Ten years of trees, a hundred years of trees.
Although it was too late to change fundamentally, three years of hard work were enough to shape a more pragmatic and executive style for these students in their teens and twenties. In addition, the education at the Imperial College in the previous year focused on loyalty to the emperor and serving the country, so they were already a group of young people who could be used.
People’s livelihood, governance, and appointment?
Cao Rui stood on the podium in the courtyard and looked at Fu Gu leisurely.
To be honest, neither Jiang Wei and Xiahou Xuan before, nor He Jue and Xiahou Hui now, have experienced three years of grassroots training.
At this moment, Fu Gu, who was standing in the middle of the Imperial College with a young but resolute face, was the representative of someone who had completed the entire training process.
"People's livelihood comes first." Fu Gu said in a clear voice: "Whether it is the Han people or the Qiang people, their needs for food, accommodation, rest, and clothing are the same. Whether it is farming or corvée labor, officials must properly guarantee the needs of the people so that everything can be carried out smoothly."
The army does not move, but the food and grass must be sent first. But even if this is true, it is easier said than done, and there are countless officials in the world who cannot do this well.
Fu Gu, who was a little nervous at first, gradually became calm as he spoke: "The solar terms in Longyou and the Central Plains are slightly different. When to sow, when to cultivate, and when to harvest should all be based on local conditions and the actual situation in Longyou. These are the duties of the military farm officials and should be understood. The same applies to corvée and other matters. Knowing how to do it and not avoiding difficulties when encountering problems is the way to govern."
Cao Rui nodded slightly: "Lanshi's words are very appropriate. You, the Fu family of Beidi, have always been brave in taking on responsibilities, and I admire you very much. I have also heard from Taizhong and Guanglu Xun that you ranked first in the Qinzhou assessment before. You need to persevere."
From the earlier Fu Jiezi, to Fu Xie in the late Han Dynasty, to the current Minister of Works Fu Xun, they can all be described as "brave in taking on responsibilities".
"I thank your Majesty." Fu Gu glanced in the direction of the podium, bowed, paused for a moment and then said, "As for the appointment, the reason why I and my colleagues are appointed by the court here is similar to the reason why I and others selected helpers when we were farming in Guanxi."
Cao Rui smiled, and the more than 200 officials sitting at the table in the courtyard also laughed at the same time, a harmonious scene. These people were not yet stained with the decadence of bureaucracy.
Fu Gu continued, "In a town of ten households, there must be someone who is loyal and trustworthy. Even among the Qiang people, there are still useful people. Command the cunning with authority, show the reckless with virtue, and punish the lazy with power. They can all be my arms and help."
"Your Majesty, I have finished talking about the three things I wanted to say."
Cao Rui looked at Fu Gu with a look of admiration at first, and then a bit of praise. Although the three things Fu Gu just mentioned were all experiences he had summed up from his tenure as a military governor, they were applicable to any official.
If one can ensure people's livelihood, be proficient in his profession, and reward and punish appropriately, he can be considered a good minister.
"Well said." Cao Rui looked around at the officials sitting in the courtyard and said, "I really like what Lan Shi said just now: Be the first to deal with things, and don't avoid difficulties."
"After one year of study and three years of experience, you are the first batch of imperial college officials that I can use. You are the emperor's disciples and people I can trust and employ."
The students of the Imperial Academy held their breath, staring intently at the emperor on the podium. Cao Rui saw all these looks of expectation, respect, and awe.
When dealing with these reserve forces in the officialdom, one should directly express one's attitude and use straightforward language to make it clear. And what Cao Rui said just now was like telling them that as long as they follow me, fame, wealth and honor can be obtained.
"Yang Qing." Cao Rui turned to look at Yang Fu and said, "Let's talk about my arrangements for them right here."
"As you wish." Yang Fu bowed in response, then took a few steps forward and looked at everyone.
"Tomorrow, all one hundred Imperial College students will go to Xuchang with the Secretariat and the Privy Council. The Ministry of Personnel will then select and appoint them. You must make all preparations today and there must be no mistakes."
As soon as Yang Fu finished speaking, the students of the Imperial Academy stood up and bowed to the emperor on the stage.
"Everyone, please sit down." Cao Rui still had a smile on his face. "Where are the five people who were evaluated as excellent by Guanglu Xun and me earlier? Stand up and let me see."
Fu Gu stood up first, followed by Zhuge Xu, Chen Ben, Yu Jun and Li Xi who all stood up one after another.
Cao Rui said calmly: "You five have done a good job in farming. You should all follow me to the Xuchang Palace and serve as imperial attendants."
After saying this, he pointed to Pei Qian who was standing on the right side behind him and said: "Now there are eight cavalrymen in total. Minister Pei will discipline and teach these eight people for me."
"As you wish." Pei Qian responded with a bow.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace!" Fu Gu and the other five also saluted, inexplicably excited about this unexpected appointment. As the emperor is the greatest source of power in the world, being able to be by your side and gain your approval is like entering a shortcut to promotion.
Didn't you see that the Imperial Guards Du Shu and Du Wubo were appointed as the governor of Liaodong when they were only in their early thirties? How great is the grace of the emperor, this is a holy monarch!
