"What?"
When Zhao Xu heard what the tavern said, he stood stunned, his ears buzzing.
By the time Qian Wei finished speaking, such a grand official, such a grand person, looking at him like a small child with eager eyes, Zhao Xu truly understood.
This was not affectation.
The legitimacy of the imperial court's founding rested on two things: Heaven's Mandate first, and morality second.
The opening line of The Way of Great Learning stated: "The Way of Great Learning is to manifest clear virtue, to love the people, and to rest in the highest excellence."
Successive dynasties had championed morality; an emperor could kill the crown prince, or even kill the Imperial Grandson—that was the prerogative of a sovereign and father.
Yet to dig out a son's heart to refine pills and prolong one's own life was completely devoid of human ethics and violated heavenly principles. It not only shattered the lifelong convictions of Qian Wei, but also collapsed a cornerstone of the dynasty's legitimacy.
This caused officials who wished to "elevate their ruler to the likes of Yao and Shun, and once more make popular customs pure," to have their faith ruined.
With faith gone, where was reverence? With reverence faded, upon what foundation would imperial power rest?
Thinking of this, Zhao Xu's head buzzed with a dull roar. His face turned pale white, his heart gave a sharp thud, and he started to speak.
The moment he stood up, he swayed directly and tumbled toward the side.
Given Zhao Xu's age and condition, had he fallen solidly right then, a major disaster would likely have broken out immediately.
Fortunately, Qian Wei was quick-handed and clear-eyed, grabbing hold of him in a flash: "Lord Zhao!"
"Don't call anyone! Quickly... quickly go to the side Book of Documents shelf...