Words Strategize for the World

Upon hearing Fang Wei's answer, Qu Yashi was extremely surprised and kept staring at Fang Wei.

Fang Wei, who was being stared at, was at a loss and thought he had answered incorrectly. Just then, Qu Yashi spoke up.

What constitutes virtuous governance?

After being surprised, Qu Yashi thought to himself, since Fang Wei could say such a thing, he might as well thoroughly test Fang Wei to see how capable he really is.

Upon hearing Qu Yashi's question again, Fang Wei recalled a passage from an ancient text he had memorized, titled "The Six Virtues of Guan Zhong," which concerned virtuous governance.

"Virtue is moral conduct. Moral conduct is a term encompassing both inner and outer aspects; virtue resides in the heart and is manifested in action. There are six ways to cultivate virtue: developing fields, constructing altars and dwellings, cultivating trees and planting crops... All these six things constitute the cultivation of virtue. Once these six things are implemented, the people will have everything they desire. Only when the people have their desires will they listen to their superiors; only when they listen to their superiors can the government be well-governed. Therefore, it is said that virtue must be cultivated."

After Fang Wei finished speaking, he thought of Confucius's words and added: "Governing with virtue is like the North Star, which remains in its place while all the other stars revolve around it."

As soon as Fang Wei finished speaking, Qu Yashi's somewhat calmed heart was once again stirred up. He had originally thought that Fang Wei was just ambitious and capable, but after Fang Wei mentioned the Six Virtues, Qu Yashi realized that he was wrong, and terribly wrong.

Although Fang Wei is young, he is truly talented and insightful, possessing profound understanding of national affairs at a young age.

After asking the questions, Qu Yashi valued Fang Wei even more.

A nation's prosperity depends on talented individuals, especially those skilled in governance. The concept of "six virtues for prosperity" is unprecedented; if a nation were truly governed according to these six virtues, it would undoubtedly become strong and prosperous.

Furthermore, if this idea of ​​"six virtues flourishing" is Fang Wei's own creation, then Fang Wei is definitely someone like Wang Yunzhi.

He possesses both the abilities of a refined scholar and the talent to govern a country and bring peace to the people. Therefore, the previous prediction that Fang Wei only had a promising future may not have been accurate; in the future, Fang Wei could at least hold a high-ranking position.

Qu Yashi predicted that Fang Wei would become one of the Three Dukes, and that, given Fang Wei's character, he would surely become a capable minister in times of peace.

Fang Wei awaited Qu Yashi's response, unaware that Qu Yashi was already praising him as a capable minister in times of peace.

"Yes, this 'Six Virtues' is very insightful. Fang Wei, you are so young yet you have such knowledge, which is very good. Your teacher has not misjudged you."

Qu Yashi gave a good comment on Fang Wei's statement about the six virtues that flourish. Qu Yashi knew in his heart that it was not just good, but excellent.

Qu Yashi continued, "Fang Wei, you just asked me about Ba Guo's attack on Chi Guo, and I am very worried about it now. Ba Guo began its advance three days ago and is expected to reach the border of Chi Guo and begin its attack within a month."

Fang Wei was startled when he heard that the Ba Kingdom had begun its advance.

Is this crisis in the Blazing Kingdom unavoidable?

"Teacher, has the Kingdom of Chi already sent envoys to the Kingdom of Yan to seek help?"

Qu Yashi was a wise man who never showed his emotions on his face, but when it came to the hegemony of the country, Fang Wei often saw worry on his face.

"While Ba Kingdom was preparing for war, it had already sent people to Yan Kingdom several times, but had not received any accurate replies. Now that Ba Kingdom's attack is imminent, Chi Kingdom has sent Zhang Zhihuan, one of its three dukes, to Yan Kingdom. Now we are just waiting for news from Zhang Zhihuan."

The King of Chi Kingdom was aware of the crisis and dispatched three high-ranking officials to Yan Kingdom. These three officials held high positions and great power in their respective countries, and with them on the mission, things were likely to turn out well.

