Chapter 414: Chapter 356 Mortal World Teachings, Every Moment Counts
Mei County.
Governor Mansion.
Governor Li Xin stood respectfully beside Song Lin.
Song Lin flipped through the documents, occasionally asking a question, which the governor promptly answered.
Li Xin hailed from the cultivator Li family. Cultivators generally lived long lives, and families often spanned hundreds of years, with descendants—including branch family members—numbering in the tens of thousands.
Li Xin was one such descendant. Although he rarely mingled with his family, there were always excuses to intervene whenever something arose.
Now was one of those times.
Song Lin sought him out, learned that his ancestors were leading the initiative, and Li Xin wasted no time aligning himself with them.
Soon, the governors of the other five counties arrived, escorted by Taoists.
In addition, commanders, military leaders, and others from each county were present.
Governor Li Xin said, "Reporting to the Taoist Leader: the six counties’ Forbidden Army totals 2,500 men—five command camps, organized into one military unit. Regular garrison forces number 5,000 men, forming two units. The militia brings the total up to 150,000 men, organized into sixty units."
The combined total forces were over 150,000.
These were the standing forces, and for six counties with a population of over 20 million, this was not to be considered small.
At least for regions far away from the border, it wasn’t insignificant.
Border regions had Forbidden Army numbers several dozen times greater than this.
The Forbidden Army was directly under court authority, typically deployed to other areas for defense, rotating assignments periodically.
They were the court’s elite forces, trained exclusively and full-time.
The standing army was jointly commanded by county governments and the court—provisions and wages were issued by the court, while recruitment and execution were county responsibilities.
The militia was large due to the current dynasty’s military system, recruited based on household registration ratios of able-bodied men, fulfilling specific service terms. They were tasked with constructing fortifications, transporting provisions, apprehending criminals, or assisting the Forbidden Army in border defense.
Serving in the militia counted as labor service, with soldiers typically required to provide their own food and weapons.
"Labor service—does this mean militia members aren’t paid?"
Song Lin pondered for a moment and spoke.
Li Xin chuckled bitterly and replied, "The county government simply doesn’t have the money for it."
Half of the county taxes were submitted to the Taoist School, and the other half went to the court, leaving barely anything left.
"In the future... cancel the tax submissions."
The six counties’ total tax submissions amounted to less than a million, mostly consisting of grain and cloth. Such goods weren’t worth much in trade and might as well be left with the people.
The six counties’ governors were stunned momentarily, then bowed deeply.
"The Taoist Leader is merciful!"
It was their first encounter with a Taoist willing to sacrifice his own interests to ease the lives of the people.
Most Taoist groups didn’t share the grand ambitions of Song Lin, nor did they earn as much as Donghua Jungle, dismissing such trifling amounts as beneath them.
Song Lin returned to Donghua Jungle and gathered Wu Yi, Qingyu, Shi Yinhua, and others to explain the affairs of the six counties.
"The six counties have many scholars and officials worth cultivating. We can sacrifice a little to allow them political achievements that elevate them to the court, thereby increasing our influence. Wu Yi!"
Song Lin turned to the young man with the demeanor of a gentleman.
"Have you studied Zhou Yi and the books on practical governance yet?"
Previously, Song Lin had given Wu Yi several books—Zhou Yi for Taoist studies, and practical governance books by Gu Yanwu, Huang Zongxi, and others, discussing themes like people-centric policies, the principle of ’every person bears responsibility for the nation’s rise and fall,’ and so on.
The gate-controlled hierarchy in Wu Country was deeply entrenched, even embedding the Taoist School as a supporter of these gatekeeper families, which was easy to understand without elaboration.
Scholars from poor families and commoners often saw no prospects for advancement, and these ideas likely resonated strongly among them.
Furthermore, King Ying had their support. Once such ideals formed a movement, even if King Ying himself did not want it, they would still push Wu Yi into a prominent position.
As for others seeking similar paths?
That wouldn’t be too difficult—the first step was to sever any ties with their gatekeeper families. Only someone like Wu Yi, without any foundational support, could accomplish such a feat.
"Disciple understands, but my royal position lacks real power. A rash intervention in local governance..."
"That’s nothing to worry about."
Song Lin spoke with no concern.
Compared to mundane matters, Song Lin’s attention was better spent on other forces. However, this was Donghua’s territory—any intruder would be met with swift elimination, no exceptions.
In the following period, Song Lin collaborated with Wu Yi to initiate reforms.
They began by constructing a royal residence in the county seat, followed by the establishment of departments such as the Orphanage and Orphan Relief Bureau.
For scholars, they built the Hongwen Academy, stocked with a vast collection of books that were free to borrow, aiming to attract impoverished scholars.
Those with outstanding academic performance could even receive sponsorship from the royal residence for exam-related travel expenses.
