Chapter 578 On the Dao (Part 2)
"Those who seize power from the king, those who plunder from the tyrant."
Xunzi's gaze was deep and his expression was calm. Facing Fusu, his views remained unchanged.
"A benevolent ruler governs the country with propriety and righteousness, cares for the people, widely bestows benevolence, appoints virtuous and capable officials, and strives to win the hearts of the people. His guiding principle is: 'To gain the world by committing one injustice or killing one innocent person is something a benevolent person would not do.' In this way, the people will naturally be sincerely convinced and willingly submit, and the country can enjoy long-term stability and peace. This is the true essence of the benevolent way."
"As for hegemony, it is based on strength and established on trust. Hegemons emphasize governing by law, pursuing national wealth and military strength, and relying on powerful military force and a strict legal system to make the people fear and obey..."
After a brief pause, Xunzi continued, "In this respect, the rulers of Qin have always done a good job. However, while the hegemonic way can make a country strong in the short term and achieve temporary hegemony, its essence is to subdue people by force, which is somewhat inferior to the benevolent way of subduing people by virtue."
"The Way of the King and the Way of the Hegemon, though different, are not entirely opposed." Xunzi further explained, "The Way of the King is based on righteousness, pursuing moral perfection and the allegiance of the people, and is the ideal way to govern a country; the Way of the Hegemon is based on trust, focusing on strengthening national power and maintaining order."
"In reality, if we can take the benevolent way as the foundation and use the hegemonic approach as a supplement, and focus on the development of national strength while implementing benevolent governance, it is a feasible strategy for governing the country. However, it must be clear that the benevolent way is the best and the hegemonic approach is secondary, and we must not put the cart before the horse."
Xunzi spoke eloquently, and Fusu, sitting opposite him, nodded repeatedly as he spoke, seemingly deep in thought, just like the other listeners.
But Ying Zheng, sitting at the head of the table, could tell just by looking at his back that the boy was daydreaming.
So if Fusu's purpose wasn't to discuss the Dao with Xunzi, then what was it for?
"What does the young master think?"
After Xunzi finished speaking, he sought Fusu's opinion.
Fusu slowly raised his eyes, but instead of answering, he asked, "Sir, is there only one Qin in the world?"
Putting Xunzi aside, everyone listening felt a chill run down their spines. This question sounded a bit dangerous. Did the eldest son really not remember?
Everyone couldn't help but observe Fusu's expression, but Fusu only looked at Xunzi.
Xunzi paused in stroking his beard, then nodded slightly and replied, "This world consists of only one Qin."
Fusu nodded and continued to press, "Can Qin rule the world?"
Upon hearing this, everyone suddenly realized what he was asking.
In front of a large audience, Xunzi had a feeling of being held back. Looking at the young eldest son opposite him, was the discussion at Zhangtai Palace really so carefree that he didn't stop it?
Xunzi seemed to be deep in thought, and couldn't help but reflect on himself. Even though he had witnessed the extraordinary abilities of the eldest son, he still unconsciously regarded him as a child.
Therefore, it's no wonder he was trapped in this situation.
Xunzi was not embarrassed. He smiled freely and admitted directly in front of everyone: "Qin should be the world."
Fusu smiled brightly, his tone arrogant and confident: "The way of Qin is the way of the king!"
Having said that, his dark, jade-like pupils turned golden, gleaming brilliantly. Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Fusu sat cross-legged on the cushion, closed his eyes, and was surrounded by golden light, within which countless characters flashed.
The crowd couldn't help but stir, and one by one they stood up, their hearts pounding as they gazed at Fusu.
The golden light gradually spread, extending from Fusu's body to every corner of Zhangtai Palace, enveloping everyone within it, and then rapidly spreading to the sky and the earth.
From the Qin state to the other six states, to beyond the Great Wall, to the grasslands, the golden light, like a dome, truly enveloped the entire "world".
