Only through struggle can one obtain benefit; all other strategies merely embellish without reaching the core.
After the Taihe Mountain battle, most of the scholars will likely lie low for a while.
Yet, in a certain sense, Xu Qing and the old Emperor have formed the dual leadership of the Great Yu Dynasty.
Because in today’s world, the only person who can truly challenge the old Emperor is Xu Qing.
Xu Qing building the palace is undoubtedly a gesture of goodwill towards the old Emperor.
Nevertheless, a confidential meeting between ruler and minister is necessary to reach a new consensus.
If they cannot reach an agreement, the world will inevitably be tumultuous.
And the scholars also hope for discord between them.
Xu Qing dealt with the matter of the orphans and arrived at Yingtian Prefecture.
"The young gentleman of Jiangning, arrives in a humble robe."
This article was personally crafted by the Jiangning Weaving official and published in the most influential newspaper in today’s South Zhili.
With Xu Qing leading the way, the development of official and private journalism in South Zhili progressed rapidly.
In fact, since the Former Song, journalism has already begun to develop among the populace, and now, many tabloids are overwhelming, including some eye-catching serials on lamp-bearer monks...
However, the appearance of Xu Liushou has elevated the influence of journalism significantly.
The nobles headed a movement to transform some tabloids into proper newsrooms.
In short, occupying the stage of public opinion has been a hobby for nobles, after all, spewing rhetoric costs no lives! Latest content publıshed on NovєlFіre.net
Moreover, every individual of the Great Yu Dynasty harbors a political aspiration, especially in such an ancient capital as Yingtian Prefecture, where it has a solid foundation among the masses.
Currently, many literary patrons of Yingtian Prefecture would even spend sleepless nights in brothels and pleasure boats discussing current affairs, dragging the beauties around them into exhaustion.
Some high-end boats must offer civics lessons to the resident oiran; otherwise, unable to keep up with the times, she might be easily abandoned by the grand intellectuals.
Without the promotion by grand intellectuals, her value would drop swiftly.
Furthermore, the fees for civics lessons are rather expensive, indeed providing an extra revenue stream for some Pure Stream Scholars who have retired in the Six Ministries of Yingtian Prefecture.
They also often convey their own agendas through these lessons, covertly attacking the old Emperor and Xu Liushou.
Claiming Xu Liushou to be the old Emperor’s illegitimate child or grandson, with vivid descriptions.
Others say Xu Liushou has risen by relying on others.
In sum, they focus attacks on nefarious aspects, trying to slander personal virtues.
Yet these slanders struggle to tarnish Xu Liushou’s illustrious image.
Because in the twelfth month, Xu Liushou, dressed in simple clothing, personally joined in the construction of the palace at Yingtian Prefecture, eating and living with the laborers and constables, truly engaging with the grassroots.
Due to Xu Qing living on the palace construction site, the standard of meals visibly increased.
Xie Quan further praised this in the Great Ming Newspaper.
"The young gentleman of Jiangning, arrives in a humble robe," is adapted from the Tang Dynasty Legend’s ’Bearded Guest’ Chapter where "Unstyled and unshod, he arrives with a robe."
’Robed’ refers to an exposed outer garment, revealing the luxurious fur beneath.
This does not align with Xu Liushou’s core principle of engaging with the masses.
The humble robe is derived from Zhuangzi’s description of Moists: "often wearing fur or humble clothes."
Humble clothes, coarse hemp garb!
Connoisseurs naturally appreciate Xie Quan’s refined prose.
Covertly comparing Xu Liushou to the Prince of Taiyuan.
Who is the Prince of Taiyuan?
The founding figure of the Former Dynasty Emperor Taizhong, and successor via the Xuanwu Gate method.
As is well known, Xu Liushou remains the successor of the Xuantian Dragon Ascension Path. Xuantian Dragon Ascension Path essentially alludes to ’Xuanwu.’
This is flexing muscles to the Court Central, indicating Xu Liushou’s deeply rooted background, resembling the demeanor of a Heavenly Strategy Admiral; dealing with Xu Liushou comes at a great cost.
On the other hand, intentionally writing ’humble robe’ implies Xu Liushou’s sage-like simplicity, able to be humble for the benefit of the world.
Of course, if forced to interpret, the Ancient Saint Emperor also often labored in humble attire.
Emperor Shun was a farmer, and then the surrounding people farmed with him, and in farming, Emperor Yao was dethroned!
This is called the expectation of many.
An article, blending softness and firmness, firmness and softness, truly a rare masterpiece.
Isn’t it said, if Xie Quan and Xu Liushou hadn’t both been in the Yijing Room for the rural exam at Yingtian Prefecture, then surely the Top Scorer of that exam would have been none other than Elder Xie Quan himself!
"Duke, have you read Xie Quan’s article? Looks like there’s a good show to watch." The Family Head of Wang has recently grown increasingly familiar with Duke Wei.
No choice, the stronger the old Emperor gets, the more these great families need to band together for warmth.
Through over two hundred years of national history, some great families have fallen.
Not to mention the struggle at the bottom, how do those at the top differ? A moment of negligence might lead to a fall in status.
If speaking of differences, is it only that one suffers in Heaven, while another suffers in Hell.
What difference is there, as Buddhism wisely speaks, all beings suffer!
All beings are equal and must face death.
Though the process of death is unequal.
But ask if the result is equal!
Duke Wei furrowed his brow, "Brother Wang, you underestimated Xie Quan; he’s serving as Xu Gongming’s mouthpiece, clearly aiming to reach a consensus with the old Emperor."
Duke Wei, having long experience in struggles with Xu Qing, naturally sees the intricacies within.
This term ’mouthpiece’ also became popular from Jiangning Prefecture.
Subsequently, Duke Wei explained Xu Qing’s operation concept of "struggle for peace" to the Family Head of Wang.
Isn’t it said, Duke Wei almost feels like paying tuition to Xu Qing. If he returned to ten years ago with his current level of struggle, he’d be the rightful East South King!
It’s all thanks to Xu Gongming’s teachings!
The Family Head of Wang grasps immediately, stating: "This concept, I actually vaguely sensed before, but not as concretely as the Duke explained."