Chapter 234: Saints are born, but it doesn’t matter if you don’t have them

Time flies.

Three years of the Xia Dynasty!

Since its founding, the Xia Dynasty has hardly made any major moves.

Among the people living in the Xia Dynasty, even today some people still occasionally say the word "Da Yue". You can imagine how weak the presence of the Xia Dynasty court was.

But this weakness is worth boasting about, because Emperor Xia has reduced all taxes for ordinary people over the past three years. This is actually where most ordinary people can be deeply impressed by the court.

Order was maintained, and although most places still followed the old system of Dayue, the world was no longer as chaotic as it had been during the war.

The Mohist school made an indelible contribution!

The current Mohist master Qin Lisheng has lived up to the name of Mohism and the title of master. In three years, even with the whole country worshipping him, the number of Mohists has not increased much! After being elected as the state religion, Qin Lisheng, who led the Mohists, chose not to be rich and famous, or to live a life of luxury.

Because Qin Lisheng's requirements were even more demanding than those of Mo Qiu at the beginning.

The Mohists before had already meant to "torture themselves to the extreme", and now it is even more like "a day without work, a day without food"! A short brown coat and a soup with wild vegetables, if you get them in the morning, you will not get them in the evening.

The change of status and joining the court did not change the style of Mohism.

Even the funding from the imperial court itself would never be accepted unless it was necessary.

The Mohist School also had its own account books, and every transaction of silver had to be checked clearly, to an outrageous degree.

But under absolute discipline, the Mohist school was indeed prevented from being tainted.

There was once a Mohist who went to a wealthy family to investigate. He was received by the family and given good food and drink. Needless to say, when he left, the family gave him three hundred gold coins.

The Mohist accepted it gladly, took the three hundred gold coins and went to find Qin Lisheng, explained his origins clearly, and said he would hand over the gold coins to the state.

Then he was fired by Qin Lisheng. You should know that he was one of the three thousand Mozhe who followed Mo Qiu!

Later, after Wang Mang heard about this, he personally tried to plead for mercy, but it was of no use. Qin Lisheng was extremely determined to expel him from the Mohist school, even though this Mohist had risked his life to follow Mo Qiu and fought for him for several years, and he would not forgive him.

"If the water is too clear, there will be no fish. Besides, the Mohist did not do it for his own selfishness or greed, but directly confiscated it. Why did he do that? If he wanted to stop this trend, a warning would be enough."

Wang Mang once asked Qin Lisheng this question.

"He may have good intentions, but this kind of behavior is absolutely not allowed. Today he gave 300 gold, tomorrow he can give 500 gold, 501 gold. 500 gold is too much, who would know if he secretly took one gold? Anyway, most of it has been confiscated! Even if no one does this, how will the Mohist family deal with it if this gets out? Those who know will think it is a Mohist who went to investigate, and those who don't know will think it is a Mohist who went to blackmail! The harm is far-reaching, and there is no mercy!"

Qin Lisheng answered like this.

He was not wrong.

After the Mohist really accepted the three hundred gold and wanted to confiscate it, the noble families who had not yet been liquidated and saw the limelight wanted to give something to the Mohist.

Gold, silver, land, mansions, and even concubines! All given for free, without any ulterior motive.

But after learning from the previous experience, the Mohists will not move, and dare not move, even a needle and a thread.

Even when investigation was necessary, the Mohists would bring their own dry food, sit in front of a table filled with prepared delicacies, gnaw on dry bread, and drink cold water.

Absolute discipline brings absolute majesty.

There is no such thing as not considering the monk's face or the Buddha's face. Whoever the Mohists want to take down will be taken down on the spot.

Fortunately, although the Xia Dynasty did lose a lot of things, it also encountered fewer obstacles.

The Mohist school headed by Qin Lisheng was also particularly kindly and bitterly evaluated by many wealthy families as stones in the toilet.

