The First National Preceptor of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 13

Now, let us all go together to the Wuhou Temple to pay homage to Master Zhuge Kongming, hoping that everyone can acquire some of the talent of the Sleeping Dragon and have a smooth journey in the new year. Afterwards, we will visit Longzhong together.

Xu Tian suddenly realized that the reason why this poetry gathering was held in Longzhong instead of Yanshan, which was closer to Dingxiang City, was probably to borrow Zhuge Liang's talent, or perhaps for good luck.

After all, Zhuge Liang was the prime minister of a country who single-handedly supported Western Shu for decades without leaving a bad reputation. He is still remembered by later generations. He has both merit and fame, which can be regarded as the highest realm of a minister and the highest achievement that an individual can attain.

The group paid homage to Zhuge Liang together, and then toured Longzhong. Longzhong was filled with towering pines and cypresses, and on either side of the Sangu Hall stood plaques that read, "Without tranquility, one cannot achieve far-reaching goals; without detachment, one cannot clarify one's ambitions."

"Sometimes I'm also confused. Was it really a good thing that Zhuge Liang helped Liu Bei divide the world into three kingdoms? Would it have been better for ordinary people if there hadn't been the Longzhong Plan? All that fighting and strife is for fame and fortune, and it's the common people who suffer the most," Mr. Cui said at this moment.

Xu Tian thought for a moment and said, "Brother Cui has the people at heart, and I can understand your thoughts. Indeed, many people believe that if there hadn't been a three-way division of the country, there wouldn't have been the later chaos of the Five Barbarian Tribes."

I believe that even without Zhuge Liang, there would have been someone else. The chaos at the end of the Han Dynasty did not begin with the Three Kingdoms period, nor did it end with its conclusion.

“Although it’s unavoidable, things will be better in the end,” Mr. Cui said.

"It's hard to say. Things are unpredictable. Even if there isn't a third war, other wars might still break out. For example, the War of the Eight Princes in the Jin Dynasty under the Sima family might have turned into a war between several princes under the Cao family."

To take a recent example, the Sui Dynasty had a very promising future, but it only lasted for two generations. Otherwise, how could this dynasty have had the opportunity to rise to prominence?

History has passed, but we, the descendants, might as well reflect more on why the decline of dynasties is always inevitable, how to achieve long-term stability and security, or how to reduce the losses to the country and its people when war is unavoidable.

"I must admit that Xu Tian's words make sense, but how can we truly achieve lasting peace and stability? Looking at past dynasties, even though the Han Dynasty was powerful, it still experienced the Rebellion of the Seven States, the crisis in Emperor Wu's later years, and Wang Mang's usurpation of the Han throne. It was rare to have a century of true stability. Xu Tian, ​​you have extraordinary talent; do you have any insights into this?"

"I have some thoughts, but I can't express them. It would be pointless to express them, as they wouldn't change anything, and they're not feasible right now. In short, I believe that governing a country is a complex matter, and there's no such thing as a one-time solution."

Although they were supposed to be touring Longzhong together, they actually split into small groups of three or five. Xu Tian found a quiet moment and approached Wang Yong, "Brother Wang, what are the plans for today?"

"There shouldn't be anything important after this; everyone will probably just meet up with friends, since many of them are setting off tomorrow. Xu Tian, ​​what is it you're asking about?"

"There is something I need to discuss. I have a suggestion. The people present today are all outstanding figures in Xiangzhou, including Scholar Zheng. It would be worthwhile to get to know them."

Brother Wang, you ate at my sworn brother's shop last time, and I thought the food was alright. How about my sworn brother, Hua Zilou, treat everyone to a meal today? What do you think?"

After listening, Wang Yong thought for a moment and said, "The food at Huazilou is indeed very good, and I understand Xu Tian's intentions. However, there are many people present today, and it would be quite costly if everyone went."

"Don't worry, not everyone will go. We can afford to serve just a few tables."

"Xu Tian has put a lot of thought into this. Well, I'll go and ask him later if this arrangement is acceptable. Wait for my news, but I'm not the one in charge, and Zheng Zhuangyuan's opinion is also very important, so don't have too high expectations."

"Thank you very much, Brother Wang."

"It's nothing, a simple thank you is enough. I'll do my best, and that'll be over soon." Wang Yong then left.

“Xu Tian, ​​you are a magnanimous person. I think you shouldn’t worry about such mundane matters. Besides, you are a Taoist practitioner. These things should be external to you.” Mr. Cui said from the side, puzzled.

“Alas, Brother Cui, as you know, I was born into a Taoist family and have no relatives or anyone to rely on in the secular world, so I have to rely on myself for everything.”

You understand that the world is far from stable these days; in fact, it has never truly been stable. Without strength, how can one better survive in this world?

Seeing that Mr. Cui still didn't quite understand, he continued to explain: "If officials, powerful families, and nobles yawn casually one day, it could be a catastrophic disaster for ordinary people like us."

Today's actions are simply to build good relationships and make the road ahead easier.

To be honest, everything Hua Zi Lou has done so far is just a small test, nothing special to me. However, for greater development in the future, I must now plan for the long term, as it concerns the path I cultivate.

Mr. Cui nodded, indicating that he understood: "Since you, Xu Tian, ​​have thought things through carefully, I will not say more. As far as I know, your talent is already beyond the reach of ordinary people, and I imagine there are still aspects of you that are unknown to others."

I've often sensed that you've been suppressing yourself, afraid to stand out, and today I understand why – you're worried about standing out too much. I come from an ordinary family myself, and it's a pity I can't help you.

"You flatter me. Brother Cui has already helped me a great deal. Right now, I don't have a clear plan in mind; I'm just moving in the direction I've been thinking of, taking it one step at a time, and seeing what the future holds."

"Xu Tian," Wang Yong said with a smile as he walked over from a distance, "the matter you just mentioned has been settled. Many people know the reputation of Hua Zi Lou, and as soon as I mentioned it, many people responded. Even Scholar Zheng agreed, so this matter went very smoothly."

"That's good. It's getting late. I'll go back immediately and have my sworn brother make preparations to welcome you all."

"Well, we did a rough count, and because it's free, there were more people than we expected, around sixty or seventy."

"Hehe, Brother Wang, don't worry, I can handle so many people. I'll be going now."

So Xu Tian took his leave, only to remember on the way that Wang Anping had gone out to visit relatives a few days ago and had not yet returned.

Upon returning to Huazilou, Xu Tian immediately found Manager Jiang and the others and told them about the matter. They naturally knew that this was a good opportunity to enhance Huazilou's reputation and prestige, and immediately made arrangements.

A sign has been put up outside the restaurant that it is open for private bookings from afternoon to evening and will not be accepting customers today, which has sparked discussion among diners.

With eight people per table, there were nine tables of food to prepare, so we naturally had to start early and mobilize everyone in the restaurant.

Around 3 p.m., Wang Yongxian finally arrived.

"Xu Tian, ​​how are the preparations going? The people will be arriving shortly."