“The sixth virtue is righteousness, he who puts others before him, need I say more?!”
“The seventh virtue is integrity. You do not have greed in your heart, nor do you have any egotistical desires!” We do not know whether Qin Song’s intention is to really remain pure and incorruptible or if he really treasures his reputation. But, historically, this Qin Song really did not covet even a single cent from the treasury. He only took his salary and moreover he helped to subsidize some of the budget. Probably these military provisions in Wancheng city came from Qin Song’s own pocket.
And so everyone listened attentively to Liu Mang’s summary. “So, this good teacher, this helpful friend is also a mentor. Mr. Qin Song is really a role model. Is he not our Han Dynasties greatest treasure?!” Liu Mang’s praise almost made Qin Song lose his grip on reality “So, in order to rule the country and pacify the world, one must learn from Mr. Qin Song!”
“You are too kind, you are too kind!” Praise wherever and whenever is always very comfortable. With Liu Mang’s praise, Qin Song was more reluctant to provoke Lu Bu again.
When Liu Mang quickly sat down and continued drinking his wine, a nearby scholar suddenly felt strange and stood up “please pardon my inquiry, Your Highness. Your Highness Prince of Shu only said seven virtues, what about the eighth virtue?!”
“Yes, that is right. Your Highness, what about the eighth virtue!” All of the scholars on the scene also started asking Liu Mang. Since Liu Mang praised on how Qin Song cultivated his attitude according to Confucius’ way, then there should be eight virtues.
That eighth virtue was the most important virtue. It’s to know of shame and having a sense of honor.
But Liu Mang said nothing, furthermore, when those scholars kept pressing, he just said he forgot.
Other scholars began to calm down, but only two people kept their view on Liu Mang, that was Zhou Yu and Zhang Zhao.
“Poof!” Behind Sun Ce, there was a young man standing while laughing loudly, inviting attention to himself. Seeing all people gazing at him, this young man tried to hold back his laughter, but due to the subject being too funny, even though he tried it very hard, tried and tried until his whole face turned rose red from holding down his laughter, he couldn't hold it back!
“Lu Meng?! Why do you laugh?!” Sun Ce’s brow wrinkled heavily. Just now Liu Mang was praising Qin Song, and Lu Meng laughed at his praise? This young man is really rude for laughing at Mr. Qin Song.
“Is he Lu Meng?!” Liu Mang had now seen the young man who will become Jiangdong’s viceroy in the future, who will defeat Guan Yu with his stratagems. But currently he is still a brash, unrefined young man who is currently 20 years old.
“Forgive me Milord. It is Meng’s fault for not holding back his laughter! It’s just that His Highness Prince of Shu’s words, was too funny!” Replied Lu Meng while holding his stomach.
“What words did His Highness Prince of Shu say that you found funny, huh? Presumptuous! Say it now, or I will not forgive you!” Sun Ce really scolded Lu Meng, because Lu Meng is just a young man, even younger than he is. If Qin Song provoked Lu Bu now, Sun Ce couldn't scold him directly, after all, Qin Song can be considered his uncle, but what status did Lu Meng have? Did he want to invoke Lu Bu’s army’s wrath?
Because of Lu Meng’s laugh, Qin Song had the opportunity to escape punishment, because Sun Ce was reluctant to do it. So he could only punish Lu Meng to appease Lu Bu’s army.
“AH, AH, AH!” Lu Meng just realized that he has become the scapegoat for Qin Song’s punishment. Then he said it all “Please appease yourself, Milord. I will say it, I will say it. Earlier those scholars were asking His Highness Prince of Shu about the eighth virtue right, but His Highness said he forgot.