Chapter 38: Chu Suiliang Seeks Guidance

It was not that Du Chengfeng was deliberately making a show, nor was he offering up the sweet potatoes merely for reputation’s sake; rather, as a former soldier, he was fulfilling the duty of a soldier. Perhaps not every soldier possesses a grand compassion for all under heaven, but each one harbors a sincere desire to protect the people and the nation.

Du Chengfeng had studied history; he knew that if a locust plague was left unchecked, it would spell devastation for suffering commoners. In times of drought, without grain, the land would be littered with the starved dead—such a tragic sight was something Du Chengfeng could not bear to witness. Reputation, by comparison, was a secondary concern.

“Du Chengfeng, you have rendered meritorious service to the court and the nation numerous times. Your contributions are immense, and I shall never forget them. I have noted each one, but for the sake of fairness, I will reward you once the rice ripens. You have no objection, I trust?” Emperor Li Shimin’s heart was filled with gratitude; Du Chengfeng had gifted high-yield crops and effective locust prevention strategies. The Emperor feared that failing to reward such achievements would breed resentment, so he broached the matter first to ease Du Chengfeng’s mind.

“Your Majesty may do as you see fit; I have no objection. But I must remind Your Majesty that, so long as those three methods of locust prevention are properly enacted, the threat will not be severe. What truly requires attention is the prolonged drought that will last for half a year next year. Drought is not terrifying if one prepares; the real challenge is how to comfort and stabilize the people,” Du Chengfeng said gravely.

In Du Chengfeng’s view, a few months’ drought could be managed with sufficient preparations; his greatest fear was extended drought or floods.

“You are right; the key lies in soothing the people,” Li Shimin readily agreed with Du Chengfeng’s counsel.

All of Du Chengfeng’s suggestions were carefully remembered by Li Shimin. Though Du Chengfeng had proposed solutions, their execution would require careful attention to many details.

Du Chengfeng then explained the sweet potato cultivation methods and precautions in detail to both Li Shimin and Chu Suiliang, ensuring their complete understanding before stopping.

As a result of Du Chengfeng’s influence, Chu Suiliang naturally became the person responsible for promoting and cultivating sweet potatoes. Though it was a taxing task, and perhaps looked down upon by others, Chu Suiliang was genuinely delighted. This was a matter of lasting merit, and if it succeeded, imperial rewards would surely follow—all thanks to Du Chengfeng.

At that moment, his heart brimmed with satisfaction, and he resolved to further strengthen his relationship with Du Chengfeng.

However, Du Chengfeng only planned to give Li Shimin two hundred jin of sweet potatoes for seed propagation; the rest he intended to plant in Du Village after their rice had matured.

These two hundred jin would first be trialed at Li Shimin’s imperial estate; once experience was gained and there were enough sweet potatoes, nationwide promotion could begin.

When next year’s drought and locust disasters arrived, there would not be many sweet potatoes available for emergency use, as some had to be reserved for seed.

Having settled the matters of locusts and sweet potato cultivation, Du Chengfeng excused himself from the Ganlu Hall, and Chu Suiliang also took his leave from Li Shimin.

Outside the Ganlu Hall, Chu Suiliang strode quickly to Du Chengfeng’s side, smiling broadly, “Are you heading back home, Brother Chengfeng? Shall I accompany you?”

After these recent events, Chu Suiliang’s attitude toward Du Chengfeng had grown increasingly courteous. The main reason was that Du Chengfeng was easygoing; though young, his knowledge and experience far surpassed those of many so-called court officials.

The methods for dealing with the locust plague, and the statecraft he discussed with Li Shimin previously, were prime examples.

Setting aside Du Chengfeng’s first entrance to the palace, when he had been fierce and imposing, he was otherwise a friendly young man. Chu Suiliang was eager to befriend such a gifted youth.

“Master Chu, you are too kind,” Du Chengfeng replied calmly.

He sensed that Chu Suiliang was trying to draw closer, seeking his favor. Just days earlier he had been addressed as “young brother,” and today as “Brother Chengfeng.” Yet, Chu Suiliang was only in his thirties; calling him brother was not inappropriate.

“Brother Chengfeng, you likely haven’t eaten since entering the palace, have you? Recently you helped me with my calligraphy, and I haven’t had the chance to properly thank you. Why don’t I take you to Wangjiang Pavilion for a meal today?” Chu Suiliang said, casting a furtive glance at Du Chengfeng.

Seeing Chu Suiliang’s eager expression, Du Chengfeng sensed that the meal was more than a simple gesture.

He knew Chu Suiliang was ambitious and reputedly learned; it was only after Wei Zheng’s death that Chu Suiliang truly caught Li Shimin’s eye.

Now, thanks to Du Chengfeng’s involvement, Chu Suiliang had more opportunities with the Emperor. Li Shimin’s appointment of him to oversee sweet potato promotion was perhaps a signal.

“Master Chu, I suspect this meal is not merely about food?” Du Chengfeng guessed with a smile.

