Capítulo vinte e dois: Discutindo o Caminho, deleite, um instante de ócio, não, ela é uma herética da Seita Taoísta!

"Oh?"

Jiajing sent a thousand calculations flashing through his mind, while his face assumed an expression of interest. He said, "The School of Accumulated Virtue advocates for the accumulation of merit and good deeds to purify the soul and elevate moral cultivation, believing that virtuous conduct and character are the foundation of the path to immortality. It is indeed a great path that guides people toward goodness."

"This school advocates for a state of harmony between the universe and nature, which aligns quite well with the philosophy of the unity of heaven and humanity. I agree deeply with this."

"Why, then, do you not practice it?" Jiajing asked, a glint of amusement dancing in his eyes.

Just a bit of banter, a moment of leisure.

*Accumulating merit by doing good deeds to become an immortal? How could that possibly work! Hmm, His Majesty is getting on in years; he is so naive.*

Qingfeng blinked her clear eyes, giving this mental evaluation.

*Oh dear, how should I explain the cruel laws of heaven in a more subtle way, so as not to startle the innocent Emperor?*

"Well," Qingfeng pursed her lips, struggling to organize her kind words in her mind, and said slowly, "The Taoist texts say: 'The highest good is like water. Water benefits all things and does not contend, dwelling in the places that people loathe, and thus it is close to the Tao.'"

Hearing this, Jiajing nodded secretly.

This emphasized the humility and non-contention of water. To be kind to others, kind to nature, and kind to the universe and heaven and earth—this could indeed reach the realm of the unity of heaven and humanity.

Knowing she had more to say, Jiajing did not interrupt. At this moment, he also harbored some intention to test the thoughts of this so-called Taoist genius.

As the saying goes, just a bit of banter for a moment of leisure!

However, as he listened, he felt something was not quite right.

"However," Qingfeng raised her eyes to look at the 'naive Emperor' above. Recalling Grand Secretary Yan's instruction to speak his mind completely to the Emperor, she steadied her heart and said, "The reason water can benefit all things is precisely because it occupies the low-lying places."

"In other words, the 'non-contention' of water is actually the result of following natural competition. Under the laws of nature, everything is a struggle for survival."

*Water does not contend? Not contending is actually contending! Who told you that you were born into such a good position? Should you not reflect on whether you are contending without even realizing it?*

*Hiss, why does this girl sound a bit like a Taoist heretic? Is that really how the Sages spoke?*

Jiajing did not interrupt her, continuing to listen.

"It is also said: 'If the people do not fear death, why threaten them with death?'" Qingfeng glanced at Jiajing, lowered her gaze, and said, "This means that in extreme situations, when facing the threat of death, people must show great courage and determination to fight to the death, to make a final stand, to contend for a glimmer of destiny."

"This also shows that at the brink of life and death, human instinct may be one of fierce competition and the struggle for survival."

"Under the Heavenly Tao, all is survival!"

Hearing this, Jiajing felt that this girl was definitely a Taoist heretic. Could she have been expelled by the Orthodox Unity Sect and taken in by Yan Song?

*Doesn't this quote usually mean that a ruler should govern by virtue, allowing the people to voluntarily follow laws and norms, rather than relying solely on force and fear? How, in her mouth, does it turn into encouraging the oppressed to actively rebel in search of survival?*

*Hmm, come to think of it, one could actually interpret it that way, couldn't they?*

"I have finally revealed a glimpse of the cruel survival under the Heavenly Tao to the innocent Emperor. Oh, Three Pure Ones, forgive me..."

Seeing the Emperor's thoughtful expression, Qingfeng sighed inwardly, but continued, "The Confucian classics also say: 'To diminish the insufficient in order to serve the excessive is called robbery.'"

"This means that under the laws of heaven, resources always tend to flow toward the places or individuals best able to utilize them."

As she spoke, she blinked her clear eyes and gave a serious example: "Just as the best things in this world should all be in the Imperial Palace—it is the same principle. Even if they are not, if Your Majesty wants them, they will be there."

"This further proves that everything under the Heavenly Tao is cruel; if you want resources, you must use everything to contend and to resist."

Huang Jin, standing to the side, felt his knees go weak.

