“Can a strategist not ascend the throne?”
Chapter 30
This debate was bound to be special, and as the two sides faced each other, it was hard not to notice the stark differences between them.
One party was a mere child of ten, while the other had long surpassed the age of knowing destiny.
Even those who knew Qiao Yan was well-prepared couldn’t help but sweat a little as they witnessed this confrontation between a child and an elder.
However, when they heard Qiao Yan standing confidently before Zhang Jiao, the Great Virtuous Teacher who had established a religious organization of hundreds of thousands, calmly say, “I have patiently awaited the half-month period,” they all breathed a sigh of relief.
Cheng Li, who had previously labeled Qiao Yan a born orator while at Changshe, couldn’t help but revise his impresssion again.
This was perhaps beyond the level of a mere speaker.
She was so calm that she resembled a competent politician, a capable leader, not just a speaker.
Such traits appearing in a still young girl should have been baffling.
Yet, against the backdrop of the Yellow Turban Rebellion, there was a sense that it was a natural emergence due to the chaotic times and the precarious situation.
Even someone as insightful as Cheng Li likely didn’t foresee more profound implications.
He merely thought, since Qiao Yan represented the local community in Yanzhou, having such talent wasn’t a bad thing for the region.
The pressing matter at hand was still this very debate.
Onstage, Zhang Jiao gazed around at the countless curious eyes.
Due to his unusual demeanor over the years, it was difficult to gauge his feelings; all they could see was him shifting his gaze back to Qiao Yan and saying, “It’s not too long of a wait; I truly want to hear what reason you have to claim that my Way of Great Peace is erroneous.”
Zhang Jiao had built up so many followers through this doctrine, so how could he willingly accept that there could be any error in it?
If they were to discuss the fundamental texts of the Way of Great Peace, they’d have to trace back to the rumored “Scripture of Great Peace,” attributed to Ji, the one Qiao Yan had mentioned during her conversation with Zheng Xuan.
The Scripture of Great Peace was inherited from the Book of the Great Peace and, although largely salvaged and integrated rather than originally created, certainly took considerable effort to accomplish.
Zhang Jiao had absolute confidence in his own dedication and the validity of his doctrine.
Moreover, to lead others to believe, he had to be a faithful follower himself.
With such an attitude, what about Qiao Yan?
Facing this near interrogation from Zhang Jiao, Qiao Yan remained unfazed.
Having used her opportunity as Liang Zhongning’s strategist to review both texts, in what could be seen as a battle-preparation period of half a month, she had also revisited them under Zheng Xuan’s guidance.
Thus, with a foundational three-part outline for the debate, the details she had incrementally added gave her increased confidence.
On the surface, attempting to suppress the Great Virtuous Teacher seemed almost laughable.
One must remember, even during the strife of the Three Kingdoms, the residual influence of the Way of Great Peace could not be underestimated; it, along with Zhang Lu of Hanzhong’s Five Pecks of Rice teaching, was considered the origin of Taoist organizations.
Pulling it off its pedestal sounded like a legendary feat.
However, perhaps because of an innate ambition, standing atop that high platform, she felt a bubbling vigor without a trace of fear about clashing into an immovable boulder; only a desire to challenge a certain something was palpable.
Zhang Jiao was arguing his doctrinal points tenaciously, so how could she not consider herself challenging him!
Qiao Yan retorted, “As I mentioned, today’s debate is divided into three parts. This first debate will discuss the movements of the sun, moon, and stars.”
Zhang Jiao looked a bit surprised; it was a rather tricky topic for someone so young.
He realized he had underestimated Qiao Yan.
This child, capable of restraining the Yellow Turbans, clearly wasn’t going to stick to just rebutting with a line from the Scripture of Great Peace saying, “A man should have two wives, symbolizing yin and yang.”
He immediately asked, “How do you differentiate the movements of the sun, moon, and stars?”
Qiao Yan gathered her sleeves, pointing to the sky, and asked, “Do you not know how the Great Peace Essentials speaks of the sun, moon, and stars?”
