Chapter 570

Without needing to turn their heads, Mengqi and the others could sense the appearance of the newcomer.

He was in his forties, with a sallow face and no beard. He was dressed like a hanger-on with a long sword tied to his waist. His breath was connected to heaven and earth. He was clearly an Exterior expert.

"What's the matter, brother?" Mengqi asked, puzzled.

The sallow beardless man chuckled. "I'm Zhao Bai, a guest of Lord Bo 'Le's Mansion."

He explained his identity in a few simple sentences, then cupped his hands in obeisance. "I was on duty outside the hall just now. I heard your wise words and felt empathy for you, so I've come to pay you a visit."

"Brother Zhao, are you from a humble background?" Zhao Heng, who was standing beside Mengqi, interrupted.

Qi Zhengyan was not an eloquent person, while Jiang Zhiwei and Ruan Yushu did not like debating. Therefore, they had already discussed beforehand that Mengqi and Zhao Heng would be the ones to do the talking when it came to matters that required verbal sparring.

Zhao Bai nodded and sighed. "I'm a commoner of the land of Qin. I had a fortuitous encounter that allowed me to achieve my current cultivation. Unfortunately, Qin's social hierarchy is strict and the aristocracy is corrupt. I can't see any hope of improving myself. Later, I heard that Lord Bo 'Le was accepting hanger-ons widely and treated everyone equally, regardless of their status. That's why I came all the way to Han. That's why I can empathize with Mr. Su's virtuous words."

"The emperor chooses his vassals, and the vassals choose the emperor. This is indeed an era where etiquette is in ruins …" Mengqi nodded slightly. However, this was good for their preaching. At least the idea of "virtuous" had already sprouted in the minds of many knowledgeable nobles.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Zhao Bai said enthusiastically, "I have many good friends with similar experiences. I hope you'll come to my humble abode and enlighten me."

He showed a thirst for knowledge, for perspective.

This was beyond Mengqi's expectations. Back in Lord Bo 'Le's Mansion, he had only spoken a few words about the current malpractice and the importance of meritocracy. He had not even had the time to peddle his core theory. How could he be treated as a sage?

Seeing their silence and hesitation, Zhao Bai hurriedly said, "The world has been malpractice for a long time. The people cannot live and the scholars cannot live. Although we can see this, we are like a blind man who cannot see the path ahead. It is difficult for us to be virtuous. Today, Mr. Su's words have enlightened me greatly and I can tell that you have something to say. That's why I'm shamelessly asking."

For the class he represented, this was indeed an era of confusion and confusion. It was inevitable for him to lament. Although Lord Bo 'Le recruited followers regardless of their status and his reputation spread far and wide, he was not a monarch after all. Changes could happen at any time. This gave Zhao Bai a sense of insecurity. He had no confidence in the future and was very pessimistic about the world's situation.

They had repeatedly tried to change this situation, but due to their lack of knowledge, they could only sell themselves to the aristocrats with their martial arts. After their repeated efforts had failed and they were dispirited, they could firmly grasp any spark of hope. That was why even though Mengqi had only talked about honoring the virtuous, being thrifty, and having a short funeral, Zhao Bai seemed to have been inspired and hurried over to ask for advice.

Mengqi, Jiang Zhiwei, and the others exchanged glances. They could vaguely understand the situation Zhao Bai and the others were in and their current state of mind. Mengqi nodded slightly, intending to give it a try and understand more about reality. Just like how they had lobbied Lord Bo 'Le earlier, they wanted to accumulate experience in lobbying the vassals of the small countries in preparation.

From the very beginning, the three-month deadline had allowed them to target small countries that were more remote and powerless to attack the outside world!

"We have secret treasures on us anyway. Why would we be afraid of a trap?" Mengqi thought to himself. He said to Zhao Bai, "Brother Zhao, please."

Based on the strength Zhao Bai had displayed so far, Mengqi believed that he and Jiang Zhiwei could beat him up even without using secret treasures. Zhao Bai's companions could not all be of the Exterior. Otherwise, they would have long become an influential force under Lord Bo 'Le.

Zhao Bai's face lit up with joy. He hurriedly led the way down the rammed earth platform, through a few alleys, and into a large house.

He had Mengqi and the others wait outside the hall while he went in to gather his companions. After a while, he changed into a loose robe and walked out of the hall. He cupped his hands in salute and said, "Gentlemen, please come in. Everyone is waiting for you."

Mengqi's expression did not change as he slowly walked in. The hall was covered with straw mats, and 20 to 30 people were kneeling on both sides. Aside from Zhao Bai, there were two people with auras of the Exterior. One of them was dressed in a cold black robe and had a long sword across his knees. He had a short beard, a sorrowful expression, and was dressed in old clothes.

When they saw Mengqi and the others enter, they cupped their hands in salute in a respectful manner.

