Chinese animation: Starting with Bad Guys

He made a swift decision, bowing and saying:

"Your Majesty's virtue and power extend to all living beings. Even though Shu Mountain is located in the remote southwest, we deeply feel the grandeur of the empire. I wish to send Princess Xiao Yu of Shu Mountain to serve Your Majesty on the journey to the capital, to show Shu Mountain's submission."

This is the oldest and most direct way to show loyalty: offering a hostage.

Xiao Yu was naturally the girl who had ridden the black panther earlier. Upon hearing this, her delicate body trembled slightly, a complex expression flashed across her pretty face, and she subconsciously looked at Qin Chuan.

Qin Chuan shook his head, his tone carrying an undeniable air: "Elder, times have changed. The Empire has no need for hostages."

The Grand Elder was taken aback, somewhat bewildered: "Then what does His Majesty mean...?"

"What the Empire wants is the sincerity of Shu Mountain."

Qin Chuan's gaze was profound, as if he could see through people's hearts:

"Forced marriages are never sweet, and forced unions cannot be formed. The empire seeks to unite the strength of all nations and tribes to achieve great things, relying on mutual benefit and prosperity, on the righteous path, not on hostage coercion."

He changed the subject:

"Soon, the Empire will hold a 'Gathering of a Hundred Schools' in Xianyang, which aims to exchange knowledge, share resources, and seek common development. If Shushan is willing to integrate into the Empire and understand it, it may be helpful to send some insightful young people to participate. The gates of the Empire are always open to those who sincerely submit."

The Grand Elder stared blankly at Qin Chuan, these words were completely unexpected!

Don't want protons? Rely on mutual benefit and shared prosperity?

This was completely different from the emperors he knew who seized power by force!

A complex mix of emotions welled up inside me—shock, confusion, but above all, a profound sense of being respected.

He took a deep breath and bowed solemnly:

"Your Majesty's magnanimity is truly admirable! The entire Shu Mountain community will certainly live up to Your Majesty's expectations!"

Only after watching Qin Chuan and Xiao Meng's figures disappear at the end of the winding mountain road and into the vast clouds did the Grand Elder slowly straighten up.

"Elder, we..."

An elder hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

The First Elder gazed in the direction Qin Chuan had left, his cloudy old eyes flashing with a sharp light, and said decisively:

"Prepare immediately! Xiao Yu and Zi Qi will lead the team, selecting the most promising and quick-witted young people from the clan to go to Xianyang to participate in the Hundred Families Gathering!"

He paused, his tone becoming even more resolute:

"Tell Ziqi that once we arrive in Xianyang, we must not only attend the gathering, but also find a suitable place to establish a branch of our Shu Mountain sect! From now on, they will be permanently stationed in Xianyang!"

Qin Chuan's decision not to accept hostages demonstrates his magnanimity.

But Shushan cannot be ignorant of this!

Sending the princess and the young master to lead elites to be stationed in the capital is not only a matter of attitude, but also a necessary step to integrate into the empire and obtain information!

"Yes!" the elders responded in unison.

Xiao Yu stroked the head of the black leopard beside her, gazing down the mountain with a complex expression, a mixture of trepidation and inexplicable curiosity and anticipation for the unknown capital.

What kind of person was the emperor who refused to let her be a hostage?

On the way down the mountain, Xiaomeng looked at Qin Chuan, who was calm and composed beside her, and finally couldn't help but ask:

"Brother, you went to all this trouble just to see that tree and say a few words?"

Qin Chuan smiled slightly, his gaze seemingly piercing through the clouds and mist, glimpsing a more distant future:

"The seeds have been sown. The secret techniques of Mount Shu, the control over plants and insects, and even the hidden power of the Fusang Divine Tree... may all be of great use to the Empire in the future. It's much better to let them come of their own accord than to forcibly take it. Besides..."

He turned to look at Xiaomeng, a mischievous glint in his eyes: "Isn't someone enjoying this trip without any 'outsiders' to bother them?"

Xiaomeng's cool face flushed slightly. She gave a soft hum, but hugged his arm even tighter, muttering something under her breath:

"That little brat, is she considered an 'outsider'? She's just a little sister."

