Chapter 2708 It’s Hard to Tell the Difference Between Good and Bad

Speaking of which, it's not that Fei Qian really has any way of predicting things, or that he has already made plans for Qiao Bing, it's just because Zuo Ci is old.

Of course, it was just a coincidence that Zuo Ci came at this time, but what about other things...

Fei Qian had indeed laid the groundwork for it, just like an idle piece on a chessboard. No one might have noticed its specific use at first, but when they encountered it, they realized why it was already occupied?

Qiao is not like this.

The same goes for Zuo Ci.

It's just that what drives Qiao Bing is Qiao Bing's desire, and what drives Zuo Ci to come to Chang'an is Zuo Ci's illness.

Chang'an Baiyi Medical Center is now a famous place in the Han Dynasty.

Even an "immortal" wants to be healthy...

Is not it?

Although in the early years, Zuo Ci often talked about how old he was, the numerical value in his mouth could deceive others, but the physical age could not deceive himself.

When he was young, Zuo Ci could pretend to be old because his hair turned gray prematurely, but when he got older, he could no longer pretend to be young.

As I get older, I want stability.

Sichuan is a good place, but it is not a great place either.

Mainly damp.

Zuo Ci also suffered from rheumatism.

In fact, most people in the Han Dynasty had some rheumatism. Because many people in the Han Dynasty did not have beds, they ate and slept on mats, which were not far from the ground. In addition, the weather in the Han Dynasty was basically relatively high, and it was not until now that it started to get colder, so the probability of getting rheumatism was actually All are big.

With the climate and the enrichment of human life, beds and desks gradually became more specialized and refined. Especially the beds and desks of wealthy families are far beyond the imagination of ordinary people.

Zuo Ci was older and had physical injuries, but he was too embarrassed to seek medical treatment in Sichuan. Because the people in Sichuan and Shu thought he was an immortal...

Immortals can still get sick?

Is a sick immortal still an immortal?

Sick fairy?

In fact, this is also Zuo Ci's fault.

Among Sichuan and Sichuan, Zuo Ci liked to brag a lot on weekdays, but he bragged too high and couldn't keep up. It would be as embarrassing as a doctor who boasts about how good myopia surgery is but wears glasses, or a salesperson who sells hair regeneration liquid who is bald.

Although I can still boast that my disease is different from other people's diseases, that it is a terminal illness of immortals, etc., but in the end, I am the one who suffers. Just like after Little Glacier, in the Tang Dynasty, it was fully promoted and opened beds and chairs. Likewise, only your own anus can know whether it hurts or feels good.

Therefore, Zuo Ci wanted to come back. At least after arriving in Chang'an, he could become an old Taoist priest again instead of a fake immortal. Anyway, all the previous bullshit had been exposed by Fei Qian, so Zuo Ci naturally no longer had to defend his celestial demeanor.

So a few years ago, Zuo Ci would have been unwilling to come back because of his appearance. But now that he is older, he can see everything. He is in good health, even if he is not feeling well, he cannot eat delicacies from the mountains and seas, and his silk clothes are soft. I can't sleep well even if I collapse. Why compete with yourself and then make yourself suffer?

Fei Qian did not go out of his way to pick up Zuo Ci, but after Zuo Ci arrived in Chang'an, Fei Qian still held a banquet for Zuo Ci in the general's mansion.

Zuo Ci still looked like an immortal, as if everything was calm and indifferent.

For big men without East Asian magic, it is very important to have a good skin.

If Zuo Ci hadn't been born with such an appearance, for example, if he had Pang Tong's appearance, no one would believe him even if he made wild claims...

Although Zuo Ci cannot be called a top counselor, he has met too many people among the people, so he can be called a wise man to some extent.

Whether it is a counselor or a wise man, what are the basic qualities required?

Guess? Balance of interests? Manipulating people's hearts? Vertical and horizontal manipulation?

Maybe, maybe not.

But there are two things that counselors and wise men must have. One is a bystander stance, and the other is a calm mind. If you don't observe enough, the positions of many things will be different, and your understanding of problems will naturally not be objective. Wouldn't an uncool counselor or wise man look like a warrior?

