One shows favoritism towards those they are close to.
Saying too much leads to more mistakes. Decisively, Mo Li closed his eyes, refusing to engage in conversation with Meng Qi.
The cold wind blew through the pine forest, accompanied by the gentle fall of snowflakes.
Sitting motionless under the tree, Mo Li’s tied-up long hair had a few strands slipping out, delicately hanging by his ear.
His profile was remarkably soft, with a subtle upward curve at the corner of his lips, so slight that it was barely noticeable. However, it was precisely because of this that even with his usual indifferent expression and cold demeanor, it made people unable to feel nervous.
If he were to open his eyes and cast a caring gaze with those gentle eyes, people’s heartbeats would skip a beat.
Meng Qi thought that it wasn’t just himself. Even when Mo Li was diagnosing patients at the medical gathering, he noticed it. At first, it felt uncomfortable, but he was quickly captivated by the physician’s meticulous pulse diagnosis and acupuncture. His gaze couldn’t bear to move away.
No one was an exception.
When the physician spoke, his pace was unhurried, exuding a composed demeanor.
—Yet, even when he remained silent, he was still captivating.
Meng Qi’s gaze traveled from Mo Li’s forehead to his nose bridge, lingering on his lips for a moment before shifting to his ears, partially concealed by his hair.
His earlobes were plump, but the flesh above his ear tips was slightly thinner. Perhaps because of this, when his ears turned red, the ear tips became particularly prominent. Mo Li himself was aware of this flaw, always maintaining direct eye contact with others, displaying unwavering gaze and an impeccable demeanor. Coupled with his dignified presence, others would hardly notice the enigmatic aspect of his ear tips. It was Meng Qi who discovered this secret after transforming into a sand rat.
They were pomegranate red, like ripened fruits, and he felt an irresistible urge to take a bite.
The chubby rat resisted the temptation because it could only reach Mo Li’s earlobes while perched on his shoulder, constantly tilting its head upward to observe.
This transformation is really disheartening. If it were a magnificent and majestic gyrfalcon perched on the shoulder, it would definitely—wait, no, if a falcon took a bite, regardless of the strength, a chunk of flesh would be gone. That wouldn’t work, no way.
The physician wouldn’t tuck a gyrfalcon into his bosom, nor would he hold it in the palm of his hand.
Forget it, a sand rat is a sand rat, there’s nothing wrong with that.
“Hmm?”
Are the ear tips turning slightly red? Is it just an illusion?
Meng Qi suddenly met a pair of annoyed eyes and belatedly realized that he wasn’t a sand rat anymore. His gaze had been too unrestricted, and the physician could sense it.
“Brother Meng, it’s late at night, you should rest.”
For a brief moment, Mo Li had the thought of sending this guy to his teacher and letting him experience Elder Qin’s way of healthy living.
How could he dare to stay up all night for no reason?!
On the other hand, Mo Li was feeling frustrated, while Meng Qi, in a strange twist, interpreted the physician’s words differently.
When he had his previous fit of madness, he stormed into the Jinyiwei headquarters and killed that commander. When he came to his senses a bit and stopped on a rooftop, he happened to overhear a conversation between a couple of minor officials.
“It’s late at night, we should settle down.”
Then followed a session of marital intimacy, and Meng Qi unintentionally heard it from his corner, forced to retreat.
Well, there’s no need to feel too embarrassed. After all, such things happen in the world, and it’s common to accidentally stumble upon them. When you’ve lived for a long time, what haven’t you seen?
In his early years, Meng Qi had caught soldiers violating orders and leaving the camp at Yanhua Lane.
What’s there to fuss about in such matters? They were bound and taken back to face military punishment, regardless of what they were up to in the house. Were they afraid of getting needle marks?
Perhaps it was due to his many years in the military, Meng Qi didn’t have the quirks of those Daoist scholars, nor did he adhere to the formalities of a gentleman. Whether it was the seductive dance moves of the courtesans or their beautiful faces and graceful figures, Meng Qi had no interest in them. Even if a playboy at a banquet openly entertained himself with the courtesans from the Department of Entertainment, Meng Qi could easily overlook it.
It was like looking at a tree, a cloud, or a pair of wild geese.
