Controlling mountains and rivers since the Warring States Period

Chapter 483 The Second Year of Yuanshou
Why did the mighty Han Dynasty become like this?

On the shores of the East China Sea

Zhou Jian, who was preaching here, also voiced his doubts.

This wasn't the first time he'd asked that question.

When he traveled from Jiangbei and Henan all the way to Sichuan, he thought he had seen enough and thought deeply enough.

Who knew that when they arrived in Shandong and saw the local customs and people's lives, they would suddenly have a feeling that "I have never seen this scene before".

And similar problems,

The envoys they had just seen off, from the Eastern Kingdom of Qi, and from Xinxiang, Yinzhou, had also raised concerns with trepidation—

For the past few decades, the former has been busy with maritime affairs, often traveling south and west along the edge of the land to do business with the restored Sui state, and taking the time to compete with the Wu state, which blocked the Qi state's sea route, for sea routes and suppress this hateful competitor.

As for Xinxiang, there's no need to elaborate.

As the older generation of pioneers gradually passes away, a new generation of leaders emerges.
They also lost much of their sense of belonging to their homeland, which was separated by a vast sea. Many times, they only thought about cultivating the land of Yinzhou and neglected to communicate with the Central Plains.

Therefore,
The fact that these two countries still remember to send envoys across the sea shows their great loyalty.

unfortunately,

The burly man before them was no longer the same as when they last visited.

Fleeing refugees could be seen everywhere.
Those who have lost their desire for the mortal world also search for traces of ghosts and gods, hoping to be reborn in the next life or ascend to the land of ultimate bliss.

A group of heroes seized control of the mountains, rivers, and lakes, and, taking advantage of the terrain, launched a rebellion...

This caused the envoys from Qi and Xinxiang to feel inexplicably worried.

Perhaps after this audience with the emperor,

They won't be coming back for the next few decades.

Even if some ships still drift to shore, they will likely only be seen in the relatively stable south.

After all, Qi and Wu, the two "seafaring carriage drivers" of the Xia world, still needed to do business with major powers.

Fortunately, the Sui Dynasty did not encounter any problems.

"Otherwise, we don't know where this ship can safely dock."

"If the sea route is cut off, our country will also have a hard time."

The envoys from both countries, who knew nothing about the pursuit of the Way of Peace, were only impressed by the composure and detachment of these Taoist priests. When they parted ways with them, they touched their chests and expressed their heartfelt gratitude.

For this,

Sun Chong simply smiled and remained silent.

But right now,
However, he could not ignore his fellow Daoist Zhou Jian.

He remained silent for a while, then told him, "What has made the world what it is today is injustice and inequality."

"The Han Dynasty has such a vast territory, yet its population is only sixty million. Is it impossible for it to support its people?" he asked Zhou Jian in return.

Zhou Jian recalled the farmland he had seen and personally cultivated during his travels through many counties and shook his head, saying, "Judging by the harvest alone, the farmers can eat."

Countless dead ghosts are busy with farming underground.
And God himself personally nurtured superior seeds.

The agricultural technology of the Han Dynasty is actually quite advanced.

With the introduction of improved varieties from elsewhere, the emergence of more labor-saving and durable agricultural tools, and the fact that the population did not explode to the terrifying levels of later generations,

Given the traditionally simple and pragmatic nature of the Chinese gentry, even in the event of natural disasters, the situation could be alleviated simply by following the advice in Mencius: "When there is famine in Henan, move its people to Hedong and its grain to Henan. The same applies when there is famine in Hedong."

Sun Chong then asked, "With the Han Dynasty's military prowess flourishing, are there any barbarian tribes around it that dare to invade and cause it the same suffering as the Xia Dynasty?"

Zhou Jian scoffed, "Where in the world are there such ferocious barbarians?"

The Han Dynasty had already performed castration surgery on the four barbarian tribes around them!
Even in its decline, the Western Regions remained law-abiding, allowing Han caravans to pass through their territory; the Xiongnu even sent envoys to seek the attention of the Han Dynasty, hoping to renew the friendship between the two sides and request the emperor's reward.

