Chapter 1322: First Buds, the Opening of the Minds of the People! II (1/2)
Chapter 1322: First Buds, the Opening of the Minds of the People! (II)
Translated by: Hypersheep325
Edited by: Michyrr
The vast crowd of protestors numbered more than one hundred thousand.
No one noticed that in a house not far from the protesting crowds, a young man of twelve or thirteen was holding a sword and earnestly training within the narrow confines of a small yard.
”Zhao Wu, why are you still practicing? Don't you see that everyone is out marching to make their voices heard? Even Master Zhu has said that the Great Tang should not have too many wars. Let's go! Stop practicing and come with us to join the marches!”
Another young man quickly went to pull at Zhao Wu, but Zhao Wu quickly shook him off.
”You guys go. Don't disturb me!”
Zhao Wu's face was indifferent as he spoke and continued to practice with his sword.
”Zhao Wu, the Great Tang is at peace with all the foreign countries. There are no enemies to fight, and the soldiers of the various protectorates haven't seen enemies in ages. Even if you practice your martial arts, what's the point? You should just play around with us. Don't you see that we've all stopped practicing martial arts?”
Another youth came up to pull on him.
From their expressions, it was apparent that these youths were all friends.
”It's your own business if you want to give up, but one day, you'll realize that I was right!”
Zhao Wu once more shook off the hand and continued to practice with his sword. Even if no one understood him, this empire needed people who would still do the right thing, and it was proper for a true man to persevere in their own path. This was also the respect he showed for that King of Foreign Lands who he most revered.
”Idiot!”
”Let him be! Forget about him!”
The two softly cursed before turning and leaving.
There was not just one voice in the world. While many people were outside marching in protest, others were using their own methods to express their support. While countless had given up on 'Might Makes Right' and were throwing them in piles to burn, others were silently preserving copies and silently supporting it from the shadows.
The world was continuing to operate in its own fashion. While vast crowds were filling the air with slander and criticism, others were using their own methods to support Wang Chong.
……
At the same time, outside of the storm but in the center of authority, two figures were silently observing everything.
”Your Majesty, the Shadowguard sent word a while ago that the King of Foreign Lands vomited blood and fell into a coma. Your Majesty, should we really allow this to continue?” a voice worriedly said.
In the darkness, Taiji Palace was utterly silent.
After a long while, a voice came out of the depths of the palace, majestic and seeming to understand all things. ”He who desires the crown must bear the weight! Let him be! Only if he can endure this can he endure the plans We have for him in the future!”
”…Yes!”
Gao Lishi lowered his head and fell silent.
……
In the solitude of the night, Wang Chong was pacing alone through the grounds of the residence, the storms of the outside world kept out by the high walls. During the day, Wang Chong could still hear the sounds of protestors, but ever since that night in the stone room beneath the ground, Wang Chong had been able to open his mind and disregard all these things.
Taking no joy in receiving and feeling no concern in loss, Wang Chong was now able to calmly accept everything. Whether the flower bloomed or withered, the clouds gathered or dispersed, he no longer placed much importance on these matters.
Deep within his mind, Wang Chong had already received the tranquility he desired.
Swoosh!
At some point, Wang Chong had once more walked up to the high walls. With a leap, Wang Chong took off like a bird and then gently drifted down on the other side of the walls.
Ever since that night, Wang Chong had slowly developed a habit of going out alone at night when no one else was around. Dressed in civilian clothes and with his hands held behind his back, Wang Chong ventured into the darkness, allowing the winds to blow away his worries.
Whoosh!
As Wang Chong ambled through the streets, a figure suddenly shot out of the shadows toward Wang Chong.
”Big Brother! This tanghulu is for you!”
Before Wang Chong could properly see who it was, an extremely young voice rang out in his ear. And then a tanghulu stick appeared before his eyes.
This happened so abruptly that Wang Chong was left flabbergasted. Looking carefully, he saw that this was a child not even ten years old, gripping a tanghulu stick with an incredibly serious expression. Wang Chong was taken aback. He had strolled like this for quite a few days now, but he had never encountered a situation like this.
It was rather strange for a child to suddenly appear on the side of the street at such a late hour.