Chapter 140: Han Emperor Wu and Dong Zhongshu Meet as Teachers

Nalaya learned that the imposing, stern-spoken man before her was actually the Grand Emperor Emeritus of Han, Emperor Wu, and instantly she widened her eyes, full of incredulous shock.

She flustered, tidied her clothes, hurriedly knelt and performed the great salute, her voice slightly trembling as she said, 'Nalaya did not know it was His Majesty the Grand Emperor Emeritus personally present; I have offended greatly, please forgive me, Your Majesty.'

Emperor Wu's expression was calm; he slightly raised his hand and spoke warmly: 'Get up. Your background is rather twists and turns. Dong Zhongshu taking you as a disciple is also a fine story; his learning is highly esteemed in our Han, so you have indeed received the true transmission.'

Nalaya nodded excitedly.

Liuche slightly narrowed his eyes, scanning Nalaya up and down, his words gaining a hint of inquiry: 'Just, you say you are full of admiration and gratitude for the Son of Heaven; that makes me curious.'

Nalaya slightly lowered her head, eyes full of sincerity: 'Your Majesty, the Son of Heaven bears the world in mind; since his accession, he has everywhere considered the people. He enacted new policies, personally overseeing disaster relief on the Yellow River, doing everything himself, sparing the people further suffering—such benevolence and conduct fill me with deep respect.'

Liuche let out a soft hum, his expression somewhat complex: 'He could earn such praise from you; it seems he hasn't spared effort these years. However, governing a state isn't just relying on a momentary good deed; he still has a long road ahead.'

Liuche's gaze drifted to the distance as he murmured: 'My son, from childhood he has had his own ideas, and my expectations for him are high. But…'

He then recalled the current state of Han and let out a soft sigh.

His gaze fell back on Nalaya, his tone carrying a hint of majesty: 'But you must understand, you must put your learning and knowledge to proper use. If you do anything detrimental to Han, even if you are a descendant of King Ashoka, I will show no leniency.'

Nalaya hurriedly knelt, respectfully saying: 'Your Majesty, rest assured, I will devote myself to promoting Han's dignity.'

Liuche slightly nodded, a flicker of satisfaction in his eyes: 'Child, rise quickly; I hope you follow through. If you encounter any difficulties later, you can come directly to me.'

Li Guang and Huo Qubing beside them were all shocked, thinking, 'Your Majesty, we are actually in need of help now.'

Liuche then learned that Dong Zhongshu was actually holding a major city in the southeast of Mojietuo State, overjoyed, and ordered Nalaya to summon Dong Zhongshu for an audience.

Nalaya hurriedly agreed, withdrew to arrange messengers.

A few days later, Dong Zhongshu came rushing on horseback.

In the castellan's residence, Emperor Wu, Li Guang, Huo Qubing, and others had long been waiting.

Upon Dong Zhongshu entering, everyone rose to greet him.

Li Guang laughed, clasped his hands, and said: 'Brother Dong, long time no see; I've heard you've devoted yourself to study these years, your attainments are extraordinary—seeing you today, your bearing surpasses the past!'

Huo Qubing also said: 'Indeed, they say King Xuanwen has attained the Dao; we all admire him greatly.'

Dong Zhongshu humbly returned the salute: 'You all flatter me; it's merely a fortunate coincidence.'

Dong Zhongshu, smiling modestly, stepped forward quickly and returned the clasped-hand salute to each person in turn.

He lifted his gaze to Emperor Wu, eyes full of reverence, made a deep bow, and respectfully said: 'I pay my respects to the Grand Emperor Emeritus; long time no see, this old official has missed you greatly.'

Liuche, upon Dong Zhongshu's arrival, immediately regarded him with a complex expression, thinking: 'That old fool initially opposed me, then later defected to Liu Ju's command, becoming Minister of Rites, and yet he actually attained sagehood and became Han's King Xuanwen.'

His achievements were such that even Liuche dared not slight them, indeed filled with admiration.

But he always felt uneasy inside.

Thus Liuche snorted: 'Han's King Xuanwen, a living sage, Beloved Minister Dong is truly remarkable!'

Now Dong Zhongshu, after attaining the Dao, has become a Seven Apertures Exquisite Heart; he can no longer discern Liu Ju's thoughts.

He smiled slightly and said: 'Your Majesty, you generals overpraise me; it's merely a fortunate coincidence. My gains these years are entirely thanks to your teachings and guidance back then, and even more to the present Holy One's sagely guidance.'

