The Golden Family, rising from the Western Regions

Chapter 397 After the Hunt, a Discussion on the World: A Domineering Dialogue on Rule
On the grassland outside Yinshan City, the sky is vast and the fields are boundless. A gentle breeze blows, and the grass undulates. In the distance, you can occasionally see a few cattle and sheep grazing with their heads down, which is a magnificent scene of "the wind blowing the grass low to reveal cattle and sheep".

However, this peaceful grassland was now shrouded in a chilling atmosphere.

Golden sun and moon battle banners fluttered in the wind, and a large contingent of Wuwei Army cavalry stood in formation, their armor gleaming coldly, their spears pointing diagonally to the sky, completely sealing off the grassland. Clearly, an important figure was active here.

Qiu Chuji, dressed in a Taoist robe, walked slowly with two or three disciples, including Yin Zhiping, escorted by a troop of Wuwei Army cavalry.

Most of his disciples had been arranged to rest in distant tents, and he only brought his personal disciples with him this time.

Looking at the vast grassland before him, with the occasional roar of galloping cavalry echoing in the distance, Qiu Chuji couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion and whispered to Yin Zhiping beside him.

"The military might of the Qin state is indeed well-deserved."

"With such momentum and such a grand scale, its rise is unstoppable."

Yin Zhiping nodded in agreement: "Master is absolutely right. Along the way, we have seen the people of the northern frontier living in peace and contentment, and the army being extremely brave. It seems that Prince Qin, Li Xiao, is indeed extraordinary."

Qiu Chuji stroked his beard, looked at the distant battle flags, and said solemnly, "Judging from this scene, the Mandate of Heaven belongs to Qin."

"In this chaotic world, the one who can unify the world is probably none other than King Li Xiao of Qin."

As they spoke, the group had already arrived deep into the grassland.

From afar, a deafening roar could be heard.

"Ho ho ho ho~"

"Ho ho ho~"

The sound was full of wildness and power, like a group of wild beasts breaking free of their restraints and venting their fury on the grassland.

Upon closer inspection, it became clear that it was a cavalry unit on a hunt.

Knights rode their warhorses, bows and arrows in hand, galloping and chasing each other across the grasslands.

The startled hares and deer scattered in all directions, and arrows occasionally shot through the air, hitting their targets accurately, drawing cheers from the crowd.

Leading the charge was a tall man wearing dark gold dragon-patterned cloth armor, none other than Li Xiao.

He rode a strong, jet-black warhorse, with a child in his arms; it was Xiao Xuance.

Xiao Xuance gripped Li Xiao's arm tightly with both hands, his little face full of excitement, shouting, "Uncle, faster, shoot that one, shoot that deer!"

Li Xiao smiled, adjusted his posture, handed the bow and arrow to Xiao Xuance, and taught him how to aim: "Watch carefully, Xuance, draw the bow fully, aim at the deer's vital points... and release."

With a "whoosh," the arrow pierced the air and accurately struck a running wild deer ahead.

The wild deer staggered a few steps and fell to the ground.

Xiao Xuance clapped his hands excitedly and laughed: "I hit it! I hit it! Uncle, I hit it!"

Under the shade of a tree not far away, Shulu Wujin sat on a cushion, hot tea brewing on a fire stand beside her, and delicate pastries laid out on a stone table.

She held a palm-leaf fan in her hand, gently fanning herself, her gaze tenderly fixed on the direction of the hunt, her eyes filled with happiness and love.

When she saw a group of military guards leading several Taoist priests approaching, she understood what was going on.

Li Xiao had previously informed her that she would be meeting an old Taoist priest named Qiu Chuji today, a man with extremely high prestige in the Central Plains.

Shu Lu Wujin quickly stood up, straightened his clothes, and strode forward, asking with a smile, "Is the visitor the Immortal Elder Qiu?"

Seeing her elegant attire and gentle demeanor, Qiu Chuji quickly bowed and said, "I dare not accept the title of 'Old Immortal.' Qiu Chuji, a man from the mountains, greets Madam."

He initially thought the woman in front of him was Li Xiao's concubine and didn't think much of it.

The military captain standing nearby introduced, "Master Qiu, this is Princess Xiao."

"Princess Xiao?" Qiu Chuji was stunned, his head full of question marks.

He had just arrived at Yinshan and was not very familiar with the internal situation of the Qin state, so he didn't know how to address him for a while.

But knowing that too much talk leads to mistakes, he stopped asking questions and instead exchanged pleasantries with Shulu Wujin: "So it is Princess Xiao. I have been impolite."

