Achieving the Dao from the Hundred Schools of Thought

The sun is setting in the west, and the wind is sweeping away the last rays of sunlight.

A carriage followed by dozens of Zhao soldiers headed towards the Qin state, raising clouds of dust.

Changping Valley was originally the heart of the Central Plains. After the butcher Bai Qi massacred 400,000 Zhao soldiers, birds and beasts disappeared, and even immortals and gods retreated.

The carriage curtain was lifted, and Ying Zheng poked his head out, staring blankly at Changping.

"Qin's victory lay in destroying an army without contesting territory. After the Battle of Changping, although the Zhao state was hostile to the Qin people, it had no strength left to wage war again..."

Everyone says that Lord Wu'an is cruel, but if I were in charge of this war, I would make the same choice.

"Zheng'er, come in quickly! There are many wandering ghosts outside!"

Ying Zheng sighed slightly, listened to his mother Zhao Ji's words, which were half threatening and half cajoling, and then climbed back into the carriage.

Zhao Ji's repeated admonitions could be heard from inside the carriage.

"Zheng'er, your father is now the King of Qin! You are now a prince of the state!"

When you arrive in Qin, you'd better make a good impression... It's been so many years, your father probably doesn't know you well anymore.

And also, you must be good to your mother.

Ying Zheng simply nodded in agreement, but no one knew what he was thinking.

"In the wilderness of Changping, white bones lie scattered."

In the past, my brave warriors wielded halberds like a forest.

Now, in this desolate plain, the wind howls and the sun dims.

Who will collect the bones? Wild wormwood grows thick and tall!

The convoy traveled without stopping, accompanied by the soldiers' songs, and finally arrived at the border between Qin and Zhao.

An elderly man with white hair, dressed in fine clothes, who looked like both a merchant and an official, came to greet us.

Ying Zheng followed the teachings of his master, and all his actions and manners were in accordance with etiquette, which drew constant praise from the old man.

"Zheng'er carries the blood of the king; though he grew up in Zhao, he has retained his integrity!"

Before Ying Zheng could speak, his birth mother, Zhao Ji, stepped forward, took his hand, and said:

"Prime Minister, Zheng'er is the King's own son, and must have inherited some of the King's imperial power!" Zhao Ji smiled obsequiously, her smile alluring, as if she had not yet changed her status as a prisoner.

Ying Zheng sighed slightly, recalling the words of his master.

If you look inward and feel no guilt, why should you worry or be afraid?

I was born in the State of Zhao, and it is not my fault! Now that I am returning to my country as a prince, I must be careful and prudent, and plan carefully before acting!

"Prime Minister Lü." Ying Zheng, dressed in ordinary clothes, bowed respectfully and interrupted his mother.

Wei Yang said: "A virtuous person, even when among the wild geese, should be capable of transforming into a dragon or snake. Although Zheng is a hostage and has fallen into the mud, he does not change his original intention."

As Lü Buwei laughed, his true nature was revealed. A phantom image materialized behind him, dressed in an official robe and holding an abacus. Upon seeing Ying Zheng, the figure began to manipulate the beads.

Human nature—to hoard rare goods and for merchants to plot against the nation!

"Hahaha! Great!"

"Come with me to Xianyang tomorrow to meet the King!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ji was overjoyed. With Lü Buwei's protection, Zheng'er would surely have a place in Qin!

That's the spot...

Ying Zheng bowed again, bid farewell to Lü Buwei, and went back to rest.

Dream Classroom.

Zhuang Weiyang was amazed to see Ying Zheng dressed in black robes and crimson skirts.

"Stop pretending? Laying the cards on? Which country is my young master Zhao from?"

Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng gave a wry smile:

"Brother Weiyang, I was previously held hostage in another country and was unable to reveal my identity. Please forgive me."

Zhuang Weiyang had long suspected Ying Zheng's identity. Despite her young age, she spoke with remarkable eloquence and was cautious yet astute...

He looks more like a prince than a prince!

"Brother Qin, let's not talk about things that are difficult to say for now. Just remember, if you ever ask for anything, Wei Yang will do everything in her power! My identity is fake, but our brotherhood is real!"

Seeing the ashamed look on Ying Zheng's face, Zhuang Weiyang quickly added.

"I also concealed my identity before, so we're even! Tell me again when you feel the time is right."

Ying Zheng remained silent, but bowed again.

Zhuang Weiyang quickly helped him up, and the two continued chatting in their seats.

