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[A Gift from Heaven: A Rubbing of the Tao Te Ching Imbued with Lao Tzu's Taoist Philosophy]
What... what is this?
A rubbing of Lao Tzu's original manuscript of the Tao Te Ching?
Does it still retain traces of the sage's Daoist wisdom?
All the people of the Nine Provinces stared at the golden list, speechless with astonishment, as if struck by lightning!
His face was filled with disbelief, and his eyes were full of envy and longing.
The intense gazes almost burned through the list of successful candidates.
025 - Undercurrents surge, each harboring their own thoughts!
The inscription on the list of successful candidates had not been forgotten for long.
In just a few breaths.
The entire land of Kyushu was in an uproar, and the world was shocked!
Not only the top sects in the martial arts world.
Even the monarchs of the eight great dynasties.
After witnessing the rewards bestowed by Heaven.
Everyone was captivated!
Lao Tzu was the Taoist ancestor of the Zhou Dynasty, a supreme being who has received incense offerings for countless generations!
Confucius, the sage of Confucianism, also practiced the etiquette of a disciple!
In the legends of Kyushu.
An old man rode a green ox through Hangu Pass.
After leaving behind five thousand true words.
A vast expanse of purple mist stretched for three thousand miles, then the immortals ascended to heaven!
These are legendary figures.
The value of scriptures imbued with Taoist spiritual power is self-evident!
.......
Dong Zhuo, wearing a jade belt, strolled out of the palace gate.
After reading the list of successful candidates.
Greed gleamed on his fleshy face.
"Quickly send a secret envoy to Qin; he must obtain that copy of the *Tao Te Ching* for me!"
"Remember, never antagonize the Qin Dynasty!"
"Those who disobey this order will have their entire family (up to ten generations) executed! Their skin will be peeled off, stuffed with straw, and their corpses left to rot in the wilderness!"
Although he was captivated by the prosperity of Luoyang.
Dong Zhuo, however, did not lose his senses.
He knew perfectly well how powerful the Qin Dynasty was.
If you give someone a handle to use against you.
The burly man, teetering on the brink of collapse, will be overthrown in an instant!
How could he tolerate it?
Li Ru respectfully agreed and then quickly left.
..........
The inner palace of the Sui Dynasty.
Yang Guang half-closed his eyes and tapped his fingertips lightly on the table.
"The Sui Dynasty is currently in a state of turmoil. If we further offend the Qin Dynasty, I fear I will be unable to cope."
'But with such a treasure right before our eyes, it would be too painful to give it up!'
"Enough, the fate of the nation must take precedence."
'It would be better to send someone to act secretly; success would be a great achievement, failure would be of no consequence!'
Yang Guang suddenly stopped gesturing and solemnly said:
"Lord, send men in disguise to infiltrate the Qin Dynasty and retrieve Laozi's Five Thousand Words."
"Remember to act discreetly and never reveal your identity!"
Even if a decision has already been made.
The emperor repeatedly gave his instructions.
Every word and sentence exudes caution.
At this time, the Sui Dynasty was beset by internal troubles.
This was a golden opportunity for him to reform the court.
If this matter leads to the intervention of the Qin Dynasty.
The situation will inevitably spiral out of control.
As the ruler of a country, this was by no means what he wanted!
"Your subject obeys the decree."
A curt reply came from the shadows.
..........
Inside the Phoenix Pavilion of the Tang Dynasty.
Shangguan Wan'er was pouring tea for Wu Zetian when she said softly:
"Your Majesty, regarding that old man's five thousand words..."
Before he could finish speaking, the Empress raised her hand to stop him.
Wu Zhao's lips curled into a cold smile:
"No need to trouble yourself."
"Let's keep an eye on the movements of the Han and Sui dynasties."
"That Qin Emperor was no ordinary man."
"Let's just wait and see."
Shangguan Wan'er was slightly taken aback upon hearing this.
A look of surprise flashed across his eyes.
Her Majesty, whom she has always revered.
They were so wary of that emperor!
I couldn't help but feel a bit curious about Qin Shi Huang, Ying Zheng.
We are even more eager to see how the situation develops.
..........
In the Ming Dynasty court.
Zhu Houzhao withdrew his gaze from the list of successful candidates.
He sighed softly, his face showing regret.
He made the same choice as Wu Zetian.
Let's wait and see, and remain on the sidelines!
However, deep down he was not content to remain a bystander.
His remaining rationality, however, reminded him—
If we get involved, it will inevitably attract the attention of the Qin Dynasty.
At that time, even if the Qin Dynasty does not take action, simply supporting Zhu Wushi will be enough to shake the foundation of the Ming Dynasty.
This is certainly not the situation he wants to see.
Therefore, even though he was unwilling, he could only accept reality.
Wei Jinzhong, understanding his thoughts, offered timely words of comfort:
Why doesn't Your Majesty broaden your horizons?
"The most urgent task at hand is to completely take control of the Ming Dynasty!"
"As for the 'Tao Te Ching' (Lao Tzu's Five Thousand Words), even if it contains only a trace of the Tao, how could Bei Mingzi easily comprehend it?"
Chapter 13: State
With just a few words, Zhu Houzhao suddenly understood and felt relieved.
"What you say is absolutely right, my dear minister. It was I who was momentarily blinded by my own ideas."
"Old Wei, you truly are my most trusted and capable minister!"
Wei Jinzhong bowed deeply:
"Your Majesty flatters me. If Your Majesty did not care so much for the country, how could this old minister dare to speak so presumptuously?"
Zhu Houzhao shook his head and chuckled.
Zhao Ji looked at Huang Shang and the Sunflower Ancestor who had rushed over and said directly:
"I intend to send someone to the Qin Dynasty to seize the 'Tao Te Ching' (Laozi's Daodejing) in five thousand words. What do you two think?"
"Your Majesty!"
The two said in unison.
Zhao Ji frowned: "Why?"
The Sunflower Ancestor sighed:
"The Heavenly Dao Golden List has clearly shown that Bei Mingzi is a Celestial Realm expert."
"Even if this old servant and the Imperial Preceptor joined forces, they would be no match for him, let alone others?"
"Moreover, if he were to present the books to the Qin Emperor..."
"Trying to seize the treasure from the Qin Dynasty is as difficult as ascending to heaven!"
Huang Shang nodded in agreement.
"The Schemes of Emperors, Zhang Sanfeng's Worries"
"Is there really no other way?"
"How about the seven great dynasties joining forces?"
Emperor Huizong persisted in asking the question.
"Your Majesty, I humbly advise you to reconsider."
"Other dynasties might not dare to act rashly."
"Rather than trying in vain and only causing trouble,"
"Let's just drop it here."
"Your Majesty, please rest assured."
"How can the profound wisdom of Lao Tzu, the founder of Taoism, be easily comprehended?"
In my opinion,
"In today's world,"