Zhang Jiao knew that Qiao Yan wasn’t truly ignorant of this; she simply wanted him to articulate it himself.
Yet, in Zhang Jiao’s understanding, the discourse on the movements of the sun, moon, and stars in the Scripture of Great Peace derived its essence from the “Heavenly Official Calendar of the Great Peace,” corresponding with the theory of the three governance divisions.
Even if Qiao Yan aimed to refute some discrepancies therein, given her experience, it was nearly impossible for her to accomplish.
Thus, contrary to the aggression in Qiao Yan’s words, Zhang Jiao’s tone was clearly more placid, “Among the three lights of the sun, moon, and stars, the sun is the most prominent; the sun and moon are the greatest brightness, where the sun symbolizes the ruler, the moon symbolizes the ministers, and the stars symbolize the officials, harmonizing to illuminate and nurture all things. If the three lights walk the path without fail, they illuminate the eight directions; if they deviate from the path, their light extinguishes. When the light is present, the stars maintain their courses, not erring from the path, indicating the utmost essence between heaven and earth.”
Qiao Yan’s expression was unruffled as she continued, “Then what of solar eclipses and astrological disasters?”
Zhang Jiao replied, “The wrath of heaven manifests in the sun, moon, and stars; if they are harmonious, there are no eclipses. In ancient times, when things were managed well, eclipses were rare; but in later times, the conduct of people became erratic, and they lost alignment with the will of heaven, causing eclipses; this is the reason for solar eclipses and calamities.”
“So, what is the will of heaven?” Qiao Yan asked again.
Her barrage of three questions came without pause, and she didn’t rebut Zhang Jiao’s earlier points, causing him to feel a little off.
But thinking it over, it didn’t seem too bizarre. Since Qiao Yan wanted to correctly challenge the doctrines of the Way of Great Peace, she would understandably wish to hear its expository views.
The initial inquiry about the meanings of the sun, moon, and stars was met with Zhang Jiao’s explanations as they related to the interpretations in the Scripture of Great Peace.
Within the entire doctrine of the Way of Great Peace, there was a hint of “governing with virtue, akin to the North Star,” linking the movements of the sun and moon to earthly affairs.
Thus, regarding her second question about solar and lunar eclipses, Zhang Jiao’s response was naturally that human turmoil on earth resulted in these eclipses.
Of course, the sun symbolized the emperor, and so the notion of solar eclipses signified an emperor’s lack of merit; this idea wasn’t unique to the Way of Great Peace; it had been conventionally accepted throughout society.
Anyone living in the Han Dynasty could easily name a monarch who issued self-accusation edicts due to solar eclipses.
A well-known case was Emperor Wen of Han.
In fact, Zhang Jiao felt that his two answers were perfectly reasonable.
As for this third inquiry—
Zhang Jiao replied, “If he governs with purity and tranquility, the three lights will shine brightly.”
Barely had he finished when Qiao Yan let out a chuckle.
“Good! Since you have finished speaking, it’s my turn now, and let me clarify the basis of my first rebuttal.”
As she spoke, she seemingly unintentionally stepped forward.
This was both a sign for starting her argument and a subtle way to instill psychological pressure on her opponent.
Seeing her lift her gaze, although Zhang Jiao could only look up due to their height difference, the determination in her eyes revealed no hint of submission to an elder, only steadfastness.
Qiao Yan said, “Let’s debate point by point.”
“According to your words, the three lights of the sun, moon, and stars represent the utmost, maintaining their courses zealously; during ancient times of perfect harmony among humanity, they exhibited exemplary compliance, yet—”
Her gaze swept across the Yellow Turban soldiers below, who were virtually convinced by what Zhang Jiao had said, and turned towards Zheng Xuan below, nodding at him. “I spoke with Lord Zheng of Beihai about this, and he mentioned that he has a close friend who previously observed the movements of the stars and lunar changes in the capital, recording them; that was Liu Hong, Liu Yuanzhuo.”
