96 Hypnosis

Luan Yi cast a glance around at everyone at the table and replied, “As is well known, after the restoration under Emperor Guangwu, His Majesty emulated Emperor Wu of Han and, in the eighteenth year of the Jianwu era, changed the title of ‘governor’ back to ‘inspector.’ From then on, the twelve provinces of the Great Han were each headed by an inspector once again. The advantage of this system is obvious: the inspector singularly leads provincial affairs, streamlining communication and reducing many intermediary steps, making governance more efficient than the older provincial governor system, which had broader but less focused authority.

“However, the drawbacks are equally clear. As the highest-ranking official in a province, combining military, civil, and supervisory powers, the inspector holds unchecked authority within the province. If the ruler is wise, he can govern through the inspector’s loyalty and reputation; if mediocre, he can impose order through imperial might; but if the ruler is foolish… the people’s grievances grow loud and widespread. It is inevitable that some inspectors, wielding great power, harbor rebellious intentions, especially when incited by their subordinates. I ask you all: do you think the current sovereign is wise, mediocre, or foolish?”

There was hesitation among the guests; no one dared answer. Only Zhang Fei spoke bluntly, “He is undoubtedly a foolish ruler.”

Luan Yi was greatly embarrassed. “I speak boldly. These words come from me and reach your ears, but must not be spread beyond this room.”

“Certainly, we shall keep this secret,” everyone promised.

Luan Yi continued, “What is a wise ruler? One who understands and employs capable people, excels both in civil and military matters, and achieves perfect governance—like our Martial Emperor or Emperor Guangwu; what is a mediocre ruler? One with no great ambition, content merely to hold the city but never to achieve greatness; what is a foolish ruler? One who seeks mere comfort, betrays the nation to survive, denounces the virtuous, and burns books and scholars. With these three definitions, it is clear that while the current sovereign is not wise, he is not so foolish as to betray the nation—he is mediocre.

“In the natural order, during the reign of a mediocre ruler, the people’s loyalty remains with the court rather than the provinces, preventing inspectors from acting rebelliously. Yet, in our Great Han, a strange phenomenon has occurred… The present emperor is mediocre, but the late Emperor Huan was truly foolish. Hence, when His Majesty ascended the ancestral temple, popular support was already waning, and the provinces were rife with discontent. Furthermore, with the Ten Eunuchs controlling the court and the imperial relatives wielding power, orders cannot be properly transmitted; edicts cannot be reported upward; governance is chaotic, voices discordant. Many inspectors harbor treasonous hearts, though they hide them well. Once one raises the banner of rebellion, the realm will surely plunge into turmoil. I have traveled far and wide investigating this matter and know well that the day of great disorder approaches—at most five years, at least two—and the vast Han will be engulfed in flames of war. If you doubt, just wait and see.”

To avoid arousing suspicion, Luan Yi deliberately postponed the timeline for the coming chaos by several years. In truth, it was this very year that Zhang Jiao would lead the Taiping Dao to launch the Yellow Turban Rebellion.

Even so, everyone present was utterly shocked, exclaiming, “What?”

“With such a grave matter, why does Mr. Zi Qi not report it to the court?” Zhao Yun inquired.

“Report it to the court?” Luan Yi sneered. “Mr. Zi Gan (the courtesy name of Lu Zhi) once submitted a memorial to His Majesty, detailing the dangers of the inspector system and recommending its abolition in favor of restoring the governor system. But before the memorial even reached the emperor’s desk, it was seized by Zhang Rang, who accused Mr. Zi Gan of alarmism and spreading falsehoods. He proclaimed that the inspector system was the ancestral institution left by Emperor Guangwu, and that Mr. Zi Gan’s suggestion to change it was an act of filial impiety and treachery. Following Zhang Rang’s words, His Majesty rejected the proposal and dismissed Mr. Zi Gan from office. If a great scholar like Mr. Zi Gan cannot persuade the emperor to abolish the inspector system, how could I, a mere sixteen-year-old youth dressed in plain clothes, hope to influence him?”

Zhao Yun suddenly realized. Indeed, he had only considered Luan Yi’s widespread reputation but forgotten that despite his renown among the people, Luan Yi was only a sixteen-year-old with no standing in the court. Even if he submitted petitions, no one would pay them any heed. “According to Mr. Zi Qi, then, great disorder is inevitable; will the ancestral temple not be in grave peril?”

“Indeed!” Luan Yi’s face grew serious. “Chaos is coming, the great house is about to collapse. To turn back the tide, appealing through counsel and remonstrance will not suffice. That is why I have been nurturing a loyal force within the church. I prepare in advance, hoping to command a strong army when the day of turmoil arrives, to the utmost of my ability to raise troops, suppress rebellion, protect the Han dynasty, safeguard the ancestral temple, and restore the glory of the Great Han.”

“Mr. Zi Qi—no, the church leader—your foresight is unmatched!” Zhao Yun stood respectfully and bowed deeply to Luan Yi.

Hearing Zhao Yun no longer address him as Master Luan or Mr. Zi Qi, but as church leader, Luan Yi understood that Zhao Yun had fully accepted him and the Holy Mother Church. Overjoyed, he quickly left his seat and helped him up. “Zi Long, you flatter me; such grand ceremony is unnecessary.”

“Earlier I misunderstood and wronged you, good leader. Please forgive me! In the future, I will gladly serve as your vanguard and foot soldier.”

“Zi Long, your talent is great. If I send you as a vanguard, it would mean I have no eye for talent. From now on, I hope you lead a company of guards to defend the church’s honor and maintain peace in the Han!”

