“Thieves are easy to suppress, but winning back the people’s hearts is hard. There’s an essay called ‘Using the People at the Right Time’ that’s well written—piercing through the current problems, hitting the mark. If not for a few rambling additions at the end, it should have been ranked top tier.”

　　Charles Carter didn’t dare reply.

　　Edward Reed looked at his disciple, his eyes glinting faintly in the darkness. “You used to be someone without desires or ambitions, but lately you seem restless. What’s going on?”

　　Charles Carter was shocked inside, and quickly cupped his hands. “Master… your disciple sees no hope for the future, so my heart is stirred. There’s no other reason.”

　　“Come, let me tell you what ‘matching name to reality’ means, so you’ll know where your own flaws lie.”

Chapter Seven: Matching Name to Reality

　　The study of names and realities has always been considered elementary, only somewhat related to orthodox Daoist learning. That’s why it managed to survive into the Tiancheng era. Few study it, even fewer teach it, and Edward Reed is among the best.

　　In the classroom, Edward Reed was always careful not to let the study of names and realities stray too far from the “orthodox.” Tonight was different—maybe it was the wine, maybe the mesmerizing lake light—but he wanted to share his true thoughts.

　　“So-called ‘matching name to reality’ is actually a technique for judging people.” Edward Reed lowered his voice a little, as if revealing a secret hidden for years.

　　“Judging people? Sir, you’ve mentioned before that the study of names and realities can be used to evaluate people, as in ‘listen to their words and observe their actions’…”

　　Edward Reed shook his head vigorously. “I said that to make everyone think the study of names and realities is more orthodox. In truth, it’s just physiognomy. It can not only assess someone’s past and present, but even predict their future.”

　　Charles Carter was speechless. This was not the study of names and realities he knew, nor the Edward Reed he recognized.

　　The wine was still on the table. Edward Reed picked up his cup and drained it. Charles Carter hurried to pour another, fumbling for the position by starlight and moonlight as the night deepened.

　　“The study of names and realities has only one trick: ‘matching name to reality.’ Make it complicated, and you’ll never master it in a lifetime; make it simple, and it’s just a few sentences: Outwardly, ‘name’; inwardly, ‘aspiration’—‘name’ and ‘aspiration’ are the same. Outwardly, ‘reality’; inwardly, ‘strength’—‘reality’ and ‘strength’ are the same. If name matches reality, the person is mediocre. If name exceeds reality, the person is superficial. If reality exceeds name, the person is sinister.”

　　“People whose name matches their reality are mediocre?” Charles Carter was shocked again. This was completely different from what he’d learned before, especially from orthodox teachings.

　　Edward Reed nodded, downing another cup. Charles Carter poured again, but only a little came out—the pot was empty.

　　“If name matches reality, the person becomes complacent, with no more drive to improve. Isn’t that mediocrity?”

　　“What if someone’s name is ‘diligent,’ and their reality is also ‘diligent’?” Charles Carter asked, holding the wine pot.

　　Edward Reed drank the remaining half cup. “A gentleman acts according to the times. If the opportunity isn’t there, he’d rather lie low. The so-called ‘diligent’ person who’s always striving, regardless of timing, place, or harmony with others, often ends up working twice as hard for half the result, or even achieves nothing in life. Isn’t that mediocrity?”

　　Charles Carter was speechless again.

　　Edward Reed raised his empty cup, tilting his head back as if there were still wine inside. “Don’t take ‘mediocre’ as an insult. Most people in the world are mediocre. At least mediocrity does no great harm. Those whose name and reality don’t match will, sooner or later, also fall into mediocrity and become who they’re meant to be.”

　　A cool breeze swept across the lake. Edward Reed seemed to sigh, his breath carried away by the wind. He held out his empty cup, and Charles Carter mimed pouring with the empty pot.

　　Another “drink.” Suddenly, Edward Reed burst out laughing. “Mediocre people are easy to spot—no need to overthink them. ‘Matching name to reality’ is for judging the other two types. If name exceeds reality, the person is superficial. Eight or nine out of ten of the world’s troubles come from such people. You think they can accomplish something and entrust them with important tasks, but they make a mess of it. If you don’t use them, they complain and wait for a chance to cause trouble.”

　　The first person Charles Carter thought of was someone in his own family. The great general’s reputation was known throughout the land, but he’d long lost interest in leading troops. Every day he calculated favors and divided interests, yet still held military power and was responsible for quelling rebellions.

　　“There are quite a few people like that,” Charles Carter said, and “poured” another cup.

　　“You spilled it,” Edward Reed reminded him.

　　Charles Carter quickly adjusted the spout.

　　“The third type—reality exceeds name. Such people are sinister, harboring great ambitions but hiding them deeply. Once revealed, they’re either great villains or great sages. Only one rule: don’t reveal yourself too soon. If you do, both name and reality will suffer, and you’ll be laughed at by the world.”

　　Charles Carter’s heart pounded wildly, but his hands continued to “pour wine” obediently.

　　Edward Reed no longer wanted to drink and set down his cup. “Lately, you’ve been acting strangely. Sometimes your expression changes suddenly, as if something big is unresolved in your heart.”

　　Charles Carter slowly put the empty pot back on the table, struggling to steady his trembling arms. “Really? I haven’t noticed.”

　　“You gave your essay to someone else—not for money or friendship, right?”

　　On this matter, Charles Carter couldn’t deny it. “I wanted the essay to be seen, but didn’t want to draw attention to myself, so…”

　　“You’re under restrictions, already unnoticed by others. Hurting yourself for no reason must be to hide your great ambition. What is it that makes you so cautious? Is it related to Victor Mason?”