Chapter 1057: Dispute

"What luck, we actually caught a free ride," Lu Yu stretched lazily inside the carriage, speaking contentedly. "The driver is quite skilled. It's rare to see such an impressive driver, and the quality of the carriage is exceptional."

Lu Xun merely nodded in response without answering Lu Yu's remark. After all, from just observing the carriage, it was evident that the owner was from a wealthy and influential family. However, considering the timing of their journey to Mount Tai, their destination was likely not related to Liu Bei, nor could it be related to any other noble family.

"If they were going to meet Lord Xuande, they should be headed for Yanzhou and then to Ye City. And if they were conducting business, for a prominent family traveling in such a carriage, Ye City would be the most logical choice." Lu Xun had become accustomed to constantly thinking, piecing together the information he observed.

"What are you thinking about, Bo Yan?" Ma Zhong, though not as quick-witted as Lu Xun and Lu Yu, had spent enough time navigating society to develop a keen sense for reading the room.

"He's pondering the identity of our benefactor and why they're heading to Mount Tai," Lu Yu answered, even before Lu Xun could reply, frowning as he spoke. Clearly, his mood had worsened as he considered the situation.

"Is this guy always this cautious, thinking through every little thing?" Lu Yu lowered his head, beginning to mull things over. He didn't want Lu Xun, who was the same age as him, to leave him behind. When facing Lu Xun, he had begun to feel an inexplicable sense of crisis—this person was truly a terrifying genius.

"Yes, but I'm also reviewing everything we've seen and heard along the way. Just as my teacher said, reading a thousand books is no match for traveling a thousand miles. Though I haven’t read thousands of books yet, combining knowledge from books with firsthand experience has given me a much deeper understanding." Lu Xun nodded, his once youthful naivety now replaced with a more scholarly air.

"Without applying theory, it’s just empty talk. Like when we first set out, I thought most of the officials we encountered should be removed. But after traveling to more places and understanding more, I realized that black and white are not opposing forces. Sometimes, they overlap." Lu Yu glanced at Lu Xun as he spoke.

"However, just because I accept this doesn't mean I believe it's right." Lu Xun’s expression turned serious, as if sharing a conclusion he had reached after much contemplation during his journey. "If there comes a day when I have the power to change things, I’ll do everything I can to restore proper governance."

"Don’t make me laugh," Lu Yu scoffed. "Law is subordinate to human nature. And how can you guarantee that your judgment is correct? In fact, I believe the current situation, which remains within controllable limits, is something we must tolerate. We can moderate it, but we cannot impose absolute personal will to overturn it!"

"I can't be sure if I'm right, but I know the current system is flawed!" Lu Xun responded calmly. "If I recognize a mistake, I will correct it. Even if I can’t achieve perfection under my watch, it certainly won’t get worse."

"Adjustment is the right idea, but how can you ensure that everyone else will act like you?" Lu Yu, more skilled at considering things from a human perspective, delivered a critical blow to Lu Xun's argument.

"We should use systems to regulate behavior," Lu Xun raised his index finger. "Systems can restrain people. Even if people are flawed, the system can be corrected over time. Eventually, it will meet my standards."

"You're too idealistic," Lu Yu frowned. "Chen Hou once said, 'A wise man should not speak beyond his expertise.' Bo Yan, you're arguing from the perspective of my expertise."

Lu Xun fell silent. He realized he had made a mistake. But he was determined to fix the issues that plagued the lower levels of the Han court because these problems were impacting the common people.

"All systems are executed by people. People are both the starting point and the end result. The manner and mindset in which a system is carried out directly influence the final outcome. This is the essence of rule by men versus rule by law," Lu Yu shook his head. Since Chen Xi had been grooming him for political strategy and power plays, Lu Yu had far more knowledge in this area than someone like Lu Xun, who was still relatively inexperienced.

"Then we’ll implement it generation by generation until it meets my expectations," Lu Xun acknowledged Lu Yu's reasoning but, being young and stubborn, refused to back down once he had made up his mind.

"Isn't the current system the result of generations of sages refining it? While there are indeed many problems, this system suits the current era well. As for creating a new system, I wouldn’t know where to start, and I’m not sure anyone could do it." Lu Yu was pragmatic, fighting with reason in the area he was most proficient in.

"Chen Hou often says, 'adapt to the circumstances,' which makes a lot of sense," Lu Yu added with a smile. "There’s nothing wrong with the system itself, but the environment has changed. Just like Xiaogui Caosui, the reforms of 400 years ago—why do we still need change today?"

Lu Xun stopped speaking. He understood these arguments, but understanding didn’t eliminate his doubts. Just because he could accept the system didn’t mean he believed it was flawless.

Lu Yu didn’t continue either. He was more grounded in reality. While he recognized the value of Lu Xun's thinking, it didn’t mean he could walk the same path as him.

After a long silence, Lu Xun sat back down and let out a deep sigh. "For the first time, I’ve realized just how brilliant my teacher is. It’s only the two of us, looking at the same things, and yet we’ve had a heated argument. Did our elders never disagree?"

"Of course they disagreed," Lu Yu said, gazing out the window. "Every person is different, and everyone’s perspective on things is shaped by their understanding of the world. A person's upbringing, social status, and outlook all influence how they view problems."

Lu Xun smiled bitterly. He was sure this line came straight from one of the books in Chen Xi’s library, although it wasn't a part of the texts he had studied.

"Every individual’s perspective carries their own bias. That was the conclusion of that book," Lu Yu said, looking at Lu Xun. "So any judgment involving personal understanding inevitably contains a subjective element."

"All disputes stem from the clash of individual perspectives on a problem," Lu Yu mused aloud. "The reason you don’t see many arguments is that people compromise. Whether it’s the noble families or others, they choose compromise because the greater force lies with Chen Hou."

For some reason, Lu Xun was suddenly reminded of a line from a book Chen Xi had shown him: "Either break out in silence, or perish in silence." That was how it went, right? Something like that...

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