Tang Dynasty Little Godfather

Chapter 222 The Way of Non-Action
Although "100,000 Whys" has sparked great controversy, the purpose of the controversy is not actually about the right or wrong of the theory, but about Wuming Academy. The previous charity performance incident had already angered everyone, so naturally they couldn't stand to see Wuming Academy doing well.

At that time, they were united in purpose, seemingly suffocating the nameless academy.

But just a few days later, the nameless academy became famous again because of the face mask. They couldn't refute the face mask because the effect was too immediate. They could only start with "100,000 Whys" and use this point to attack the nameless academy.

As for the actual use of this theory, nobody cares. In fact, most people believe that it is useless, whether it is right or wrong.

Because of Confucianism, pragmatism has always been dominant, while mechanics is theoretical and its practical benefits are not immediately apparent. This is not to say that it is bad, but rather that everything has two sides.

Every good thing has a bad side; when it comes to ideas, it's really hard to have your cake and eat it too.

Throughout history, most of the time, we have had to accept the negative impacts in order to achieve the positive aspects. This leads many people to wonder why, knowing something is bad, it isn't changed. The truth is, there's no other way. It seems simple, but if you reject the negative impacts, the positive aspects will also be affected.

For this reason, whether this is useful or not is very important to Li Longji. He has been promoting Taoism and suppressing Buddhism, and he also wants to promote Taoist thought in the court. He has already proclaimed himself the Taoist Emperor, which is a very obvious signal.

Therefore, for him, the quality of the face mask was secondary; the key was the effectiveness of this theory. If it was ineffective, it would be difficult to promote it in the court.

"Of course it works."

Wang Xi immediately said, "If we can confirm this universal gravitation, then we can explain many things. Once these things are explained, we will know how to improve it."

"For example?"

Li Longji asked again.

Wang Xi thought for a moment and said, "For example, in shipbuilding, why can't a pebble float on a river, but a larger piece of wood can? What does this have to do with, and what doesn't it have to do with?"

Once all this is understood, the calculations can be done before construction, which will increase the chances of success, allow for the construction of larger ships, and enable the construction of ships according to the river's course.

Li Longji nodded slightly, then said, "What you said makes sense, but it's only useful for craftsmen. I'm afraid it won't convince the court officials."

The key to telling a good Taoist story lies in whether it can persuade the ruling class.

This was, after all, a feudal era, and whether the people agreed or not was not a matter of concern.

Wang Xi pretended to suddenly realize something and said, "So that's what Uncle asked about. Uncle has really underestimated this field of knowledge. It contains the highest mystery of Taoism - the Way of Non-Action."

When the concept of non-action was mentioned, Li Longji immediately perked up, as this was indeed the question he wanted to ask: "What does this have to do with the concept of non-action?"

Instead of answering, Wang Xi asked, "May I ask, uncle, what is meant by 'non-action'?"

Li Longji pondered for a moment and said, "Implement policies such as frugality, emphasizing agriculture, allowing the people to rest and recuperate, abolishing cumbersome and harsh policies, and simplifying procedures."

Empress Wang nodded repeatedly.

She actually strongly agrees with the principle of non-action.

Wang Xi caught Empress Wang's subtle gesture and suddenly had a flash of inspiration. He said with admiration, "Uncle is really amazing. With just one sentence, he has captured the essence of the Way of Non-Action. In fact, it can be summed up in one word—simplicity."

“It is quite appropriate to explain in terms of simplicity the concept of non-action,” Li Longji nodded.

Wang Xi said, "But how to achieve this 'simplicity' is as difficult as ascending to heaven. To create a prosperous era with the simplest policies, every move must be precise and without the slightest deviation."

My husband believes that throughout history, only Emperor Gaozu of Han, Emperor Wen of Han, Emperor Taizong of Han, and Your Majesty the present have possessed this ability.

Li Longji's face lit up with joy, but he said, "Is it really what your husband said, or did you add me to the list?"

For the time being, he also believes that he cannot compare with these three peers, but this is not shameful, because throughout history, those who can be compared with these three emperors are extremely rare.

Wang Xi said, "If you hadn't mentioned my uncle, I certainly would have, because in my opinion, my uncle is very wise. However, you did mention His Majesty."

In your opinion, since your uncle ascended the throne, he has been abolishing unnecessary regulations, which is in accordance with Taoist thought. However, many emperors dared not do this, fearing it would cause unrest. Only those as valiant and confident as Emperor Taizong and Your Majesty dared to do so.

Li Longji laughed heartily, "Sir, you flatter me greatly. I am unworthy of such praise."

While this is true, it's because Wu Zetian, in order to consolidate her power as a woman, created too many unnecessary regulations, or rather, distorted policies. To rectify this, she naturally had to abolish many, many regulations. She also didn't want to deceive herself on this matter, so she asked again, "By the way, what does this have to do with gravity?"

Wang Xi said, "If I remember correctly, Emperor Gaozong was considerate of the people's strength, so he ordered that no large ships be used to attack Goguryeo."