*What is this supposed to mean? All good things are in the Imperial Palace? If you want them, you must seize them? How can such cold, cruel words come out of such a small, innocent-looking mouth?*

*What on earth did those old Taoists of the Orthodox Unity Sect teach this girl? How to rebel?! This is blasphemy against heaven!*

Jiajing stared at Qingfeng for a long time, confirming in his heart that this Taoist genius was likely a deviant.

"Your Majesty," Qingfeng looked up, her voice crisp, "The School of Accumulated Virtue stresses conforming to nature and being kind to heaven and earth."

"If that is the case, why would mortals need to seek immortality?"

"How so?" Jiajing became interested. He was now increasingly looking forward to this Taoist heretic; such a person was meant to be used by him.

"Birth, aging, sickness, and death are natural laws; no one can escape them. If one is to be kind to nature, the universe, and the Heavenly Tao, and conform to them, then one should accept their fate and follow the laws of birth, aging, sickness, and death."

"Is seeking immortality not an act of defying heaven?"

"Therefore, the truth of the Immortal Path is essentially to defy heaven; one must contend with heaven for one's life under the cruel laws of the Heavenly Tao!"

As an immortal cultivator and an imperial ruler, Jiajing naturally understood these principles. He still remembered a saying from Dugu Ying: "Immortal cultivation is a matter of life and death; it boils down to one word: contend!"

Contend for resources, contend for population, contend for territory.

Contend for everything that can help one's path to immortality reach further!

To hear these words from a mortal priestess was truly surprising. In this world, such words were indeed suspicious of heresy, but in the world of immortal cultivation, it was the most normal mindset. It was a prerequisite for everyone who stepped onto the path of cultivation.

As for imperial rule, it was even more straightforward. Since ancient times, history books have shown nothing but contention—contending to be Emperor! Once one becomes the Emperor, one can obtain all resources.

Had he not done exactly that before? Diminishing the world to serve himself. Even as he restored the Great Ming, the ultimate goal was the same.

Restore the Ming, develop the Ming, because it would become his natal object; later, it would feed back into his life and assist him!

Using the power of a nation to aid his own cultivation. Did this principle not secretly echo the phrase: "Diminish the world to serve oneself"?

No, now it should be: "Nurture the world to serve oneself!" After all, one's natal object, oneself, and the nation—on the path to immortality, these three are inseparable. If one prospers, all prosper; if one suffers, all suffer.

*Am I being too much...* Seeing the Emperor "spacing out," Qingfeng felt a pang of pity and cursed herself for being too cruel to him.

He was an old man of fifty or sixty; saying such things was surely quite hurtful. The truth was truly a sharp blade. Even if he was an old man, she wouldn't spare him, sigh!

"Profound Origin, Great Yi, Three Pure Ones. Please listen to me, these are words of true heart. This disciple spoke recklessly and caused resentment; it is truly a sin, a sin."

Thinking it was somewhat cruel to say these things to the innocent Emperor, Qingfeng quickly prayed in her heart.

"Qingfeng, does your master know of your views?" Jiajing set aside his thoughts and asked the question on his mind.

"Ah?" Suddenly asked by Jiajing, Qingfeng was stunned. She looked up and blinked her innocent eyes, "I don't know..."

"Heh," Jiajing chuckled, adjusted his Taoist robe, and leaned forward with his hands on his knees. With a serious expression, he lowered his voice: "Then how do you dare to tell me these... truths, eh?"

Looking at Jiajing's serious face and earnest gaze, but feeling no malice, Qingfeng was not afraid.

She looked at Jiajing and said earnestly, "Grand Secretary Yan instructed that I should accompany Your Majesty in the palace and assist Your Majesty in cultivation, and that I should tell Your Majesty everything without any concealment, so I just said it."

"Hmm, that is the truth." Jiajing sat up straight.

"Qingfeng never lies." After this conversation, she felt the Emperor was actually quite easy to talk to. He was not as terrifying as the senior brothers on the mountain had claimed. Moreover, this Emperor gave her the feeling of being a bit naive, actually believing those words of the School of Accumulated Virtue.

Everything in the world is a matter of contention, and immortal cultivation should be as well.

