One Penny's Genius
The guy in the green robes is the protagonist, right? -2
Everyone in China knows that renowned scholars or their sons gather at this academy.
I wanted Liu Bei to fully absorb Jingzhou's talents.
Shu suffered from chronic manpower shortages from its founding to its fall.
I glanced at Uncle Zhao Yun.
His appointment as a commander stemmed from Shu's lack of talent.
It was during the first Northern Expedition, I think.
Ugh...
I wanted to ease Shu's personnel shortage even a little. That's why I set up a stall in the central hall today to pitch to these scholars.
I don't want to suffer alone. With justification in place, let's grab the benefits.
"I believe that one penny's geniuses can change the world. And those of you here at this academy are truly one penny's geniuses. But the world isn't made only of one penny's geniuses."
Noblesse oblige.
That's what I plan to wield.
In the world of scholar-officials, the highest praise carries a vibe like, "Wow, you're such a cool gentleman. Even the pure stream faction would swoon."
Of course, starting with an aggro line didn't get a great reaction.
"Everyone, calm down. May I say a word?"
"What does a traitor's daughter have to say?"
"Come on, let's just hear her out once. Yeah?"
"Hah... really."
One scholar grumbled, but I responded good-naturedly.
Pushing too hard on these prideful geniuses would just breed resentment. People don't easily change their firm beliefs.
My job is just to point them in a direction that can shift those beliefs.
"It's the daughter of Kongming speaking. Everyone calm down and let's hear what she has to say."
Meng Jian folded his bamboo slips and sat properly.
Thinking back, his lips had twitched upward during my ramble about one penny's geniuses.
Following Meng Jian's lead, someone folded their fan, another paused with their teacup midway to their mouth.
As the murmurs died down and the atmosphere grew solemn, I raised my voice again.
"There are nine parts common folk for every one part genius. I'm not talking about personal success or glory and wealth. One penny's geniuses exist because of the nine parts common folk. Without the people, there's no nation, no Son of Heaven."
"No Son of Heaven?!"
A scholar cried out in shock, and Shi Dao gestured for calm as he spoke.
"Mencius said the people are precious, the altars of state next, and the ruler lightest. She's surely speaking in that vein."
Bolstered by Shi Dao's backup, I took a moment to gather my thoughts.
Some might say it's too obvious a routine. "No Son of Heaven"? Crazy talk.
That's why it works. You need crazy talk to get through.
And behind me... is Liu Bei. That green-robed man is grinding his teeth on image management.
I'll shove Liu Bei down their throats without earning their resentment, all subtly, teeth gritted.
In modern terms, backdoor advertising.
"I see Jingzhou as the pivotal hub of the realm. Geopolitically, this land is golden soil for achieving great deeds."
Obvious routine, then drop the main point.
Pretty solid technique.
"The world is in chaos. Wars never cease. The people suffer. That's why I toss and turn every night."
I raised my voice with a bit of exaggeration.
"But Jingzhou is so peaceful, and I hope it stays that way. Yet the world isn't."
Repeat the rhetoric.
Calm routine, then main point.
"Even in this peaceful Jingzhou, some are starving to death. How lamentable is that?"
This came from my own experience, so my eyes welled up.
I'd grown up pretty tough.
Riding the momentum, I squeezed out the finale with the most fervor. All the prior stuff was preamble; this was the real crux.
"I believe we must rebuild the nation's foundation. So I ask you all: What is true benevolence? Why don't the classics teach this? Why has the world come to this? Isn't it right that someone sets the foundation straight and illuminates the realm?"
In response to my passionate plea, Ma Su shouted.
"Sister! We too study day and night to understand that. Governance is near yet far. Everyone here knows the benevolence you speak of is benevolence toward the people."
"...Huh?"
Is that so???
"Thus, I can't provide the answer, but I understand your heart, sister. Even if I argued with you, I'd always be the lesser one, right? So you deliberately treated me harshly for this!"
Ma Su beamed and chirped away.
My mind went blank on how to respond.
"Um? Su?"
Ignoring my confusion, Ma Su chattered on like he'd had an epiphany, now squeaking with glee.
"Sister, you've positioned yourself as a ruler and acted accordingly! Once, I even harbored ill thoughts because you seemed so petty. But since you hold such views, it manifested in your actions toward me!"
He's smiling, so it sounds nice, but why does it feel like an insult???
"Mm... Understanding my intent makes me so happy, sis?"
I had no idea what he meant, but nodding along to match the mood.
The scholars looked satisfied, as if they got it too.
Is this right?
My eyes trembled a bit; I whipped my head around and locked eyes with a smiling Zhao Yun.
"Please continue, young lady."
"...Yeah. Give me a sec?"
Direction doesn't matter as long as we hit the target.
So play along.
I turned to Ma Su and clapped.