After leading Mengqi and the others to their seats, Zhao Bai repeated what he had said earlier to start the conversation. He concluded by saying, "We all agree with Sir's words about honoring the virtuous. However, there are very few sovereigns or aristocrats in any country who can place talents in an important position regardless of their social status. Firstly, the hierarchy is strict and they can't look down on others. Secondly, it costs a lot of money to select commoners. Often, you won't get anything out of teaching ten thousand people. Do you have any advice for me, Sir?"

Mengqi had been interrupted by Lord Bo 'Le when he talked about frugality and burial, so Zhao Bai was eager to hear more.

Mengqi pondered for a moment before saying, "Firstly, frugality and burial. The aristocrats have built palaces on a large scale, spending so much that it's enough to teach thousands of people. In order to live forever after death, the tombs are built as if they were still alive. They are extravagant and wasteful, and the treasures placed in them are even more extravagant than the palaces. However, since ancient times, how many people have been able to come back to life and become immortals or gods? If we can control these two aspects, why should we worry about not having enough money to teach others? "

Considering that there were no aristocrats in this area, he did not change the idea of frugality and burial for the time being.

At this moment, the man with a short beard under his chin cupped his hands and said, "Mr. Su, ghosts and gods are not nonsense. The feudal princes and aristocrats of various countries are either descendants of immortals or gods. They can ascend to the heavens after death. It's as difficult as ascending to the heavens to give them frugality and burial!"

This was the difference between the Apotheosized World and the Spring and Autumn Warring States Period of his previous life … Mengqi's thoughts raced as he slowly said, "Since ancient times, who has been able to become immortals or gods? Some have been taught great techniques, cultivated diligently, and transcended the mortal world. Others have made great contributions when promoting the interests of the world and eliminating the evils of the world. They have been rewarded and conferred titles by immortals, saints, ghosts, and gods. It was only when King Wu conquered Zhou that a group of gods emerged. They are the ancestors of many feudal princes and aristocrats today. "

"From this, it can be seen that the heavens hold the will of the heavens and watch over them. If one wishes to ascend to the heavens after death, to become a god or immortal, and to live forever in the world, what one needs to cultivate is not the ancient tomb, but the merits and virtues. It's to abide by the will of the heavens!"

"The feudal princes and aristocrats value tombs and do not care for the people. They are not worthy of the heavens' virtue of cherishing life. Seeking eternal life after death is no different from wanting to go south but driving north."

Zhao Bai and the others had never heard of such a theory before. They looked at each other in shock and thought that it was thought-provoking. It was as if this was the right path, the truth of heaven and earth!

Otherwise, would those who did not cultivate diligently and committed crimes be able to become gods and live forever after death as long as they could build a luxurious ancient tomb?

Just the thought of it was not in line with the ancient theory of good and evil!

"Promote the interests of the world and eliminate the evils of the world … Tomorrow's will, worship ghosts and gods …" the man with a short beard muttered to himself. The rest of the people looked thoughtful.

Mengqi exhaled. He saw Jiang Zhiwei giving him a thumbs-up and Ruan Yushu and the others nodding in recognition of his impromptu performance.

So far, "his" School of Mo theory was more in line with the world of ghosts and gods. However, what Mengqi did not know was that his theory was getting closer to the viewpoint of the Qi Saint of the Middle Ages. It was not a simple and concise explanation.

Without waiting for them to ask, Mengqi continued, "Secondly, it doesn't cost much to select the ordinary people."

"Huh?" Zhao Bai looked at Mengqi in surprise.

"If we can open up the impartation of skills to those below the Exterior level, as long as there is a sufficient population, a bountiful harvest of food, and no lack of herbs to grow, it will not cost too much to select and teach the ordinary people …" Mengqi treated this as a practice. "Moreover, it's impossible that only one out of ten thousand people can pass the first test to receive the impartation of skills."

"Selection … open up the impartation of skills …" These words, which they had never heard before, were like a breath of fresh air to Zhao Bai and the others. They felt as if a new door had been opened before their eyes.

In an era where people at the bottom of the hierarchy were mainly recommended and investigated, the assessment and selection went against common sense! The black-robed swordsman thought silently. There seemed to be something similar happening in the south, in the Wu Kingdom …

At this moment, the man with a short beard said seriously, "The struggle between the feudal princes is the source of chaos and darkness in the world. What they are fighting for is nothing more than hegemony, fiefdom, and population. According to you, won't the disputes worsen?"

He was a little worried about the country and its people.

"Here comes the main topic …" Mengqi straightened his back and said, "Stop the war, persuade the farmers, and don't engage in meaningless wars. If the people don't die an unnatural death, why worry about the country's prosperity? Why do we need to plunder other countries? "

His tone became "sorrowful". "In today's world, the struggle between the feudal princes is the source of chaos and disaster. But in reality, they only know how to love themselves, but not impartiality. They have no compassionate and benevolent hearts. They use their own interests to destroy the interests of others. If countries don't love each other, there will be endless disputes. The strong will bully the weak, destroy cities and destroy villages. Corpses will lie thousands of miles away, and white bones will fill the fields. If people don't love each other, they will bully the lowly, deceive the foolish, and impose taxes and levies. The people won't survive!"

