The First Sage of Military Strategists

Therefore, the imperial court took a new action and prepared a large army from various prefectures to invade the sacred royal court. The commander of this army was surnamed Kou and called himself Commander Kou.

Previously, no one had ever heard of such a person. He seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, and for a time, many people were speculating about the background of this Commander Kou.

Immediately afterward, the news that Han Qing announced he would establish the number one academy in the world in Shu Prefecture spread like wildfire throughout the entire Da Yu during this period, and the name was decided to be Yuelu Academy.

For a time, many academies in Dayu were fiercely criticizing Han Qing, because in the past only aristocratic families and princes could enter academies, while ordinary children from poor families could only go to regular schools. There was a huge gap in the quality of teaching between the two.

Yuelu Academy broke this rule, as it was an academy established for all people, valuing only talent and character, regardless of background.

This news immediately garnered widespread support from the people, and many packed their bags to travel to Sichuan and Yuelu Academy, hoping to become among the first students there.

In contrast, many prominent families and academy deans are angrily criticizing Yuelu Academy for violating the etiquette and rules of Dayu Academy and the traditions of their ancestors.

"I've heard that Yuelu Academy will open on the ninth day of this month. I'm not very talented, but I must go there and question Han Qing in person, so that he can understand how absurd this is!" In a certain place in the capital, an old man with white hair and wearing a scholar's robe cursed.

"I've heard that Han Qing is very powerful. Aren't you afraid of angering him and losing your life?" someone asked.

"Hahaha, I am a distinguished and respected figure in the capital, a leader of the literati. If he were to kill me, it would ruin his reputation and he would be ridiculed by millions of people in future generations. I doubt he would have the guts to do that." The old man laughed heartily.

“I’m going too. I heard that the Palace Master of Tiansheng Academy is also on his way to Shu. So what if Han Qing is powerful? We will join forces to represent reason and law, and make Han Qing understand how foolish his actions are,” another person said.

"Indeed, I'll lend a hand too, and make that Han Qing infamous for eternity!"

...

In no time, many college deans were moved by the news and rushed to Shu to humiliate Han Qing and nail him to the pillar of historical shame.

At this time, in Hengshan City, Shu, the Yuelu Academy had been completed, covering an area of ​​800 mu. It was located on a plain 20 li outside Hengshan City. Although its scale was not as large as the original Yuelu Academy, upon closer inspection, its layout was almost a one-to-one replica of the original Yuelu Academy.

At this moment, in a pavilion in the academy, Han Qing sat at the head of the table, gently stroking the strings of a zither on a pavilion platform, exuding a refined and elegant Taoist charm.

“Young Master, the Cao family just sent another large batch of books. Now the academy has established twelve academies and four armories. In terms of the reserves of books and secret techniques, it is no less than the number one academy in the world today, Tiansheng Academy.” Zhou Xiaoru sat to the side, fanning himself, gazing at the beautiful scenery in the distance, with a faint smile on his face.

Han Qing nodded slightly: "These powerful families are indeed hypocritical. They openly curse me, but behind my back they send people to deliver books and martial arts manuals in exchange for golden rice seeds. In my eyes, they are just a bunch of rabble."

“What you say is absolutely right, young master. These powerful families act only for their own benefit. They have no concept of benevolence and morality. They just say it to outsiders.” Zhou Xiaoru nodded.

At this moment, the music stopped abruptly. Han Qing stood up, put his hands behind his back, and looked through space towards the entrance of the academy, where a large number of people were lining up and Qi Guanzi was presiding over the selection of the first batch of students.

The vast majority of these people were poorly dressed and came from impoverished backgrounds. If it weren't for Han Qing establishing Yuelu Academy and giving them this opportunity, they probably would never have learned to read and write in their entire lives.

Seeing this scene, his mental exhaustion dissipated somewhat.

He was extremely busy this month, not only receiving high-ranking members of various prominent families every day, but also receiving elites from Lishan Academy who returned from all over the country.

Fortunately, everything went smoothly, and Yuelu Academy was established in a very short time. He also gathered a large group of top experts from Lishan Academy, who would become the foundation for the reconstruction of Yuelu Academy.

“Young Master, the opening ceremony of the academy in three days may not be so easy. I have heard that many academy deans have already set out to question people on that day and try to intimidate them with reason. These people are most skilled at manipulating words and setting traps. If you are not careful, you will be condemned for thousands of years. Young Master, you must be careful. I think you should avoid meeting them and kick them all out,” Zhou Xiaoru said.

"What if we kill them all?" Han Qing asked calmly.

“No, if we kill them all, we will truly bear the infamy for all eternity,” Zhou Xiaoru said.

Han Qing did not respond: "It's alright, I'll know how to handle it when the time comes."

Time flew by and the opening day arrived in the blink of an eye. A large number of students gathered in a flat square inside the academy, some playing music and others chanting scriptures, creating a solemn and respectful atmosphere.

