Chapter 537

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Chapter 537: Treating Everyone Equally

After chatting, Lin Jiang learned that the farmer’s family surname was Qiu, and they used to be nobles in a small feudal state that was taken over by the Qin Kingdom a hundred years ago.

As a result, the Qiu family became minor nobles under the Qin Kingdom. However, due to their straightforward nature, they offended the officials. Not only were their official positions stripped away, but even their noble titles were revoked. So, they moved to the mountains to farm and be self-sufficient.

The farmer who took Lin Jiang home was named Qiu Yu. Influenced by his family, Qiu Yu was well-educated and had always wanted to become an official when he was young. However, due to his commoner status, he could not fulfill his dream and had to return to the mountain village with a heavy heart.

The Qiu family was doing well, and Qiu Yu’s sons were tall and strong, well-versed in literature and had received a good education. They were eager to follow Qiu Yu’s footsteps and seek official positions outside.

Qiu Yu talked with Lin Jiang and found that although Lin Jiang wasn’t well-versed in many classics, he had a wealth of experience. This made Qiu Yu keen to make friends with him.

"Mr. Boyang, Zhong is here to seek advice."

Qiu Yu had four sons, and the second son, Qiu Zhong, was the tallest, strongest, and most knowledgeable.

"Zhong, what do you want to consult about?"

"Mr. Boyang traveled far and wide, read many books, visited many countries, but didn’t know how to perceive the world today."

"My words are insignificant and useless."

"Not so, as recorded in the Xia Dynasty’s books, Emperor Xia once said, ‘Heaven has bestowed talents upon me for a reason.’ Mr. Boyang…"

Lin Jiang didn’t want to discuss such empty topics, but Qiu Zhong kept insisting, so Lin Jiang had to go along with his wishes.

Li Boyang is Lin Jiang’s current alias, just like an online username. There was Mr. Guigu before, Zhang Mazi was another, and now Li Boyang is also used, it’s just like choosing an online name.

Discussing such empty topics is perfect for showing off. Since Qiu Zhong brought it up, Lin Jiang didn’t shy away and immediately shared his thoughts on the current world situation, earning praises from Qiu Zhong.

"Mr. Boyang, you have great talent, there is one matter that I am hesitant to bring up…"

"What, a real man should speak openly about anything."

"Indeed, as Mr. Boyang said, I have been studying at home for eighteen years, wanting to fulfill my ambitions, but I am unable to apply what I have learned. I seek guidance from Mr. Boyang."

"Zhong wants to become an official."

"Yes, only by becoming an official can he fulfill his aspirations. Otherwise, living deep in the mountains, how can he achieve his goals?"

"But the Qiu family is not nobility, they cannot become officials, right?"

"Yes, this is indeed a concern for the Qiu family."

"To some, this may not be a difficult matter."

"Please, Mr. Qiu, advise me."

"Becoming an official is indeed an opportunity to fulfill your aspirations, but not the only one. There are also opportunities in the common people. As long as what you advocate can be heard by others."

"How can I make the common people hear my words?"

"Speak loudly."

"Ah."

Qiu Zhong was completely confused now. He wondered if talking loudly would make people hear him. Was it time to practice roaring like a lion?

"Do you know the story of ‘Three Men Make a Tiger’?"

"I heard it was Xia Shu…"

"Don’t delve too deeply. The truth is the same. The reason no one is listening to you now is because there’s no one behind you. If what you say can attract a crowd, people will follow you like clouds. No matter which country, they will naturally respect you. Even if they don’t agree with what you say, they will consider it carefully before refusing, rather than treating you as insignificant."

"Mr. Boyang is right. But how can I attract a crowd and followers when my Qiu family is weak with only about ten members?"

"If your family members are not enough, you can recruit disciples and followers. If you have three to five thousand disciples who are willing to spread the word for you…"

"Um…"

"There are wise people in the mountains and clever individuals among common folks. Knowledge is not exclusive to nobles."

"Mr. Boyang was right, it’s too narrow-minded."

"Teaching without discrimination is a great deed."

"I understand now, thanks to Mr. Boyang."

Qiu Zhong understood and bowed to thank Lin Jiang, who just smiled.

······

Three days later, Lin Jiang and Qiu Zhong left the mountain village together. Qiu Zhong was inspired by Lin Jiang and decided to travel far and wide, read many books, and teach others. He aimed to have three thousand followers.

After traveling a hundred miles together, Qiu Zhong said goodbye to Lin Jiang. He heard about many wise teachers in the Chu Kingdom to the south and wanted to visit them.

After parting ways, Lin Jiang continued westward towards the capital city of Yangcheng in the Qin Kingdom, wearing his mask again as Mr. Guigu.

The next day wearing his mask, a group of soldiers approached Lin Jiang, with a commander dismounting and respectfully asking, "Are you Mr. Guigu from the Zhao Kingdom?"

"He is Mr. Guigu, not from Zhao Kingdom, just a wanderer in the mountains."

"Met Mr. Guigu."

Upon hearing this, the man immediately paid his respects again. Lin Jiang has been in Zhao Kingdom for nearly two years, making a name for himself not only in Zhao Kingdom but also in the entire Xia Kingdom. Envoys from various countries in Zhao Kingdom have met Lin Jiang, and news of his departure from Zhao Kingdom Martial Arts Academy has already spread to all countries.

