Chapter 4, The Resonance between Heaven and Humanity
Even the local deities and spirits of the mountains and rivers must heed the dispatch of the authorities and act in accordance with their orders
This is still the Wang family, a powerful clan, and the local tax collection cannot be too harsh.
Otherwise, having only the Dao without the Fa is equivalent to possessing a strong internal force without any martial arts skills, rendering one incapable of exerting any power at all
It seems that one must indeed engage in some official duties after all
Wang Ling understood immediately, stepped forward, cupped his fists in salute, and said: "This esteemed gentleman, please!"
The heavy snow on the second day has ceased, yet it remains cold
Wang Ling hid in the thatched cottage, refraining from going out, reading books for self-entertainment and pleasure. As the ancients said, there is indeed reason to read forbidden books on a snowy night when the doors are sealed!
The hunter was blocked in his path by the little white fox, momentarily taken aback, his hand already reaching for the longbow at his back
The little fox was also startled, and with a whoosh, it ran away again
However, these disciplines are akin to the Dao of the Daoist school; lacking "method" or "technique," they cannot be effectively manifested
As I was sighing inwardly, I suddenly heard a sound from the crack of the door, followed by a series of chirps, and a little fox had already darted into the room
However, this little fox clearly likes this name very much; whenever Wang Ling calls it by this name, the little creature immediately rushes over
This is still coarse grain, and after the husking, there are only about sixty to seventy stones of grain left
The Son of Heaven is mandated by the Celestial Court to govern the mountains, rivers, and all the people on behalf of the Heavenly Emperor; this is by no means mere words
Indeed, that person is dressed as a hunter, with a hunting knife at the waist, a bow and arrows on the back, and a few game animals suspended from a stick over the shoulder, including two foxes whose fate is uncertain
Such theories, if placed within their own original world, are undoubtedly nonsensical
The Confucian knowledge of this world is even more akin to Confucian theology, within which lies hidden power
Even so, the remaining one or two thousand coins to support Wang Ling's studies on the mountain is still quite insufficient
Wang Ling wore a smile; at this moment, the night was deep and quiet, and it was almost time to rest.
Otherwise, it would not have become a prominent field of study, gaining the adherence of all!
Having changed to a new one, I fear that such good fortune may no longer be available
Continuing to think, it is still daytime, yet I unexpectedly find myself contemplating such a place, truly...
Although Wang Ling was not greedy for the money and goods brought by the little fox, it nonetheless made his life considerably more comfortable
As the two spent more time together, the little fox gradually became bolder and no longer feared Wang Ling as much
Otherwise, no matter how strong one is, if one does not enter the system, one will be rejected and suppressed by the myriad of spirits and deities, but what can be done about it?
However, placed in this part of the world, it is a truly real matter
Then, Xiao Bai ran a few steps ahead. Upon seeing Wang Ling following, he finally felt at ease, took the lead, and even made chirping sounds to continuously urge them on
Eventually, it even climbed onto Wang Ling's leg
Although he has no intention of serving in an official capacity, the teachings of the ancient sages possess their own inherent reasoning
Of course, no matter how one calculates, Wang Ling comes from a well-off family, capable of supporting him, a full-time student, in his studies and writing.
In particular, the content of the Confucian texts in this world mutually corroborates with the principles of Daoism, providing great insights to the reader
It is precisely for this reason that the various levels of government possess such formidable magical power
Wang Lingzheng felt it was strange, thinking to himself that it was still early today, and it was not yet time for cultivation. Why had this little white come?
Or it can be said that in this world, the principles of Dao manifest divinely, and spirits and deities engage in their craft. If Confucian scholarship cannot demonstrate formidable power, how can it become the prominent school of thought in this world
Later, every time Wang Ling practiced, it would arrive on time and directly treat Wang Ling's legs as its exclusive seat
As a prominent discipline in this world, it inherently contains principles and power
During the process of gathering spiritual energy, the proximity to Wang Ling increased, as if the closer one was to Wang Ling, the more spiritual energy there was.
However, a few days later, that little fox climbed onto Wang Ling's lap again
What he reads is not some random banned books, but rather genuine classical texts of the sages
From this perspective, what cousin Wang Yue said is indeed not without merit...! ... As long as one becomes an official, one possesses the power to enforce the law
It seems that recently, Wang Ling has been studying diligently, and has discovered that while regulating her energy and nurturing herself, her efficiency has significantly increased, and her progress has been remarkably swift
Wang Ling was slightly taken aback, but upon seeing what appeared to be bloodstains on Xiao Bai, she was momentarily stunned and then followed closely behind.
However, when that little white creature saw Wang Ling, it surprisingly did not cling to him as before. Instead, it emitted chirping sounds and tugged at Wang Ling's pant leg, as if it wanted to lead him somewhere.
Wang Ling chuckled silently and focused on her studies
The Dao governs the techniques; the Dao is undoubtedly the most important aspect, but without the "techniques," the power of the "Dao" cannot be fully realized
Although Wang Ling does not care much about these goods, they indeed make his life much easier
If it were during the Ming and Qing dynasties in a previous life, owning more than 100 acres of land would have made one a small landowner, and life would have been relatively good
Later on, Wang Ling observed its snow-white fur, with not a single strand of mixed color, and thus gave it a terribly common name, calling it Little White
Conversely, if there is only "technique" and no "principle," it will also not lead to long-term success
His family background is quite ordinary, with just over 100 acres of land. Currently, they have hired someone from the clan to help with the farming, yet their annual income is only a few thousand coins.
More than 100 acres of land produce less than 200 shi of grain. After deducting the tenant's 40% rent, Wang Ling is left with just a little over 100 shi of grain
It seems that in this world, the court only encourages people to cultivate the 'Way', but does not wish for them to cultivate the 'Law'! Wang Ling pondered thoughtfully
One must become an official first, and only then, with the authority of the court and its laws, can one possess the power to enact laws; thus, one can exercise such authority
Or rather than saying that there is no way to exert influence, it is more accurate to say that there is a lack of the key
Of course, wouldn't it be even more wonderful to read at night with the red sleeves adding fragrance?
Wang Lingchu was still unaware, but later, upon regaining consciousness, she felt something furry on her leg, which startled her.
The origin is the beginning, signifying the fundamental correctness. The Way is the royal path. The king is the beginning of humanity. When the king is just, the vital energy harmonizes and flows smoothly; in times of wind and rain, auspicious signs appear, and the yellow dragon descends
Yet, upon seeing Wang Ling approaching to pay her respects, there was an even greater sense of astonishment and uncertainty.
Wang Ling, feeling helpless, had no choice but to follow Xiao Bai down the mountain. Before they had traveled far, they saw Xiao Bai unexpectedly stop a hunter.
Upon seeing this, Wang Ling sighed softly: "This is the resonance between heaven and man!"
In these past few days, the weather has been extremely cold, and Wang Ling had not seen Xiao Bai, thinking that this little creature would not come again. Who would have thought that it would return tonight!
After paying the taxes, being able to have two thousand coins left is quite good
However, in this era, the yield per mu is shockingly low, with only about one or two stones produced per mu of land
Apart from his own consumption, selling it would leave him with approximately two to three thousand yuan
In summary, the Confucianism of this world embodies a powerful truth