Of course, in Song Lin’s experience, such gestures were merely minor acts of kindness—most people would remember them for a while but not for a lifetime.
True recognition stemmed from ideology.
Grounded in the theories of Mengzi and Xunzi, the Yinghua School emerged, flourishing through contributions from Gu, Huang, Wang, Tang, and Zhu.
Wu Yi’s profound scholarship left many impressed.
Prince Ying’s residence.
Wu Yi, dressed in elegant attire, was processing official affairs. Recently, he had been sleeping less than three hours per night.
"Crushing powerful families, reducing taxes, improving waterworks, repairing roads, reforming militias—these tasks are imperative. Governor Li Xin will face a three-year evaluation; if rated outstanding, he can proceed to the capital for promotion..."
Wu Yi mused.
With several of these individuals ascending to the court, along with scholars advancing through the imperial exams, their influence would rise rapidly.
The school’s philosophy was solid, likely gaining significant approval, and perhaps within a decade or two, they’d hold a prominent position in court.
Wu Country was not comparable to barbaric nations—philosophical disputes rarely escalated to physical elimination, nor were scholars arbitrarily killed over a few controversial words.
Wu Yi had great confidence in the theories stemming from Donghua Jungle.
These were progressive, groundbreaking ideas that he was unafraid to have scrutinized.
Within ten years, he was certain to establish himself as a significant figure.
This was the strategy set by Song Lin.
Advance through undeniable governance results; conquer through superior ideology; govern the people with the methods of Saints.
To outsiders, the Donghua Jungle group exuded inexplicable confidence, but it stemmed simply from their faith in their Great Dao, which no outsider could understand.
Shanyin County.
Song Lin, Zhengxin, and Mei Hua walked alongside an elderly man with white hair through the bustling streets.
The elder, Yangg Qiandao, was a renowned Great Scholar of the era, formerly holding a central government position before retiring to his hometown.
"Your recent efforts have focused extensively on the mortal world—what is the purpose of this? It doesn’t enhance the power of the jungle," Mei Hua suddenly asked.
Not being able to understand, he added, "You’re not secluding yourself, nor refining spells; instead, you’ve started preaching and educating."
"Haha, since I’ve transformed the two prefectures and six jungles, shouldn’t I give something back to the mortals—at least bring some change?"
"Otherwise, if mortals live the same lives before and after we arrived, wouldn’t our presence be meaningless? What difference would we make?"
"The Taoist Leader is correct," Yangg Qiandao agreed while stroking his beard in approval.
"I seek only to clear away stagnant old ways, prosperity for Taoist skills, and stability for the people’s livelihoods."
"Taoist Leader speaks wisely; I’ve observed for a long time, and the Taoist Leader is truly a man of honor whose actions match his words. Under Donghua Jungle’s governance, the people’s lives have significantly improved—please accept my bow!"
Yangg Qiandao suddenly straightened his posture and bowed deeply.
"Master Yangg, please rise—such formalities are unwarranted!"
Song Lin hurriedly helped him up.
Yangg Qiandao had been a virtuous official during his term, accomplishing numerous beneficial policies for the people.
He was also a staunch advocate of battling demons, which earned him the ire of the Taoist Alliance. Fortunately, his disciples and subordinates were many, preventing a worse end than his peaceful retirement.
To win over this influential elder in both court and society, Song Lin had made significant efforts—not only visiting him personally but also showing him the jungle’s teachings and rules.
Additionally, he accompanied him to observe people’s livelihoods.
The elder stayed for a full ten days.
Song Lin’s intentions might have been somewhat opportunistic, but his admiration was genuine.
This respect wasn’t based on cultivation level or mastery of spells, but on Yangg Qiandao’s relentless spirit of pursuing the seemingly unattainable.
"If the Dao doesn’t prevail, I shall ride the waves and drift across the sea. In truth, I once believed Wu Country had no future. Alas, seeing the Taoist Leader’s resolve—this old man shall give his life to accompany the cause."
Yangg Qiandao had disciples, subordinates, and influence in the court.
He could recommend officials, and he could provide assistance to Prince Ying, enhancing his support base.
"Thank you, Master Yangg."
Song Lin knew he had successfully won over Yangg Qiandao.
Although his spells could easily obliterate a thousand elderly men like Yangg Qiandao, he knew that for a man of integrity, physical force would never work. Even crushed to dust, his upright spirit would remain unshaken.
Considering the elder’s declining health, Zhengxin, experienced himself, couldn’t help but advise:
"Why not take care of your body first, elder? No need to rush; progress can come slowly and steadily."
But Yangg Qiandao shook his head in refusal, laughing heartily:
"There’s no time—the fate of the world waits for neither you nor me. Even after endless years of wasted effort, things remain the same."
"Cultivators live long lives and can afford gradual progress; mortals have short lifespans and must seize the day. Hahaha!"