"ah?!"
"What are you saying, Zixiu? Do you mean to ask me to leave this stone house, no longer live in seclusion in this Nanshan Mountain, and instead join your service and come out to help you?"
Cao Ang nodded.
"To tell you the truth, I led my troops to defeat the Yellow Turban bandits that had been wreaking havoc in Qingzhou a few days ago, and stabilized the counties in the state."
"It's just that although the counties are settled, the people's hearts are not yet settled. From the officials and clans to the ordinary people, they are currently in a state of instability."
"It may take some time for them to return to farming and production, to return to order and to live and work in peace and contentment."
"So I thought that if you, sir, could help me, with your status as a Qingzhou person and your prestige that is unparalleled in the world, you would surely be able to quickly calm down the people in the state and county."
Cao Ang's words are naturally nonsense.
Qingzhou doesn't need to win people's hearts now.
As long as Cao Jun's armored army is displayed outside, no matter how unstable the people are, they will be at peace, and no matter how frightened the people are, they will feel full of security.
Cao Ang only lacks middle-level officials and administrative talents.
But so-called persuasion is the same as negotiation, and both require certain skills.
If you come up, tell Zheng Xuan.
My purpose is to bring over the students under your command to work for me. As for you yourself, that doesn't matter. It's up to you to come or not.
Then what awaits Cao Ang will be Zheng Xuan's words, "I'm sleepy, go to bed first, you can hire someone else to do this", and then he will hold up the tea cup to see off the guests.
Since the previous playing of a few good cards has successfully narrowed the distance between the two people, the relationship has become closer.
Then you have to make good use of this condition.
Don't let your hard work go to waste.
…………
After listening to Cao Ang's explanation, Zheng Xuan.
There was a hint of approval on his face at first, but then he quickly shook his head into a rattle.
"Zixiu led Wang Daoyi's army to defeat the thieves who caused trouble in the area and restored peace to the people. This is a great achievement. Even I benefited from it."
"Logically speaking, since you are Ziqian's student and you have great kindness in Qingzhou, I should try my best to satisfy your request."
"But if you ask me to give up my seclusion and come out to help, please forgive me for not agreeing. It is absolutely impossible for me to show my face to people at all levels in the state and county!"
I got the answer I expected.
Cao Ang asked pretending to be confused.
"Sir, why are you doing this? Is it because you are worried that you are getting too old and being busy all day long will be too much for your body and bones? If that is the case, then you can give up this worry."
"When I asked you to come out, I regarded you as a treasure. How could I ask you to do everything yourself? It's just that when I encounter a problem, I will have the audacity to come to ask you for advice."
"Besides, before coming to Qingzhou this time, I went to Qiao County in Peiguo, Yuzhou, where I met Mr. Hua Tuo, a famous doctor who is famous all over the world, and I was lucky enough to recruit him to my side. If you need anything in the future, I will completely You can ask Mr. Hua Tuo to take care of it for you."
"In this way, you are neither tired nor sick, so your worries can be dispelled, right?"
Cao Ang's face was full of sincerity.
The tone was more sincere.
If Zheng Xuan's concerns were really due to his old age and his body, then after Cao Ang's persuasion, he might actually relent and agree.
But it's obvious.
This is not the reason for Zheng Xuan's refusal.
…………
"Snapped!"
A slight crunch.
Zheng Xuan put down the tea bowl in his hand.
Then he spread his hands with his palms facing down and looked at his skinny hands, which were shriveled and fleshless due to lack of moisture.
He couldn't help but shook his head slightly.
"Zixiu misunderstood. Although I am already sixty-five this year, I am still in good health. Compared with the average people of the same age, I am still much better."
"I can eat and drink every day, study classics, and still have the energy to teach students. Although my hair and beard are all white and I am light and thin, as long as I do what I want to do, I will always have inexhaustible energy and energy."
"Then sir, why did you reject me? Do you think there is something wrong with me?"
Zheng Xuangang finished explaining that it was not the physical reason.
Then I heard Cao Ang's questioning one after another.
