Confucian and Taoist scholar

Lu Zhengdao said, "I didn't know Your Majesty would enjoy such a banquet. I will definitely inform you in advance next time."

An Taixuan said leisurely, "I still prefer to share the joy with the people. Back when we celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival in Hongzhou... why did you suddenly come back?"

An Taixuan knew that Lu Zheng was busy and had not yet planned to send anyone to the new country, but Lu Zheng returned to Kaiyang County without saying a word.

If it weren't for the discovery by the Half-Saint Ancestor, they would have been completely unaware.

Upon hearing the news, their group rushed over, managing to join the feast.

Lu Zheng said, "After dealing with some troubles, I happened to have some free time and came back to take a look."

"trouble?"

An Taixuan's eyes flickered. "The trouble you mentioned is related to the Qi Kingdom, right? I've heard there are traces of battles between Saint Realm experts in the desolate northern lands..."

During this time, An Taixuan obtained a lot of information, but the true details of the incident were not detailed.

Lu Zheng said calmly, "Some forces have joined together to target me, so I went to the Qi Kingdom. Besides several Confucian and Taoist families, some Saint Realm experts also died, including the Great God Dongjun of the Chu Kingdom and the Demon Saint of the Demon Clan..."

Lu Zheng then explained the origins of the seven Saint Realm experts.

The identities of some of the people were revealed to Lu Zheng by Yun Fuyao after she saw the portrait.

As the most senior cultivator in the world, there is no sacred realm in this world that Yun Fuyao does not know.

Upon hearing that so many powerful figures had died, including the Eastern Lord God of Chu, the people at the table looked at Lu Zheng with astonishment and disbelief.

An Jing couldn't help but ask, "Did you kill them all?"

Lu Zheng shook his head without offering any further explanation.

If he could easily kill seven Saint Realm experts, he could now single-handedly rule the world.

Everyone immediately understood, realizing that Lu Zheng had a master help him.

As for who it is, Lu Zheng probably won't tell them right now; they can only guess.

Xu Shouwei said in surprise, "The Lord of the East is dead? No wonder the celestial phenomena in the western Chu state these past few days seem to indicate some great change..."

An Taixuan clicked his tongue and said, "That person is an elder of the Chu royal family. You're probably in even bigger trouble now."

"But I really didn't expect you to be able to handle that situation, killing so many Saint Realm experts, tsk..."

The number of people in the world who have attained enlightenment and become saints can be counted on one hand. The sudden loss of seven is enough to shock the world.

If Anguo were to suddenly lose seven such powerful figures, An Taixuan couldn't even imagine what kind of chaos would ensue.

However, thinking back on Lu Zheng's past deeds, it seems that the fact that seven Saint Realm experts died because of Lu Zheng is not too outrageous.

An Taixuan realized that Lu Zheng really did have some tricks up his sleeve, and his previous worries were indeed somewhat unnecessary.

It's unlikely that any top-tier experts will risk causing trouble for Lu Zheng in the short term.

The death of Dongjun in the State of Chu has gone unnoticed, suggesting that the matter has been suppressed to avoid making a big fuss.

An Taixuan said leisurely, "Those Confucian scholars are desperate and don't know what to say..."

An Taixuan paused for a moment. His ancestor was sitting right next to him. The An family was, to some extent, a family of Confucian scholars, so it seemed inappropriate to say such things.

An Taixuan then said, "Those Confucian and Taoist families with a thousand-year-old tradition really dare to defy the world and actually think of joining forces with other forces to... Do they really think that this will bring back the Confucian sages?"

Lu Zhengdao said, "Whether I live or die, they chose to do that, and the outcome was already predetermined."

If something were to happen to him at that time, there would still be someone to do certain things for him.

Everyone understood that the Confucian sages would not return because of Lu Zheng's death, and that Confucianism could only be revived if it were truly as Lu Zheng advocated.

An Taixuan then said, "What are you planning to do this time you've come back? Give us a little hint... don't give us a shock later."

An Taixuan was genuinely afraid of Lu Zheng, worried that Lu Zheng's return would turn Anguo upside down and cause a mess in the end.

Lu Zheng smiled and said, "I won't be staying for too long this time. My main reason for coming back is to do as much as I can for the people..."

Lu Zheng turned his head slightly and looked at the crowd who still wanted to celebrate.

