and to proceed to a square in the city.

When everyone arrived at the square, Lu Zheng had already temporarily closed it off, so as not to disturb the many people in the city.

Wang Yanran had a great time yesterday and was quite curious when she heard that Lu Zheng was gathering people for something.

Wang Yanran walked happily up to Lu Zheng and asked, "Young Master Lu, what do you want with us?"

Lu Zhengdao: "I'll show you something."

Wang Yanran looked around and saw that the square was empty.

Lu Zheng didn't offer any further explanation. After everyone had arrived, he stood at the south end of the square and raised his hand.

In the blink of an eye, a tall, heavy, blue stone tablet stood before everyone.

The stone tablet is also engraved with large, blood-red characters.

Qingwan tilted her head back and read aloud slowly.

"This monument is dedicated to the countless victims throughout history, and to the heroes who fought against oppression..."

Upon seeing the inscription on the monument, everyone reacted with varying expressions.

Qingwan's eyes lit up. "Great! Great! This is a good thing!"

Lu Zheng raised his hand again, and stone statues flew out of thin air and landed in the empty square.

These stone statues are carved to life-size, with high bases on which are inscribed brief biographies of the figures.

At first glance, everyone noticed that the statues were neatly arranged, numbering as many as one hundred.

Upon closer inspection, these figures include not only the sage of Confucianism, the patriarch of Taoism, and the Buddha of Buddhism…

There are also legendary figures, immortals, gods, demons, and ghosts who have made outstanding contributions to the development of history...

Among them were many heroes who resisted tyranny.

Representatives from all walks of life gathered together.

Yun Xiao's eyes widened slightly as he looked at the display of these figures together; this was probably unique in the world.

He never even imagined the scene of several supreme patriarchs being worshipped together.

Yun Xiao looked at Lu Zheng and couldn't help but whisper, "What are you trying to do? You're not planning to ask some sages to bestow their blessings, are you?"

Lu Zhengdao: "That's not my intention. I just selected some historical figures to let everyone learn from the spirit of these predecessors. Human bodies will eventually perish, but their spirit deserves to be passed down..."

Instead of worshipping past sages and worthies, it is better to learn their essential spirit.

Lu Zheng erected these statues so that the local people could learn more about the past and take them as role models.

Lu Zheng also felt that placing these statues in the square was more practical than moving them to temples for worship.

Wang Yanran looked surprised and couldn't help but examine each of the statues with curiosity.

When they got to the last statue, everyone was stunned.

The statue holds a book in one hand and a sword in the other, with some other items around its waist, and stands upright like a pine tree.

However, its facial features are blurred and indistinct, making it difficult to discern its true appearance. The base at the base of the statue is also empty and without any explanation.

Wang Yanran couldn't help but glance at Lu Zheng, asking suspiciously, "This person isn't you, is he?"

At first glance, Wang Yanran felt that the statue's body shape was not quite like Lu Zheng's, and its attire was also different.

Lu Zheng shook his head and said, "It's not me, it's you."

"Ah I?"

Wang Yanran was stunned for a moment and didn't react.

Lu Zheng raised his head slightly, looking intently at the faceless statue.

"It is you, it is him, it is everyone, it is our descendants, it is everyone who is fighting for a peaceful world..." (End of this chapter)