Confucian and Taoist scholar

Chapter 584 A Few Things About Hibiscus
Qingwan, with her hands behind her back, whispered, "I think it's even harder for him to implement new laws and benevolent policies after he's in that position than to rely on Daoist Yunxiao..."

The Shu Emperor is currently in his prime and still obsessed with cultivating immortality. With the Second Prince's mediocre foundation, he probably won't outlive his own father.

Lu Zheng thought for a moment and said, "Who can say for sure what the future holds?"

Perhaps one day the Shu Emperor will suddenly have a change of heart, pass on the throne, and devote himself to Taoist cultivation; who knows?

Regardless, Wang Mingli, as a prince of Shu, frequently participated in court affairs. Such a person's willingness to learn about the new laws meant that a new seed had been planted in Furong City.

“That’s true…” Qing Wan then whispered, “Have you learned the Legalist techniques?”

Qingwan understood that Lu Zheng did not intend to stay in Furong City for long, and obviously did not need to seek any more Legalist teachings, as he must have already learned their essence.

Lu Zheng couldn't help but say, "I've learned the basics. Legalist learning cannot lead to the ultimate truth; we still need to explore it gradually."

Because the Legalists cannot truly grasp the Great Way, it is not difficult for Lu Zheng to learn it. However, since their teachings are not the Great Way, Lu Zheng still needs to explore it himself, which is not so easy.

Qingwan blinked. She had realized earlier that Lu Zheng wasn't just casually learning about Legalism, but genuinely wanted to develop the Legalist way.

Qingwan asked, "When will you teach me?"

Lu Zheng said, "This road is incomplete and very dangerous."

Qingwan smiled and said, "I believe in you! And that's precisely why you need help even more! Qingyi and I can both help, right, little Qingyi!"

Qingyi, who was walking to the side and looking around, nodded emphatically.

Qingyi is no longer the naive little drought demon who has just awakened her intelligence. Having experienced various things along the way and often received guidance from the two, she understands what Lu Zheng and the others are pursuing, and she can also contribute her share.

Furong City is vast, but most of its area is occupied by royalty or high-ranking officials.

Even so, it was not possible to travel all over the capital of Shu in a short time.

The bustling streets are filled with people coming and going.

Many people were dressed in splendid attire, and even some Taoist priests were adorned with jewels and exuded an air of nobility.

During his travels, Lu Zheng also encountered some beggars.

Most of these people are native residents of Furong City, who have become homeless and destitute for various reasons.

Fortunately, Furong City was prosperous enough that some wealthy and powerful people were happy to give them some leftovers to show their benevolence, so these beggars in the city usually did not starve to death, but that was all.

Beneath a hibiscus tree by the side of a street.

A teenager finished the food he had begged for, wiped the grease from the corner of his mouth, and a look of satisfaction appeared on his face.

The boy then took out a short wooden stick and began to write and draw on the hard stone slab in front of him.

Where the stick passed, faint traces of sawdust could be seen.

"I examine myself three times a day..."

A clear voice rang in the boy's ears.

The boy looked up in surprise and saw three people standing beside him, all of whom had an extraordinary air about them.

The speaker was a handsome young man who was looking at him with a smile.

The boy quickly stood up, took a few steps back, and bowed his head, saying, "This humble one greets this sir!"

Lu Zheng smiled and said, "I cultivate Confucian culture, just like you, and I'm not some kind of 'master'."

The boy was startled and couldn't help but secretly raise his eyebrows to look at Lu Zheng again. He could indeed see that Lu Zheng was different from many people he had met before, and had a special scholarly temperament.

Thinking of this, the boy felt ashamed and embarrassed to face anyone.

Lu Zheng smiled and said, "You have a refined air about you, it seems you've been to school. Why are you begging on the street? Where are your relatives?" The young man replied, "My parents are deceased, I have no relatives."

Lu Zhengdao: "No relatives? Really?"

Even a teenager can be distinguished between truth and falsehood by Lu Zheng.

The boy pursed his lips and simply said, "I don't consider them family."

Lu Zheng asked curiously, "Oh, what is the reason? Could you explain in detail? As a fellow Confucian scholar, I might be able to help you in some way."

The young man was taken aback by these words, then shook his head. "This... young master means well. Everyone has their own destiny, and the past is gone with the wind. There's nothing to say about it."

When he was young, his family was relatively well-off, and his father was a scholar. However, he later offended a powerful figure and was unjustly imprisoned and died.

As a young boy, he was adopted by an uncle.

But the uncle coveted the small fortune the boy had inherited and treated the boy harshly and coldly.

The boy still vividly remembers that look in his eyes that seemed to wish he were dead.

Unable to endure such a life, the boy ran away from his uncle's house and hid in the city, becoming a beggar.

Furong City is big enough that he is not worried that his uncle will find him.

His uncle wouldn't bother with the time or money to find him; he'd rather he died out there.

After becoming a beggar, because he was well-mannered and somewhat clever, he often succeeded in begging from wealthy and powerful families.

The young man then begged in Furong City for several years, living a poor but carefree life.

Reflecting on his father's teachings from his childhood each day, the young man gradually cultivated a touch of Confucian and Taoist refinement.

Some families even wanted to adopt him because of his refined and cultured appearance, but the boy refused to live under someone else's roof any longer.

I'd rather be a beggar on the street than be a slave to someone else.

Seeing the boy's dazed expression, Lu Zheng couldn't help but ask, "You really don't need my help?"

The boy came to his senses and shook his head, saying, "If you pity me, sir, just give me one or two taels of silver. I can't handle more than that."

Lu Zheng smiled and said, "One or two taels of silver is too little. We're in the same boat, so it's only right and proper that I help you more. I have some connections in Furong City, so feel free to ask for anything..."

The young man raised his head slightly. He was quick-witted and understood that the connections the person in front of him mentioned were probably quite significant to him.

However, the young man firmly shook his head. He could bow his head and beg for food from wealthy families, but when faced with a Confucian scholar like Lu Zheng, he only wanted to preserve his last bit of self-respect and did not want to ask for more.

The boy's eyes gleamed. "If possible, young master, could you give me a few books? If I become accomplished in my studies, I will surely repay you!"

Books in Furong City are very expensive, especially rare Confucian classics, which he simply cannot afford.

Upon hearing this, Lu Zheng's smile broadened. "Okay."

After saying that, Lu Zheng casually took out several sets of books.

Seeing Lu Zheng produce books out of thin air, the boy's eyes lit up, realizing that he had truly encountered a formidable Confucian scholar.

Lu Zhengdao said, "Take it. You don't need to repay me in the future. Go and help other people."

The boy quickly took the heavy book with both hands, his face beaming with joy.

Lu Zheng added, "If you encounter any difficulties in the future, you can go to Qingyang Temple and ask the Taoist priests there for help. Just say that I am Lu Zheng."

(End of this chapter)