In the past, his good friends jokingly called this behavior not befitting someone in the mortal world. It’s no wonder that when it came to the position of the Imperial Teacher, even Emperor Chu Yuan deemed it most appropriate for Meng Qi because he looked the part.
Today, for some reason, Meng Qi suddenly remembered these things, including the incident on the rooftop that he had forgotten.
—What’s the use of being in the mundane world while one’s heart is in the clouds? It’s just that one hasn’t encountered a certain someone.
If not, crossing those boundaries would be like a passing breeze, causing no ripples in the heart lake.
If so, even ordinary words would evoke a cascade of thoughts, and the heart would be like a restless monkey, but one had to force oneself to appear calm and unaffected.
“Well, the physician hasn’t rested either. If you were asleep, how would you know that I’m awake?” Meng Qi narrowed his eyes and employed a sly argument, which could be considered quite childish. It was like saying, “If you don’t look at me, how would you know that I’m looking at you?”
How could Mo Li be defeated by such a remark? He had his own valid argument.
“Brother Meng, your symptoms have eased a bit, yet you’re not following the physician’s advice?”
“The night is long, and I have no desire to sleep. Please enlighten me, physician.” Meng Qi responded with ease, countering move for move.
The physician’s medical skills were excellent, and his knowledge was remarkable, but when it came to military strategy, Meng Qi was truly skilled in this field.
As the saying goes, “The military has no constant situation, and water has no constant form.” If you want to capture a fortified city, don’t be constrained by appearances! What’s the use of having thin skin? Can it win battles? If not, then let it go!
“Previously, when I was in the form of a white rat, I had a good sleep. Upon careful consideration, it turned out to be a rare deep slumber in many years.” Meng Qi put on a serious expression, as if seeking guidance, and asked earnestly, “At that time, I only felt the thundering sound of the waterfall, a warm sensation enveloping me, and my consciousness sinking into the depths of the dream. I couldn’t move and didn’t want to leave.”
Mo Li gazed steadily at his luggage in front of him, his expression cold and motionless.
However, Meng Qi had already discovered his secret, and his gaze slid toward Mo Li’s ears.
Hmm, they were slightly red.
Perhaps it was embarrassment, maybe with a hint of annoyance.
Meng Qi quickly changed his strategy, seizing the opportunity and casually saying, “That lamb brought by the Golden Phoenix Villa’s young master was quite impressive. After grilling it slightly over the fire, it shattered my dream. Ah, in this world, beautiful dreams and endless thoughts ultimately come down to the question of filling one’s stomach. What does the physician think?”
That statement struck a deeper chord, and Mo Li carefully considered it. Indeed, regardless of whether one sought to seize power or to benefit the world if the people couldn’t even have enough to eat, who would have the time to care about right or wrong?
“With one person’s strength, how can we save the world?” Mo Li casually used the words often spoken by Elder Qin.
Meng Qi naturally responded, “I used to believe that by changing the people in control of the world, changing surnames for power, and introducing a new current in the court, the world could change. But in the end, I was wrong.”
This touches on Meng Qi’s privacy and his sensitive spot.
Even if he voluntarily brought it up now, Mo Li felt it was not appropriate to interject and give his own evaluation, except for when Meng Qi went mad and got caught up in his own thoughts.
“Afterwards, when I met the physician and heard the words of Ning Changyuan, I was deeply moved.”
Meng Qi still remembered the incident that had impressed Mo Li. Although Ning Changyuan was highly admirable, Meng Qi couldn’t back down. This was not a matter of personal pride, but a lifelong ideal.
“Changing the world from top to bottom is not feasible; we must start with the people. Master Qin roams the world with his alms-giving, using his individual strength. And Daoist Ning saves and helps people, spreading virtue with the abilities of a few. Compared to the vast world, their contributions are still modest. As Daoist Ning himself said, he doesn’t expect most people to be able to help in any significant way, as they struggle to take care of themselves. But what if every household could have enough to eat? With ample food supplies, we understand etiquette, and with sufficient clothing and sustenance, we know honor and disgrace.”
