madnovel Chapter 716 Legalist Enforcement
Chapter 716 Legalist Enforcement
Qingwan tapped her fingers lightly on the table and said leisurely, "The headmaster of Jixia Academy, I heard that many years ago people commented that he was the most likely to become a saint, even more promising than that half-saint in Anguo. However, he has not made any progress for so long, I'm afraid he is not quite ready."
The realm of sainthood is a place that many great figures throughout history have come within a hair's breadth of, yet many have spent their entire lives trying to bridge that gap, only to find their path blocked by an insurmountable chasm.
Xiao Yan whispered, "That person is still here. Isn't it a bit inappropriate to talk about them like this?"
Qing Wan calmly said, "What's there to be afraid of? I'm just stating a fact. Besides, he can't possibly be eavesdropping, can he? That's not something a Saint would do... But speaking of which, Confucianism and Taoism are flourishing in Qi, and there are quite a few powerful Confucianists and Taoists there. If we were to clash with them in the future..."
Qing Wan turned to Lu Zheng and asked, "Should we make some arrangements in advance?"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan couldn't help but say, "Qi is not close to us, is it? Is it necessary to..."
Qing Wan said solemnly, "We are doing great things, and we should prioritize the well-being of all the people in the world. Naturally, we need to consider the long term."
Xiao Yan's mouth gaped slightly, and she couldn't help but say, "Wasn't it said that it would only be practiced in one area of the Northern Region...?"
Xiao Yan discovered that things seemed to be different from what she had expected. If these people only caused trouble in the Northern Region and did not actively provoke those great dynasties, there wouldn't be much of a problem.
But after hearing Qingwan's words, it was clear that things weren't as simple as she thought.
Lu Zheng said, "Just focus on your work here for now, don't worry too much. In the future, as the orthodox Buddhism rises, those great powers will turn their attention to Wei and won't pay much attention to us. Just proceed as planned."
……
The next day, around noon, the entire city was summoned together.
On the large square opened up in the center of Baize City.
Lu Zheng erected a monument and statue in Baize City in front of everyone.
Yan Jue and the young man were also watching this scene from the crowd.
Upon seeing the inscription on the monument, even the academy's chief priest fell silent.
Instead of establishing a Confucian temple and promoting Confucianism and Taoism, they erected such a monument and statue.
Yan Jue felt she couldn't keep up with this young man's way of thinking.
Following Lu Zheng's speech, the crowd solemnly and respectfully paid tribute to the legendary sages and figures.
Unconsciously, the thoughts and ideas of the people transformed into a powerful force that flowed into this world.
When people's hearts are united, they can create a great momentum and accomplish great things... Yan Jue couldn't help but feel a sense of感慨 (gan3kai3, deep emotion).
After the gathering ended, Yan Jue led the young man away from Baize City, preparing to go to the State of Wei to see what was going on there that had caused the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas to manifest their divine power.
On the way, the young man couldn't help but say, "Chancellor, he actually put Confucian sages and those figures together, and what that monument says... this is treasonous!"
Yan Jue said calmly, "He's in the Northern Region, who could he possibly rebel against?"
The young man's indignant expression froze.
Yan Jue continued, "To observe a person, one must look at what they have done. His actions have saved many people, and even I am ashamed to admit my inferiority..."
Even he had to admit that Lu Zheng was genuinely helping the people of the Northern Region, and he was doing a remarkable job.
You probably can't find another person in the world who could create such a peaceful region.
The young man's expression shifted, and he said with dissatisfaction, "I admit he is capable, but this is contrary to the principles of Confucianism and does not conform to Confucian rules."
He found it hard to accept that a scholar who cultivated a noble spirit could do so many things that were so unreasonable and unruly.
Yan Jue turned to look at the young man, "Not in accordance with Confucian rules? What exactly are Confucian rules? I'm afraid even the ancient sages couldn't explain it clearly..."
Yan Jue sighed softly and said, "From ancient times to the present, how have the rules of Confucianism remained unchanged? How many people have truly followed the rites and rules spoken of by the sages?"
The young man was speechless for a moment upon hearing this.
……
After disappearing for several days, Yun Xiao and the others finally returned from outside.
Then these highly skilled Taoist priests performed a spectacular illusion in front of Lu Zheng and his companions.
Hundreds of thousands of people appeared out of thin air in an open area outside Bai Ze City.
Looking around, it was pitch black, and most of the people were demons or half-demons, many of whom were still unconscious.