Then, everyone heard the phrase, "The way of Qin is the way of the king!"
When the golden light faded and everyone in Zhangtai Palace was still in shock, Xunzi burst into laughter: "Hahaha, interesting, interesting! I intend to serve as an envoy to the six states for the King of Qin. What does the King of Qin think?"
Now, the people discussing the Dao looked at Xunzi in shock.
"good."
Ying Zheng and Xunzi exchanged a glance, confirming that Xunzi genuinely wanted to accelerate Qin's unification efforts, and Ying Zheng nodded in agreement.
Can I go?
At some point, Fusu, having regained his normal state, opened his eyes and stared longingly at the two of them.
Ying Zheng glanced at him subtly to make sure he was alright before speaking, "What do you think?"
“I think it’s a good idea,” Fusu said boldly.
"I think this is unacceptable."
Fusu's face fell instantly. He turned to Xunzi and suddenly asked, "Sir, can you be my teacher?"
Xunzi raised his eyebrows: "If the eldest son is willing, I naturally have no objection."
"Really?" Fusu immediately moved closer to him, his eyes sparkling as he looked at him. "The Analects says, 'When there is trouble, the disciple should do the work.' So, I can accompany my teacher to the six states!"
"Hahaha..." Xunzi laughed again, not expecting Fusu to be so quick-witted. He affectionately touched Fusu's hair and said with a smile, "As for the relationship between ruler and subject, father and son, you either listen to the king or your father. My opinion doesn't count."
Fusu pouted and said, "Just give him his father's name."
"Father..."
"No."
Ying Zheng showed no mercy and refused decisively.
Fusu couldn't help but feel disappointed, but Xunzi smiled and comforted him: "It's alright, if you can't go to the six states, your teacher will bring back the people from the six states for you!"
Xunzi spoke with great confidence; among the seven states, he was perhaps most famous only in Qi. But with Fusu's maneuvering, anyone else would have achieved twice the result with half the effort, and Fusu's eloquence gave him a greater advantage in terms of morality and popular support.
"They all have two eyes and one mouth, what's so interesting about them?"
Fusu couldn't help but complain, "What he wanted to see wasn't people, it was scenery!"
At this moment, Ying Zheng frowned slightly as he looked at Fusu, who was pouting and silent. Had Fusu's innermost thoughts... vanished?
Not only him, but many people who knew Fusu's personality noticed this change.
If it were only once or twice, one could say that the eldest son was true to his word, but... after several times, judging from his expression, it was clear that he had a lot on his mind, yet they didn't hear a single word he said.
The crowd exchanged bewildered glances, a sense of unease creeping into their hearts. They couldn't help but recall the golden light and words they had just heard, unaware that Fusu's voice had resounded throughout the land.
...
"Tell me about it."
As the commotion subsided, and only Ying Zheng and Fusu remained in the palace, Ying Zheng easily lifted Fusu with both hands and placed him on the table in front of him, staring at him with a leisurely air.
"say what?"
Fusu looked completely innocent and incredibly naive.
Ying Zheng, itching to see this, couldn't resist reaching out and poking Fusu's puffed-up cheek with his finger. Then, with a "poof," Fusu deflated.
"Father..."
Fusu glared resentfully at Ying Zheng, who nonchalantly fell silent and asked, "So, you deliberately came to Zhangtai Palace to discuss the Dao with Xunzi for the sake of the six states?"
Ying Zheng's tone was confident, and Fusu touched his nose sheepishly, saying vaguely, "I just heard Mr. Han mention it..."
A blush crept onto Fusu's cheeks. He straightened his chest and stubbornly said, "It's not for you. I just can't wait to see the six kingdoms submit. That scene will definitely be very interesting."
"Um."
Ying Zheng suppressed his turbulent emotions and didn't say much, but simply pulled Fusu into his arms.
So, coming to Zhangtai Palace was for him, not for Xunzi, and for his comfort.
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