“I want them to have a better life. For thousands of years, generations of ordinary people have suffered too much. Such days should end as soon as possible…”

"A peaceful and prosperous world cannot be sought or waited for; it needs to be created by everyone. While I still have the ability, let's do more."

Lu Zheng looked at An Taixuan and said slowly, "I hope Your Majesty will exempt the common people from taxes, levies, and corvée labor... and pay attention to the development of industry and agriculture."

"I know that construction and development require a lot of funds, and the national treasury is insufficient. Let those aristocratic families contribute more money and grain to make up for it. Once the economy develops, the cycle will be fine."

Lu Zheng paused for a moment, then said, "Let's just enact national laws to tax those powerful clans. I know it won't be easy, but I'll try to reason with them. Trust me, some people will listen to me."

Upon hearing this, everyone had different expressions, thinking, "Are you really going to try to reason with me?"

However, to be honest, Lu Zheng's reputation in Anguo is now greater than that of the emperor.

An Taixuan felt that Lu Zheng's words were more effective than his own...

If Lu Zheng were to actually intervene, all those powerful clans would have to keep their tails between their legs.

An Taixuan pondered for a moment before speaking, "If you can truly control them, none of what you've said will be a problem. Do you have any other requests?"

Lu Zhengdao: "Abolish slavery, strictly prohibit any form of human trafficking, convert all family servants to free citizens, and change slaves to hired laborers. This will weaken local families... This is more difficult than getting them to donate money, so we can proceed a little slower and implement it gradually..."

As a dynasty, Anguo's power was severely entrenched, making it unlikely that it could achieve the reforms required for the new Taiping Yu Kingdom.

If we take too big a step, internal troubles will arise, and with powerful enemies surrounding us from the outside, countless people will be plunged into war and chaos, resulting in more harm than good.

This is why Lu Zheng chose to cooperate with the Wei Emperor and the Qi Emperor to jointly suppress the powerful families of the two countries, rather than standing against the courts and emperors of the two countries.

Lu Zheng added, "Also, improving the overall treatment of the soldiers will help stabilize morale at this time..."

An Taixuan couldn't help but nod, thinking to himself that Lu Zheng had thought things through quite comprehensively.

Anyway, someone will cover these expenses, so An Taixuan naturally won't be stingy.

A group of people were eating and chatting at the table.

Anjia Bansheng also spoke up and discussed some things with Lu Zheng.

Lu Zheng had previously received the aura of a saint from this senior, but this was the first time he had met the real person.

The group chatted about national affairs, and the nearby residents paid no attention to them, because a powerful figure had already cast a spell to make everyone else ignore the place.

Even late at night, the town of Kaiyang remains brightly lit.

Lu Zheng and his group went for a walk on the main road outside the city.

Looking at the night sky, An Taixuan said leisurely, "It's getting late. Would you like to come with us to Tai'an City?"

Lu Zhengdao said, "I'll stay here for two more days. Your Majesty can release the news of my return so that some people can be mentally prepared in advance."

An Taixuan blinked and couldn't help but chuckle, "You're quite kind. I'll send someone to tell them when we get back. Tsk, I'm afraid some people won't be able to sleep tonight..."

The thought that some people in Tai'an City would lose sleep because of this made An Taixuan unable to suppress the corners of his mouth.

Some villains need to be tempered by ruthless people.

An Taixuan felt quite good. "Then I will wait for good news in Tai'an City."

Then, An Taixuan and the others returned to the capital, Tai'an.

However, Xu Shou stayed behind because he had some things he wanted to discuss with Lu Zheng alone.

Xu Shou looked at Lu Zheng and smiled, "It seems you have a lot of help around you. The powerful figures in the world can't do anything to you."

Xu Shou could roughly guess what kind of support Lu Zheng had.

However, without concrete evidence, Xu Shou could not directly point it out.

Lu Zhengdao said, "Those Saint Realm experts are only a part of the obstacles. The real trouble lies with those powerful families that have a large number of members and control most of the world's resources... Some of them are even better at bringing chaos to this world than the Dao-enlightened experts."

Xu Shou nodded and said, "That's true..."

After all, most powerful beings in the Saint Realm focus on their own cultivation, and very few of them directly act as rulers to seize worldly benefits.

