The earth trembled faintly, and the air was filled with whispers. The people in the county town gathered, but for a moment, they didn't dare to express their opinions. They expressed their kind intentions in front of the guards in front of the courtyard, but of course, there were also vigilant and restless people. Ning Yi turned his gaze to them and then slowly closed the door.
Only then did he hear a shout from outside, "Don't hurt County Magistrate Chen …"
The Huaxia army had changed the title of this type of official to county magistrate, but many simple people still used the previous title. Seeing that Ning Yi had closed the door, some people began to worry. In the courtyard, Chen Shanjun still bowed and cupped his hands, "Mr. Ning, they mean no harm."
Ning Yi had already turned his head. Someone approached Chen Shanjun with a knife, but Ning Yi waved his hand.
"… Since last February, in fact, there have been people who have submitted ideas to me about how to deal with the landlords and gentry, about the benefits of doing so, and … a whole set of theories. Brother Chen, you were not involved … "
Chen Shanjun lowered his head even more, "I am slow, and my understanding of these theories is not as good as that of others."
"So … I didn't expect you to launch a coup."
"We have absolutely no intention of hurting you, Mr. Ning."
"Then what do you mean?" Ning Yi walked to the stone bench in the courtyard and sat down.
"These years, Mr. Ning has talked to everyone about the importance of thinking and culture, and that Confucianism is no longer suitable. Mr. Ning has given examples of all kinds of ideas, but in the Huaxia army, they have not been thoroughly implemented. The idea of everyone being equal and democratic is so fascinating, but when it comes to reality, how can it be implemented? How can it be done? "
As Chen Shanjun said this, his hands were still cupped, and his head was already raised, "Is it only to use the study of things to popularize the whole world with books? How long will it take to succeed? Moreover, Mr. Ning once said that even with books, education is still a long process, and it can't be achieved without hundreds of years of hard work. Mr. Ning, now that the Central Plains has fallen, millions of people are suffering, and the Wu dynasty is also in danger. The world is about to fall, and we can't take it slowly … "
"How is this a slow plan?" Ning Yi looked at him and interrupted with a smile, "The concept of the people's livelihood, civil rights, and wisdom has been continuously promoted. In addition, the Law of Investigating Things has been implemented in various places in Chengdu, and there have been many results …"
"But the method of investigating things can only cultivate the greed of man. Does Mister Ning really not see this!?" Chen Shanjun said, "That's right. Teacher once said in the previous class that spiritual progress needs the support of material things. If you only promote spiritual and let go of material things, that's just unrealistic talk. The method of investigating things has indeed brought about many things. However, when it is combined with commerce, Chengdu and other places, and even within the Huaxia Army, have become greedy! "
"Mister Ning, when Shan Jun came to the Chinese army, he first worked in the Department of Commerce. Now, the atmosphere in the Department of Commerce has changed greatly. Money and profit are the most important things. Ever since our army moved out of the three counties of Hedeng and occupied half of the Chengdu Plain, the trend of extravagance has risen. From last year to this year, how many people in the Department of Commerce have privately accepted money from others? In the long run, what difference is there between the people who are driven by greed and the officials of the Wu dynasty? As long as they have money, I'm afraid it's just a business deal for them to sell our Huaxia Army. Mister Ning has seen these evil consequences, right? "
"But Old Ox is different." Chen Shanjun waved his hand towards the outside of the courtyard. "Mister Ning, in just a mere year, I have only allowed the common people to stand in the same position, allowing them to become equal people. Then, I began to educate them, and I can see the results of my efforts on many people. Although they are walking towards Mister Ning's courtyard today, Mister Ning, is this not a kind of awareness, a kind of courage, a kind of equality? That's the kind of person people should become. "
Ning Yi thought for a moment. "Who knows if it's because you gave them something and bought them to speak? Among them, how many people truly understand equality? "
"But that should have been theirs in the first place. Perhaps as Mister Ning said, they still don't understand the true meaning of equality, but isn't such a beginning exciting? If the entire world can start to reform in such a way, Shan Jun feels that a new era will soon arrive. "
"It's indeed exciting …"
The scene outside could not be seen from the courtyard, but the restless voices could still be heard. Ning Yi muttered and did not say anything else. Chen Shanjun continued,
"My comrades and I have no intention of becoming enemies with Mister Ning. It's all because these ideas were written by Mister Ning. However, over the years, everyone has put forward advice to Mister Ning, but none of them have been accepted. In the eyes of some comrades, compared to Mister Ning's boldness when he killed the king, Mister Ning's current plan is too expedient and meek. Today, we only want to express our advice and determination to Mister Ning. We only hope that Mister Ning will adopt this plan. Chen Shanjun is willing to die to atone for his crimes of offending Mister Ning. "
Chen Shanjun came to the courtyard. Although there were a few followers, they were all stopped outside. In this small courtyard, if Ning Yi wanted to kill him, he would not be able to resist. However, it also showed that this person's determination to put life and death aside for the sake of his ideals.
