Lu Prefecture Market.
Gu Family.
"I heard the imperial Celestial Army has arrived to slaughter them. Daoist Void Spirit Master is probably finished!"
Gu Yue gazed at the sky, looking somewhat troubled.
These scholars had a strange mentality. When facing military officers, they dared to curse and mock them freely, calling them "hillbillies in armor," yet when they encountered rebels, they often held an inexplicable faith in the court's "Celestial Army," believing it was certain to win!
"Alas... what a pity about Void Spirit Master. With his Daoist arts, he would have been an honored guest wherever he went, so long as he kept to his proper place."
Scholar Gu sipped his tea, a trace of regret in his voice. "Why did he insist on rebelling? My son, remember this... the most important thing in being a man is knowing one's proper place!"
"Your son will remember." Gu Yue bowed to receive the lesson, then lowered his voice and asked, "Can these rebels truly not succeed?"
He was no fool, after all, and had already glimpsed a little of the chaos to come.
"No matter what, at least this band cannot succeed... Why? Though the lands north of the river are in turmoil, the south remains peaceful. The people yearn for stability, and whoever first raises rebellion will surely draw the hatred of all!"
Scholar Gu spoke unhurriedly.
Gu Yue froze, then suddenly understood. Jiangnan was the court's vital source of grain and taxes—how could it permit disorder to arise?
A rebel who raised a banner and revolted would inevitably face the court's full-force suppression and extermination. He was merely clearing the way for the true king who would come later.
"Alas..."
He did not know what he felt at that moment, and could only let out a faint sigh.