Yun Xiao said slowly, "The snow disaster in the north is very serious. Corpses are everywhere we go. We rescued many civilians along the way, and we even saw your caravan on the road... Fortunately, the weather is about to turn to spring. You can take care of these people..."
Xiao Yan stared blankly at so many people for a long time before organizing people to settle these disaster victims.
Lu Zheng said, "Thank you for your hard work, fellow Daoists."
A Taoist priest chuckled and said, "We are only doing our best to save some people. However, there are too many people suffering in this world, and we cannot do much... We still have matters to attend to in our sect, and I cannot stay here any longer."
Upon hearing this, Lu Zheng said, "We are already very grateful for everyone's help. You are always welcome to visit us anytime."
Even if some people don't come with good intentions, the fact that it allows forces from all over the world to visit the Taiping Domain is a form of propaganda.
These Taoist masters have come from afar and are still willing to help some disaster victims; this is already a great act of kindness and virtue.
Yun Xiao then said, "His Majesty also asked me to return before the first month of the lunar calendar. I also need to escort those members of the Shu royal family... I can only wait until I have some free time later to get together with you all for a drink and a chat."
Qingwan said excitedly, "Daoist Master, do you remember to send some disciples from Qingyang Palace over here? Let them come and get some experience!"
Yun Xiao smiled and said, "Alright, I'll go back and talk to my junior brother, the sect leader, and have him select some disciples!"
Upon hearing this, several Taoist masters nearby also pondered whether they should send some disciples over.
Putting everything else aside, the chaotic Northern Region is indeed a great place for training.
Even if they don't join the Taiping Domain and become a member, if they maintain a good relationship with Lu Zheng and his group, and have this place as a backup, they can still have a certain level of security.
So, before leaving, the two sides had another talk and settled some things.
As for the royal family of Shu, Wang Yanran originally wanted to stay, but she could not resist the orders of the elders of her clan who were traveling with her, so she had no choice but to return to Shu.
Wang Yanran planned to go back and have a good talk with the Emperor and Empress about what happened here, to see if she could try to come back again.
After all, she envied Qingwan and Xiaoyan, wanting to become powerful figures who could govern a region, rather than being caged birds in the palace.
Wang Yanran held Qingwan's small hand reluctantly and said softly, "I will definitely come back! To help you rebuild this place!"
Qingwan nodded her little head and then said, "Then you must study hard when you get back, and try to pass the test on the first try when you come here to apply for your identity next time."
Qingwan also kindly took out several stacks of books and gave them to Wang Yanran.
"We don't accept special treatment here; you have to work hard to get in. Study hard and make progress every day!"
“Uh…” Wang Yanran’s expression froze for a moment, and the sorrow of parting was greatly diminished.
She had heard Qingwan mention that joining this place required going through various tests, and she thought that since she had been here for a while and done some work, she was already considered a member. But that wasn't the case.
She took the heavy stack of knowledge and put it away. "Thank you so much. Would you like to read any books? I'll get some for you from the royal library."
Qingwan's eyes lit up, and she said excitedly, "Great! Great! Bring over all the books you can get! We can never have too many books!"
She was a fairy nurtured by Confucianism and Taoism, and having followed Lu Zheng for so long, she always maintained a serious and studious habit, and was not afraid of reading and learning.
Qing Wan paused for a moment, then took out a storage bag and gave it to Wang Yanran.
"These are some new grain varieties, which have been categorized and explained. Please take them back to the Emperor and Empress of Shu as a small token of our appreciation."
"I will definitely bring it."
Wang Yanran nodded solemnly and accepted the storage bag.
After bidding each other farewell, Yun Xiao and his group boarded their magical artifacts, transforming into a streak of light as they headed south to return to the Shu Kingdom.
Xiao Yan also came out to see them off for a while. After they left, she couldn't help but sigh, "You really know a lot of important people!"
Qing Wan said leisurely, "It's alright. The world is so big, how can you get by without knowing some people? If you go out and travel more, you can make more friends."
Xiao Yan thought to herself, even if she went to the Shu Kingdom, she wouldn't have the ability to befriend the Shu royal family and Taoist masters, would she?
It would be unlikely that they could even meet these important figures, let alone have such a good relationship with them.
Although she came from the prominent Xiao clan of Wei, she was still a woman. In the past, when she was in Wei, she rarely showed her face in public, adhering to the family rules. Even though she had met many important figures, she had only seen them and never actually met them.