During these three years, in addition to investigating the wealthy and powerful, the Mohists also eradicated violence and protected the good, and acted chivalrously and righteously. Wherever the Mohists went, the people gathered and told them about the injustices they had suffered in their daily lives. The Mohists would then investigate, and once the facts were verified, they would be executed without mercy!

It did improve the customs among the people.

But these changes are not enough.

Three years passed peacefully, and nothing special or major changes happened in the Xia Dynasty.

Even most of the laws still follow the old system of Dayue.

This is somewhat inconsistent with the original statement of promoting Mohism.

But, these days are almost over! Three years is enough to recruit enough officials. At least it is no longer like when the country was just founded, where they just sent someone to take up a position.

Wang Mang already had enough manpower and enough intelligence to begin the transformation of a country.

"Take a look at this first."

In the imperial study, Wang Mang summoned Qin Lisheng and handed him a piece of light paper.

Qin Lisheng took it, and for a moment his face, which was originally as cold as a knife, twitched slightly.

The more he read, the tighter Qin Lisheng's brows furrowed, and in the end his facial expression almost collapsed. Holding the light paper, his arms were shaking uncontrollably, and he looked like he was about to vomit blood.

Wang Mang coughed lightly, knowing that he was in the wrong, and added in a low voice: "In fact, we can delete some of it as appropriate."

"You fool the world like this, Emperor Xia really thinks this will work?"

After taking a deep breath, Qin Lisheng suppressed the anger in his heart and asked.

"You and I have both seen Mozi and know his deeds, so we know that what is written on this paper is false. But the people don't know that. They really believe that there was a natural saint. So let's give them a natural saint so that they can emulate him. It's not that I want to fool the world or insult Mozi, but this method is the fastest, has the deepest impact, and has the best effect."

At this point, Wang Mang added: "Of course, we must also refer to the opinions of the Mohists. If most of the Mohists disagree, the above things will not be promoted."

Qin Lisheng's eyes swept across the paper for a moment, and then he forced his eyes away. If he continued reading, he was afraid that he would vomit blood.

Even fabricated stories can't be so outrageous!

"If Emperor Xia really has this intention, it is true that he wants to consult the Mohist school, but he should send it to the one in the courtyard to have a look first!"

Qin Lisheng waved his hand angrily and walked away.

Wang Mang was left alone, holding the piece of paper, looking somewhat helpless.

After hesitating for a moment, I decided to give it a try.

Gu family courtyard.

A few years have passed and this place is still the same as before.

The various exotic flowers and plants that Xiaoying had planted in the yard are still flourishing. The most eye-catching one is the Fiery Sun Chrysanthemum, which really looks like its name, a sun blooming on the ground.

In the small courtyard, Andy Hui was reading with Cang.

Andy Hui is already very old. Even though he is still healthy, it is difficult for him to straighten his back. At this moment, he is resting comfortably on a recliner under a willow tree.

Cang, on the other hand, was reciting ancient books in front of the stone table, and seemed less naughty.

Xiaoying is not here at this moment. Her medical skills have made some progress and she has started to treat minor illnesses and accumulate experience.

"Uncle Xu, is Brother Gu home?"

Wang Mang, who came here, greeted Andy Hui very familiarly.

"Is Emperor Xia here?"

When Andy Hui heard the voice, he opened his eyes and was about to stand up and salute.

"No, no, no! Please don't torture me!"

Wang Mang was startled and quickly stepped forward, "Please don't make such a joke, it's only right that I should bow to you."

"ha."

Andy Hui showed a happy smile on his face, "Being able to have the emperor bow to me, my life is worth it."

"If you want, I can kowtow to you a few times during the New Year."

Wang Mang did not act pretentiously. He was always like this in front of his own people and never showed any edge, just like the Xia Dynasty seemed somewhat mediocre at that time.

"That kid is not here. He runs outside all day long, saying he wants to cure illnesses and save lives. I've never seen him work so hard before."

Back to business, Andy Hui told everyone.

