49. Live in peace

Luna and her clan stood neutral, aligned with neither side. Meaning, this was merely a feudal war of territorial conquest among nations.

Lalatina and Liora followed Mortal Dust Daoist's school.

They're mine, can't let them be dragged into this senseless war.

This manor, with three beautiful maidens, mustn't be harmed by this meaningless conflict.

"Lalatina, Liora, Luna, will you heed me?"

The three nodded together.

"Yes."

Noah took a deep breath, head tilted at a forty-five-degree angle, eyes distant, gazing at the clouds beyond the window.

"There's a universal principle. All endeavors require heaven's timing, earth's advantage, human harmony. Heaven's timing means the right moment, or arriving aptly. Earth's advantage is a fitting setting, the right place. Human harmony means the right people, or collective agreement."

"When these align, success follows. Focusing solely on human harmony, how can that suffice?"

"Those two Sages surely know this, yet stubbornly insist on war. And this war aims to entangle five nations. There must be deeper reasons."

"You're now of this manor, my maidens. I don't wish you swept into this senseless war."

Noah, passion surging, delivered a stream of philosophy. Turning back, the three girls' eyes dreamy, dazed, faces plainly confused. Yet their expressions, so beautiful… Shaking his head…

"Do you understand my meaning?"

Lalatina, gaze dreamy, was the highest in attainment among them. The Confucian Path had seven ranks: Apprentice, Teacher, Scholar, Great Scholar, Confucian, Great Confucian, Sage.

She was a Confucian. At this rank, one could comprehend all principles and matters of the world. The principle the Manor Lord just spoke was new to her. Yet, she didn't understand, so vague. This incomprehension, the first since breaking through to Confucian.

Snapping back, seeing the Manor Lord questioning her.

"Manor Lord, your words are new to this student. This student is dull, unable to grasp."

This student…? Oh, a refined lady… Not just beautiful, but talented… Truly a gem of beauty and intellect… I must have her…

"Lalatina, no need for such formality. Just use 'I' and 'you.' This simple principle, you've truly never heard it?"

Manor Lord called my name… That gaze, still the same, yet why this sense of intimacy… Not now. Shaking her head, face calm, serious, saying.

"Manor Lord, this principle is indeed new to me."

Noah, surprised. This simple principle, unknown in this world…? Seems my twelve years of schooling will make waves here.

"Can you share some principles like this?"

Lalatina, brows furrowed, pondering.

"Manor Lord, I was taught: Success comes from relentless effort. Even with poor talent, unceasing strive leads to triumph. This is what Mortal Dust Daoist preaches. Stellar Nebula Daoist says all is fated, follow heaven. Defying one's destined fate brings calamity."

Noah, Got it, class conflict. The ruling side claims heaven's will, the oppressed claim human effort triumphs… My arrival here has purpose. First, resolve this war, then bring modern peace ideals to this world, ending wars…

"Oh, Lalatina, are those who came with you to the manor also of Mortal Dust Daoist's faction?"

Lalatina, Manor Lord called my name again, that intimate feeling… What's wrong with me…?

"Manor Lord, both factions are present."

Noah suddenly realized the urgent task: enlighten the manor's newcomers to prevent internal strife.

"Lalatina, rouse the other two, then meet me in the main hall. I have announcements."

…

In the main hall, Noah spoke fervently of equality, human rights, legal systems, war's dangers, its dire consequences, voice resounding boldly. Glancing below, the crowd's eyes dazed, faces blank. Indeed, I spoke too soon. Must introduce this gradually…

"In short, you mustn't fight over those two ideologies, understood?"

Among the crowd, Great Confucian Wu Dingxi's eyes blazed red, face shifting from smiles to bewilderment, hair tousled by his own hands. Stepping forward, wanting to speak, yet unable to begin.

Noah, seeing this elder scholar unsteady, on the verge of overload, looked to Zhao Yu, ordering.

"Steward Zhao, Scholar Wu shows signs of agitation, losing composure. Take him to the river behind the mountain, let cool waters calm him. Oh, and Scholar Su too, take him along."

Zhao Yu, lost in thought, startled by the Manor Lord's order to throw two Great Confucians, comparable to Tribulation Stage, into the river. Thinking he misheard, he looked back.

Met with a nod and encouraging gaze. Silent, his heart screamed. Manor Lord, you want me to throw two near-Tribulation Stage, mentally chaotic scholars into the river? But if he refused, the Manor Lord might vent on his sect… Heart numb, Like living beside a tiger. I'll gamble.

Zhao Yu stepped slowly toward them, eyes lifeless, devoid of vitality.

"You heard the Manor Lord. Jump into the river yourselves, or shall I throw you?"

The two paused, then said.

"Thanks for your concern, Steward Zhao. We'll jump ourselves."

They walked out, backs lonely, melancholic.

Watching their departing figures, Zhao Yu, as if drained, Survived… Then, hearing beside him.

"Zhao Yu, go ensure they don't drown or catch cold. Their bodies are frail."

Noah only meant to warn; if they truly suffered, he'd feel guilty.

"Why are you standing there? Go!"

After Zhao Yu left, Noah addressed the crowd.

"Reflect on what I said today. This is Steward Kim, the manor's new steward. Any questions, ask her."

"Alright, return to your tasks."

Though overstepping and meddling, these twenty were manor folk. Can't let them be drawn into this senseless war. Heavenly Dao probably won't mind.