Seeing that the people kneeling in the hall were more or less showing a sorrowful and solemn expression, as if all of them had felt the same thing, Mengqi's heart stirred. "Have any of you had a similar experience?"

Although empty talk could give people the feeling that they were knowledgeable and thoughtful, it could not be relied on to penetrate deeply into the hearts of the people!

Mengqi's sudden question made the atmosphere a little awkward for a moment. Perhaps they were thinking about what he had just said, or perhaps they were unwilling to speak.

Fortunately, the man with the short beard was quite interested in the concept of "impartiality". He pondered for a moment and said, "I am Bai Song, born in the Tang Empire. I was originally a farmer with parents and siblings. That year, the Chu Empire, in order to seize the nearby land, gathered many Exterior experts and attacked the Tang Empire. The aftermath of the battle spread, causing the houses to collapse and the fire to burn …"

Speaking of this, his expression gradually became sorrowful. "Although our family wasn't rich, we could barely survive and often laughed. But when we were sleeping soundly, the fire spread and ignited the thatched cottage. My parents were the first to wake up. They carried us and tried to rush out, but the fire was too big and it was difficult to succeed. Later, later, my father took off his clothes and wrapped me in it. Disregarding his own safety, he forced himself into the sea of fire and threw me into a well. When dawn came, I climbed out with difficulty. All I saw was four charred corpses. My father was carrying my brother and sister, and they were only ten steps away from the well …"

The atmosphere in the hall became sorrowful. It seemed that everyone was touched and remembered their own painful past.

The black-robed swordsman said, "I am Wang Qi from the Wu Kingdom. I was favored by a noble and was taught skills. I became his subordinate, but his son was violent and abused my wife and children. I was angry and killed him. After that, my parents, wife, and children died. It was difficult for me to escape and I had to go far away …"

He spoke simply and tried his best to be calm, but the sorrow and hatred in his heart could not be concealed.

As they recounted, the others slowly opened up their hearts and one by one told their own experiences. They could not help but weep in the desolate parts. Although they all had good strength and a certain status now, they all had their own sorrows and difficulties in the beginning.

In this era where the hierarchy was strict, commoners often had to pay a high price if they wanted to make a name for themselves.

Hearing their sobbing and their hatred for the nobles who started a war because of personal gain, Mengqi could not help but look at Jiang Zhiwei and the others. They could not hide the surprise on their faces.

The effect of this Sharing Conference was better than they had expected!

Mengqi had originally thought that some of them must have had painful experiences. Sharing their sufferings could strengthen their empathy and increase their recognition of Love with Impartiality, mutual benefit, and non-aggression. However, he did not expect that most of the experts who had grown up as commoners would have complaints. Only a few were ambitious and wanted to take advantage of this chaotic world to achieve something. However, their jealousy and hatred for the nobles and feudal lords were not little!

No wonder the School of Mohism could become a prominent school and the hearts of people below the nobles … Mengqi sighed with emotion.

When they finished sharing their sufferings, the way they looked at Mengqi and the others was completely different. Those who could point out the problems in one go and propose solutions seemed to be the hope of this world, allowing them to see a path in the midst of their confusion!

Although these concepts and ideas were very simple, it was only because their predecessors had explored and summarized them. The latecomers would think that it was just so-so and would understand it easily. However, in the hearts of those who heard it for the first time and empathized with it, these words were profound!

When Mengqi was about to go into depth about Love with Impartiality, mutual benefit, and non-aggression, Bai Song, who had a short beard, turned over and knelt on the ground. He said in a clear voice,

"Sir, you are very talented and have a clear understanding of the affairs of the world. I am not talented, but I am willing to follow you and put an end to this chaotic world!"

"I am not talented, but I am willing to follow you!" Most of the people in the hall followed suit and knelt.

"The world has been thirsting for your talent for a long time!" Zhao Bai said finally.

"This is too simple …" Mengqi was a little stunned, but he could empathize with Zhao Bai, Wang Qi, and the others who had suffered in this chaotic world for a long time. They wanted to get rid of it but could not find a way. At present, they were like drowning people who had grabbed onto a tree branch. Naturally, they had such an intense reaction.

"I think we should take them in. The stronger we are, the more help we can bring when we lobby the vassals of the small countries, and the easier it will be for us to succeed. As long as they can feign civility and hang on for three months, the task will be considered complete!" Zhao Heng said telepathically.

Mengqi nodded. This was also what he was thinking!

However, was it really necessary to first secretly preach and develop into a tightly organized group?

However, this would cause others to be wary of him, and it would bring unexpected danger …