PROVOCATEUR, TRAITOR, AND CORRUPTOR 2

Qu You stared closely at Zhu Su. He made a correct guess, his lord's face seemed petrified due to extreme shock. While Liu Ku said furiously, "Can't it be... their true purpose is spreading hate speech and provoking people to hate the government?!"

"The Kaifeng Government must apologize and be responsible to the suffered Kaifeng people, only then the disaster will disappear completely! If the government is still intoxicated with their lavish throne, then this disaster won't subside!" The Head of Dao priests stopped his speech, smiling as he saw the silent villagers. "Well, you don't dare to oppose the government since you are commoners, right? But... if you have no guts, then you must live this life forever! Disasters... famine... you'll die! And you want to be ended in that way?! While the government is still in their pleasurable lifestyles without even concerning whether you die or not!"

Both of Zhu Su's hands were clenching into tight fists. Rage churned inside him.

"Kaifeng people! This is all for you! If you don't dare to do it frontally, then let us go ahead! Just leave everything to us, and we will do it for you!"

"Your Highness, we can arrest all of them. We have enough evidence to punish them according to Da Ming Lü, that they intend to commit treason!" Qu You whispered in fury.

Instead of answering Qu You, Zhu Su went forward, then shouted at the Dao Priests.

"Sir Priest, how great you are. You are sincerely willing to help devastated people. And your speech is so touching, especially when you mentioned that the suffering Kaifeng people must endure is because of the government's fault." Trying so hard to control his voice not to tremble because of the anger coiling in his stomach, Zhu Su now stood in the front row, lips curved a smile (he felt it was polished well enough to look like a happy smile, and not a cynical smile).

The head of Dao priest stared at Zhu Su curiously. He smiled back. "You agree with me, Sir?"

"Certainly. I agree with you, do you stand for the people? However, there is one thing I disagree with you. Do you know what will happen if we oppose the government? Don't you know that the punishment for the rebels is very brutal, in the end, it is us who will get trouble, we will be tortured and even executed? So, will it still be worth for us to rebel just for such kind of result?"

Suddenly the women and elderlies shouted, "Indeed! If we lose against government forces, the punishment waiting for us is very horrible! Even an entire family can be exterminated to nine kinships! We won't let our family die only because of a silly reason!"

Some men also shouted, "Yes, that's right!"

Zhu Su stared thoroughly at those people, felt assured. Apparently, the people are still not wholly provoked by this bastard...

"Haven't I told you? No need for you to go ahead since fighting is all our business! You can't fight, of course you won't be able to win against government forces!..."

"It's the same, Mr. Priest. The government will notice that the people are behind you and we are still affected in the end," Zhu Su replied.

"Huh! How come you are so sure about the government's movement! You sound like a government official!"

Maybe the Reverend Dao just blurted out, but it was enough to make Zhu Su's blood run cold since he did not think the Head of Dao priest would accuse him that way.

"Alright, folks, just trust us! Dispel your doubt! Look, we have created a miracle, the flood has subsided a little, while the government can't solve this problem! We also bring you a lot of delicious food, while the government does nothing to help you! All of these have proved that our level is higher than the government. Everything will be alright! How can the government catch you while they must think about themselves now?! Because they are against the Mandate of Heaven! By representing Heaven, we will punish them!"

This time, the whole villagers turned silent. And Zhu Su, could only press his lips, said nothing after that.

***

"Your Highness, you are supposed to order the arrestment of them all - you even have to do it right at the moment when the rebels were spreading hate speech!"

Qu You shouted loudly and furiously during the court meeting the next day. This meeting was held to discuss the treacherous actions the Dao priests did yesterday. All officials had heard the problem. Liu Ku told them in detail, and Qu You added up with a furious voice. All of them soon got angry with those Dao priests.

"Your Highness, I think they are not the real Dao Priests. They disguise as Dao Priests, pretending to help people, but their real purpose is to provoke the people to rebel against the government," An official commented.

"Planned treason?" Zhu Su asked. "But, who on earth wants to overthrow government?..."

"It has not been late, Your Highness, may you give us the order to arrest those rebels!" Another official chimed in.

Zhu Su furrowed. "I want to do that, really... but I can't!"

"Why?!"

"Because... the Priest's accusation, is somehow correct."

All officials looked at each other and threw a confused gaze.

"There is a flood disaster, but the government doesn't give any help. Fine... we might not be able to dismiss the disaster, but now the people are starving, and they don't get any help, we even still collect taxes from them. I've thought for quite a long time... and I must admit that it is our fault as the government... no, it is my fault..."

"Your Highness, don't blame yourself!" All officials shouted in unison.

"So, by suppressing them with arresting the Priests, then we will do an arbitrary action." Ignoring the shout of all officials, Zhu Su continued, "Perhaps they are real rebels, but his words should be considered thoroughly. I want to be a good leader, not to be a selfish tyrant who only enjoys others misery. Hence, I decide, to eliminate taxes on Kaifeng people being affected by the disaster, and even more, I will donate to the victims of the disaster."

"Your Highness?!..."

"A... are you serious?..."

Zhu Su nodded. "I am serious, wholly. I've seen it by myself how miserable the life of the victims. No shelter, must sleep on the porch, no food to eat... I am so sad to see them living that way!"

The Hall turned silent. They all listened to every word Zhu Su said thoroughly.