Master Kong Zhongni

Chapter 249 Hopeless (4K4)

Lu Hou listened to Confucius' remarks, and his hanging heart finally relaxed a little.

He looked at the plain in the distance, and finally found a large cloud of dust on the field in the distance, and then saw countless small black spots running towards Qufu holding high red banners.

Lu Hou said happily: "It's Zaizi's banner! As the Master said, Zaizi has returned victorious!"

After finishing speaking, he didn't wait for everyone to reply, he hurriedly led everyone down the city, and came to Qufu City to meet Zai Yu's triumphant troops.

Unexpectedly, the army had just arrived, and the chariot was about to stop. Zaiyu sighed, got off the carriage, came to Lu Hou, took off his helmet and bowed his head to apologize.

"The subordinate is incompetent. Although he encountered Yang Hu's defeated army, he not only failed to detain him, but let him flee the country."

"Ah, this..."

Lu Hou originally thought that Zai Yu would definitely offer Yang Hu's head when he returned this time.

Hearing Zaiyu's reply at this time, he couldn't help but feel a little disappointed.

But the disappointment was only temporary. The reason why Lu Hou had such high expectations for Jae Yu was mainly because of his brilliant record.

After all, Dr. Tuqiu was someone who could defeat the Qi army and capture Shangqing Gaozhang.

Even Zaiyu from the Qi Dynasty, who is the best of the best, can defeat him. Isn't it easy to capture a mere Yanghu?
But after calming down, Lu Hou also quickly accepted the fact.

Zai Yu's failure to catch Yang Hu was actually not a big deal to Marquis Lu.

As long as he himself was not injured or died, then Lu Hou's minimum psychological expectations had already been met.

After all, in this day and age, a doctor like Zai Yu who is willing to help the king and help the country and the government, and has good ability, is simply the height of Zigao-it is really rare.

So even if Zai Yu took the initiative to plead guilty to Lu Hou, how could Lu Hou be willing to punish him?
Isn't treating him the same as treating Luhou himself?
Lu Hou smiled gently and stepped forward to help Zaiyu stand up.

"Why did Zaizi do this? If it weren't for you risking your life and death to save the country from fire and water, and help the community from danger.

At this time, Yang Hu was probably already sitting on the temple, slaughtering the common people, killing thousands of people.

Yu Gong, you deserve the greatest credit.In private, you practice self-denial.

You went to pursue Yang Hu with less than a brigade, and having this courage is enough for the few people to praise you.

Not to mention, you still have great achievements ahead.

Now, if the widow does not reward you for the grand achievements you have established as a loyal minister and sage, you will be held accountable for your failure to achieve small details because you were eager to eliminate harm for the country.

If this incident reaches the ears of the people, won't it chill their hearts?
Your achievements are enough to offset your faults, as for the excess, the widow should reward you additionally. "

Lu Hou's words were decent and natural, and they fell into everyone's ears, only making them feel that Lu Hou's body exudes the light called "Xian Jun".

Luhou repeatedly asked Zaiyu to get up, but Zaiyu was still reluctant to get up.

It's not that he suddenly had a "kneeling addiction", but that he wanted to take down the right to subjugate Yangguan by pleading guilty.

As for the so-called rewards that Marquis Lu was talking about, Zai Yu was completely uninterested.

Because as a doctor of the Lu State, he has reached the high position of a senior doctor in terms of title, and has also accepted the official position of a great traveler in terms of position.

And with Sanhuan standing in front of him, no matter how much the Marquis of Lu gave him an official title, it would be nothing more than promoting him to the rank of Xiaqing.

No matter how the position is promoted, at most it is to choose one among Da Si Kou, Da Zong Bo and Da Zai.

Da Situ, Da Sikong and Da Sima, the three powerful Shangqing positions, Zaiyu didn't even think about it.

As an important official in charge of education, forest resources, tax collection, and personnel scheduling, Da Situ has always been held by the Ji family.

The Da Sikong, who is responsible for building palaces, building cities, and commanding craftsmen and other handicraftsmen, has always been the suzerain of the Meng family.

As for the head of the military committee of the Lu State, Da Sima, who is in charge of road inspection and repair, and who is responsible for defending the palace and the monarch, has always been under the control of the uncle Sun.

This is equivalent to the fact that the Ji family took over the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Organization and Ministry of Agriculture of Lu State.

Meng took over the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the Ministry of Water Resources, and the Ministry of Industry.

Uncle Sun took over the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Defense, and the Ministry of National Security.

These important departments were all taken over by San Huan, and the only remaining departments that could still attract Zaiyu were the chief officials who were in charge of judicial and diplomatic power.

But the problem is that the diplomacy of the State of Lu is not only decided by the big Sikou, it is impossible for Sanhuan not to intervene.

Whenever there is such an important occasion as an alliance, the final decision must be made after negotiating with Sanhuan.

As for the judiciary of Lu State, to put it bluntly, it is Zhou Li.

As for Sanhuan Zun's failure to abide by Zhou etiquette, this is something that blind people can see.

The master scolded Ji Pingzi in the past: it is tolerable to dance in the court, but it is unbearable.

