Chapter 362: Square Gate (Part 2)

Chapter 362 -139: Square Gate (Part 2)

The name “Square Gate” gradually began to spread throughout the Great Yu Officialdom.

…

「Ten years later.」

Yu Qian spearheaded a reform in the Court targeting Martial Arts and the Imperial Spirit Masters. A month after the new policies were enacted, they were met with a tidal wave of opposition.

Facing a fierce counterattack from the opposition, Yu Qian was imprisoned and sentenced to execution after autumn.

The policy was dead, and its architect was soon to follow.

History would call it the ‘One-Month Reform’.

…

「Shangluo.」

The Yu Family home, once as bustling as a marketplace with a constant stream of visitors, was now shunned. The family was treated like filth, and everyone avoided them like the plague. Even the Fang Family residence became much quieter.

“Brother Fang! Brother Fang!”

That day, Yu Song came to him, fell to his knees, and begged, “Brother Fang, I implore you, save my son!”

“Yu Dongzhu, please get up!”

Fang Rui sighed. “I am already aware of this matter. I am his teacher. Since I shared in his glory, it is only natural that I bear the corresponding responsibility. I will write a letter at once.”

“However, I cannot guarantee its success…”

The world’s great teachings emphasized revering one’s master and respecting the Way. This was especially true in the world of officialdom. If one’s reputation on this point was tarnished, their career would undoubtedly be cut short.

He was also the spiritual leader of the Square Gate and had a history of choosing his words carefully and refraining from excessive interference.

Thus, all things considered, this first move by Fang Rui carried immense weight.

But to be perfectly honest, this favor could only be called in once. It wouldn’t be nearly as effective in the future.

In fact, this single action would consume the majority of the social capital Fang Rui had accumulated throughout his teaching career.

Yu Song, of course, understood this.

“This is more than enough. Brother Fang…”

He couldn’t finish his sentence as tears streamed down his face. Overcome with gratitude, he fell to his knees again. “On my son’s behalf, I kowtow to you, Brother Fang.”

“It’s no matter. Connections, favors… such external things are like fleeting clouds to me.”

Fang Rui stopped Yu Song with a wave of his hand.

It was the truth.

The network of connections he had built over the better part of his life truly was like fleeting clouds to him. He cared little for it. What he truly valued was the great power that belonged to him alone.

Of course, ‘not caring’ was one thing, but it was an important bargaining chip nonetheless. After weighing his options, Fang Rui was still willing to play this card for Yu Qian.

‘I know this student of mine, Yu Qian,’ he sighed to himself. ‘He remembers kindness and values loyalty. Let’s just consider this an investment!’

…

「A tenday later.」

In the Great Yu Divine Capital, just as the sun began to rise.

Led by the twelve core members of the Square Gate, seventy-two Capital Officials gathered to jointly submit a petition pleading for Yu Qian. It read: ‘Elder Yu harbors no selfish intent. His heart is as brilliant as the sun and moon. The Saint Emperor himself has decreed that none should be convicted for their words, nor executed for their political views. He is truly a man who must not be put to death…’

The seventy-two officials recited the “Song of Righteousness” in unison as they stormed the Celestial Heart Mirror of the Primordial Golden List, their combined Vast Energy surging into the heavens.

Emperor Taishi was greatly shaken upon hearing this, and he declared, “If he has no selfish motives, then he cannot be a treacherous villain. Minister Yu’s crime does not warrant death. In accordance with the decree of the Founding Emperor, he shall be pardoned.”

In the end, Yu Qian was pardoned and exiled to the Desolate State.

In the annals of history, this event became known as: The Death Remonstrance of the Seventy-Two Sages of the Square Gate.

…

Fang Rui’s single letter had stirred such a storm, causing countless people in Shangluo City to re-evaluate him.

The name of the Square Gate resounded far and wide.

「The Fang Family Residence.」

Fang Rui let out a sigh. “That boy, Yu Qian, is upright and incorruptible. He isn’t particularly close with my other disciples. The fact that they acted this time was truly out of respect for me.”

“Hmm, the twelve core members likely acted of their own volition. As for the others… I’m afraid they were pressured into volunteering, swept along by the momentum and for the sake of reputation.”

“But this sort of thing only works the first time. It won’t happen again.”

Even if it could, he wouldn’t dare try it again.

“Yu Qian, oh Yu Qian, you’re on your own now. I can’t save you a second time,” Fang Rui murmured, gazing in the direction of the Desolate State.

…

Thereafter, Yu Qian administered a region, working so tirelessly that he forwent food and sleep. Three years later, he was promoted back to the Central Hub on the strength of his accomplishments.

Because his promotion was entirely within the bounds of the Rule, many who disliked and resented him could only pinch their noses and accept it.

In truth, if Yu Qian had only abandoned his new policies, his political career might have taken a completely different turn. But if he were the type to give up, he wouldn’t be Yu Qian.

This time.

Yu Qian had learned his lesson. He didn’t overreach and get burned this time, instead adopting a more gradual, conciliatory approach. However, the reform of Martial Arts and the Imperial Spirit Masters was truly a taboo subject. At the slightest sign of his intentions, he was once again attacked by all sides, suppressed, and exiled from the capital.

In this way, he rose and fell three times.

Yu Qian’s body, ravaged by the toil of endless paperwork, could no longer hold on. In his early fifties, his health was depleted and he fell gravely ill, retiring from his post and returning to Shangluo to recuperate.

…

After Yu Qian returned to Shangluo, Fang Rui was quite diligent in his medical treatment of him.

However, Yu Qian was not a Martial Artist, so his situation was even worse than Zhou Changfa’s had been.

In just half a year, his time had come.

「That day.」

Fang Rui dressed formally and left his home, preparing to see his student off on his final journey. He also had a premonition that on this trip, many of the questions he had accumulated over a lifetime would be answered.

…

「Outside Shangluo City, at Luoyun Pavilion.」

From this high vantage point, one could see the waters of the Luo River surging under a setting sun as red as blood, while wild geese soared high above.

It was truly a scene of: autumn waters merging with the endless sky, the evening glow flying alongside a lonely wild goose.

“Master Fang, you’ve come?”

Yu Qian rose to greet him, observing the etiquette of a disciple.

Indeed, this was Elder Yu, a man known throughout the world, respected by countless people and hated by just as many. Yet in front of Fang Rui, his attitude was one of utmost reverence.

If his admirers and detractors alike were to witness this scene, their jaws would drop.

“You… Sigh. Sit down.”

Fang Rui took a deep look at his student: he was dressed in plain cloth, his figure thin and frail, with an unnatural flush on his face, yet his spirits seemed high.

“Today, there is no master and disciple. Let’s just talk freely between us.”

The two white-haired men sat opposite each other behind the stone table. A pot of cloudy wine rippled, reflecting the flying birds and the evening clouds.

“Oh, you…”

Fang Rui sighed, his face awash with reminiscence. “I still remember, on the very first day I took you as my student, I reminded you that you needed to learn the art of self-preservation.”