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“Believing in deities is not inappropriate?” Tang Zhichuan’s eyebrows furrowed even more, and his eyes narrowed into slits. “Go on.”
“When people believe in deities, it gives them something to rely on in their hearts. With this belief, they have hope for their days and won’t fall into despair.”
Song Jingyun spoke clearly, “Moreover, when people believe in deities, they also feel a sense of fear. With this sense of awe, they won’t dare to engage in many things, thus avoiding many disasters in the world.”
“That does make some sense,” Tang Zhichuan nodded again. “But this way, it can also be exploited by those with ulterior motives.”
“Indeed, but there’s no such thing as a perfect world. To enjoy the benefits, one must also endure some hardships.”
Song Jingyun smiled, “As the esteemed one said, since these things can easily be exploited by those with ulterior motives, why not take the initiative and become those with ulterior motives ourselves? By guiding things in the right direction early on, we can achieve twice the results with half the effort.”
Guiding things in the right direction…
Upon hearing this, Tang Zhichuan was slightly taken aback and then laughed, “Well said, what’s your name?”
“My name is Song Jingyun,” Song Jingyun replied.
“So you’re the top scorer in this year’s spring examinations,” Tang Zhichuan was somewhat surprised and then chuckled, “No wonder you have such insights.”
“You flatter me, esteemed one,” Song Jingyun bowed respectfully.
Tang Zhichuan smiled again and turned to Chen Shuming, “And you, what’s your name?”
The candidate had not pushed all the responsibility onto Song Jingyun earlier, clearly showing honesty and steadiness.
Chen Shuming was now flattered and hurriedly bowed respectfully, “In response to the esteemed one, my name is Chen Shuming.”
Song Jingyun, Chen Shuming, very good.
Tang Zhichuan raised his hand, “It’s getting late, you may go in.”
“Yes,” Song Jingyun and Chen Shuming both bowed again and then followed Tang Zhichuan’s instructions, following the other candidates forward in turn.
Tang Zhichuan remained where he was for a moment before slowly walking over to Zhao Chunmao.
Before Tang Zhichuan could speak, Zhao Chunmao quickened his pace, his expression serious yet expectant, “Esteemed one.”
Tang Zhichuan put his hands behind his back, his expression indifferent, “Candidate Zhao is not afraid of the world’s conventions. It seems that in pursuit of what is right in your heart, you are not afraid of death or of delaying your so-called future.”
“The esteemed one speaks truly,” Zhao Chunmao remained righteous and unyielding. “I have never cared about life, death, honor, or disgrace. I am convinced that a loyal minister is not afraid of death or dismissal. To be honest with the esteemed one, even if I lose my future or my life because of my words and actions today, I will have no regrets. Instead, I will be proud of what I have done today because I have spoken the most loyal words for the country, with a heart of loyalty that even the sun and moon can bear witness to!”
“Loyal ministers are not afraid of death; well said.” Tang Zhichuan nodded slightly, but his eyebrows furrowed tightly. “But if loyal ministers only speak out without knowing how to protect themselves, won’t it lead to a situation where all the loyal ministers are dead and the treacherous ones are in power? If it comes to that, what then?”
Zhao Chunmao clearly had not expected Tang Zhichuan to say such a thing and had not considered this question, so he was momentarily taken aback.
After stammering for a long time, he regained some composure and hurriedly said, “There are countless loyal ministers in this world, succeeding one after another. How could they all be killed? Moreover, if the world truly comes to such a state, then…”
There would be no need to be loyal and serve.