Han Shizu

Chapter 1153 Interviewed One by One
When he first arrived in Licheng, he did not accept Li Hongwei's suggestion to stay and rest first. Regardless of the exhaustion of the journey, Emperor Liu chose to meet the officials of Henan Province directly, and the location was chosen in the back garden of the chief envoy's yamen.

The rockery is a quiet pool, with green trees and yellow flowers, and the surrounding area is full of vitality. On the open grass, there are tables, seats, and melon and fruit snacks. Emperor Liu met with officials, basically in the form of a tea party.

"Henan Road, the hinterland of the Central Plains, the homeland of Qilu, and the hometown of culture, I can flatten the world and clarify the world, and I also rely on its strength! Qianyou's meritorious officials and important officials of the court are also from Henan.

I have been in the country for twenty years, and I have always had the heart of a governor, but I am deeply regretful that I couldn't make it. Now, I finally come to the east to see the scenery of Qilu, and I am very happy! Sitting on a dragon chair, looking at his legs, and looking at the officials of the Daozhou prefecture and county in front of him with a leisurely attitude, Emperor Liu said slowly.

What he said was a compliment and praise to the whole of Henan. Of course, what he said was just a scene.However, everyone from Li Hongwei down showed joyful expressions, and the emperor's attitude was reassuring.

"Your Majesty's visit is also an honor for the people of Henan Province. The ministers are grateful and welcome His Majesty to watch!" Li Hongwei said.

Hearing this, the corners of Emperor Liu's mouth curled up. During his tour, he seemed to have put on a mask for himself, gentle and elegant, with a smile like a spring breeze.Instead of seeing the usual seriousness and heaviness, the people around him are not used to it.

Although Li Hongwei is an uncle of the state, he has been an official outside the country all year round, and he is not familiar with Emperor Liu, and he is deeply influenced by the inherent impression of the year. Therefore, it is still surprising to see the emperor's words and deeds.

Scanning around, these main officials are all respectful and sitting upright at this time, severely restrained and severely restrained.

Seeing this, Emperor Liu continued to speak, and said in an almost joking tone: "It's not the first time I've been on tour, and I'm pretty familiar with it this time, but I've heard that in the past, when I went down to prefectures and counties, the officials were often trembling and worried. Uneasy, like welcoming the god of plague to cross the border. You guys, don’t think so.”

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions changed. It was obvious that gentleness and kindness could hardly be the label of Emperor Liu for a long time.Those eyes were calm and indifferent, but no one dared to meet them.

It is impossible to speculate on Emperor Liu's specific intentions, but Li Hongwei's reaction was quick, and he said cautiously: "Your Majesty's tour is to observe the government and the people's livelihood, and to bless and show kindness. Diligence, governing affairs in a public manner, why should there be any fear? Only corrupt officials and ink officials will feel guilty and cowardly!"

"Mr. Sishui's words are very good!" Hearing his words, Emperor Liu still looked cheerful, and said, "I also mean the same thing. Therefore, if you can feel at ease, you don't have to be nervous! I am passing through this time. , From Pu, Ji to Yunqi, what I saw along the way, the government, the people's livelihood, and I am very satisfied."

As soon as these words fell, the hearts of all the officials present finally relaxed, and everyone's expressions were different, but Emperor Liu was not in the mood to observe carefully.

With so many people gathered together, it is impossible to effectively discuss something practical. Emperor Liu's voice did not deliberately amplify, like those magistrates and county magistrates who are at the back, I am afraid that they can be heard indistinctly. .

Therefore, this meeting lasted for half an hour. Emperor Liu said some simple words and listened to Li Hongwei talk about the situation of the people's livelihood in Henan Province, so he dissolved.

Of course, it was not perfunctory to gather so many officials. Starting from April [-], Emperor Liu met with each state and county and listened to their reports.

Basically, everyone was given at least a quarter of an hour to report, and most of the officials said that Emperor Liu would listen and ask questions at any time.This is a bit like an interview, an assessment, and Emperor Liu is the examiner.

And the performance of officials and officials naturally pales in comparison. There are those who are well prepared and talk eloquently, and there are also those who met Emperor Liu and couldn't even speak coherently.

It is also the first time for officials in Henan to experience such meticulousness and face the emperor directly.On the first day alone, Emperor Liu received more than 40 people.