Hearing the names Liu Hong and Zheng Xuan, Zhang Jiao’s heart skipped.
If we were to discuss the most renowned astronomers of the time, Zheng Xuan could be in the top three, while Liu Hong undoubtedly stood at the very top.
For any astronomer of any era, being appointed to oversee predictions for solar and lunar eclipses was recognition of their status, and four years ago, Liu Hong had already received this position.
As for Zheng Xuan, while not renowned solely for his astronomical prowess, he remained an esteemed elder to the people of Ji Province, regardless of his background.
If not so, during the historical Battle of Guandu between Cao Cao and Yuan Shao, they wouldn’t have specifically summoned him to serve as a tool to amplify their reputation; the Yellow Turbans wouldn’t have dared confront him either.
Now, hearing Qiao Yan mention him seemed to imply he was present, and even though they all knew it was somewhat inappropriate, they couldn’t help but glance in his direction.
Qiao Yan continued, “Years ago, Lord Liu proposed a preliminary calendar called the Qianxiang Calendar, which received broad recognition from Cai Bojie and Lord Zheng among various insightful individuals; one of the foundational concepts of the Qianxiang Calendar is called the Lunar Departure Table.”
Were it not for Zheng Xuan’s presence, Qiao Yan couldn’t have stated it so assertively.
This table, later recognized by future generations for clearly outlining the unevenness of lunar movements, although Qiao Yan couldn’t recite it verbatim, Zheng Xuan certainly could.
Having spent thirteen years in secluded study, he was bested only by his own books and letters, and he particularly remembered the suggestions made by his friend regarding the Lunar Departure Table.
If he spoke up, it would seem somewhat brazen, but merely presenting instances as evidence and providing records of astronomical observations—
In that case, the debate was still between Qiao Yan and Zhang Jiao.
This was completely acceptable!
The Lunar Departure Table, drafted by Zheng Xuan’s hands, was delivered to Qiao Yan, who unfurled it before Zhang Jiao.
Qiao Yan declared, “The phenomenon of uneven lunar motion has existed since ancient times and continues to repeat itself; there are additional rules. This is entirely disconnected from the normal courses; it’s because of recent changes and thus should not be correlated at all!”
“If you wish to argue that human observation and deduction can be flawed, then even Lord Zheng and Lord Liu can make mistakes, I will debate this solar eclipse and the will of heaven with you.” Sensing Zhang Jiao was about to say something, Qiao Yan jumped in first.
She didn’t grant Zhang Jiao the opportunity to interject, continuing, “According to the doctrine of the Way of Great Peace, if the ruler’s governance is unclear and turmoil ensues, then the virtue must be lacking, and thus the will of heaven wanes, resulting in the three lights—the sun, moon, and stars—being extinguished, which leads to a solar eclipse. But—
“In my view of the past several hundred years from the Han Dynasty until now, this principle has rarely been followed!”
Her eyes sparkled, and the words pouring forth from her lips exuded an indescribable confidence.
“During the reign of Emperor Xiaojing, on the third day of the second month of the year Renzi at the end of the lunar cycle, followed by another eclipse in the seventh month of the following year, however, the former occurred just after the suppression of the Seven Kingdoms rebellion, while the latter took place amidst the prosperous governance of the Wenjing period, with the future Emperor Xiao Wu as crown prince. It’s hard to argue governance lacked clarity.”
“And then during the reign of Emperor Xiao Wu, on the second day of the second month of the second year of the Yuan Shuo calendar, while since the sixth year of Yuan Guang, General Wei Zhongqing led the cavalry north to subdue the Xiongnu, departing from Yanmen in the first year of Yuan Shuo with 30,000 iron cavalry, cutting down thousands of enemies, and later repelling the invading Hu troops from Shanggu Yuyang, taking the Gao Que; from then on, the regions of Shuo Fang and Wuyuan came under control.”
“Can all of this truly be labeled as the emperor’s failure in virtue?”
A murmur rustled among the crowd.
