Stop it, Taoist, Your Fight almost Ruins the DAO!

All of empire's everything ought to compromise for the sake of conquest.

Unfortunately, the idea is good, but it is a bit too urbanized.

"Your Majesty, allow this humble Taoist a word."

"Firstly, setting up a less tense buffer zone will not break Great Qin's martial spirit. On the contrary, being too rigid makes one more likely to break, like a bowstring that is drawn for too long, it will snap, injuring the hand of the one who holds the bow."

"Secondly, from the Tao emerges one, one produces two, two produce three, three produce all things, having received the Celestial Being's Teachings, this humble Taoist is well aware that all things are constantly changing; those who walk on the edge of the knife, occasionally wish to slow down,

and those whom Your Majesty considers unambitious, among them, after resting for a while, some will change their ideas and become boldly progressive."

"Those who have experienced these changes, they are oftentimes more resolute than others."

"Your Majesty, having studied all laws and commanding the four seas, surely knows the words of 'The Book of Changes.'"

"Both K'an hexagrams speak of dangers and pits, to enter these is inadvisable."

"To advance despite difficulties brings praise, it is best to wait."

'The Book of Changes' in these two hexagrams embodies the essence of constant change in all things, highlighting the wisdom of ancient sages; Your Majesty should ponder deeply."

"Thirdly."

At this point, Yi Chen's melancholic voice resounded, uttering words that made even Ying Si shiver, despite his current level of cultivation, feeling a chill suddenly rise from his tailbone to his Heavenly Spirit.

"Your Majesty, by making the road unyielding, leaving no other choice for others, others will also leave you no choice in the future."

"A system, even the Contribution Points system I discussed, should not only benefit Great Qin or a small part of its people."

"If the Contribution Points system makes most people of Great Qin, the sects, and all under heaven losers, then this group of disillusioned people will become saboteurs, gravediggers of the system, and then nobody will continue."

"Giving the disillusioned some space is also giving yourself a way out. Our predecessors burned bridges, leaving no path for future generations." Yi Chen sighed.

Emperor Qin's eyes twinkled, "The National Master's meaning is clear to me. We shouldn't force things like making oxen drink by pressing their heads, but rather should follow the sustainable method you often mentioned, like draining the pond to catch all the fish, right?"

"Providing others with a way out is like giving a blocked lake a sluice, otherwise, as days turn to years, the accumulated pressure becomes impossible to reverse, eventually bursting the dam, and the angry flood will tear apart everything that blocked its path."

Yi Chen: "…Your Majesty, you are correct and have learned well, but it's not at all elegant."

At this, the Great Qin National Master Yi Chengzi could only respond with silence.

Just as Yi Chen bowed intending to take his leave, the still contemplative Emperor Qin Ying Si suddenly called out to hold Yi Chen back.

"National Master, today I am pleased."

"Previously, I always felt uneasy. Your methods were too sharp and fierce, even to the extent that I had some apprehensions. Today, I'm truly relieved. I believe the National Master truly wishes for Great Qin's everlasting place in the world, and not just to exploit and then flee after reaping benefits."

"National Master, you wish to accumulate myriad merits, and I will employ the strength of Great Qin. Starting today, as long as the treasury can afford it after all other expenses, I will fully support you in achieving your long-standing desire, until it is fulfilled."

"Your Majesty, are these words true?" Yi Chen turned back smiling.

"Emperors do not jest."

"If the citizens of Great Qin are willing to support the National Master with a nation's wealth, please also bless Great Qin, National Master. If one day you break your promise, even if I have to search from heaven to hell, I will hunt down the National Master to seek justice on behalf of the citizens of Great Qin."

"Your Majesty can ask around; I, Yi Chengzi, am always well-regarded in my dealings. People like Zhang Hu of Dragon Tiger Mountain would deeply agree."

"Great Qin supports this humble Taoist in his cultivation to accumulate myriad of merits. Taking others' money to dispel their disasters, naturally, I will also dispel disasters and resolve difficulties for Great Qin."

"This is me, World-Shaking Pure Yang! Yi Chengzi!"

"Your Majesty should save the overly dramatic threats for someone else..."

After bowing again, Yi Chen did not equivocate any further and promised resolutely.

Their eyes met, and the two clasped hands in a pledge!

Amidst booming laughter, the Taoist flung his wide sleeves dramatically and strode boldly towards the exit.

Before long, an elegant lady holding a small child with two braids approached Ying Si's study. Seeing her husband deep in thought, the elegant lady chuckled lightly, "Your Majesty, what is on your mind now? You seem so engrossed."

"Nothing much, I was just marveling at our Great Qin's National Master, truly exploring the limits of heaven and man, understanding the changes of all ages, with astonishing cultivation and profound wisdom. I almost took a wrong path."

"Your Majesty, since the National Master is so powerful, what do you think about Yue Ji asking him to take Zhi'er as a disciple?"

"Zhi'er is slow-witted; both of us are bright people. I don't know who he takes after."

"The National Master is known for being protective; if Zhi'er could study under him, living a carefree life would be ideal." The elegant lady tightened her hold on the child, her concern evident.

Parents plan deeply for the love of their children.

"The Crown Prince is a magnanimous person... Well, since Yue Ji, you feel this way, let's go with your wish. Find an opportunity and talk to the National Master yourself," Ying Si spoke gently.

...

...

The daylight shone on Yi Chen's face, revealing an inexplicable expression on the Taoist's face.

Giving others a chance is indeed keeping a path open for oneself, the affairs of this world are truly marvelous.