Chapter 5: The Sovereign Fails to Meet the Times

At this moment, Xu Haoyue took a few sips of wine, his tongue feeling a bit swollen, and he laughed as he said, "Are you referring to Chai Rong?"

The robust man hesitated for a moment and said softly, "I am Tian Chongjin from Youzhou." The slightly fair-skinned man who was lifting Xu Haoyue's left arm followed suit and said in a low voice, "I am Li Huaiyi from Zhuozhou."

Xu Haoyue had thought of several excuses, ranging from pretending to have a stomach ache to using the restroom as an excuse, drawing from various examples. He was just waiting for the strong man to set him down, so he could speak sweetly. Unexpectedly, the strong man declared loudly: "Sir, we cannot disobey Master Zhao's orders. Since Master Zhao has not instructed us to let you down, we will carry you to the ends of the earth."

Seeing him decline, Zhao Da felt a slight disappointment. Noticing Xu Haoyue's flushed face and unsteady posture, he smiled and exchanged glances with his four attendants, saying: "Mr. Xu cannot hold his liquor; let us first assist him to the inn where we are staying. After I finish my business with the second master, I will return. Tonight, Mr. Xu and I still have much to discuss by candlelight." The four attendants understood and moved forward to support Xu Haoyue. Poor Xu Haoyue, though somewhat strong and somewhat skilled in martial arts, was like a small chick being carried away in front of these four fierce and robust men, without even a chance to resist.

Xu Haoyue slowly said: "The current ruler of the Zhou can indeed be regarded as the foremost hero among the Five Dynasties. He has abolished corrupt practices with a thunderous approach, genuinely wishing to achieve something significant. Unfortunately, during the Five Dynasties, the issues of corruption have deeply entrenched roots, and the Central Plains have long suffered from war, leading to a decline in various industries. To the north, the Khitan eye the situation covetously, while the Tang and Shu harbor ambitions. In the early days of the Zhou Dynasty, he must personally oversee every matter. If this continues, I fear his health may not withstand it. If his health deteriorates, his fervent aspirations may find it difficult to flourish. The current ruler of the Zhou lacks the fortune of a wise sovereign, and can only lament being born at the wrong time."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Da's expression changed, and he stood up, bowing deeply as he said: "Your words are truly remarkable, I am deeply impressed." He then furrowed his brow and continued: "However, at present, the ruler of the Central Plains, Zhou, possesses great talent and vision. To the north, he holds sway over the remnants of the Han and the Khitan; to the south, he suppresses the various states of Jiangnan. Internally, he focuses on improving the lives of the people, reducing burdens and taxes, encouraging agricultural pursuits, reforming the administration, revising the penal code, and reorganizing military affairs. Is he not a wise sovereign?"

Zhao Da smiled faintly and gestured, saying, "Sir, please enjoy the dishes." Watching Xu Haoyue devour the food ravenously, Zhao Er snorted and said, "Just a few trivial words can earn him the title of 'Sir.' Brother, you are overestimating him." Zhao Da's expression turned serious as he retorted, "Do not speak carelessly; Mr. Xu is a scholar."

The strong man shook his head and said, "Let's discuss it at the inn; Master Zhao and Second Master will return once they finish their business"

With a sharp clang, a gleaming long sword was pressed against Xu Haoyue's neck. Zhao Er, with a face full of anger, drew his sword and pointed it at Xu Haoyue, shouting, "You have some nerve to speak such reckless words and curse Lord Zhou!"

Then Zhao Erleng sneered and said, "I just can't stand these scholars who only talk and don't practice." Following that, he boldly looked at Xu Haoyue and asked, "According to what you just said, what kind of person qualifies as a wise ruler?"

Xu Haoyue let out a chuckle, thinking what a mindless brute he was, yet he still said with a playful smile: "It would be quite embarrassing for the four of you to carry me like this; it would be too much of a burden on me. I would prefer to get down and walk on my own."

Xu Haoyue hesitated for a moment before raising his glass, unsure of the alcohol content. He had never been a heavy drinker, and getting drunk would indeed be troublesome. However, seeing Zhao Da already lift his glass and drink, he felt compelled to follow suit and downed the drink, as maintaining one's dignity is paramount for a man. The wine was rich and lingering, without any sharpness, and instead had a slight sweetness, reminiscent of the low-alcohol rice wine brewed in his hometown. After taking a sip and finding it enjoyable, Xu Haoyue praised, "This is good wine, thank you, Brother Zhao, for the drink."