"Then the result is obvious!"

Sun Chong smiled and said, "It's just four words—"

Humanity has been completely lost!

The so-called "human heart" is something that cannot be seen or touched.

Therefore,
It is often overlooked by meat-eaters.

However, the power of public sentiment is overwhelming and immense.

Therefore, Xunzi's "Wang Zhi" states: "The ruler is the boat; the common people are the water. Water can carry the boat, but water can also capsize it."

This is a very great statement.

Why would the Han Dynasty, with its vast lands, ample grain reserves, and powerful military that intimidated other nations, face popular resistance?

"They own land, but it doesn't belong to the people."

"There is grain, but there is no way to put it into a crude earthenware bowl."

"They have military force, but they use it to oppress unarmed civilians."

Zhou Jian also sighed, "Those who eat meat always want more, their desires are endless. Who is willing to selflessly sacrifice themselves and use their blood, flesh and tears to feed them?"

Having hereditary titles and fiefdoms was not enough; they also wanted to ensure that their wealth and status would continue for a longer period and that their land would be expanded more wildly.
Having a prominent status and a luxurious life is not enough; they also want to eat with ivory chopsticks and glass wine glasses, and adorn their bodies with gemstones to add an overflowing air of nobility.

Having immense power and influence was not enough for them; they also wanted the people to be like mindless flies, blindly following their commands and remaining forever silent, unable to utter a single sound that would displease the powerful.

Therefore, when the people face disaster...
They will only be delighted—

I am delighted that those bewildered and helpless people will rely on themselves more;
Being happy about the losses caused by natural disasters will make one's wealth even more abundant;
He was delighted that those hardships had not befallen him, allowing him to stand atop the mountain and mock the lowly people swept away by the flood.

This is why the dikes along the Yellow River have not been repaired for so long.
This is also why ghosts and spirits have reduced their influence on the human world.

It's unacceptable that those in power are sucking our blood.

Are there still ghosts and gods to protect them, allowing them to continue to exploit blood and tears and fatten their bodies?

"After the arrival of the Yellow Heaven era proclaimed by the Way of Peace, will such injustice still exist?"

Zhou Jian asked Sun Chong this question.

He thought this great and wise teacher would give him a positive answer and lead him to further accept the "revelation" and become a steadfast disciple of the Way of Peace.

Sun Chong shook his head, "I don't know."

"Because the world changes, but the human heart remains unchanged."

"Even in a future era where there are no more natural disasters and people can fly and escape into the earth with their own power, there will always be parasites clinging to the people."

"This is due to the inherent evil in human nature."

"This is also the reason why the Way of Peace spread out of the Sui Dynasty and to all directions."

Zhou Jian then asked, "Can educating people to recognize evil and do good resolve such problems?"

Sun Chong tilted his head, stroked his beard, and said, "I still don't know."

Xunzi said, "Human nature is inherently evil," which shows that this kind of thing is present from birth and is very difficult to eradicate.

"If reading more books and gaining more wisdom can rid us of malice and greed, then how could the officials in the palace who govern the world have made the Han Dynasty like this?"

Zhou Jian then sighed, “Hearing you say that, I’m afraid the world of equality and joy for all people will never come.”

Sun Chong opened his mouth, but Zhou Jian, who seemed to have anticipated this, cut him off, saying, "Don't tell me you still don't know!"

Sun Chong gave a casual smile.

Zhou Jian then touched his increasingly protruding belly as he aged and said to him, "Since you know nothing and have no expectations of humanity, why did you join the Way of Peace?"

more importantly,
He even managed to become a Great Teacher of Virtue!

Zhou Jian thought that the Taiping Dao was doomed sooner or later!
Sun Chong, who was also getting on in years, said, "Because we're idle, right?"

So idle that even knowing the ways of the world, one still can't help but think about and do them;
So idle that even knowing people's hearts are like water, always changing, one is still willing to lend a helping hand when someone cries out in pain, without thinking of anything in return.

