Chapter 649: Wine Policy

Chapter 644: Alcohol Policy

The Heavenly Net Star, which had been hidden for most of the past year, finally appeared.

Jingzi was delighted: "It's shining steadily tonight, no flickering!"

Unlike the previous two times when it flickered on and off, this time its brightness was stable, just like the other nine stars.

"The Heavenly Net Star's period of constant illumination has finally arrived," He Lingchuan exhaled slowly. "Excellent, our plan has a chance."

Only when the Heavenly Net Star shines continuously will the core of the Spirit Gathering Array emerge from the void. All their plans to invade Mount Ruin were based on this.

In fact, He Lingchuan harbored another suspicion: Since the Heavenly Net Star shines continuously in autumn and winter, could its illumination coincide with the start of the Sandstorm Season in the Coiling Dragon Desert? According to Mitian, the Great Square Pot was originally part of the Heavenly Net Star, and they resonated with each other. When the Great Square Pot moved unusually, it would cause the hidden Heavenly Net Star to shine. The annual Sandstorm Season in the Coiling Dragon Desert was caused by the Great Square Pot, a powerful release of energy. The Heavenly Net Star sensed this and became constantly illuminated. In the Coiling Dragon World within the Great Square Pot, there was no mention of the Heavenly Net Star shining continuously, because Coiling Dragon City had not yet been destroyed, and the Coiling Dragon Wilderness simply didn't have a Sandstorm Season.

Before long, Fu Shanyue returned from outside and excitedly told He Lingchuan: "Bai Ziqi has made his move."

"Did he go himself?"

"After the opening ceremony of the Grass Sea event yesterday, some people saw him leading a team out of the South Gate, but no one knew where he went." Bai Ziqi wanted to keep it secret, so others could barely trace his whereabouts. "He really couldn't wait, not even for one night."

"Grand Master Qingyang is meticulous in his actions. Bai Ziqi, despite his abilities, found this case like a mouse trying to pull a turtle – nowhere to get a grip." He Lingchuan understood Bai Ziqi's frustration, as his opponent was Grand Master Qingyang. "He personally rushed to apprehend the person, fearing a long night would bring many troubles."

Fu Shanyue snorted, "I think he was also afraid the Emperor would be soft-hearted."

After that, time seemed to speed up. He Lingchuan's days were uneventful; apart from social engagements with noble families, he spent his time touring Lingxu City, particularly visiting Lingxu Imperial Academy and several of the most renowned academies.

The Imperial Academy was the highest institution of learning in Beijia, officially established, with over thirty thousand students. However, typically, teachers lectured and students listened, with no opportunity to express opinions. The six great academies each had their own distinct focus, drawing talent from all directions, encouraging debate, and often seeing a clash of ideas. Overall, the academic atmosphere was free, and ideas intertwined, making it feel like a different world from Lingxu City outside. Taking a few days off from his busy schedule, He Lingchuan felt a surge of emotion, realizing this was the life ordinary people in Lingxu City should lead. Of course, such cursory observation was uninteresting.

Jiang Tao and Gao Jilin, whom he met during his last visit to Mount Ruin, repeatedly sought out Old Ge the gibbon to arrange a meeting with "He Yun." He Lingchuan thought about it; although his work was proceeding intensely, one still had to eat, so he gladly accepted the invitation. These two government-sponsored students from Zhiguo happened to be at the Imperial Academy. Upon hearing of He Lingchuan's arrival, they were overjoyed and brought several classmates along. Compared to Jiang Tao, He Lingchuan felt Gao Jilin might have better discernment, and wanted to see what kind of people he associated with. To his surprise, among the eleven or twelve newcomers, eight were brought by Jiang Tao. They booked two tables at the Fragrance-Filled Pavilion, diagonally opposite the Imperial Academy, making for a lively gathering. It seemed Jiang Tao was more enthusiastic in his hospitality than Gao Jilin, which was also a strength.

Jiang Tao introduced to He Lingchuan: "This is Zheng Zewu, grandson of the Grand Tutor of Nieguo. He was the top scorer in the Imperial Academy's inner chamber spring examination this year. Directly recommended by the Grand Minister of Agriculture, he will take up a post at the Capital Water Bureau next spring."

While there was a large number of foreign students at the Imperial Academy, very few could actually stay in Lingxu City and become officials, even minor or non-official posts. Most either returned to their home countries or, like Fang Canran, served high-ranking nobles or official subordinate agencies. In He Lingchuan's understanding, it meant that all positions were filled, there were more monks than gruel, and competition was fierce. Everyone had to start from minor positions, so Zheng Zewu's career path was already the envy of others.

"This is Wang Mao, from Jinzhenguo. He will also enter the court as an official next year. Brother He, you must have heard of the Wang family of Jinzhen, right?"

He Lingchuan nodded: "Yes, I've heard. The most prominent clan in Jinzhen." They had plenty of money.

Jiang Tao then introduced the remaining students, most of whom came from prominent families in various countries, and surprisingly, two were from the East. These individuals, seeing He Lingchuan's handsome features, tall stature, and remarkable bearing, also harbored a desire to make his acquaintance. Only Zheng Zewu from Nieguo had a faint smile, maintaining a reserved distance. Beijia's restaurants were not cheap, and the Fragrance-Filled Pavilion opposite the Imperial Academy was even more expensive, yet business was excellent. But it wasn't a festive season, and there were plenty of private rooms. Why did the person named He not find them a quiet place, but instead chose to sit in the busy main hall? The hall was bustling with noise, idle chatter flew everywhere, and one had to raise their voice to be heard. This was considered a lack of courtesy. Displeased, he barely acknowledged He Lingchuan and Jiang Tao, replying to only one out of every three remarks. With his change in demeanor, the attitudes of the other four or five students also shifted; they were no longer as enthusiastic toward their host. He Lingchuan instantly perceived that they were following Zheng Zewu's lead, but he didn't care, simply encouraging everyone to eat and drink.

