Qinzhou Prefecture.
When he heard that the scholar named Wen Ruo was coming, Xiao Yuan immediately put down his work and hurriedly greeted him personally.
Liu Yuzhi is not here at this time. If he were here, he would be shocked when he saw the so-called Wen Ruo.
Things are so clever. Liu Yuzhi has always wanted to find Shangguan Wenruo and recommend a talent to Xiao Yuan, but who would have thought that the latter was in Qinzhou.
Ye Cheng, who had just reported the matter, saw Xiao Yuan was so nervous and couldn't help but follow him out of curiosity.
Not long after, the two met.
Xiao Yuan, dressed in the official uniform of the prefect, personally welcomed him out of the mansion. After seeing Shangguan Wenruo, he smiled heartily, cupped his hands and said, "You have good calligraphy and good articles. If you can be invited to come, the prefect's mansion will be full of glory."
As he spoke, he also looked Shangguan Wenruo up and down.
The latter was dressed in cloth and had his hair tied up with a wooden hairpin. Although he did not have the richest clothes, he had an outstanding temperament. After hearing this, he quickly bowed his hands and bowed to Xiao Yuan and gave a deep salute: "Your Excellency, I am so complimentary. Dare to take it.”
His etiquette standards were in place, and when he saw Xiao Yuan personally coming to greet him, he was moved in his heart.
Xiao Yuan's first impression of him was good. After he saluted him, he quickly stretched out his hand with a smile and said: "Please speak to me quickly."
"Please, Lord Prefect." Shangguan Wenruo also said politely.
Later, under Xiao Yuan's personal guidance, the two came to the hall of the mansion, and then the guests and hosts took their seats.
Not long after, Chu Ning served tea.
Xiao Yuan smiled slightly and said: "I have carefully read your decision and I deeply agree with it. I am also amazed by your talent. Today, there are many things that I would like to ask you for advice."
Of course, it was impossible for him to decide on Shangguan Wenruo's official position just because of an article he wrote. Therefore, when we met today, he also wanted to test him out through conversation.
He wanted to try Shangguan Wenruo, but little did he know that the other party also wanted to try him.
After hearing this, he also raised his hands and said, "Your Majesty, your words are serious. I am only speaking truthfully. I would never dare to give any advice."
He was very polite. After hearing this, Xiao Yuan said with a smile: "In my opinion, what kind of government decrees should be adopted in Qin to achieve great governance now?"
Shangguan Wenruo thought for a while and said bluntly: "Before this, I dare to ask you about your ambitions."
This is actually a kind of test, it depends on how Xiao Yuan answers.
Shangguan Wenruo's ambition is not just to assist a local governor. If Xiao Yuan said that he is short-sighted, he will probably be very disappointed.
In the end, Xiao Yuan glanced at him and said directly: "This is not my ambition."
This simple sentence shocked Shangguan Wenruo: "Oh? Dare you ask your Majesty to clarify."
Unexpectedly, he broke the casserole and asked the truth. Xiao Yuan gave him a strange look, but for the sake of this talent, he still said:
"Now the countries are fighting for hegemony, the mountains and rivers are broken, and the Central Plains Empire is falling apart. However, the land of Qin is located on the border, and the princes of the Central Plains regard Qin as a barbaric country, and the people of Qin are barbarians. However, I believe that one day, sooner or later, Qin will It will rise, and now, strengthening Qin is also a top priority."
This passage has vaguely revealed Xiao Yuan's ambition, indicating that his ambition is not just in Qin.
After Shangguan Wenruo finished listening, his face showed joy, and then he said seriously: "In this case, I am willing to offer suggestions to govern Qin, but I am afraid that your Excellency will not accept it."
"Oh?" When Xiao Yuan heard this, he couldn't help but said: "Sir, just come through."
Shangguan Wenruo said: "Now, I have heard that your Excellency has ordered us to eliminate bullies and bandits, and to investigate corrupt officials. However, these are not enough, and they are not the fundamental danger of Qin."
As he spoke, he continued: "The shortcomings of Qin's land are that there is no reward for merit, there is no success for many years, there is famine but no relief, and there is no plowing in the fields."
"The rich and powerful will not punish the guilty, but the common people will not reward the merits."
"Throughout the Qin Dynasty, farmers farmed but could not have enough food and clothing, and soldiers performed meritorious service but could not win titles. How could the people's hearts be dissatisfied?"
"A great ruler must first govern the people. The people's support is the most important thing in the world. Soldiers come from the people, and money and food come from the people. Without the support of the people, it will be difficult to move forward."
“Therefore, the people’s wishes are what govern the people.”
"First, reward farming to enrich the people."
"Second, reward military achievements to strengthen the army."
"Third, unify the governing powers to manage the administration."
"Four, rule Qin with laws and enforce strict laws!"
"If the entire Qin land has consistent laws and regulations, enforces prohibitions, severely punishes guilty, and rewards meritorious deeds, then the officials will be free of corruption, the people will be selfless, the soldiers will work bravely and perform meritorious services, and the people will support the government, then great righteousness will be achieved!"
He said so much in one breath. Xiao Yuan's eyes widened when he heard this. This is the talent he wants!
But before he could speak, Shangguan Wenruo said again: "In addition, after your lord has eliminated the banditry, you should openly inform the world and invite merchants from all over the country to come to Qin to revitalize commerce."
"Once merchants know that Qin is free from banditry, Qin will be profitable and more and more people will come to do business. At that time, you can raise business taxes, reduce the burden on farmers, and focus on agriculture and suppress business."
It was different then than now. During the war years, food was the most important thing.
After hearing this, Xiao Yuan took a deep breath, then stood up, stretched out his arms, bowed his hands, bowed to Shangguan Wenruo and gave a deep salute, and said seriously: "Everything you said, Mr. My heart, if I have the help of my husband, Qin will definitely be in great control."
He was inviting Shangguan Wenruo to become an official, and since he was the Lord of Qinzhou, he was already a courtesy corporal by giving a big gift to a commoner.
Shangguan Wenruo also hurriedly stood up and returned the greeting: "My lord, I'm sorry."
Although he said that, he rolled his eyes, smiled softly, and said: "My lord wants me to be an official, that's fine, but before that, I have a request, and I'm afraid that your lord will not agree to it."
"Sir, just tell me, as long as I can do it." Xiao Yuan said quickly, he was sincerely seeking talents.
"Seriously?" Shangguan Wenruo laughed again, and then said directly: "I am a person who loves face all my life. As long as you are willing to condescend, wear the official uniform of the prefect, and personally lead my horse for me to walk around Qinzhou City, I will I am satisfied.”
"What did you say!?" Before Xiao Yuan could say anything, Ye Cheng, who was standing beside him, glared angrily and shouted angrily: "You are such a poor person, so arrogant and rude! What a status as the prefect! How can I lead a horse for you? This is simply unreasonable! "
At that time, there was a clear distinction between superior and inferior. Xiao Yuan was the lord of Qinzhou. No matter how talented Shangguan Wenruo was, he was just a commoner. To be honest, judging from the time, his request was equivalent to asking Xiao Yuan to do him once. His servant is very excessive. If he encounters a narrow-minded person, he may be killed. No wonder Ye Cheng is so angry.