The names Emperor Xiaojing and Emperor Xiao Wu referred clearly to Liu Qi and Liu Che of the Han!
The Han Dynasty had thrived through extensive struggles, and how could the common people, suffering in dire straits, not yearn for the great sovereigns of old? Naturally, emperors Jing and Wu had become figures of heroic grandeur in their imaginations.
Listening to Qiao Yan, even those Yellow Turban soldiers who couldn’t grasp the earlier discussions on the sun, moon, and stars would understand what she was getting at now.
The Great Virtuous Teacher said the movement of the sun and moon corresponded with earthly circumstances, suggesting a solar eclipse stems from a ruler’s failure in virtue, but in reality?
The year after the suppression of the Seven Kingdoms rebellion witnessed a solar eclipse, a solar eclipse occurred during the zenith of Wenjing’s governance, another during Wei Qing’s success at Yanmen, and yet again during the court’s acquisition of Shuo Fang and Wuyuan.
This clearly didn’t align with what the Great Virtuous Teacher had stated.
Even amongst those who had always trusted Zhang Jiao, doubt spread amongst them, as they exchanged somewhat confused glances.
Meanwhile, Qiao Yan did not grant Zhang Jiao the chance to rebut, confidently advancing her well-prepared arguments. “If you argue that all my examples are from the Western Han, and that the creation of the Scripture of Great Peace is due to local conditions, that’s acceptable too.”
The more Zhang Jiao listened, the more he felt those four words about local conditions dripped with mockery.
“Then let’s talk about the reign of Emperor Ming. During the Yongping years, there were occasions of a solar eclipse twice in a single year, both visible from Luoyang; yet Emperor Ming fostered agriculture and promoted the people, leading to campaigns later that resulted in the great defeat of the Xiongnu at Tianshan.”
“Ban Zhongsheng took thirty-six officials to the Western Regions, asking nations to send envoys to court, echoing what Lord Chen Zigong once proclaimed: ‘Those who violate our strong Han will be punished, no matter how far away they may be.’ Nearly a century later, they were echoed again. May I inquire, is this also to be labeled as the emperor’s failure in virtue?”
They spoke of Emperor Ming—referring to Liu Zhuang, during the Ming Zhang period!
This still resonated with the magnificence of the Han.
During Emperor Ming’s reign, the most absurd solar eclipse occurred—a total of two within a single year; could that truely indicate the emperor harbored moral failures or a disorderly realm?
After decades and centuries, they once again communicated with the Western Regions, restoring the proclamation that ‘any violators will face punishment regardless of distance.’
If that truly was heaven’s warning to the son of heaven, then heavens were rather foolish.
As Qiao Yan reached this point, her fervent rhetoric waned a little, her gaze turning back to Zhang Jiao’s face, asking, “May I inquire if this statement from the Scripture of Great Peace can stand?”
Of course not.
Zhang Jiao, still shocked, heard her conclude, “This is not the emperor’s fault, rather it is simply the norm of the movements of the sun and moon.”
It wasn’t just Zhang Jiao who was momentarily stunned; even Zheng Xuan took a moment to collect himself.
He and Liu Hong had spent years mastering astrological discussions, yet neither dared to assert that a solar eclipse was not the emperor’s fault.
But for her to say this now, even though directed toward the heavens, no one could deem it disrespectful; instead, they would praise her.
She had spoken at the most opportune moment.
If solar eclipses didn’t signal a lost virtue in the emperor, then what of droughts? Locust plagues? Great epidemics?
Zhang Rang’s eyes sparkled as he eagerly wished to jot down every word spoken by Qiao Yan.
He had erroneously believed he comprehended the divine will; yet over decades in ascendance, he probably couldn’t surpass Qiao Yan’s words reaching the palace.
Even if she missed the title of a marquis, Liu Hong would surely not neglect this great contributor.
After all, what Qiao Yan had articulated effectively provided an explanation for the calamities plaguing the world.
