Red Mansion: Incense and God Road, starting from the City God of Shenjing

Chapter 66: The Gods of the Night City Show Their Power
"Chapter 23 of Xunzi: "Human Nature is Evil""

"The nature of man is evil, and those who are good are false."

"Lin Ruhai actually dared to gather the literary mind with these words!"

Zuo Hongyi looked embarrassed.

Since the Han Dynasty, all other schools of thought have been abolished and Confucianism has been the only one respected.

In fact, Confucianism and Taoism have already gathered the strengths of hundreds of schools of thought, and there is a saying that there are hundreds of schools of Confucianism and Taoism.

In the realm of a great scholar, his words are as accurate as the law and his writing is shocking!

If a Confucian scholar in the second realm wants to concentrate his literary mind and become a great Confucian scholar, he must break through the realm.

The most important thing is the understanding of Confucian classics.

Find a sentence that suits your nature.

This sentence is related to future development and combat effectiveness during the period of great scholar.

Just like Zuo Hongyi himself.

In the past, he became a great scholar with a sentence from "Spring and Autumn Zuo Zhuan" "If one does too much evil, he will surely destroy himself."

In this way, the means of killing are naturally not based on something like "the benevolent love others, act out of courtesy, and conform to reason."

It cannot be compared with such "benevolent" Confucian scholars.

Later, it was to prevent the literary mind from being obscured by dust.

He also practiced the saying “If you want to accuse someone of a crime, you can always find a pretext” to defend himself.

Only then have I reached the level I am today.

But if we talk about the ability to kill.

It is not as good as the "Chapter on the Evil Nature" that Lin Ruhai understood at that time.

Xunzi holds a unique position among the sages of Confucianism and Taoism.

His status is so high that he is comparable to the second sage.

As the successor of Confucianism, his disciples Li Si and Han Fei founded the Legalist school.

There are many ideas such as the theory of human nature being evil, "understanding the distinction between heaven and man", "transforming nature and creating falsehood", and the path to becoming a saint through accumulation.

Most of them are incompatible with mainstream Confucian thought.

Therefore, today, few people in Confucianism and Taoism use the words of Xunzi to shape their literary mind.

But Lin Ruhai is an exception.

Human nature is evil, this is the basic tone.

Afterwards, regardless of whether it was the Mohist "universal love" that "If you love others, others will love you in return; if you benefit others, others will benefit you in return; if you hate others, others will hate you in return; if you harm others, others will harm you in return."

Or the Legalist Han Feizi: "Confucians use literature to disrupt the law, and knights use force to violate the law."

Anything related to the idea of ​​"curing evil" can exert great power.

There are simply too many ways to take a minor.

But judging from its combat capability, its pattern is very high.

The great scholar who had just broken through to the realm was already much better than Zuo Hongyi!

Before everyone could recover from the shock of Lin Ruhai's breakthrough.

Inside the Salt Administration Office, a figure took a few steps in the air and walked up into the air.

He was wearing a simple long gown with fluttering sleeves, holding a book, and his every move revealed his free and easy demeanor.

It was the Salt Inspector who had just made a breakthrough, Lin Ruhai.

"The roots of great evil cannot be changed. Even if they are pardoned every year, it only encourages evil."

Looking at the wind direction towards Zui Xiang Lou from a distance.

The great scholar has means and his words are followed by laws.

As soon as the words fell, a surge of majestic energy appeared, like a raging storm.

Every word is like a gem, and the killing is powerful.

The vast words rushed straight to the private room at the top of Zui Xiang Lou.

"The Master's way is loyalty and forgiveness."

"Do unto others, do not impose on others!"

A great scholar beside Zuo Hongyi quickly responded.

The literary energy washed away the Confucian and Taoist magical powers twice in a row, and only then did it offset the murderous methods of Lin Ruhai, the new great Confucian scholar.

After a brief fight, the winner was immediately apparent.

"Lin Ruhai, how bold!"