Having his intentions seen through, Chu Suiliang smiled calmly and admitted, “Brother Chengfeng, your insight is truly remarkable. I do have some matters to consult you about, if you are willing?”

Du Chengfeng was not surprised by Chu Suiliang’s candor; he preferred such honesty, just as he had with the Four Great Talents before. For now, he was still a villager without status or background; Chu Suiliang lowering himself to ask for guidance demonstrated his respect.

With that in mind, Du Chengfeng readily agreed.

Upon arriving at Wangjiang Pavilion, the attendant’s eyes lit up at the sight of Du Chengfeng, and he led the pair directly to the top-tier private room, leaving Chu Suiliang stunned. His current position was merely as the administrator of the Hongwen Academy, with a modest salary; he could never afford such a room.

Seeing Chu Suiliang’s awkwardness, Du Chengfeng explained again, “Master Chu, there’s no need for surprise. The top-tier room is reserved for me by Wangjiang Pavilion, and all food and drink are free.”

This explanation put Chu Suiliang at ease; he entered the private room with composure. Du Chengfeng had given him so many surprises, one more was not unexpected.

After feasting, Chu Suiliang finally spoke, “Brother Chengfeng, your remarks before the Emperor were incisive indeed; I admire you deeply. At such a young age, you have mastered calligraphy, and possess knowledge of both ancient and modern affairs, with the talent to secure and stabilize the nation. Truly, heroes rise from youth!”

Chu Suiliang’s words were an outpouring of praise and flattery, leaving Du Chengfeng amused.

“Master Chu, I was merely expressing my thoughts. You exaggerate; you make me embarrassed. I have heard that you are highly learned, and your future is assured,” Du Chengfeng replied with a smile.

“No, no, Brother Chengfeng, you are far too modest. Compared to you, I am hardly worthy of the title learned; just a mere novice,” Chu Suiliang protested, waving his hand.

“Master Chu, don’t belittle yourself. If you have something to say, just say it; there’s no need for such roundabout words,” Du Chengfeng said indifferently.

Chu Suiliang flushed at Du Chengfeng’s directness, and cleared his throat to ease the embarrassment.

After a moment, Chu Suiliang said with regret, “A few days ago, you spoke before the Emperor about the dangers of the dominance of Confucianism. I was quite anxious, fearing the Emperor would take offense, though thankfully he was magnanimous. To be honest, I am a representative of Confucianism myself. At the time, I was not pleased with your remarks, but upon reflection, I found them not without reason. I have been pondering ever since, trying to see where I erred, but I cannot figure it out. Brother Chengfeng, I ask you to enlighten me.”

“Master Chu, Confucianism teaches self-cultivation, family regulation, governance, and bringing peace to the world; its core is benevolence and propriety, which are not wrong. However, this benevolence and propriety uphold hierarchy, with distinctions between the noble and the humble, the close and the distant. The ruler commands the minister to die, and the minister must obey.”

“Self-cultivation, family regulation, governance, and benevolence are not wrong, but propriety poses significant problems. Moreover, Confucianism advocates ignorance among the people, discouraging them from knowing much, yet expects them to reason, uphold morality, and respect hierarchy.”

“But do you realize, Master Chu, that such hierarchy and distinction are built upon oppression? Where there is oppression, conflict arises. When conflict cannot be suppressed, it turns to rebellion, which is then suppressed by imperial power, and so the cycle repeats. Do you believe this so-called benevolence and propriety can truly govern a nation?”

“Or, under this core philosophy, can the country really become strong? Perhaps Confucianism has strengths in self-cultivation and family regulation, but these are also its undeniable weaknesses. Such weaknesses are the fuse for instability, and shouldn’t true benevolence mean equality for all?”

“Is this benevolence, built upon hierarchical oppression, truly benevolence?” Du Chengfeng spoke eloquently, his series of rhetorical questions leaving Chu Suiliang at a loss for words.

Du Chengfeng’s understanding of Confucianism was not exhaustive, so his words were somewhat scattered; he did not know if Chu Suiliang could comprehend them.

Although Confucianism held deep moral significance, its restriction of people’s thoughts led to stagnation in technology; its greatest flaw was its closed-mindedness.

Du Chengfeng’s questions set Chu Suiliang into deep contemplation. Skilled in literature and history, Chu Suiliang realized that, throughout thousands of years of warfare, these conflicts often stemmed from such oppression.

“Brother Chengfeng, a single conversation with you is worth ten years of study. I am deeply enlightened,” Chu Suiliang said, offering Du Chengfeng a sincere bow.

“Master Chu, let me leave you with this: Only by stepping outside can you see the vaster sky,” Du Chengfeng said meaningfully.

“Only by stepping outside can you see the vaster sky?” Chu Suiliang echoed, reflecting on the words.

“Well then, Master Chu, I have matters to attend to and must take my leave,” Du Chengfeng said, rising.

“Take care, Brother Chengfeng, and thank you for today,” Chu Suiliang said politely.