Confucian and Taoist scholar

Chapter 582 The World Belongs to All

Chapter 582 The World Belongs to All

Early in the morning, not long after the gates of Qingyang Taoist Temple had been opened, a horse-drawn carriage sped over and stopped on the wide street.

Wang Mingli, dressed in casual clothes, stepped down from the carriage and entered the Taoist temple with great excitement.

He spent more than two days reading through the booklet that Lu Zheng had given him, without sleep or rest. He studied and pondered it carefully, and found that some of the policies and strategies contained therein were quite valuable.

However, he still had many questions in his mind. After learning that Lu Zheng lived in the Qingyang Taoist Temple in the city, he thought he would come over to ask him some questions.

Wang Mingli had slightly dark circles under his eyes, but they couldn't hide the excitement in his expression.

As a prince, Wang Mingli was far more diligent than his father, who was the emperor.

The Shu emperor, as the ruler of a country, was either indulging in Taoist cultivation or enjoying other pleasures, leaving most of the affairs of the court to his ministers.

After obtaining Lu Zheng's wise strategies for governing the country, Wang Mingli treasured them greatly, but he dared not show them to the Shu Emperor, because he knew that his father did not like to read such things.

The Taoist priests at Qingyang Taoist Temple recognized the prince and greeted him warmly.

Wang Mingli then asked Lu Zheng where he was staying in the Taoist temple's guest room.

When the Taoist priest learned that Wang Mingli was looking for someone, he led Wang Mingli to the back, to an elegant little courtyard.

Wang Mingli approached the courtyard and saw that the gate was wide open, from which came the pleasant sound of reading.

"Not elated by external gains, nor saddened by personal losses; when in high office, one should worry about the people; when in retirement, one should worry about the ruler..."

"Be the first to worry about the world's troubles and the last to enjoy its pleasures..."

Qingwan swayed her head as she read the article, teaching and answering questions for Xiaoqingyi.

Upon hearing this, Wang Mingli was deeply moved. He stopped and listened intently, finding the writing remarkable; he had never read anything like it before.

Qingwan noticed someone standing outside and not moving, so she couldn't help but ask, "Who goes there?"

Wang Mingli snapped out of his daze and quickly appeared at the courtyard gate. Seeing two young women inside, he knew they were Lu Zheng's companions, so he bowed and said, "I am Wang Mingli, Wang Qianyang's second brother. I have come to visit Mr. Lu."

Wang Mingli was afraid that these two people didn't know him, so he also brought up Wang Qianyang.

"Oh, you're the second prince of Shu!"

Qingwan nodded upon hearing this, and then said, "Lu is currently in seclusion studying. You can come again later! He is very busy. There's no need to come unless it's something important. Ordinary visits and greetings are unnecessary. We don't care about these formalities."

Wang Mingli knew that Lu Zheng had obtained some books from the Wenhai Pavilion and was already in seclusion to study them, so he probably wouldn't have time for a while.

Wang Mingli couldn't help but say, "I am seeking Mr. Lu's advice on governing the country. Please let him know when Mr. Lu will have time to come and visit me again."

Upon hearing this, Qingwan said, "You want to ask about this? You can ask me! Lu Zheng doesn't have time, so you can tell me!"

Wang Mingli's eyes showed a hint of surprise, "Does the young lady also understand matters of governing a country?"

Suddenly, Wang Mingli had a change of heart. The other party was able to follow Lu Zheng and had just recited such a classic text to teach others, so he must also understand this kind of thing.

Wang Mingli then cupped his hands again and said, "Then I'll trouble you for a moment, young lady. I do have some questions to ask you."

Qingwan took out a small notebook, picked up a pen, and said, "Okay, go ahead and say it."

Wang Mingli looked at Qingwan as she took out a pen and paper, feeling a little puzzled. Qingwan explained, "Some things can be recorded, as they can serve as valuable experience. You want to ask about governing a country; to govern a country, one must understand its current state. First, tell me what your view of the Shu Kingdom is!"

……

In a nearby courtyard, Yun Xiao, holding a classic book, heard the commotion outside and couldn't help but shake his head slightly, "This girl, I'm afraid she's already ready to graduate..."

Yun Xiao wasn't worried about how Qing Wan could teach Wang Mingli using Lu Zheng's methods.

Even if Wang Mingli truly learned some methods of governing a country, it would be almost impossible for him to implement them.

This is the Shu Kingdom, and the situation is far more complicated than in the An Kingdom. The emperor sitting on the throne has no intention of implementing any reforms...

After some time, Wang Mingli resolved his previous doubts, but left the Taoist temple with new worries and questions.

Qingwan flipped through the notebook filled with notes and couldn't help but mutter to herself, "There are too many Taoists."

After talking with Wang Mingli for so long, Qingwan discovered a major problem: there are too many Taoist priests in the Shu Kingdom.

"What did you say?"

Yun Xiao strode in from outside.

Qingwan bluntly stated, "There are too many Taoists here! Anguo has many Confucian scholars, Chuguo has many deities, and here there are many Taoists..."

"These people are the root cause of a corrupt nation! They hardly engage in any production, yet they amass vast wealth, which is taken from the people and the country. If this continues, the people will suffer, and the nation will decline..."

Yun Xiao opened his mouth, but couldn't find any rebuttal.

In the Shu Kingdom, even the lowest-ranking Taoist priests were considered several ranks higher than ordinary people, receiving government salaries and enjoying other benefits and privileges.

This group was not much different from landlords, gentry, and powerful families.

But the current situation is not something that anyone can easily change.

Yun Xiao couldn't help but cough lightly, "There are still many good Taoists, like myself..."

Qingwan said, "There are too few good people and too many bad people, which is not good! This world should belong to all people, not just a few."

Yun Xiao's eyes flickered slightly. "Is this what you all hoped for? Throughout history, many sages have longed for such a world, but no one has been able to achieve it. I can't do anything, and neither can you."

The idea is wonderful, but reality is harsh. Even with the efforts of generations of sages, the world may not become a more harmonious place.

Yun Xiao couldn't understand what kind of belief supported Lu Zheng and the others to fight for that vague and elusive goal.

Just then, Lu Zheng came out of the room.

Yun Xiao looked at Lu Zheng and immediately noticed that Lu Zheng's entire demeanor had changed. Although he did not reveal any aura, he possessed a powerful righteous aura that could make gods, demons, and ghosts retreat.

Yun Xiao's eyes flickered. Had he gained some new insight and his cultivation level had increased again?

Lu Zheng spoke up, "What you said earlier is incorrect. There are many things you can do. Qingyang Palace is a model of Taoism in Shu Kingdom. Why not take this opportunity to compile the classics and go a step further? As long as you make the greatest contribution to the compilation of the classics, and rely on the imperial court, you can set an example with your great prestige and take this opportunity to regulate and restrain all Taoist sects, large and small..."

Yun Xiao's eyes widened. Good heavens, Lu Zheng really can think of anything to benefit the people.

(End of this chapter)