His tone carried a sense of ease and possessive pleasure.

The carriage started again, crushing through the dust and mist of the Shu Road, and headed towards Xianyang.

The stage for the Hundred Schools of Thought is about to open a new curtain in the capital.

And the seeds of Mount Shu will quietly take root in that wider world.

Chapter 79 A Hundred Schools of Thought Contend, A Hundred Flowers Bloom

The clouds and mist of Mount Shu gradually faded behind us, and the outline of Xianyang became clearer in front of the carriage.

At the heart of the empire, an unprecedented storm is brewing.

A wave of thought, known as the "Gathering of a Hundred Schools of Thought," was personally initiated by Qin Chuan.

The news spread like wildfire, already covering the entire country.

The air in Xianyang, this magnificent imperial capital, seemed to tremble with excitement.

The wide streets were more crowded with all sorts of people than ever before:

The Confucian disciples, dressed in blue robes and carrying bamboo slips, walked in a dignified and orderly procession. The leaders, Fu Nian, Yan Lu, and Zhang Liang, had calm expressions, but their eyes revealed a deep sense of caution and consideration regarding the new policies of the empire.

With Xiaomeng as its core, the Taoists, dressed in white like snow, are pure and otherworldly, naturally becoming a unique sight. The two sects of Heaven and Man have now become one.

Although the position of the leader of the Mohist school was vacant, important leaders such as Gao Jianli, Dao Zhi, and Da Tiechui still led their core disciples to come. Their expressions were complicated, with vigilance and a hint of helplessness in having to come. They mingled in the crowd without making a fuss.

The peasants were the most enthusiastic after joining the cause. Led by the newly appointed leader of the chivalrous sect, Tian Yan, they were accompanied by Situ Wanli, Zhu Jia, and other hall masters, as well as a large number of elite disciples. The group was large and imposing.

The Legalists, including Han Fei and Li Si, were both important officials in the court. Although they did not need to participate in the gathering, their disciples were already spread throughout the imperial bureaucracy. At this moment, they were also observing and scrutinizing this reform led by the emperor from the shadows.

The Yin-Yang School was no longer shrouded in mystery; the Moon Goddess, the Star Soul, and the five elders all made their appearance. Among them, Shao Siming stood out particularly, her face veiled in purple gauze, her eyes ethereal and unwavering, standing quietly high above, as if looking down upon all living beings.

Even more renowned figures, strategists, polymaths, novelists, physicians, practitioners of medicine and medicine... and even many representatives of the lesser schools of thought that had long since faded or disappeared into the mountains, all gathered in Xianyang at this moment, filled with hope, doubt, or curiosity.

They were dressed differently and spoke different accents, but their eyes shone with the same light: a longing for the future and a hope for their own value to be recognized.

The entire city of Xianyang became a grand stage for the various schools of thought.

Restaurants and teahouses were packed with people, and the streets and alleys were filled with discussions, with sparks of clashing ideas filling the air.

Imperial guards patrolled closely, maintaining order and demonstrating the importance the empire attached to the matter.

The huge square in front of the imperial palace was meticulously arranged.

On the high platform, Qin Chuan, dressed in a black royal robe and wearing a crown, exuded an aura of profound composure and unwavering strength.

Xiaomeng stood quietly to the side for a moment, her white clothes as pure as snow. Her cool gaze swept across the entire area, exuding a powerful aura that gradually quieted the noisy square.

The arrival of the Shushan delegation caused a minor stir.

Xiao Yu rode the magnificent black leopard, dressed in a colorful Sichuan costume, her silver ornaments glittering in the sunlight, exuding an exotic charm.

Beside her, Yu Ziqi was much more composed, his sharp gaze observing everything around him. The brother and sister represented both the determination and the test of Shushan's integration into the empire.

When Qin Chuan's figure appeared in the center of the platform, Xiao Yu's heart involuntarily quickened.

The same sense of impact he felt when they first met in the mountains resurfaced. Despite possessing power and status that even the elders of Shu Mountain feared, he still looked so handsome standing on the high platform under the spotlight.

