Chapter 17

As he came out of the academy, Xia Hongsheng knew that he still had not truly integrated into the life of the Tang Dynasty. Just now, in the academy, when he saw those students and Wang Xuance, Xia Hongsheng suddenly felt a detached perspective, as if he were just an observer, an outsider looking down from above. When the interest arose, he would casually manipulate Wang Xuance to take a step, and when the interest passed, he would withdraw his hand and quietly watch from the sidelines. Subconsciously, he placed himself in the position of a prophet, as if he were living in a very real and very long historical drama. Xia Hongsheng knew that deep down, he was still a person from thousands of years in the future, not a part of the countless people of the Tang Dynasty. He hadn't found his place yet! Xia Hongsheng silently shook his head. Going back was impossible. To live well in this era, he had to truly integrate.

The Tang Dynasty, the Han and Tang Dynasties, two eras that have captivated the Chinese nation for millennia, their glory shining through the annals of Chinese history for a thousand years, their downfall causing countless descendants to sigh in regret.

He wanted to make up for the regrets left in history, to participate in the glorious Han and Tang Dynasties that are etched in the blood of all Chinese people, to make this prosperity last forever, and to ensure that the sufferings the Chinese nation has endured would never happen again!

But could a small person like him, a mere ant trying to stop a chariot, really shake the wheels of history? No! Of course not! One person alone certainly couldn't!

But what if there were many like me? Or, what if there were many people, in various fields, who possessed the advanced knowledge and ideas that I have? A hundred, a thousand, ten thousand, a hundred thousand... If the Tang society were filled with people like me, what a remarkably advanced and powerful Tang Dynasty it would be!

But how could he create a hundred, a thousand, ten thousand, or even a hundred thousand people like himself?

One by one, passersby hurried past Xia Hongsheng. The sun was setting, and the sky was gradually darkening. Xia Hongsheng remained motionless. The kind vendors had already packed up their stalls and were hesitating to come over to see this statue-like person, but they were stopped by a hand that suddenly reached out from the side, and then gently shook its head.

The quiet cobblestone street was only gently brushed by the still chilly spring breeze. There was no moon in the sky, and the sky, like a curtain, was studded with gems, twinkling as if winking at Xia Hongsheng.

How many brilliant figures have appeared in Chinese history, and where are they now?

Driving social development is not the work of one person but the tireless efforts of a group to build the most beautiful future.

This group must have advanced ideas, broad horizons, and the same knowledge as me, and they must surpass me, spreading to all fields of the Tang Dynasty to steer this already overly heavy chariot. I need such a group! They should be as common as scholars, but they must not be as rigid as scholars. They must possess knowledge and ideas that are thousands of years ahead, and they must spread these advanced ideas widely.

Confucius founded Confucianism, which has been widespread since the Spring and Autumn period. Why can't I emulate Confucius and spread scientific ideas, cultivating such a group?

Confucius did not have my ability to see through a thousand years, but I stand on the shoulders of countless giants. My starting point and perspective are far higher than those of the Tang people. I know when dynasties will change, I know the flaws and solutions of feudal dynasties, and I know the direction society will take. I will not destroy this rapidly moving chariot; I will cultivate a group of people and work with them to change the direction of this chariot!

A year's plan starts in spring, a day's plan starts in the morning, a life's plan starts in youth, and a study's plan starts with the foundation. This group will start from the Luozhou Academy!

The sky was bright, and a ray of morning sunlight illuminated the horizon. Xia Hongsheng lifted his head, taking in the red sun, his heart filled with a thousand thoughts, ready to use people as his brush and the world as his canvas to paint a three-thousand-mile landscape and continue the story of an eternally prosperous Tang Dynasty!

"The responsibility of today lies not with others but with our youth. When the youth are wise, the country is wise; when the youth are wealthy, the country is wealthy; when the youth are strong, the country is strong; when the youth are independent, the country is independent; when the youth are free, the country is free; when the youth progress, the country progresses; when the youth surpass Europe, the country surpasses Europe; when the youth are mighty on Earth, the country is mighty on Earth. The red sun rises, its path bright. The river flows, pouring into the ocean. The dragon rises from the depths, its scales and claws flying. The young tiger roars in the valley, and all beasts tremble. The eagle tries its wings, and the dust rises. The rare flower blooms, magnificent and splendid. The sword is sharpened, and its edge glows. The sky is blue, the earth is yellow. Through the ages, across the vast expanse. The future is like the sea, and the days ahead are long. Beautiful! My youthful China, as eternal as the heavens! Majestic! My Chinese youth, boundless with the country! ... Hahaha, to spread science, we must start with the youth."