"Just bored and want to cause trouble in the Han Dynasty?" Zhou Jian snorted.

“Yes!” Sun Chong readily agreed, not feeling at all that there was anything wrong with him, a man from Xinxia, ​​coming to the Central Plains to carry out a rebellion.

Anyway, all the gentlemen of the Xia people in this world came from the Central Plains. Now that they have come back, it is also a kind of "export to the domestic market"!

Subsequently,

With a rare moment of ease and smiles amidst the increasingly heavy and gloomy world, the two returned to the Taiping Dao's eastern headquarters.

Kong Guang also returned to his hometown and wanted to use his position as the head of the Kong family to implement a "land restriction order" in Qufu.

Kong Guang thought:
He couldn't outmaneuver the other powerful figures.

Qufu was actually the fiefdom of the Confucius family, known as the "Marquis of Baocheng".
He can always achieve his goals on his own turf!
result,

His attempt also met with opposition.

"If you want to be a sage, do you think the Confucius family, with so many mouths to feed, doesn't need to eat?" "Studying the classics is very energy-consuming and time-consuming."

"If we don't have enough land and enough tenants, will the fields grow their own food to fill your stomachs?"

Kong Guang said, "But it doesn't warrant possessing so much land..."

The other party confidently stated, "Confucius is the role model in the hearts of scholars all over the world, and the model that literate people pursued after the emperor exclusively promoted Confucianism!"

"How can we fulfill our purpose if we don't have enough things to decorate our door?"

Then Kong Guang burst into tears, "I know why the country has become like this!"

"If I can't even manage my own home, how can I possibly manage others' homes!"

I only hope that those who come after him can be more resolute, determined, and resourceful, and use a swift and decisive action to cut through this tangled mess that has lasted for two hundred years.

Kong Guang couldn't help but think of Wang Mang:
His disciple, who couldn't even tolerate his own child's mistakes, was praised by many.

Is it possible to do this?

……

Wang Mang, who was in Xindu, had no idea what his teacher was thinking.

He silently opened a letter from Chang'an, then took a deep breath and revealed a long-lost smile.

The letter, written by the Empress Dowager Wang, stated—

The emperor is failing!
She was asking the emperor to reinstate him and instructing Wang Mang to prepare for the enthronement of a new emperor.

"This is my chance!"

Wang Mang thought to himself, "What I've been longing for, I can finally hold completely in my grasp!"

He packed his letters, summoned his servants to prepare for the move back to Chang'an, and casually asked:
"How has the lady been lately?"

The servant said, "The lady still doesn't want to see outsiders, and the eldest son has requested to move into her courtyard to take care of her."

Wang Mang agreed to the matter, only instructing his servant, "Watch out for your wife's words and actions!"

He needs a dutiful son and a sensible wife.

such,

Only then can it be better proven that he is a sage who can educate others.

In Chang'an,

The weakened emperor said helplessly to Dong Xian, "I didn't even live to see the end of the previous emperor's life. It's a real pity that I haven't accomplished anything since I ascended the throne."

"What I regret even more is that I couldn't protect you!"

Dong Xian wept beside him, saying, "I pray to the gods and spirits day and night, and I am willing to give my life to help His Majesty recover."

Please don't be so discouraged.

The emperor shook his head with difficulty and said, "If praying to Heaven were effective, then Emperor Cheng wouldn't be troubled by the continuous natural disasters."

He then took Dong Xian's hand and told him, "Don't worry!"

"I have already agreed to the Empress Dowager's request to reinstate Wang Mang and appoint him as Grand Marshal and General-in-Chief in exchange for your safety."

"Your wealth and status can continue."

"I will wait for our reunion in the underworld."

Dong Xian cried even more bitterly, "What's the point of me living without His Majesty?"

"How could I bear to let you wait in the cold underground?"

Upon hearing his words, the emperor also began to weep, his face growing increasingly pale and weak.

That night,

The young emperor died.
The death knell tolled once again in the palace.