Xu Shou then lowered his voice and said, "The opinions of the Anguo royal family about you are mixed. Some people are worried that you are doing things in the Northern Regions in Anguo..."

Lu Zheng's expression did not change upon hearing this; he simply said, "If the An family wants to be one of the representatives of Anguo, it probably won't be so easy."

Hearing Lu Zheng say this, Xu Shou understood that Lu Zheng had no intention of targeting the Anguo royal family, at least not for the time being.

He had witnessed Lu Zheng grow step by step to where he is today, and he really didn't want to see Lu Zheng and the Anguo court at odds.

It wouldn't be appropriate for him to stand on either side.

Xu Shou said quietly, "Some older people are stubborn, but His Majesty and Princess are both very open-minded."

Lu Zhengdao: "What country in the world does not perish? It is a sin for a dynasty that is already on the decline not to think about changing its ways..." "Everyone says that the laws of our ancestors cannot be changed, but I don't think anyone in this world truly respects the ancestral laws..."

"For example, in the families of Confucius and Mencius, I have never seen many members of the Confucius family who possessed benevolence and propriety, while everyone in the Mencius family cultivated a righteous spirit. Is this a problem between Confucius and Mencius?"

"It is shameful to shift the responsibility to the ancestors and leave the problems to the next generation."

……

"What! Lu Zhengzhen is back!"

Many princes and ministers were shocked when they heard the news.

Some people had just lain down in bed, ready to sleep, when they were suddenly jolted awake by this news.

"Notify everyone in the entire government to behave themselves during this period. Also, take good care of those businesses outside and make sure nothing goes wrong..."

"His Majesty really managed to recall them? It seems the world is about to change, and I wonder how many people will suffer."

"Someone! Light the lamp in the study. I need to continue processing official documents. State affairs cannot be delayed or neglected..."

"Lu Zheng...should I ask for a medical notice and rest at home for a while?"

The reactions of the various characters were varied.

Some people are worried that Lu Zheng will settle old scores, because someone secretly sabotaged the new laws promulgated in Anguo before, and even the imperial court was helpless.

This person doesn't care about your family background or how famous or powerful you are.

Even the most formidable figures in officialdom, could they possibly surpass Lu Zheng, who is currently at the height of his power?
Even Confucian and Taoist sage families had to avoid his sharp edge.

Oh, no, even the most virtuous and noble families were utterly destroyed by Lu Zheng's brilliance, leaving almost nothing behind.

It is said that the once high-ranking noble families of Qi have become despised by everyone and are not welcomed wherever they go.

After all, being expelled from one's own family by one's own sage ancestors, it's not unreasonable for others to spit on it as they pass by.

Other families would not want to experience such a terrifying ordeal.

They say you have to kill the chicken to warn the monkey, but Lu Zheng's actions could be described as killing the monkey to warn the chicken.

Even late at night, many places in the bustling city of Tai'an are still brightly lit.

News about Lu Zheng spread quickly, like wildfire, causing quite a stir.

In the capital, people of all social statuses had heard many rumors about Lu Zheng, and many people had a special admiration for him.

Even many students at the Imperial Academy gradually shifted their thinking to Lu Zheng's side.

The news that Lu Zheng was coming to Tai'an City excited many people, who wanted to meet this young man who could influence the entire world's fortunes single-handedly.

Someone also relayed this message to nearby areas.

……

Lu Zheng spent two days in Kaiyang County, visiting various villages and towns, meeting many old friends, and investigating the situation in detail.

This latest field investigation provided Lu Zheng with insights into how to adjust Anguo's local policies.

Time just flies by.

Outside Kaiyang City, tens of thousands of people gathered to bid farewell to Lu Zheng with reluctance.

Li Yuan and the others watched Lu Zheng walk further and further away, their hearts filled with mixed feelings. They didn't know how long it would be before they could see each other again.

After leaving Kaiyang County, Lu Zheng sped up and headed north towards Tai'an City.

Outside Tai'an City, there were huge crowds of people.

Some people were unaware of when Lu Zheng would arrive in Tai'an City, so they came to wait outside the city whenever they had free time, afraid of missing him.

Today, someone spread the news that Lu Zheng would arrive today.

This caused many people in the city to gather outside, and some even came from nearby cities without stopping.

