The academy's selection process was carried out in a lively manner for several days, and it was indeed carried out well. About twenty or thirty talents were selected. In the eyes of Zhu Che and other great scholars, such results were satisfactory, but except for Wang Zhengui and his confidants, no one knew what went wrong during the selection process.
Although Wang Zhengui's appearance is quite honest, as the saying goes, a person cannot be judged by his appearance, and the cunning in his heart is deep in his bones. What's more, his position is no longer biased towards the academy, and he will inevitably let it continue to approach the road of destruction.
Wang Zhengui used the power at hand to spread the news to the outside world through his confidants, spreading rumors that "anyone who asks Wang Yan for lessons will definitely be admitted to the academy." As a result, many opportunistic people were eager to try and went there carrying valuable gifts. Pay homage to the King’s Counselor. Because there were so many guests, Wang Zhengui had to sit in the main hall of his home all day and night, receiving the guests diligently, so that even in the middle of the night, the lights were not turned on and the lights were bright.
Wang Zhengui knew very well that this was not the time to collect dirty money. The top priority was to complete the prefect's task. Therefore, after testing the visitors several times, if they appear to be extremely stupid, they will reject them all, no matter how generous the gifts are.
He was also very discerning, and in just one day, he quickly selected a group of shrewd talents who could be made into the academy and temporarily filled up their posts. In order to better win over people's hearts, Zhen Gui returned all the things he received without paying a penny. Those who were latecomers were all grateful and regarded Zhen Gui as a reborn parent, and treated Zhu Che and others with cold eyes.
Wang Zhengui summoned them and said: "You came to the academy to serve, just because you want to use this place to enter the officialdom and report to the country. But we, the academy and the government are not on the same path. If we part ways in the future, it will be... Ordinary people To put it bluntly, I got on the pirate ship and can't get off."
When his confidants heard his metaphor, their faces turned pale with fright, and they all came up to ask for advice on how to survive.
Wang Zhengui narrowed his eyes and said calmly: "Although the political participation academy is beautiful in front of the eyes, it is already crumbling internally and cannot be sustained for a long time. Wang knew well that the academy specializes in confusing the people and corrupting the atmosphere, so he enthusiastically asked for help from the government, and planned to cooperate with the inside and outside in one fell swoop. Break this thief's hole. When the academy is destroyed, everyone will have made great achievements. Isn't it expected that you will be awarded officials, titles, and wives?"
The nervous mood of the confidants was instantly relieved, as if they had flown from the dark valley bottom to the top of the mountain. They were each possessed, dancing and laughing wildly, which made Wang Zhengui also laugh when he saw such a scene.
The storm that just blew up in the academy is about to subside. With the arrival of the two 'good news', the prefect's face was filled with immense joy, and the uneasiness finally disappeared.
He had to decide which letter to read first. The prefect thought for a long time and took Song Zhang's letter.
Jun Jian, Master of Futai: Since our academy was established to participate in politics, the people's suggestions have poured in from all directions. They have piled up like mountains and can be filled up. This shows that the people are eager to despise the bad government. The Futai governs Suzhou, and his name is Qingtian. If good governance is established, it will be the only person in the Three Wu Dynasties, and it is not worthy of the title. Here are some suggestions:...'
Seeing this, the prefect gradually felt relieved. He didn't need to read the suggestions carefully. He glanced at them briefly and found the last line directly.
'If you can do one thing sincerely, then all the surnames will be blessed, and the benefits will be far away! Song Zhang, the governor of the Experience Department, paid homage again and again. '
The magistrate calmly put the letter together and circulated it to all his confidants for reading. Instead, everyone shook their heads and wondered: "The requirements he made in Song Zhang are also harsh and may not be met. Why don't you take it seriously?"
The magistrate smiled and said: "This is the beauty of Wang Zhengui's idea. If the academy is determined to advocate for the people, it will take advantage of the power at this time, raise its arms and shout, lead thousands of people to attack the yamen, kneel down on the steps and give bloody advice. Why should they still act according to the rules and just hand over a letter in an attempt to solve the problem peacefully? This is because they do not dare to offend the government and seek cooperation."
"That……"
"Then I can do whatever I want. It's easy to press this letter." He held the cover of the letter in his hand and said proudly.
"Come and celebrate our academy's return to the right path!" Zhu Che shouted excitedly, holding the wine bowl high.
"Congratulations, congratulations!" Everyone raised their bowls in agreement and drank the wine in one gulp.
"Mr. Zhu worked hard to make this happen, and he deserves the most credit. Zhengui will give you a full cup!" With that, Wang Zhengui left the table, picked up the pot, and poured a full cup for the dean.
Zhu Che beamed with joy and patted his shoulder: "Where did you come from? If the princes and the governor of Song Dynasty had not dealt with the government, how could the academy abandon Xia Yuanlong's fallacies and achieve the grand status it has today? Don't be humble."
After Wang Zhengui heard this, he turned to look at Song Zhang and smiled: "Oh, I forgot, Governor Song should also be respected!"
He strode up to Song Zhang and was about to pour him wine, but Song Zhang refused with all his strength: "A certain person in the yamen relies on the help of subordinate officials. He has no talent and is of no use. How dare he claim to have made a contribution? Isn't he ashamed? I dare to take it, but I don’t deserve it.”
After refusing three times in a row, Zhu Che persuaded him: "Since the prince has such good intentions, sir, just accept it calmly."
Song Zhang had no choice but to give in, drink it all in one gulp, and then smiled and asked Zhengui to take a seat.
Zhu Che quickly asked people to bring up the banquet and set out delicacies on land and water. Everyone ate with chopsticks and chatted happily.
After three rounds of drinking, Zhen Gui saw from the corner of his eye that Song Zhang was slightly tipsy and already tipsy. He turned sideways and asked boldly: "I heard you say that 'all official duties are entrusted to subordinate staff'. Is this true?"
Song Zhang put the meat into his mouth and said: "There is nothing we can do about this. Song is not familiar with government affairs, but the clerks in the secretary's office are fully assisting. Apart from them, no one else can be trusted."
Wang Zhengui looked worried: "These subordinate officials are working in the market. They are all cunning and corrupt people. If we entrust all political affairs to them... I am afraid there will be danger in the future."
Song Zhang shook his head violently: "No, no. I have no wealth and no power of life and death. What can he plot against me?"
"Your experience is related to the overall situation of the academy. It would be inappropriate if you deal with it so hastily." Wang Zhengui said with a frown.
"Then..." Song Zhang rubbed his temples, "Jin Gui has an idea."
"Do you agree with my idea?" Wang Zhengui coughed a few times and showed a strange smile. "If you leave the business affairs of the Experience Department to me, you won't be afraid of outsiders seizing power."
Song Zhang nodded slightly, with suspicion still in his eyes: "Officials are very particular about everyone performing their duties. Wang Yanke's behavior... is not good, right?"
Wang Zhengui sighed: "Well, all I need is Governor Song to write a few words to me, saying, 'Leave all affairs in the office to Wang Zhengui,' and ask me to hand them over to the subordinate staff. No one else knows about them, and they can supervise those who do evil." If you are an official, why not do it?"
