As night falls, the sky is filled with stars and a half moon hangs high in the sky, making the night full of mystery and beauty.
Next to the quietly burning bonfire, between the two teams of carriages, was a temporary, simple, yet exquisite evening pavilion, which was made temporarily using magic. But even if it was made temporarily, it was extremely exquisite. A fine dinner party had ended.
In the evening pavilion, Princess Ning Xiaolan of Ningguo rinsed her mouth and washed her hands, then quietly put on her veil.
Since returning with Zhang Quan, Ning Xiaolan always wears a veil except when eating.
Zhang Quan was already very skilled and natural in picking up the teacup handed over by the maid. He no longer drank it in one gulp, but rinsed his mouth and spit it into another older cup. Then another maid brought a small golden basin, and Zhang Quan washed his hands in it, and then stretched out his hands for the maid to help dry.
Zhang Quan has already "learned" and "adapted" to such a corrupt life. It must be admitted that the etiquette from Ningguo, which was influenced by the so-called Confucianism, although cumbersome, can greatly demonstrate dignity.
Being able to use magic instead of using it is a different kind of life experience. This kind of life can cultivate and develop one's character.
After dinner, Zhang Quanxing and Ning Xiaolan started to discuss the Dao again. But today, the discussion was no longer a discussion, but a debate.
A few days ago, Zhang Quan and Ning Xiaolan analyzed and explained their own thoughts. Zhang Quan explained the Capital, which he plagiarized and developed from Li Xian, and how to combine governance with Capital.
What Ning Xiaolan explained was, of course, Confucianism, a philosophy that originated from the "Dongsheng Shenzhou". (Note ①)
Today, the two of them ended their explanation and started the debate.
This is a chance to show yourself! Zhang Quan looked at the hazy face under the veil, his heart burning: "Miss Ning, please forgive me for being presumptuous. I think that Confucianism is similar to Taoism. It is suitable for personal cultivation, but it cannot be used to govern the country. Governing the country with Confucianism will inevitably lead to chaos. If the people commit a crime, shouldn't they be killed? Killing is against benevolence and righteousness, and not killing is against the will of the people. Can wars between countries be fought only by so-called "persuading"? This obviously won't work! What is the foundation of the survival of the fairyland? Is it morality? I don't think so! The basis of survival is interest! Survival itself is the embodiment of interest. Only when you are full and satisfied can you think about other things. If a country wants to be strong, moral etiquette is superficial and is done for others to see. What is really beneficial to the country is economic wealth, industrial livelihood, military strength, etc. Therefore, Confucianism can be used but not really used."
"But if everyone pursues interests, they will be trapped in a vortex of interests. The human race itself is a big family. The country is also a big family. If we can make everyone love each other and unite the whole country, then everything we do will be twice as effective with half the effort."
"Miss Ning, what you said makes sense, but please allow me to ask you a question. Ningguo began to be influenced by Confucianism a hundred years ago. How is the domestic situation now? Has it met the expectations of the Confucian sages? Let me guess, it hasn't even met one tenth of the expectations!"
Zhang Quan's last words were spoken in a decisive tone.