Xu Haoyue, having enjoyed a hearty meal and drink, had engaged in considerable conversation. From the words and actions of the Zhao brothers and their companions, it could be concluded with over ninety percent certainty that they were not from the Southern Tang, but perhaps spies from the Later Zhou. However, seeing Zhao's dignified and extraordinary demeanor, Xu was quite impressed, realizing that this person must hold a significant position. The tone of Zhao's speech did not resemble that of an ordinary merchant hiring assistants, but rather that of a ruler who values and respects talented individuals. Unfortunately, Xu's aspirations did not lie in this direction. At that moment, Xu Haoyue stood up, clasped his fists, and said: "Thank you, Brother Zhao, for your kindness, but I have matters to attend to and cannot commit myself at this time. I hope for your understanding." After speaking, Xu felt the effects of the alcohol surge within him, causing a wave of dizziness. It was then that he suddenly realized he had overindulged; the wine was smooth and soft, and he had unknowingly consumed more than ten cups. The aftereffects of the alcohol were quite strong, and as he stood up abruptly, he found it somewhat overwhelming.

The two individuals in front, the man on the left with a somewhat pale complexion turned around and grinned, saying: "I am Mi Xin, pleased to meet you, sir." The man on the right, who had a rather impressive stature, also turned around, nodded, and said: "I am Cui Han. Your words are like pearls of wisdom, and I admire you greatly, sir."

Xu Haoyue felt puzzled. When he mentioned the name of Guo Wei, the founding emperor of the Zhou Dynasty, to Old Zhang that day, Old Zhang did not seem to react much. These few individuals did not appear to be ordinary people; they seemed to care even more about the reputation of the Zhou Dynasty than the people of the Southern Tang. Could it be that they were spies from the Later Zhou? Xu Haoyue did not reveal his thoughts at that moment. He nodded slightly and said, "It was indeed my mistake to speak. The ruler of the Central Plains Zhou is truly a person of great talent and strategy, but he can only be considered a heroic ruler, not a wise ruler."

Xu Haoyue swallowed a piece of meat in his mouth and slowly said: "A wise ruler should possess the insight to recognize talent, the courage to employ capable individuals, the openness to accept advice, and a generous and benevolent heart." This statement was indeed a reflection of Xu Haoyue's own thoughts, which he expressed casually.

Li Huaiyi, Tian Zhongjin, Mi Xin, and Cui Han? These four names seem familiar to Xu Haoyue, who felt a moment of confusion. Zhao Da and Zhao Er? A flash of realization struck him; could these Zhao brothers be those two brothers?

Upon hearing these words, Zhao Da and the others were all enlightened. The ancients emphasized the importance of timing, geographical advantages, and harmony among people, but they placed even greater importance on fate and destiny. Xu Haoyue's words were indeed profound. Zhao Da sat up straight, personally filled a cup of wine for Xu Haoyue, and then raised his cup, saying: "Your words are indeed profound. The saying 'what is long divided must unite, and what is long united must divide' contains deep philosophical meaning. You must be a learned person, and I, Zhao Da, hold great respect for scholars. Please drink this cup to the fullest."

Boldly! Zhao Er and the four guards behind Zhao Da exclaimed angrily, all glaring at each other. Xu Haoyue was taken aback; being in the territory of the Southern Tang, it should not be excessive to speak a few words about Chai Rong, yet how could these individuals react in such a manner

Here we go again? Xu Haoyue has already been threatened with a weapon at his neck for the second time, yet he feels a profound sense of despair. Apart from seeking out Ying Ruolan, he has little else to cling to. Faced with swords and blades, he remains calm and collected, ignoring Zhao Er for the moment. He raises his cup, smiles faintly, and says: "I do not know what relationship you all have with Lord Zhou, but what I say is not mere nonsense. A great leader wishing to turn the tide single-handedly must prioritize his health; if he becomes overworked and ill, even a giant will fall. The Zhou Dynasty has only been established for a few years, and everything is complicated. To the north, there are the remnants of the Han and the Khitan eyeing them; to the south, the various states of Jiangnan are watching closely. Every matter within the country requires his decision, and even if he wishes to take it easy, that is impossible. Moreover, Lord Zhou is not someone who can remain idle. Over time, even the strongest will be unable to endure. Brother Zhao, what do you think?" Xu Haoyue's piercing gaze is fixed on Zhao Da. He is not speaking without basis; he recalls that historically, Chai Rong passed away at the age of thirty-nine due to illness. It is widely rumored that he was cursed for offending the deities by banning Buddhism in the Central Plains, leading to his early demise. However, Xu Haoyue knows that this is not the case. Chai Rong set an example in all matters and even took personal charge. During his more than five years in power, he personally led troops into battle five times, each time engaging directly in combat at the front lines. This hands-on approach was the fatal flaw that drained his energy. A great leader, however, did not have the time to fulfill his ideals, and thus cannot be called a wise ruler. Yet, his efforts laid the foundation for the future prosperity of the Northern Song Dynasty. Xu Haoyue, coming from the modern era, has nothing to hide, which is why he speaks so candidly.

