In the name of supernatural powers

Chapter 73 Success means Cangwu, failure means Chishui

"What if the justice you uphold with all your might is easily discarded? You may be right to stick to your principles, but what will become of reality?"

The old Taoist priest always managed to pinpoint Lu Zhao's concerns.

Every human being experiences confusion and distress, and there is always a chasm between reason and reality. Lu Zhao may uphold justice, but reality will not grant him preferential treatment simply because of his nobility.

Lu Zhao asked, "Please answer, teacher."

"The Yangtze and Yellow Rivers irrigate the Central Plains, but once they overflow, chaos ensues. This imperial court is like the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, nurturing the people but also bringing them turmoil."

The old Taoist priest had a leisurely voice, and he liked to use the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers as metaphors for the imperial court, which he did quite aptly.

Civilization cannot develop without major rivers. However, civilization can also suffer setbacks when major rivers overflow.

"Everything in the world has two sides, yin and yang, just like the imperial court. If something is good for everyone, then a small group of people will suffer losses. If something is bad for everyone, then someone will inevitably benefit from it."

"What you need to focus on is not friend or foe, right or wrong, but momentum. The momentum of each individual, the momentum of each force."

Lu Zhao's mind raced.

There are two main factions in the South China Sea: the faction that insists on holding firm and the faction that seeks to surrender.

But beneath the surface, the capitulationists' demands are to legalize illegitimate businesses in the state and to turn everyone into inferior beings.

Border cities are important 'ports' for them, and if they can hold out, the faction will definitely want to take them down.

Conversely, if the conservatives failed to protect me, it means the other side was weak.

Therefore, it would be better to leave Nankaido and develop elsewhere.

Lu Zhao, as always, understood immediately and said, "Teacher, do you mean that if the political situation in the South China Sea turns a blind eye, then I will go to the army? Otherwise, I can consider going to Cangwu City?"

"That's right, chaotic times have no time for civil administration."

The old Taoist priest nodded in satisfaction and said, "But you must remember, it's good to take shelter under a big tree. Unless absolutely necessary, the army is not a good place to go."

Lu Zhao asked, "Why?"

"Do you think those powerful and wealthy families are unaware of the chaos of the times?" the old Taoist priest asked himself. "In the army, only soldiers are not judged by their background. High-ranking generals are judged by their background even more than when recruiting officials. You should become an official appointed by the imperial court and then be transferred to the army. Only in this way can you avoid being controlled by others."

"Only by wielding the divine weapon can one raise their arms and change the world."

Lu Zhao's eyes brightened slightly, and the confusion he had felt after the failure dissipated.

He could foresee failure, but he didn't see as far ahead or as clearly as his teacher.

If Nankaido is truly in such a state of decay, then there's no need for me to stay any longer. The Federation isn't just Nankaido, nor is it just the Provincial Administration Bureau.

It is truly true that having an elder in the family is like having a treasure.

The old Taoist priest's political maneuvering broadened Lu Zhao's understanding; he was never confined to any particular person or power. He didn't require Lu Zhao to obey anyone, nor did he demand that Lu Zhao curry favor with anyone.

Instead, it's like a pair of invisible giant hands, overlooking all sides of the chessboard, and making a move at the right place.

If it succeeds, great; if it doesn't, it's not a failure.

If the arena of power is a dark forest, then the old Taoist priest is the best guide.

Lu Zhao cupped his hands, bowed, and said, "Thank you for your guidance, teacher."

The old Taoist priest said, "You have already made up your mind. I am merely offering guidance. Remember, you only have three chances to save your life."

Lu Zhao solemnly said, "The student council has never taken a single opportunity to act. All my actions have come from my heart, and I will never regret them until the day I die."
-
Fangshi, the city's administrative building.

Secretary Liu was reporting the situation to Zhao De, who nodded with satisfaction when he heard that Lü Jinshan had readily taken the blame: "This time it was our mistake, but fortunately it didn't lead to a major disaster."

"My boss just called me. I think we've been informed by the higher-ups, so the investigation shouldn't continue. But business in the outer districts will be tough from now on, so we'll probably have to stop for a few years."

Upon hearing this, Secretary Liu became somewhat anxious and said, "Why? The task force will be leaving in a few months, and Lu Zhao probably won't stay on either."

As the city's executive secretary and only front man, he profited handsomely from it and was naturally very reluctant to part with it. "Do you really think the Federation is finished?"

Zhao De frowned slightly, raised his voice a little, and reprimanded, "Some things can be done in secret, but they absolutely cannot be done in the open. If we dare to continue our antics, there are plenty of people who can deal with us."

"Seventy Martial Marquises, ten legions, and nearly a million extraordinary individuals from the Federation—do you think you can turn the world upside down?"

"We are officials, not bandits!"

Secretary Liu realized his lapse in composure and quickly lowered his head, saying, "What the leader says is true. I know I was wrong."

"You know nothing! You raped a woman while drunk last time, couldn't you have spent some money to get revenge? You bastard, you took your colleague's wife away at a drinking party, what were you thinking with your pig brain!"

Zhao De slammed his fist on the table, and the solid wood table was broken in no time.

This incident has had a significant impact on him, and he may not be eligible for promotion for at least five years. How many five-year periods does one have in a lifetime? Besides, even after five years, there's no guarantee of a promotion.

And it was all because his subordinates were too dishonest.

According to Zhao Detuo's connections, information provided by a member of a special task force indicated that the evidence found at the West Street bar could easily implicate him.

Secretary Liu kept his head down, not daring to say a word.

Zhao De suppressed his anger and said, "Our primary task now is to cooperate with the task force and get rid of these plagues as soon as possible."

He then assigned a series of tasks, mainly the cleanup work in the outer districts.

Gangs are the ruling force at the grassroots level in the state, and now that Lu Zhao has taken away their lifeline, chaos is inevitable for a period of time.

The federal government generally doesn't intervene in this matter; it waits until they fight for a so-called leader before taking it under its wing.

This is also why Zhao De scolded his secretary.

Some things won't get you killed if you cover them up a little; no one will care if you play around behind closed doors. But some people just stop pretending altogether.

He didn't get home until 10 p.m.

They happened to run into their son, who seemed to be returning from a night of fooling around.

"Where have you been gallivanting off to this time?"

The son didn't reply, and ran back to his room with his head down.

Zhao De was furious and said, "Don't go to the Kabuki district again. If I find out you're going there again, I'll break your legs."

"Honey, why are you so angry?"

His wife, wearing a face mask, came out of the room. Before they could exchange more than a few words, she asked, "How's the job I asked you to arrange for my brother? My mom said it would be best if it were a government job with a permanent position."

Zhao De, who was already a bit irritated, almost fainted when he heard this. He cursed, "Why don't you send your dog from your hometown to be a police dog and get a government job too!"

"You yelled at me?"

The wife was somewhat incredulous.

"So what if I yell at you!" Zhao De, abandoning his usual gentle demeanor, continued to berate, "Your good-for-nothing brother didn't even finish college. He couldn't even get into an adult education program, and yet he still wants a government job!"

"How many times have I told you, do things with some dignity. I'll handle the legal stuff for you, but don't you dare ask me anything illegal!"

After venting his anger, Zhao De sat on the sofa and smoked.

His wife began, as always, to recount how she had endured hardships with him in the past and how she had married him against her family's wishes.

Zhao De didn't respond to her at all, letting his wife smash the furniture.

The whole house was in chaos; the wife was sitting on the floor crying, and the son was locked in his room and wouldn't come out.

(End of this chapter)