Controlling mountains and rivers since the Warring States Period

Chapter 535 Ten Years of Yongping
The river continued to flow downhill.

They may blend into the world or drift into the sea.

And time, like the eastward flowing waters of the Central Plains, travels further and further.

The river still has an end to its flow.
The road beneath our feet still has its bends and loops.
But time, once gone, can never be returned.

"...It's really unexpected that Wang Jing has been recruited."

"That's good, so you won't have to keep following him around and wasting your breath and energy."

When the scorching summer sun hangs high, and the dog days of summer leave people drenched in sweat, their bottoms soaked with moisture...

He Bo met Wang Yanshi, who had a happy expression on his face.

After years of hard work, this koi fish, frog, and emergency food all rolled into one, finally, through the powerful hand of the Han Emperor, grabbed Wang Jing, who was wandering between home and distant lands, and instantly refined him—

In late spring and early summer,
The Minister of Works, who was in charge of water conservancy projects nationwide, presented the emperor with a report on his work over the years in dredging surrounding waterways and quelling floods.

The result did not please the emperor.

The emperor, who was extremely perceptive of the contents of documents and could analyze many issues from between the lines of countless memorials, raised questions about the hidden expenditure of money and grain.

more importantly,
The money has been spent.
The results, however, were mediocre.

This angered the emperor, who then intensified his scrutiny of officials at all levels.

Some officials under the Minister of Works, who were not often under the emperor's watchful eye because they were only responsible for water conservancy projects and city wall repairs, were found to have handled large amounts of money and grain through the convenience of these projects. As a result, their positions were vacated.

The emperor then made a request to the trembling Minister of Works, asking him to search for suitable talents.

then,

Wang Jing, who was well-known in Luoyang for his filial piety, was skilled in arithmetic and measurement, and had experience traveling around the country, was summoned to serve as an official by the Minister of Works with a decree.

Although the grade is not high
Living in a place like Luoyang, where all sorts of people mingle, one can only be a cautious and timid worker, afraid that while leading the civil engineering team under Sikong's command to lay mortar, a falling brick might hit some passing dignitary...

Compared to Wang Jing's father, who arrived in Luoyang with his wife and children in high spirits but died of illness before even being able to put on his official robes, this was still much better.

However, Wang Jing did not share his father's ambitions, and his enthusiasm for construction was far less than that of his predecessor, Wang Yanshi.

Besides, his grandmother is getting old and can no longer be cared for by her grandchildren. How can he devote his energy to other things?
But his grandmother said:
"I know why you don't want to be an official."

"But the imperial court's appointment has already been issued, and it cannot be refused."

Conscription,

It was a way for the imperial court to select talented people from among the common people.

And refused to be conscripted.
This was a common tactic used by some scholars to enhance their reputation and demonstrate their lofty and aloof attitude.

When Wang Jing's father was recruited as a powerful figure in Lelang County, he declined the offer several times before finally setting off to cross the sea.

But now,
Wang Jing, who grew up in Luoyang, was far from his hometown and had no powerful family to rely on.

The imperial court's control over Lelang County was also growing stronger, so why would it need to adopt a thirst for talent towards a group of scholars from remote areas of the eastern coast?

therefore,

The matter of "stepping on the face of the imperial court to gain fame for oneself"

This is not something that Wang Jing, a mere boy from a low-ranking aristocratic family, can touch.

"Besides, you've just taken office, so I doubt you'll be assigned any major tasks... Come to think of it, it'll probably just be to help the monks build temples in Luoyang."

The Buddhist tradition has been introduced to the Central Plains for many years.

Today,

The emperor also became somewhat curious about it, so he ordered a monk to be invited from Chang'an, and scriptures to be brought by white horses, and a temple to be built in Luoyang.

This is the most exciting thing this year.

After hearing about this, the elderly lady would often lean on her cane and go there with other old men and women to watch the dust fly.

The old man never expected that...

