Chapter 213: Both rise and fall are painful (long chapter, please order)

The cold wind howled and the snow fell heavily.

The sixth year of Kangjing has come to an end.

In the howling cold wind, goose feather-sized snowflakes fluttered down, and the sky and the earth were covered in pure white.

And in this unbearable cold, there were two people riding on their horses, galloping forward.

The bone-chilling wind blew across the body through the gaps in the clothes, taking away the little warmth that was left. The icy snowflakes fell on the body, adding a touch of chill.

Xun Ke tightened his clothes and looked into the distance against the wind.

That is the border of Daqi.

He and Mr. Gu were about to step out of Dayue and head toward a country that he had only heard of but never seen with his own eyes.

As a winner.

"Mr. Gu"

Xun Ke's red, frozen hands gripped the reins of his horse and hesitantly asked, "Did we really win?"

When he opened his mouth to speak, large clouds of white breath came out, blocking people's eyes and blurring the scene in front of them. In the hazy water vapor, everything seemed like a dream, like a beautiful dream that they had never woken up from.

For Xun Ke, everything changed too fast.

Before he got over the sorrow of Master Mo's death, he realized that the Four-Nation Alliance was no longer a powerful enemy that he had to be wary of, and he even had to atone for the evil deeds he had committed in the past - the changes in between were so huge and so fast that they always felt unreal.

"What does it mean to win?"

Gu Dan stared at the white world covered with snowflakes, neither happy nor angry. In such a world, everything seemed exceptionally quiet and vast, with only the rustling sound of horse hooves hitting the snow.

Xun Ke thought for a moment and said, "I used to think that the best outcome would be for the four countries to withdraw their troops."

Yes, in the eyes of many people, the fact that the four-nation coalition forces were able to withdraw from Dayue's territory was already a great victory, so how could they dare to ask for more? So when Xun Ke heard that Mr. Gu was going to take him to Daqi as a victor, he still hadn't recovered.

"Xun Ke, you have to understand one thing."

Gu Dan said seriously: "In such a world, the power of an individual can decide many things. When you have the force to control everything, even if you are alone, you can make thousands of troops retreat. You don't need to convince everyone, you only need to convince the person who gives the orders.

When they dare not disobey, or even cannot disobey, then whatever you say is what counts.”

"Mr. Gu, so you really have surpassed the Grandmaster?"

Xun Ke seemed to have sensed something and asked curiously.

The pinnacle of the world, the Grandmaster is the limit of personal power.

But a master is still not enough to dominate the world, and it is already difficult to influence the direction of a country.

Without strength beyond that of a Grandmaster, it would be impossible to make the four nations retreat together.

"Um."

Gu Dan nodded slightly and acknowledged it.

This is somewhat contrary to the idea of ​​keeping a low profile that he has always adhered to.

But the giant who supported the backbone has fallen, and someone else must step forward and take over the torch.

He had no intention of becoming famous, nor did he want to be revered as a saint.

But in life, sometimes you have to do something. You can't just stay in the yard and watch the flowers bloom and fall and the clouds roll and unfold.

Therefore, I promise this world a peaceful life.

“That’s great.”

Xun Ke was very happy and had a smile on his face, but then he seemed to think of something and the smile gradually faded, with sadness appearing in his eyes.

If Master Mo was still alive, he would be able to see the end of this chaotic world and realize his ideals and ambitions. How wonderful it would be! The man who held the torch high in the dark night still fell on the eve of dawn.

What you get in return is the transformation of another person.

The two stopped talking, and only the sound of galloping horses echoed in the quiet and silent land.

The steed finally set foot on the land of Daqi. The wind and snow were still falling, spanning the two countries.

You shouldn't see people in this kind of weather.

But before they had traveled too long in Daqi, they saw a farmer in thin linen clothes rummaging through something in the snow.

After hearing the sound of the horse, the farmer panicked and started running madly in one direction.

"Um?"

Xun Ke heard the noise and turned his gaze to Gu Dan.

"Want to go check it out?"

Gu Dan asked.

"Um."

Xun Ke nodded.

"Then go ahead."

Gu Dan said affirmatively.

He brought Xun Ke with him specifically because he hoped that Xun Ke could gain something from this trip that would allow him to grow.

What's more, now that Dayue's crisis has been resolved, Dayong's supplies will be sent to Yuzhou as soon as possible. In a short period of time, what Dayue needs is enough time to govern and recover. Time is no longer their enemy, but a good friend.

Xun Ke then rode his horse to chase after the fleeing farmer, calling out, "Don't be afraid, old man. We are not bad people!"

