ATPnovel Chapter 9 Li Zhi's Shock
Chapter 9 Li Zhi's Shock
Wang Zhi picked up a steamed bun, broke off a small piece, and spoke in a more casual tone.
"So, I taught the tenants the new method because I happened to know it. I taught it to them, firstly because it was easy for them, and secondly because it was convenient. My yield in the fields could also increase accordingly."
Treating patients is a skill I've learned and enjoy. Putting it to use makes my learning worthwhile and gives me peace of mind.
We collect lower rent because we know they're struggling financially. If we push too hard, they'll all leave, and who will farm the land? It's just a matter of taking a slow and steady approach.
"In the end," he looked at Li Zhi, his gaze clear and honest, "it's just about doing what you feel you should do while you're still able to get by."
Don't get yourself into trouble, don't overexert yourself, and act within your capabilities.
If I ever reach a point where I can't even afford to eat, I'll definitely prioritize myself and the people around me.
I think even sages understand this principle. Didn't Confucius say, "A gentleman helps those in urgent need, not the wealthy"? We should prioritize helping those in dire need, not waste money indiscriminately.
As he spoke, he seemed to recall a distant scene, his gaze becoming somewhat wistful, and his voice lowering.
"As for the idea of building thousands of mansions to shelter the world... that's more like a dream."
Sometimes when I can't sleep at night, or when I see things that make me feel upset, I can't help but think: "If only that day could really come."
He let out a soft sigh, as if exhaling some heavy emotion, before slowly reciting:
"If only I could have ten thousand mansions, to shelter all the poor and needy, and make them all smile with joy. They would stand firm as a mountain, unmoved by wind and rain."
After reciting these two lines, he stopped, gazing at the blurry figures working in the distant fields, and did not continue.
The courtyard was quiet for a moment.
Li Zhi was stunned.
She grew up in the inner palace from a young age. Her father was a great lover of poetry and literature and often summoned scholars to compose poems in the palace. She was influenced by this environment and naturally developed a refined perspective.
Those two lines of poetry, though only a dozen or so characters long, struck me like a thunderclap.
The grand scale, lofty vision, and profound emotion of the work were unlike anything she had ever heard of.
She sat up almost instinctively, her fingers, which had been resting lightly on the edge of the stone table, tightening slightly. Her voice carried a hint of urgency that she herself was unaware of: "Young Master Wang, those two lines just now... is there any follow-up?"
Wang Zhihuan seemed to have just snapped out of his reverie. He turned to look at her and, seeing her serious expression, waved his hand somewhat embarrassedly: "It was just a casual remark, crude words, not worth mentioning."
There are two more lines, but I'm afraid they might offend Lady Li's ears.
"My lord is too modest." Li Zhi's voice was faster than usual, and his calm eyes were now flashing with a burning light. "Although I am dull-witted, I can still distinguish the quality of poetry."
"My lord, these two lines are magnificent and reveal the magnanimity of a benevolent man. I... humbly request that you finish reciting them."
Her posture remained dignified, but her slightly forward-leaning body and the undisguised anticipation in her eyes revealed the excitement in her heart, as if she had discovered a beloved treasure.
Wang Zhihai looked at her and remained silent for a moment.
Under the jujube tree, Si Zi was squatting on the ground, intently teasing the ants with a small twig, completely unaware of the adults' conversation over there.
The wind rustled through the leaves.
"Since Lady Li doesn't mind," Wang Zhihuan finally spoke, his voice not loud, but each word clear, as if carrying some echo that had been simmering for a thousand years, "then I shall make a fool of myself."
He paused, then turned his gaze back to the distance, and slowly recited the last two lines:
"If only I could have ten thousand mansions, to shelter all the poor and needy, and make them all smile with joy. They would stand firm as a mountain, unmoved by wind and rain."
Alas! When will this house suddenly appear before my eyes? Even if my own hut is broken and I freeze to death, it will be enough.
After reciting the four lines, only the sound of the wind rustling through the leaves remained in the courtyard.
But the air seemed to freeze around the stone table.
Li Zhi was completely stunned, and even held his breath.
She received her education from renowned teachers from a young age and read countless poems and essays.
There are beautiful and enchanting palaces, magnificent and imposing frontier fortresses, and expressions of concern for the country and its people.
But no poem has ever been as simple, as passionate, and as profound as these four lines.
There are no flowery words, no clever allusions.