Foreign students like Jiang Tao and Zheng Zewu, who came to Lingxu City for their studies, aimed not only to learn advanced knowledge and broaden their horizons, but also to embellish their resumes, and more importantly, to expand their social circle and build connections with like-minded individuals. Local noble families, recognizing their talent, might reserve positions for them or even actively seek to recruit them. Even Zhong Shengguang, who was sent to Lingxu City for study by the Duke of Xiluo back then, was no different from these students today. Lingxu City was too vast, full of all kinds of extraordinary people. Didn't he meet the like-minded Shao Jian here? As the saying goes, there are no knots that cannot be untied at a banquet table; if there are, it means not enough alcohol has been consumed.

Several excellent dishes were served, and after a dozen cups of fine wine, the frosty expression on Zheng Zewu's face began to melt. Furthermore, He Lingchuan was generous, wealthy, and articulate, easily winning everyone's favor.

It was afternoon, and the Fragrance-Filled Pavilion was packed with patrons. He Lingchuan listened intently, hearing countless discussions. As the restaurant was opposite the Imperial Academy, most of the customers were students from there. Young people, with alcohol to boost their spirits, tend to be bold and unrestrained, enjoying critiquing current affairs and discussing national policy. They dared to say anything. The Elixir of Immortality case, the war in the East, and Crown Prince Huan of Lingxu attacking Crown Prince Yue of Chiyan — all were discussed eloquently by various people, and six out of ten topics were related to He Lingchuan. Only then did he realize he had become too deeply involved in Lingxu City.

These students even debated the pros and cons of nations that revered gods versus those that revered monarchs. "Revering gods" meant an entire nation revering gods and following divine will, like Beijia. "Revering monarchs" meant the monarch held absolute power, like in Yuan. He Lingchuan listened for a few moments and realized there were many other nations in the world that revered gods. Beijia, in particular, had set an example for humanity after its founding, demonstrating the success of a god-revering nation through centuries of prosperity. Driven by Beijia's influence, the number of such nations steadily increased, especially after miracles appeared in various countries. However, they revered different deities, which often led to disputes. Among the students in the restaurant, there were supporters of every faction, and the debate eventually turned into heated arguments, with faces flushing and veins bulging.

He Lingchuan asked in surprise, "Can such topics be discussed?" To discuss the drawbacks of revering gods and the advantages of imperial rule, right here in Lingxu City, under the very eyes of the Heavenly Gods? The authorities actually allowed it? He Lingchuan found it inconceivable. Offering sacrifices to gods was a serious crime in Yuan, and even discussing it too much could result in a slap to the face. To openly talk like this, even spitting as they argued, haha, their tongues would surely be cut out as a warning to others. Folks jokingly called it: The Great Muting Spell.

"What's there to fear in saying a few words? Truth becomes clearer through debate," Zheng Zewu smiled faintly. "Beijia is so powerful, why would it fear discussion or criticism? This is what it means for the strong to be uninhibited! Only weak nations are fragile, suspicious, and hysterical; only they see public opinion as a thorn and wish to blindfold and gag their people." Beijia's very existence was the best response and counter-argument to all doubts. If you say it's bad, then how is it still so powerful? Monarch-revering nations have fallen in countless ways, and how many emperors have come and gone? Why does Beijia still stand as a world power after six hundred years? Several people at the adjacent table heard him and applauded: "Well said, that's exactly the point!" He Lingchuan smiled. The very existence of power was the best form of brainwashing for the weak.

Wang Mao also said, "This is old news. We hear it three or five times a month, and it never leads to a conclusion."

Another student named Situ He suddenly interjected, "Actually, not everything can be discussed in Beijia either."

"Oh?" He Lingchuan became interested. "Like what?"

"For example, the vassal demon state of Yuanguo, which rebelled almost two hundred years ago!" Situ He lowered his voice; if He Lingchuan's hearing hadn't been excellent, he almost wouldn't have heard him. "I heard an old man, unafraid of trouble, wrote a book to vindicate Yuanguo, and as a result, he was..."

He Lingchuan felt like he had heard of it somewhere before.

"That matter has already been settled and is not worth discussing," Jiang Tao immediately raised his cup. "Come, let me propose another toast to everyone!"

Situ He was about to speak further, but Wang Mao gave him a warning glance, and he swallowed the rest of his words. He Lingchuan also shifted to a safer topic:

"As for Beijia's neighbor, Yuan, a powerful enemy looms in the north, and rebels in the west are capturing cities and strongholds, with the government forces unable to resist. The country has also suffered successive disasters, leaving widespread desolation, and uprisings are occurring one after another in various regions. If you gentlemen were in power, what good strategies would you propose?"

Everyone pondered deeply, clutching their wine glasses. This was indeed their favorite political discussion topic. What was the point of accumulating so much knowledge if not to solve practical problems in the end?

Wang Mao was the first to speak: "With domestic disasters and civilian uprisings, it means the people can no longer survive. The first step should be to lighten corvée and taxes, allowing the people to recuperate."

Another student shook his head: "Isn't there still a war going on in the west? If taxes are reduced, where will the national treasury get money? Haven't you heard that the government forces are already unable to resist? If they're further deprived of supplies, wouldn't they mutiny and join the rebels?"

"Yes, making the common people suffer a bit more is feasible," Situ He agreed. "I've seen that countries plagued by civil wars constantly increase taxes to cover their empty treasuries."

(End of chapter)