Zuo Ci is good at these two points, so this time, he must give up the "immortal" and become a "human"...

Most of the time, Zuo Ci can put aside his personal emotional likes and dislikes, look down on all living beings like an immortal, and face, analyze, and solve various problems with a neutral and objective stance and a calm mind. question.

When facing General Fei Qian of the Hussars, Zuo Ci also observed it from a relatively neutral and calm perspective. He would not be afraid of the Hussars because of their fame, nor would he be afraid of pretending to be an immortal. Over time, you will think highly of yourself and despise everything.

Zuo Ci suffered for a while among the riders.

For Zuo Ci, being deflated is not a big deal, it is just like encountering some setbacks on the road. Is it possible that he will stop walking in the future? Those who should leave should continue to leave, and those who should play the role of immortal should continue to play the role. But at the same time, Zuo Ci can see Fei Qian's methods and mentality more clearly, and he can correct his position so as not to be stupid.

Just like now, Zuo Ci maintains a very stable aura. He will neither show that he is an immortal and do some weird magic, nor will he be humble and bow down to others. Zuo Ci does not admit that he is an immortal, but when he talks about it, he seems to be habitually modest.

This is Zuo Ci's skill.

This is also the lesson and progress Zuo Ci gained from Fei Qian.

At the very beginning, Zuo Ci thought that Fei Qian was just a martial artist, a member of a poor family at best, without much knowledge, so he wanted to use ancient magic tricks to pretend to be immortal magic and deceive Fei Qian to gain benefits. Fei Qian exposed the trick, and since then he has realized that Fei Qian is not easy to deceive, and he also understands that the so-called "smart tricks" are actually a joke.

From that moment on, Zuo Ci would not do anything to tease the superiors.

If you often think that others are fools, sometimes you will become a fool yourself.

The reason why some people use some methods of catching fish from empty bowls, or the method of living forever in front of superiors, is usually because these people think highly of themselves and feel that their skills are proficient and will not be exposed. Psychologically, they also treat the superiors as monkeys, or at least treat them as ordinary ignorant villagers. But in fact, there are indeed some people in power who are not as smart as the villagers in the countryside, but there are also many people in the officialdom who actually see through it but don't tell it.

If the hussars applaud, these people will also applaud. Even if some people find something wrong, they will not say it out. They will always say "this is a child's trick", "a three-year-old knows this", etc. Those who are waiting may not survive more than three episodes if they are not in reality.

Fei Qian also discussed with him in detail what Zuo Ci should do.

Zuo Ci had already heard about the Qiao merger after he came to Chang'an. Zuo Ci initially thought that Fei Qian was going to talk about Qiao and the merger, but in fact Fei Qian didn't talk about the Qiao and the merger at all.

That's right, it doesn't matter what the outcome is.

This made Zuo Ci couldn't help but feel that Fei Qian was completely different from the first time they met him. Although Fei Qian was still gentle and spoke calmly, Zuo Ci could faintly feel that There are sharp edges beneath these gentle waters, and turbulent undercurrents beneath the gentle water.

For a moment, Zuo Ci was a little unsure about Fei Qian's intentions, so he asked a little cautiously: "General, I am an outsider... I can't comment..."

Fei Qian smiled and then explained: "We are not in court now... I just want to hear your opinion on the conduct of Taoist priests in this Taoism..."

After Fei Qian finished speaking, he saw that Zuo Ci was a little embarrassed and seemed to be preparing to prevaricate again, so he added: "You don't have to deal with me... What is said here will not be spread to the outside world." You can rest assured as long as possible. 』

Hearing what Fei Qian said, Zuo Ci was helpless. After thinking for a while, he said: "This Taoist lineage has always had many people... Although they are called masters and disciples, they are not passed down by blood after all... If there are good ones, they are also excellent. There are those who will win without changing even if they promise to win with a thousand pieces of gold, but there are also some shoddy people... I traveled all the way back then, and what I saw and heard in other places was that this child Taoist disciple deceived his master and destroyed his ancestors for a few money and utensils. In fact, it's the same... I have little knowledge, so I can talk casually. If there is anything inappropriate, I hope the general will forgive me. 』

Fei Qian nodded and motioned for Zuo Ci to continue.