"Your Majesty, this is the list of officials who will be interviewed tomorrow!" At night, after walking in the middle of the meal, Shi Xizai walked in quietly with an album in his hand, presenting it to Emperor Liu.

Liu Chengyou was a little tired after meeting so many officials that day, but he was still in high spirits, looking through some notes he had made.

"Let's take a look!" ordered, and soon, Yan Tuo presented the list.

After a quick glance, it was an official from Yanyun Jidan, and another 50 people. His eyes passed by, and Emperor Liu suddenly said: "This Qufu Order"

Emperor Liu's complexion didn't look good, the reason was very simple, Qufu Ling's surname was Kong, and his first name was appropriate!

Noticing his expression, Shi Xizai reported: "Kong Yi is the direct descendant of the Kong family. He is 27 years old. He has been intelligent since he was a child. He was able to write at the age of ten. He was promoted to Qufu Order by the Ministry of Officials in the third year of Kaibao."

"Heh!" Hearing this, Emperor Liu interrupted him directly, with a somewhat cold tone: "It's been three years since the treasure was opened, isn't that only 25 years old? I don't know what kind of young talent can make Dou Yi break the rules and be promoted to this point! Hmph!"

Obviously, without Shi Xizai's explanation, Liu Chengyou could see through it at a glance. This must be Dou Yi's decision.After pondering for a while, Liu Chengyou almost sneered and said: "Ten years ago, someone came up to tell me about his family background, and asked me to bestow it with an official title, but I refused because of his young age. I never thought about it. Ten years later, there are still people who remember it. And make the decision for me."

Facing Emperor Liu's slanderous words, Shi Xizai's face changed slightly, he bowed and cupped his hands, and called out: "Your Majesty!"

"You have something to say?" Emperor Liu glanced at him.

Shi Xizai looked solemn, and said seriously: "The selection and promotion of officials is originally the responsibility of the Ministry of Officials. If your Majesty regards his birth and age, it is not the Ministry of Officials' choice. I think it is inappropriate!"

"Then what do you think, if he is not the direct son of the Kong family, he can become Qufu Order at this age?" Emperor Liu asked back.

"Your Majesty has always advocated meritocracy. Wouldn't it be unfair to despise him because of his family background and age?" Shi Xizai said.

Hearing his words, Emperor Liu's expression turned cold immediately, and he stared at him fiercely, but Shi Xizai's expression was calm, he just lowered his head slightly and lowered his waist.

"It seems that I am being unfair?" Emperor Liu became indifferent.

Taking a deep breath, Shi Xizai said in a deep voice: "I just feel that His Majesty seems to be prejudiced against the Kong family! Now, Your Majesty has not seen him, and he does not know his ability. How can he be sure that he cannot rule a county? If you have any doubts, why don't your majesty make a judgment after receiving it?"

"It's you, Shi Xizai, who dare to speak to me like this!" Listening to his persuasion, after pondering for a while, Emperor Liu finally sighed, and all the negative emotions dissipated.

"My Majesty, please forgive me for my offense!" Seeing that the emperor's tone improved, Shi Xizai also secretly relaxed.

"That's all!" Emperor Liu waved his hand and said, "Tomorrow I will see Kong Yi first, I want to see how good this person is!"

Facing Emperor Liu's special gaze, Shi Xizai still had that dignified look, and just responded: "I will make arrangements!"

The next day, a large number of officials came early to wait for the call. Emperor Liu also got up early, and with a feeling of anger in his heart, he summoned Kong Yi directly and gave him two minutes of time.

Then, at the end of the interview, Emperor Liu was all smiles.Kong Yi, although he bears the glory and fame of the Kong family, he is indeed a talented person. He is smart, quick-witted, and well-mannered, and he is not the kind of empty talker in politics. is enough.

Facts have proved that Emperor Liu does have a certain prejudice, a kind of contempt from the bottom of his heart.But no matter what, Kong Yi is a person who cannot be used to great advantage, and this is also the limitation brought to him by his identity.

Through his own performance, Kong Yi reversed the emperor's prejudice to a certain extent, and he was recognized, but soon, Emperor Liu issued an edict to move Kong Yi to Hebei.

You can be an official, but don't be in Qufu, it is the territory of the imperial court, not the land of your Kong clan.

(End of this chapter)