Although they were now in the territory of Daqi and the people they met were all citizens of Daqi, neither Gu Dan nor Xun Ke were yet to seek a sense of existence and superiority from the lower-class people.

They would not massacre the people for fun just because there was a gap between the two countries.

Xun Ke was just a little confused. Why would someone go out in such thin clothes in such weather? You know, if you get frostbitten or sick, you can only bear it in this era. Judging from the other person's appearance, it is obvious that he is not someone who can find a doctor.

Xun Ke's voice spread far away, but the old farmer did not stop. Instead, he ran faster and faster. However, his legs were obviously not able to outrun the horse.

Not long after running forward, the old farmer missed a step and fell heavily to the ground. His rolling body left a series of marks in the snow.

"Whoa!"

When the horse was still ten feet away from the man, in order to avoid scaring him again, Xun Ke tightened the reins, picked up the package and dismounted.

Before he got close to the old farmer, the farmer who had fallen to the ground had already stood up, and without caring about the blood on his face that was scratched by something unknown, he prostrated himself on the ground and kowtowed frantically.

"I was ignorant of the situation and offended you, please spare my life, please spare my life!"

The old farmer slammed his head against the ground, making a loud noise. After only three or two hits, his forehead turned red, and it was obvious that he was using a lot of force.

"Why!"

Xun Ke hurried forward and was about to help him up, "What are you doing?"

"I was wrong, I was wrong, please spare me, I didn't pick up anything!"

The old farmer who was being pulled by Xun Ke still refused to get up. However, although Xun Ke was not very old, he had been practicing martial arts in the Gu family courtyard for quite some time and had already started practicing martial arts. Naturally, the old farmer could not resist him and was directly pulled up from the ground.

"What did you pick up and what didn't you pick up?"

Xun Ke was a little puzzled. He opened the package, took out a cotton coat and put it on the old farmer. "It's so cold, and you're wearing such thin clothes. Aren't you afraid of death? Put it on quickly!"

When the warm clothes fell on his body, the old farmer's whole body froze.

Only then did his dim and turbid eyes dare to truly look at Xun Ke. After seeing the other person's fair face and extraordinary clothes, he quickly looked away, as if it would be a sin to look at him for a moment longer.

"Put it on! What are you standing there for? This dress is for you."

Xun Ke frowned slightly, wondering why this guy seemed to be unable to understand what he was saying.

"You can't do that."

Gu Dan shook his head, walked forward and said, "Don't be afraid, old man. We are businessmen who came to Daqi to do business. We passed by here and haven't seen anyone for a long time. After seeing you, we wanted to come over to ask for directions and have a few words. We have no bad intentions."

"Businessman?"

The old farmer, who had been standing there speechless, finally came to his senses at this moment, a smile of having survived a disaster appeared on his face.

"Ask for directions? I know. I've been to many places when I was young. Where are you going?"

The panic on the old farmer's face faded, revealing a proud expression. He took off the cotton coat that Xun Ke had put on him and said, "If you want to ask for directions, you don't need these things. I never lie to people and I will definitely not give you wrong directions."

"We are going to go to the imperial capital of Daqi."

Gu Dan said.

"Imperial capital?"

The old farmer pointed in a direction without hesitation, "Just keep going that way. There will be more people the further you go. If you have any questions, you can ask on the way. But the imperial capital is very far away from here. Why are you traveling in such a hurry in winter?"

In winter, everything is quiet. Business, war and busy farming usually come to a halt, waiting for the coming year.

Those who can appreciate the beauty of winter are the wealthy families with fires burning all the time and sufficient food and clothing. Ordinary people fear winter the most.

It's okay to have free time, but it's hard to live.

"Hey, isn't it just for a living? You know, we've been at war for the past few years, and our family is almost starving. If we don't find a way to make a living during the winter, how are we going to live in the future?"

Gu Dan said with a sigh.

“Yeah!”

Upon hearing this, the old farmer seemed to agree, "When will this battle end?"

"You're not happy either? I remember Daqi was the strongest one and should have been winning. Why are you hoping it will end soon?" Gu Dan seemed to have found a soulmate and said quickly.

"win"

The old farmer's lips moved and he was speechless for a moment.

"It's too cold outside, not a good place to talk. We both need to take a break, so why don't we go to your house and talk?"

Gu Dan said directly.

"this"

After hesitating for a moment, the old farmer said awkwardly, "My house is a little messy, please don't mind it, my two guests."

"Okay, okay. In this kind of weather, I'd be grateful to have a place to shelter from the snow."

Gu Dan brought the horse over and said, "Walking is too slow. Come on up and ride the horse."