If Zhang Rang could consider that, Zhang Jiao would undoubtedly make the connection too.
His expression changed repeatedly before finally squeezing out, “The movements of the sun and moon are not known to us mere mortals; one such instance cannot be wholly believed.”
That was indeed a rationale.
The sun and moon were mysterious; human discrepancies could not be taken at face value.
Moreover, it wasn’t that humans always understood; but typically in a debate, one ought to anticipate their opponent’s responses; how could Qiao Yan not have accounted for Zhang Jiao’s likely reply?
She chuckled, “Of course, you all enjoy contradicting yourselves, wielding those spring and autumn brush strokes; what’s my statement worth but a critique of your words as not entirely credible?”
Before Zhang Jiao could spit ‘arrogance,’ Qiao Yan quickly continued, “And let’s not pretend I’m fabricating! As mentioned in volume sixty-seven of the Scripture of Great Peace, ‘These wise ones, in essence, know not, yet through their efforts accomplish.’ In volume eighty-eight, it’s stated, ‘A woman knows herself by nature; if she doesn’t, she questions her strength, it is secondary.’ Allow me to pose a question; since the Way of Great Peace serves as a guiding principle, wouldn’t it also demand full obedience—”
“Are you born with knowledge, or born without?”
“Not quite what I expected.”
“Are you sure you’re not a bit too familiar with the Scripture of Great Peace? Catching a mistake like that?”
Cao Cao, sitting below the stage, let out a laugh without giving Zhang Jiao any face. “My dear niece is such a little smart aleck, I wondered why she was looking for contradictions in the Scripture of Great Peace; turns out it’s for this moment.”
Yet Qiao Yan on stage, after shooting a clever retort at Zhang Jiao, showed no aggression at all. She just waved her hand and said, “But considering the Scripture of Great Peace is the wisdom of many, some contradictions are quite likely. If that’s the only rebuttal you have, it’s fine. Let’s not discuss the weather but rather the matters of men. This second debate is all about that.”
Her words hit deeper than just a simple counterattack.
“The Scripture of Great Peace is the wisdom of many,” she said lightly, but it was basically questioning the uniqueness of the Great Virtuous Teacher’s position.
“You claim it’s the wisdom of many, yet the leaders are neither you nor your incapable brother?”
Zhang Jiao felt a pang in his chest, the taste of blood rising in his throat, but he had to hold back and ask, “What do you mean by matters of men?”
Qiao Yan replied, “Medical skills.”
Instead of advancing on Zhang Jiao like she did in the first round, she took two steps towards the side of the stage where the Yellow Turban soldiers stood.
“I know many among you rely on the Great Virtuous Teacher’s Talisman Water for survival. The Scripture of Great Peace states that heavenly doctors come down, all diseases are eradicated, and one can extend their life. Is this true?”
A chorus of agreement echoed from the crowd.
Zhang Jiao struggled to regain his composure.
From their response, he could tell that despite losing some prestige to Qiao Yan’s sharp words, and feeling a pinch of doubt towards the Way of Great Peace, he wasn’t ready to concede just yet.
At this moment, Qiao Yan turned to him and inquired, “How do you cure them?”
He spoke slowly, “The Scripture of Great Peace says, to remove diseases and open the way, one must take secrets from the alchemical texts and swallow them. That’s why we use talismans to bless the water, with heavenly doctors descending to grant blessings.”
That indeed was the method employed by Zhang Jiao and his brothers.
Qiao Yan clapped her hands. “Good, good! Alchemical texts and swallowing secrets.”
“When General Wang Shi attacked Guangzong, a lot of those alchemical texts and divine talismans were dug out from your residence, thanks to Uncle Mengde for his hard work, and they’ve been brought here.”
Just as she started clapping, Dian Wei had already lugged up a big bag of “divine talismans.”
Since Zhang Jiao wanted to spread kindness, he’d surely stockpile plenty of talismans, which appeared to be an immense quantity to the audience below.
Then, more items were brought up as well.
