Chapter 215: The Princes Discuss
Chapter 215: The Princes Discuss
"Alright, disciples."
Luo Shu's voice was like a spring breeze, and with a barely perceptible smile on his face, he leisurely walked between the two of them.
His eyes were shining with kindness and undisguised pride, "No matter who wins or loses, you are all my best disciples."
“Remember, a truly strong person must not only have great strength, but also an indomitable will and a heart that respects each other.”
Upon hearing this, Yuan Hong and Yang Jian both nodded respectfully and kept their master's teachings in mind.
Yuan Hong raised his head, his eyes gleaming with determination. He spoke first, his voice full of respect:
"Master's teachings are engraved in my mind. Although I am strong, without perseverance and respect as a foundation, I will never achieve great things."
"Disciple must work diligently and live up to Master's high expectations."
Yang Jian followed closely behind, bowed, and spoke in a steady and powerful voice:
"I, your disciple, feel the same way. A true contest is not only about comparing skills, but also about sharpening one's soul."
"I, the disciple, wish to encourage each other and work together to reach higher peaks on the path of cultivation."
Hearing this, Luo Shu raised a gentle smile. He gently patted the two men on the shoulders, speaking in a gentle but powerful tone:
"Very good. You can encourage yourselves and urge each other. As your teacher, I am very pleased."
After saying this, he turned around and glanced at everyone, nodded slightly, and said slowly:
"Let's go. I'll watch you guys spar as soon as I get back. We haven't returned to the Sky Palace yet to have some tea."
As soon as the words fell, a burst of relaxed laughter rang out among the crowd, and the atmosphere suddenly became more harmonious.
Yuan Hong spoke first, smiling:
"Master, you have wronged us. We may exchange ideas, but we disciples have prepared tea leaves from the mother tree of Da Hong Pao for you. We are waiting for you to come back and taste them."
Yang Jian also nodded slightly, a smile appeared on his lips, and he echoed:
"Yes, Master, this tea from the mother tree of Da Hong Pao was left by you, Master. It is rare in the world and will definitely help you relieve your fatigue from the journey."
Jin Zha, Mu Zha and others also gathered around and recommended their tea art:
"Master, I have learned a new way to make tea. You must try it."
"Master, the water I picked is clear and sweet, and will definitely enhance the taste of the tea."
Master Luo Shu listened to the laughter of his disciples and felt very pleased.
He smiled and shook his head, pretending to be helpless, with a bit of pampering and emotion in his tone:
"You guys are really getting better at enjoying life. But it's good this way. It's rare to have a leisurely mind after practicing."
“However, remember that the way of tea is like spiritual practice, you need to be as calm as water to taste its true essence.
After saying this, he waved his sleeves lightly, and with an air of immortality, he led all the disciples towards the Cangqiong Palace.
……
In the majestic and solemn palace of the ancient city of Xiqi, the sunlight shines through the carved window lattices and shines onto the spacious and bright hall, coating every inch of the space with a layer of warm and solemn glow.
Today, an unprecedented grand occasion has gathered here.
Nearly two hundred small princes came from all directions.
Their figures combined into a force that could not be ignored, adding a vibrant atmosphere to this solemn hall.
Their arrival was not only to respond to the summons of King Ji Chang of Xibo, but also to discuss the future plans of Xiqi and even the whole world.
Inside the hall, the air seemed to freeze; tension and anticipation intertwined into an invisible web that tightly connected everyone's minds.
The princes were dressed in the gorgeous clothes of their respective fiefdoms, some solemn and elegant, some gorgeous and complicated. They were either standing or sitting, talking to each other in low voices.
Their eyes were flashing with speculations and anticipation about the upcoming meeting, and their words revealed their admiration and trust for Ji Chang, the King of Xibo.
The air is filled with a faint scent of incense, intertwined with the melodious sounds of bells and drums coming from afar, creating an atmosphere that is both ancient and sacred.
Following a long bell ringing, the door of the hall slowly opened, and Ji Chang, the King of Xibo, wearing a brocade robe and a crown on his head, walked into the hall with steady steps.
"Meet Xibo Hou!"
Upon seeing this, the lesser princes all stood up and bowed respectfully, their voices in unison, echoing throughout the hall.
Upon seeing this, the princes all stood up and bowed respectfully.
Ji Chang smiled and nodded in response. His face was kind and majestic, and his eyes revealed profound wisdom and unquestionable authority, as if he could see into people's hearts and lead everyone to the light.
