You Are a Provincial Graduate

"Yes, accept."

[Way of Governance] learned, +1500. Scattered knowledge and insights already possessed by the host have been detected. Merge them?

"Yes!"

[Way of Governance] merged. Insight gained, +2758. Level 4, 1258/4000.

In an instant, knowledge flowed into Su Ziji. He could feel that his old framework had dismissed much of it as outdated, yet once he translated it into concepts he understood, that knowledge sprang back to life. It unfolded clearly in his mind like a revelation, opening up an entirely new system of understanding...

So that's how it is. Knowledge has its old and new forms, of course, and it advances.

But the main difference between ancient times and the present lies in productive power, not in backward knowledge of governance.

Call Illicit Worship by a future term, and it's still the same medicine in a different bowl. Only the label has been changed to fit mainstream thought; its essence remains the same.

Su Ziji was still absorbing the information when a voice abruptly interrupted them. The village headman hurried up to Qi Hongxin, cast Su Ziji a surprised glance, then reported anxiously, "The rioters are here! There must be a thousand of them. They've surrounded the Water God Shrine. You should leave through the back gate at once! They look fierce, and some are carrying weapons. I'm afraid they won't let this go unless they get what they want!"

Qi Hongxin came out of his daze and realized he had nearly slipped into a nightmare. What he had said had barely sounded like him. Fortunately, he had not revealed anything he should not have; he had only explained Illicit Worship.

He drew a deep breath. His expression gradually changed, regaining its sternness and reserve. After hearing the report, he rose and said coldly,