On the vast Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, an official ship was sailing southward. At this time, Qi Yuxi was standing on the stern, looking at the sparkling river and lost in thought.
During this period of time, Qi Dalang has been thinking about a very serious question, that is, how to effectively quell the current chaos in Qiongzhou?
However, there is no good plan after thinking for a long time.
In a dynamic situation like Qiongzhou's, we can only make correct judgments by analyzing it on the spot. We must not use static thinking to make decisions, otherwise we will be very different.
Since the thought was in vain, let’s talk about it when the time comes.
According to Qi Yu's original plan, he would go directly south without stopping along the way. However, he still changed his itinerary and planned to take a rest in his hometown of Yongchuan Mansion.
Is he homesick?
You can say yes, you can say no.
how to say?
Qi Yu felt that it was a bit unfilial that he had not been able to return to his hometown to visit his father's grave for more than two years. Since this trip was generally smooth, he should make up for this regret.
In addition, there is another more important reason, that is, he wants to invite the old scholar Peng Wenchang to help him and go to Qiongzhou together.
This is a good idea that Qi Yu came up with after careful consideration.
Let’s listen to the reasons:
The yamen at the state level have a sophisticated structure and clear division of labor. In addition to the Futang, Experience Department, Prison Department, Zhaomo Office and other departments, there are also six rooms for officials, households, rites, soldiers, punishments, and workers. This configuration is like a small court, corresponding to the upper and lower yamen.
However, in the structure of the government offices, there are two special positions that need to be appointed by the prefect in his own name, and neither the imperial court nor the provincial government offices are involved. These two positions are Master Xingming and Master Qianliang.
From the perspective of the official system, these two masters are personally hired by the chief official and are not included in the establishment. They are a bit like private secretaries.
However, they exercise power on behalf of the prefect, and they are also rare masters.
Everyone knows that Qiongzhou is not a good place for education and there are not many people who are literate. It is difficult to find a capable master there, so Qi Yu thought of looking for him among his friends.
Besides, Mr. Peng is a humble gentleman with as good a character as water, so he can use it with confidence.
So, is Peng Wenchang willing to go?
Qi Yu was very sure about this and believed that he would definitely accompany him all the way to Qiongzhou.
This confidence is also supported by evidence.
Master Peng was very knowledgeable, but he did not take the imperial examination because of bad luck. How could a great talent like him, who had never been recognized, be willing to grow old under Lin Quan?
Since he encountered a good opportunity for such a hero to be useful, he would naturally not miss it.
Of course, your own lobbying is also important.
Qi Yu was thinking calmly when a cold and emotionless voice suddenly came from his ears: "Take the medicine!"
In the blink of an eye, the female guard Leng Qing handed over a pill.
Eat it!
After taking the medicine, Qi Yu asked, "Are we close to Yongchuan Mansion?"
Leng Qing still had that late-night look on her face, and she replied without even looking at her: "There's still ten miles to go."
"Okay, let's act according to the new plan. After we get ashore, you stay in the inn and wait for me. Huang Fei and I will come as soon as we go." Qi Yu didn't have a good impression of her, so he said in a neutral tone.
Leng Qing didn't care at all about this kind of deliberate withdrawal, and said with precious words: "Whatever!"
Tsk tsk, what are you pulling?
This attitude is so inappropriate. It’s not like someone who is waiting on others.
Qi Yu grinded his teeth, snorted coldly, and went to discuss with Huang Fei.
…
Yongchuan government office.
Qi Yu paid a courtesy visit to Yu Hai, firstly to thank him for his untiring help to his relatives, and secondly to talk about their friendship with each other.
As for the last murder case of a member of the Qi family, Mr. Yu just briefly mentioned it and said simply: He was sentenced to assassination and exiled from the army.
As for his bone injury, Qi Yu only lied and claimed that it was an accidental fall. The reason was also mentioned in this way without further discussion.
Afterwards, the two of them watched tea and chatted about other things.
"I never expected that Shaocheng would become a prefect at such a young age, but I could only realize it when I knew my destiny. It's really hard to compare people to death, and to compare goods with goods. It's sad and deplorable!" Mr. Yu suddenly said Sheng lamented, feeling that he had given up his life to dogs in his old age.
