In the Hall of Light, more than a dozen people sat on their heels, their expressions solemn. Warm sunlight swept into the room from outside, yet could not dispel the heavy atmosphere within.
Luo Yi stood before the doorway with his back to them, holding a short, unsharpened Ritual Sword of rather exquisite design. He raised it to block the sunlight shining toward him, half closed his eyes, and said unhurriedly, "All Under Heaven is exhausted now.
"Wolves and jackals block the way. The common people, their faces green with hunger, die by the roadside without a thought spared for them. Wealthy households have no morality and treat the suffering people with exploitation. At court, the rotten timber of corrupt officials has become too numerous to count.
"His Majesty is deeply troubled. Is the situation throughout All Under Heaven simply to keep declining like this?
"His Majesty wishes to restore our vigor, and so appointed me Grand Chancellor. I came to Chang'an from East of the Passes, but my strength alone is meager. There are fifty million people in All Under Heaven; this is not something I can accomplish alone.
"The commanderies and kingdoms should recommend the worthy and upright to the court. Choose those with ability, those serving in the commanderies and kingdoms, and those committed to reform.
"I wish to ask the gentlemen of All Under Heaven-the Confucian scholars who cherish the work of the sages, the followers of Huang-Lao, the adherents of Qi Law determined to reform, and even the Mohist School's strategists and knights-errant.
"Are there worthies constrained by poverty, forced to spend each day scrambling over trivial matters?
"Are there heroic gentlemen forced to flee by the persecution of the powerful gentry and local authorities?
"Are there gentlemen who have been excluded because they conduct