"Nowadays, the world's customs are corrupted. Some people can still stick to their true intentions, and some are just..." Zuo Ci sighed, "But this matter has something to do with the world, but it has nothing to do with it. After all, I have seen many people." , no matter how poor they are, they are still pure and kind, and those... To be honest, sometimes the deterioration of the world is just an excuse for those people. Even if the world is good, those people can still find other excuses to do things for them. evil……"

After listening to Zuo Ci's words, Fei Qian continued to nod.

Zuo Ci didn't blindly praise the effectiveness of Taoism's reform education to the extreme just because he said he was a Taoist. Instead, he talked about this issue very fairly. This is indeed different from those rotten scholars who only talk about teachings without paying attention to the actual situation.

Taoism and Confucianism both played a role in educating the people in the early stages of the development of Chinese culture. For example, Lao Tzu actually had many direct or indirect disciples, and his ideas were passed down and carried forward by his disciples. It’s just that later Taoism put down this educational effect, while Confucianism tightly held on to the signboard of enlightenment.

"In the countryside, if you want to find a Taoist successor, you will usually find some Taoist boys, observe their character, and pass on their elixir books to those who are perseverant, kind and honest..." Zuo Ci slowly said He said, "After all, if a foreigner is living in the world of mortals and has some bad conduct, he can't do more evil than ordinary people..."

Fei Qian knocked on the table, "One more thing... Although there are precepts in Taoism, they are different from secular laws, and there are few others to supervise..."

Zuo Ci was silent for a moment and nodded.

Taoism, or religion, or even Confucianism, which is like a religion, actually has some precepts to a certain extent, but unlike secular laws, the laws of a country are generally enforced by the country's violent institutions. Don't worry about this. The name of the institution may be Dali Temple, County Yamen, or some other name, but the laws are basically the same.

After the unification of China, there will basically be no difference between the laws of one state and county and the laws of that state or county. However, the precepts of Taoism and other religions are different for various reasons. , so that there is a difference.

To put it simply, in a certain place of practice, eating meat and killing people may not be considered a violation of the precepts, but in another place of practice, even stepping on an ant to death will be scolded and punished.

Such extremely different standards for the implementation of precepts eventually lead to the fact that although they are both called Taoist priests or monks, their outlook on life and daily behavior may be completely different.

For ordinary people, the laws they follow in this county are basically the same as the laws they need to pay attention to in that county. However, when facing Taoist monks or other religious figures, there are You may meet kind people, or you may meet bad Taoist priests, flower monks, etc...

"A few days ago, Mr. Zheng was in serious trouble. Fortunately, Dr. Hua took action and his life was extended..." Fei Qian said with some emotion, "Sichuan and Shu reported that there was also a miasma in Nanzhong, with many casualties. Fu Weng The descendants of the descendants came to help, cure diseases and eliminate misfortunes..."

"These are all good doctors." Fei Qian said, "But in the countryside, there are also many people who pretend to practice medicine and do deceptive things. Taking advantage of the people's eagerness to cure diseases and eliminate disasters, they do illegal things and ruin the reputation of doctors." It's still a small thing, but it's a big thing if it harms people's lives and causes families to be destroyed! 』

Fei Qian thought for a moment, and then continued: "Nowadays, the three assistants in Chang'an, Hanzhong in the east of Hedong, Sichuan, Sichuan and Longxi all practice to recruit talents, examine the test questions to see what they can do, and plan and discuss the characteristics of the exhibits... A certain person also asked Baiyi Medical Center to construct physician test questions. , such as taking imperial examinations, with the same level as craftsmen, to distinguish doctors from superior to inferior, and encourage advancement. 』

Can the imperial examination represent all the talents of a person?

Or in other words, what is most often criticized by some people in later generations is, "Can exams represent everything?" 』

Yes, the imperial examination, or examination, does not represent everything, but until there is no more suitable method, the examination is still a relatively fair measurement method, ensuring the general selection criteria.

Those who do well in the imperial examination may not necessarily do well in official positions, but at least they are better than not taking the examination, or appointing officials based on favors, blood, or other methods.