The Ji family dared to use Baqi at home that can only be used by the emperor of Zhou. You told Zaiyu that I rule the country with courtesy, and Zaiyu wanted to laugh when he heard it.

People in later generations often misunderstand the phrase "Punishment does not apply to scholar-bureaucrats, and courtesy does not apply to ordinary people."

But Zaiyu must solemnly declare here that the penalty is nothing, and they don't even want the ceremony!
So instead of running to the position of Da Si Kou to be angry, it is better to be his big pedestrian honestly.

At least as a big pedestrian, you can justifiably go to various countries to ask questions, and make more connections with the families of high officials and officials in various countries, and get acquainted with each other. If something happens in the future, you have to count on them to exert their strength.

Yang Hu is a good example for Zai Yu. This guy usually does not accumulate virtue and has offended all the surrounding countries.

If I hadn't found a way for him, he would have been dealt with if he escaped from the state of Lu. This is the reward of the world.

The big Sikou is like this, not to mention the remaining Dazai and Dazongbo.

In fact, in the early days, Dazai was the head of the Six Ministers.

Because the duty of the Dazai is to be in charge of the housework of the Inner Court and Marquis of Lu, so in the early days when the government was strong, the Dazai was under one person and more than ten thousand people in Lu State, which was a real photoshoot.

Therefore, Dazai can be called "Prime Minister" again, which is the origin of the word "Prime Minister".

It's just that the office declined later, and Dazai was gradually marginalized.

Today, it is even possible to use a general manager to summarize his powers and responsibilities.

The only difference between the current Dazai and the later Ouchi chief executive may be that one has Karma and the other has no Karma.

Not to mention Da Zongbo, who is in charge of sacrifices and etiquette.

Although it is said that "the major events of the country are in the sacrificial and military affairs", it is talking about the Taiping period.

When troubled times come, military horses are obviously more important than sacrifices.

Besides, as an avant-garde filial son who is unwilling to do it for three years, it is really embarrassing for you to ask him to sort out the national sacrifices and various etiquettes.

Looking back, when the ceremony is coming, if Zai Yu insists on taking the stage to officiate, then he can only bow his head. He really doesn't understand this job.

It's not that Jae Yu thinks he's not capable, but that he has specialization in art!

You don't have a solid foundation for the sacrifice, and you really don't know how to arrange it.

Zaiyu looked down on the positions of the three lower ministers, and Zaiyu felt embarrassed to continue to detain some land and households from Luhou's hands.

The office is so ugly now, even if Lu Hou gritted his teeth, can he still squeeze out four dishes and one soup from the gap between his teeth?

Therefore, instead of counting on Lu Hou to seal the frontier, it is better to open up new ideas, develop new ways of playing, do it yourself, and have enough food and clothing.

As long as Yang Guan can be taken down, that is better than anything else.

Yangguan was returned by Qi State to Lu State, and after that, Yang Hu assigned Yangguan to his own name.

Now that Yang Hu is gone, Yang Guan should be handed over to the office for management in name.

But that is only in name, in fact, whoever gnaws down first, that Yangguan will be his.

Now that Marquis Lu is so up-to-date, he is willing to give him an official title, doesn't he know how to be a favor?
Thinking of this, Zaiyu bowed his head and said, "Even if you intend to reward your subordinates, how can your subordinates accept it?"

Hearing this, Marquis Lu thought that Zai Yu was humbly resigning in accordance with etiquette, so he continued to persuade him.

"You have contributed to the country, and those who make merit will be rewarded. Isn't this a matter of course?"

After hearing this, Jae Yu just shook his head, and he replied.

"Those who make meritorious deeds should be rewarded, although this is the most important principle in governing a country.

But the kindness I received from the country is already grand enough, and the reward I received from you is enough to keep my family from being poor.

Besides, I heard that when Yanzi of Qi State was having dinner at home, the Marquis of Qi sent an envoy to inquire.

After exchanging greetings with the envoy, Yanzi learned that he hadn't eaten yet, so he gave half of his meal to the envoy.

As a result, the envoy was not full, and neither was Yan Zi.

The envoy was very surprised to see that Yan Zi, as a gentleman respected by the people and a virtuous minister who was valued by the king, did not even have any meals for the guests.

So he reported the matter to Qi Hou.

After hearing this, Marquis Qi was quite surprised.

He said with emotion: 'Oh!It's my fault that my master is so poor that I don't even know about it! '

So, Qihou asked people to take a thousand gold and a lease to give to Yanzi.

However, Yan Zi refused to accept it.

After Qihou insisted again and again, Yan Zi solemnly bowed to Qihou twice and said goodbye.

"The family of the minister is not poor.The gift of the king has blessed the three families of father, mother, and wife, and extended to the people with lofty ideals who have been in contact with them, and has rescued many people. Your rewards are too heavy. How can it appear indifferent?

I have heard that taking generously from the king and giving generously to the people, using the favor of the king to fight for the people of the king, is to rule the people on behalf of the king, and loyal ministers will not act like this.