Shulu Wujin smiled and waved his hand: "Daoist Qiu, there's no need for such formality. The King is currently hunting, and I have already sent someone to inform him. He should be back soon."

"Please sit down, Taoist priest, and have a cup of hot tea to rest your feet."

As she spoke, she led Qiu Chuji and his party to seats under the shade of a tree and personally poured them hot tea.

They then chatted about the scenery of the grasslands, occasionally asking about the lives of people in northern Xinjiang, and the atmosphere gradually became harmonious.

Not long after, the sound of horses' hooves came from afar, and Li Xiao returned with his hunting warriors.

He dismounted swiftly and cleanly, still carrying the heat and wildness of the hunt. Upon seeing Qiu Chuji, he immediately burst into laughter: "Hahaha, is that the old immortal Qiu? You must have had a long journey."

Xiao Xuance jumped off his horse and ran to Shulu Wujin's arms, shouting, "Mother, Mother, I just shot a deer! My uncle even praised me for being good!"

Shu Lu Wu Jin smiled, picked up the water glass, and handed it to him, watching him gulp down the water with eyes full of doting affection.

Qiu Chuji quickly stood up and bowed, saying, "Qiu Chuji, a man from the mountains, pays his respects to Your Majesty."

He secretly observed Li Xiao, who was tall and imposing with a resolute face and sharp, eagle-like eyes. He exuded an invisible majesty and seemed to have the air of an emperor.

"He is indeed the man destined by Heaven," Qiu Chuji thought to himself.

Li Xiao stepped forward and gently helped him to his feet: "Master Qiu, there's no need for such formalities. Please have a seat."

Not far away, several military commanders were huddled together, whispering amongst themselves.

A bearded general curled his lip and said, "This old Taoist priest has quite the airs, making the king wait for him personally."

A young general standing nearby laughed and said, "What do you know? I've heard that this old Taoist priest is very famous in the Central Plains, and many people believe in him."

"But to be honest, this old Taoist looks quite old, but he's in good health. If I could live to his age and still be in such good health, I would be content."

"Why?" another general asked curiously.

The young general chuckled and lowered his voice: "At least I can have thirty wives like Wang Erniu!"

Upon hearing this, the generals burst into laughter.

Hearing the laughter from afar, Li Xiao was not annoyed. He simply smiled and said to Qiu Chuji, "Please forgive my laughter, Daoist. My generals are all rough men who speak without restraint."

Qiu Chuji quickly waved his hand: "Your Majesty is joking. The soldiers are of a cheerful and forthright character, which is a sign of the prosperity of Qin."

The two smiled at each other and sat down around the copper stove where milk tea was being brewed to chat.

In the distance, soldiers of the Wuwei Army were packing up their hunted prey, while Xiao Xuance was fiddling with the deer bones he had just captured next to Shulu Wujin—a scene of vibrant life.

"Master, you have come from afar from the Central Plains and are very knowledgeable," Li Xiao chuckled, his calm gaze fixed on Qiu Chuji.

"The world is now divided into four parts. The Jurchens occupy the fertile land of the Central Plains, yet they mistreat the people. The Song people in the south live in a corner of the country, only knowing how to survive. The kingdoms in the Western Regions are fighting each other, and the people are living in misery."

"I raised an army in the northern frontier only to quell this chaos and ensure that the people of the world have food to eat and clothes to wear."

"It's easy to conquer the world, but difficult to govern it."

"In this chaotic world, what method should be used to quickly stabilize the four directions and bring peace to the world?"

"Daoist Master, do you have any teachings for me?"

This question was direct and without any formality, just like a hawk swooping down on its prey, heading straight for the vital point.

Qiu Chuji put down his teacup, stroked his white beard that hung down to his chest, and a hint of approval flashed in his eyes.

Although this King of Qin rose to power through military force, he was not obsessed with killing and instead cared about "stability," which was quite remarkable.

He pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Your Majesty possesses great talent and ambition, having swept across the northern frontier and pacified the western regions, and is already poised for unification."

"But I believe that 'martial arts' can conquer the world, while 'benevolent governance' can safeguard it."

"In the past, both Tang of Shang and Wu of Zhou won over distant lands with their benevolence and virtue, which is why they were able to pass on their kingdoms for hundreds of years."

"The people are suffering greatly from the war. If Your Majesty can reduce the killing, lighten the taxes and corvée, allow the refugees to return to their fields, and provide for the elderly and children, the people of the world will naturally turn to Qin."