However, Pei Qian, the attendant who was receiving orders in the courtyard, felt a sense of melancholy in his heart for unknown reasons.
Of course, being a Shizhong is a good position, and it is also good to be by the side of His Majesty. Pei Qian looked at the other Shizhong people, Xin Pi was promoted to Weiwei, Xu Shu led troops to become a general, and Lu Yu patrolled the Xiongnu in the north, while he himself managed a group of Sanqi Shilang in the palace.
Thinking about it, Pei Qianxun started to laugh at himself. Why should he be so greedy? Sooner or later, he will have a place to use his talents!
……
Almost at the same time, Jiangxia County and Anlu City.
It is said that the world was divided into three parts at the end of the Han Dynasty, and Jiangxia County was the intersection of the three parts. As early as after the Battle of Chibi, Jiangxia County was divided into three parts. After the Xiangshui Alliance between Sun and Liu, Liu Bei withdrew his troops from the north of Miankou, and Jiangxia was divided between Wei and Wu.
Wen Pin has been defending Jiangxia for more than twenty years. During these twenty years, Jiangxia has always been in a state of constant war. Not far across the river is Wuchang, the capital of the State of Wu. It can be said to be the most important place on the front line of Wu.
In late August, General Xiahou Ru of Pingnan arrived in Jiangxia from Xiangyang. From the time Xiahou Ru arrived in Jiangxia to now in mid-September, these days can be described as full of ups and downs.
Although the Right General Wen Pin had turned from a serious illness to a critical one, he also had three bouts of "last breath". Every time Xiahou Ru thought that the old general would not be able to hold on and go to the underworld to meet Emperor Wu and Emperor Wen, Wen Pin would rely on his last breath to survive for a few more days and then become critically ill again.
Wen Pin had been in Jiangxia for nearly thirty years, so he was deeply rooted there. When he was seriously ill, although he was no longer able to command the army, he was unwilling to hand over power to Xia Houru, who came alone, and would not hand over the seal until he died.
In addition, the southwestern part of Jiangxia County along the Han River that belonged to Wei had always been occupied by the Wu State. It was not until Lu Shi from Fancheng reported it that Xiahou Ru and Wen Pin learned that the Wu army was attacking Xiangyang.
Jiangxia is an important frontline area. Without clear orders, we cannot send troops to retreat to support Xiangyang. It is the rear that supports the frontline. How can one frontline support another frontline? But if we do not move the troops, it seems inappropriate.
Since yesterday, when he heard that Xiangyang was attacked, Wen Pin's health condition has further deteriorated, and he seems like a candle in the wind.
On the morning of September 14, Xiahou Ru was pacing in the hall when Wen Dai, the eldest son of Wen Pin and newly appointed as a lieutenant general, came running to find Xiahou Ru:
"General, General." Wen Dai, who was already in his forties, hurried over from the next courtyard and said, "My father's condition is worrying. I ask you to go to the next door and take another look. My father may have some last words."
"Alas." Xia Houru sighed. He had experienced this kind of scene several times. "You lead the way. I will go with you."
"Yes."
The two of them hurried out of the courtyard and entered the General's mansion next door. They walked straight through the courtyard and the inner gate and came to Wen Pin's bed.
Wen Pin was lying on the couch, covered with a brocade quilt, with his clothes on. His face was pale and bloodless, and he had lost a lot of weight.
Seeing Xiahou Ru coming, the old Wen Pin uttered some vague syllables. Xiahou Ru had no choice but to kneel in front of the couch and listen carefully to his words.
"Does General Wen have any last words?" Xiahou Ru looked at Wen Pin solemnly, his eyes full of sorrow. "If there are any last words, I will report them to the court and to His Majesty."
"The court, the court has been so kind to me, Wen Pin. I have no regrets about state affairs or family affairs." Wen Pin said weakly, "After I die, please bury me in the ancestral tombs in Wancheng to comfort my ancestors. I have no other requests."
Xiahou Ru sighed, "General, please do not worry about what will happen after your death. The court will definitely take care of it for you. Yesterday morning, Lu Shi sent someone to send a message here, and you also know about it. Please give me the military token first, so that I can send someone to support Wancheng."
Wen Pin's eldest son Wen Dai and adopted son Wen Xiu stood behind Xia Houru with sad faces, wiping tears from time to time. The Jiangxia army and the people only served their father Wen Pin, not the two younger generations.
Therefore, after Xiahou Ru came with Zhao Yan's order, the two of them completely gave up the idea of competing for the position, and Wen Dai, who was promoted to a lieutenant general, was even more satisfied.
Wen Pin has been at the border for a long time, and his attitude is almost like he only obeys orders and not announcements. However, not everyone is ambitious. Wen Dai's obedience is still the norm in the world.
However, Xiahou Ru did not expect that Wen Pin's expression suddenly became agitated, and he clenched the military token in his hand even tighter: "We can't go! Without the order of your majesty and the order of Zhao Dujian, the Jiangxia soldiers can only stay in Jiangxia and can't go anywhere else!"
Wen Pin's behavior frightened Xia Houru. He didn't mean to provoke Wen Pin, but was just discussing things normally. He was already holding his breath, and if he really got angry, how could Xia Houru explain to the Wen brothers behind him, to Zhao Yan, and His Majesty? (End of this chapter)