As the dean, Han Qing naturally made an appearance. He stood in the center of the square, flanked by many experts from the former Yuelu Academy, many of whom were also great scholars.

Just as the opening ceremony reached its climax, suddenly, a discordant sound echoed between heaven and earth, drowning out the sounds of the ritual music.

"Han Qing, I see you are ignorant of etiquette and morality. What ability do you have to run an academy? Close it down immediately to avoid making a fool of yourself and becoming a laughingstock to the world!"

Han Qing remained calm. In an instant, everyone's gaze fell upon an elderly man who had suddenly appeared in the distance. Behind him was a large group of people, all of whom were also quite old, dressed in scholar's robes, and appeared to be virtuous and learned.

"May I ask your name and background? If you are an unknown person, I, Han Qing, have no interest in you and will simply kick you out!" Han Qing said calmly.

"You know perfectly well why I ask. I am Zhong Dezhang, the Dean of Tiansheng Academy. It is laughable that you dare to open an academy and pursue scholarship without knowing my name." The old man said loudly, making no attempt to hide the aggressiveness in his words.

"So, Mr. Zhong, I wonder which rule I broke by opening the academy?" Han Qing asked with a smile.

Zhong Dezhang was slightly startled. In front of so many people, he made sarcastic remarks, yet Han Qing remained calm and composed. This was a display of extremely profound self-control.

However, considering Han Qing's martial arts level, he felt this was normal, so he said loudly, "It's against the rules everywhere!"

“Since ancient times, academies have been elegant places, and the students who come here are all from noble families, kings and ministers. But you have recruited a bunch of peasants. I think these people are all vulgar. They have never studied since childhood and have no manners. They are an insult to the academic style of our Great Yu.”

"Look at the layout of this academy, it imitates Yuelu Academy everywhere, harboring evil intentions and being extremely rebellious. Han Qing, how can someone as morally corrupt as you be worthy of being the head of an academy? I think you are misleading students and poisoning the world!" Zhong Dezhang laughed loudly.

Many people around Han Qing frowned suddenly, a surge of anger rising in their hearts. The old man's words were truly unpleasant.

Many people behind Zhong Dezhang showed smug expressions. Why did Tiansheng Academy send Zhong Dezhang? Why did they let him lead the charge? There was only one reason: Zhong Dezhang was shameless.

Not only is he shameless, but he also has a foul mouth; no one can out-insult him.

However, they thought Han Qing would be angered, but to their surprise, Han Qing clapped his hands and showed an even brighter smile.

"What a hypocritical and shameless scoundrel! I, Han Qing, am leading the transformation of humanity. You've miscalculated by trying to intimidate me with etiquette and law. What is etiquette and law? From this day forward, my every word and deed will be the etiquette and law of the next era!"

Your Tiansheng Academy is full of empty talk about benevolence and righteousness, and you, Zhong Dezhang, are even more shameless, claiming to be virtuous throughout the world and comparing yourself to a saint. I think you are nothing more than a domestic dog kept by Emperor Yu.

What I, Han Qing, have done is for the sake of the world and the people. This is what it means to practice righteousness and virtue!

"What is orthodoxy? Let me tell you, from this day forward, Yuelu Academy is the orthodoxy. Tiansheng Academy and any other academy, if they do not follow in the footsteps of the four Yuelu academies, will eventually be submerged and eliminated in the great waves of the times," Han Qing said loudly.

"How dare you address His Majesty by his name! His Majesty is the one who upholds the Mandate of Heaven, and this world belongs to His Majesty. Serving His Majesty is serving the world! You petty thief, ignorant of etiquette and morality, spouting nonsense and uttering blasphemous tales, you deserve to be skinned alive and reduced to ashes!" Zhong Dezhang cursed, his face flushed red, like an angry fighting rooster. "Utterly ignorant! The world belongs to the people, not to one person! This is the true principle! You people spout benevolence and righteousness, calling yourselves saints, but I see you as nothing more than a bunch of hypocrites. I've been polite to you today, giving you some face, but you've provoked me so much! Don't blame me for being impolite!"

Han Qing suddenly waved his hand, and many images appeared above his head, showing old men embracing women, a scene of utter debauchery.

These old men were none other than Zhong Dezhang and his gang. Han Qing had already secretly investigated and found out that Zhong Dezhang and his group all had multiple wives and concubines and frequented brothels. Their so-called benevolence and morality were just used to oppress others, while they themselves did not abide by any of them.

The group of people around Zhong Dezhang all changed their expressions, never expecting such a scandal to be exposed.

Zhong Dezhang, however, remained calm and composed: "Hmph, Han Qing, you're just making up an illusion to smear someone's reputation. Do you think I'd care?"

"Whether it's true or false, the world will judge. Zhong Dezhang, you shameless scoundrel, how dare you poison the people and live in this world? Today I will rid the people of this scourge!" Han Qing said coldly.

"Haha, what, Han Qing, you dare to kill me? If you kill me, you will be infamous for ten thousand years, ridiculed by millions of people in the future, and forever nailed to the pillar of shame in history. I, Zhong Dezhang, will swagger out of the academy gate right now. Even if I gave you ten times the courage, you wouldn't dare to touch me!"