The same is true for the medical examination at Baiyikan.

Can the content of the medical examination represent the doctor's full ability? The same may not be possible, but at least under the examination questions jointly formulated by several big doctors, some doctors who are dawdling will be screened out. If you can't even figure out the prescriptions and ingredients, you are really not suitable to be a doctor. .

Therefore, what Fei Qian means now is, why don’t Taoist priests need to take exams?

Fei Qian, who has been honed in various qualification examinations in later generations, naturally wants to spread the terrifying power of the exam devil to the entire world and all industries, especially those that require professional knowledge and people's lives. How can a closely related profession not have exams?

Taoist priests will also have to take exams in future generations, and becoming one is not something you can do if you want to.

In addition to the relevant knowledge and skills, the exam also has a very important hidden psychological factor, which is input and output.

Only things that can be obtained through hard work will be cherished by people. Most people don't care much about those things that can be obtained normally, just like air and water. Then when the air and water are seriously polluted, we become panicked, anxious, and confused. It must have been very serious.

Zuo Ci thought about it, and then said tentatively: "General, what do you mean, in the future, Taoist priests will also have to take exams to recruit disciples?" 』

Fei Qian smiled and said: "Not only Taoist boys, but also current Taoist priests and Taoist priests must be graded through trials like craftsmen... Taoist priest Zuo is now famous all over the world. Are you willing to take on this important task?" Clear away the clutter and support the good for Taoism? 』

"This..." Zuo Ci was moved, but also hesitant.

If this thing can be done successfully, it will certainly be a great contribution to the world, but at the same time, it is also quite difficult to do!

Regardless of other things, let’s just say that the current factions of Taoism in the Han Dynasty are already extremely complicated.

More recently, the Five Dou Rice Sect, which has a great influence in Hanzhong, Sichuan and Shu, and the Taiping Sect, which caused chaos in the world before. Well, of course, both the Five Dou Rice Sect and the Taiping Sect have been officially classified as "crab legs" by the government. , but many people still believe in it among the people.

In addition, those with a longer history include Fangxian Tao formed during the Warring States Period, Huanglao Tao formed in the early Han Dynasty, and Jindan Tao which is more popular in the Jiangdong area...

There is even an older sorcerer's way passed down from the Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties!

Witches are remnants of ancient times. Emperor Gaozu "placed ancestral officials and witches in Changchun" in the early days. There are also "Liang Wu", "Jin Wu", "Qin Wu", "Jing Wu", "Jiutian Wu", "River Wu", "Nanshan Wu" and so on. Although the various witches are now in decline, In some remote areas, its inheritance is still spread.

This is really hard to do!

Think about it, the prophecies in the Jinwen scriptures have already caused Shandong and Shanxi to attack each other and fight against each other. Even within the Chang'an Sanfu, there are still some people who are not willing to abandon the prophecies they have learned and always want to Gotta make some demons come out.

The schools of Taoism are more complicated, and the gods they believe in are even more complicated...

etc!

Zuo Ci suddenly remembered that when Fei Qian formulated the Five Directions God Religion, he was very tolerant of the gods and immortals in various places. It did not mean that the gods in various places were fake, nor did it prohibit various places from worshiping other gods. It was just that It means that the gods of the five directions are ancient gods, represent the five origins, correspond to the five elements, etc. Is it possible that this is just a gap left to unify the various schools of Taoism now?

Zuo Ci couldn't help but feel a little unable to sit still, so he moved his body.

"Since the general doesn't mind the old man being stupid..." Zuo Ci took a breath and swallowed, "I am willing... willing to give it a try!" 』

Zuo Ci saw this matter and figured it out. Since Fei Qian had already made arrangements, then if he was willing to do it, it would be called the icing on the cake. If he was unwilling to do it, it would be a mantis trying to do something...

It is said that there is a choice, but in fact there is only one way to choose.

Really worthy of being a hussar.

Although he felt a little helpless, Zuo Ci couldn't help but feel a little excited. If he really accomplished this, he would definitely leave a good name in history!

Isn't this ten thousand times better than having a reputation as a Taoist juggler?