"Will you come back today?"

Wang Mang was not in a hurry.

"Calculate the time."

Andy Hui searched for information in his slightly confused mind, "Today seems to be the seventh day. He usually stays away for no more than seven days. He should be back soon."

"That's good."

Wang Mang heaved a sigh of relief, "It's a good opportunity to rest here for a while and have a little leisure time."

"casual."

Andy Hui waved his hand and went back to the recliner to rest.

Even his eyebrows were slightly gray, which made him look even more kind and peaceful.

Cang, who once disdained books and even burned them, finally began to read books and realized the charm of books.

Time invisibly catalyzes everything and takes away familiar things.

So much so that even this small courtyard, which seemed to have lived a peaceful life, was no longer the same.

Until it gets dark.

The courtyard door was finally pushed open again.

Gu Dan walked in carrying a pot of wine and a food box.

"Uncle Xu, look what I brought you! Yangzhou's osmanthus cake and immortal wine. I remember you said you wanted to try them last time."

Gu Dan raised the food box in his hand and spoke as if showing off.

In a blink of an eye, he saw Wang Mang waiting silently in the yard.

For three years, Gu Dan did not go to the court again.

Wang Mang would come over for a stroll when he had free time.

It’s just that Gu Dan is not here most of the time.

Just as Andy Hui said, Gu Dan is busy curing illnesses and saving lives, and it is urgent.

It was as if something was urging him on. He was often not seen, and he no longer had the complete inner peace and composure he used to have.

In three years, many people have changed, and even Wang Mang has become more dignified.

But Gu Dan still looks young.

Compared to the maximum age of one hundred or seventy, a life expectancy of fifty is still very young; it can even be said to be the beginning of prime life.

He is not even halfway to his own death.

"Brother Gu."

Wang Mang greeted him.

"Are you here? Then let's have a meal together."

Gu Dan nodded, without paying much attention to him, he took out a few lanterns from the house, lit the candles, and hung them on the willow branches in the yard.

Before the silver moon's light sets in, there is still a warm scene here.

Then Cang quickly ran out of the small courtyard.

About quarter of an hour later, Xun Ke and Cang came back together.

Gu Dan had already placed the wine and food on the table. It was getting late, and Xiaoying returned to the courtyard carrying the medicine box.

Gu Dan went to the inner room and brought Xu Zhian over and had him sit in the main seat.

There was a circle of people around the table.

Gu Dan, Xun Ke, Cang, Xiao Ying, Wang Mang.

"Everyone is almost here. Come on, Uncle Xu, let's have a drink. These little guys can drink if they want to, and forget it if they don't want to."

Gu Dan filled a glass of Immortal Wine for Xu Zhian. This wine was a fifty-year collection. The aroma was strong and sharp, with a unique taste. It was said that even immortals would get drunk, and it was very famous.

Although a lot of food was prepared, this was not a banquet, but more like a family dinner. Everyone talked about their own things, and if there was nothing to talk about, they would leave after eating. There were no rules at all.

Xun Ke, Cang and Xiaoying gathered together and whispered, while Xu Zhian, Gu Dan and Wang Mang talked about the customs and practices of various places.

Which wine is better, which food is better, which scenery is more beautiful In the end, without mentioning state affairs, they are all the most common things.

Wait until three rounds of wine have been served and five flavors of dishes have been served.

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The little ones have gone back to rest.

Andy Hui was also tired, so Gu Dan sent him into the house to continue resting.

Wang Mang was still sitting on the stone bench, and his expression became solemn.

"What's up?"

Gu Dan, who had turned back, asked.

Wang Mang didn't say it at the beginning, so it wasn't an urgent matter; and if he has to say it now, it probably isn't a simple matter either.

"Here is a summary of various news about Mozi gathered by officials. Would you like to take a look at it first?"

Wang Mang did not dare to raise the issue directly. Instead, he took out the piece of paper that Qin Lisheng had seen before and handed it over.

