How to become a Taoist priest starting from a brothel

Mimeograph machines were still in use in the countryside in Liu Yin's previous life in the 1980s and 1990s, and could be described as an extremely cost-effective product.

So when Liu Yin thought of putting Duan'an on the throne, she realized that books in this era were being bought up by powerful families because of their high printing costs. Her first thought was to reform the printing technology.

So when Cui Heng mentioned the issue of literacy, her first thought was of the mimeograph machine that the teachers used to print test papers when she was in elementary school in the countryside.

"Cui Heng, why don't you go and talk to your uncle? There's no rush, is there?" Liu Yin didn't directly explain the power of the mimeograph machine to him, but instead told him to go and clarify things first.

“Young Master…” Cui Heng was still hesitant, as allowing the female lead to ascend the throne was a challenge to his understanding.

“Cui Heng, I’m not forcing you. It’s just that no matter which man ascends the throne, it’s the same for the people. What I want is for the people to live better lives. If that means that what I’m doing is subverting the world’s understanding, then why don’t I subvert it even more?” Liu Yin looked at him with a smile on her face.

“I…” Cui Heng did not expect Liu Yin to say this, so his attitude wavered.

“Go tell your uncle. If he doesn’t want to, that’s fine too. It’s just a pity that we will become enemies in the future.” Liu Yin’s attitude left no room for refusal.

Upon hearing this, Cui Heng's expression darkened again. He pursed his lips and hesitated for a long time before saying, "Young Master, I will send a message to the General and discuss it with Eunuch Liu. No matter what their outcome is, I will assist you in achieving your wish."

As he spoke the last few sentences, his face was filled with determination.

“Okay, then go ask.” Liu Yin nodded understandingly.

Seeing this, Cui Heng nodded, stood up, and took his leave.

After watching him leave, Liu Yin sighed deeply. Of course, she knew this road would be difficult, but after witnessing the lives of the people at the bottom of society, she realized how superficial and shallow her supposed understanding of the suffering of ordinary people in ancient times was.

In ancient times, ordinary people, regardless of age or gender, were considered less than weeds in the eyes of the powerful and wealthy.

Humans are truly as worthless as grass. Even in brothels, there are many male prostitutes, accounting for nearly a third. Compared to female prostitutes who are usually eliminated after three to five years, male prostitutes have an even shorter lifespan. Yet, even so, many handsome men are still sold into this place through abduction or deception.

If women are the oppressed underclass in this era, then underclass men are merely slightly better off as oppressed.

As someone who lived under the red flag and received an equal education, she simply couldn't allow herself to be assimilated by this era, nor could she make the people of this era immediately become the kind of people she approved of.

So initially, she just wanted to write some storybooks so that more people could learn about these things, and at least plant a little seed in people's hearts.

But then she happened to meet Duan'an, a princess, a princess who was related to her by blood.

Therefore, she abandoned her original idea and decided to choose a more difficult path. She had hesitated before, until Duan'an said something that resonated with her, which made her make up her mind.

The next day, Duan'an arrived at her room early in the morning.

"Sister, I saw you meeting someone yesterday?" Duan'an had no intention of testing her; she trusted her sister completely.

"Yes, I met the owner of Shengyuan Trading Company. He is also an assistant left to me by my father." Since confirming Duan An's attitude, Liu Yin also wanted to tell the other party about it little by little through the people around her.

"I see. Since it was left by my uncle, it must be trustworthy. Did you tell him our purpose, sister?" Duan'an nodded.

“Yes, this is basically the first time the female lead has ever appeared. Giving them some information beforehand will give them a choice, so they won’t object later when things are already set up.” Liu Yin nodded and explained her purpose.

"I see." Duan An nodded in understanding, then, as if remembering something, reminded her, "Sister, he wouldn't be so foolish as to ask everyone for the information, would he?"

"No, he's a smart man. But this is only for the few of us to know. Don't tell Aunt Hui either, okay?" Liu Yin smiled before reminding her.

"Don't worry, sister, it's still far from settled," Duan'an replied before continuing, "Sister, we need to find a place to develop, right?"

“Of course, but I’m also hesitant.” Liu Yin nodded before continuing, “I originally favored Wancheng, but…”

Duan An tilted his head, looking puzzled.

“However, Uncle He has also had his own ideas. He was the one who took the people from Wancheng away. I had Cui Heng send him a message. If he is unwilling, it may not work. So we need to have a backup plan,” Liu Yin said.

Duan An frowned after hearing this, and after thinking for a while, he said, "In that case, I'm afraid we don't have many choices left."

"Yes, and we probably can't accomplish anything with just the few of us; we'll need some help," Liu Yin said with a smile.

Duan'an became even more troubled after hearing this: "Does your sister have any good ideas?"

Liu Yin thought for a moment before saying, "Now is not the right time for us to take action, but it's not impossible either. It just requires all of you to make some sacrifices."

"What?" Duan An became even more curious.

“I need you to go to the villages in the countryside.” Liu Yin didn’t have the habit of keeping people in suspense, and explained, “Go and get close to the people, contact them, understand them, help them, let them know about us, and let them trust us.”

"The common people..." Duan An pondered.

"For the people, we should surround the cities from the countryside; the people are our greatest foundation." After saying this, Liu Yin continued earnestly, "Duan'an, you must remember what Xunzi said in 'Wang Zhi': 'The ruler is the boat; the common people are the water. Water can carry the boat, but it can also capsize it.'"

"The ruler is the boat; the common people are the water. Water can carry the boat, but it can also capsize it..." Duan'an recited these words as if struck by a shock.

"Yes, so Duan'an, in addition to studying, you must also strive to get closer to your people. Remember that your people are not only the powerful and wealthy, but also the common people, even slaves are people you must cherish."

Before she could speak, Liu Yin continued, "Speaking of which, although you have been in Huaicheng for a long time and have been to many places in the city, it seems that you have never been to the countryside. Why don't you go for a walk this time? I will lend you Mei Wu. You can go to many places and stay for a long time. You are only seven years old and have many years to work hard. We are not in such a hurry."

“Okay.” Duan’an’s eyes flashed with endless anticipation. She had always only longed for that position. Her original idea was very simple: to make money, recruit soldiers, and then fight back. But Liu Yin’s words seemed to have opened a door for her to truly become a king. She gradually had more concrete ideas in her mind.