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Chapter 16 - Opening the Holy Court with the Luck of the Nation
Chapter 16: Opening the Holy Court with the Luck of the Nation
Ye Ning became famous overnight, admired by tens of thousands. Meanwhile, Liu Shen was subjected to insults and could only dwell in the shadows.
It’s impossible to say there wasn’t a psychological gap, but it didn’t affect him in the slightest. A scholar’s integrity was more important than life itself. For the revival of Great Zhou, he had long abandoned his integrity, bearing the name of a villain.
He was truly selfless. Such a person wouldn’t be negatively affected by personal emotions. He quickly adjusted his mindset and began discussing important matters.
“Yes, He Yuan’s death, although not at Ye Ning’s behest, the Feather Transformation Sect will never let it go. Once the news reaches them, with the nature of the sect, they will certainly not spare Ye Ning!” Ji Mingyue worried.
He wondered if Ye Ning might also be unable to sleep at this moment. However, he had no idea that Ye Ning was carefree and had long fallen asleep.
“There are two ways that might save his life!” Liu Shen’s seemingly muddy eyes flashed with brilliance. He had an idea.
“Oh, what are the ways?” Ji Mingyue showed a pleased expression.
Liu Shen was always reliable, never wasting words and directly proposing solutions to problems.
“First, let Ye Ning, like this old minister, tarnish his reputation, join the ranks of the traitors, and actively show goodwill to the sect. Make him the sect’s lackey. Perhaps there’s a glimmer of hope in this way,” Liu Shen said slowly.
“That’s unlikely. Although I haven’t spent much time with Ye Ning, from today’s scene in the Golden Luang Palace, I could already see his character. Righteous and resolute, he abhors evil. He sees the sect as the root of calamity, how could he possibly kowtow to them?” Ji Mingyue sighed.
He had thought of this method but quickly dismissed it. Someone like Ye Ning, with such a character, could never be expected to do such a thing. It would be like asking for the moon.
“I also think so. Ye Ning has his pride. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have spoken such words as ‘Who in this world can escape death? Leave behind a dauntless heart to illuminate history!’ Such a person can be killed, but he won’t bow his head,” Liu Shen took a deep breath, admiration flickering in his eyes.
People like Ye Ning were truly hard to dislike. Those with integrity would consider him a benchmark.
“In that case, there’s only one way.” Liu Shen’s gaze gradually became serious, lowering his voice. “If he can’t survive by begging for mercy, then he must become powerful enough to make it difficult for the sect to kill him!”
“How can he become powerful enough to make it difficult for the sect to kill him?” Ji Mingyue frowned. Wasn’t that saying nothing at all? But suddenly, he seemed to have thought of something and said incredulously, “The Holy Court!?”
He thought of a place.
“Exactly the Holy Court!” Liu Shen’s eyes showed reverence.
The Holy Court was where scholars from all schools used to study, a sacred place for Confucianism, and the White Moonlight in the hearts of all scholars. It’s a pity that it had been sealed by the sect. With the sealing of the Holy Court, the literary atmosphere in the world diminished significantly, and Confucian scholars lost the opportunity to progress, gradually declining.
“Your Majesty, don’t forget, the former head of the Holy Court said before his death that as long as righteousness exists in the world, the Holy Court will not be destroyed. It may decline for a while, but not forever… It’s just waiting for someone who can hold the Ox Tail of Confucianism, absorb the righteousness of heaven and earth, selflessly, benevolently, unafraid of life and death!
“Such a person, with great perseverance and character!
“If such a person emerges, the Holy Court will surely be unsealed!”
Liu Shen’s eyes sparkled with brilliance.
This time, it was unrelated to the court, just a scholar’s expectation of the reappearance of a sacred place in his heart.
“The person mentioned by the former head of the Holy Court is probably comparable to the ancient sages.” Ji Mingyue smiled bitterly.
“Sages only exist in books. Have they ever appeared in the world? Does Lord Liu think Ye Ning is comparable to a sage?”
The Holy Court was where sages preach. So naturally, sages could unlock the seal of the Holy Court. But the problem was, becoming a sage was extremely strict. One must have great perseverance, great character, and great achievements, both in self-cultivation and talent, to an extraordinary degree! Only such a person had the possibility of becoming a sage.
There had been countless years since the legacy of Confucianism, but only a few sages appeared in ancient times, establishing the tradition of Confucianism.
After that, there were no more sages appearing. At most, they were quasi-sages or semi-sages.
Ji Mingyue thought Ye Ning’s talent and character were already very good, but he didn’t think Ye Ning had reached the level of ancient sages.
That’s too difficult.
Almost impossible!
“Even if he can’t unlock the seal of the Holy Court, as long as he passes the test, he can still gain tremendous benefits. I was favored by the former emperor and had the opportunity to go to the Holy Court for the test. After passing three trials, I gained a hundred years of literary accumulation, making significant progress.
“If Ye Ning can pass five or more trials, his strength will soar.
“If he can pass seven trials, it won’t be so easy for the sect to kill him!”
Liu Shen was quite conservative.
Because the Holy Court was a special place, what Confucian disciples could gain there entirely depends on their own luck.
He couldn’t guarantee that Ye Ning would definitely survive after entering the Holy Court, but at least there was a chance.
“But if he fails the test, his literary talent will be shattered, and he will perish in body and spirit!” Ji Mingyue hesitated.
All tests were double-edged swords. There couldn’t be only benefits and no harm.
“The test of the Holy Court directly targets one’s heart. Even if a righteous person fails, the consequences won’t be too bad. Only those with ulterior motives, those with unrighteous hearts, may have their literary talents shattered. Your Majesty, do you lack confidence in Ye Ning?” Liu Shen smiled at Ji Mingyue.
“Or is it that Your Majesty is unwilling to use the luck of Great Zhou to open the Holy Court for Ye Ning?”
Since the Holy Court was sealed, it wasn’t a place where anyone could enter at will. Each emperor could only send one person in. Because each time the Holy Court was opened, it consumed the luck of the nation.
Only those scholars who were truly trusted by the monarch could obtain this precious opportunity.
Both talent and character were highly demanded.
After all, the luck of Great Zhou today was too important.
So, did Ji Mingyue hesitate?
After considering for a moment, Ji Mingyue finally made a decision.