No one expected that the first thing Lin Ruhai would do after breaking through was not to consolidate his cultivation, but to attack directly from a distance.

The new great scholar challenged the old great scholar.

This is simply like a slap in the face.

The most crucial thing is that in the brief fight just now, the veteran scholar from Bailu Academy was clearly at a disadvantage.

"Keng!"

As soon as the words were spoken, they arrived at the back hall of the Salt Administration Office.

Thousands of sword energies rose into the sky.

The sword energy clashed, and the heaven and earth were eclipsed.

Ten divine powers burned, and a ten-foot-tall shadow of Jia Cong appeared above the Salt Administration Office.

He looked towards Zui Xiang Lou with indifferent eyes.

"So what if I'm bold?"

"You are a bunch of rats. I am waiting for you at the Salt Administration Office. Do you dare to fight me?"

The majestic voice spread throughout the entire Yangzhou city.

"you……"

The great scholar who had just made a move beside Zuo Hongyi had a great reputation as a literary figure in Jiangnan.

But in the final analysis, he is just an ordinary Confucian scholar who practices the way of "benevolence and forgiveness".

His fighting power was not even comparable to Jiang Wenxing who was outside Shenjing City before.

How dare I fight Jia Cong?

Besides, even if he could fight, would he really dare to execute the imperial envoy in public in Yangzhou City?
He was so angry that he wanted to vomit blood.

"Mr. Wu, please don't get angry with a kid."

"That's right, he's just being arrogant because of his position as an imperial envoy."

"Sooner or later, I will have to settle accounts with him."

Seeing this, several salt merchant owners behind him hurried forward to persuade him and offered him a way out.

"You are such a despicable and shameless person. I am ashamed to be associated with you!"

The great scholar surnamed Wu just walked down the hill with a flick of his sleeves.

Seeing that the other party did not respond, Jia Cong stretched out his hand.

The shadow above the Salt Administration Office turned into a stream of light.

It went straight into a college in the east of Yangzhou City.

Jingsi Academy is one of the three largest academies in Yangzhou City, with hundreds of students.

It was funded and built by Jiangnan Bailu Academy, and all the teachers were students of Bailu Academy.

Every year, the best students are selected to study at Bailu Academy.

Just like the Bailu Book Club in Shenjing City, they are all branches expanded from the Bailu Academy.

The great scholar named Wu is the dean of Jingsi Academy.

How could the phantom formed by the convergence of ten divine powers be so simple? The flowing light fell like a comet or meteorite.

"Boom!"

After a loud collision, Jingsi Academy suffered countless casualties and was reduced to ruins.

The fire was burning fiercely and was still causing secondary damage.

"A bunch of gutter rats who only dare to plot behind the scenes."

"If you dare to shout again next time, I will kill you without mercy!"

"Jia Cong, how dare you..."

"puff!"

In Yanlai Tower, the great scholar surnamed Wu finally truly experienced what Zuo Hongyi felt during the day.

He watched the academy where he had worked hard for thirty years being burned down.

His eyes went dark and he immediately spat out a mouthful of blood.

Passed out.

……

Yangzhou Government Office
"Hiss, what a cruel method."

"Just a standoff from a distance destroyed Jingsi Academy."

"Those literati in Jiangnan are going to have a headache again this time."

The prefect of Yangzhou was a fourth-rank official.

But he has no background or support in the court and he is nearly sixty years old.

Zhao De'en had long given up the idea of ​​climbing up the official ladder.

Even if he was transferred to the capital, it would not be as comfortable as being the prefect of Yangzhou.

Normally, they turned a blind eye to the actions of the salt merchants.

Be happy and at ease.

But today, I felt restless.

Without him.

It’s only been half a day since we entered the city.

First kill the garrison of Yangzhou, then kill the martial arts master.

In the evening, he destroyed the famous Jingsi Academy in Yangzhou City in front of the masters of Bailu Academy.

There were heavy casualties.

This kind of character can no longer be described as bloodthirsty.

Anyone who sees this would be terrified.

