Chapter 13: Covering the Hand Changes the Human World

In Xuanjing City, at the Scholar's Tower, a group of scholars gathered to examine several ancient texts that had recently caused a stir throughout the land. Since their unearthing some time ago, city bookstores had been printing copies non-stop. Even so, the published books were in short supply. These scholars had only just managed to acquire a few volumes that day, so they had invited friends to enjoy them together.

“‘The highest good is like water; it benefits all things without contention.’ Marvelous, truly marvelous!”

“‘The Dao gives birth to one, one gives birth to two, two gives birth to three, and three gives birth to all things.’ Just a few words, yet reading them evokes infinite mystery. This scripture is truly extraordinary!”

“In my opinion, these three thousand words alone are worth all the essays I’ve ever read!”

“I feel the same way!”

“No, no, no. In my view, the profundity of the *Book of Changes* surpasses even that of the *Dao De Jing*. Although its language is obscure and difficult, every word is a pearl, seemingly containing the ultimate truths of heaven and earth.”

“Precisely! ‘As Heaven maintains vigor through movement, a gentleman should unceasingly strive for self-improvement!’ It speaks the very heart of our generation!”

The scholars chattered excitedly, completely absorbed in their discussion.

At that moment, one of them suddenly sighed deeply. “To think that such exquisite and peerless texts lay buried underground for thousands of years, unknown to anyone. Every time I consider this, my heart aches with regret!”

His words elicited agreement from the others.

“Indeed. Our late master loved to read more than anything. If only he could have read these scriptures, how delighted he would have been.”

“It is truly unfortunate that scholars throughout history could not encounter these scriptures!”

“But are these scriptures truly ancient works, lost due to war and preserved only as fragments in ancient tombs? I notice that the people, events, and objects mentioned in *Nanhua* and *Analects* are not recorded in any historical texts,” a somewhat jarring voice interjected from among the group.

The scholars fell silent for a moment, then came to a firm conclusion.

“It must be so. Texts of such caliber could never be forged by modern people. Our existing historical records only go back about three thousand years. Before that, there are practically no detailed accounts. It’s likely these classics are products of that ancient era.”

“I’ve heard that when the School of Antiquity had an audience with His Majesty, they said that in ancient times, there were a hundred schools of thought, and the classics they produced were as numerous as stars in the sky. These few scriptures we are reading now are but a tiny fraction of them.”

At these words, an exclamation rippled through the tavern.

“Is that true?!”

“The thought of so many other classic texts still buried underground, unseen by humanity, fills me with immense sorrow and keeps me awake at night!”

“I wonder what the other classics are like.”

“But these ancient texts are hidden deep within various ancient tombs. What the School of Antiquity proposes – large-scale excavation of ancient tombs to find lost classics – truly goes against human morality.”

The scholars instinctively wanted to voice their agreement, but when they considered the countless classic texts awaiting discovery underground, their tone became less resolute.

“Didn’t the leader of the School of Antiquity say they are performing acts of protection, salvaging excavations, not acts of destruction?”

“Exactly. I heard that whenever they excavate a tomb, they don’t just indiscriminately destroy it and take only gold and silver like common grave robbers. Instead, they carefully remove all objects, preserving each one properly. If anything is damaged, there are specialists responsible for restoration.”

“Indeed, they cannot simply be equated with grave robbers.”

However, many among the group still held dissenting opinions.

“That’s just talk. What’s the difference? Who among us doesn’t have ancestors? If your family’s ancestral tomb were excavated in this manner, how would you feel?”

“This precedent must not be set; otherwise, the consequences will be endless. We must do our best to dissuade them.”

“Precisely.”

Some others remained silent, playing the role of peacemakers.

“His Majesty and the court ministers must have already reached a conclusion on this matter. There’s no need for us to worry excessively.”

“Let’s just observe, let’s just observe.”

As the *Dao De Jing* spread throughout the realm, fierce debates erupted across the Great Xuan, with countless scenes similar to that in the Scholar’s Tower today.

Li Fan knew it would be impossible to change people’s minds in a short amount of time. This was just the beginning. But Li Fan was not at all worried that the plan would fail. At present, scholars still held the power of discourse. With countless classics as bait, Li Fan was confident these scholars would fall in line. Moreover, Li Fan didn’t seek their full support; he only needed them not to openly oppose him.

While secretly pursuing control over the realm, Li Fan also gradually advanced the influence of the School of Antiquity in the secular world.

In the sixth year of the Anchoring era, the Emperor suddenly fell gravely ill, confined to his bed. All imperial physicians were helpless. At this critical moment, the School of Antiquity presented a pill to His Majesty. They claimed the pill was found in an ancient tomb, suspected to be left by an immortal, with the power to revive the dead and regenerate flesh on bare bones, and that taking it might avert disaster. Initially, the Emperor ignored them, but as his health deteriorated day by day and he neared death, he took the pill out of desperation. Unexpectedly, the pill proved miraculously effective, and within a few days, the Emperor fully recovered.

The court and public were shaken, and officials debated endlessly. The Emperor even summoned the leader of the School of Antiquity to the palace at night, questioning him extensively about immortals and neglecting court for several days. From then on, the Emperor firmly believed in the existence of immortals. He secretly instructed his trusted military confidants to cooperate with the School of Antiquity in searching ancient tombs for traces of immortals.

In the ninth year of the Anchoring era, the School of Antiquity held an exhibition in Xuanjing City, inviting court ministers and imperial nobles to view it. Although these individuals were incredibly wealthy and well-traveled, they were completely captivated by the rare treasures displayed at the exhibition, lingering for hours. Afterward, the School of Antiquity relaxed restrictions, allowing commoners to enter and view the exhibition simply by purchasing a ticket. Xuanjing City immediately became a sensation. Countless people queued, eager to glimpse the treasures. The sheer number of people caused traffic jams in the capital. Fortunately, His Majesty issued a decree, and the Imperial Guard, fully armored, maintained order, preventing a larger disturbance.

The grand event continued for more than half a month. Following this, the exhibition not only continued but also began to tour various regions, unfolding in different parts of the Great Xuan.

In the eleventh year of the Anchoring era, Jianghuai Prefecture cracked a major grave robbing case, apprehending a team of over a hundred tomb raiders. These individuals had extensively excavated ancient tombs deep in the mountains, causing immeasurable damage. By law, they should all have been sentenced to extreme punishment. However, with so many people involved and the ramifications so extensive, Li Fan, the Prefect of Jianghuai, dared not make a decision unilaterally. He submitted a memorial, sent via urgent dispatch at top speed to Xuanjing City, requesting imperial judgment.

Some ministers, hearing of the case, were exceptionally enraged and submitted memorials demanding immediate execution. Yet, strangely, the vast majority of court officials remained silent at this time. The Emperor also suppressed all memorials, offering no opinion. A full month passed before the Emperor’s edict finally arrived. There was no death sentence; instead, the culprits were condemned to be enslaved and brought to the capital. Almost none of the court ministers submitted memorials in opposition.

Li Fan looked at the imperial decree and smiled faintly, knowing that the tide had turned in his favor.