The content made Zheng Xuan smile bitterly and shake his head, with a look of helplessness on his face.
"The root cause does not lie with you. On the contrary, I am quite satisfied with you. If I had met you before Brother Zigan, then I might consider taking you under my sect and teaching you the classics and meanings."
"Actually, the reason why I refused is because I don't want to be involved in these mundane things anymore. Since I was young, my lifelong wish has been to study classics and learn from hundreds of schools of thought."
"After spending my whole life, I can leave a trace about me in the history books, and the articles and classics that I have annotated and explained can be passed down to future generations. This is enough to satisfy me and make this life worthwhile!"
…
Speaking of which.
Zheng Xuan pointed to the west again.
His gaze also followed the direction of the finger, as if he had passed through countless spaces, and at this moment he was staring at the vast and dilapidated majestic city that was originally magnificent but was now burned down - Luoyang City.
After looking at Piaomiao for a while.
Zheng Xuan sighed again in an extremely bitter tone, and then continued to explain.
"This is not what I want to do for an official. Moreover, since the disaster caused by the late emperor's party, I have become even more disillusioned with this way."
"Although Zixiu is a junior of mine and I don't expect you to treat me too badly, who can say for sure about the ups and downs in the court?"
"Instead of having a miserable life and being miserable for the rest of my life, it would be better for me to use these last few moments to study as much as possible or annotate a few volumes of letters."
"So I understand Zixiu's intention, but it is impossible for me to quit and go into seclusion. I can only disappoint you!"
Although Zheng Xuan's voice was old and light, its strength was not weak at all.
From the lines in his words, one can feel an extremely determined attitude. Cao Ang's request was rejected without any hesitation.
to be honest.
I'm just not interested in being in the limelight. If I have the time, I might as well read two more books.
In addition, once bitten by a snake, I have been afraid of well ropes for ten years, and I am worried that I will appear in front of the world with a high profile again.
It is very likely that he will be imprisoned for many years just like the disaster caused by the party's imprisonment. That would be an unreasonable disaster.
Instead of running around and busy doing things that you are not interested in, it is better to stay in the mountains and wilds and enjoy your old age in peace despite the difficult conditions.
…………
Things have progressed to this point.
Cao Ang was already certain.
That is to say, it is already impossible to pack Zheng Xuan away and abduct him under his command.
The reason why this old comrade can tell him so much sincerely is because of the close relationship between the two parties.
If Cao Ang had to force it.
That would cause disgust and dissatisfaction.
Fortunately, this was within Cao Ang's calculations, and everything was not out of control.
Inviting Zheng Xuan to help and then getting his rejection was part of the entire negotiation technique, and it was his strategy!
As the saying goes, if you ask for high, you will get middle, if you ask for middle, you will get low.
Only by setting a high goal from the beginning and calculating it can it finally fall into the acceptable range.
on the contrary.
If you list your demands straight to the point, then the price and effort required to achieve your goal may be more than a little.
Think of this.
Cao Ang immediately showed off his best skill, which was acting.
…………
"well!"
He let out a long sigh.
Cao Ang shook his head with some helplessness on his face, and then he cupped his hands to Zheng Xuan and said with a bit of bitterness in his tone.
"You have said this, so as a junior, there is no reason for me to be aggressive, and I will never do anything to force my elders."
"So this matter can only be abandoned. As for the stability of the counties and counties in Qingzhou and the worries in the hearts of the people, I will think of other ways."
Cao Angyue said so.
Zheng Xuan felt even more regretful.
The juniors from the same family came all the way to pay a visit to him, and they were courteous and respectful.
Moreover, what I am asking for is not for my own selfish desires, but for the sake of stability and for the sake of the people of Qingzhou.
Not only are he and Lu Zhi Lu Ziqian brothers, but they are also from Qingzhou. They should provide certain help both emotionally and rationally, both in public and private matters.
As a result, now they are completely rejected due to conflicts of personal ideas. This is a bit inappropriate when you think about it.
Think about this.
Zheng Xuan immediately scooped half a bowl of tea soup for Cao Ang, and then said in a kind and gentle voice with a kind face.