The entire hall suddenly became silent, with only Ji Chang's steady and powerful footsteps echoing in the empty hall.
Following behind Ji Chang were Jiang Ziya, San Yisheng and Nangong Shi.
After Ji Chang walked up to the high platform and sat down, he looked at the small princes who were standing respectfully below the platform and spoke slowly:
"My lords, please excuse me."
Ji Chang's voice was gentle but powerful. He raised his hand slightly, motioning everyone to sit down.
After everyone was seated, he glanced at the princes in the audience with a deep gaze and continued:
"Gathering you all here today is a blessing for Xiqi and for all people in the world."
"The King of Shang is unjust and the people are living in misery. As a local vassal, we in Xiqi have the responsibility and obligation to stand up."
Ji Chang paused for a moment, his voice carrying a hint of sincerity:
"So, I, Xibo Hou Jichang, want to unite the princes, raise the banner of justice, and bring peace and prosperity to the world. What do you think?"
As soon as these words came out, the hall immediately exploded. The princes whispered to each other and discussed a lot.
Some princes looked hesitant, obviously afraid of this unknown struggle.
Some of them frowned, as if weighing the pros and cons.
But more princes had determination and resolve in their eyes, and they all expressed their willingness to follow Ji Chang and accomplish the great cause together.
At this time, a middle-aged prince sitting in the front row, with a calm face and a thoughtful look in his eyes, slowly stood up.
He first bowed deeply to Ji Chang, then asked with a hint of confusion and doubt:
"My Lord, although the Shang Dynasty is not perfect now, its national strength is strong and people from all over the world come to pay tribute."
"Under the rule of King Di Xin of Shang, the people were not rich and worry-free, but they could barely get enough food and clothing, and the country was peaceful and the people were safe."
"If we rashly launch an uprising, it may be difficult to shake the foundation, and it may even lead to war, causing the people to be displaced and the people to suffer misery again."
"Excuse me, Lord, do you have a foolproof plan to ensure that this move will truly benefit the people, rather than having the opposite effect?"
His words were sincere, and every word hit everyone's heart like a hammer.
Upon hearing this, several princes around nodded one after another, their eyes revealing their recognition and resonance of the middle-aged prince's words.
When Ji Chang heard this, his expression did not show any ripples, but a complex emotion flashed involuntarily in his deep eyes.
Although he knew very well that the little prince's remarks were not intended to be provocative, but were based on his understanding of the current situation.
However, when these four words "peace and prosperity for the country" came out of other people's mouths, especially when they mentioned King Di Xin of Shang, Ji Chang couldn't help but feel unhappy and unwilling.
He leaned forward slightly, his hands unconsciously folded in front of his chest, a gesture that showed he was ready to listen and also wanted to pour out what was on his mind.
Ji Chang's voice was still gentle and powerful, but it had a depth that could not be ignored:
"What you said does make some sense. However, things in this world often have undercurrents beneath the surface."
"The so-called 'peace and prosperity' of Dashang may just be the light on the surface, which cannot hide the reefs and whirlpools underneath."
At this point, Ji Chang's gaze became unusually sharp, as if he could penetrate the thick fog and look directly at the truth hidden behind the prosperity.
"Although King Di Xin of Shang was a great ruler, he was arrogant, extravagant, licentious, tyrannical and unjust."
"He treated the common people like grass, and the court was dominated by treacherous officials, while loyal and good people suffered."
"Under this kind of governance, how can there be real peace and prosperity for the country? It is nothing but self-deception and covering one's ears and stealing the bell."
At this time, the atmosphere in the hall became extremely solemn. The princes held their breath and listened attentively to every word of Ji Chang.
Some of them looked shocked, obviously knowing nothing about what Ji Chang said.
Some were thoughtful and began to re-examine their views on the Shang Dynasty and its King Di Xin.
As princes, we should care about the world and worry about the country and the people."
Ji Chang's voice sounded again, his words full of a sense of responsibility and mission, "If we continue to turn a blind eye to the corruption of the Shang Dynasty and allow it to wreak havoc on the people, then one day, there will be no peace in this world."
"Therefore, I, Ji Chang, have decided to unite the princes, raise the banner of justice, and vow to overthrow the tyranny and bring peace and prosperity to the world!"
Ji Chang's words were powerful and echoed in every corner of the hall.
Phi-Fic