The crowd snapped back to reality, their gaze falling upon Yue Lian and Jian Qin Wan behind Liang Xiao, eliciting sighs of admiration.
Jiangnan, renowned for its unparalleled beauty, indeed harbored women of their caliber. Jian Qin Wan exuded a cool, serene elegance, while this Lin'er possessed a touch of Yue Lian's gentle disposition, blended with her own nascent maidenly charm. Each had her own distinct allure.
Noticing Liang Xiao's gaze, Lin'er grew even more bashful, hiding behind the Cloud Abode Master. She clutched her brother's sleeve, yet couldn't resist peeking out from time to time to steal glances at Liang Xiao.
Jian Qin Wan and Yue Lian shared a similar complex emotion.
Had he spirited away another young maiden?
Liang Xiao remained silent, observing the Cloud Abode Master and his companions, including the guard named Yun Jiu.
The Cloud Abode Master offered a wry smile. "My apologies, my sister has long heard of your deeds and, in her admiration, lost her composure..."
Liang Xiao's train of thought was interrupted. He smiled gently. "No harm done. Innocence is always a rare quality."
Pleased by Liang Xiao's compliment, Lin'er blushed with joy and softly asked, "Then, does Brother Liang Xiao think Lin'er is pretty...?"
"Very," Liang Xiao replied with a nod, his feelings a mix of emotions.
Lin'er beamed, staying behind the Cloud Abode Master, no longer daring to meet Liang Xiao's eyes.
At the same moment, from hidden corners far and wide, pairs of eyes discreetly turned towards Liang Xiao in the distance.
These individuals, scattered in various directions, were ordinary folk—peddlers, merchants, and respectable housewives. They were utterly inconspicuous.
Yet, without exception, each of them was caressing an inscribed ring worn on their middle finger.
Tian, Di, Xuan, Huang, Qing, Zhu, Hei, Bai.
Six men and two women, eight rings, corresponding to eight feared Yun Tian Guards, lying in wait.
"Please forgive my sister's transgression!" the Cloud Abode Master said, cupping his fists towards Liang Xiao.
Liang Xiao simply smiled. "If you have no ambition to serve in office, why then have you studied so much on governance?"
The Cloud Abode Master replied calmly, "Which scholar does not dream of cultivating themselves, regulating their family, governing their nation, and bringing peace to the world? But people change."
Liang Xiao's expression was serene. "Humans are precisely the most capricious of beings, capable of changing repeatedly."
The Cloud Abode Master offered no comment, instead gazing at the passing boats. "Lord An Guo, as you watch the boats and the flowing water, do you have any thoughts?"
"Water can carry a boat, but it can also overturn it," Liang Xiao responded without hesitation.
Everyone nodded, their eyes brightened, and they dared not interrupt the conversation.
"Then, who is the water, and who is the boat?" the Cloud Abode Master inquired.
"The ancients said: The ruler is the boat, and the common people are the water. The water is naturally the populace of the realm, but in truth, the boat represents all ruling classes, not merely the sovereign," Liang Xiao answered.
The unexpected reply caused the Cloud Abode Master to pause. His tone became sincere. "Please enlighten me."
Liang Xiao gazed at the Qin Huai River, his eyes deep.
"In previous generations, the emperors of the Great Zhou Dynasty ruled diligently, and the people's hearts were with them. Yet, in the dynasty's twilight, harsh governance was more fearsome than tigers, leaving bones exposed in the fields, and not a rooster crowed for a thousand li. Consequently, the people's hearts scattered, and the nation fragmented. The founding emperor of the Great Heng, leading his followers, raised the banner of revolt and replaced them. Later, several rulers and ministers of the Great Heng became tyrannical, leading to the rise of many factions, and eventually, they were replaced by the well-loved founder of the Great Qian. Does this not prove the principle that 'water can carry a boat, but it can also overturn it'?"
Everyone agreed wholeheartedly, nodding in silence.
The Cloud Abode Master smiled faintly. "Then what if the rulers and ministers of the Great Qian also become tyrannical in the future?"
"Naturally, they will not be spared," Liang Xiao replied.
Everyone's hearts skipped a beat.
Only he dared to utter such words!
However, the current Emperor of Great Qian was remarkably enlightened, receptive to counsel, and would not take such words of warning amiss.
