Zhao Defang's road to the virtuous king

"Yes, there is a man named Liu Lishan who has been around Mr. Mei. I heard that he is from the Daming Mansion. He once said that one person can defeat dozens of Liao soldiers, but he often fights with others because of disagreements. A few years ago He was enlisted in the army, but his temperament was really difficult to tame, and he was expelled again, and for some reason, he actually met Lord Mei, but I heard that he changed a lot after following Lord Mei, and he stopped causing trouble."

"It must be because I have met many heroes from all walks of life. Lord Mei likes to make friends with heroes the most, and often talks about wars with them. Four years ago, Mei Xun was summoned by His Majesty as a Jinshi examiner to talk about world affairs. His Majesty regarded him as a genius. He was promoted to Jixian Academy. At that time, the Liao State repeatedly invaded Beiguan, and the party Xiang Li Jiqian attacked Lingzhou again. The border affairs were critical. Mei Xun wrote a letter to offer advice: to grant Shuofang to Pan Luozhi, the leader of Tubo, to contain him from the rear, so that "barbarians attack barbarians" He also took the initiative to ask for Ying, saying that he was going to live in Lingzhou and dismiss the Western soldiers, why did he cherish Yimei Xun! Your Majesty greatly appreciates this, and praises his loyalty, which is why he was appointed as the judge of the Taichang Cheng and the Third Division's household department."

"From this point of view, Master Mei is a good official who is very attentive to state affairs, but why doesn't Prime Minister Li like him?"

"Officials shouldn't talk about politics in private. It's understandable if it's a matter of this department, but he went to various departments to discuss military and political affairs with officials, and he also made friends with many people who practice martial arts and ride bravely. The court has always restricted this. It's just that His Majesty praised Lord Mei quite a lot, so other officials stopped writing letters, but Li Xiang is not like this. He believes that military and political affairs should be discussed with civil and military officials in the court. Besides, military and political affairs should not be discussed in private. The Privy Council also proposed to Li Xiang about this, thinking that once Mei Xun's case is opened, officials in the court and China will use it as the basis, discuss politics in private and make friends with unruly warriors. At that time, they may repeat the disaster of the previous court and be detrimental to the imperial power. Li was very dissatisfied with Mei Xun."

But Xu nodded when he heard this, "Li Xiangzhi's words are reasonable. If the official is not in charge, he has no right to comment on the affairs of other departments."

"Military and political affairs are not enough to have the courage of a man. The current geographical position of my Song Dynasty is very delicate, and I am facing a strong enemy from the north. Empty talk is meaningless. It is better to do the things in your own hands well first. It is the most beneficial to the common people." Defang patted Wei Xu, "Xu'er, my father does not require you to make any great achievements, as long as you can do the things within your duties, that is enough. You want I know, although it seems that you are only responsible for some small things in various ministries, but it is a big thing for the country and the people."

Wei Xu arched his hands, "My child, remember the teachings of the father and king."

"Xu'er, my father knows that you really want to help my father. My father will definitely let you know more and get in touch with capable officials. My father believes that Xu'er will definitely do better than my father."

"The child will learn by heart."

Defang stopped and looked at Weixu. He was full of expectations and love for the eldest son, but he was always worried. Defang shook his head and said, "Xu'er, it's good to learn by heart, but it's not good to just learn." If you don’t have enough talent, you have to show off others to treat you differently. Humility is a good virtue, but don’t let others use your kindness to deceive you. You are the prince of your father and the grandson of Emperor Taizu. There is the glory of the royal family. For the officials in the court and the people of the Song Dynasty, you are not only a member of the royal family, but also an official. An official must have official authority, awesome talent and majesty, Xuer, You have to remember that the officialdom of the court is a arena for power and wisdom, and no one will show mercy to anyone."