Chapter 73: The Calamity of the Hundred Schools Contending
“A gentleman considers matters only within the bounds of his position and responsibilities…”
“He never directly responded to the upheaval at Dongshan. Instead, he only left behind that cryptic reminder.”
After reading the letter several times over, a thoughtful expression appeared on Fang Xun’s face as he gradually grasped its deeper meaning.
“So he’s telling me to focus on my own duties and stop meddling in things beyond my station?”
“This attitude is rather subtle. And right now, my identity is that of the Dongshan Garrison Commander. If the Imperial Mausoleum is truly burned down…”
Scenes of Shentu Xin setting fire to the imperial tomb resurfaced in his mind once more.
In an instant, it was as though a bolt of lightning tore through the fog, and realization dawned upon him.
“The Mohists preach frugality in burial, yet now exhaust their ingenuity to construct palaces beneath the earth. Militarists are meant to defend against enemies, yet now bow their pride to guard the gates of the dead. The Legalists uphold law and order, yet now wield harsh punishments to drive the mourning masses. The Masters of Yin-Yang once studied the heavens, yet now exhaust their knowledge to nourish this dark and sinister energies. The Historians hold their brushes, yet record not the emperor’s fear of death, praising instead the splendor of subterranean and earthen construction…”
“When Shentu Xin burned the mausoleum, he did not merely mock the Qian Emperor. He viciously ridiculed the Mohists, Militarian School, Legalists, Yin-Yang School, and Historians alike, the very schools responsible for constructing the Imperial Tomb.”