"Zixiu, I will stay away from the world for the rest of my life. I will not appear in front of the world. I will just stay in this small stone house and study classics. This is what I want in my heart, so I really have to express my regret."
"But what you do is indeed for the sake of the people of Qingzhou. Therefore, if there is anything I can do to help you with other matters, please feel free to speak out. As long as it does not go against my wishes, I will allow it!"
…………
This is what Cao Ang was waiting for!
What he wanted was for Zheng Xuan to take the initiative to speak.
The present is no longer ambiguous.
After pretending to hesitate for a moment, he expressed what he really wanted with a little hesitation.
"Since you said so, please forgive me for speaking out. There is indeed another way at the moment, which is to retreat to the next best thing and recruit your disciples and students to serve as local officials in the counties and counties of Qingzhou."
"Although they don't have enough prestige, they are your students after all. They still have a certain reputation in the county. As long as there are more people, they will be enough to play a considerable role."
"At that time, naturally there is no need for you, the old man, to come out personally to appease people's hearts."
Cao Ang just finished speaking.
Zheng Xuan's face showed a look of surprise.
Obviously, with his many years of life experience and his intelligence far beyond ordinary people, he had understood what Cao Ang meant in an instant.
But after thinking quietly for a while.
Zheng Xuan still frowned.
He said with some hesitation and worry: "Zixiu's method is indeed very wonderful. If a large number of scholars and scholars can be filled into the local government offices, it can indeed play a role in appeasing people's hearts and protecting the land and the people."
"My disciples respect me as their master. If a letter from me is delivered to their hands, most of them will obey my instructions and rush to Qingzhou."
"Just by doing this, wouldn't it be equivalent to me deciding the future path for them and depriving them of their right to make their own choices?"
…………
This time Cao Ang was really shocked.
Zheng Xuan, what is this idea?
You don't want to be an official yourself, but when your students and disciples hear that they can be officials or officials, they will definitely become more enthusiastic than the last one.
Don't say that this official-based Han Dynasty has gone to the Han Dynasty.
That is to say, from ancient times to the present, and even in the future, which dynasties and generations have not been dominated by scholars and officials are respected?
The so-called people who study hard and study books rarely study for the sake of studying. Most of them use this as a step to advance and achieve class leap.
It can only be said that Comrade Lao Zheng didn't figure it out for a while, or perhaps he substituted himself for those students.
Such erroneous thinking must be corrected in time.
Cao Ang immediately raised his eyebrows, his expression extremely serious, and shook his head at Zheng Xuan seriously.
"This is wrong. How can you deprive them of their right to make their own choices? You have found a bright and beautiful future for them!"
"Although the counties and counties in Qingzhou that I mentioned do not have official positions such as county magistrates and county magistrates, most of them are real officials who can manage a lot of things in the county and have the power to order."
"Being able to hold a high-ranking official position in a county is something that many people only dream of and cannot achieve!"
Cao Ang's tone was full of surprise.
Zheng Xuan couldn't help but fall into deep thought.
And maybe it feels like the intensity is not enough.
Cao Ang then added.
"Your students and disciples will naturally not lack talents and character, but are there few talented and capable people in the world? So many people gather together in one place, and the number of people who can serve as officials and govern each year is nothing more than These people are just a drop in the ocean."
"Before the world was in chaos and the court was exhausted, those young talents, even if they had extraordinary abilities, had to wait in long queues, waiting for the local chief officials to recommend them, so that they could have a chance to become officials."
"But now you only need to wave your hand and write with pen and ink, so that the more outstanding students and disciples under you can be appointed as officials in Qingzhou counties. This is a great favor to them, how can you do it?" Is there anyone who feels resentful and blamed for this?”
"Besides, whether they are officials or officials depends on their own ideas. If they are really determined and just want to study and study, then even if you whip them, they will not agree!"
…………
Zheng Xuan was completely silent.
Although Cao Ang said it quite politely.
But Zheng Xuan had already guessed his subtext.
