Lin Su smiled. "Great Confucian Zhou, your words show that you have confused the distinction between different Ways. Confucianism says that warfare is fierce and battle perilous. On the battlefield, the Way of Confucianism does not apply; only the Way of War does. If even the Way of Confucianism does not apply, then the Way of Benevolence naturally cannot be used on the battlefield either. As for the officialdom, clearing away accumulated abuses, benefiting the people's livelihood—does that not precisely prove the 'Great Benevolence' I just spoke of? What is improper about it?"
Zhou Yifang was rendered speechless for a moment...
That answer was flawless...
Lin Su continued, "However, Great Confucian Zhou said something just now that deeply pleased me: only unity of knowledge and action is the Way; when knowledge and action diverge, it is falsehood. Over the past three years, I have devoted myself to achieving unity of knowledge and action in the Way of Benevolence, and I have gained a little from it. Shall I show you both?"
Li Jisheng and Zhou Yifang exchanged a glance. "Please!"
They spoke in unison, but their thoughts were entirely different.
Li Jisheng had studied the Way of Benevolence all his life and had likewise striven for unity of knowledge and action. Yet he also knew how difficult that was. There were countless sufferings beneath heaven, and the strength of one man was ultimately limited. Even if he scattered all his family wealth and brought benevolence to its fullest expression, suffering would still remain—and would only intensify.
He truly wanted to know how this legendary Literary Way Genius before him had achieved unity of knowledge and action in the Way of Benevolence.
This was purely an academic discussion.
But Zhou Yifang was different. He was an official of Great Yu, and