Zhang Jiao quickly scanned and noticed there were also some vermilion powder he had commissioned earlier, several bamboo tubes, a metal rack, and a furnace…
Before he could process what Qiao Yan was planning, he heard her ask, “May I ask, is there a theoretical basis in medical texts for alchemical texts and swallowing secrets?”
This was indeed a question Zhang Jiao could answer. He confidently replied, “The Classic of Herbs by Shennong states that vermilion can cure various ailments of the body’s organs, nourishes the spirit, calms the soul, boosts energy, and enhances vision. Long-term use can even make one immortal. Thus, our Way of Great Peace incorporates vermilion in our talismans, boosting our connection to the divine. This is the righteous path.”
Below, people exchanged glances and seemed to agree with Zhang Jiao—
If it weren’t for the abilities of the Talisman Water, they wouldn’t have survived the epidemics.
Though previously he had lost in the debate about celestial mechanics, to these struggling folks, the life-saving assistance felt far more significant.
This was precisely why they were following Zhang Jiao.
But… was Qiao Yan trying to rebut that concept?
These Yellow Turban soldiers began to look confused.
However, Qiao Yan’s response was, “True, vermilion is indeed a great thing. But…”
As she paused, Zhang Jiao suddenly realized that most of the ones carrying the furnace, bamboo tubes, vermilion, and talismans were already offstage, but one remained on the stage.
This old man appeared spry and lively, clearly not a regular person.
In fact, it might be inaccurate to even call him an old man, given the youthful black hair and well-kept skin that showed little sign of his age.
Qiao Yan bowed her hands towards him, asking, “May I ask, Mr. Yuanhua, what is the true efficacy of vermilion?”
The Classic of Herbs had long been a benchmark for doctors before the end of the Eastern Han, but since it was compiled between the Qin and Han, it was essentially a medical work by many and might be a bit outdated.
Medical advancements during the Guanghe era and the recent medical reform due to epidemics had updated many herbal remedies previously recorded in the Classic of Herbs.
Hua Tuo, the renowned physician, was one of those who had redefined the effects of medicinal herbs.
Hearing this name, Zhang Jiao was taken aback once again.
Hua Tuo’s reputation for healing spread far and wide. If they weren’t on separate paths, the credit for healing could easily have fallen on Zhang Jiao’s shoulders.
Now seeing Qiao Yan invite Zheng Xuan and then Hua Tuo, Zhang Jiao felt an ominous premonition creeping in.
Hua Tuo, unaware of the change in Zhang Jiao’s expression due to his presence, replied to Qiao Yan’s question, “Months ago, I encountered a patient who urgently needed vermilion. He had a mysterious tumor on his back, and if not treated swiftly, it could threaten his life. My prescription included vermilion.”
“Vermilion indeed has calming and detoxifying properties, making it an effective medicine for heat-related illnesses.”
Zhang Jiao was not yet able to breathe a sigh of relief from Hua Tuo’s affirmation of vermilion’s medical value when he heard Qiao Yan ask, “But can vermilion, as recorded in the Classic of Herbs, truly cure all heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys?”
“Naturally not.” Hua Tuo decisively replied, “Doctors must prescribe based on symptoms. Especially in complex epidemic cases, if heat-clearing is not needed, vermilion would never be added.”
Hua Tuo had begun searching for patients long ago, and since Yanzhou was adjacent to Jizhou, he had visited Jizhou.
People in the audience recognized him from years back.
They couldn’t lie that Qiao Yan had dragged in a false divine doctor from who knows where.
But because of their trust in the Great Virtuous Teacher, they couldn’t help but think that although Hua Tuo was right, vermilion didn’t seem entirely bad; it was just sometimes unrelated.
But who was to say whether the non-relatedness might not lead to some changes due to the impact of divine talismans?
Zhang Jiao argued, “Vermilion is not toxic, and it promotes blood flow and spiritual energy while eliminating harmful elements. Once the harm is removed, it connects with the divine, naturally curing all diseases. The prescriptions of a physician and the methods of our Way of Great Peace are not one and the same. It is presumptuous of you to judge my errors based solely on a divine physician.”