I will also have the opportunity to see my grandson dedicate his youth to this.

Wang Jing had no choice but to accept his grandmother's words of comfort and report to the Sikong Office, becoming a proud civil engineer.

Wang Yanshi even went to see him off that day.

Although he didn't get a single glance from Wang Jing, Wang Yanshi was still very happy.

"Are you so sure that he will live up to your expectations in the future?" He Bo asked Wang Yanshi.

Wang Yanshi said, "Wang Jing is a very sincere and earnest person."

“If a heavy burden is placed on his shoulders, even if he is unwilling, he will find a way to solve it.”

of course,

If Danzi doesn't actively seek him out, Wang Jing won't take the initiative to contact him either.

How many people in the world would have nothing better to do than add stress to themselves?

"His abilities are outstanding, and he has such a personality that it was foreseeable that he would attract the emperor's attention and be entrusted with important responsibilities."

The emperor was a very strict monarch who never relaxed his control over his officials.

Wang Jingruo worked under the Luoyang Sikong and achieved certain results, so how could he possibly escape his promotion?
Upon hearing this, He Bo sighed for Wang Jing's future, "Indeed, persuasion is no match for power."

The koi's lips are practically worn off from all the talking.
With a single order from the emperor, Wang Jing was sent off to obediently demonstrate his abilities.

Considering the many disputes in the world, the final result is often a violent punch.
This truth becomes all the more evident.

"It's the same in Xinxia."

He Bo recalled the changes in the Sui Dynasty over the past two years and couldn't help but smile, "The whip is still very effective."

After Sui Jian ascended the throne, he carried out reforms on the country according to his own ideas, with the assistance of ministers such as Dao Yan.

Within a few years, the new policy achieved good results.

The lazy people of Xinxia welcomed their scorching, resolute ruler, who was unafraid of the heat of heaven and earth. Under his long whip, they cried out that they would dedicate their strength to the country.

but,

Despite his continued interest in the Sui state, Shang Yang did not express approval of Sui Jian and Dao Yan, who inherited his ideals and even replicated his own experience with Duke Xiao of Qin in their relationship as ruler and minister.

He said:
"How useful is it to merely spur on the people?"

Even if it works temporarily, it won't last.

Either use innovative methods to allow the lower classes to gain sufficient benefits, enabling them to grow and strengthen, and join forces with the monarch to attack the corrupt and backward middle class who are in control.

Alternatively, one can treat everyone equally, using power to torment everyone except oneself, turning everyone into firecrackers.

"The reforms of the Sui state were too superficial, and the pressure exerted by the Qi state on the Sui state was not to the point where reform was absolutely necessary."

During the Warring States period, various states vied for supremacy.

Who will be my friend?
Who will be my enemy?
This can never be guaranteed.

To avoid being eliminated by competitors, every country has to fight tooth and nail.

Although the Qin state had the Western Regions as a backup plan at that time, the beautiful land of the Central Plains was right in front of them. Who would want to retreat to the Western Regions to live a life of hardship and suffering?

A nation that does not reform will become a resource for a nation that has reformed;
Countries that fail to innovate will be annexed by countries that innovate more thoroughly.

And what about the Sui Dynasty?

After the new emperor changed his policies, abandoning the original policy of inaction and idle talk and embarking on a radical and proactive path, there were still many powerful figures in Dening City who advocated "making up for the losses in the north by going south".

Because of their lineage, the State of Qi held an extremely fervent fascination with the "Zhu Xia" (the various Xia states).

He would never play the game of alliances and distant alliances with the useless Indians who are being driven further and further away from the coast by the new Xia people!

Furthermore, whether the Sindhu people, whose thought processes are always peculiar, can comprehend the wisdom of the Chinese is another question altogether.

“In this situation, the extent to which innovation can be advanced and how long it can be sustained are all things to consider.”