***

*If Yan Song knew what you said today, he would be scared out of his wits! Discussing the Tao? The whole thing was about rebelling!* Huang Jin, standing on the side, rolled his eyes wildly.

"Well said," Jiajing stood up with a smile and walked out of the meditation room. "Discussing the Tao with Qingfeng today, I have gained deep insights."

As he spoke, Jiajing had reached the doorway. Looking at the heavy snow, he turned his head to look at Qingfeng standing beside him and smiled: "Indeed, everyone is contending!"

"You contend, I contend, and he contends."

"When people contend until their eyes are red, they stop caring about everything, contending for things they shouldn't, and that is when the Heavenly Tao brings down punishment!"

"To defy heaven, one must ultimately pay a price."

Listening, Qingfeng nodded in deep agreement. Indeed, defying heaven always requires undergoing a tribulation, and tribulation is very dangerous.

Huang Jin, standing to the side, had a different realization. Combined with his position as the head of the Eastern Depot and the inside information he possessed, he thought about the hints and suggestions his foster father had given him earlier today when asked to speak.

It was an instruction to quickly clean up the people and matters in the Eastern Depot that were not clean.

"Daoist Priest Qingfeng has deeply understood my intent," Jiajing said, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. He announced in a long tone: "Bestowed title: Qingfeng Xuanling Shouzhen Huiwu Zhenren (The True Person of Pure Wind, Profound Spirit, Guarding Truth, and Wise Awakening). Appointed as Imperial Preceptor, residing in the Xuanpu Palace!"

"Yes, this servant will go and handle it immediately." Hearing this, Huang Jin bowed slightly. He was not surprised. The Emperor was a practitioner of profound arts and revered the Tao; appointing a priest as Imperial Preceptor was nothing new—it wasn't as if he hadn't done it before. The Grand Secretariat wouldn't care too much either. Anyway, this so-called Imperial Preceptor had no real power; it was just a title.

Qingfeng, however, had her small mouth wide open, her bright, clear eyes widened into circles, and only one thought in her mind.

*"Qingfeng Xuanling Shouzhen Huiwu Zhenren? I am already an Imperial Preceptor?"*

*"But, his old master was not bestowed such a title. My master is not an Imperial Preceptor, so how could I..."*

"Imperial Preceptor, why not thank the Emperor for his grace?"

Qingfeng was dizzy from the news, wondering if she should refuse, when Huang Jin's urging voice sounded.

"Ah, oh." Qingfeng had no choice but to kneel down, look up, and say crisply: "Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Heh." Watching the young girl kneeling at his feet, looking up with wide, blank eyes, Jiajing chuckled. He patted her head three times, then turned and left.

"Imperial Preceptor, let's go. This servant will take you to see your residence." Huang Jin quickly helped Qingfeng up with a face full of smiles, saying, "From now on, we will have to rely on the Imperial Preceptor for care."

The dazed Qingfeng listened to this, touched her head, and pondered to herself. Suddenly, she looked at Huang Jin.

"Attendant Huang, what time is it now?"

Asked this, Huang Jin was stunned. He looked at the overcast sky and said uncertainly, "I reckon it's around noon?"

*"Noon, corresponding to the third watch of the night. His Majesty patted my head three times—is there some deep meaning to it?"* Qingfeng thought to herself.

*"At the junction of yin and yang, when heaven and earth are most silent, it is also the third watch of the night, the best time for practitioners to perform special cultivation. Could it be that His Majesty wants me to find him at the third watch tonight?"*

*"That must be it. I entered the palace to assist His Majesty in cultivation. Now that I have received a title, I should shoulder the responsibility of assisting His Majesty's cultivation!"*

Thinking this through, Qingfeng felt a sudden clarity.

"Imperial Preceptor, why did you suddenly ask for the time?" Huang Jin asked, confused.

"The Immortal caresses my top," Qingfeng tightened her small face and looked seriously at Huang Jin. "His Majesty patted my Lingtai three times, which is actually telling me to find him at the third watch tonight to assist him in his cultivation."

"Ah?" Huang Jin was dazed. In his mind, he recalled scenes where he had done his job well and his master had patted his head like that. He couldn't help but mutter to himself.

*"Could it be that I have missed out on many fortunes?"*