In the first year of Zhaogong, the Shusun family and the Meng family jointly suppressed the Ji family, and the Ji family's strength in Lu State was no longer what it used to be. After decades of struggle, the power of the Lu State finally tilted towards the monarch again.
This is the inevitable result of the struggle between powerful ministers.
And all Li Ran's plans starting from the death of Prince Ji Ye were for this.
In December, Ji Sunsu ended his detention in Jin State and was finally released. Returned to Lu State with Yang Hu.
It's just that after experiencing this turmoil, Ji Sunsu no longer had the ambition to be the regent. He has been bedridden since returning to Qufu, showing his age. The position of head of the Ji family is about to be passed on to Ji Sun Yiru.
Ji Sunsu never imagined, or no one could imagine, that from the moment Li Ran arrived in Qufu, a trivial former Luoyi keeper of the library would have such magical energy to stir up the entire world. The pattern of Lu State.
The Marquis of Lu, who regained power, re-implemented the previously abandoned primary tax system, and the government's resources gradually increased.
However, the increasingly prosperous office did not just enjoy it and spent extravagantly. Instead, it fed back to the people, promoted water conservancy, and benefited people's livelihood. Therefore, the reputation of Marquis Lu among the people suddenly surpassed that of Sanhuan, and it seemed to be a great revival.
Li Ran received feedback on the recent government affairs from his uncle Sun Bao. Seeing the thriving people's livelihood in Qufu City, he looked at the sky for a moment and murmured:
"Prince, Li Ran finally lived up to your expectations..."
Faced with the situation of the Lu State, which was now decided, he finally decided to resign from the post of guest minister of the Lu State, even though the Marquis of Lu repeatedly requested to retain him, and even had already drafted an imperial edict.
…
Chu Palace.
The palace was built by Duke Xiang of Lu with all his official funds.
This palace, which carries the last wishes of Lu Xianggong, has now become the new court hall of the Lu State. The Marquis of Lu's daily life and government discussions are all conducted here.
And this is exactly what a hands-on monarch needs.
Faced with Li Ran, who refused to grant him the status of doctor, Lu Hou was very puzzled and asked:
"Why don't you, sir, stay in Lu to assist me? Could it be that I have done something wrong?"
The Marquis of Lu was still reflecting on himself. He thought that his recent governance had been inappropriate, so Li Ran refused to stay in Lu.
But who knew that Li Ran was looking up at the clouds in the sky, letting the sun shine on his face, feeling comfortable and enjoying it.
"My lord, do you know who the most sinister and shameful person in the world is?"
After a while, Li Ran finally spoke. It's a big problem.
When Marquis Lu heard the sound, he thought for a moment and then said:
"They are those who take power!"
Of course he was referring to Ji Sunsu, because this family has become a pain that he can never forget. But Li Ran actually shook his head.
"Is not it?"
Faced with Li Ran's reaction, Marquis Lu looked very surprised.
He thought that only people like Ji Sunsu could be called "insidious and shameful". After all, the state of Lu was in the hands of Ji Sunsu, and all the public functions and powers were occupied by the Ji family. The world only knew the three emperors but not the king. They took advantage of the people's power, causing the people's hearts to collapse and the country to disappear.
If such people cannot be called "insidious and shameful", then who else can?
"The most sinister and shameful people in the world are people like Li Ran who are good at strategy."
Li Ran looked into his eyes and spoke seriously.
"gentlemen......"
When Marquis Lu heard this, his expression changed drastically. He was about to speak, but Li Ran waved his hand to stop him.
"Your Majesty, please listen to what I have to say."
"The so-called strategy is to use extraordinary means to harm the opponent in order to achieve one's own intentions. Such people play with rules and human nature. This is definitely not the way of a gentleman. Therefore, you cannot stand upright in the court. He cannot accept donations from all the people, and he is not worthy of leaving his name in the annals of history.”
"However, since entering Lu, although those who have plotted have no choice but to do so, they can't hide the suspicion of evil conspiracy. They pretend to be the prince, talk about the Jin Dynasty, set up a trap to imprison Ji Sunsu, and win over the Meng family. This is all the same. "
"A gentleman should have great ambitions, good plans, and justice in his heart. The prince should become such a heroic master, and the great achievements of Lu will be expected in the future. However, if he stands on this court and accompanies the king, this is Granted grace to the king, but what should the scholars of the world think? What should the common people think? How will the history books of later generations comment? "Li Ran has a crush on the public", I am afraid that these words will be heard endlessly. After all, this historical writing is like Iron, how can you ruin the eternal reputation of a prince for your own selfish interests?"
Li Ran has also watched many TV dramas, and has also imagined that he can strategize, win from thousands of miles away, and be a person who can control the world's affairs just by talking and laughing.
But when he really lived in such an era, he was immersed in intrigues and intrigues. He suddenly understood that this kind of activity hidden in the shadows could only be called insidious and shameful.
Although there are many famous counselors and counselors in history, there are also many talents of kings and assistants that have been passed down through the ages. But for Li Ran, who had gone through all this, after personally planning this strategy and using such extraordinary means, he finally felt a little shameful.
After all, he is a person who has received a new era education!
