Yao Tingyu didn't say any nonsense and directly stated his purpose.
When Xiao Yuan heard this, he also smiled heartily and said:
"Okay, although I have not met King Xuan, I have also heard that King Xuan is a wise king. If Qin and Xuan can establish diplomatic relations, it will be a mutually beneficial move for both countries."
Hearing this, Yao Tingyu immediately said loudly: "Your Highness is wise, and this is exactly what my king means."
No matter what Xiao Yuan thinks in his heart, on the surface, he will not refuse anyone from any country who wants to have friendly relations with him.
As the saying goes, a weak country has no diplomacy. In the past, the kings of Qin would not care about it, but now, after the destruction of Jin, it has represented the rise of a weak Qin.
Among all the kings in the world, no one will dare to look down on King Qin anymore.
After another conversation with Yao Tingyu, Xiao Yuan also began to say:
"Xiangbang has been tired from traveling all the way. Today at noon, I will host a banquet in the palace to catch the wind and wash away the fatigue for you."
"Ah, His Highness the King of Qin invites you so kindly, how dare you refuse." Yao Tingyu didn't mean to be polite at all.
Xiao Yuan smiled heartily again and stood up: "Today's banquet, all the ministers and I will go together."
"I obey—" people said in unison.
The atmosphere at the banquet that day was quite good. During the banquet, everyone was changing glasses, and their faces were rosy after drinking. Xiao Yuan did not ignore Xuan Xiang, and drank with him from time to time, showing due etiquette.
After the banquet, Yao Tingyu was arranged. Xiao Yuan was a little dizzy after drinking, so he returned to Gu Xue's palace and prepared to take a lunch break here.
As soon as he came in, he lay down on the bed and breathed a little tiredly.
"Drink so much." Gu Xue said complainingly and distressedly, and began to gently press his head.
"It's better, Madam." He rested his head on her lap and closed his eyes comfortably.
"As you can tell, don't drink like this again." Gu Xue rolled her eyes at him charmingly.
"Xue'er doesn't know that Yao Tingyu, the Minister of Public Affairs, looks like he's smiling on his face, but in fact, he's so high-sounding and extremely shameless."
Hearing this, Gu Xue couldn't help but laugh, "Why have I offended you?"
She gently continued to press Xiao Yuan's head with her fingers.
The latter said: "Xuan Guo has calculated that I have a serious problem in his heart, so he sends it as a gift. Prime Minister Xuan is here. The implication is that the Qin State should not care about the Jin State's treasury."
"What do you think, husband?"
"That much gold and silver is enough to enrich the country. King Xuan got it for nothing through a vicious plan. How can we not mind it, but I have to agree to Prime Minister Xuan." Xiao Yuan said helplessly.
"Oh, so to speak, husband, Prince Xuan does have some tricks up his sleeve." Gu Xue said.
"Stop talking, it's annoying."
Xiao Yuan interrupted the topic, and then gently held her little hand, "Are you tired, madam?"
Gu Xue shook her head gently.
This daughter-in-law is gentle and considerate. When Xiao Yuan is with her, she is the most relaxed and least troubled.
The next day, after another meeting with Yao Tingyu, the latter did not stay much and began to say goodbye to Xiao Yuan and returned to Xuanguo.
At the same time, the soldiers who participated in the battle against Jin all received military honors and titles and returned to their hometowns, which was equivalent to a vacation.
A few days later, Chen Zhongshu, the prime minister of Zitong County, was summoned and hurried back to the capital.
At this time, he actually didn't know why the king called him back to the capital. His journey was dusty. After arriving in Qinzhou, he didn't dare to delay for a moment. After sorting out at the inn, he went to the palace.
However, there was already someone waiting for him at the palace gate.
The person waiting for him was Yan Ming, the Minister of Rites.
After the two met, Chen Zhongshu quickly stepped forward, bowed his hands and saluted: "Brother Yan."
"Brother Chen." The latter returned the gift, stopped talking nonsense, and said directly: "This time the king calls you back to the capital, does Brother Chen know that it is probably related to the matter of Guiyang County Governor?"
"What?"
Hearing this, Chen Zhongshu was immediately startled, and his mood immediately became nervous. He couldn't help but said: "I am not prepared for this, what should I do?"
"I only found out some news today, and I didn't have time to inform you, so I'm waiting here to let you know about it." Yan Ming said.
I see. Chen Zhongshu nodded and said: "It must be Brother Yan who recommended it to the king. I cannot thank you enough for your kindness."
"No, no, no, I just mentioned Brother Chen's name. The real decision lies with the King."
Yan Ming said, and then urged: "Brother Chen, please enter the palace quickly. Remember, the king is not an ordinary person. Just say what you should say. Don't talk about him. What the king cares about is whether you can If you are qualified for the position of county guard, nothing else is important."
As a courtier, Yan Ming knew something about his master.
When Chen Zhongshu heard this, he knew what he was doing and saluted again: "Thank you, Brother Yan."
"Brother Chen's talents are enough to serve as the governor of Guiyang County. I also believe that the king has a keen eye for talents. Go quickly."
Although Yan Ming had been friends with him for many years, he sincerely recommended officials. From his words, it was not difficult to see that Chen Zhongshu was not a mediocre person.
There is no doubt that this is a meeting between king and minister that is related to Chen Zhongshu's future. After being led to the palace study by the eunuch, he became more and more nervous.
As soon as he came in, he lowered his waist, walked forward quickly, then knelt on the ground, put his hands on the side of his head, raised his butt high, and said with a slight trembling: "Your Majesty, Chen Zhongshu, the Prime Minister of Zitong County, please see your Majesty——"
"I love Qing Pingsheng." Xiao Yuan's voice was very calm.
"Thank you, Your Majesty—" Chen Zhongshu shouted again. After standing up, he bowed slightly and stood there respectfully.
Xiao Yuan looked him over. He was a middle-aged civil servant with ordinary appearance and a well-groomed beard.
After looking at it, he pondered for a moment and then said: "Master Chen, do you know why I called you back to the capital."
After hearing this, Chen Zhongshu thought carefully and replied truthfully: "Back to the king, I didn't know when I came, but I just heard from Yan Shangshu that it seems to be related to the governor of Guiyang."
"Then are you qualified?" Xiao Yuan asked directly.
Chen Zhongshu immediately replied: "Of course, if appointed by the king, I have absolute confidence that I can govern Guiyang well."
"How to govern?"
Chen Zhong wrote: "In places you don't understand, you should first sort out the records, inspect the county and past political affairs, and then get to know the place personally, understand the people's conditions, and discuss with the county officials the existing shortcomings of people's livelihood. Then, use the most effective method to Implement Qin's rule, strictly enforce laws, and unify our country's political orders."
Seeing what he said so confidently, Xiao Yuan smiled slightly and said:
"Master Chen said it well, but an official's firm stance is the most important."
"Some officials in our country think that not making mistakes, not making progress, and just getting by all day long are just being wise and protecting one's life. In fact, mediocrity is no different from greed. In my opinion, it is even more terrifying than greed."
"If an official cannot care about the country, the country, and the people, then no matter how capable he is, there will be no future."
"Be an official, be a good official. Only if you benefit the people will the people praise you and the country will need you..."
He said this continuously. After hearing this, Chen Zhongshu hurriedly knelt on the ground again and said in a trembling voice:
"My lord, you must remember your Majesty's teachings and be self-denial and diligent throughout your life..."
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