Luna Hart and her family belonged to the neutral faction, not siding with anyone. This meant that this was entirely a war for territorial conquest between the feudal states.
Lalatina and Liora, on the other hand, were followers of the Red Dust Sage sect. Though they were part of my people, I couldn't let them get caught in this meaningless conflict.
"Lalatina, Liora, and Luna Hart, you will listen to me, won't you?"
All three nodded.
"Yes."
Noah took a deep breath, tilting his head at a 45-degree angle, his eyes gazing distantly at the sky and clouds outside the window.
"There is a common principle like this. In everything, you need the right timing, favorable location, and human harmony. Timing refers to the right moment or being at the right time. Location means the appropriate context or place. Human harmony refers to having the right people or consensus.
When these factors align, success is inevitable. Focusing only on human harmony won't suffice.
Those two Sages should know this, but they stubbornly insist on war. And they even want to drag five nations into this battle. There must be deeper reasons behind this."
"You all are part of the manor, my attendants. Therefore, I don't wish for you to be involved in this pointless war."
Noah Drake passionately spoke his philosophy, and when he turned back, the three women had dazed expressions, their faces showing clear confusion. Yet, they looked beautiful no matter what expression they had... He shook his head.
"Did you understand what I said?"
Lalatina, her eyes dreamy, was the most advanced in cultivation among the three. The Confucian Dao had seven levels: scholar apprentice, scholar, teacher, grand teacher, Confucianist, grand Confucianist, and Sage.
She had reached the level of Confucianist, where one could comprehend all the principles and matters of the world.
The principle that the manor lord just mentioned was something she heard for the first time. Yet, despite that, she still didn't understand—it was too vague. This feeling of not understanding was something she had never experienced since she broke through to Confucianist level.
She snapped out of her daze, realizing that the manor lord was asking her a question.
"Manor Lord, the things you just said, it's the first time this student has heard them. This student is too ignorant to comprehend."
'Student? Ah, a well-bred lady... Not only beautiful but talented too. Indeed, she is perfect in both talent and beauty. I must have her...'
"Lalatina, there's no need to be so formal. Addressing like that is so distant.
Are you really saying that you've never heard this simple principle before? Truly?"
The manor lord called my name... That gaze is still the same, but why does it feel so intimate this time... Not the right time. She shook her head, her expression serious and calm as she spoke.
"Manor Lord, this principle, it's truly the first time I've heard it."
Noah was surprised. Such a simple principle, and they didn't know it in this world? It seems that his 12 years of education might make him famous in this realm.
"Can you tell me some principles similar to this one?"
Lalatina furrowed her brows in thought.
"Manor Lord, I was taught that success only comes through continuous effort. Even if one's talent is lacking, as long as one works tirelessly, success will come one day. This is the teaching of the Red Dust Sage. Meanwhile, the Starlight Daoist teaches that all things have a destined path and that one should follow the heavens. Defying one's fate will bring calamity."
Noah thought, 'I see, a conflict between the ruling classes. The rulers talk about destiny, while the oppressed say that human effort is invincible. It seems there is a reason for me to be here. First, resolve this war, then introduce modern ideas of peace to this world. No more wars...'
"By the way, Lalatina, are the people who came with you to the manor also followers of the Red Dust Sage?"
Lalatina thought, 'The manor lord called my name again... That intimate feeling is coming back, what's wrong with me...'
"Manor Lord, there are people from both factions."
Noah suddenly realized that the most important thing right now was to enlighten the newcomers to the manor, to prevent them from fighting each other.
"Lalatina, wake up the other two, then come to the main hall to meet me. I have some matters to announce."
...
In the main hall, Noah passionately talked about equality, human rights, legal systems, and the dangers of war, along with its terrible consequences, his voice echoing with power. As he spoke, he glanced at the people below.
They listened with dazed eyes, their faces blank. It seems I spoke too soon. I need to let them absorb it gradually.
"In short, you must not fight each other over these two conflicting philosophies, understand?"
Among the crowd, grand Confucianist Wu Ding Xi's eyes were red, his expression alternating between smiling and dazed, his hair disheveled as he clutched it with both hands. He stepped forward as if to say something, but couldn't find the words. He didn't know where to begin...
Noah noticed that the old man was becoming agitated, showing signs of overload, so he glanced at Zhao Yu and gave an order.
"Zhao Yu, this Wu elder is getting agitated and might lose control. Take him and throw him into the river behind the mountain to cool off and calm down. Oh, and take Elliot Royce along as well."
Zhao Yu, who had been spacing out, suddenly heard the manor lord ordering him to throw two grand Confucianists into the river. He thought he had misheard and looked back at Noah.
In response, he received a nod, along with an encouraging look. He... remained silent, his heart in turmoil. The manor lord wants me to throw two grand Confucianists, who could rival those in the tribulation stage, into the river while their minds are unstable?
But if he didn't do it, the manor lord might take out his anger on his sect... His heart went numb. Truly, being close to a powerful figure is like living beside a tiger. At this point, I can only take a gamble.
Zhao Yu slowly walked toward the two men, his eyes dead and devoid of life.
"You heard the manor lord. Do you want to jump into the river yourselves, or do you want me to throw you in?"
The two paused for a moment, then replied,
"Thank you for your concern, Chief Zhao. We'll jump ourselves."
Then they slowly walked out, their backs desolate and full of sorrow.
Watching their departing figures, Zhao Yu felt as if he had barely survived... but then he heard that ominous voice again.
"Zhao Yu, make sure they don't drown or catch a cold. After all, they have rather weak constitutions."
Noah only intended to scare them. If anything serious happened, he would feel guilty.
"Why are you still standing there? Go quickly!"
After Zhao Yu left, Noah looked at the remaining people and said,
"What I said today, think carefully about it. Also, the person beside me is the new manor steward, Chief Kim. If you have any questions or concerns, you can ask her.
Alright, everyone may return to your duties."
Although he had overstepped his authority and meddled, those 20 people were still part of the manor, and he couldn't let them get involved in a meaningless war. So surely the heavens wouldn't mind.