The old farmer looked at the horse that Gu Dan had brought carefully with his sleepy eyes, and said in amazement: "Wow, your horse is amazing! It's a first-class horse!"

"You know anything about horses?"

"Of course I understand. When I was young, I worked in a stable for a big shot for several years!"

The old farmer said with some pride, then realized, "That was many years ago."

"Then let's see how good you are at riding."

Gu Dan smiled and nodded.

He and Xun Ke rode on the same horse, letting the old farmer ride the horse by himself. Although he was a little unfamiliar at first, he soon became proficient and did it very well. It must have been because he hadn't ridden a horse for a long time that he felt a little unfamiliar at first.

The wind was blowing hard and snow was flying everywhere.

The old farmer seemed quite excited, riding his horse and galloping in front of the two men to lead the way.

The horse galloped for about a quarter of an hour before a few thatched houses appeared in front of them. The old farmer got off the horse and pointed at the house, "That's my home."

"Thank you for your help."

"It's just a small matter."

The old farmer walked quickly into the house and shouted, "Old lady, two guests have come. Prepare something hot for them to eat."

A woman's muffled voice came from inside the house.

"guest?"

"Yes, hurry up and boil some hot water. It's snowing heavily and I'm freezing to death."

As he said this, he smiled a little embarrassedly at Gu Dan and Xun Ke, "Please wait a moment, I'll go get some firewood so we can have a warmer fire."

Although this house can barely shelter from the wind and rain, it is also a bit cold and damp inside, and extremely "clean".

Gu Dan looked around and saw only a table and four stools, and nothing else.

Instead, it makes the already small house seem a little empty and spacious.

"Let's go together."

Gu Dan followed.

We walked to the old farmer's storehouse. Winter had just arrived, and there was very little firewood stored inside, only two bundles.

When Gu Dan walked over, the old farmer was just about to move the less firewood. After seeing Gu Dan coming in, he gritted his teeth and picked up a bundle directly.

"You are a guest, how can I ask you to move? I still have the strength!"

The old farmer said.

Back in the empty main house, the old farmer started a fire with a flint, carefully added firewood, and urged, "Old woman, hurry up! The fire is already lit!"

"I know, I know!"

From the inner room came the rustling sound of someone putting on clothes, as well as angry complaints that were clearly suppressed.

"I can barely make ends meet, and I'm still entertaining two guests."

The voice was very low, but Gu Dan had extraordinary hearing. Although Xun Ke could not hear it, it was clear to his ears.

Not long after, an old woman came out from the inner room.

She was thin and frail, her face was rough and stiff, her complexion was sallow and loose, but what attracted most attention was the thin linen dress she was wearing, which was obviously much smaller than her. It tightly wrapped around her skinny body, which was not plump to begin with, and even her breathing seemed a little labored.

The old woman's eyes fell on Gu Dan and Xun Ke and she was also surprised.

One can tell at first glance that such a handsome man is not an ordinary person. Looking at Xun Ke's clothes, he must be either rich or noble.

At the moment, I felt panic in my heart, and I forced a smile to the two of them, and said hastily and uneasily: "I'll go prepare food."

"We still have some here, heat it up and eat together."

Gu Dan took out Xun Ke's package and took out all the food inside.

Large pieces of air-dried bacon, steamed buns made from white flour, and some special long-lasting pastries that Xiaoying had found.

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"Let's finish them all. Someone will pick us up after today. It would be a waste if we don't finish these now."

Gu Dan said.

"How can this be so embarrassing?"

The old woman's eyes widened and she swallowed involuntarily. Her gaze fell on the large piece of bacon and she spoke with difficulty.

Xun Ke had also reacted by this time and put himself into the role of a businessman. However, his experience was not as good as Gu Dan's, so he pretended to be a dandy and said with some disdain: "This thing is hard and dry, it's really not tasty. Usually I eat big and fragrant roast chicken. If it weren't for the need to hurry up and travel, who would eat this? It's just enough to fill my stomach!"

Sure enough, after hearing this, the old woman no longer refused, took the food and went to the kitchen to start preparing it.

Gu Dan sat on a stool and talked to the old farmer, "Don't you have any extra clothes at home?"

“There was.”

The old farmer's lips moved a few times and he sighed, "But the taxes were increased a while ago, and I couldn't raise any money, so I had to use clothes to pay. Now I only have two pieces of clothes left at home."

He tugged at the linen clothes on his body, and together with the old woman's clothes which were obviously much smaller, these were the only clothes the family had.

"It's winter, it's so cold, and you only have two pieces of linen clothes?!"

Xun Ke was furious.