Li Longji nodded and said, "That is indeed true."

Wang Xi said, "This is the Confucian ideology, which is to care for the people and govern the country with benevolence. But if it is said that only the people of one prefecture need to serve, and only need to work for four hours a day and three days a month, to build a hundred large ships, then would Emperor Gaozong still need to stop shipbuilding?"

“That’s not necessary.” After saying that, Li Longji’s eyes lit up, as if he understood something.

Wang Xi then asked, "Since ancient times, there have been regulations governing mountains and marshes, as well as regulations governing fishing and hunting. What is the purpose of these regulations?"

Li Longji said, "Naturally, it is to prevent the people from destroying the mountains and forests and fishing to the point of exhaustion."

Wang Xi said, “That’s right, but according to Taoist thought, people who live by the river will live by fishing and hunting, and those who live at the foot of the mountain will live by logging. If we govern by non-action, we should not prohibit logging and fishing.”

Upon hearing this, Li Longji's eyes snapped open, then he lowered his gaze and fell into deep thought.

I always feel like I understand something, but I can't quite put my finger on what it is.

Wang Xi continued, "Actually, the best way is to understand the laws of growth of all things. Take fishing as an example. As long as you understand the spawning habits of fish, you can determine the size of the net. Once the spawning season is over, you can go on the boat to fish, and only catch big fish. In this way, life can continue."

Li Longji nodded repeatedly, "That makes sense, that makes sense."

Wang Xi chuckled and said, "Uncle, you also think it makes sense? But let me tell you another theory, and I guarantee you'll be amazed."

Li Longji hurriedly said, "Really? Tell me about it."

Wang Xi said: "Since Emperor Wu of Han, it has not been that Confucianism was exclusively respected, but rather that Confucianism and Legalism were used in parallel. It can be said that the court has always used Confucianism as a guide and then used Legalist methods to formulate policies and govern the country."

Li Longji nodded and said, "That's true."

Wang Xi said, “At first glance, it seems that there is no place for Taoism, but that is not the case. The reason why many dynasties disappeared after only a few years is because they lacked Taoist thought. Taoist thought is the foundation of all thought, and any thought must be based on Taoist thought.”

Li Longji responded with an "Oh," and then asked, "What do you mean?"

Empress Wang also looked at Wang Xi with a puzzled expression.

Leaving Legalism aside, because no matter what, law is indispensable. It's just that it's not feasible to exclusively uphold Legalism, but the legislative principles and ideas of Legalism must be used.

While Confucianism and Taoism are not exactly irreconcilable, they cannot be combined in the same way as Confucianism and Legalism or Taoism and Legalism.

This was also the most troublesome point for Li Longji. He wanted to promote Daoist thought, but that didn't mean he wanted to abolish Confucianism. How the two could coexist was something he had been considering.

Wang Xi explained, "Let's go back to the example of fishing. If my uncle, in order to protect the river, prohibited the people of a certain prefecture from fishing and hunting, causing the local people to lose their livelihood, then Confucianism would certainly oppose it, as this would be unbenevolent."

This is correct, but the Confucian approach is often terrible. It simply means that the people catch less fish, the court collects less tax, or they do some other work. When you calculate it this way, either the court loses or the people lose.

This leads to many policies that, while initially ostensibly benevolent, ultimately become tyrannical, detrimental to both the nation and its people.

Empress Wang's eyes lit up upon hearing this, "That's brilliantly said!"

Li Longji smiled and nodded, saying, "That's indeed well said, that's exactly it. I don't think many prime ministers could explain it as clearly as Que'er." "Is that so?"

Wang Xi smiled smugly and said, "At this time, Uncle only needs to ask one more question to find out about Taoist thought."

Li Longji hurriedly asked, "What's the problem?"

Wang Xi said, "How much less should be taken, and how much less should be collected by the court? This is the essence of Taoist thought."

Li Longji was enlightened, as if struck by a sudden awakening!

Wang Xi continued, “Whether it is governing the country with benevolence or with law, it should follow an objective fact, which is the law of change of all things. This is the Taoist thought.”

Any policy, as long as it is based on the laws of change in all things, must have only one optimal solution. The policy will naturally simplify; this is the essence of governing by non-action. Governing by non-action is not about actively pursuing anything, but simply about letting things take their natural course—that is non-action.

"Excellent! Excellent!"

Li Longji clapped his hands excitedly and said, "Que'er's words are truly enlightening for your uncle, like a sudden awakening."

Wang Xi's theory perfectly aligned with his vision of governance, making the vague concept of non-interference in governance very clear in his mind, as Confucianism and Legalism are based on the Dao.

perfect!

Empress Wang nodded with satisfaction, saying, "It seems that Que'er has been working very hard at the academy!"

Wang Xi chuckled and said, "Auntie is implying something. Your nephew didn't work hard at all; it's purely talent, hehe!"

Empress Wang immediately rolled her eyes at him.