"Master, the Purple-Robed Marquis has made up his mind to fight to the death with the White Deer Academy in Jiangnan."

"According to my humble opinion, it is better for you, sir, not to interfere."

"I will claim to be sick and not go out from tomorrow until they come to an end of the fight."

Not only the prefect Zhao De'en, but even the advisors and aides who were hired at a high price were frightened at this moment.

Such character, such fighting ability.

Those little tricks and calculations that are done on a daily basis cannot even be brought to the surface.

Holding the golden sword bestowed by the emperor, I can kill you if I say so.

After the beheading, he was charged with treason and his property was confiscated and his family was exterminated.

Even if the news gets back to Shenjing City in the future, who would stand up for a dead person?
"Yes, yes, yes, Master is right!"

"Quick, go get some doctors to take care of the family."

"Just say I have a sudden serious illness and I won't see anyone."

Coming back to his senses, Zhao De'en hurriedly gave orders.

……

Zui Xiang Lou Private Room

The great scholar surnamed Wu has been sent to rest.

Everyone returned to the table, but the atmosphere could never return to what it was before.

"Lin Ruhai is the current emperor's trusted minister, and now he has become a great scholar..."

“It will certainly be taken more seriously than before.”

"The Salt Inspector has not been removed, and another Jia Cong has come to Yangzhou City..."

A salt merchant frowned.

To a certain extent, the saying "money makes the world go round" is true.

But when it reaches another level.

That means "a man is innocent, but he is responsible for the treasure in his possession."

Within one day, Jia Cong dampened his enthusiasm twice.

Even if they think they have great scholars and literary talents, killing Jia Cong will not be a problem.

Morale was also extremely low.

Now we no longer have to consider the issue of killing, the most urgent task is to save face again.

"I remember Mr. Kong from the Duke of Yansheng's Mansion is in Yangzhou City right now, right?"

At this moment, Zuo Hongyi spoke lightly.

"Zuo Gong, what do you mean?"

Everyone present was as smart as an old fox, and their eyes lit up when they heard the words.

"The Yanshenggong Mansion and the Bailu Academy have always had a close relationship, advancing and retreating together."

"Every year, the gentry in Jiangnan pay a huge tribute of one million taels of silver." "It's time to contribute."

"Master Zhang, you will hold a banquet with the other family masters tomorrow to entertain the imperial envoy, and invite Mr. Kong to join you."

"I don't believe that no matter how powerful Jia Cong is as an imperial envoy, he can still control the Yanshenggong Mansion?"

"Okay, let's first use the Yansheng Mansion to dampen Jia Cong's arrogance and let him know that we, the gentry of Jiangnan, are not to be trifled with."

"Brilliant! Really brilliant!"

"This is a brilliant plan. I admire it."

In the private room, there was an immediate burst of flattery.

The scene returned to its previous lively state.

……

Salt Administration Office
Hou Ya
Once you break through the realm, you will be able to concentrate your literary mind.

Under the impact of the great energy, Lin Ruhai's weak body was replenished in an instant.

Restore former grace.

"Father, you..."

Lin Daiyu has been reading a lot of books since she was young, and when she saw the scene just now, she combined it with Lin Ruhai's current state.

I suddenly had some guesses in my mind.

"I also want to thank Brother Cong for not only curing Dad's illness."

"It turned out to be a blessing in disguise for my father. He suddenly realized the truth and now he has finally become a great scholar."

"I knew that Brother Cong must be a good person..."

Daiyu lowered her head and murmured.

Lin Ruhai saw his precious daughter showing this little girl's expression.

My heart skipped a beat.

His eyes moved between Lin Daiyu and Jia Cong several times.

Finally, he sighed silently.

When they got married, they lived in Rongguo Mansion for a short period of time.

With Lin Ruhai's talent, how could he not see that the Ning and Rong mansions were already strong on the outside but weak on the inside, and chaos was rampant.

If he wasn't afraid that his young daughter would be persecuted and killed by members of other branches of the Gusu Lin family.