Upon hearing this, Li Xiao paused slightly, then smiled, picked up the short knife at his waist, and gently poked at the charcoal fire in the bronze stove.

"I understand what you mean, Daoist, but you seem to have forgotten that the Jin dogs have ravaged the Central Plains for a century, killing my compatriots and seizing my land. If we don't confront them with our swords, how can they possibly relinquish the Central Plains?"

"Although the Song people are weak, they are subservient to foreign tribes, but they are aggressive towards our Chinese people. If I stop the war, they will only take the opportunity to grow stronger, and there will be another war in the future."

"I am not a bloodthirsty person, but in this chaotic world, there are wolves all around. If you don't kill them, they will eat you."

He pointed to the flock of sheep in the distance, his voice deepening: "Look at that flock of sheep. If they weren't guarded by hunting dogs, they would be devoured by wolves in less than three days."

“The people of this world are sheep; the Jin, Song, and Western Region countries are wolves.”

"My iron cavalry are like hunting dogs. If the hunting dogs don't have sharp claws and teeth, how can the sheep graze peacefully?"

Qiu Chuji remained silent.

Having traveled throughout the Central Plains and witnessed the brutality of the Jin Dynasty and the corruption of the Song court, he naturally knew that what Li Xiao said was true.

But he still did not want to see bloodshed, and added, "What Your Majesty said is also true."

"But I implore Your Majesty, after conquering the city, please kill fewer surrendered soldiers and harass fewer people."

"In the past, Bai Qi massacred 400,000 Zhao soldiers. Although he gained temporary advantage, he lost the hearts of the people. In the end, although the Qin state was strong, it perished after only two generations. I hope Your Majesty will take this as a warning."

"Rest assured, Daoist Master."

Li Xiao put down his short sword and spoke solemnly: "Although I use martial arts, I have three rules for not killing: I will not kill surrendered soldiers, I will not kill women, and I will not kill artisans." "When I conquered most of Guanzhong, I let the surrendered soldiers choose: those who wished to join the army were enlisted, and those who wished to return to farming were registered in the Qin state and given farmland."

"Now, many of those surrendered soldiers have become the backbone of our Qin army."

"As for the common people, I have implemented the 'land allocation based on population' policy in the northern frontier, ensuring that every household has land to cultivate and food to eat. I believe you have heard of this, Daoist."

Qiu Chuji was naturally familiar with Qin's land policy and had conducted in-depth research on it, concluding that "the gentry should be punished to benefit the people."

Along the way, I saw people working in the fields within the Qin territory. Although their faces were weathered, they showed no signs of hunger or cold, which further proved the correctness of the Qin's land policy.

He rose and bowed to Li Xiao, saying, "Your Majesty's benevolence is truly a blessing for all the people of the world."

"If Your Majesty can always uphold this promise, you will surely become a wise and benevolent ruler for all time once you unify the world."

Li Xiao smiled and raised his hand in a gesture of support: "You flatter me, Daoist Master."

"What I seek is nothing more than to end the war in the world and to ensure that my descendants will no longer suffer the pain of displacement."

The milk tea in the bronze stove had been refilled twice. Shu Lu Wu Jin led Xiao Xuance to the side to prepare the game, leaving only Li Xiao, Qiu Chuji, and a few personal guards to stand watch.

Qiu Chuji held the warm teacup, thinking about the topic of "immortality" that Li Xiao had mentioned earlier. Since ancient times, emperors have all longed for longevity, and even if Li Xiao had the world in his heart, he would probably find it hard to resist this temptation.

He was pondering how to further explain the "way of health preservation" when Li Xiao spoke first.

"The Taoist priest just said that 'longevity lies in the human heart,' and I wholeheartedly agree."

Li Xiao lightly tapped the ceramic bowl with his fingertips, gazing at the darkening sky in the distance, his tone sincere.

"It is not that I do not love my kingdom, but I know that there is no one in this world who can live forever."

"Qin Shi Huang sought elixirs of immortality, and Emperor Wu of Han refined golden pills; in the end, didn't they all turn into a handful of dust?"

"The people of the world yearn for stability, and they yearn for someone to protect them for a lifetime, rather than for a monarch to rely on the illusory 'immortality' and neglect the important affairs of governing the country."

He turned to look at Qiu Chuji, his eyes filled with determination: "If one neglects state affairs and mistreats the people in pursuit of immortality, even if one can live for a hundred years, one will only be condemned for eternity. I disdain such 'immortality'."