Mo Li also didn’t feel like sleeping anymore and replied earnestly, “That’s the reasoning, but how can every household have enough to eat? I’ve heard that in places like Jiangnan, the harvest is bountiful every year, yet tenant farmers still suffer from destitution and ruin.”
Meng Qi calmly said, “Throughout history, regardless of how the world changes or how people’s hearts transform, they still adhere to old customs and practices. If we don’t break free from those constraints, old conflicts won’t be resolved, and new troubles will arise. As you said, even in years of abundant harvest, tenant farmers starve to death. What is the crux of the issue?”
“Is it the oppression and high taxes imposed by the powerful aristocracy?”
“The common people rely on the land for their livelihoods, but the aristocratic families seize their land, expel their people, and then take the land as the foundation for their hereditary legacy. They feel self-satisfied and content. Although some individuals may change their own fate and that of their families through the imperial examination or business ventures, once they undergo that transformation, they become the very people they once despised. The first generation may still have some benevolence and righteousness, understanding the hardships of the poor. But as it is passed down to their descendants, it changes. If people can survive without relying on land, the wealthy families’ appropriation of land becomes useless, and the problem is solved.”
Mo Li felt somewhat bewildered and had a vague sense of unease.
Sure enough, he heard Meng Qi ask, “I heard from the physician that the mountain spirit of Silang Mountain has not yet awakened. Does it truly have no consciousness? The Si family doesn’t farm, and the fields in Qiuling County have consistently experienced poor harvests. Later on, they simply stopped cultivation, and whenever they needed grain, they would buy it elsewhere. And the people of Qiuling County often engage in business elsewhere. There are countless merchants within the city, and before the earthquake, everyone was able to survive without anyone starving to death.”
Mo Li was still in a daze when Meng Qi continued, “Though the world is vast, if the food production in one region can feed three times as many people, would those who don’t cultivate the land be more prosperous than those who do? Would there still be a scramble for land?”
“…Brother Meng makes a valid point, but the mountain spirit…”
Dragon veins cannot make one acre of land yield three acres of crops, nor can they control the weather!
Mo Li was caught in a dilemma, unable to maintain his composed expression.
Meng Qi derived the answer from Mo Li’s gaze. Although he was somewhat disappointed, he didn’t feel disheartened. He had heard that in the southernmost region of Qiongzhou, crops could be harvested three times a year!
“Physician, in fact, we are like mountain spirits,” Meng Qi calmly stated.
Mo Li was startled and looked up at Meng Qi.
“You’ve been thinking seriously, and your expression gives it away,” Meng Qi said nonchalantly. “Of course, I had my suspicions long ago, and your reaction simply confirmed my thoughts.”
Mo Li remained silent.
“A mountain spirit can be a tree, and it can also be a fish or a rat. There’s nothing difficult to guess about that. I served as the Imperial Teacher of the Chu Dynasty for thirty years, overseeing the state’s rituals and ceremonies, and despite hearing various rumors in the world, I have never encountered a daemon.”
Meng Qi pointed to the soil pit where the golden silk armor was buried and said thoughtfully, “While charlatans deceive the world and cause little harm, you were quite anxious to inquire about the rumors of the dragon veins in Yongzhou. It seems that those who possess dragon veins are also mountain spirits, aren’t they?”
“…”
Mo Li stared at Meng Qi, realizing that the latter did not show any signs of madness, which relieved him.
Then he thought, Meng Qi believed that the world mistook mountain spirits for dragon veins, but he probably had no idea that Mo Li could actually transform into a dragon! Should he tell him or not?
Seeing how pleased Meng Qi was… he decided not to say anything.
Author’s Note:
Qin Lu: How did you manage to prevent the patient from causing widespread destruction with such a severe frenzy?
Mo Li: It’s not me, it’s the ideal. He didn’t want to be a dragon vein; he wanted to be Shen Nong.
Qin Lu: …What?
Mo Li: The divine farmer of abundant harvests.
——————–
Meng Qi: Haha, have you forgotten that I am the Imperial Teacher? There are no daemons in the world, and I know much more about it than you, right?
Mo Li: …
Feeling annoyed, he wished for a Meng Qi without memories.
——————–
Thanks to the lamb from the young master, the lesson is profound.
Golden Phoenix Young Master: ???