Ning Yi smiled. "If everyone is really equal, why do you have to die for offending me? However, as for who your comrades are, I'm sure you won't say it. "
Chen Shanjun said, "Today, I have no choice but to do this. It will damage Mister Ning's dignity. As long as Mister Ning is willing to accept my advice and leave a written statement, Shan Jun is willing to die to protect Mister Ning's dignity, and I must die for it."
Ning Yi looked at him for a while, then clapped his hands, stood up from the stone bench, and slowly opened his mouth.
"I remember … I once said that the essential contradiction of the operation of society lies in the game and balance between long-term interests and short-term interests. Equality for everyone is a great long-term interest. It and short-term interests are at opposite ends of the scale. Returning land to the people is a huge short-term interest. It will inevitably be supported. For a certain period of time, it can give people the illusion that long-term interests are being protected. However, once the satisfaction brought by this dividend disappears, it will be replaced by the people's desire to reap without sowing. This is a short-term interest that completely deviates from the long-term interest of equality for everyone. It is too great, and it will offset the satisfaction brought by the people's following virtues such as helping each other and obeying the overall situation. And in order to maintain the status quo of equality, you must curb the difference in wealth accumulation between people because of wisdom and effort. This will lead to … the disappearance of medium-term and long-term interests. Finally, short-term and long-term interests will completely diverge and be separated, and society will collapse because of this … "
Ning Yi's words were calm and indifferent, but Chen Shanjun was not at a loss. He took a step forward. "As long as we strictly educate, with the foundation of the first step, Shan Jun believes that we will definitely be able to find out where to take the second step. Mister Ning Yi once said that the road will always be walked by people. If we completely thought about it before doing it, why did Mister Ning have to kill the Emperor? "
Ning Yi nodded. "Of course, what you say makes sense. However, it still cannot convince me. If you return the land to the people outside the courtyard, for ten years, they will listen to whatever you say, but after ten years, they will discover that the difference between working hard and not working hard is too small. People will naturally feel the beauty of not working hard. I fear that relying on education alone will not be able to close this psychological gap. If we start with equality for everyone, then in order to maintain this concept, there will be many, many evil consequences that you cannot control, and neither can I. I can only use this as the beginning, and I can only use it as the final goal. I hope that one day, when the material is developed and the foundation and methods of education are improved, the differences between people in thinking, reasoning, and ability to do things can be shortened, and the possibility of relative equality can be found … "
"Mister Ning, these ideas are too ambitious. If you don't try, how will you know that your deductions will be correct?"
Chen Shanjun's words were sincere, and with just one sentence, he had hit the heart of the matter. Ning Yi stopped. He stood there, his right hand pressing on the palm of his left hand. After a moment of silence, he sighed in disappointment.
"Yes … if we don't try, how will we know …"
Hearing these words from Ning Yi, Chen Shanjun bowed deeply.
"Therefore! Mister, please accept this advice! Shan Jun is willing to die to thank you! "
The stars in the sky moved, and the army might have already arrived. Ning Yi looked at Chen Shanjun, and after a long time, he smiled with a complicated expression. "Brother Chen's firm belief is worthy of congratulations. Then … Brother Chen, have you thought, if I rather die than accept, how will you all end up today? "
Chen Shanjun gritted his teeth. "I have discussed with my comrades many times, and we all believe that we have no choice but to do this, so … we made a rash move. Since these things have already begun, it is very likely that they will go out of control. Just like what I said earlier, the first step has been taken, and the second step may also be taken. Shan Jun and my comrades all admire you, Mister. The Hua Xia Army only has today's situation because of you. Now that things have come to this, Shan Jun only hopes that … Mister can think clearly and accept this advice! "
"In other words, even if things go out of control, things have already begun." Ning Yi smiled.
"… Yes." Chen Shanjun said.
"This is what I want to hear …" Ning Yi said in a low voice, and then said, "Brother Chen, don't keep bowing — you don't have to bow in front of anyone. But … can you accompany me for a walk? "
Chen Shanjun raised his head, and was slightly puzzled by Ning Yi's tone. He said, "Of course, if Mister Ning is interested, Shan Jun is willing to take you to see the people outside …"
"Let's not go outside, let's just walk here."
"…"
Chen Shanjun was stunned. The courtyard was not big, and there were two houses close to each other. The courtyard was simple and plain, and it was surrounded by walls. There was not much space to walk. But at this time, he naturally did not have too many opinions. Ning Yi walked slowly, looked at the stars in the sky, and walked under the eaves.