Lord Shang frowned, pointing and criticizing the reforms in the Sui Dynasty. King Wen of Xia and Emperor Taizu of Sui exchanged a glance and couldn't help but say, "The reforms have only just begun, and we're already considering their failure... Isn't that a bit harsh?"

Doing this might hurt the feelings of the participants!

Even in death, Shang Yang, known for his sharp tongue, glared at his juniors and said, "Only by constantly remembering the possibility of failure can one force oneself to stay true to one's original aspirations."

"Of all the things in the world, those that start well are more often than those that end well!"

"This very principle has proven true in the case of the Yan Kingdom. How can you be so complacent about a bright future that has yet to be realized!"

The more beautiful something is, the more radiant and otherworldly it is, the more severely and rapidly it is damaged by pollution and destruction.

Those who share similar ideals and aspirations will inevitably feel a touch of sadness upon witnessing this scene.

Shang Yang, who once helped the Qin state to subjugate the world, was naturally one of them.

of course,

The two sides have different positions, but they can both agree on the idea of ​​destroying the decaying old order and building a society that meets their own expectations.

Moreover, the fate of the Qin dynasty in the Central Plains...

What difference is there between the Yan state, which, after enjoying the legacy of Sun En, quickly exuded a rotten stench from within?

"In a place like Xinxia, ​​it's already quite good to be able to keep moving. There's no need to force yourself to develop a physique as strong as that of the Central Plains."

He Bo stepped forward and said, "Human will can accomplish many things, but ultimately it cannot defy the laws of nature!"

"You keep an eye on Xinxia every day, but sometimes you can also take a second look at Xihai."

"Didn't the situation there remind you of your experiences before you died?"

The former territory of Western Qin has been shattered into pieces.

Once its situation map was laid out, it was no less impressive than that of the many new-era feudal lords in the Western Regions who were enfeoffed after the death of Emperor Guangwu.

The former's palette is more diverse because it has gone from unity to fragmentation, from completeness to brokenness.

The latter's colorful palette is due to its early stages; the rain and sunshine in the west were sufficient for it to grow, and it had not yet developed to the point of annexing other countries, reorganizing the land, or starting wars.

Rome, which was also expanding into the lands inhabited by barbarian tribes such as the Celts and the Germans, helped reduce many unnecessary conflicts among the Xia states in the west, resulting in the close unity seen in the early Western Zhou Dynasty.

all in all,
West of the Caspian Sea, apart from the Roman Empire which was reaching its zenith, everywhere was teeming with life and all things flourishing.

"It's just a bunch of mad dogs fighting. If I wanted to see it, why don't I go find Liu Ji?" Shang Jun glanced at God and said coldly.

Compared to the Central Plains, which had been competitive for centuries, the Seven Warring States had already developed a set of "rules of annexation."

The "Warring States Period" in the Western Sea appeared even more barbaric and direct.

What is this about alliances and counter-alliances?
What is this "befriend distant states while attacking nearby ones" strategy?
What is the foundation of prosperity and strength?
The local warlords were too lazy to care about anything; they just kept killing!

Anyway, as long as we kill all the enemies inside and outside, we'll be fine!
Looking around, only some areas under the protection of the Taiping Dao possessed a rare peace and tranquility amidst the chaos of the times.

For this,

The Taoist priests also dreamed of sweeping across the Western Sea and restoring the kingdom.

After all, they are different from Xinxia's comrades. They have not experienced the various bizarre splits caused by these events, and they also have sufficient security in terms of military strength.

As for establishing a system for a country, it would be best to emulate the state of Yan and then adapt it to local conditions.

Unfortunately, the participants in the chaotic battle were too violent, and they had truly become addicted to building the Jingguan (a type of ancient Chinese structure).
Its moral standards are like those of the primordial chaos, before the distinction between good and evil was made, fluctuating wildly, which prevents the Taiping Dao, whose morality is always on a stable track, from acting freely.

Who can predict a madman's next move?