His dark royal robes accentuated his tall and straight figure, and his deep eyes shone with an all-encompassing light.

She even felt that the slight movement of his lips when he spoke carried an indescribable attraction.

Xiao Yu subconsciously straightened her back, wanting to make her figure appear clearer.

Qin Chuan's voice wasn't loud, but it resonated like a great bell, clearly reaching the ears of everyone present, carrying both authority and inclusiveness:

"Today, I, Your Majesty, witness the gathering of the world's most talented individuals. This is a blessing for the Empire and a glorious event for Chinese civilization!"

He got straight to the point, getting to the heart of the matter:

"The empire's unification of the six kingdoms is not for the purpose of annihilating the doctrines of the Hundred Schools of Thought, but rather for forging the finest steel through repeated tempering! I am well aware that each of the Hundred Schools of Thought has its own strengths, and all contain wisdom for saving the world, securing peace, and benefiting the country and its people."

The Confucian emphasis on benevolence and propriety, the Daoist philosophy of naturalness and non-action, the Mohist principles of universal love and non-aggression, the Legalist emphasis on strict laws, the Agriculturalist philosophy of farming and craftsmanship, the Yin-Yang school's deduction of celestial mechanisms, and even the physician's role in saving lives and the artisan's role in creating things—all possess irreplaceable value!

These words immediately caused an uproar in the audience!

It is especially hard to believe that schools of thought such as Mohism and Confucianism, which once opposed the empire, were involved.

They had considered using coercion and enticement, and they had considered dividing and weakening the regime, but they never imagined that the emperor who had swept away the six kingdoms and suppressed the rebellion with thunderous force would so openly affirm their value!

Listening to his calm and powerful voice, and watching his eloquent and confident demeanor, Xiao Yu felt that even the sunlight shining on him was exceptionally dazzling.

She didn't understand those profound principles of governance; she only felt that every word he said was like a clear mountain stream or a breeze brushing through the treetops, making people unconsciously believe and yearn for it.

She stole a glance at Master Xiaomeng, who was as aloof and ethereal as an immortal, standing beside Qin Chuan, and a strange, slightly bitter and competitive feeling welled up in her heart that she herself couldn't quite understand.

Qin Chuan's voice suddenly rose, suppressing the commotion:

"In the past, when states were at war, the Hundred Schools of Thought also debated endlessly. Some remained closed off from the world, some formed factions and attacked those who disagreed, and some even turned against each other with arms. This was a waste of wisdom and only increased the suffering of the common people! This was not a blessing for civilization, but a tragedy for it!"

The square fell silent once more, many people lost in thought. The past disputes between schools of thought and sectarianism had indeed brought about too much unnecessary waste.

Qin Chuan's sharp gaze swept across the entire room, and he announced in a resounding voice:

Therefore, the imperial policy is: "Let a hundred schools of thought contend, let a hundred flowers bloom!"

These eight words resonated like thunder in everyone's hearts!

"I wish to establish a fertile ground for the various schools of thought within the empire's territory! I grant you permission to teach, research, and refine your skills! The empire will establish 'Academies of a Hundred Schools,' providing venues and resources for all schools to exchange ideas, learn from each other's strengths, and make up for each other's weaknesses! Imperial laws protect your legitimate rights to teach and write!"

This is absolutely earth-shattering!

Should they be allowed to lecture and write freely?

This is tantamount to removing the shackles that bind our minds!

Many representatives of different schools of thought were so excited that they trembled and even had tears in their eyes.

Xiao Yu was also deeply moved. She wondered if the magical knowledge of plants and beast-taming techniques from Mount Shu could be taught in the capital and recognized.

And all of this was brought about by that person on stage!

Her gaze followed Qin Chuan's figure with even greater fervor.

However, Qin Chuan's astonishing words were not yet over.

"Learning is not for self-admiration, nor is skill for hoarding!" His voice carried a grand sense of mission. "The wisdom and skills of the various schools of thought should be used for the prosperity of the empire and the well-being of all people!"

"Therefore, I hereby formally announce to the world the implementation of the imperial examination system!"

What is the imperial examination system?