Chapter 68 Instructor Truly Has the Talent to Govern Heaven and Earth
Ji Lingxiu's pupils contracted slightly, her fingertips unconsciously rubbing against her sleeve.
Since childhood she had studied the arts of rulership, and in court the great scholars had lectured on the principles of governing a nation. Yet never had anyone dissected the rise and fall of dynasties as Chen Chang'an just did—straight to the core, every word shocking to the world!
But the man before her was clearly still young, his cultivation only at the Tongxuan Realm. How could he possess such vision? Could he be the disciple of some hidden master? Moreover, judging from his tone, he held a good impression of the Great Zhou. Could she perhaps draw out the one behind him to come forth—and aid her?
Suppressing the tremor in her heart, her gaze flickered as she deliberately tested, "If you were the ruler of the Great Zhou, what would you do?"
Chen Chang'an's lips curved, as if he had anticipated the question. Leaning back lazily, he raised three fingers, his tone casual as though discussing the weather.
"First, for those mortals and rogue cultivators without background—establish education and institute examinations."
"Examinations?" Ji Lingxiu frowned. "What do you mean?"
"Examinations… the word means subjects, and by them one ascends to office. Think of it as a system to select talent."
"But the Great Zhou also has methods to recruit talent."
"That's different."
"Why is it different?"
"Because the foundation of examinations is education. Talent does not sprout from the ground. The Great Zhou must open martial halls and academies across the land, gathering gifted children from among the people, filtering them step by step for its own use. Only then will talent flow endlessly, and mortals and rogue cultivators alike will become the Great Zhou's loyal supporters. This is the true foundation: he who wins hearts wins the world."
Chen Chang'an smiled. "Let mortals with aptitude practice martial arts, cultivate, and serve in government. If the noble families monopolize cultivation resources, then let these others form a new stream of blood for the Great Zhou."
"To win hearts is to win the world…"
Ji Lingxiu's eyes wavered in thought.
"Second, the noble families and sects must not be suppressed blindly. Some must be drawn in, some suppressed."
"Divide them?"
"Correct." Chen Chang'an nodded. "Their roots run deep; slaughtering them all is unrealistic. So favor those who obey, strike those who resist. Make them fight among themselves instead of uniting against imperial power."
Ji Lingxiu's heart trembled.
"Third, write books, spread stories, establish values."
"Stories?" Ji Lingxiu was truly stunned this time.
"Yes, stories." Chen Chang'an laughed. "Why does the Great Zhou exist? Why should mortals and cultivators support it? Military force alone is not enough. You must give them ideals to believe in."
"For example?"
"For example—'All cultivators under heaven should take protecting the common people as their duty,' not treat mortals as ants." Chen Chang'an shrugged. "Tell the story well, and the hearts of the people will follow naturally."
"Especially with the noble families and sects. You can establish academies in the capital, give them benefits and resources in name, drawing their youths to study. In reality, slowly indoctrinate them—instill the correct values and outlook, preach about rights, freedom, and self-determination. Over time, once these youths grow up, they will naturally become the Great Zhou's allies."
Ji Lingxiu was silent for a long time, then suddenly let out a soft laugh. "If those old stubborn men in court heard you, they would be so enraged they would spit blood."
Chen Chang'an burst out laughing. "That's why, even if the emperor's throne were given to me, I wouldn't take it. Far too exhausting."
Outside the carriage, the lights of Qixia City drew near, and the sounds of bustling voices drifted in. Ji Lingxiu gazed at the thriving streetscape, but within her heart churned with thoughts she had never felt before—
If only the emperor of the Great Zhou had heard these words sooner… and truly acted upon them…
Would the outcome now be different?
But regardless, one thing was certain—
This man indeed had the talent to govern heaven and earth!
No matter the cost, she must find a way to draw him over!
Yet… thinking of her current precarious situation, she sighed inwardly.
She herself was like a clay idol crossing a river, struggling to survive, yet dreaming of recruiting talent.
Now she possessed nothing. Could it be that she would have to use herself as bait?
Of her appearance and beauty, at least, she held absolute confidence.
And on the other side—
[Ji Lingxiu]
Cultivation: Peak Tongxuan Realm
Potential: 95 (Heaven-gifted talent)
Destiny: 95 (Reincarnator)
Loyalty: -70 (Paranoia; while this state persists, trust toward everyone is reduced by 100 points)
Personality: Proud, resolute
…
Glancing quietly at the system panel, Chen Chang'an felt secretly pleased. His words had not been in vain. So long as he could remove this "Paranoia" debuff, her trust would soar directly!
Inside the carriage, the man and woman, each harboring their own thoughts, once again fell into silence. Yet the atmosphere was clearly no longer the same as before.
…
Dusk deepened as the caravan slowly entered the post station of Qixia City.
Stretching lazily, Chen Chang'an was just wondering which tavern to try for the local delicacies when streaks of dazzling light cut across the sky—several figures flying through the air, vanishing in an instant toward the southern horizon.
Ji Lingxiu's gaze sharpened, her voice low. "From here on, the road ahead is one we must walk alone."
"Oh?" Chen Chang'an raised a brow.
"And it cannot be delayed." Her tone grew cold. "Any later, and once they seal the city, it will be too late."
"I see…" Chen Chang'an stroked his chin thoughtfully. "They are searching for you?"
Ji Lingxiu drew a deep breath, lifting her eyes to meet his. "And if I said yes? Would you regret it?"
The night wind stirred, lanterns by the street swaying, their light and shadow crossing over her cold and beautiful face.
Chen Chang'an suddenly laughed. "And what of it?"
Casually, he took out two bamboo hats from his storage pouch and handed one to her. "My words, once spoken, cannot be taken back."
Ji Lingxiu froze for a moment. As she received the hat, her fingertips brushed against his palm—warm and steady, without the slightest tremor of hesitation.
At the city gates, the guards had already begun inspecting travelers.
The two lowered their hat brims, blending into the stream of merchants leaving the city, shuffling forward with the crowd.
"Shall we keep heading south?" Chen Chang'an asked casually, as though merely discussing what to eat for breakfast tomorrow.
"Yes."
"Then let's go." He chuckled lightly, and their figures soon melted into the vast night beyond the city.
Ji Lingxiu turned back once, gazing at the glowing city gates fading in the distance. The brightly lit Qixia City slowly blurred behind them, just as the Great Zhou to her—it was nothing more than a resplendent dream.
Resolve once again flashed in her eyes. She turned and followed in Chen Chang'an's footsteps…
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