Historical records indicate that even when faced with death, Wang Gui did not betray Yue Fei, despite having once been nearly executed by him, which speaks volumes about his loyalty.
However, later on, due to some private matter that Qin Kui had leverage over, Wang Gui chose to remain silent and feigned illness when Yue Fei was framed. The nature of this private matter remains unknown to outsiders, but it must have been something far worse than death itself.
In summary, Wang Gui was indeed loyal to Yue Fei. The fact that both Yue Fei and the Yue Family Army accepted him now signifies that any past mistakes have been forgiven.
Naturally, outsiders cannot judge him for this. Moreover, Qin Kui, the notorious traitor, still has a positive historical evaluation, while Wang Gui is merely a general.
Since history cannot provide definitive proof, we can assess the situation through a modern lens.
In fact, based on speculation from the past three or four years, Wang Gui may have contributed more than he is credited for.
It is important to note that throughout history there have been countless armies, many of which are well-known, but very few have persisted into the present day. For instance, the army of the Overlord has only the Twelve Fierce Warriors remaining in this era. Furthermore, an army of ten thousand is exceedingly rare.
Thus, in recent years, speculation among the people of Huaxia suggests that Wang Gui has been operating behind the scenes to allow the Yue Family Army to re-emerge.
However, the true circumstances may only be known within the ranks of the Yue Family Army; outsiders can only speculate. Since the Yue Family Army has accepted Wang Gui, outsiders have no right to question further.
Wang Gui sought the title of Grand General of the Northern Defense from Lian Yun, likely with intentions of expanding territory all the way to northern Huaxia and being the first to welcome Mu Shuai's return.
Lian Yun naturally granted this request.
As for Yue Yun, he was recognized as the Victorious General.
With a six-month term completed and Cloud Nation stabilized, efforts were made to gather information about the entire state of Huaxia.
As various pieces of information converged, it became clear that Huaxia had essentially been divided into around twenty regions, each forming its own nation.
Yet above these twenty nations stood a place of transcendent status—the Hundred Schools of Thought.
Outside the capital, near Divine Sword Mountain, the Eastern Family and the Han Family took the lead, supported by various clans such as the Yuan Clan and many scholars and students from Alliance Academy, establishing the Hundred Schools of Thought.
The initial disciples of the academy were primarily from various families and commoners. However, after an announcement was made, it allowed countries to send their royalty and citizens to study there.
The main purpose of this so-called learning was still to recruit talented individuals.
Regardless of which country the disciples chose to serve, whether they lived or died, the academy only focused on education and did not favor any particular faction.
Such neutrality gained widespread recognition.
During this chaotic era, Han Clan Disciples were naturally valued by over twenty nations, who eagerly sent representatives. Some offered generous rewards, while others promised significant power, all hoping to gain the allegiance of Han Clan Disciples.
For this reason, Zhou Tong felt deeply pained because all one hundred disciples from the Han Clan had followed the Lin Clan to Yin Yang City.
Zhou Tong regretted not retaining some Han Clan Disciples; even if he had kept just a few, it would have been better than none. With more strategists, Cloud Nation's national strength could have multiplied.
Once, it was about having more generals like Han Xin; now it was about having more Han Clan Disciples.
However, Lian Yun was dictatorial this time, declaring that only one disciple from Hundred Schools Academy would be accepted. Zhou Tong initially opposed this vehemently. It should be noted that elite disciples from the Han Clan were essentially capable of becoming Star Lords; naturally, having more of them would be beneficial.
After three days of consideration, Zhou Tong ultimately agreed with Lian Yun's decision but insisted on personally going to Hundred Schools of Thought to select someone. However, Lian Yun prevented him from doing so.
Firstly, Cloud Nation still had many affairs that required Zhou Tong's attention. Secondly, Lian Yun had his own ideas.
Although Zhou Tong did not know what Lian Yun was thinking, since only one person would be chosen, it essentially meant that the incoming individual would be a key minister of the nation. In this regard, Zhou Tong respected Lian Yun's decision.
It should be understood that if all key ministers were chosen by Zhou Tong himself, it would imply that he was overstepping his authority and could be seen as undermining the ruler or even harboring treasonous intentions.
Afterward, Lian Yun dispatched a person to the Hundred Schools Academy to deliver a message consisting of only three words: "Nation," "Ruler."
These three words puzzled many, not only the disciples of the Hundred Schools Academy but also the envoys from over twenty nations, who were left confused about the true intentions of the Cloud Emperor.
However, within the Hundred Schools Academy, there was a Han Clan Disciple who was quite revered. He rose from his meditation and, unbeknownst to anyone, paid a visit to his ancestor, Han Xin.
Han Xin and Dongfang Su were sitting in a dimly lit room, enjoying their leisurely days. Upon seeing a refined young man in his mid-twenties enter, Dongfang Su teased, "Old Han, it seems you can't help but be so stubborn!"
Han Xin appeared accustomed to this and chose to ignore him. Instead, he turned to the newcomer and asked, "Have you made your decision?"
The visitor nodded.
"Why did you not choose earlier? With your abilities, you should have been able to save his parents back then."
"I was inexperienced at that time and did not see the Emperor's potential in him."
"You are wrong—Radiant Offspring, you are mistaken!" Dongfang Su shook his head vigorously.
"Please teach me, Ancestor!" The visitor bowed deeply.
"Regardless of whether the world is good or bad, times are progressing. The era of dynasties has become history and should not be repeated. Just as we ourselves are dead, we should not live in today's world. Even if a Dynasty is established, history will repeat itself; it is not a long-term solution."
Dongfang Su's words seemed somewhat disconnected, yet the visitor showed signs of deep contemplation.
Han Xin added, "This means that in today's world, no one should possess the stature of an Emperor."
The visitor furrowed his brows in thought, unable to comprehend fully.
"Still unable to comprehend?" Han Xin said sternly. "If you can't figure it out, then stay in the mountains. Otherwise, you'll only bring disaster upon yourself and others in the future."
The visitor trembled at his words and couldn't help but bow deeply. "Thank you, Ancestors, for your guidance. I truly lack skill in my studies and will continue to learn here in the mountains, refraining from venturing out for now."
"Ah, since you've come to an understanding, then go down the mountain! Time waits for no one! If you linger any longer, this era will have no place for you to make your mark," Dongfang Su exclaimed, slapping his thigh in frustration.
"Your Majesty, what are your thoughts?" Han Xin's expression turned cold as he expressed his dissatisfaction with the visitor's demeanor.
The visitor bowed again in apology and spoke candidly. "I initially believed that a land belongs to its ruler. The ruler is above all others."
"Thanks to your guidance, Ancestors, I now realize that a nation is built upon its people and land. Without people, there can be no nation."
Han Xin suddenly pointed upward and asked, "Where is the universe? Is there anyone there?"
"We are within the universe, and there are indeed people," the visitor replied respectfully.
"Go then! If you can learn everything without stepping outside, what use is this place? Reading thousands of books cannot compare to traveling thousands of miles. Seek understanding along your journey."
"I am grateful for your teachings. I take my leave now."
(End of Chapter)
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