"Teacher, please don't worry. With the three ministers taking charge, we are sure to succeed. Teacher, please don't fret."

Fang Wei tried to comfort Qu Yashi, but the worry on Qu Yashi's face did not lessen.

Fang Wei knew that there must be some state affairs that Qu Yashi did not want him to know.

"Yes, don't worry about me, teacher. Focus on your cultivation. I will be setting off for Kyoto soon. If you have any questions then, please consult Master Zhouyi."

Qu Yashi has been promoted to the rank of Earthly Scholar, and now is a time when the Chi Kingdom needs talented people, so it is perfectly normal for Qu Yashi to go to Kyoto.

"Okay, teacher. When will you be leaving?" Fang Wei wanted to know the date of Qu Yashi's departure so he could see her off.

"It's not decided yet, but we should be setting off in a few days."

"Okay. Teacher, I'll head back now." Fang Wei said, then stood up, bowed, and turned to leave.

Watching Fang Wei leave, Qu Yashi frowned and pondered deeply.

Before Fang Wei could even leave, Qu Yashi seemed to have made a difficult decision and said, "Fang Wei, come back first."

Fang Wei, who was about to open the door and leave, heard Qu Yashi's words and wondered if Qu Yashi had any other instructions, so he turned back.

Qu Yashi got up and walked to the wall, carefully opened a hidden compartment, and solemnly took out a book and came to Fang Wei, saying, "This is a rare book that I obtained by chance when I was young and traveling around the world, but my family members and I have never been able to cultivate it. Now I give it to you, hoping that you can cultivate it."

When Fang Wei heard Qu Yashi mention the strange book, he became very curious, but he never expected that Qu Yashi would give it to him.

Fang Wei thought he had misheard and asked, "Teacher, you said you would give me this extraordinary book?"

Qu Yashi handed the book to Fang Wei and said earnestly, "Fang Wei, you are the most talented young man I have ever seen. I am giving you this extraordinary book in the hope that you can cultivate it and make more contributions to the court in the future."

"The Art of Cloud Movement and Weather," what an imposing name. Fang Wei took the book and sighed upon seeing the title.

Fang Wei did not read it. Although he did not know what the contents of the strange book were, it was certainly not an ordinary book if it could be called a strange book.

Fang Wei was overjoyed; obtaining such a rare book was an unexpected stroke of luck.

"Fang Wei, I hope you can cultivate this book. Its contents have surpassed the characteristics of a refined scholar; it is extremely powerful. If you can cultivate it, it will be of extraordinary benefit."

Upon hearing Qu Yashi's high praise for the extraordinary book, Fang Wei's joy was palpable, and he could only bow deeply to Qu Yashi with profound respect.

"Don't worry, teacher, I will read it carefully and strive to be able to cultivate."

"Yes, I have high hopes for you. Go ahead."

Qu Yashi was very pleased to see Fang Wei leave.

The original idea was to focus on cultivating Fang Wei. Judging from this test, Fang Wei is not only knowledgeable but also resourceful. If he can cultivate the "Cloud Movement and Weather Technique", he will bring countless benefits to the Chi Kingdom in the future.

After leaving Qu Yashi's room, Fang Wei returned to the school.

Fang Wei was not only curious about the strange book "The Art of Cloud Movement and Weather" in his hands, but also very excited and eager to start reading it immediately.

Having just asked Qu Yashi two questions, Fang Wei felt it would be better to organize the answers first, since the strange book wouldn't disappear anyway.

Suppressing the restlessness within him that compelled him to immediately peruse the extraordinary book, Fang Wei began to organize the answers Qu Yashi had given him.

After recalling Qu Yashi's words, Fang Wei understood the essence of the Law-level more clearly. At the same time, he greatly longed to advance to the Earth-level; no writing was needed, attacks were direct and virtually impossible to defend against, and it would also enhance the army's combat power. Would that mean he could lead an army then?

The thought of the army made Fang Wei, already excited, even more impulsive. It would be wonderful to lead an army to conquer all directions, capturing cities and fortresses.

This is a man's sentiment, a man's romance.