Come to think of it, it was after joining Lu Zheng and his group that she was able to come into contact with so many powerful people during this period of time. She was even able to arrange for the great Confucian scholars of Jixia Academy to handle affairs.
In the past, she would never have dreamed of such an absurd experience.
"so good!"
Xiao Yan couldn't help but sigh softly.
Qingwan glanced sideways and asked, "What's so good?"
Xiao Yan smiled slightly and said, "In the past, I thought that being the queen of a small country was already very good. Now I find that my life is even better. I'm busy every day but very motivated, and everything is meaningful..."
Qingwan nodded approvingly and said, "Not bad, not bad, you're very enlightened! You've changed a lot since before, and your thinking has improved. Keep up the good work, and maybe in the future you can become an Arhat or a Bodhisattva or something."
Xiao Yan was taken aback for a moment, then asked, "What do you mean?"
Qingwan smiled and said, "The literal meaning!"
Qing Wan spread her hands, and a wisp of energy fluctuation appeared.
Xiao Yan's expression changed immediately; it was the aura of Buddha, exactly the same as the aura of Buddha she had sensed before.
"How did you..."
Xiao Yan was extremely surprised and didn't immediately understand what was going on.
Qingwan withdrew her hand. "Anyway, if you do your job well, you'll get your share of the benefits."
Xiao Yan didn't want to ask for details, so she said, "Don't worry, I guarantee that Baize District will be the most prosperous place among the major districts in the future! I'm going to get busy now..."
Xiao Yan then busied herself with her work.
Qingwan asked softly, "How is she now?"
Upon hearing this, Lu Zheng thought for a moment and said, "There's still room for improvement. Let's see if she can enforce the law in a while."
"Law enforcement, it's easier to raise kids..."
Qingwan couldn't help but say, "It's just that growth takes too much time."
The law enforcement they were referring to was based on the recognition of the Taiping Code, which allowed them to punish people using Legalist principles.
As for the patrol and law enforcement personnel in various regions, they are not law enforcers in the true sense.
After arriving in the Northern Region, Lu Zheng and Qing Wan have been doing one thing: cultivating fair and impartial law enforcers.
The selection of talent was not conducted publicly in the Taiping Domain. Instead, Lu Zheng and Qing Wan personally observed and selected candidates, and then provided them with meticulous training.
However, the matter is still in its initial practical stage, and there are not many real law enforcement officers yet.
Pearl, a young girl from Taiping City in the snowfield, is an enforcer carefully trained by Qingwan and possesses the abilities of the Legalist school.
Not only can one protect oneself with the power of Legalism, but one can also punish evildoers, having a powerful effect similar to the righteous spirit.
Of course, the source of this Legalist power lies in the Taiping Code, and if the enforcers act unjustly, they cannot use its power.
This is a special restrictive measure that Lu Zheng implemented based on the righteous energy of heaven and earth in forging the Code of Peace.
Lu Zheng didn't want what he created to become a tool for others to enslave others.
They don't want to cultivate law enforcers who, like many monks and Confucian scholars, become corrupted, holding only the name but having already degenerated internally.
When Lu Zheng was trying to compile the Taiping Code, he considered many possibilities and then imposed many restrictions.
Therefore, those who wish to enforce the law must maintain a pure heart and act fairly and impartially.
People like this are actually not easy to find.
Just like how there are very few Confucian scholars in the Confucian school today who can cultivate a strong sense of righteousness, the reasons are similar.
Therefore, Lu Zheng and his team focused more on raising the children.
Those children who have experienced hardship and whose hearts are purer are more capable of taking on the responsibility of law enforcement and bringing fairness and justice to this chaotic world.
Raising children always takes time, and it will take at least ten years to see any results.
Ten years... Lu Zheng recalled his experiences over the years. Ten years was a very long time for him. He could have done a lot of things by then.
But he had to find a way to gain those ten years.
Their actions in the Wei Kingdom were also intended to divert the attention of the world's powers to the emerging Buddhism and Taoism.
Lu Zheng began, "Chancellor Yan has already guessed that I've embarked on the path of Legalism. I suspect some other figures who have come to the Taiping Domain will also have similar suspicions. The matter shouldn't be too serious, at least not in the short term. They won't think I have much ability to achieve Legalism. Be careful to protect those children you're currently training..."
Upon hearing this, Qing Wan's face turned serious, and she nodded, saying, "Okay." (End of Chapter)