"Why are you so certain?" the Cloud Abode Master asked again.
Liang Xiao responded gravely, "Because this is a law of history: he who wins the people's hearts wins the realm. In truth, the common people do not care who rules them; they only care about who can ensure their livelihoods. It is as simple as that. The current Emperor is diligent in governance and loves his people; he even lacks the time for selecting consorts and procreating, dedicating himself to creating a true era of peace and prosperity for Great Qian. Naturally, he will be supported."
The Cloud Abode Master took a deep breath and then asked, "In reality, it is because of your existence. For what reason do you do this?"
Liang Xiao's expression gradually turned serious. "For the promise I once made to him, and to create an era where I and countless friends and relatives do not have to live in constant fear."
Jian Qin Wan and Yue Lian were deeply touched, while Yu Qingchuan and others clenched their fists, their faces alight with emotion.
Liang Xiao glanced at the Cloud Abode Master and his companions, then sighed. "Before this era arrives, I will unite all those who can be united—benevolent and righteous individuals—and sweep away all obstacles that must be swept away."
The Cloud Abode Master fell silent for a moment, then smiled. "Then how can a nation achieve peace?"
Liang Xiao replied, "Scholars are not greedy for wealth, generals do not fear death, everyone has food to eat, everyone has education, corruption, excessive taxation, and wasteful projects are eradicated. Victories in war are assured, defenses are impregnable, and the nation will naturally be at peace."
Everyone was taken aback, then couldn't help but clap and cheer.
The Cloud Abode Master fell silent once more. After a long pause, he sighed. "Scholars not greedy for wealth, generals not fearing death—how is that easily achieved?"
"That is precisely why the nation needs to discover more talents, regardless of their background, and allow them to replace officials who are merely holding positions without performing their duties and exploiting the populace," Liang Xiao said meaningfully.
The Cloud Abode Master's face was etched with bitterness. "I understand. I need to reflect deeply. Until we meet again."
Everyone watched quietly as the Cloud Abode Master bade farewell to Liang Xiao and departed with Lin'er and Yun Jiu.
"Another young maiden abducted by a flower thief~"
Jian Qin Wan's slightly jealous voice drifted into Liang Xiao's ears.
Liang Xiao quickly took Jian Qin Wan's hand. She struggled slightly with a blush but allowed him to hold it.
"Sixth Senior Brother, you and the others guard the surroundings. Apart from Zhuo Lingjun, Lord Dingguo, and the original contingent accompanying me to Jinling, be wary of everyone and trust no one easily," Liang Xiao cautioned.
His senior siblings, though not fully understanding his intent, solemnly agreed and went to guard the perimeter.
"What's wrong?" Jian Qin Wan sensed Liang Xiao's unease and quickly asked.
Liang Xiao then whispered into Jian Qin Wan's and Yue Lian's ears, their eyes widening with increasing shock.
"In the future, please protect Xiao Xun well..." Liang Xiao sighed.
Jian Qin Wan obediently agreed, then quietly removed her veil and kissed Liang Xiao. "So, your earlier words were meant to imply this. Here's your reward for being serious!"
Someone rubbed his face, thick as a city wall, and pouted. "If you want to kiss your husband, just say so. No need to beat around the bush. I'm not stopping you. You really are something else."
Jian Qin Wan was both shy and annoyed, yet helpless.
This man had just been earnestly discussing state affairs, and now his true colors were revealed!
Just as Liang Xiao and the other two were about to reboard the ship, a gentle voice called out from the distance.
"Sir, please wait."
The three looked up to see the previously mentioned boat had docked. The two women in plain dresses who had been beside Ye Qingyi, along with a group of scholars and ladies, were approaching, but Ye Qingyi was nowhere to be seen.
"I am Gu Pingting, the second young lady of the Gu family from the capital. This is He Qiushui, the eldest daughter of the He family from Jiangnan. May I know your esteemed name?" the more mature and exceptionally beautiful woman at the forefront asked, bowing to Liang Xiao.
"My name is Lü Changhe," Liang Xiao replied.
Gu Pingting smiled faintly, then her tone became serious. "Young Master Lü, we have shown ample courtesy. Could you perhaps go and apologize to Sister Qingyi?"
Liang Xiao blinked in surprise, indeed noticing the indignant glares directed at him by the assembled scholars and ladies.