Gu Dan took it and glanced at it.

When he was born, purple air spread for three thousand miles and a phoenix appeared.

At the age of one, he talked, at the age of two, he wrote, at the age of three, he gave away his pears, at the age of four, he smashed a jar to save someone, at the age of five, his family was poor, his parents were hungry and cold and lay on the ice to catch carp. How outrageous! If you don't do something every year, it seems that the days have passed in vain! And these are just insignificant praises.

In the following year, they were able to come up with three or four stories, some of which were well-known stories in restaurants and teahouses, such as three fights with bullies, catching a tiger in a busy city, and beheading a dragon. When Gu Dan saw the end, he found that he even had a role in it.

It is said that Moqiu was a saint sent by God to the world. After the saint passed away, gods came down to the earth and were moved by Moqiu's merits. They healed the injuries and diseases of the world and made people heal themselves without medicine.

There are strange visions when one is born and immortals when one dies. This truly is the wealth code for the spread of stories in this era.

"Brother Gu, what do you think?"

Wang Mang asked carefully.

"absurd."

Gu Dan also returned the paper to Wang Mang just like Qin Lisheng did.

"Well, these things are not said by me, but are rumors among the people. If we don't make a final conclusion, these deeds will only increase, and the more they increase, the less human they are."

Wang Mang coughed lightly and began to speak.

In fact, on the day the country was founded, the news of Mo Qiu's death was announced to the public.

Wang Mang even built a cenotaph for Mo Qiu in the imperial capital. However, in order to promote the Mohist philosophy of frugal burials, the cenotaph was not luxurious and even looked a bit simple.

A solitary grave and a stone tablet are the resting place of the saint.

Even so, there is still a constant stream of people visiting the temple.

But there is still one problem that has not been dealt with.

That is, the imperial court has never given a final conclusion. Everyone says that Moqiu is a saint, but what kind of saint is he?

Since he is a saint, wouldn't it be reasonable for him to show some miracles and magic? Would it be reasonable for him to be different from ordinary people? The problem is that the Mohist school is still there, and the group of Mohists who followed Mo Qiu are still there.

The court must also consider the opinions of the Mohists, and especially the opinions of Gu Dan.

This was the main reason why Wang Mang came to visit.

"You want to use these things to promote virtue?"

Gu Dan guessed what Wang Mang was thinking in an instant.

"Brother Gu is right."

Wang Mang nodded immediately. If he didn't have this intention, why would he take out this thing?

But Gu Dan shook his head without hesitation and refused, "Too much is as bad as too little."

In this era, the appeal of personal role models is enormous.

It is not uncommon for one person to influence an entire country.

Not to mention that in a world where everyone has personal martial arts, as long as such a person appears, he will be more respected. The people here have become accustomed to the emergence of heroes and even take it for granted.

But heroes are easy to find, but saints are hard to find.

If you do great things for the country and the people, you will be considered a hero.

And a sage is meant to educate the world.

To become a role model that people all over the world can emulate.

If it is just a spontaneous spread among the people, it doesn't matter how outrageous it is, you can even say that all the nine heavens gods have descended to the earth.

But if the imperial court makes the final decision, it would be equivalent to directly "confirming" it, which is almost impossible to change, and there would be a lot more to consider.

The piece of paper that Wang Mang handed over did not contain any outrageous deeds, but at least they were things that a human being could do - the problem was, there were too many of them!

So much so that I keep running around all my life without ever stopping.

It would be fine if you took out a few of them separately and put them on one person's head, but putting them all together and stacking them forcefully would only make people feel weird.

Anyone who has read for a few years will probably question the content.

If you embellish and polish everything, it will change the flavor.

"That's why we need you, Brother Gu, to review it. How do you think it should be written?"

Wang Mang asked.

