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墨書 Inktalez
In just over ten days, it will be the Mid-Autumn Festival in August, a day for family reunions. During this time, even those who are far away will try their best to return home for the gathering.
For Luzi, who has no home, he has long been accustomed to seeing the world as his home. No matter where he goes, as long as he stays somewhere, it feels like home. He did not return to the Qin State but instead took a detour to the Qi State, where he could feel a sense of peace.
After experiencing a once-in-a-century darkness in China, the dawn of peace is about to rise. Faced with the darkest moment before dawn, some have already begun to consider how to welcome the arrival of light. The rites and music that once made people proud have now disappeared. The establishment of these rites and music was the result of generations of collective effort and hard work. Yet, the collapse of these traditions can occur in just one generation.
As someone who emphasizes governance through Confucianism, Luzi once considered replacing Legalism with Confucianism to govern the Qin State. In his view, the somewhat excessive Legalism could only exist in chaotic times, while governing with the more humble Confucian approach was a major trend.
The use of harsh laws in chaotic times has its origins. This is also an inevitable result of Legalism's existence; restoring lost traditions to normal levels is hard to imagine without strong regulations.
Pragmatic Luzi ultimately abandoned his plan to directly replace Legalism after careful consideration. This decision is only temporary because he currently lacks the ability to accomplish such a task.
When he initially sought approval from King Qin for this plan, Luzi did extensive preparatory work. This is also why he has been particularly focused on Qi State; he hopes to restore lost civilization through Confucian cultural thought. Rebuilding Jixia Academy is part of this overall search plan.
Since the future world belongs to Qin, national prosperity and strength will be an unparalleled achievement for the Qin Royal Family. The premise for good governance is first to restore traditional customs among the people. With these traditions in place, people will have faith and respect. Losing this foundation equates to losing one's roots; thus, governance becomes nothing more than an empty structure. The aim of reviving traditional culture is to solidify the foundation of the state.
To unify the world, sufficient military reserves are necessary; however, Qin State's financial deficit due to its militaristic tendencies is unimaginable. Now, allocating large amounts of silver coins for spiritual development in other states poses significant challenges.
Yet King Zhao of Qin truly exemplifies a model emperor; after carefully listening to Luzi's report, he immediately approved the plan to rebuild Jixia Academy. As for funding? It's simple! Just call upon all citizens to tighten their belts!
This is a significant matter that benefits the state; how could it not be taken seriously? What Luzi did not expect was that everything was ready except for a favorable wind!
Unaware of the deeper implications, Prime Minister Housheng of Qi opposed the proposal for Qi State to rebuild Jixia Academy upon learning about it and immediately rushed to Qi King's Palace to persuade his brother-in-law Tian Fazhang.
Qi State has just experienced internal turmoil and is in dire need of rebuilding. Why would anyone invest in ideas when there are more pressing matters at hand? Can ideas fill our stomachs or make Qi State strong? Moreover, Prosperity Record has been putting in both money and effort for this cause. As the King Qi, it would be embarrassing not to show support.
Before the internal strife, the national treasury still had a considerable amount of gold reserves. However, after the turmoil ended, these reserves have gone missing. Tian Fazhang, who fled to Ju State to escape the war, had to rely on his wife selling her jewelry to fund his return home, which was a pitiful situation.
Additionally, most tax revenues are being used to restore the country's infrastructure, which is an urgent priority. It is clear that King Qi does not have much funding available. If he were to spend on other matters, he would truly be left with nothing.
Upon learning that the reconstruction plan was stalled, Luzi had to personally visit the Qi King's Palace amidst his busy schedule to persuade King Qi. To save face for King Qi, Luzi immediately offered to privately allocate part of the construction funds under Tian Fazhang's name for investment. Furthermore, Prosperity Record is willing to renovate the Qi King's Palace.
Seeing Luzi's determination, Tian Fazhang was deeply moved and quickly agreed to officially initiate the reconstruction of Jixia Academy. As for the renovation of the Qi King's Palace, he decided not to trouble Prosperity Record any further. He also stated that the funds allocated for rebuilding Jixia Academy would be temporarily borrowed under the name of King Qi, with a written agreement to repay it later.
As Luzi was about to leave the Qi King's Palace with a satisfactory response, Tian Fazhang sent someone to inform him that he hoped Luzi could discuss this matter with Chancellor Housheng. Such significant matters in the capital should certainly be known by a prominent chancellor.
Listening attentively, Luzi then realized that it was actually Housheng who was secretly obstructing this matter. To solidify this issue, he decided to visit Tian Fazhang's wife, the Queen, even though he initially did not plan to involve her. After receiving strong support from the Queen, he hurried over to the Prime Minister's Residence.
Through the eloquent words of the capable Queen, Luzi finally understood that Housheng never considered himself a part of the people of Qi State. In the eyes of this former chancellor who could be seen as an outsider, matters concerning Central Plains people were irrelevant to him.
With a clear purpose, Luzi approached this Prime Minister of Qi without hesitation and directly presented a well-reasoned argument.
China is our mother; she embraces everyone. No matter who you are or what ethnicity you belong to, as long as you are willing to embrace her, you should no longer see yourself as an outsider.
We are all her children; there is no distinction among us in familial bonds. In a child's eyes, a mother is always the greatest and most beautiful woman in the world. Her charm lies precisely in her traditions.
A person, a nation, or even a country loses its soul without tradition. Therefore, as descendants of Huaxia, we have both the responsibility and obligation to preserve and promote our traditions.
Rituals have collapsed and music has deteriorated, but this is not truly frightening. The decline of societal morals and the loss of ancient values are also not terrifying. Starting from myself and taking action, I believe that what has been lost will gradually be restored. What is truly frightening is that as descendants of the Huaxia, we are willing to witness the collapse of rituals and music, and we even rush towards it eagerly!
This time, I, from Qi State, am preparing to rebuild Jixia Academy, which is actually a declaration to all Common People of our unwavering commitment to realizing this ideal! We want the world to witness whether this generation has the ability to restore the traditions we once lost!
Perhaps accomplishing this task will not be easy; it is precisely because it is difficult that we need someone to persist!
Sitting at the table, Housheng looked at the Bamboo Slip in his hand and then at Luzi, who was standing in the hall speaking with righteous indignation. In the past, he had grabbed Luzi's arm and said, "Was it that blind fool who angered our Shopkeeper Lu!? Don't worry! If anyone dares to criticize the rebuilding of Jixia Academy again, I will take care of him!"
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