This made even the dead in the underworld too lazy to look at it, fearing that such a horrific scene would cause them mental pollution.

to be frank,
It was definitely not as interesting as squatting at the village entrance with Liu Laosan watching Dahuang fight.

The only ones who expressed deep concern about the current situation in Western Qin were naturally the numerous historians employed by the emperor.

Those fellows, carrying carving knives and brushes, and clutching blank books in their arms, were like cockroaches commonly found in Lingnan, sneaking around in the territories of each feudal lord, meticulously recording the people, events, feelings, and actions of them.

No one knows how many little secrets the historians uncovered.

"Right!"

"Then I'll go and have some fun in the State of Qi!"

"It has only been through three generations of monarchs and is at its most prosperous."

After all,

He Bo then turned and left, arriving at the State of Qi, west of the Xindu River.

Just landed,

He stumbled upon a group of historians arguing, which quickly escalated into a physical fight.

God did not disturb them, but simply stood by and watched quietly with his hands clasped together.

Until the clouds dispersed and the rain stopped,

After the historians lay together, panting and flushed,

He Bocai stepped forward to inquire about the reason.

The chief historian said, "We are debating whether the State of Qi can be considered the legitimate successor."

Few people question the lineage of the Qi Kingdom.

After all, the gods and spirits had seen many people from the Central Plains flee to the grasslands and become part of the Xiongnu people;

I also witnessed Zhaojun's departure for the border, migrating with two generations of Xiongnu chieftains between the north and south of the Gobi Desert.

But whether the State of Qi is worthy of ruling the land of Xinxia is another question.

The rivalry between Sui and Qi has not yet been settled.

With the resurgence of the Sui Dynasty, the situation between the two countries will only become more intense.

Who will win?
What will happen after we win?
When historians were recording the present moment, they couldn't help but mutter a few words.

As the Great Seekers of Mystery who belong directly to God
Unlike ordinary dead people, historians did not have the worry of running out of offerings.

Having witnessed many changes in the world and the ups and downs of the political situation,
Most historians also developed the habit of adding a couple of comments at the end of historical records, much like the political scholars of later generations.

With so many people engaging in political commentary, it's quite normal for arguments to arise.

"There is no problem with Qi being included among the Chinese states. However, its Xiongnu influence has not completely disappeared, and its clothing and customs are not entirely civilized. How can it replace Sui and become the master of the southern continent?"

The fervor of the Qi state's rulers and ministers towards assimilation was fervent,

But ordinary people still value the convenience of their lives more.

The soil and water around the Sindhu River were not suitable for them to wear fine clothes or possess the elegance of a gentleman.

In addition, the State of Qi occupied a key route on the southern Silk Road and implemented a policy of promoting national prosperity through commerce, which further motivated many people from Qi to travel to the Western Regions and the Central Plains to make a living.

This meant that the Hu clothing, which was relatively simpler than the wide robes and sleeves, was not optimized into the lifestyle of the people of Qi due to the monarch's efforts to Sinicize.

Moreover, the influence of culture cannot be erased overnight.
During the Spring and Autumn Period, the State of Song, a descendant of the Shang Dynasty, still regarded the "Mulberry Grove Dance" used in Shang Dynasty sacrifices as a state gift. This terrified the Duke of Jin, who was visiting the performance, so much so that his legs went weak and he could not walk. He could only lie on his chariot and be dragged back by his ministers...

What's more, what about the man from Qi who's still entangled with his brothers in the north?

This is a major reason why historians disliked the State of Qi for being inferior to the State of Sui.

"This kind of question is difficult to explain clearly."

"You bunch of dead people arguing back and forth, you might as well ask the living for their opinion."

After listening to the historians, He Bo was too lazy to bother trying to persuade the group of political commentators.

After all, this kind of thing,

Each side has its own reasons.

Just then, a group of merchants came along the road next to them, and he pointed to the young man at the head of the group and said.

(End of this chapter)