Haha, luckily the dog is not here, otherwise it would have cursed again.
Qi Yu said modestly: "What the hell, I'm just a first-rate magistrate. In terms of resources, I can't compare to a magistrate in the south of the Yangtze River. What's there to envy?"
"Haha, Shaocheng is too modest..."
"..."
After drinking tea for a while, Yu Hai said sincerely: "You can go south without worries. Don't worry here. As long as I guard the shepherd in Yongchuan Mansion for one day, I will take care of all your relatives for one day."
Qi Yu stood up and thanked him: "Then please!"
"..."
After saying goodbye to Yu Hai, Qi Dalang went to the ancestral cemetery and visited the graves of his father, grandfather, and grandmother. After that, he went to Peng Wenchang's place.
This stay in Yongchuan Mansion also left some regrets.
If it was not too urgent due to business, I could go to the homes of my sister, brother-in-law, father-in-law, mother-in-law, and uncle. But now, because my schedule is too tight, I have to stay for next time.
Let's talk about Peng Wenchang. He was very surprised when he saw Qi Yu entering the house, so he hurriedly offered tea and gave up his seat.
This time, Master Peng insisted on sitting at the bottom of the table.
He believes that those who are successful come first, regardless of age.
The next step was to reminisce about the past, and Qi Yu once again brushed off the injury.
After talking for a while, Qi Dalang directly explained his intention.
Finally, he emphasized: "I want to make Qiongzhou the most prosperous place, and I hope you can help me."
What?
Turn the most barren Qiongzhou into the most prosperous place?
Isn't this a foolish dream?
Peng Wenchang was about to laugh, but he saw that his face was full of seriousness. How could he look like he was joking at all?
"Shaocheng, are you serious?"
Qi Yu nodded solemnly and said: "To be honest, sir, I have always had a lofty dream in my heart, which is to prosper the country's industry, commerce and agriculture. I want all the people in the world to have good clothes and good food. Live in a big house and create a prosperous world as much as possible.”
Well……
Peng Wenchang was startled at first, and then he quickly calmed down.
He couldn't understand. Isn't this a prosperous time? What kind of world would it be if it were more prosperous than it is now?
Ah...that's a big picture.
Seeing his doubts, Qi Yu asked, "Sir, do you have any questions?"
"Yes, indeed. Shaocheng, why do you only mention the people and not the king? Aren't you working for my emperor?" Peng Wen thought about it for a long time and showed a little displeasure.
"The people are the most valuable, the country is the second most important, and the king is the least important. That's why I put the people first." Qi Yu looked upright and spoke righteously.
After a long time...
Peng Wenchang's eyes suddenly flashed, he stood up and saluted, "Since Shaocheng is so broad-minded, Wenchang is willing to do his best."
Very good!
Qi Yu was overjoyed and hurried over to help him up, and said with a smile: "Sir, do you believe me? Don't you think I'm talking nonsense?"
"Believe it! I believe it very much!" Peng Wenchang nodded first, and then said with sincerity and admiration: "If this matter had been put in the past, I would definitely have said that you were arrogant, but now I believe it without any doubt. For no other reason, Just because you wrote "The Solution to Profit and Loss" is really insightful, I sincerely admire you."
"Oh, is it so?"
"Yes, according to several of my students, your arithmetic theory has been used by households at all levels in actual accounting, and it is extremely convenient for calculations. Since you have such extraordinary knowledge, how can you have an official career? Will nothing be accomplished? Therefore, I believe what you say and am willing to follow it."
And this thing?
Qi Yu thought about it for a moment and immediately became overjoyed.
It is not difficult to see from this that his mathematical theory has affected this society, and perhaps in the near future, it will penetrate even deeper into every level and corner of the country.
The future is promising!
"Oh, by the way, if you leave with me, what will happen to your students?"
Peng Wenchang laughed and said: "Shaocheng doesn't know something. Since last year, I have stopped teaching and educating people. Where are the students? Besides, my wife is dead, so I have no worries."
After hearing this, Qi Yu looked up and sighed, thinking: The first step of forming a team has been truly passed.