Wu Yuan quit the Li Clan’s manor on Fortune Street with one of his trusted scholarly secretaries. As he walked along the street in his official attire, he suddenly stopped dead, then balanced on one foot as he removed a boot to shake out the sand. The scholarly secretary was already used to this.

However, Fortune Street was far more lively and bustling than it had been before, so the young scholarly secretary felt the need to conceal Wu Yuan as much as possible, lest he embarrass himself in front of the onlookers.

At the same time, he said in a low voice, “Li Hong had already told us he was willing to compromise on the immortal tomb matter, so why has he changed his mind? Doesn’t he worry about tarnishing his image, appearing fickle and unreliable in your eyes?”

A weary look crossed Wu Yuan’s face as he sighed, “I suspect it’s because Li Hong’s second son, Li Baozhen, has made a name for himself in the capital. Perhaps he’s found a powerful patron and sent a letter back, advising Li Hong not to act rashly.

“Alternatively, it might be Li Hong’s reclusive eldest son who advised him to wait and see. It’s hard to say what prompted this change. In any case, we’re the ones who have to deal with the fallout. All our plans were based on my teacher’s… Let’s not dwell on it.

“Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Let’s go get a couple of flagons of spring peach blossom wine. I’ll treat, but I’m broke, so you’ll have to pay this time. I’ll repay you later.”

The scholarly secretary was used to Wu Yuan’s shameless generosity, and a curious look appeared on his face as he remarked, “There’s a story circulating about a fortune teller predicting great things for the two sons and daughter of the Li Clan on Fortune Street, isn’t that right?”

Wu Yuan rubbed his pale, thin face, smiling. “You believe in that sort of thing? Anyone trying to make a name for themselves in the capital of our Great Li Empire needs to know how to build connections and cultivate a reputation, especially those from humble beginnings.

“Even wealthy and powerful clans aren’t guaranteed success. Your Fu Clan has always been renowned for its immense wealth. Outsiders may not know if that reputation is deserved, but I’m sure you know the truth. Isn’t that right, Fu Yu?”

Fu Yu was displeased. “Why are you bringing up my clan?”

Wu Yuan’s mood brightened at Fu Yu’s indignation. He burst out laughing, patting Fu Yu on the shoulder. “We’re in the same boat, both of us as unprepossessing as the other.”

Fu Yu also laughed. “Wouldn’t it be better to say we share the same ambitions and outlook?”

“Rather pretentious, isn’t it?” Wu Yuan chuckled. “It’s exhausting maintaining the facade of a gentleman. Much easier to be a scoundrel.”

“You’ve truly embraced the scoundrel’s life,” Fu Yu sighed, shaking his head wistfully.

Wu Yuan sighed forlornly, then changed the subject. “I miss my wife.”

Fu Yu smiled. “Isn’t it time we lifted the restrictions on brothels in Dragon Spring County? Fine wine is good, but it lacks flavor without beautiful women to accompany it.”

Wu Yuan nodded seriously. “There are women among the Lu Empire prisoners who would be perfect. Rather than forcing them to work themselves to death in the forests and mountains, we can give them a choice.

“Of course, we can’t force them, so the decision rests with them. Fu Yu, from now on, you don’t have to accompany me on these trips and be shunned by the townsfolk. I’m putting you in charge of this matter.”

Fu Yu was taken aback. He’d only said it as a joke. A perplexed look crossed his face. “Are you serious?”

Wu Yuan adjusted his collar, smiling. “Why would you think I’m not serious? With all these mountains being developed, the majority of future residents will be immortals. How will we keep those esteemed immortals around and get them to spend money in our town? Can you do it, or do I have to?”

“I’m just a lowly governor about to lose my kiln supervision post. My teacher says those immortals aren’t attracted to mortal women for their looks alone, because female cultivators have superior physiques.

“The only allure mortal women might have for immortals is status. A fallen empire’s princess, or a disgraced powerful clan’s mistress—those are rare delicacies. And these Lu Empire prisoners aren’t lacking in that area.”

Fu Yu frowned. “Why is the imperial court assigning a new kiln supervisor now? Clearly, you’re being targeted! These past two months, you’ve walked every one of the sixty mountains, negotiated with those sly old foxes…

“From the county office and city god pavilion to the wenchang pavilion and martial sage temple, from materials to the Lu Empire prisoners, you’ve overseen everything, no matter how trivial, and haven’t slept more than six hours a day!

“Yet now, those old farts in the imperial court are condemning you for failing? Perhaps someone in the court has been manipulating the four surnames and ten clans, setting obstacles at every turn, ensuring your career never leaves Dragon Spring County!”