"In my opinion, true 'immortality' is never about physical immortality, but about engraving one's achievements in the hearts of the people, so that the stability of the Great Qin can be passed down to future generations. This is 'immortality' that is more precious than any elixir of immortality."

Upon hearing this, Qiu Chuji's teacup trembled slightly. He then rose and bowed deeply to Li Xiao, saying, "Your Majesty's vision is truly a blessing to the world."

"I originally thought that even if Your Majesty was not obsessed with immortality, you would at least ask about the art of longevity. I never expected Your Majesty to have such a profound understanding of 'immortality'."

"With Your Majesty's broad-mindedness and concern for the people, you will surely become a wise ruler in the future, bringing long-term peace and stability to the Qin Dynasty."

Li Xiao smiled and helped him up: "You flatter me, Daoist Master."

"I have simply come to terms with reality and know that I should focus my attention where it is needed."

"In fact, the reason we sent people to Longmen Mountain to invite the Taoist priest to go west was because we valued the Quanzhen School's doctrine of 'integrating the three teachings and persuading people to do good.'"

"The Western Regions have just been pacified, and the people's hearts are not yet settled. They need virtuous people like the Taoist priest to use their teachings to dispel the resentment and allow the people to live in peace."

Qiu Chuji abandoned all formalities and said frankly, "Your Majesty is wise. My journey to the west is precisely to live up to Your Majesty's trust."

"Although the Quanzhen School originated from Taoism, it is not bound by sectarianism. It incorporates Confucian 'benevolence and filial piety' and Buddhist 'compassion,' advocating 'purity of mind and few desires, accumulation of virtue and good deeds.'"

"If this policy can be implemented in the Western Regions, it will not only appease the people but also help Qin stabilize the Western Regions."

Li Xiao nodded slightly; he agreed with the doctrines of the Quanzhen School.

But to be honest, Taoism was far from qualified to become the state religion of the Qin Dynasty, and Li Xiao never even considered establishing it as such.

At the height of its rise, the Qin Dynasty needed its people to be courageous and its soldiers to be brave, rather than those who were simply 'pure and abstinent'.

However, it was quite suitable for using it to educate the newly conquered tribes in the Western Regions.

Li Xiao continued, "The Western Regions kingdoms have only recently surrendered, and the people still harbor doubts and even thoughts of rebellion."

"If we can get them to believe in Taoism, to be devoted to 'goodness' and to have less of a desire for conflict, it will greatly benefit the stability of the Qin Dynasty's rule."

"I have already given the order that the Qin army will fully cooperate with your missionary work, and the military commanders will give priority to allocating materials and manpower for the construction of Taoist temples in various parts of the Western Regions."

"As for those foreign people who are unwilling to convert, I will also help you deal with them, Taoist priest."

“Those who believe in religion pay taxes normally, while those who do not believe will be taxed an additional 20% on top of the original amount. In this way, people will naturally take the initiative to believe in religion, and proselytizing will be much more effective.”

Upon hearing this, Qiu Chuji immediately became agitated. What do you mean, "help me deal with them"? What does this have to do with me?
This is clearly adding to my karma and needlessly diminishing my merits!

"No, Your Majesty."

Qiu Chuji quickly waved his hand, his tone urgent: "Taoism emphasizes 'governing by non-action and following one's heart's desires.' If we use taxes to force people to believe in the religion, it will only make them resentful and even turn their anger towards Taoism, which would be counterproductive."

"Proselying should rely on the power of doctrine to influence people, not on the suppression of others!"

Li Xiao shook his head, his tone domineering and unquestionable: "Daoist Master, this is not a religious issue, but a national policy."

"The vast territory of the Western Regions has just been incorporated into the Qin Dynasty. If we don't take some measures to stabilize the people's hearts, trouble will inevitably break out sooner or later."

"What I need is for the people of the Western Regions to be law-abiding and create value for the Great Qin, rather than thinking about rebellion all day long. Using taxes to guide them is just the quickest way to achieve results."

Li Xiao used to look down on religions, especially Buddhism.

In his view, this was nothing more than a means to fool the people, which would wear down the spirit of Chinese men and turn the brave warriors who should have fought hard into docile sheep, completely losing their ambition.

But now that I'm in this position, I understand that religion exists for a reason.

However, the Qin state is currently at a critical juncture of expanding its territory and rising to power.

The campaigns against the Jin dynasty in the east and the consolidation of the western regions required soldiers to charge forward with courage and the people to work hard in the fields.

Li Xiao must not use religion to fool the people of Qin; it is his foundation, and he must not allow his men to lose their fighting spirit.

