Magicless Extra: The Villain’s Survival Method – Chapter 161.1

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟔𝟏.1: 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐩 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 (6)

Chengdu, Capital of Sichuan Province

Within the temporary palace established in Chengdu, resided Emperor Zhu Shangluo of the Great Zhou Empire, Crown Prince Zhu Yunwen, and other members of the royal family.

“Your Majesty, the Western Empire’s forces have arrived in Xinjiang Province and are securing a safe zone centered around it, receiving refugees.”

“That is indeed fortunate news.”

“However. . .”

“However?”

“The Western Empire’s religion is spreading its influence through missionary activities, which is a cause for concern.”

“Hmm. . . Isn’t that unavoidable?”

“Many Confucian scholars are worried that this may lead to the neglect of Confucianism and the rise of foreign religions.”

“If the Confucian scholars do not spare their bodies and care for the sick, how can the missionaries thrive? If they are so worried, why do they not engage in the Gentlemanly Way instead of troubling me?”

Gentlemanly Way, or Junzi Xing.

It was a kind of volunteer work created by the Confucian scholars of the Great Zhou Empire to spread Confucianism. Those who studied medicine treated the sick and spread Confucianism based on their medical knowledge. Others taught the illiterate and spread Confucianism, and lastly, those who were financially well-off helped those in need and spread Confucianism.

However, in the beginning, this Gentlemanly Way was popular, but. . . As time passed, it became corrupted and vested interests were formed. In other words, there were hardly any Confucian scholars who would engage in the Gentlemanly Way in the current situation.

“. . .”

No wonder even the Minister of Rites before him remained silent.

“Minister of Rites, why do you not have an answer? If you are concerned about the rise of foreign religions, wouldn’t it be possible to prevent it through acts of Gentlemanly Way?”

“B-But, Your Majesty.”

“Do you, perhaps, fear engaging in the Gentlemanly Way? Haha. . . . I wonder what has happened to the Confucian scholars these days. . . . . . Even in my childhood, the Gentlemanly Way was considered a virtue for Confucian scholars. . . . Why are there no Confucian scholars who engage in the Gentlemanly Way these days? It is truly . . . regrettable.”

“. . . . . .”

Anyway, the emperor, who had silenced the troublesome Minister of Rites, looked at the Minister of War seated on the other side.

“Minister of War.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“What is the state of the army?”

“Currently, those who have not contracted the plague are defending the main borders.”

“How many are there?”

“About one legion.”

“Hmm. . .”

The Great Zhou Empire used to maintain a standing army of one army group, which is one million troops. But now, all that remained was a mere legion.

Of course, a new army was being formed around Xinjiang Province, which had recently been established by the Western Empire. . . but that army was nothing more than a local defense force. It meant that it was an army for the provincial governor, not a regular army.

The provincial governor was also a branch of the imperial family, but they were of the dragonian lineage. In other words, if they wished, a branch of the imperial family could stage a rebellion. That’s why the governor in charge of the province was not given military power, and a separate military commander was appointed.

“For now, since we are also close to Xinjiang Province, how about requesting medical personnel from the Western Empire?”

Immediately, the Minister of Rites stepped forward.

“But Your Majesty, wouldn’t that allow foreign religions to spread to Sichuan?”

“Minister of Rites, can’t we counter the missionaries with the Gentlemanly Way? It’s pure nonsense to simply avoid action and hope that foreign religions won’t flourish.”

It seemed like a good opportunity to weaken the entrenched Confucianism and foster a force to check them. Additionally, the Western Empire and the Church had a higher level of medical expertise than the Great Zhou Empire.

Simple treatments were instantaneous using holy power, and even those that weren’t could be combined with holy power for outstanding results. Although they had adhered to Confucianism for the sake of authoritarianism and absolute imperial power. . . as times changed, they couldn’t afford to fall behind forever.

“If you want to prevent the spread of foreign religions so much, why don’t you step up and solve this plague? If you’re going to oppose without offering alternatives, keep your mouth shut!”

At Emperor Zhu Shangluo’s reprimand, the Minister of Rites had no choice but to bow and retreat.

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