When the wheel of fate was approaching, he was forced to choose this kind of activity. He had no choice but to help himself and the limitations of the times. All he could do was to protect himself and did not dare to hope for greater glory.
At least that's what he thinks now.
When Marquis Lu heard the sound, he was silent for a moment.
Of course he understood what Li Ran meant, and also understood Li Ran's kindness towards him. He is a monarch, the king of a country. Its image cannot tolerate any dirt. Being upright and aboveboard is the right approach.
And as a conspirator, Li Ran lives in a temple while depriving himself of the emperor's salary. How can the reputation of his official house be preserved? Where is the face of the State of Lu?
"Oh, this is the man who has an affair with the king of Lu."
"Oh, is this the person who will do whatever it takes to help you regain control of the throne?"
Such words were definitely not what he wanted to hear. Such monarchy will eventually overturn sooner or later.
Duke Wen of Jin was like this at that time. Although he won the hegemony for Jin State, the world's comments were by no means only praise.
History is such a note that no one can turn a blind eye.
"Sir, I understand your kindness."
Marquis Lu sighed, his face full of desolation and helplessness.
In life, there will always be moments when he is powerless, but when he tries his best to gain the supreme power, he still cannot change the things he wants to change.
"My husband's foresight and ability to distinguish right from wrong are unparalleled in the world. I am really lucky to have my husband help me."
"Please sir, please pay homage to me!"
After the words fell, Marquis Lu bowed his head and saluted, his face was respectful and upright.
Li Ran hurriedly held it up and sighed:
"Why do you need such a great gift? You deserve it..."
"But even though I can't always be by your side, I can still give you some advice now."
After helping Marquis Lu to his feet, when he finished speaking, he saw that no one was around, so the two of them sat side by side on the steps of the palace.
Just like the scene in the Jishi Villa at that time.
"Please sir, please give me some advice."
Marquis Lu hurriedly raised his hands and asked for advice.
Just listen to Li Ran's words:
"Now that the king has taken power for the first time, and all his policies are for the people, he will definitely arouse the dissatisfaction of the nobles. Although there are uncles and grandsons to assist him, the king must not underestimate the abilities of the world's scholars and these nobles . Once these people are dissatisfied and form cliques, they will be a huge force, and even Sanhuan may not be able to compare with them."
"Therefore, the kings and princes must divide and rule. As long as it does not involve principles, you can be relaxed. When things happen, you must clearly distinguish the priorities. Grasp the big and let go of the small. When trivial matters turn into small things, you must not be stubborn or aggressive. And if someone deliberately instigates and does evil, , then you must use thunderous methods and never be lenient!"
"And once the monarch implements policies that vary from person to person, the alliance among these powerful people will cause divisions due to unfair treatment. The alliance can also be broken by itself, and it will be much easier for the monarch to govern again."
Marquis Lu's state affairs were beneficial to the common people, but were detrimental to the gentry and nobles. Their objections could be heard by Marquis Lu even though they were thousands of miles away.
Li Ran taught him to do this in order not to make him lose the hearts of scholars and officials, but also to be able to carry out national affairs and win the hearts of the people. It can be said that he kills two birds with one stone.
"Sir's plan is indeed clever! I have learned a lesson."
Who knows that Li Ran hasn't finished speaking yet. Just listen to him continue:
"There is no need to elaborate on these words of being diligent and caring for the people. I believe that your Majesty now understands how to become a virtuous and wise king. But what I am worried about is still Sanhuan."
"Sanhuan? Sir, what you mean is..."
Marquis Lu was a little puzzled. After all, now that the three emperors were standing at the same level, the power of the public office had finally returned to its orthodoxy.
The current state of Lu has undergone tremendous changes compared to the past. Although Sanhuan still holds a certain amount of power, he is indeed no longer able to control the situation in Lu.
What he didn't understand was why Li Ran was still worried. Was he worried about Shusun Bao and Meng Sunjie?
"The three ministers, in name, only represent the rank of minister, but that is just an appearance. Although the princes now have real power, the people below them still have to rely on them to carry out specific tasks. And they are determined to act The interests of the clan come first, and the interests of the country come second. Fortunately for now, Dr. Shusun and Dr. Mengsun have nominally supported the prince, but what if one day they violate the law, what should the prince do? "
"Therefore, the court of Lu needs fresh blood and new talents. However, my suggestion is that the princes should open up their channels, formulate strategies for recruiting talents, recruit new talents, set up rural schools, teach etiquette and music, and serve the world's scholars and talented people. Scholars provide a path for promotion and also add a different atmosphere to the court, thus giving it a completely new look."
In the new era and new atmosphere, Marquis Lu needs more than just power, he also needs his own team so that he can flex his muscles.
This has been true in all dynasties and in all countries and princes.
Li Ran was unable and unwilling to serve as an official in the Lu State's court, but this did not mean that he could not provide a path for Lu State's students and talented people. What the Lu State would need in the future was the joint efforts of more people with lofty ideals. It's not him, Li Ran.
Hearing this, Marquis Lu was filled with excitement and was even more grateful for Li Ranzhi's suggestion. He immediately said nothing and only saluted Li Ran again.
The so-called friendship between monarch and minister is probably nothing more than this.
