Chapter 81 - Qualifications for A Hero (1/2)

Chapter 81 – Qualifications for A Hero

Translated by Bloodfalcon, Edited by Krayto

“The first virtue is filial piety!” Liu Mang spoke confidently “We of the Han Dynasty are taught to be filial to one’s parent and to one’s nation. Mr. Qin Song here, is the pinnacle of filial piety. Mr. Qin Song who has pa.s.sed the Xiaolian examination at a very young age is truly a benefit to the people, and now has become an advisor to General Sun Ce, it is truly Our Great Han’s biggest fortune!”

TL: Xiaolian examination system is a system proposed by Dong Zhongshu to Emperor Wu of Han to select government officials. The word stems from “孝顺親長、廉能正直” meaning being filial will result an incorruptible and upstanding person. This examination system is abolished by the time of Ming Dynasty.

“Ha Ha Ha!” Qin Song touched his beard again. His expression did not show anything, but in his heart, he was really riding the wind, overloaded with happiness. He then said “Filial to ones parents is the basics of basic virtues, those who are parentless and less filial to foster parents are not worth mentioning!”

“CRRAACKKK!” At the seat of honor, Lu Bu’s hand made a loud cracking noise from squeezing his wine gla.s.s. When Lu Bu loosened his fingers, his hand made a mark on them. f.u.c.k man, that is a G.o.dd.a.m.n copper wine gla.s.s.

Liu Mang’s eyes also got narrow due to him cringing to Lu Bu's action, he paused for a moment then continued..

“The second virtue is brotherhood! Your love for your elder brother really surpa.s.ses those of regular brothers, it is as if he was your best friend! That virtue is really exemplary!” Liu Mang explained the second virtue. Qin Song you are the second child of your family, so you have an older brother. When your older brother died of illness, Qin Song you took care of your older brother’s children, making sure they were fed and had a good education.

“The third virtue is loyalty! Since General Sun Jian's time, Mr. Qin Song was already an official of the Sun Clan. After General Sun Jian pa.s.sed away, when General Sun Ce lived under Yuan Shu’s mercy, Mr. Qin Song did not abandon him at all. So from this, Mr. Qin Song is indeed a loyal person!” Honestly Liu Mang also slightly admired this old man. He had served three rulers of the Sun Dynasty. When Sun Jian and Sun Ce were dead historically, he still do not leave Sun Quan and continued to serve him.

When Liu Mang explained the virtue about loyalty, Sun Ce was also touched and said “Uncle Wenbiao, these many years, it must have been very exhausting!”

“As long as I, Wenbiao can continue serve the old lord and Milord. It is not exhausting at all!” Qin Song replied, beaming with pride.

“The fourth virtue is trustworthiness. Mr. Qin Song’s words are certainly honest and sincere. A truly respectable virtue!”

“The fifth virtue is etiquette. Mr. Qin Song, who has read all of the sage king’s books, and is said to be very skilled in Zhou rites. His actions and movements all have the markings of a pre-Qin Dynasty scholar!” The ancients have always considered Zhou’s rites as the basics for all etiquette.

TL: Confucian terms for Ceremony faculty.plattsburgh.edu/kurtis.hagen/keyterms_ritual.html

“The sixth virtue is righteousness, Mr. Qin Song is an upright man and always put himself behind public's necessities. His actions are oozing morality and we all need to learn from Mr. Qin Song in this regard”

“The seventh virtue is integrity. You do not have greed in your heart, nor do you have any egotistical desires!” We do not know whether Qin Song’s intention is to really remain pure and incorruptible or if he really treasures his reputation. But, historically, this Qin Song really did not covet even a single cent from the treasury. He only took his salary and moreover he helped to subsidize some of the budget. Probably these military provisions in Wancheng city came from Qin Song’s own pocket.

And so everyone listened attentively to Liu Mang’s summary. “So, this good teacher, this helpful friend is also a mentor. Mr. Qin Song is really a role model. Is he not our Han Dynasties greatest treasure?!” Liu Mang’s praise almost made Qin Song lose his grip on reality “So, in order to rule the country and pacify the world, one must learn from Mr. Qin Song!”

“You are too kind, you are too kind!” Praise wherever and whenever is always very comfortable. With Liu Mang’s praise, Qin Song was more reluctant to provoke Lu Bu again.

When Liu Mang quickly sat down and continued drinking his wine, a nearby scholar suddenly felt strange and stood up “please pardon my inquiry, Your Highness. Your Highness Prince of Shu only said seven virtues, what about the eighth virtue?!”

“Yes, that is right. Your Highness, what about the eighth virtue!” All of the scholars on the scene also started asking Liu Mang. Since Liu Mang praised on how Qin Song cultivated his att.i.tude according to Confucius’ way, then there should be eight virtues.

That eighth virtue was the most important virtue. It’s to know of shame and having a sense of honor.

But Liu Mang said nothing, furthermore, when those scholars kept pressing, he just said he forgot.

Other scholars began to calm down, but only two people kept their view toward Liu Mang, that was Zhou Yu and Zhang Zhao.

“BWAHAHAHAHA!” Behind Sun Ce, there was a young man standing while laughing loudly, inviting attention to himself. Seeing all people gazing at him, this young man tried to hold back his laughter, but due to the subject being too funny, even though he tried it very hard, tried and tried until his whole face turned rose red from holding down his laughter, he couldn't hold it back!

“Lu Meng?! Why do you laugh?!” Sun Ce’s brow wrinkled heavily. Just now Liu Mang was praising Qin Song, and Lu Meng laughed at his praise? This young man is really rude for laughing at Mr. Qin Song.

“Is he Lu Meng?!” Liu Mang had now seen the young man who will become Jiangdong’s viceroy in the future, who will defeat Guan Yu with his stratagems. But currently he is still a brash, unrefined young man who is currently 20 years old.

“Forgive me Milord. It is Meng’s fault for not holding back his laughter! It’s just that His Highness Prince of Shu’s words, was too funny!” Replied Lu Meng while holding his stomach.