All that remains are the most authentic images: "grand mansions," "poor scholars," "joyful faces," and "my humble dwelling stands alone in ruins."
These few words paint a picture that would move any person with a heart for the world—willing to suffer hardship and cold themselves, so that all people in the world may live in peace and comfort.
This is no ordinary scholar's sentiment; his magnanimity and selflessness are comparable to those of the ancient virtuous men!
And he, the one who recited such verses, was now casually sitting on a stone bench in a farmhouse, wearing worn-out coarse cloth clothes, as if he had just casually said a few words of everyday conversation.
The stark contrast creates a more intense impact.
Li Zhi felt his heartbeat, after a brief pause, pounding rapidly against his chest.
The way she looked at Wang Zhihuan had completely changed.
Previously, there was curiosity, scrutiny, and a touch of appreciation in solemnity; now, however, there was an unbelievable shock and a burning passion, like discovering a treasure.
"Young Master Wang..." Her voice was a little dry. She cleared her throat to regain her composure, but the shock still lingered in her eyes.
"This poem... its grand scale, lofty conception, broad mind, and genuine emotion are truly... every word carries immense weight."
"I am so fortunate to hear this poem today, truly fortunate indeed."
She took a deep breath, as if trying to absorb the power of the poem into her lungs, and continued, "When I heard you speak of rulers and acting according to one's ability, I thought I understood your aspirations."
Now that I have heard this poem, I realize…” She raised her eyes and looked directly at Wang Zhihuan, saying each word clearly, “In your heart, my lord, there is not only practical wisdom, but also such a magnanimous and compassionate heart.”
"I admire you immensely."
Wang Zhi just smiled, a smile that held a hint of helplessness and self-deprecation, as if he didn't think there was anything remarkable about the sentence he casually recited.
"Poetry is nothing but empty talk, a minor pursuit; it can neither fill your stomach nor keep you warm."
He picked up the now-cold earthenware teacup, his tone returning to its previous calmness, "To cultivate the fields well, and to ensure that those around you have food in their bowls and clothes on their backs, that is the true path."
"Madam Li, the tea's gone cold. Let me refill it."
He got up and walked naturally to the kitchen, leaving Li Zhi alone sitting at the stone table, his fingertips unconsciously stroking the warm pottery jar, while the four lines of poetry echoed repeatedly in his ears, his heart surging with emotion that was hard to calm.
When Li Zhi got up to take his leave, Si Zi, as usual, staged a round of "bargaining"—
"Let's play for another hour," "Then half an hour," "How about just a little bit more?"
Of course, in the end, she was immediately silenced by a calm but unquestionable glance from her older sister, and obediently took her sister's hand.
Before leaving, she ran over again and solemnly made a pinky promise with Wang Zhihuan, agreeing to come back tomorrow. The leaf part of the bamboo dragonfly remained on the windowsill.
"It's the little puppy that doesn't keep its word." Si Zi held up her little finger, looking serious.
"Okay, whoever goes back on their word is a little puppy." Wang Zhi smiled and made a pinky promise with her.
Sizi was very satisfied with this "contract". She held the bare bamboo stick with satisfaction and followed her sister away, looking back every few steps.
The two sisters gradually disappeared into the distance. Wang Zhi stood at the courtyard gate for a while, watching them go.
The older sister walked steadily, with even strides and a pace that was neither too fast nor too slow. The younger sister, on the other hand, skipped and hopped, turning back to look around every few steps.
He turned and went back into the yard to prepare to clear the dishes.
On the stone table, the bowls and chopsticks had already been cleared away. The three used bowls were neatly stacked together, with the chopsticks placed side by side beside them.
He paused for a moment, then shook his head and chuckled softly.
Just then, the merit system in my mind, which had been dormant for a moment, popped up a new notification:
"[System Prompt]: The host's words and actions have profoundly touched the noblewoman's spirit, conveying the core values of 'benevolence and love for others, and benefiting all under heaven,' and prompting her to deeply reflect on the meaning of life and social responsibility. Merit points +500."
Daughter of a nobleman.
This description is quite clever, as it both points out the other party's extraordinary status without directly revealing it.
Moreover, the merit points this time are... unusually high.
It seems that the "effect" of those four lines of poetry was even more successful than expected.
Wang Zhi sat down again on the stone bench, picked up the cup of tea that had gone cold, and slowly twirled it in his hand.
Li Zhi. Si Zi. These two girls are definitely not from ordinary families.