Before he could finish, he saw Qiao Yan sporting a smile that could only be described as “predictably.”
“That’s exactly what we were waiting for, that vermilion is non-toxic?”
Qiao Yan leaned down and grabbed a couple of bamboo tubes from the items brought on stage.
Zhang Jiao only then noticed that each had a small hole, and they were linked by a hollow bamboo joint.
Clearly, they were special instruments.
In the next moment, he heard Qiao Yan say, “Could you please check if there’s any poison in this bamboo tube and see if it contains the vermilion you used?”
With Hua Tuo close by to assist with the confirmation, and Zhang Jiao indeed having some medical skills, he didn’t spot anything wrong with Qiao Yan’s materials.
So, he followed along as one of the bamboo tubes had vermilion powder added and was placed over the iron net on the furnace.
Qiao Yan noticed the fire intensifying and signaled everyone to step back.
This method of extricating mercury from vermilion could easily lead to the release of mercury vapor, better to keep a distance.
Indeed, it was mercury.
What Qiao Yan found odd was that there was a considerable amount of mercury in the tomb of the First Emperor, and Ba Gu was also involved in the vermilion industry. By the Han Dynasty, there were references to extracting mercury from vermilion in “Huainanzi,” but most medical texts throughout history marked vermilion as “non-toxic,” hardly mentioning any possible side effects.
Even during the Wei and Jin dynasties, it was described as “if taken long-term, one would become as light as an immortal,” and it wasn’t until the Ming and Qing periods that phrases like “non-toxic when raw, lethal when processed” appeared.
However, modern medicine has proven that while free mercury in vermilion doesn’t accumulate in large amounts in the body, it indeed builds up over time, posing risks to the kidneys and nervous system.
Of course, from a more objective viewpoint, occasional consumption of Talisman Water isn’t likely to cause harmful accumulation. But—
So what?
If under the influence of the Way of Great Peace talismans, everyone truly believed vermilion could cure all poisons and connect with deities, it would inevitably lead to relying solely on its calming effects and avoiding proper medical treatment.
This was bound to be detrimental in an already disease-ridden era, filled with suffering.
She genuinely needed this opportunity to strike at the reputation of the Way of Great Peace.
At this moment, she proved that the mercury toxicity resulting from the refining of vermilion was a fact, but for the audience, they wouldn’t consider all the details.
They just needed to know that burning the talisman paper was toxic.
Qiao Yan glanced back at Zhang Jiao.
He was staring at the raging fire and bamboo tubes with a look of horror, a hint of paleness crossing his face.
It was clear; he had already figured out what Qiao Yan was about to do.
In the boiling flames and disintegrating vermilion, he had no chance to intervene.
When the fire finally died down, the side of the bamboo tube that hadn’t contained vermilion pooled together mercury and was handed to Zhang Jiao.
Qiao Yan asked, “Can you tell me, is this substance toxic?”
With those words, Zhang Jiao managed to spit out an “It is” through gritted teeth.
Did he even have a chance to deny it? No, he didn’t.
He had already seen what Qiao Yan had done while asking that question, a merciless signal to Dian Wei that he could bring Zhang Liang up at any time.
Zhang Jiao realized that once he answered “no,” that extracted mercury would undoubtedly be poured into his brother’s belly.
So, all he could hear was the crowd erupting in near chaos after he gave that answer.
Zhang Jiao had just admitted it!
The Talisman Water of the Way of Great Peace was toxic!
At that moment, the calming and spiritual effects paled in comparison to the repercussions of accumulating poison within the body.
This was far more lethal than the previous rebuttal about celestial mechanics.
Had Hua Tuo not mentioned that the small amount of mercury residue wouldn’t lead to serious consequences—the veritable essentials in special prescriptions that they, as doctors, weighed carefully to use—Zhang Jiao had no doubt—
Just a moment ago he was a beacon of hope for these people, and now he would surely be rushed on stage to meet his end.