"No need for formalities."

"Mr. Guigu, please mount your horse. I have already sent a message to Qin Kingdom’s Martial Arts Academy, they will definitely…"

"No need, I can walk."

Lin Jiang waved his hand, as there wasn’t much of a distance left to cover, walking would suffice.

In fact, before Lin Jiang even reached Yang City, the principal of Qin Kingdom’s Martial Arts Academy appeared, using light body technique to swiftly arrive.

"Qin Wuyang from Qin Kingdom has met Mr. Guigu."

"Dean Qin was polite."

"It is a pleasure for Qin Kingdom that you are able to visit Qin Kingdom. War Yang and Headmaster Zhao Zhi have been good friends for many years. Headmaster Zhao Zhi has praised you in every letter he sent."

"Headmaster Zhao Zhi praised insincerely."

Lin Jiang nodded and said. The relationships between these countries are very complicated. Take Qin Kingdom and Zhao Kingdom for example, they have been in-laws for hundreds of years, marrying into each other’s families for generations, yet they have also fought many wars.

Qin Wuyang and Zhao Zhi, as the story goes, had a big fight on the battlefield over a decade ago. Both were seriously injured and almost didn’t make it back. But when the war ended, communication continued, and they still addressed each other as old friends.

"Mr. Guigu, please accompany War Yang to stay at Qin Kingdom’s Martial Arts Academy for a few days."

"Thank you."

Afterwards, Lin Jiang followed Qin Wuyang to stay at Qin Kingdom’s Martial Arts Academy.

That evening, Qin Wuyang hosted a banquet to entertain Lin Jiang. The senior members of the Martial Arts Academy were all present. Lin Jiang looked around and noticed that the masters of Qin Kingdom’s Martial Arts Academy seemed three times stronger than those of Zhao Kingdom, especially in their fierce demeanor.

Qin Wuyang treated Lin Jiang and Zhao Zhi the same, letting Lin Jiang stay at his mansion. The next day, they discussed martial arts together.

There are many top martial arts in Xia Kingdom. Besides Lin Jiang’s own, many cultivators from other kingdoms also came to Xia Kingdom. The royal martial art of Qin Kingdom is spear technique.

"Northern Land Overlord Spear"

Qin Wuyang noticed that Lin Jiang was using spear technique when they sparred. He recognized Lin Jiang’s style right away.

"To be precise, it is the Slaying God Spear."

"I know the Northern Land Lin family’s spear technique is called Overlord Spear, which is already a top-tier style. The Slaying God Spear is a secret technique. Are you from the Lin family in the Northern Land?"

"The Slaying God Spear is not exclusive to the Lin family."

Lin Jiang calmly replied. The four major families all know each other’s secret techniques and they can spread over time.

After a moment of thought, Qin Wuyang stopped talking. He realized there might be some secrets here, and if it’s a secret, not everyone can know about it.

Qin Wuyang and Lin Jiang had a friendly fight, neither won. They both held back their real skills. Qin Wuyang just wanted to make sure Lin Jiang was a true Martial Saint expert.

After the fight, Qin Wuyang showed Lin Jiang around the Martial Arts Academy. They looked at students and teachers in different stages. All countries’ Martial Arts Academies followed the model of the Xia Kingdom Martial Arts Academy, which Lin Jiang created.

The Martial Arts Academy had a simple design – a beginner class and an advanced class. Beginners were taught by the teachers to become better fighters. Once they reached a certain level, they could choose to stay or leave to work outside. Not everyone could stay – only those aiming to become a Martial Saint.

Over a thousand years, the Martial Arts Academy’s main purpose stayed the same, but it changed structure a lot. Because of wars, graduates often had to go to battle. So, the Academy added subjects related to war.

Lin Jiang wanted students to be good at both literature and martial arts. As the Academy grew, there were more literary subjects added. It became an important credential for nobles in the country. Without a diploma from the Academy, it was hard to climb the social ladder.

"Qin Kingdom’s Martial Arts Academy is fiercer than Zhao Kingdom Martial Arts Academy."

"Of course, Zhao Kingdom is close to Northern Land, which is powerful. But they rarely clash with Zhao Kingdom. Qin Kingdom, on the other hand, has been expanding westward for centuries, doubling its territory. With great military achievements, the atmosphere naturally becomes fiercer."

Qin Wuyang explained that the western part of Qin Kingdom is a Wilderness area with many barbarians. Qin Kingdom has been fighting them off for years. War is common there.

"Are there other strong forces west of Qin Kingdom?"

"With some power, but not very strong, there are some small countries that don’t belong to the Xia Kingdom."

Qin Wuyang continued. Those small countries used to be primitive tribes, they have been constantly attacked but have also been progressing, forming their own unique ethnicity. However, they have always been weak and unable to withstand the Qin Kingdom’s military might. It’s just that their environment is harsh, so the Qin Kingdom didn’t conquer them.

"The people of Qin value martial arts, which is a good thing."

Lin Jiang nodded in agreement, acknowledging the strong martial culture of the Qin Kingdom. In this world, having military strength is essential.

After observing for a few days, even though there were some issues with the Qin Kingdom’s Martial Arts Academy, Lin Jiang was generally satisfied. It matched his imagination of the Qin Kingdom.

Next, Lin Jiang would make some changes at the Qin Kingdom’s Martial Arts Academy.