One shows favoritism towards those they are close to.
Saying too much leads to more mistakes. Decisively, Mo Li closed his eyes, refusing to engage in conversation with Meng Qi.
The cold wind blew through the pine forest, accompanied by the gentle fall of snowflakes.
Sitting motionless under the tree, Mo Li’s tied-up long hair had a few strands slipping out, delicately hanging by his ear.
His profile was remarkably soft, with a subtle upward curve at the corner of his lips, so slight that it was barely noticeable. However, it was precisely because of this that even with his usual indifferent expression and cold demeanor, it made people unable to feel nervous.
If he were to open his eyes and cast a caring gaze with those gentle eyes, people’s heartbeats would skip a beat.
Meng Qi thought that it wasn’t just himself. Even when Mo Li was diagnosing patients at the medical gathering, he noticed it. At first, it felt uncomfortable, but he was quickly captivated by the physician’s meticulous pulse diagnosis and acupuncture. His gaze couldn’t bear to move away.
No one was an exception.
When the physician spoke, his pace was unhurried, exuding a composed demeanor.
—Yet, even when he remained silent, he was still captivating.
Meng Qi’s gaze traveled from Mo Li’s forehead to his nose bridge, lingering on his lips for a moment before shifting to his ears, partially concealed by his hair.
His earlobes were plump, but the flesh above his ear tips was slightly thinner. Perhaps because of this, when his ears turned red, the ear tips became particularly prominent. Mo Li himself was aware of this flaw, always maintaining direct eye contact with others, displaying unwavering gaze and an impeccable demeanor. Coupled with his dignified presence, others would hardly notice the enigmatic aspect of his ear tips. It was Meng Qi who discovered this secret after transforming into a sand rat.
They were pomegranate red, like ripened fruits, and he felt an irresistible urge to take a bite.
The chubby rat resisted the temptation because it could only reach Mo Li’s earlobes while perched on his shoulder, constantly tilting its head upward to observe.
This transformation is really disheartening. If it were a magnificent and majestic gyrfalcon perched on the shoulder, it would definitely—wait, no, if a falcon took a bite, regardless of the strength, a chunk of flesh would be gone. That wouldn’t work, no way.
The physician wouldn’t tuck a gyrfalcon into his bosom, nor would he hold it in the palm of his hand.
Forget it, a sand rat is a sand rat, there’s nothing wrong with that.
“Hmm?”
Are the ear tips turning slightly red? Is it just an illusion?
Meng Qi suddenly met a pair of annoyed eyes and belatedly realized that he wasn’t a sand rat anymore. His gaze had been too unrestricted, and the physician could sense it.
“Brother Meng, it’s late at night, you should rest.”
For a brief moment, Mo Li had the thought of sending this guy to his teacher and letting him experience Elder Qin’s way of healthy living.
How could he dare to stay up all night for no reason?!
On the other hand, Mo Li was feeling frustrated, while Meng Qi, in a strange twist, interpreted the physician’s words differently.
When he had his previous fit of madness, he stormed into the Jinyiwei headquarters and killed that commander. When he came to his senses a bit and stopped on a rooftop, he happened to overhear a conversation between a couple of minor officials.
“It’s late at night, we should settle down.”
Then followed a session of marital intimacy, and Meng Qi unintentionally heard it from his corner, forced to retreat.
Well, there’s no need to feel too embarrassed. After all, such things happen in the world, and it’s common to accidentally stumble upon them. When you’ve lived for a long time, what haven’t you seen?
In his early years, Meng Qi had caught soldiers violating orders and leaving the camp at Yanhua Lane.
What’s there to fuss about in such matters? They were bound and taken back to face military punishment, regardless of what they were up to in the house. Were they afraid of getting needle marks?
Perhaps it was due to his many years in the military, Meng Qi didn’t have the quirks of those Daoist scholars, nor did he adhere to the formalities of a gentleman. Whether it was the seductive dance moves of the courtesans or their beautiful faces and graceful figures, Meng Qi had no interest in them. Even if a playboy at a banquet openly entertained himself with the courtesans from the Department of Entertainment, Meng Qi could easily overlook it.
It was like looking at a tree, a cloud, or a pair of wild geese.
