USWHC -Chapter 520 The Talent of a Top Scholar (Part 10)

“Among the world’s three kinds of destruction, do you know what they are?” Yelü Haonan sneered at Ji Yi, though his gaze flicked briefly toward the emperor as he spoke.

Ji Yi, however, responded without hesitation: “A nation that attacks a state in order with disorder will be destroyed; a nation that attacks righteousness with evil will be destroyed; a nation that attacks the natural order with rebellion will be destroyed.”

“Is that so? And do you know what this really means?” Yelü Haonan said smugly.

Although both the emperor and Yelü Haonan seemed to be testing Ji Yi with classical references, in truth, they were subtly insulting each other while pretending to quiz him.

Emperor Liang, who fancied his realm as a mighty power, aimed to intimidate the Qi prince. But the Qi prince, in turn, was reminding Liang: “Don’t start trouble you can’t handle. Consider your own nation’s state before making moves!” Clearly, Liang appeared powerful, yet he had been repeatedly defeated by Qi in prior battles. Even the last battle, superficially a narrow Liang victory, had actually been manipulated—Emperor Liang had secretly made a pact with the Wei duke’s line to save face. Qi’s prince knew all this perfectly well.

Ji Yi then explained loudly: “A country with internal chaos that attacks a nation with order will surely perish; a country that rules by evil methods attacking a nation that rules by righteousness will surely perish; a country that acts against the natural order attacking a nation that follows the times will surely perish.”

Hearing this, the second prince glanced at Emperor Liang with satisfaction, as if to say, See? You’re doomed!

But Ji Yi continued: “Our mighty Liang, since the founding by the Sage Emperor over a hundred years ago, has governed according to law, placing the people as the foundation. The nation is prosperous, the people at peace, the seas calm—the internal governance is as orderly as can be. Yet other nations rule by hunting and plunder, their officials and subjects in chaos. Truly, it is most worrisome!”

By “other nations,” he clearly meant Qi. Qi had always been a nomadic and plundering people; whether they were truly chaotic or not, it sounded chaotic enough. Hearing this, Emperor Liang’s eyes brightened.

Ji Yi continued: “Our Liang has strict laws; from major cases to minor matters, every action has its legal standard. Violations are punished without exception. The current emperor loves his people as his children, governing according to the orthodox Confucian way. This is the very model of righteous governance! Yet other nations ignore law and ethics; brothers die and their widowed sisters-in-law are taken by younger brothers—a clear sign of evil governance, is it not?”

“Impudent!” Yelü Haonan almost exploded with anger. You’ve got a bunch of wrongful convictions yourselves! he thought. Yet Ji Yi was not only flattering Liang but openly insulting Qi customs. Indeed, in Qi, it was considered perfectly natural for a brother’s widow to marry a younger brother. And now someone had the nerve to call it depravity. How could he not be furious?

Emperor Liang, however, twisted his mouth into a smile, feigning confusion: “Second Prince, why are you suddenly angry?”

How could Yelü Haonan reply? Should he admit he was hoping his elder brother would die soon so he could marry the widow? Impossible!

Ji Yi paused briefly, then continued, seeing no further objections: “Our great Liang enjoys peace and security; the people live and work in safety. We do not harass borders or people, following the will of heaven. Other nations, however, act against the order, burning, killing, plundering—what justice is there?”

“Damn you!” Yelü Haonan cursed silently. Your Liang has no real strength. If you did, try harassing our borders! Instead, you’re constantly beaten by us, and yet you claim to follow heaven’s will. Pathetic excuse for cowardice!

“My sister remains in her homeland,” Ji Yi replied calmly, even with righteous emphasis: “Men and women have distinct roles. Our Liang people do not meddle in the wives, sisters, mothers, or sisters-in-law of others, lest misunderstandings arise.”

You little…! Yelü Haonan seethed inwardly. Ji Yi’s insult was delivered with such scholarly elegance, even when cursing—typical of a gifted scholar!

Inside the room, Zhu Jie quietly nodded in approval. To insult someone so righteously, so openly and with moral authority—few could do it so well.

Even the old emperor nearly burst into laughter. Truly, a talent worthy of the top scholar! Yes, Liang now had its champion—the brilliant Ji Yi!