If it was in Dayue, he could still understand it - this was not because he was more tolerant of Daqi, but because Dayue had been plagued by Emperor Zong Ming for more than 20 years, and with the accumulated problems so deep, it was natural that the people had a hard time.

But Daqi is a powerful country, so even if it sends troops to attack Dayue, it is not a particularly heavy burden. I have never heard of an emperor like Emperor Zongming appearing in Daqi, so how could the common people be like this?

"It's good enough to be alive. The Li family next door couldn't pay the taxes, so they were directly dragged away to do hard labor to transport grain. I'm afraid it's hard for them to survive."

The old farmer said with lingering fear.

"Daqi has a strong army and a rich country, so how could it be so difficult?"

Xun Ke was full of confusion. He did not have a deep understanding of Daqi, and it was difficult for him to understand how the common people in such a powerful country could have such a hard time like the people in Dayue.

No matter how harsh it is, there should always be a way for the people below to survive! The old farmer stopped talking. Daqi's wealth obviously had nothing to do with him.

"If I remember correctly, the people of Daqi are divided into three classes."

Gu Dan seemed to be thinking about something.

"I am a third-class citizen."

The old farmer lowered his head and tried hard to force a smile.

The first-class people are naturally the group of people who originally fought their way out of the White Mountains and Black Waters. They have the smallest number, but they are definitely the superior people. Even if they kill the lower-class people, they only need to pay some money.

As for the second-class people, they need to make meritorious services for the Great Prayer. There are various conditions for making meritorious services. Paying more taxes, marrying into the family of first-class people, or even being appreciated by others may allow them to be promoted to second-class people. They can live much better than ordinary people and are also qualified to study and become officials. They may have the opportunity to make a name for themselves and achieve the goal of bringing prosperity to the whole family.

As for the third-class people, they were the remnants of the people who had been defeated by Daqi before.

The third class of people are not considered human beings.

There are no preferential treatments at all, but they are definitely required to do hard and tiring work.

Of course, there is also an easy way to get promoted.

After enduring five generations, one can wash away the sins and become a noble second-class citizen.

As for the first-class people? That was something I dared not even think about.

Generally speaking, more than twenty years are considered as a generation. Taking into account that the life expectancy of ordinary people at that time was around 30 or 40 years old, if 30 years is used as a generation, it would take 150 years!

This is a time that even a master cannot endure, and it is more like a carrot dangling in front of a donkey.

It is through this method that Daqi gathers strength, nurtures wealth, and creates such a "prosperous and powerful country."

Don't ask why the third-class people don't run to other countries. The difficulty of doing so is unimaginable for those who may not be able to leave a radius of 100 miles in their entire life. Unless they are pushed to the limit, no one would want to risk their life.

If they have something to eat, they will try their best to survive like weeds in the wasteland.

The rise and fall of a people are both painful and the people have no control over themselves.

"The Daqi royal family deserves death!"

Xun Ke was very angry. He read a lot of books, but the problem of Dayue had not yet been solved. He had no time to open his eyes and see the world. His impression of Daqi was mostly hearsay, but he had never seen it with his own eyes and could not imagine it at all.

Now when he arrived in Daqi, the first person he met shocked him.

Naturally, he was extremely disgusted by this method of dividing people into different classes, and an uncontrollable murderous intent and hatred rarely emerged in his heart.

"You can't say that!"

The old farmer was so frightened, really frightened, that he fell off the stool and looked at Xun Ke in horror.

Is this still a businessman? ! "Don't be afraid, this kid has read too many storybooks, his mind is full of chivalry and justice, he is just confused for a moment, you will know when he calms down."

Gu Dan smiled and said calmly.

"I'm going to help the old lady cook."

The old farmer was filled with fear and dared not stay in the same room with the two men anymore, so he quickly walked away.

Only Xun Ke was left with his fist clenched in anger, still indignant, "How can people be divided into different classes?!"

“You think Emperor Zongming is hateful, but is Emperor Daqi hateful?”

Gu Dan did not try to comfort him, but instead asked.

"this"

Xun Ke was stunned for a moment, then said, "I actually think Emperor Daqi is more hateful!"

Emperor Zong Ming spent more than 20 years seeking immortality and ignoring the government, which led to the breakdown of order. He also indulged in his own extravagance and greed, causing hardship for the people. He thought this was the limit of evil.

It was not until I came into contact with Daqi that I realized that human evil has no limits.

Dividing people into several classes and raising them in the name of imperial power - just like treating livestock! Xun Ke could not think of a more vicious method than this. Even though he had never met Emperor Daqi, his hatred for him exceeded his hatred for Emperor Zongming.

Once this kind of division is implemented consistently, who knows if it will not become a rule that "should be so" and "reasonable" after hundreds or thousands of years?