"The history of mankind is a very, very long road. Sometimes, from a big point of view, a person, a group of people, or a generation is too small. But for everyone, no matter how small their life is, it is also their life … Sometimes, I am very afraid of such a comparison …" Ning Yi walked forward until he reached a small study at the side. "But being afraid is one thing …"
Chen Shanjun followed in, and then came the entourage. Someone moved the desk on the ground and lifted the wooden board under the desk, revealing the entrance to the tunnel. Ning Yi walked into the tunnel. "Brother Chen, Li Ximing, and the others think that I am too indecisive. I don't agree. Sometimes … I am afraid of myself …"
Chen Shanjun was about to shout when someone grabbed him by the throat and pushed him into the tunnel. The tunnel had been built at an unknown time, and it was actually quite spacious inside. As Chen Shanjun struggled with all his might, everyone entered one after another. Someone closed the cover, and the person who stopped Chen Shanjun relaxed his strength under Ning Yi's signal. Chen Shanjun's face was bright red, and he struggled with all his might. He said in a hoarse voice, "I know this won't work, and the people above will all die. Mr. Ning, why don't you kill me here first!"
"No one will die. Walk with me." Ning Yi looked at him and said, "Or, in your eyes, have I become a completely untrustworthy person?"
Chen Shanjun's gaze was complicated, but in the end, he no longer struggled or tried to shout. Ning Yi turned around. The tunnel slanted downwards, and no one knew how long it was. Chen Shanjun gritted his teeth and said, "If you don't deal with this kind of rebellion, your prestige will be damaged. Now that the Wu dynasty is in a critical situation, the Huaxia army can't withstand such a big upheaval. Mr. Ning, since you know Li Ximing, all of us will suffer a fate worse than death."
"Yes, in this kind of situation, it is best for the Huaxia army not to experience too much upheaval. But as you said, you have already started. What can I do …" Ning Yi sighed slightly. "Come with me. You have already started, and I will clean up the aftermath for you."
"Wha, what?"
"You came up with this kind of military remonstrance. If I don't knock you down, the Huaxia army will be hard to manage. If I knock you down, your path will be cut off. I don't agree with your path, but as you said, if you don't try, who knows if it's right or not? Your power is too small, and you don't have the right to negotiate with the entire Huaxia army. Only I can give you this right … Brother Chen, over the past ten years, clouds gather and clouds disperse, fate rises and fades. I have seen too many departures and reunions. This may be the last part of our journey together. Don't walk too slowly, follow me. "
Ning Yi walked along the tunnel that led to who knows where. Hearing this, Chen Shanjun followed step by step. Their pace was not slow at all. "… Ideas are things that cannot be seen or touched.
"… Ideals can't be seen or touched. To plant an idea into the hearts of everyone in society, sometimes it takes ten or even a hundred years of hard work. It doesn't mean that they'll understand just by telling them. Sometimes, we tend to underestimate the difficulty of this matter … I have my own ideas, and I'm sure you all have yours too. I have my own path, but it doesn't mean that your path is wrong. Even if you're beaten up and bleeding in the process of ten or a hundred years, it doesn't mean that your ultimate goal is wrong. At most, it means that we need to be more cautious and move forward …"
Ning Yi tilted his head and smiled. That smile carried a frightening and penetrating feeling of emptiness.
"But on such a large scale, every mistake we experience can lead to the sacrifice of hundreds of thousands or even millions of people. Countless people will be affected for the rest of their lives. Sometimes, the sacrifice of a generation may only be a small bump in history … Brother Chen, I don't want to stop you from moving forward. What you see is a great thing. Anyone who sees it will first be willing to take the most extreme and imposing steps to walk forward. Then let's walk forward … You can't stop it, and it will continue to appear. I am very honored to be able to bring the source and spark of this idea to you."
"But …" Chen Shanjun hesitated for a moment, then said firmly, "I am sure we will succeed."
"If you succeed, I will find a place to grow vegetables. Of course, that is also a good thing." As Ning Yi spoke, his eyes were deep and calm, but not kind. There was a death-like coldness in them. Perhaps people could only make such a decision when they were faced with cold emotions that could kill them. "Since you have made up your mind to die, then walk forward. In the future … we will be on two different paths. You may succeed. Even if you don't succeed, every time you fail, it will be the most precious trial and error experience for future generations. One day, you may hate me … Maybe many people will hate me."
"But it doesn't matter. I still say the same thing." A smile appeared at the corner of Ning Yi's mouth. "People can only rely on themselves to fight for their lives."
Chen Shanjun's mind was still a little confused. He could not clearly understand the meaning of many of Ning Yi's words. He originally thought that this coup had been discovered from the beginning to the end, and that everyone was doomed. However, he did not expect that Ning Yi seemed to be planning to end it in another way. He did not know what kind of method this would be. Perhaps it would affect the strength of the Hua Xia Army? What exactly was Ning Yi thinking in his heart …
They walked forward along the long passage and went out from the other side of the mountain. It was a night filled with wildflowers and a sky full of stars. The wind blew through the wilderness with a lonely sound. They looked back at the side of Old Ox-Head Mountain from which they came. The firelight that symbolized the gathering of people floated in the night sky. Even after many years, Chen Shanjun did not forget this scene at all.
In this lonely wilderness, Ning Yi patted his shoulder.
"Look, that is the light of hope …"
In this world, people will gradually go their separate ways. Ideas will remain because of this.
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