Luan Yi intentionally placed the church before the Han dynasty in his words—a psychological technique known as waking hypnosis. In later times, hypnosis broadly divides into two types: fuzzy hypnosis, often seen on television, where a psychologist, after administering a drug, swings a pocket watch before the patient’s eyes until they slip into a light sleep and then probes their subconscious memories; and waking hypnosis, which is simpler but more subtle, implanting certain ideas into the subconscious through continuous suggestion.

This technique, no longer confined to psychiatric treatment, is widely applied in social propaganda and advertising. Consider a simple, ancient example: when a Chinese person sees a rectangular piece of red silk, what first comes to mind? The five-starred red flag and their motherland. Why this association rather than something else? Because from childhood, they have seen that flag raised and lowered, displayed everywhere during festivals, on streets and alleys. The flag has become ingrained in their very marrow, inseparable from the nation it represents. This is the primary purpose of a national flag.

Another example: the same red cloth, but with a yellow curved line drawn on it—what comes to mind? Some think of the sickle and hammer flag—clearly good citizens! Others might think of McDonald’s—you’re probably a bit overweight then! This demonstrates the use of waking hypnosis in advertising.

Luan Yi brought up waking hypnosis for obvious reasons: from today onward, during his many future interactions with Zhao Yun, he would elevate the Holy Mother Church’s standing in Zhao Yun’s heart, gradually erasing his loyalty to the Han dynasty.

Zhao Yun clearly did not perceive anything amiss in Luan Yi’s words and still regarded him as a loyal minister of the Han, secretly grateful that such a savior existed and that his fate was not yet sealed.

A drink resolved past misunderstandings. Zhao Yun punished himself with a cup, and the earlier displeasure passed.

True heroes appreciate each other. Dian Wei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Huang Zhong, Xu Chu, and Zhao Yun—all men of generosity—passed cups freely, chatting merrily. Old friends Mao Jie and Xu Shu, reunited after many years, must catch up on old times. Meanwhile, Luan Yi remained preoccupied with the future development plans of the academy’s medical department, engaging Wang Tao in ongoing discussions.

The banquet was lively, a scene Luan Yi delighted in most. In high spirits and honored by the continuous toasts from those present, he drank more than usual. The next morning, he slept until the sun was high before waking groggily.

After washing and dressing, he went around visiting all the guests who had come from afar and recently taken up residence, inquiring warmly after their comfort.

Clearly, after the expansion, the accommodations within the Holy Nuwa Cathedral were quite comfortable, and everyone expressed satisfaction.

Zhang Fei loudly praised, “The beds in the Holy Mother’s temple are even comfier than those back at my old home. I slept soundly through the night. Fourth Brother, do you reckon the temple is blessed with the Holy Mother’s spirit? How else could one sleep so soundly?”

Luan Yi rolled his eyes inwardly, thinking: last night you drank over two jin of the divine brew; it would be strange if you didn’t sleep soundly.

When visiting Huang Zhong, Luan Yi brought along Hua Tuo and Wang the doctor, who had recently joined the church, so the medical experts could jointly examine Huang Xu.

After taking his pulse and conferring for a while, they ultimately delivered good news.

Although Huang Xu had long been bedridden, and tuberculosis was difficult to cure, because he had trained in martial arts in his youth and had a strong constitution, the disease had not yet penetrated his vital organs. With medicine and the aid of acupuncture and massage, a complete cure was possible. However, after recovery, his body would remain weaker than normal and require regular medication and care.

For Huang Zhong, saving his son’s life was a blessing in disguise; other matters could be addressed later. Hearing that his only son’s illness could be cured, he was moved to tears of gratitude.

Luan Yi suddenly recalled that in his past life, Chinese medicine had many diagnostic and treatment techniques, and he asked Hua Tuo, “Divine Doctor Hua, do you know the technique of cupping?”

Hua Tuo looked puzzled. “Leader, what are cupping and scraping?”

Luan Yi realized that during the Eastern Han period, such methods had not yet been developed. He explained the principle: “Cupping uses cups as tools placed on the body’s meridians; fire is lit inside to create heat, causing suction on the skin. This removes internal toxins, dispels cold and dampness, unblocks channels, balances yin and yang, strengthens the body, and can clear the lungs and stop tuberculosis!”

“Oh? That is unheard of.” Hua Tuo, worthy of his title, grasped the benefits at once and exclaimed excitedly, “This method is wonderful and can treat many difficult diseases. Young Master Huang will surely recover sooner with this technique.”

“Really?” Huang Zhong’s joy brightened further. “Thank you, leader, thank you, Holy Mother!”

Luan Yi had not expected Huang Zhong to so quickly invoke the Holy Mother’s name. Clearly, the son’s recovery played a crucial role, and the atmosphere within the church had persuaded him to direct his faith toward the Holy Mother Church.

“May I ask, leader, is this cupping method your original invention?” Hua Tuo paused, then amended, “Or did the Holy Mother manifest and grant you this wisdom?”

Luan Yi was momentarily flustered but lied, “The cupping method is neither a teaching of the Holy Mother Church nor my own invention. Many years ago, I observed it from a village healer while diagnosing a patient.”

“Do you know his name?” Hua Tuo pressed.

Luan Yi was even more embarrassed. The cupping technique was actually stolen from the future, so how could he know the healer’s name? He hastily fabricated, “His surname was Li, and his given name Shizhen.”

“Li Shizhen? A true master! Leader, you must send someone to find him and invite him to join the holy faith.”

Luan Yi almost laughed aloud but concealed it, replying seriously, “Of course!”