In the past, his good friends jokingly called this behavior not befitting someone in the mortal world. It’s no wonder that when it came to the position of the Imperial Teacher, even Emperor Chu Yuan deemed it most appropriate for Meng Qi because he looked the part.
Today, for some reason, Meng Qi suddenly remembered these things, including the incident on the rooftop that he had forgotten.
—What’s the use of being in the mundane world while one’s heart is in the clouds? It’s just that one hasn’t encountered a certain someone.
If not, crossing those boundaries would be like a passing breeze, causing no ripples in the heart lake.
If so, even ordinary words would evoke a cascade of thoughts, and the heart would be like a restless monkey, but one had to force oneself to appear calm and unaffected.
“Well, the physician hasn’t rested either. If you were asleep, how would you know that I’m awake?” Meng Qi narrowed his eyes and employed a sly argument, which could be considered quite childish. It was like saying, “If you don’t look at me, how would you know that I’m looking at you?”
How could Mo Li be defeated by such a remark? He had his own valid argument.
“Brother Meng, your symptoms have eased a bit, yet you’re not following the physician’s advice?”
“The night is long, and I have no desire to sleep. Please enlighten me, physician.” Meng Qi responded with ease, countering move for move.
The physician’s medical skills were excellent, and his knowledge was remarkable, but when it came to military strategy, Meng Qi was truly skilled in this field.
As the saying goes, “The military has no constant situation, and water has no constant form.” If you want to capture a fortified city, don’t be constrained by appearances! What’s the use of having thin skin? Can it win battles? If not, then let it go!
“Previously, when I was in the form of a white rat, I had a good sleep. Upon careful consideration, it turned out to be a rare deep slumber in many years.” Meng Qi put on a serious expression, as if seeking guidance, and asked earnestly, “At that time, I only felt the thundering sound of the waterfall, a warm sensation enveloping me, and my consciousness sinking into the depths of the dream. I couldn’t move and didn’t want to leave.”
Mo Li gazed steadily at his luggage in front of him, his expression cold and motionless.
However, Meng Qi had already discovered his secret, and his gaze slid toward Mo Li’s ears.
Hmm, they were slightly red.
Perhaps it was embarrassment, maybe with a hint of annoyance.
Meng Qi quickly changed his strategy, seizing the opportunity and casually saying, “That lamb brought by the Golden Phoenix Villa’s young master was quite impressive. After grilling it slightly over the fire, it shattered my dream. Ah, in this world, beautiful dreams and endless thoughts ultimately come down to the question of filling one’s stomach. What does the physician think?”
That statement struck a deeper chord, and Mo Li carefully considered it. Indeed, regardless of whether one sought to seize power or to benefit the world if the people couldn’t even have enough to eat, who would have the time to care about right or wrong?
“With one person’s strength, how can we save the world?” Mo Li casually used the words often spoken by Elder Qin.
Meng Qi naturally responded, “I used to believe that by changing the people in control of the world, changing surnames for power, and introducing a new current in the court, the world could change. But in the end, I was wrong.”
This touches on Meng Qi’s privacy and his sensitive spot.
Even if he voluntarily brought it up now, Mo Li felt it was not appropriate to interject and give his own evaluation, except for when Meng Qi went mad and got caught up in his own thoughts.
“Afterwards, when I met the physician and heard the words of Ning Changyuan, I was deeply moved.”
Meng Qi still remembered the incident that had impressed Mo Li. Although Ning Changyuan was highly admirable, Meng Qi couldn’t back down. This was not a matter of personal pride, but a lifelong ideal.
“Changing the world from top to bottom is not feasible; we must start with the people. Master Qin roams the world with his alms-giving, using his individual strength. And Daoist Ning saves and helps people, spreading virtue with the abilities of a few. Compared to the vast world, their contributions are still modest. As Daoist Ning himself said, he doesn’t expect most people to be able to help in any significant way, as they struggle to take care of themselves. But what if every household could have enough to eat? With ample food supplies, we understand etiquette, and with sufficient clothing and sustenance, we know honor and disgrace.”
