“The Buddhist Sect cannot bring peace to an age of chaos. Some years ago, the world was in turmoil. The Buddhist Sect used this to spread their teachings. Even the Imperial Majesty considered promoting Buddhism. Fortunately, in the end, that decision was changed.”

Upon hearing this, Chen Changsheng felt puzzled and asked, “Since the Imperial Majesty seeks immortality, shouldn’t Daoism be promoted instead?”

Liu Huaizhang shook his head. “That was indeed true a few years back, but things have been better lately. The Imperial Majesty also rarely takes those elixirs anymore. Young man, you probably understand what those elixirs really are. After consuming them, His Majesty’s health declined day by day. Perhaps he perceived the truth.”

After listening, Chen Changsheng remarked, “Your tone suggests you often see the Imperial Majesty. You must hold no small rank.”

Liu Huaizhang gave a slight smile. “Just a very small position. Let’s talk of tea and books, not this.”

Chen Changsheng smiled warmly. “Earlier, you spoke rightly that Buddhism cannot bring peace to a chaotic era. However, relatively speaking, chaos is actually what allows the Buddhist Sect to spread its teachings. Only when suffering emerges can there be talk of deliverance. Times of peaceful prosperity make it difficult for Buddhism to flourish.”

“Exactly.”

Liu Huaizhang nodded. “But for Great Jing, whether in chaotic times or peace, the Buddhist Sect is unnecessary. Clearing the mind of desire, having no wants or demands – that cannot save the people.”

Chen Changsheng asked, “Then what about the Daoists?”

Liu Huaizhang pondered for a moment, then also shook his head. “Daoism advocates the Great Dao as non-action, its principles following nature. While it aligns with national governance in some aspects, ultimately, it’s still somewhat unsuitable.”

“With the nation in crisis, logically, internal strife should be quelled first before external threats. Yet both Beixiang and Great Jing pour great effort into fighting foreign wars, ignoring the internal turmoil. That’s why chaos like today’s emerged.”

“As I journeyed here, I witnessed much hardship. But speaking of chaos, it doesn’t yet seem too severe?”

“Chaotic!”

Liu Huaizhang couldn’t help shaking his head with a sigh. “The chaos isn’t among the people’s lives, but among the officials! High and low officials each cling to their factions, engaging in graft and bribery…”

“If you ask me, such individuals deserve severe punishment. But the Imperial Majesty is a merciful ruler who repeatedly pardons them. The result? Officials are rotten to the core, seeing only profit and desire. Their hearts are not with their homes or country. How can such officials govern the country well?”

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Chen Changsheng saw his righteous indignation, his words carrying extra force.

Liu Huaizhang then realized his words had been somewhat harsh. He added, “When the time comes, they’ll naturally regret it.”

Chen Changsheng took a sip of tea, offering no immediate judgment on the matter of corrupt officials.

He then asked, “With the nation in crisis, old sir, what methods do you believe could save Great Jing?”

Liu Huaizhang looked at the young man before him. “Seems you pay considerable attention to such matters.”

“Hang around the teahouse often. Hear them talking nonsense.”

Chen Changsheng smiled. “In my view, for such disorder, what’s needed is a fierce and decisive ruler.”

Liu Huaizhang’s heart leapt upon hearing this.

This young man’s thoughts aligned perfectly with his own.

In these turbulent times, merciful rulers are no longer needed!

“You and I think alike, young man.”

Liu Huaizhang smiled. “I’ve roughly calculated. Our chances of success, at present, aren’t even one in ten. Firstly, the officials in the Imperial Court are not of one mind. In the face of national peril, they still scheme against each other. Secondly, the nation’s strength is thin. Thirdly, the Imperial Majesty is too merciful. A benevolent ruler can govern peaceful times, but like the Buddhist Sect, cannot calm a chaotic world.”

“Then where does that one-tenth chance come from?” Chen Changsheng asked.

“It comes from two words: Loyalty and Righteousness.”

Liu Huaizhang continued, “As you said, young man, first pacify the people’s resentment and calm their hearts. The Imperial Majesty must harden his resolve, stain his long saber with blood, and make an example to deter corrupt officials. Only then can the people’s grievances be settled, fostering loyalty to the sovereign. As for Righteousness…”

Here, Liu Huaizhang gave a wry smile. “This Righteousness comes from the Jianghu. It doesn’t depend on the Imperial Court, but on the sense of patriotism within the hearts of the Martial Artists from the Jianghu…”

Hearing this, Chen Changsheng nodded. “If so, there indeed is one tenth of a chance.”

“Difficult…”

Liu Huaizhang sighed. “Both points are incredibly difficult.”

He had submitted countless memorials to the throne, each time rejected without exception. Once, twice, three times… Eventually, the Son of Heaven in his palace grew weary even of glancing at his petitions.

The feeling of helplessness, only he truly understood.

He finished the tea in his cup.

Liu Huaizhang snapped out of his thoughts. He looked at the sky, saw it was getting late, and decided to leave.

Chen Changsheng did not press him to stay. After exchanging farewells, he left the teahouse.

They agreed to meet again at the teahouse the next day.

They parted at the entrance of the teahouse.

Xian Yue stood beside her master. The conversation she just overheard upstairs gave her some understanding.

She asked, “Master, is there truly one tenth of a chance?”

Chen Changsheng replied, “Calling it one tenth is perhaps generous. Maybe not even half of that. But there is still some hope.”

Xian Yue’s lips pressed together as if she had something to say.

“Reluctant?” Chen Changsheng asked.

Xian Yue shook her head. “I am of the mortal realm no longer. Being reluctant or not is useless.”

She did harbor hatred for those who once wronged her.

But if truly given the choice, she still wished Great Jing wouldn’t be overwhelmed by the flames of war.

Chen Changsheng shook his head involuntarily. “If every court official were like the gentleman just now, Great Jing would have nothing to worry about. He… he is truly a loyal servant to his sovereign and his country.”

Xian Yue paused, murmuring, “Loyal to sovereign, loyal to country…”

She had never witnessed such patriotism. When spoken of, it felt abstract. Yet, recalling the man’s clothes, patched all over, she felt she understood a little better.

…

Having nowhere to go, Xian Yue followed her master.

Chen Changsheng returned to the Chang Manor.

Chang Shan was waiting inside. Seeing his master return, he quickly went to greet him. “Master, you weren’t at the manor last night?”

Chen Changsheng smiled. “Met two old friends. Overindulged in wine, forgot my way back…”

“I see,” Chang Shan nodded.

Xian Yue looked at Chang Shan and said, “Mr. Chen, I know him. He is the Deputy Chief of the Court of Judicial Review. He used to enter the palace frequently.”

“Is that so?” Chen Changsheng remarked.

Chang Shan noticed his master looking to one side. He paused, then gazed that way. A question followed. “Is… is there someone else beside you, Master?”

Chen Changsheng raised his hand, gently touching Chang Shan’s brow point.

When Chang Shan opened his eyes again, he saw the woman standing beside his master.

He was startled.

Suddenly realizing, his voice broke the silence. “You are…”

“Princess Xian Yue?”