Lin Ruhai would not choose to send Lin Daiyu into the Rongguo Mansion.

Now that I think about it, it would be good if the final result was really like this.

The talent of a man and a woman is a match made in heaven.

……

"My Lord, I am here to report!"

At this moment, the voice of Hou Jingyun, the commander of the personal guards, came from outside the room.

"come in!"

"promise!"

Hou Jingyun walked into the room, and even after washing, he still smelled a pungent smell of blood.

At this moment, his eyes were bright and the excitement on his face had not yet faded.

"Reporting to the general, the entire family of the Yangzhou garrison commander, 127 members, has been executed."

"A total of 510,000 pieces of silver and nine boxes of gold, silver and jewelry were seized."

"The total value is nearly one million taels."

"I have already sent someone with the general's seal to take over the 3,000 city guards of Yangzhou Prefecture."

"But there are 1,000 of them who are not paid, 800 are old and weak, and there are only 1,200 strong and capable. The military discipline is lax and they are not fit for major tasks."

……

"I understand. The old and weak in the city guards will be dismissed, and the remaining 1,200 strong men will be trained for a few days. They are said to be useless."

"Take out 20% of the silver, and give it to all the brothers who are leaving the capital this time."

"The previous casualties will be divided three times, and compensation will be provided."

"Seal up the rest, send someone to transport it back to Beijing, and hand it over to Xia Shouzhong."

Jia Cong pondered for a moment, then raised his hand and gave an order.

"promise!"

Hou Jingyun took the order and left.

"Brother Cong became famous at a young age, but he was not blinded by wine, sex, money and power. That's great."

“It is better to control people by profit than by power.”

"Besides, Your Majesty is currently short of money in the inner treasury. Sending nearly one million in treasures to the capital will be enough to solve the urgent problem."

"Even if Cong causes a big mess in Jiangnan in the future, Your Majesty will protect him for the sake of this wealth."

Lin Ruhai looked at Jia Cong with increasing satisfaction.

Talent is something that is innate, but character is something that is developed after birth.

Such a character is decisive and ruthless, but he does not covet temporary benefits.

If Jia Cong can't accomplish anything, who can?
If there was someone familiar with Lin Ruhai here at this time, he would definitely notice it.

After breaking through, Lin Ruhai's spirit and energy have changed drastically from before.

High morale.

It was obvious that they were prepared for a life-and-death battle with the salt merchants and gentry in Jiangnan.

"Uncle Lin, thank you for your praise."

The kitchen is already preparing dinner.

Jia Cong placed a piece of cake on the table in front of Lin Daiyu, who had not eaten for most of the day.

He asked.

"After I entered the palace, I asked my personal guards to lead people to seal off the entire Salt Administration Office."

"We searched inside and outside, but found no clues."

"Uncle Lin, do you know who poisoned you before?"

"Ah, come to think of it, it's also because I don't know people well..."

"Brother Cong, don't worry about this. I guess who poisoned me. I will deal with it myself later."

Lin Ruhai sighed, with a trace of pain on his face.

Jia Cong immediately guessed that the person who poisoned Lin Ruhai must be very close to him.

Otherwise, with Lin Ruhai's mature and cautious character, plus his previous strength in the second realm.

How could he fall into the trap so easily?

As for the rear house, Jia Cong did not mention it any more.

Had dinner with Lin Ruhai and his daughter.

It was almost late at night, and Jia Cong followed the housekeeper Lin Lin to the guest room to rest.

……

Early the next morning

"Brother Cong is here."

"I knew these people wouldn't be so resigned to this."

After resting for a night, Jia Cong came to the main hall.

Then Lin Ruhai smiled and pointed to an invitation on the table.

"They're making a move so soon?"

Jia Cong picked up the invitation.

"The eight major salt merchants in Jiangnan are Zhang, Wang, Qian, Jiang, Huang, Zheng, Shen, and Han, a total of eight!"

"Controls 90% of the salt permits in Jiangnan every year."