They are the backbone of the Qin Dynasty; they must be strong.

What he wanted was for every Chinese citizen to be brave and fierce, like a dragon, united as one, so that they could create an immortal legacy.

But the people of the Western Regions who had just been conquered were different. They already harbored resentment towards the Qin Dynasty. If their bloodlust and their ability to think were preserved, they would cause trouble sooner or later.

Therefore, Li Xiao needs Taoism to corrupt them, turning them into a group of people who don't need to think and only know how to bury themselves in work.

A machine that grows grain for Qin, mines for Qin, pays taxes for Qin, and continuously creates value for the Qin state.

Qiu Chuji fell silent again.

Although he did not entirely agree with Li Xiao's domineering methods, he understood that it was a helpless move to consolidate his rule in a chaotic world. Moreover, Li Xiao's initiative to invite him here showed his confidence in the Quanzhen Sect.

If he is ungrateful and thinks that Li Xiao's respect for scholars allows him to act recklessly, then the Quanzhen Sect will not be far from following in the footsteps of Buddhism.

So he pondered for a moment and said, "I understand Your Majesty's considerations."

“Since it is a national policy, I will cooperate, but I still hope that Your Majesty can give the people a choice.”

"As for the steps of missionary work, I have already made some preliminary plans, which can be considered as living up to Your Majesty's invitation."

"Oh? Tell me, Taoist priest." A hint of interest flashed in Li Xiao's eyes, and he leaned forward slightly.

Qiu Chuji organized his thoughts and slowly said, "First, build Taoist temples in major cities such as Suyab and Hezhong Prefecture, and send disciples to guard them. They will provide free medicine and explain the doctrines to the people, so that the people can feel the benefits of Taoism first, rather than simply being 'preached'."

"Secondly, select virtuous and respected local people from the Western Regions, take them as disciples, and impart their teachings to them."

"After all, locals understand the language, thoughts and customs of the local people better, and it is easier for them to be accepted when they preach."

"Then, we held sermons in markets and villages, combining them with the daily needs of the people in the Western Regions, explaining the principles of 'accumulating virtue and doing good deeds, and being law-abiding' in a language they could understand, so that the doctrines could truly be integrated into their lives."

……

Qiu Chuji is capable of becoming the current leader of the Quanzhen Sect, and his plans for spreading the sect are very well done, so Li Xiao has no worries.

After all, if he really can't do a good job, then we should replace the Quanzhen Sect.

The current situation is not that the Quanzhen Sect is helping the Qin State, but rather that Li Xiao is giving the Quanzhen Sect a chance to prove their worth.

Otherwise, Buddhism will be their fate.

Soon after, Shulu Wujin brought Xiao Xuance over, carrying roasted venison: "It's getting late, let's eat something first."

Li Xiao took the venison, picked up a piece and ate it in big bites, showing the boldness of a grassland man.

In front of Qiu Chuji were only vegetarian dishes and fruits.

The grapes on the white porcelain plate were plump and full, the honeydew melon was sweet and juicy, and the vegetarian cake was made with beans and nuts. It was sweet and delicious, and its taste was no worse than that of meat.

One of the key reasons Li Xiao chose the Quanzhen School, rather than other sects, was its doctrine of "vegetarianism, abstaining from meat, and celibacy."

Like those "bald monks," the Quanzhen School requires its disciples to abstain from meat and marriage, and to devoutly serve the Three Pure Ones.

If these "rules and regulations" could be instilled in the foreign peoples of the Western Regions, they would be of immense benefit to the Qin Dynasty.

Let them follow the Quanzhen Sect and eat vegetarian food. Firstly, it will save the Qin Dynasty a lot of meat. Now that the Qin Dynasty is constantly at war, the soldiers urgently need meat to replenish their strength. If the people eat less, the army can have more supplies.

Secondly, a long-term vegetarian diet would cause their physical functions to decline, their strength to weaken, and they would be unable to ride horses or draw bows. Naturally, they would lack the physical strength to resist the Qin Dynasty, and their lifespan would be shortened, which would indirectly weaken the potential threat.

More importantly, there is the clause about "not getting married".

The population of the ethnic minorities in the Western Regions was already small, and if they adhered to the rule of "abstinence and celibacy," the local population would decrease year by year.

In the years that followed, the Qin Dynasty would relocate Han Chinese from the interior to settle in the Western Regions. The proportion of Han Chinese would gradually exceed that of other ethnic groups. Only then would the Western Regions be truly integrated into the Qin Dynasty, and there would be no more danger of rebellion.

(End of this chapter)