He then looked at Liuche and said: 'Now Your Majesty expands territory in the Western Regions, displaying Han's majesty; I am utterly in awe, Your Majesty's sagacity!'

Upon hearing this, Emperor Wu blinked slightly, his expression instantly turning complex.

The corner of his mouth twitched up slightly, revealing a faint, almost-nonexistent smile, yet that smile was mixed with a hint of dissatisfaction.

His dissatisfaction stemmed from Dong Zhongshu attributing the achievement in a few words to Liu Ju, making his own glory as Grand Emperor Emeritus seem overshadowed;

Yet a sense of pride quietly welled up in his heart, after all Liu Ju is his son; to have such accomplishment, how could it not be his pride;

At the same time, hearing Dong Zhongshu say he had expanded Han's territory and displayed great divine might, he couldn't help but look proud.

That old fool now actually speaks so well?

He's opened his apertures!

He let out a soft cough and said: 'Beloved Minister Dong, I never expected our sovereign-minister meeting here; I summoned you this time hoping to hear your lofty views on the southern city-state warfare.'

As Liuche's words fell, the guests and hosts took their seats, and they began to discuss the main topic.

Emperor Wu spoke first:

'Today I have gathered you all to discuss the strategy for war against the southern city-states of Mojietuo State. Our Han has once again fallen into turmoil; we continue to build ships and gather timber. The southern region of Mojietuo State is rich in resources; if we can take it, the significance is great.'

Liuche's eyes revealed a determined gleam.

Dong Zhongshu nodded slightly and said slowly: 'Your Majesty, in my view we should mobilize the masses, respect local religious customs, unite all forces that can be united, thereby overthrowing the rulers of the Andelu dynasty.'

'The southern city-states have complex religious beliefs; the populace holds religion in utmost reverence. If we forcibly suppress it, we will only provoke their resistance. But if we respect their faith, we can win their hearts and have them actively support us.'

Emperor Wu frowned, raised an objection: 'I think following traditional warfare is more stable—directly send troops to attack, unify their religious forces, which would make governance easier. Otherwise, those religious forces may later become hidden dangers.'

Li Guang's brows were tightly knit; he secretly considered that forcibly unifying religion would surely make the locals view Han as an enemy. The southern city-states' terrain is complex; if the populace rises in revolt, the army would sink into a mire, unable to escape. Thinking this, he stepped forward a pace, clasped his hands, and said:

'Your Majesty, I agree with King Xuanwen's idea. The southern city-states' territory is vast, religion deeply entrenched; forcibly unifying religion would likely trigger large-scale resistance, consuming great amounts of our troops and supplies. Our long-distance expeditions already face difficult resupply; thus the situation could stall. Better to win hearts first, let the populace become our aid, then gradually consolidate rule—that is the best strategy.'

Huo Qubing's gaze was firm; he recalled the hardships of past campaigns, and if religious issues provoked popular resentment, enemies would be everywhere among the southern lofty mountains and rugged ridges.

He spoke loudly: 'Yes, Your Majesty. Moreover, uniting the locals lets us use their familiarity with the terrain for twice the result with half the effort. If we forcibly unify religion, the people, to protect their faith, will fight to the death; even if we win, we will suffer a heavy price. The southern road is long; later resupply and troop deployment will be difficult—please reconsider, Your Majesty.'

Nalaya also summoned courage and said: 'Your Majesty, I have lived here for a time and know well how important religion is to them. In their hearts, faith surpasses all. If we rashly change it, we become their enemies. Respecting religious customs and granting them some freedom of faith will make them accept us and willingly help us—this is crucial for us to establish a foothold locally.'

Liu Hanmin beside them pondered long, then said: 'Your Majesty, the southern city-states' trade is prosperous; if religious conflict disrupts local order, commerce will be hindered, and even if we occupy the land, we will struggle to gain the expected wealth. Better to heed Master Dong's advice, adopt a gentle approach, seek development within stability, and later plan slowly—long term, this is more beneficial to Han's interests.'

Emperor Wu looked at the crowd and fell into deep thought.

The people's words echoed in his mind; he weighed pros and cons, deeply aware of the risks of rash action.

He glanced at the composed Dong Zhongshu and thought: 'This old fellow actually has some substance!'

Sure enough, they have attained the Dao and become a saint!