Gu Dan thought carefully for a moment, and said calmly: "Don't create a fake natural saint. Even if it is helpful to promote virtue, the harm is endless. If you can whitewash Brother Mo this time, who can you whitewash next time? If you whitewash again and again, won't the Xia Dynasty be full of saints in the end? The thing on the paper is too fake, and it lacks soul and flesh and blood. It is more like an empty shell. For the sake of virtue, it's better not to have it."

Gu Dan did not want to paint Mo Qiu as white as possible and portray him as a real saint sent by God to save people from suffering.

Doing so would be a betrayal to Mo Qiu and even more so to the Mohist school.

Mo Qiu never said that he was a saint, nor did he ever want to be a saint.

He came from Yuzhou simply because he couldn't bear the suffering of the people he saw along the way.

Everything I do out of compassion is done in accordance with my heart and nature. There has never been any will from heaven, and I was not born to save people from suffering.

Just because he came and he saw it.

So, he had to do something.

That's all.

Forcibly elevating a person to the altar, and even ignoring facts for the sake of the altar, makes people feel not the mind and flesh and blood of a saint, but a hypocritical puppet, a statue worshipped by people.

The reason why a saint is a saint is that he stands up when everyone is helpless and powerless.

It's not because he was destined to stand up that he naturally became a saint.

The causal relationship here cannot be wrong.

As Gu Dan said, for the sake of virtue, for the sake of merit, it doesn't matter if you don't have it! There are hypocritical skins everywhere in this world, and those most sincere emotions and moral principles that stand up should not be whitewashed again.

"I see."

Wang Mang nodded. Since Qin Lisheng and Gu Dan disagreed, the contents of the paper would naturally be invalid. "Then tell the truth?"

"Tell the truth."

Gu Dan nodded.

"What about the death of Mozi and the surrender of the four nations?"

Wang Mang asked.

To be honest, the biggest problem is that when Gu Dan wants to separate himself, the surrender of the four countries must be credible, right? "The last thing can be given a mysterious color. In this way, people who can find something different will naturally notice something different, and may spontaneously pursue it and explore the secrets. In the end, he will find that everything Brother Mo did was true, but the ending was quite bizarre."

Gu Dan laughed. This was just a joke between him and future generations.

Anyway, those who should know will naturally know, and those who don’t know can also discover Mo Qiu’s own style and brilliance in the process of exploration.

That is the wealth he left to this era.

He still lives in a corner without leaving his name.

"good."

Wang Mang nodded immediately. Even if this choice would hinder his plan and take a few more years, being able to sit on the throne of the emperor was already a great blessing. How could he expect too much? "Now that we have enough officials and the land in various places has been investigated in recent years, we can start to reform taxes and corvee labor."

Wang Mang said seriously: "Before this, the Xia Dynasty still mostly relied on the old system of Dayue. In the past, there were not enough people and lack of experience in managing the country. For the sake of stability, the court did not do much. Starting from this year, I plan to send people to promote the morality of Mohism and advocate the virtues of Mozi. Take the words morality as the foundation of the world and educate the people. What do you think, Brother Gu?"

"I don't know much about state affairs, so don't ask me. As long as the people can live a better life, it will be a success."

This time, Gu Dan did not give his own opinion.

"I understand, I will do it well!"

Wang Mang nodded, and a burning light flashed in his eyes.

It is time for the world to hear the voice of the Xia Dynasty.

The mark that Dayue once left on this land will eventually fade away.

Sooner or later, people on this earth will remember that there is an Emperor Xia above. Even though he still has no sense of existence now, soon, stories about him will spread on this land.

Gu Dan watched Wang Mang leave, and stayed silently in front of the stone table, staring at the bright moon in the sky, feeling lonely and cold.

For three years, he practiced medicine everywhere.

I had many experiences during this period, but they were all unremarkable and there was nothing particularly worth mentioning.

However, there is still a long way to go to achieve the requirement of a lifespan of 50,000 years.

For the first time, Gu Dan felt that time was running out.

Everything is fading away.

And he remained where he was.

Years, years.

Longevity, longevity!

(End of this chapter)