To take generously from the king but refuse to give to the people is to keep it for one's own use, and the benevolent would not do this.

To be aggressive is to be superior to a ruler, but not to be a nobleman. After death, leave property to others, just like a retainer who hides wealth for the master, and cannot let the property be used. A wise man will not act like this.

And as long as a person has ten feet of cloth and one basket of food, it is enough to avoid hunger and cold. '

After hearing this, Marquis Qi still hoped that Yan Zi would accept it.

So he continued to persuade: "In the past, Duke Huan, the former emperor, gave Guan Zhong five hundred book clubs (25 households were one book club), and Guan Zhong accepted it without any excuse. Master, why should you refuse the widow's kindness?" '

Yanzi said: "I heard that a sage has a lot of worries, but he must lose something."If a fool thinks a lot, he will gain something.Maybe Guan Zhong's loss at the beginning is the minister's gain today? '

After finishing speaking, Yan Zi bowed again, but he still refused to accept it.

Another time, Liangqiu went to Yanzi's house and found that what Yanzi ate was boiled rice that had only been simply shelled.

So Liang Qiuju told Qihou about the situation.

Qi Hou felt very guilty when he heard this, so he wanted to seal the two cities of Taiyi and Wuyan to Yanzi the next day.

Yan Zi refused, saying: "My ministers have never heard of those who are rich but not arrogant."If you are poor but have no complaints, your subordinates can still do it.

The reason why the subordinates can live in poverty without resentment is because they regard poverty as a teacher, so they can be content with poverty and their minds are not contaminated by foreign objects.

Now you have transferred Taiyi and Wuyan to your ministers, although this is out of your kindness to pity your ministers.

But it is tantamount to changing the teacher of the subordinates. If the subordinates look down on the teachers and value the rewards, they will definitely be confused by foreign things and lose themselves in things, so the subordinates dare not accept it! '"

When Zaiyu said this, he paid homage to Luhou again.

"When it comes to his contribution to the country, the people's love and respect for him, the ministers to the state of Lu are definitely not as good as Yan Zi to the state of Qi.

Talking about the moral integrity of a scholar and a gentleman, the self-cultivation of the subordinates is far inferior to that of Yanzi, who is praised by the world.

Now, with Yanzi's achievements, he dare not accept the king's reward.

With Yan Zi's virtues, he should take the poor and humble as his teacher and always remind himself to cultivate himself.

Now, my achievements and virtues are not as good as Yan Zi.However, I can already eat meat for meals, and I have three sets of regular clothes for autumn and winter.

My wealth has reached such a level, but my character is not enough to make me as firm and unshakable as Yan Zi.

Now, there are countless soldiers and people from the country who participated in the suppression of the Yanghu rebellion, and some of them are still in a state of being unable to feed and clothe their families, but you must first deepen my wealth.

The blessings I have received have far exceeded what I can bear. Although you have good intentions, how dare I not express my heart and express my fears? "

When Confucius heard Jae Yu's words, he couldn't help showing a generous smile, and he nodded slightly, as if to express his appreciation to the students.

After Lu Hou heard this passage, he couldn't help shaking his head and sighing with a smile.

"Qi has Yanzi, and Lu has Zaizi. The country is very lucky to have these two sons, and Qi and Lu are very lucky!"

He solemnly returned the salute to Zaiyu: "Zaizi doesn't want to accept the reward, so do you need my help? Even if it is a small matter, I hope you can let me play a role."

What Zaiyu was waiting for was Lu Hou's words.

He got up and said: "If there is something to ask your lord, it is to ask you to order me to go to ask for Yangguan.

Although Yanghu is gone now, his subordinates and clansmen are still occupying the Yiyi and Yangguan that belonged to him.

If these two places cannot be captured as soon as possible, when the Qi army attacks, these two towns will surely fall into the hands of the Qi people again.

In order to protect our Lu people's territory, I also hope that you can order me to dispatch troops to quell the rebellion and stabilize the country. "

When Marquis Lu heard this, he couldn't help admiring: "In the past, I asked Confucius for advice on Dayu.

The master told me: Fei eats food to make filial piety to ghosts and gods, bad clothes to make beauty a crown, and humble palaces to do one's best.Yu, I am inseparable.

His diet is very simple, but he tries his best to serve ghosts and gods.The clothes are simple, but he tries to dress gorgeously when offering sacrifices. The palace he lives in is very low, but he devotes all his energy to ditches and water conservancy.As for Yu, I really don't have any more opinions on him.

Now it seems that you have accepted the reward, but you have been able to contribute to the country with a public heart.

Even if this kind of behavior is not comparable to Dayu's virtue, it can be said to be close, right? "

Lu Hou's bragging made Jae Yu feel embarrassed.

With a cheeky face, he hastily declined and said, "Where can I touch Yu's virtue? I just want to keep the concept of self-denial and dedication to the public. If before the end of my life, I can see the necks and backs of Master and Yanzi Back, then I'm probably satisfied, right?"

　All the good things in the world are really of no use to us except to use them.

　　——Excerpt from "Zaiyu's Diary"

　　
　
(End of this chapter)