"Brother Qin, you have no idea how fierce Senior Brother Zilu's swordsmanship is! With a single strike, the heavens lose their color!"

"Oh? Brother Weiyang, please tell me in detail."

Zhuang Weiyang enthusiastically described the scene to Ying Zheng, who looked on with longing and felt an even greater desire for power.

The two talked back and forth, and time gradually passed, as another wisp of smoke slowly condensed.

Zhuang Weiyang's eyes lit up, and she stepped forward to bow.

"Master! Thank you so much for your protection!"

Confucius smiled, but could not hide the weariness in his eyes.

"Weiyang, once you join my sect, you should receive my protection. Moreover, wild demons who perform sacrificial rituals are subject to the law, and it would be impolite to express gratitude further."

Zhuang Weiyang was moved. Looking up, she saw that Confucius looked tired and couldn't help but ask:

"Master, is it because the matter of the fall of the three capitals has not gone smoothly?"

Upon hearing this, Confucius sighed slightly and said, "Originally, things were going smoothly, and the Three Huan families were nothing to fear. However, the people of Qi presented Your Majesty with female musicians, causing Your Majesty to neglect state affairs, which led to the repeated delays in the fall of the three capitals... Alas."

Ying Zheng's eyes flickered slightly, and he stepped forward, bowed, and asked:

"Could it be that the Tian family of Qi is in charge of this matter?"

"I don't know either... It could be the work of the Three Huan families, or it could be the Tian family pulling the strings behind the scenes. These things are not important."

A ruler should be respectful in his duties and trustworthy, frugal in his spending and loving towards his people, and employ them at the right time.

"To abandon important matters now that I am but a mere woman is truly a misfortune for the State of Lu! I have repeatedly submitted memorials, but each time they have been rejected by the ruler. Now my power in Lu is waning day by day, reduced to only half of its former glory. Alas!"

Upon hearing this, Zhuang Weiyang asked in confusion, "Master, why is this? Your understanding of Confucianism and Taoism has become increasingly profound, and you have taught three thousand disciples. How could your strength have declined?"

"Brother Weiyang! I know about this matter." Ying Zheng looked up at Confucius and spoke only after receiving Confucius's permission.

"If the king is not pleased, then the Way is useless. The Way of the Hundred Schools originates from the people, benefits the country, and is used by the ruler. If the king is not pleased, then this Way will be driven out."

Therefore, all schools of thought needed the approval of the ruler for their doctrines to flourish!

Confucius nodded with a smile and praised:

"Qin is young, yet he knows a lot; he must have studied very hard in the past. Remember this well..."

Ying Zheng smiled slightly and echoed the Master's words.

"Be like Senior Brother Yan Hui, and love learning! Master, I've heard this so many times."

Zhuang Weiyang remained silent, pondering the consequences of "If the king is not pleased, the Way is useless."

Despite his own strength and rapid progress, he relied entirely on his own will.

Which king would like me?

How to avoid the role of the king?

When all players need to do is fight and kill, now that the second realm is imminent, it is indeed necessary to think carefully.

Confucius and Ying Zheng did not disturb Zhuang Weiyang's thoughts, but began to give a lecture.

……

The night passed quickly. As Confucius was about to depart, he instructed Zhuang Weiyang to act carefully. Speaking of Zilu, he sighed again:

"Zilu is upright and honest. If he stays in Lu at this time, he may clash with the Three Huan families."

Now that I have repeatedly submitted memorials, I have lost the king's trust... I fear my day of departure is not far off!

Zhuang Weiyang remained silent, unsure of what to say.

Confucius's aspirations were clearly revealed in Confucianism and Taoism.

To restore the system of rites and prop up this chaotic world where the rites and music of the Spring and Autumn period have collapsed.

However, the road ahead is fraught with difficulties, and I have no better options. At this juncture, the only thing I can do is to quickly improve my strength!

"Strength is fundamental at all times!"

Ying Zheng stood silently to the side, his mind racing.

"How am I any different from the Master? I have very few memories of my father, and he probably wouldn't be friendly to me; Lü Buwei is all smiles and daggers, and he's already showing his true colors..."

Thinking of this, Ying Zheng also sighed.

"What's the use of thinking so much? We still have to deal with things as they come, and feign compliance with Lü Buwei while secretly trying to profit from the chaos!"

I really don't want to wake up... Here I have both a teacher and an elder brother.

But what can I do?

Brother, I desperately want to ask you for help; I hope you can come and assist me.

How could you come across the distance of time?