This second debate pierced right to the core, and his mouth was filled not just with a metallic taste but extreme bitterness.
But when he looked down at the enraged crowd, seeing the soldiers obeying Huangfu Song and Lu Zhi’s orders to put down their weapons, his sharp mind quickly caught a glimmer of realization amidst all the blows.
When he turned back to Qiao Yan, his gaze had regained its composure.
Earlier, startled by the explosive comments she had thrown out, the panic that had once flashed across his face was now gone, replaced with an expression of calm.
In the midst of the crowd’s clamor, he asked, “What’s the third debate?”
He wanted to die, but he wanted an answer first.
But perhaps, he didn’t need to wait for Qiao Yan to explain, for when he saw the monk in dyed robes walking up to the stage, he already had an answer in his heart.
He closed his eyes and heard Qiao Yan’s voice clearly ringing in his ears.
“The Scripture of Great Peace eloquently expounds the so-called three lights of heaven and earth, the theory of human-divine unity, but if it were truly a perfect system, why steal from others to fill in the gaps?”
“Buddhism entered during the reign of Emperor Xuanming, bringing with it the monk system that had developed in India for over six centuries, allowing you to see what a religious organization needs to be stable and understand that only such a mature system can ignite the fiercest waves.”
“Slogans, rules, organization—these are experiences stolen from Buddhism. The notion of blessed lands in the Buddhist world surely contributed to your celestial celestial realm theory.”
“So, is the existence of the Way of Great Peace a divine gift?”
Divine gift or man-made?
As Qiao Yan descended from the high platform, she paused halfway, looking back towards Zhang Jiao, feeling a sense of bittersweet.
This leader of the Way of Great Peace who once seemed like a celestial being was now visibly diminished.
Amidst the outcries from below, he seemed to have fallen into a state of helplessness.
Qiao Yan saw it clearly; even Liang Zhongning, who had once held hope for Zhang Jiao, now looked empty-eyed and momentarily unsure whether to believe the Way of Great Peace was indeed a path to salvation.
And this Great Virtuous Teacher who had lost the trust of even the rebel leader…
He had been harboring a severe illness, predicted to pass away in three months. At this moment of consecutive shocks, it seemed to ignite whatever latent ailments he had, making him appear utterly disheveled.
But Qiao Yan had no extra sympathy for him.
Since this grand peasant uprising, whether or not she intervened, would inevitably be crushed, then if this leader couldn’t topple, more would perish by losing the trust of their supporters.
At least now, those below who viewed Zhang Jiao as a poison doctor probably wouldn’t die.
Qiao Yan took a deep breath and continued walking towards the crowd.
The expressions of the people she met helped her temporarily forget the fallen figure of that tyrant, and she quickly realized, aside from saving lives, she had already half won her own rewards.
Even if she sought external help, today’s debate with Zhang Jiao was undoubtedly her victory!
No one could overshadow her brilliance today!
Huangfu Song was the first to speak, “From today forth, your sharp debating skills will surely be known throughout the realm. To defeat someone like Zhang Jiao… truly remarkable, indeed.”
He even wondered if his earlier praise of “Talent to Assist a King” was slightly understated.
But after contemplating, aside from that title, there wasn’t much else to elevate it even higher, so he dropped that thought.
In any case, she certainly had another solid asset to brag about.
However, what he observed, along with Zheng Xuan, Lu Zhi, and others, was that this child still radiated brilliance even after such a decisive victory. After walking past them, she respectfully bowed and replied to Huangfu Song’s praise:
“The insights from celestial mechanics are thanks to the careful calculations of Mr. Zheng and Lord Liu’s talents; the knowledge of medicinal herbs is gathered from Mr. Yuanhua and the divine doctors’ inquiries everywhere; the arrival of foreign teachings from the land of India owes much to the prosperity of the nation.”
“This is the blessing of the Han Dynasty, not merely Qiao Yan’s achievement.”
