Yang Ge nodded, "I disagree with the first half of the sentence!"
The old Daoist explained, "This statement is not just to be taken literally..."
"I know it’s the interpretation of ’governing by doing nothing,’ but I disagree."
Yang Ge interrupted his explanation, "Just like now, with the Tartars marching south, if everyone only thinks of themselves, who would be willing to risk their lives defending the borders?"
"If no one defends the borders, do we just watch the Tartars swagger in unopposed, slaughtering our elders and trampling our wives and children? And when it’s too late, will we regret not having united earlier to keep the Tartars outside the pass?"
"Oh, your lineage from the Heavenly Master’s Mansion needn’t worry, after all, no matter who comes to power in the Central Plains, they always treat you with great respect. And changing rulers might just get you a dozen more honorary titles like State Preceptor or True Person."
Upon hearing this, the old Daoist became angry and was about to retort, but the memories that suddenly surfaced in his mind left him speechless.
It wasn’t that he couldn’t find the words, but the excuses used to placate the common people were clearly inadequate in the presence of a remarkable person like Yang Ge.
People’s hearts are like scales!
"I also understand that righteousness and morality are but farts... woven by those in power to shepherd the populace..."
Yang Ge tore off a chicken wing and put it into his mouth, nibbling delicately as he said indifferently, "But I still prefer a world with compassion. ’I am for everyone, and everyone is for me.’ Since I am strong, in times of national crisis, it’s natural for me to step up."
During his darkest moment in life, it was the Shopkeeper’s kind heart that warmed him.
Now, although the Shopkeeper was gone, that kind heart still remained...
"Well said!"
Zhang Xuansu smiled and clapped for Yang Ge, "For such a belief, the old Daoist will join you in this endeavor!"
He still disagreed with Yang Ge’s worldview.
But he admired Yang Ge’s conviction.
Hearing Zhang Xuansu agree, Yang Ge relaxed and laughed, "Then it’s settled. Three days from now, we’ll meet in Datong, Shanxi!"
Zhang Xuansu’s old face turned dark, "Is such short notice necessary?"
Yang Ge laughed, "The sooner we deal with that old monster, the sooner we can end the war, sparing the lives of many soldiers at the borders. How great a virtue would that be?"
Zhang Xuansu thought for a moment, then nodded and said, "Good!"
Yang Ge raised his Beggar’s Chicken in his hand as if it were wine, "Having known you for so long, this is the most upright and refreshing thing I’ve seen you do!"
Zhang Xuansu glanced at him with irritation, "Having known you for so long, this is the most agreeable you’ve ever been!"
Yang Ge burst into laughter, "It’s mutual!"
...
After leaving the vicinity of Mount Longhu, Yang Ge thought that since he was already in the Jianghuai region, it would seem remiss not to swing by Bright Summit, so with a twist in midair, he made his way toward Mount Huang.
The moon was high, and he arrived at Bright Summit without trouble... before the newly-rebuilt Holy Fire Hall, a jar of fierce flames burned continually, clearly discernible at night.
As soon as he landed, the Ming Sect disciples guarding the Holy Fire Hall noticed his figure and drew their swords, shouting angrily, "Who goes there?"
Yang Ge raised both hands to show he had no ill intentions, "I’m Yang Erlang of Luting, here to have a drink with your Sect Hierarch... Has your Sect Hierarch left seclusion?"
Before he had finished speaking, he heard a familiar burly figure rush out of the Holy Fire Hall, exclaiming in surprise, "Second Brother?"
"Eh?"
Yang Ge focused his eyes and saw the figure, his face also lighting up with surprise, "Xiang?"
The figure who had dashed out of the Holy Fire Hall was none other than Xiang Wudi, setting sail to the seas.
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"Ha ha ha..."
Xiang Wudi, overjoyed, leapt down the steps in one bound, "How did you know I was back?"
Yang Ge also walked up the steps with a laugh, their two large hands clasping tightly, "Isn’t this a coincidence? I had something to do at Mount Longhu and thought, since I’m here, I ought to visit Yang at Bright Summit. Otherwise, he’d nag me about it later. But who knew you’d be here too? When did you return?"
"That really is better late than early."
Wrapping an arm around Yang Ge’s shoulder, Xiang Wudi led him towards the Holy Fire Hall, "I landed half a month ago and just got to Bright Summit today. We were just discussing how you must have run back to your home in the southwest..."
Yang Ge, pleasantly surprised, "Jin Cheng is here too?"
"Tsk tsk tsk..."
As he spoke, he heard Li Jincheng’s tongue-clicking, "Typical of the Ice and Fire Duo to head straight for Yang’s place upon reaching Jianghuai, not even thinking of stopping by Lianhuan Fort."
Catching sight, Yang Ge saw Yang Tiansheng and Li Jincheng emerging from the Holy Fire Hall, flushed and arm in arm, unclear how much they had drunk.
"Stop your babbling!"
Yang Ge laughed and scolded, "Which is closer from Mount Longhu, Mount Huang or Taihu Lake? With it being so dark, how could I find my way to Taihu Lake?"
Li Jincheng shook his head like a rattle, "I don’t care about that; all I know is that you came to Yang’s place and skipped mine... Now I’ve caught you red-handed, and you still have the nerve to argue?"
"Alright, alright..."
Yang Ge waved his hand with a laugh, "I never see you so sharp-tongued usually. How much horse piss have the three of you drunk?"
The three brothers laughed in unison, "In good company, a thousand cups of wine are too little!"
They came forward, pulling and pushing him into the Holy Fire Hall.
Yang Tiansheng called out as they walked, "Wei Xin, Wei Xin, tell the brothers in the kitchen to heat up some fresh dishes; your Second Master is here!"
"Got it!"
Wei Xin’s excited shout came from afar.
Yang Ge "tsked" in admiration, "You’re the Sect Hierarch now; can’t you exploit someone else? You’ve almost turned Wei Xin into a pack mule!"