You're so easily flattered!
Li Longji laughed and said, "Your husband is truly a man of great talent, but unfortunately he has the air of a Taoist hermit."

There was a hint of regret in his tone.

But Wang Xi listened, sweating profusely, and remained silent.

What he meant by those words was that he wanted Tao Mo to come to the court to assist him.

Then it's all over.

Li Longji asked curiously, "Why isn't Que'er talking anymore?"

Wang Xi said dejectedly, "Uncle, there are some truths in this, which the teacher told me, but I figured out many of them myself. They have nothing to do with the teacher."

Empress Wang asked curiously, "Which ones did you figure out?"

Wang Xi said, "Sir, you only explained Confucianism, Taoism and Legalism to us, but you never talked about governing the country. Confucianism and Legalism are based on Taoism, but that is my nephew's theory."

Empress Wang was both surprised and delighted. "Really?"

"Ah."

Wang Xi said with a proud look, "Because the teacher made it very clear that the Taoist thought cannot govern the country, but my uncle asked me to tell Taoist stories, so I thought about how to use the Taoist thought to govern the country, and thus I thought that Confucianism and Legalism are based on Tao."

Empress Wang laughed and said, "So you did this to tell a good Taoist story."

"of course."

Wang Xi said, "If it weren't for my uncle's instructions, I wouldn't have bothered with this."

Li Longji found it unbelievable and laughed, "Que'er is truly gifted!"

"That is."

Wang Xi chuckled.

Li Longji laughed heartily, then said seriously, "However, you should focus on promoting this principle."

This shows that Wang Xi's theories greatly appealed to him. In fact, given his personality, it is not surprising that he advocated the policy of non-interference. He was not the kind of emperor who liked to restrain or discipline the people. He even dared to directly delegate power to the prime minister and generals, which shows that he was very confident in his own talents, even somewhat blindly so. Therefore, he collapsed in the later period.

Wang Xi said, "Uncle asked his nephew to tell Taoist stories, which is different from debating with people."

The most important thing about a story is that it must be engaging and exciting, nothing else matters.

Secondly, this theory cannot be explained by mere words; no one will believe it. We must first present the facts before explaining the reasoning, which will naturally be more effective.

Therefore, the nephew first used face masks to attract the ladies to the Taoist temple, then used opera to promote Taoist thought, and then used Taoist thought to explain the face masks. In order to improve their appearance, they would definitely study them, and if they achieved results, they would be even more convinced.

"One person tells ten, ten tell a hundred, and everyone will be convinced. Then, when my uncle promotes Taoist thought, it will be a piece of cake."

Li Longji nodded thoughtfully, "The logic is clear, the points are interconnected, and it's captivating."

Seeing Li Longji so happy, Empress Wang was also very pleased and said, "It's all thanks to your teaching, sir."

"Auntie, that's not true."

Wang Xi said very seriously, "Even the teacher admits that this is my nephew's talent. Xiaoman and the others don't have this ability to learn by analogy."

Li Longji smiled and nodded, saying, "Que'er, you must not be arrogant or complacent. You should know that the teaching method of this nameless teacher is to stimulate the students' talents, and the teacher has made a great contribution to this. Of course, Que'er is indeed very talented in this regard, and your uncle is very pleased. Once you have completed your studies, I will immediately appoint you to an official position in the court."

Empress Wang was overjoyed.

Wang Xi asked, "Uncle, what rank is he?"

Empress Wang was startled and quickly said, "Don't be rude."

"Hey!"

Li Longji waved his hand, "It's alright, it's alright. But Que'er, your uncle does want to appoint you to a high-ranking position, but you are still young and unfamiliar with government affairs. I'm afraid you still need to gain some experience. Otherwise, even if your uncle appoints you as prime minister, you will be busy with official duties all day long, and I'm afraid you will still resent me."

Wang Xi immediately said, "Then it's good to be a minor official, it's good to be a minor official. Otherwise, let's forget it. I'd like to play for a few more years."

Li Longji waved his hand and said, "No way. Don't even think about it, haha."

After leaving the palace, Wang Xi rushed to the Nameless Academy without stopping.

When Tao Mo saw Wang Xi barge in, he looked at him with fear, as if he had seen a demon. "Young master, are you going to give this old man homework again?"

Wang Xi said happily, "Old Tao, you're getting smarter and smarter."

"Young Master Wang!"

Upon hearing this, Tao Mo immediately burst into tears, knelt down, and hugged Wang Xi's leg. "Young master, spare me! There was already so much homework that I couldn't finish it all. Fortunately, I could still understand the knowledge, but since the addition of gravity, I really can't keep up. Young master, look at me, I'm almost bald."

He was already on the verge of collapse. He could learn some theories relatively easily, but physics was really killing him!
Wang Xi patted his shoulder and comforted him, "Don't be afraid! Don't be afraid! When you lose more hair, you will evolve into a powerful being, terrifyingly strong."

(End of this chapter)