"By taking advantage of the salt permits, each family can make a profit of more than three million taels per year by selling private salt."

"Together, it's equivalent to the imperial court's tax revenue for half a year."

"They can't afford such huge profits. In addition to making friends with the gentry in Jiangnan, the eight major salt merchants also have their own backers behind them."

"Most of the profits are transferred out every year."

"The Zhang and Wang families are backed by the White Deer Academy."

"The Qian and Jiang families are backed by the Zhongshun Palace."

"The Huang family has the support of Prince Yi Zhong."

"The Zheng and Shen families pay tribute to several cabinet ministers on a regular basis every year."

"What about the Han family?"

After reading the business card, Jia Cong looked up.

"Speaking of which, Brother Cong is also an old acquaintance of yours. The Han family ranks last among the eight major salt merchants."

"Normally, he keeps a low profile, but on the surface, he relies on the Zhen family of Jinling."

"In fact... when I ordered people to investigate, I found that several stewards from Prince Beijing's Mansion were secretly entering and leaving the Han family."

"Not many people know about this. I guess even the other seven salt merchants don't know the details of the Han family."

……

"It's Prince Beijing's Mansion again?"

Jia Cong smiled faintly.

"It's just a matter of interests. I know these salt merchants very well."

"They are all a bunch of profit-seeking businessmen who are trying to please everyone. We can't expect them to be loyal."

"I'm afraid I won't know when I'll be betrayed."

"The head of the salt merchant Qian family sent an invitation early in the morning, inviting you to a banquet tonight."

"It is said that the eight major salt merchants are welcoming the imperial envoy."

"I'm afraid that the banquet is not a good one, and there are some shameful calculations. What do you think, Brother Cong?"

Lin Ruhai took a sip of tea.

"It's just some petty tricks that can't be put on the table. It would be better if there is a plan."

"You are a dead man in a grave, you can't blame me for your own death!"

A flame appeared in Jia Cong's hand and burned the invitation.

Sure enough, a moment later a column of black smoke emerged, followed by a shrill wail.

……

Nightfall
The Qian family started doing business since the previous dynasty and began to enter the salt industry during the reign of Emperor Taizong.

They started out as private salt dealers and grew stronger over several generations.

It may be a bit of an exaggeration to say that he is rich enough to rival a country.

But in terms of wealth alone, he can also be ranked among the top in this prosperous Jiangnan area.

The Qian Mansion is located in the south of the city.

A large house with five entrances and five exits.

Including the huge back garden, it covers an area of ​​more than 20 acres.

It is magnificent, except that there is no decoration beyond the regulations.

The area is not much different from that of a royal palace.

Even the manager of the Qian Mansion was much wealthier than the small landlords and gentry outside.

The Qian residence is hosting a banquet today, and lights and decorations are hung outside the door.

You can tell at first glance that it was carefully prepared.

"Second Master, are you satisfied with those skinny Yangzhou horses yesterday?"

In the main hall of the Qian Mansion, the owners of the eight major salt merchants gathered together.

Sitting in the main seat was a young man dressed as a Confucian scholar.

It’s a pity that he doesn’t sit properly and doesn’t have the courtesy and demeanor of a scholar at all.

This generation's Duke Yansheng, Kong Yanjun, had a son once when he was over sixty years old.

He was named Kong Chengxiang. He was a son born in his old age and was doted on in every way.

Compared with his elder brother who is already on the verge of becoming a great scholar at the age of forty.

Kong Chengxiang is neither good at literature nor martial arts, but he is a complete playboy.

With the support of Confucius Mansion, he is surrounded by a group of flattering and scheming followers.

Wandering outside all day.

Shandong and Jiangnan were basically all affected by the disaster.

He did a lot of evil things, but the local officials were afraid of his background and did not dare to deal with him.

A chapter of 5,000 words is sent to you.

The remaining 5,000 words will be written tomorrow night…

If you like this book, please have pity on the little author and send a few monthly tickets...

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(End of this chapter)