"You wrote to them as a great kindness to them and gave them a bright future."
"On the other hand, if this letter is not written today, then the person who is qualified to be selected will probably feel that his teacher has cut off the bright future that belongs to him with one stroke. This is the reason for the rebellion between master and disciple! "
Yes.
No matter how close the teacher is, he is still just a teacher.
As a teacher, you can give me a great future. That is my reborn parent. I will be grateful to you forever.
But if you refuse for me without even asking me, then we, master and disciple, may have to live apart from each other for the rest of our lives.
Very realistic and very reasonable.
Zheng Xuan did not want to be involved in worldly affairs, and he also hated being an official and managing politics, but it did not mean that he did not understand the ways of the world.
Think about it carefully.
First of all, Cao Ang's strategy is very good and can solve Qingzhou's urgent needs. Secondly, for his students and disciples, it is indeed a great thing that falls from the sky.
If he refuses without any reason.
On the contrary, it hurt the hearts of the students.
So why bother?
…………
After thinking everything through.
Zheng Xuan no longer hesitated.
At that moment, he raised his hands to Cao Ang and said, "Zixiu's words are thought-provoking. I have understood it clearly!"
"I agree with your method. Later I will write the letters myself and send them out one by one. At the same time, some of the students and disciples who are living in seclusion around my stone house are capable enough to serve as officials. You can also It’s been arranged together.”
"However, although I have many disciples, most of them only have names, or have only listened to my lectures once or twice. I can remember their names and where they went, and I think there are only about a hundred who are capable of serving as officials. people."
"So I hope Zixiu is mentally prepared."
As soon as this statement came out.
Cao Ang was overjoyed.
It was not in vain that I wasted so much time and words, I was almost done talking, and finally I was able to persuade this old comrade.
It took a lot of effort to use negotiation skills and perform all kinds of acting skills.
However, compared with the harvest, these efforts are worth it, although Zheng Xuan said that the number of people was not large, only about a hundred people.
But hundreds of young talents are already a huge number. Not to mention enriching local counties, even if they are used up once, there may still be more.
In time, as their territory continues to expand, these people will also come in handy.
This is for the long term.
This is not a short-term view.
How not to make Cao Ang happy and excited?
…………
"Wow!"
There was a sound of clothes swinging.
Cao Ang stood up from his position, took two steps back, and then bowed his hands to Zheng Xuan.
"Since you trust me, I will not let you down."
"You, the students and disciples, are in my hands. As long as they are hard-working and loyal, I guarantee that they will have a bright future."
"This is how you, as a teacher, take care of these students!"
Zheng Xuan did not receive the entire ceremony.
Instead, when Cao Ang bowed his hands, he quickly stood up, faced Cao Ang, and bowed to him.
After all, let’s dig into this matter.
Both parties benefit.
Zheng Xuan seemed to have helped Cao Ang, but on the other hand, did Cao Ang also help Zheng Xuan?
Therefore, it is proper for both parties to worship each other.
…………
The next hour.
Cao Ang discussed the details with Zheng Xuan and stayed for lunch before choosing to say goodbye.
And after leaving the stone house.
Cao Ang felt the biting cold wind blowing from one side, and couldn't help exhaling a breath of white breath. He felt that his whole body was extremely refreshing, and he didn't feel cold at all.
"After I return to Dongjun, I have to prepare a generous gift and pay a visit to Mr. Lu Zhi first. I really want to thank him today."
"If we don't pull his tiger skin, I'm afraid it won't be so easy to negotiate with Kang Chenggong."
After talking to himself for a few words like this.
He saw Cao Chun, who had been guarding outside, rushing towards him from a short distance away.
"General, following your instructions, I will let the soldiers take a brief rest and not set up camp here. However, it is past noon. If you want to set up camp here, you must make preparations in advance."
"So please give me your instructions, General!"
Cao Ang grinned and waved his hand.
He smiled heartily and said: "There is no need to camp here for the night, gather the troops and horses, and let's go straight to Donglai County!"
…………
Monthly ticket recommendation ticket
(End of chapter)