Mo Li also didn’t feel like sleeping anymore and replied earnestly, “That’s the reasoning, but how can every household have enough to eat? I’ve heard that in places like Jiangnan, the harvest is bountiful every year, yet tenant farmers still suffer from destitution and ruin.”
Meng Qi calmly said, “Throughout history, regardless of how the world changes or how people’s hearts transform, they still adhere to old customs and practices. If we don’t break free from those constraints, old conflicts won’t be resolved, and new troubles will arise. As you said, even in years of abundant harvest, tenant farmers starve to death. What is the crux of the issue?”
“Is it the oppression and high taxes imposed by the powerful aristocracy?”
“The common people rely on the land for their livelihoods, but the aristocratic families seize their land, expel their people, and then take the land as the foundation for their hereditary legacy. They feel self-satisfied and content. Although some individuals may change their own fate and that of their families through the imperial examination or business ventures, once they undergo that transformation, they become the very people they once despised. The first generation may still have some benevolence and righteousness, understanding the hardships of the poor. But as it is passed down to their descendants, it changes. If people can survive without relying on land, the wealthy families’ appropriation of land becomes useless, and the problem is solved.”
Mo Li felt somewhat bewildered and had a vague sense of unease.
Sure enough, he heard Meng Qi ask, “I heard from the physician that the mountain spirit of Silang Mountain has not yet awakened. Does it truly have no consciousness? The Si family doesn’t farm, and the fields in Qiuling County have consistently experienced poor harvests. Later on, they simply stopped cultivation, and whenever they needed grain, they would buy it elsewhere. And the people of Qiuling County often engage in business elsewhere. There are countless merchants within the city, and before the earthquake, everyone was able to survive without anyone starving to death.”
Mo Li was still in a daze when Meng Qi continued, “Though the world is vast, if the food production in one region can feed three times as many people, would those who don’t cultivate the land be more prosperous than those who do? Would there still be a scramble for land?”
“…Brother Meng makes a valid point, but the mountain spirit…”
Dragon veins cannot make one acre of land yield three acres of crops, nor can they control the weather!
Mo Li was caught in a dilemma, unable to maintain his composed expression.
Meng Qi derived the answer from Mo Li’s gaze. Although he was somewhat disappointed, he didn’t feel disheartened. He had heard that in the southernmost region of Qiongzhou, crops could be harvested three times a year!
“Physician, in fact, we are like mountain spirits,” Meng Qi calmly stated.
Mo Li was startled and looked up at Meng Qi.
“You’ve been thinking seriously, and your expression gives it away,” Meng Qi said nonchalantly. “Of course, I had my suspicions long ago, and your reaction simply confirmed my thoughts.”
Mo Li remained silent.
“A mountain spirit can be a tree, and it can also be a fish or a rat. There’s nothing difficult to guess about that. I served as the Imperial Teacher of the Chu Dynasty for thirty years, overseeing the state’s rituals and ceremonies, and despite hearing various rumors in the world, I have never encountered a daemon.”
Meng Qi pointed to the soil pit where the golden silk armor was buried and said thoughtfully, “While charlatans deceive the world and cause little harm, you were quite anxious to inquire about the rumors of the dragon veins in Yongzhou. It seems that those who possess dragon veins are also mountain spirits, aren’t they?”
“…”
Mo Li stared at Meng Qi, realizing that the latter did not show any signs of madness, which relieved him.
Then he thought, Meng Qi believed that the world mistook mountain spirits for dragon veins, but he probably had no idea that Mo Li could actually transform into a dragon! Should he tell him or not?
Seeing how pleased Meng Qi was… he decided not to say anything.
Author’s Note:
Qin Lu: How did you manage to prevent the patient from causing widespread destruction with such a severe frenzy?
Mo Li: It’s not me, it’s the ideal. He didn’t want to be a dragon vein; he wanted to be Shen Nong.
Qin Lu: …What?
Mo Li: The divine farmer of abundant harvests.
——————–
Meng Qi: Haha, have you forgotten that I am the Imperial Teacher? There are no daemons in the world, and I know much more about it than you, right?
Mo Li: …
Feeling annoyed, he wished for a Meng Qi without memories.
——————–
Thanks to the lamb from the young master, the lesson is profound.
Golden Phoenix Young Master: ???