"Ha ha ha, Jing Shi, at such a young age, you have found your path, which greatly comforts and envies me. Your discussion about youth and the country just now has greatly broadened my horizons! I believe you have now understood your path." A robust voice came from behind.

Xia Hongsheng turned around at the sound. Huh? What happened? He hadn't gone home but was standing in the street. Behind him, the headmaster, his master, and Xu Qixian, along with several attendants, were all standing there. The old headmaster stroked his beard, smiling at him, and his master was also stroking his beard, looking extremely proud. Xu Qixian was scratching his head and ears, his eyes red with excitement, as if he were about to eat someone.

"Student greets Master Yan, Master, and Master Xu, and greets the elder brothers." Xia Hongsheng bowed respectfully to the headmaster and his master, and then greeted Xu Qixian and the attendants. As soon as he finished speaking, his stomach growled, and everyone laughed.

"Liu Fang went to deliver tea to you and saw you stop on the road, seemingly lost in thought, oblivious to the outside world. He stayed here to watch over you and sent someone to inform the old master at the academy and your sister-in-law at home. You should thank Liu Fang and Master Xu, who have been watching over you all night." Master Yan Shigu stroked his beard and smiled.

Xia Hongsheng nodded, walked to the attendants Liu Fang and Xu Qixian, and bowed respectfully, saying, "Xia Hongsheng thanks Liu Brother and Master Xu for your company. I was so engrossed that I forgot the road. If it weren't for you two, I might have been thrown into jail by the night patrol."

"Master Xia, you are too kind. I have served Master Yan for a long time and have seen him lost in thought many times. It is absolutely forbidden to disturb him, as it could disrupt his thoughts, leading to failure or even mental barriers. As a disciple of Master Yan, I was just doing my duty." Liu Fang stepped back and bowed to Xia Hongsheng, saying.

Xia Hongsheng straightened up. After a night of thinking, he finally understood the path he needed to take and the goals he needed to achieve. He felt a sense of relief and clarity. Having a goal changes a person. Now, Xia Hongsheng was no longer lost in this era. He knew what he needed to do and how to do it. With this goal, he felt light and flexible, full of hope.

"Without drinking water all night, I am now extremely hungry. Liu Brother and Master Xu have been watching over me all night and must also be very hungry. Please come to my home, and I will cook a few dishes for you. Please do not refuse." Xia Hongsheng said to Liu Fang and Xu Qixian, then turned to Master Yan Shigu and bowed, saying, "Master Yan, Master, please do not disdain my humble home and come with us."

Master Yan Shigu chuckled, exchanged a glance with his master, and said, "The beggar's chicken that day made my mouth water. Today, with more delicious food, I will not refuse."

He ordered Xia Hongsheng to lead the way, while he walked slowly behind. The memorial about Xia Hongsheng was ultimately not completed. The young man's character was not yet settled. If he were placed in that environment too early, it might extinguish his spirit or even stunt his growth. After all, the court was corrupt, and if his heart were tainted, even with extraordinary talent, it would be a misfortune for the Tang Dynasty.

Let me observe for a few more years. If this young man truly has virtue and talent, and has been taught by immortals, and is a true prodigy, then I will take him to Chang'an. If he becomes ordinary or his heart is tainted, becoming a cancer, I will eliminate this cancer right here in Luozhou. Do not blame me for being heartless. Since you have been blessed by immortals and taught immortal knowledge, your growth will either be a great opportunity or a great crisis for the Tang Dynasty. The people have just escaped war, and I will not let the country fall into chaos again.

Master Yan Shigu sighed softly and continued walking forward.

Luozhou was a small city, and not far from the city gate was where the poor lived. Xia Hongsheng led everyone to his home, where his sister-in-law had already gone to the market early in the morning. They entered, and Xia Hongsheng and the attendant Liu Fang brought a few stools. The Tang Dynasty did not yet have chairs with backs, and Xia Hongsheng had asked Old Zhang to make some small tables and stools when he made the snack cart, but they were not yet ready.

Seeing everyone sit down, Xia Hongsheng bowed and said, "Master Yan, Master, Master Xu, Liu Brother, please wait a moment. Today, I will make a pig-killing feast. Normally, this dish is made right after a pig is slaughtered, while the pork is still fresh. Today, there is no pig slaughter, and the ingredients are limited, just some offal, so it's not a true pig-killing feast."

As soon as Xia Hongsheng finished speaking, his master looked stunned, as if he had heard wrong. Xu Qixian's face turned pale, and if the headmaster and his master were not there, he would have run away immediately. Master Yan Shigu smiled calmly, and the head attendant Liu Fang looked at Master Yan and decided to remain expressionless.

However, everyone's hearts were filled with doubt. Offal? Is this kid joking with us?

But looking at his expression, it didn't seem like it.

They could only wait and see.