These people came from all walks of life, with varying backgrounds and social statuses, ranging from peddlers and laborers to high-ranking officials and dignitaries...

The young ladies from prominent families dressed up beautifully, craning their necks in anticipation, hoping that the world-renowned young man would give them a second glance.

Outside the south gate, the crowds grew larger and larger, causing congestion even on the streets inside the city.

The government had no choice but to deploy troops to maintain order.

On a section of the towering city wall, An Taixuan stood with his hands behind his back, watching the bustling crowd, his lips tingling with sarcasm.

"I have been in Tai'an City for so many years, and I have never seen myself so popular with the people..."

An Jing, standing nearby, couldn't help but say, "Father has lived in the capital for many years, and the people of the capital are already familiar with him, so they are not so enthusiastic when they see him..."

An Taixuan said quietly, "Do you think I can't see it? The way those people look at Lu Zheng is different."

Those people's eyes were intense, filled with a different kind of brilliance, just like how the people of Kaiyang County viewed Lu Zheng.

An Taixuan paused, then continued, "It's like waiting for a true saint, a great savior, to arrive..."

An Jing's eyes flickered with a strange light as he said softly, "But he never thought of himself as a saint or a savior."

"Yes."

An Taixuan looked at the distant horizon, "He wanted everyone to become like him."

"That's Tai'an City."

Xu Shou raised his eyebrows and looked at the city that had come into view ahead.

Lu Zheng glanced over and could clearly see that a large number of people had gathered outside the city.

Xu Shou said, "I heard that His Majesty and His Highness both wanted you to come to Tai'an City back then, so that they could entrust you with important responsibilities, but you refused."

Lu Zheng smiled and said, "Back then, I wasn't capable enough, so I went there and made a fool of myself. Now that I'm here to serve the people, who dares to say anything against me?"

His words revealed an endless sense of pride and pride.

As they approached Tai'an City, Xu Shou vanished in a flash, leaving that moment to Lu Zheng.

Lu Zheng stepped onto the wide avenue, looking at the countless dark crowds and pairs of bright, sparkling eyes before him.

Lu Zheng calmly approached and greeted him with a cupped-hand salute.

"My name is Lu Zheng. I am truly ashamed to have been so kind as to wait for you all for so long..."

Lu Zheng's voice was melodious and carried far, and even the crowd behind him could hear it clearly.

The crowd's expressions shifted, a mixture of excitement, surprise, and even a hint of incomprehension.

Unexpectedly, this young man, who could summon saints with a wave of his hand and shake heaven and earth with a single step, was so polite to them and even bowed to them first to express his apologies.

Many people were deeply moved, and many young ladies from prominent families became infatuated with him, unable to control their feelings.

No wonder he has the support of all the saints. How many people in the world can match his magnanimity?
If it were any other distinguished person, they probably wouldn't even give an ordinary person a second glance, let alone someone like this.

This is something no one else could pull off. After all, would someone who is almost a saint need such a performance? It comes from the heart.

Lu Zheng had always been so approachable and friendly in his dealings with people in the Taiping Domain New Kingdom, without any pretense whatsoever.

It can be said that people in the new country are used to both human and demon creatures.

But for all the people in Tai'an City, regardless of their wealth or poverty, this was the first time they had encountered something like this.

In their eyes, Lu Zheng's nobility was no less than that of the emperor of a country.

After all, this person established a country and was recognized by sages and wise men from all walks of life. Apart from the title, he was no less than a sage or emperor.

Lu Zheng's actions, however, had a profound impact on them.

This scene alone is enough to make many people remember it for a lifetime.

Some princes and ministers changed their expressions slightly. Everyone thought that Lu Zheng would make a strong appearance in Tai'an City, but he actually pulled this move.

In an instant, the hearts of millions of people were united.

Whatever Lu Zheng intends to do in Tai'an City, the people of Tai'an City probably already have their own plans.

In some matters, even the emperor has to make concessions when faced with the will of the people, let alone his ministers.
An Taixuan calmly observed the scene and said quietly, "He who wins the hearts of the people wins the world."

But he also knew that Lu Zheng had no intention of vying for the world; this was just a normal action by the other party.

Although it may seem ordinary, it is extraordinary in the eyes of others.

An Taixuan narrowed his eyes. They hadn't even entered the city yet, and they'd already taught some people a lesson. (End of Chapter)