Dong Xian was not permitted to attend the emperor's funeral.

Because of her superior physical condition, Wang Zhengjun successfully outlasted her opponent and had the last laugh. She vehemently refused Dong Xian's request for an audience.
"I find guys who use their looks to please others annoying!"

"The emperor's funeral is of utmost importance; how can we allow him to defile it!"

then,

Dong Xian could only return dejectedly to the luxurious mansion that the emperor had ordered to be built, bid farewell to his family, and then commit suicide.

Wang Zhengjun did not care about his fate.

She was simply pleased to be ruling from behind the curtain again and to be concerned about the selection of the next emperor.

"The country is currently very unstable and needs an older monarch to steer it in the right direction."

One of the ministers made this suggestion, and it gained the approval of many people.

However, Wang Mang offered a different opinion: "The throne is passed down through bloodline. Since Emperor Ai had no heir, it was natural that a prince who was close to him and of equal seniority should succeed him."

"This issue was already discussed by the court officials during the reign of Emperor Cheng."

Empress Wang Zhengjun also hoped that Emperor Cheng's lineage could be continued so that she, as an elder of the royal family, could receive support in accordance with the rites and rites.

Even if it's through re-adoption.

of course,

Having learned from Empress Dowager Fu's experience, Empress Wang Zhengjun naturally paid close attention to the kinship of the successor.

If another "Fu Shi" with a fiery temper and a penchant for seizing power were to appear, even if Wang Zhengjun was in good health, she would be driven to her death by her temper.

Fortunately, Wang Mang said:
There's no need to worry like that.

"All we need to do is support a new emperor."

"As for his family, what's wrong with letting them stay in their fiefdoms as empress dowagers or concubines?"

Anyway, it's already been adopted.
According to etiquette,

The new ruler has no relation to the feudal lords!

Actually,
If it weren't for Empress Dowager Fu's relentless pursuit, her skillful use of connections, and her tight grip on her grandson, she wouldn't have followed Emperor Ai to Chang'an back then.

"Well!"

"Then we'll do it your way!"

Wang Zhengjun heeded Wang Mang's advice and entrusted the matter of selecting a new ruler to her nephew, saying, "I trust you to handle things!"

Wang Mang gave a reassuring smile, indicating that he would never disappoint his aunt's expectations.

then,

Under his careful selection, the eight-year-old Prince Liu Kan of Zhongshan was enthroned as the new emperor.

The envoy, carrying the emperor's regalia, came to Zhongshan and requested that he board the carriage and travel to Chang'an.

Liu Kan tugged at his mother Wei Ji's sleeve and said, "I want to take my mother with me to Chang'an!"

The messenger said, "This is not permitted."

Liu Kan angrily replied, "When the late emperor went to Chang'an to select a new emperor, he brought his grandmother with him. Why can't I bring my mother?"

The messenger did not answer.

Despite his young age, Liu Kan, who was quite knowledgeable about human affairs, said, "This must be because someone has slandered me and has ill intentions towards me!"

The messenger could only warn him, "Don't say such things!"

Liu Kan wouldn't listen and held onto her mother's sleeve, refusing to let go.

But how could the envoy abandon the order he had received from Wang Mang?
So he had his men stop the guards of the King of Zhongshan, separated the mother and son, and then carried Liu Kan onto the emperor's carriage himself.

A canopy,
Liu Kan, crying out for his mother, was taken to Chang'an.

He reluctantly put on the emperor's crown and then wanted to exercise his power to find his mother.

Wang Mang then declared righteously, "How can an eight-year-old child govern the world?"

"We should seek the opinion of the Empress Dowager!"

Wang Zhengjun did not change her nature; just as Emperor Cheng relied on his elder brothers, she relied on her nephew Wang Mang.

She said directly, "I am just a woman, I don't know how to govern a country, I leave everything to the Marquis of Xindu!"

then,

The young emperor's request was put aside.
Wang Mang replaced him and took charge of the affairs of the country.

(End of this chapter)