Born with a certain race, the common people are not human!

It's not just the collapse of rituals and music, it's a naked trampling of human hearts! "Imperial power - Huangquan. Holding the power to send people to Huangquan, one can wantonly take away everything they want in a variety of jaw-dropping ways."

Gu Dan said: "The evil of Emperor Zongming lies in his personal greed, and the evil of Emperor Daqi lies in plundering the people of the world to support the extravagant desires of a very small number of people, in order to ensure the rule of the country.

Remember when we met him? He was so scared that he ran away, because the third-class people couldn't even go to the woods to collect firewood. Those things all had owners, and those without owners also belonged to the state.

Nothing belongs to them except the place they are temporarily renting. The difference is whether they want to take it, not whether they can take it."

Xun Ke was really dumbfounded. "Not even allowed to collect firewood? How are we going to survive the winter?"

"I have specifically looked into it. When winter is approaching, they need to work as helpers. They have to pick up a lot of firewood, and then the kind-hearted masters will give them a little bit of charity, and they have to be grateful to receive it. If they pick up less, not only will they get nothing, but they will also be beaten."

Gu Dan said.

"How come such a country hasn't perished yet?!"

Xun Ke couldn't understand.

"Power. They have enough power. Before this power is completely corrupted, these third-class people have no chance to resist. It is not so easy to rise up. At least there must be a master to take the lead. Do you think the master will be a third-class person?"

Gu Dan said quietly.

Of course not.

A Grand Master is definitely one level higher than a first-class citizen and is truly a special-class citizen.

In a world where everyone has great power, it is more like a joke for the lower-class people to rebel.

If there is, it must be someone stronger who has stood up.

People like Chen Guang and Wu Sheng had their own glorious pasts, but they were doomed when they met the leader of the White Lotus Sect.

Once the leader dies, the rest are just a mob.

This is what personal power is.

When one individual does good, the whole world does good.

One person's evil is evil, and the whole world is evil.

There is no need to reason, fists are the reason.

This is why he has always refused to come out.

Only after becoming a grandmaster can one achieve something.

Even if he was a master before, it would be of no avail. It could inspire people, but it was far from enough to change the world.

What seems to be a gap between realms is directly related to whether something can be accomplished.

Xun Ke looked at Gu Dan silently for a long time, then he clenched his fists.

"I will learn martial arts well, and then talk about morality."

Xun Ke seemed to be talking to Gu Dan, or warning himself, and there was a look of determination on the young man's face.

Gu Dan nodded with satisfaction.

He did have his own purpose in bringing Xun Ke here.

Immortals also need to judge the situation. The temporary peak did not blind Gu Dan's eyes.

It was impossible for him to do everything himself, let alone sit on the dragon throne and review documents and memorials all day long. He would not even preach morality - but someone had to do it.

He can help deal with external hardships, but the internal construction still depends on Xun Ke's generation.

"The meal is ready."

Without waiting too long, the old woman came out with bowls and plates. The fragrant bacon exuded an oily and smooth luster, and the aroma was fragrant, which whetted people's appetite.

The old farmer followed behind the woman, his eyes evasive, not daring to look the two in the eye.

Gu Dan pulled Xun Ke up and said with a smile, "I suddenly remembered that there is something urgent that needs to be done. I really can't delay. We don't have time to eat this meal. You guys eat, we will leave first."

"ah?"

The old woman looked confused, "This, this is all done!"

How could a customer take out the food and then leave without eating a single bite? "I really can't wait any longer. I'll see you again if I'm lucky."

Gu Dan did not give them a chance to stay, and took Xun Ke with him, riding away on his horse in the heavy snow.

"What's going on?"

The old woman couldn't understand it.

She looked at the old farmer and said, "It's only been a short while, how come the guest doesn't even want to eat?"

The old farmer remembered what Xun Ke had said before, shrank his neck in fear, and just shook his head.

A shout came from the inner room.

"Mom, have the guests left?"

"Let's go! It's such a pity that the fire is already lit! The meal is ready. I'll give you clothes later. Come and eat first." said the old woman.

“I can smell the meat.”

The voices came from far away, and a thin, short and dark-skinned child walked out from the inner room. He was naked and shivering from the cold.

But when he saw the bacon in the food bowl, his eyes lit up.

"Hey, you dare to come out like this? Aren't you afraid of freezing to death? Go inside quickly, I'll take off my clothes for you."

The old woman scolded loudly.

"No need to go inside."

The old farmer, who had been silent all this time, pointed to the stool where Gu Dan had been sitting before, where a package was lying quietly.

There are two cotton coats inside.

(End of this chapter)