Zhong Dezhang stroked his beard and laughed heartily, then turned and strode towards the academy gate.

The people around Han Qing were all seething with anger, but they dared not do anything to Zhong Dezhang. After all, no matter how despicable Zhong Dezhang was behind the scenes, he was still a virtuous person on the surface and had a good reputation. No one wanted to bear the infamy.

The people around Zhong Dezhang thought the same thing, and they all looked at Han Qing with playful and provocative expressions.

Just as Zhong Dezhang was about to step out the door, suddenly, a surge of magical power erupted, and Zhong Dezhang's body twisted violently, exploding into a cloud of blood mist.

In an instant, everyone was shocked. Neither Zhong Dezhang's entourage nor the people of Yuelu Academy expected that Zhong Dezhang would die.

"Han Qing, you, you actually dared to kill me!"

“Zhong Dezhang is a renowned and virtuous man. Your despicable behavior is destined to condemn you to the pillory of history and make you a target of public scorn!”

"You butcher, you executioner!"

...

Several bold old men were the first to react, pointing at Han Qing and cursing him, their spittle flying everywhere.

Han Qing's response was equally powerful. A mysterious force descended, and the bodies of these cursing old men exploded on the spot, blood splattering everywhere.

"Anyone else who thinks Han is acting suspiciously can speak up, and I'll send them on their way!" Han Qing said with a smile, his gaze slowly sweeping over the remaining dozens of people.

"I'm not afraid, you gotta have the guts..."

Bang!
Before he could finish speaking, another old man's body exploded, turning into a cloud of blood mist.

A breeze blew by, carrying a faint smell of blood. Han Qing put his hands behind his back and repeated what he had just said in a calm tone.

"Now, who still has a problem with me? Speak up!"

This time, the entire room was completely silent. The dozens of old men remained quiet, not daring to speak up and make any accusations.

They were filled with anger and fear. They never expected Han Qing to be so unreasonable and do whatever he wanted. They had intended to kill him with propriety and intimidate him with his reputation, but Han Qing didn't care at all.

"It seems no one has any objections. Hmph, a bunch of shameless old bastards, daring to be presumptuous in front of me. I'll give you ten breaths to disappear from my sight immediately. After ten breaths, if anyone is still standing in front of me, I will kill them without hesitation!" Han Qing said loudly.

The dozens of elderly men dared not linger any longer and turned to leave.

With a wave of his hand, Han Qing instantly erased the fumes and bits of flesh that had been spreading throughout the area.

"The ceremony shall continue! Everything as usual!" he ordered.

"Yes!" the crowd responded.

Although this incident interrupted the opening ceremony, the rest of the ceremony went smoothly overall, and no one caused any further disruption.

The deans of the various academies who were driven away were filled with righteous indignation after leaving Yuelu Academy, and they all cursed Han Qing.

"Butcher, executioner, beast! I think even the most uneducated people in the Western Barbarian Lands are more cultured than him!"

"Indeed, this Han Qing is extremely cruel and ruthless, a scourge to the Great Yu and a scourge to the people!"

"Brother Zhong is dead and his body is torn to pieces, this matter is not over!"

"Han Qing must die. I will write a book to record this story so that millions of people in the future will know that Han Qing was a traitor."

"Yes, we must advertise it all over the world and expose his true colors."

...

into the night.

Inside a pavilion at Yuelu Academy, Han Qing was wearing a loose white robe, with wisps of smoke rising from an incense burner beside him.

A large group of people, all his confidants, sat in chairs beside him, such as Qi Guanzi and Zhou Xiaoru.

"Young Master, it is indeed gratifying that you killed Zhong Dezhang and the others today, and you have vented our anger. However, I am afraid there will be trouble afterward. These people will definitely write books and spread rumors, inciting people to curse and criticize, and ruining their reputation," Qi Guanzi said in a deep voice.

Han Qing, who had been resting with his eyes closed, suddenly opened them and said calmly, "Let them do what they want. If it happens again, I will still take action. Zhong Dezhang deserves to die. He's really biting off more than he can chew."

“It seems that you have already made up your mind, and this is not an impulsive decision,” Zhou Xiaoru said.

"I was well prepared long ago. Reputation is nothing more than a mountain weighing down on a person. Why bother with it? Throughout history, heroes and great men have all known that to achieve great things, one must first overcome both praise and criticism. Those who cannot see this are mediocre people," Han Qing said with a smile.

Everyone around nodded in agreement. Han Qing was indeed a man of great character who would not be troubled by worldly fame and fortune.

"Such a grand opening ceremony with bloodshed is an ominous sign. If you ask me, the best course of action is to capture Zhong Dezhang alive, not kill him!" said a burly, dark-faced man. He was also an elder of the Yuelu Academy back then, and had recently returned after hearing that Han Qing intended to rebuild the academy. (End of Chapter)