Fu Yu seemed to realize this was a far-fetched conspiracy. “At the very least, they’re trying to ensure you won’t hold a ministry position before you turn 50. You’ll just slowly climb the ranks without reward.”

Wu Yuan opened his mouth, then remained silent.

Fu Yu burst out laughing. Wu Yuan turned to him. “What’s so funny?”

Fu Yu replied, “Dragon Spring County is small, but compared to the luxurious capital, I prefer it here. Fine wine, pastries, meat buns every morning. If I want something, I can walk to buy it, and it takes no more than an hour.

“Sometimes, when I’m in a bad mood, I’ll go to the wine shop, order half a liter of wine, sit alone for an hour or two without anyone bothering me. If I’m hungry, a small bowl of braised meat and pickled vegetables with the wine.

“I want to keep living like this. That gives me even more incentive to do well, even with the hardships ahead.”

Wu Yuan nodded. “If we just laze around and rely on others, what’s the point of being officials? We have to take action to benefit the people.

“You’re better than me. I come from a poor background, so I know how hard things are for the common people. You’re a young master of the esteemed Fu Clan, so it’s surprising you think this way.”

They walked along. Fu Yu sighed. “That’s the problem. You can do things for the people, but they won’t necessarily be grateful. History is full of capable officials diligently serving the people, only to be denounced and disgraced.

“Some are posthumously lauded, but those are few and far between. What does it matter when they’re dead?”

“That’s not the right way to think,” Wu Yuan disagreed, shaking his head. “If you set out to do something, that’s your focus. Your goal should be to accomplish something you’re proud of. Whether the people are grateful or the court approves, that’s not for you to worry about now.

“Overthinking it leads to disillusionment, and you lose your will before you even begin. We Confucians aren’t like Daoists and Buddhists, always seeking the limits of their teachings.”

Fu Yu sighed faintly.

Wu Yuan continued, almost to himself, “Daoism emphasizes peace and tranquility, focused solely on the individual. Even if the heavens fall, as long as one achieves immortality, that’s enough.

“They don’t care about past or future lives, only the present, because they need their current body to achieve immortality. Buddhism is divided into Mahayana and Theravada.

“Theravada is similar to Daoism, while Mahayana promises blessings in the next life for suffering in this one, instilling hope. Confucianism is most closely tied to the secular world.

“The more learned and advanced one’s cultivation, the more cautious they become, fearing their words and actions might break rules or boundaries.

“My teacher emphasizes practical ability over theoretical knowledge, wanting to weed out Confucians with empty knowledge. Unfortunately, those with radical ideas are ostracized and make enemies.”

Wu Yuan shook his head. “My teacher was right, but anything taken to extremes goes wrong. There’s inertia in everyone.

“Even in long periods of peace, 500 or 1,000 years, scholars might still read the same books, but with conceit and sanctimony, not self-improvement. This isn’t a problem now.

“Confucianism’s eternal pursuits are a strong moral compass, contributions to society and empire, and worthy writings for future generations.

“Currently, Confucians pursue all three equally, but if my teacher’s doctrine were implemented, the focus would shift solely to societal and imperial contributions. Scholars would abandon moral compass and theoretical knowledge. That would be a terrifying world.”

Fu Yu was stunned, grabbing Wu Yuan’s arm urgently. “Wu Yuan, don’t say this to your teacher! You’re not a cultivator, you don’t know how cruel the pursuit of the Great Dao can be. Careless words could be fatal!”

Wu Yuan patted Fu Yu’s hand, wryly smiling. “Of course I wouldn’t dare say this to my teacher. Perhaps I haven’t fully grasped his doctrine, given his immense knowledge. I’m sure he’d laugh at my ideas.”

Fu Yu released Wu Yuan’s arm. “Don’t let these ideas escape. I don’t want to see you follow in Song Yuzhang’s footsteps…”

Fu Yu stopped, knowing it was unwise to elaborate.

Wu Yuan changed the subject. “Fu Yu, if I ever go astray, you must rebuke me, no matter my position. You must make me see reason.”

“Rest assured, if my words fail, you’ll get a punch, Minister Wu.”

“A minister of one of the six ministries is too small a position for me.”

“Not at all! Think about it, once our Great Li Empire takes the Eastern Treasured Vial Continent, will a minister of one of the six ministries still seem too small? That’s a lofty goal.

“Let me be clear: I’m good at ideas, not adapting. I’ll follow you until I die. If you become a minister, how about you make me your right-hand man?”

The scholars continued their playful discussion as they returned to the county office.

Inside the Yuan Clan’s manor, an azure-robed scholar picked up his book, smiling to himself. “Wu Yuan, your point about my doctrine’s emphasis on practical contributions is valid, but you haven’t grasped its full depth.”