Everyone turned to Xu Haoyue, eager to hear his response. Xu Haoyue took a sip of his drink and smiled, saying: "The Holy King uses military might as a weapon, but it is only employed out of necessity. In this chaotic era, with the rise and fall of dynasties, it is indeed true that every dynasty's emergence relies on military power. Take the Central Plains for instance: the Liang, Tang, Jin, Han, and Zhou dynasties have all seen five different imperial surnames. Among them were not a few valiant and strong figures, renowned for their military prowess. Yet, why could none of them endure? It is because seizing a kingdom is easy, but maintaining it is difficult. One can conquer the world on horseback, but cannot govern it from horseback. In this chaotic era, with the rise and fall of dynasties, it is indeed true that every dynasty's emergence relies on military power. Take the Central Plains for instance: the Liang, Tang, Jin, Han, and Zhou dynasties have all seen five different imperial surnames. Among them were not a few valiant and strong figures, renowned for their military prowess. Yet, why could none of them endure? It is because seizing a kingdom is easy, but maintaining it is difficult. One can conquer the world on horseback, but cannot govern it from horseback. Great hegemony lasts no more than three generations, and small hegemony no more than five. Relying solely on military force to subdue others cannot last long; defeat and demise are only a matter of time."

Xu Haoyue frowned and said, "Then forget it, you may carry it. " Following that, he smiled and asked, "May I know the esteemed names of the four of you?"

Carried out of the tavern by four strong men, Xu Haoyue felt quite frustrated; was this not a blatant kidnapping? Among the four, only the bearded man lifting his right arm had spoken to him before. Xu Haoyue rolled his eyes and smiled, saying, "Brother, if you could just put me down, I can walk on my own."

Seeing Xu Haoyue's somewhat puzzled expression, Zhao Da quickly admonished, "Do not speak recklessly." He then looked at Xu Haoyue and said gently, "It is better for us common folk not to mention the name of the Lord of the Central Plains casually or in writing. What does the gentleman think?"

Zhao raised his cup in contemplation, repeatedly pondering the meaning of this statement, remaining noncommittal. However, Zhao Er scoffed at it: "It's still the same old rhetoric of the Confucian scholars. In today's chaotic world, how can one achieve anything with just a heart full of benevolence and tolerance? What matters most is having military power in hand"

Zhao Da glared fiercely at Zhao Er and said gently, "Put away your sword. Mr. Xu's words are sincere advice, though they may be somewhat unpalatable. As for the matter concerning Lord Zhou, let us discuss it here for now and continue the conversation upon our return." He then stood up, clasped his fists, and said, "Your Excellency possesses great talent. Although I am merely a merchant, I wonder if I may invite you to serve as a guest scholar?" Zhao Er and the others glared at Xu Haoyue with anger, but seeing him unafraid in the face of swords and knives, still leisurely drinking, his courage was indeed remarkable. Zhao Er did not dare to contradict his brother's words and could only sit down reluctantly after sheathing his sword.

Upon hearing Zhao Da's question, Xu Haoyue was momentarily taken aback, unable to fathom that a mere itinerant merchant would inquire about the end of chaotic times. All the marketing ideas he had prepared suddenly seemed futile. After a brief contemplation, Xu Haoyue slowly replied: "Since ancient times, the great trends of the world have dictated that prolonged division must lead to unification, and prolonged unification must lead to division; such is the way of heaven. Now, after more than a hundred years of chaos, the hearts of the people are set. If a wise ruler were to appear, he would surely be able to end the chaos and unify the realm." He borrowed a line from Luo Guanzhong's "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" and casually deflected the question. If he were to truly state that the events following the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms led to Zhao Kuangyin's coup at Chenqiao, establishing the Northern Song, and ultimately achieving unification, Xu Haoyue did not have the courage to do so. As it stood, Zhao Kuangyin was still a general under Chai Rong. If such words were to reach Chai Rong's ears, it would be surprising if Zhao Kuangyin were not executed. Such a twist in history would be unrecognizable, and Xu Haoyue did not wish to see the common people suffer further due to his momentary slip of the tongue.

Zhao Da, noticing that his words were not disrespectful towards the Zhou Dynasty, relaxed his expression and asked in wonder: "Why is it an illustrious ruler and not a wise ruler?"