"Wow! You're as sharp as these scholars here!"
"Yes! I never dreamed you'd care so much for the people and the Han!"
Feeling like he was kowtowing, I was a bit flustered but steadied myself.
Shifting my gaze from Ma Su to the scholars,
"I don't see you all as mere white-faced scholars. I just shared my thoughts. I hope you pursue truth and teach me what true benevolence is. That's all. Carry on!"
This wasn't the plan.
Brain fried, I bolted out.
The wind is cold. But my face is hot.
Starting with Choi Jupyeong's "Wahahahat!", the murmurs swelled.
I did okay, right? Embarrassing. Mortifying.
*
"It's cold. Come inside."
"Nah, just... I'm not used to stepping up like this. Kinda embarrassing."
Standing behind Chen Soyoung, blocking the wind, Zhao Yun smiled faintly.
Lady Huang Yueying had said: If Kongming is a ghost, Soyoung is a heavenly being.
Their words and actions don't mix like water and oil, yet their intents align perfectly. How can we dismiss her as young?
Lady Huang had smiled for the first time in ages, and seeing her unburden her shoulders a bit made me smile too.
"I think I know why you asked me to chat on the way here, young lady."
"Yeah, well. Honestly, coming and going like this is so boring. My butt hurts. Thought it'd be nice to have someone to talk to. Can't really chat with the coachman; he's focused on driving."
Even humble.
Hearing her earlier argument, I get why Lady Huang holds Chen Soyoung in such high regard.
She's reinterpreted Lady Huang's benevolence in her own way.
"What do you think benevolence is, young lady?"
"Why so sudden? Ah! You're teasing me, right?"
"No, young lady. I'm purely curious about your thoughts."
Chen Soyoung fidgeted, then spoke.
"Just, people first, always. I'm a simple person? I like when folks have food, clothes, shelter, and live happily. Somehow ended up here, but... I dunno either."
"How could I presume to know your heart."
"Right, right. That's why I said it. Seeing you, Uncle Zhao Yun, something boils up inside, y'know?"
"Me?"
Caught off guard, Zhao Yun tensed slightly.
"No... uh, how to explain? It's like that. White makes you think loyalty, right?"
"True, but that doesn't quite fit."
"Mm... yeah? Yep."
Chen Soyoung looked utterly flustered.
What to say? How many thoughts swirl in that little head?
Even if it sounds random, there's meaning behind it.
Master Sima Hui's insights were deep; chats would veer into profundity. The Way is like that—perhaps Chen Soyoung has reached a realm young as she is.
"Um, Uncle Zhao Yun?"
"Speak, young lady."
"This might make me sound lame, but I'll be honest—no getting mad?"
"How could I with you, young lady? I'm not that kind of person."
"Right?"
Chen Soyoung took a deep breath and patted her cheeks.
"Those people here? They're educated, so I figured they'd serve the state?"
"Yes. I know well it's a place of renowned figures."
"But? I can't interfere with their choices, but honestly, it bugs me. If we're suffering, suffer together."
"What do you mean?"
"Like, some see startups grinding ahead but go suck honey at big corps. Pisses me off? Ah... got heated. Can I rephrase?"
Chen Soyoung spouts nonsense, but her sincerity shines through.
"Seems something touched you deeply, young lady. Explain so I can understand?"
"Seeing you reminded me. You're amazing, uncle. So I want amazing people doing amazing things. The greater good. So... I wish more shared my vision of the greater good."
Me, amazing? Hard to grasp.
But Chen Soyoung is earnest.
That earnestness resonates; a faint smile rose naturally.
"I'm glad you think highly of me. So, what's next?"
"Mm... tea? Though today looks busy."
At the spot Chen Soyoung ignited, the scholars fiercely debated.
Prideful scholars discussing the people—explains the academy's fame as a hall of learning.
Yet the instigator plays fairy games elsewhere. Amusing.
"Finish your tea and I'll nap—wanna join? You must be tired. Let's head in. I got a spot? No one comes nearby."
Zhao Yun chuckled softly, out of her sight.
Perhaps this is what Lady Huang means by benevolence moving people.
"Why do you call me such a great figure, young lady?"
Chen Soyoung, walking ahead, pondered long before answering.
"You have good character, so no enemies."
Softening it for my feelings.
"Enemies?"
"Yeah. You don't fight, no lust for power."
Is she saying this Zhao Zilong's spear-tip has dulled? Wishing to test a warrior's use?
"If that's your intent, where should this humble one's spear aim?"
"Mm... probably Cao Cao?"
"Then this Zhao Zilong must consider his spear's direction."
"Why so scary?"
"To prevent scary things. I have duties and must step away briefly."
Zhao Yun grabbed his spear and dashed off.
Suspicious gazes. Moths to the flame.