Yingdala

[beifengxiaoxiao]

THE HOIZAU PAPER
 
Local Gwanzi Saves Defense Minister Cheung, Credits Jienism for Heroic Actions
April 10, 5585

Stunning developments occurred last evening in Hoizau (Kaizhou). Defense Minister of the United Republic of Yingdala, Cheung Ganping was inspecting a military base nearby the city but failed to notice a sniper that was aiming for him. Just in time before the shot, Minister Cheung was tackled to the ground and protected by a young man, who proceeded to return fire and incapacitate the would-be assassin. As of yet the Armed Forces have not permitted for the release of information pertaining to the neutralized gunman.

It was a stunning turn of events, but none could be in doubt that one of the most important men in All Under Heaven owes his life to this simple private. The young and lowly soldier, one Cou Mong (曹莽), was relatively unknown until now, but holds spectacular promise. Just 20 years of age, Cou comes from an impoverished family, having grown up with only a single mother, his father having died in a Triad war. He worked hard and passed the Meihaau (尾考) academic exam, entering Hoidaai University (愷大) with top marks at just 16 years of age. During his studies he befriended many scholars and studied diligently whilst wearing the Pao and Fu of a Jienist scholar. Despite earning an immense amount of money through hard work and scholarship funds, he took no wealth and lived frugally, instead choosing to regift the money to institutions of learning and scholarships for the unfortunate and academically struggling. Cou was noted for his exceptional humility, compassion, wisdom, and above all else the desire to study the classics. When his cousin Cou Wing (曹永) died, he took care of his son and also tended extensively to his own sick mother. The more decorated Cou Mong became, the more humble and hardworking he would be. Finally, midway through his studies Cou decided to graduate early and join the Armed Forces to both serve the country and enrich himself in learned experience. In this way he was a true patriot and outstanding man.

Cou credited Jienism for giving him the guiding principles he uses in everyday life. According to Cou, his harsh upbringing revealed to him that disorder and disruption of the proper rites and etiquette were at fault for hardship and suffering. Had the circumstances of life been corrected through the proper observance of ancestral rituals, the application of correct relations like filial piety, and the admonishing of vice, he argues that all injustice would dissapear forever. Thus, he has made it his life mission to work to rectify the problems of society through the teachings of Jienshi. Even in this difficult and uncertain Republican period, the Yingdalan people have remained firmly loyal to the teachings of Master Jien, and Cou is an outstanding example of that.

It was for these outstanding reasons that Defense Minister Cheung has declared Cou a Gwanzi (君子), or superior man, and has advocated for Cou to become a Guard Commander (射聲校尉), a significant jump in the Armed Forces hierarchy for the young man. Cou Mong will be one of the most senior military officials stationed near Hoizau, and will have significant influence in the Armed Forces.

Even as the Unity Party (聯合黨, Lyunhapdong) and the Anarcho-Communist Party (無政共産黨, Mouzing-Gungcaandong) squabble over rule in the United Republic, many hope that Cou Mong can set a good example for the youth and populace of Yingdala. There may yet be hope for the spread of exceptional morals and disciplined conduct in the nation.