"Food and drink, luxury and pleasure-these are what the people desire. Satisfy their wants and provide what they wish for, and then you can call upon them!"
"If the people wore animal skins, crowned themselves with ox horns, ate wild grass, and drank untreated water, how could you call upon them?"
"When the Feudal Lords and nobles savor fine food, listen to beautiful music, and indulge in extravagance, they scorn useful things and prize useless ones. Grain thus becomes cheap, while pearls and jade become expensive. The people can eat inexpensive grain and wear affordable, attractive clothing. Only when their wants are satisfied can they serve their country loyally."
Bo Yi stood before Marquis Li, spittle flying everywhere.
Marquis Li raised his head in astonishment and stared at the solemn-faced Bo Yi.
Who are you? I don't even know you! Why did you come straight over and start laying into me?
Zi Shou listened in utter confusion. How had this culture of extravagance become a good thing? Had Bo Yi thrown away every last shred of integrity?
Shang Rong, Yang Ren, and the others, however, looked thoughtful. The diligent Marquis of the East seemed to grasp something, while Ji Chang lowered his head slightly and pricked up his ears to listen closely to Bo Yi.
Bo Yi cleared his throat. While collecting musical scores at the Court Music Bureau, he had never forgotten to ponder the meaning behind the Pool of Wine and Forest of Meat. Half a month ago, he had finally understood.
Bo Yi declared, "Today, the nobles and Feudal Lords throughout the realm believe they should amass wealth in peaceful times to prepare for troubled times. This is mistaken! Feudal Lords and nobles ought to spend their money freely, adorn their carriages and horses and enjoy riding