Han Dang is stronger

Chapter 22 Repaying Resentment with Virtue

After exchanging swords with each other, the relationship between Xiang Kang and County Magistrate Zhou has of course become much closer invisibly. Although the words are still a bit polite, the topics of conversation have gradually increased. First, County Magistrate Zhou inquired about Xiang Kang. Xiang Kang told the truth about Kang's life experience. During the period, he deliberately mentioned some interesting anecdotes that happened when Xiang's family moved to the lower chancellor. feel bored.

Then, from Feng Zhong’s mouth, Xiang Kang, who had inquired about the details of the county magistrate of Zhou, was the main anti-client. He pretended to be curious and asked whether the county magistrate Zhou, who was born in Zhou, had any special relationship with the royal family of the Western Zhou Dynasty. I realized that my ancestor was only a small official in the palace of the Zhou Dynasty, but changed his surname because he was born in Zhou, and under Xiang Kang's intentional or unintentional teasing, he talked about Jiuding of the Zhou Dynasty, talking happily and triumphantly.

Then, Xiang Kang quietly extended the topic to the respect that the Spring and Autumn kingdoms had for the royal family of the Western Zhou Dynasty. As a result, this happened to scratch the itch in the county magistrate Zhou's heart. Xiang Kang chatted more enthusiastically and with gusto.

However, Xiang Kang also underestimated County Magistrate Zhou. After several rounds of repetition, County Magistrate Zhou gradually realized that he was actually being led by the nose by Xiang Kang, unwilling to be passive. The county magistrate Zhou also cleverly changed the subject, and suddenly brought up current events in the world, and said casually: "Young master Xiang, a young hero, must be very concerned about current events. What's the first thing?"

"It's time to test me." Xiang Kang understood in his heart, but his face remained calm, and he opened his mouth and replied: "Reporting to the county lord, the younger generation believes that the most important thing in the world today should be how the new emperor will govern and whether the old emperor's old laws will be continued. ? Rest with the people? Or continue to carry forward the achievements of the former emperor?"

"This scorpion has such a loud voice." County magistrate Zhou's heart skipped a beat, and he was very surprised that Xiang Kang dared to open his mouth to mention Qin Ershi's policy.After a little calculation, Zhou County Magistrate tentatively asked: "Young Master Xiang, in your opinion, what kind of politics should be used to manage the world today?"

"Of course we should rest with the people." Xiang Kang replied directly and without any taboos - because Qin II had just ascended the throne, and the series of perverse actions that followed had not yet officially started.Then Xiang Kang said again: "Although the previous emperors made great achievements and benefited the future, since the Spring and Autumn Period, the world has been in turmoil for hundreds of years. The people are exhausted and their lives are miserable. It cannot be recovered by the previous emperor's dynasty. Therefore, the younger generation believes that the new emperor We should rest with the people, benefit the people and nourish the people, so that all the people in the world have time to recuperate and recover their vitality, so that the Great Qin can be peaceful and ruled, and it will be brilliant forever."

After all, as the magistrate of a county, he has been exposed to far more major court affairs than ordinary people, so after hearing Xiang Kang's words, County Magistrate Zhou was inevitably a little silent, and couldn't help but think of all kinds of insider news from Xianyang.After a short pause, County Magistrate Zhou didn't dare to continue the topic, and changed his words, "I don't know if you have heard that Neishi Mengtian died of taking poison because he was suspected of treason?"

"What? Meng Tian is dead?" As a private citizen, Xiang Kang had never heard of this important news before. When County Magistrate Zhou suddenly mentioned it, Xiang Kang's heart skipped a beat, and he blurted out a question.Then Xiang Kang glanced at County Magistrate Zhou quietly again, and said in his heart: "This guy is quite courageous. He dared to bring up such a sensitive topic with a stranger I just met."

Magistrate Zhou nodded his head, as an answer to Xiang Kang's rhetorical question, but Xiang Kang hesitated for a moment and said, "If the crime of treason is true, then Meng Tian deserved what he deserved, but I don't know what the magistrate thinks about it."

"This kid, actually give me a way to retreat." County magistrate Zhou was a little dumbfounded, but he also didn't dare to discuss this topic in depth, so he could only say vaguely: "Young master is right, if Meng Tian's crime is true , then he deserves what he deserves.”

After testing each other, they found that the other party was very wary in their words and did not dare to comment on the important affairs of the court at will. The atmosphere of the conversation between Xiang Kang and Zhou County Magistrate was inevitably a bit depressed.Fortunately, County Magistrate Zhou didn't intend to end this, and asked Xiang Kang: "Young Master Xiang, what is your opinion on the administration of this official as the Prime Minister?"

"How talented and virtuous is this junior, how dare you criticize the administration of the county magistrate?" Xiang Kang said modestly, and then said: "However, compared with the county magistrate of Ling County in the neighboring county, the county magistrate can definitely be regarded as a good parent who loves and protects the people. , Xia Xiang can be governed by the county, it is really the blessing of Xia Xiang and the people."

"Oh, how do you see it?"

There is no one who does not like to listen to good words, and County Magistrate Zhou is no exception, so he quickly asked Xiang Kang why.Fortunately, Xiang Kang was not a flatterer, so he immediately talked about the matter of Ling County officials who came to Yu's house to plunder, and compared it with the officials under Zhou County Magistrate, saying: "...It is completely different from that in Ling County. It’s different, under your rule, the county lord, I’ve never heard of such a thing, so it can be seen that the county lord’s imperial talent is not only as clean as water, spotless, but also able to make the officials follow the rules and follow the rules. , and no offense to the people. Therefore, this junior firmly believes that the future of you, the magistrate, must be far above the magistrate of Ling County, and if you can get the support of the nobles, it must be limitless!"

After finishing speaking, Xiang Kang added with a smile, "Let me say another word of flattery to the county magistrate, comparing you with the magistrate of Ling County, the county magistrate is really wronged."

County Magistrate Zhou stroked his beard and laughed, very satisfied with Xiang Kang's flattery. Then County Magistrate Zhou asked several questions one after another to test Xiang Kang's talents. He also had great insight, which made Magistrate Zhou nod his head again and again, and looked at Xiang Kangyi with admiration - there is no way, the advantage of the traveler is placed here, and a little knowledge is thrown out, which has accumulated the essence of more than 2000 years of history With unique insights, if Xiang Kang will be tested by County Magistrate Zhou in this regard, he will be too sorry for his status as a time traveler.

After asking Xiang Kang another question about how to govern the people, he found that the answer Xiang Kang gave was still quite reasonable. The magistrate of Zhou stopped talking for a while, and asked Xiang Kang after thinking about it for a while: "Mr. Xiang, Is it a pity that you are so erudite and talented, and you have unique insights into civil affairs, but you are buried among the people?"

"What does the magistrate mean?" Xiang Kang really didn't understand the implication of the magistrate Zhou this time.

"I don't know if my son is willing to be an official?" The magistrate of Zhou was also frank, and said very directly: "If you want to be an official, I can recruit you to be an official in the county, and help me to benefit the people."

Inheriting the memory left by the previous Xiang Kang, Xiang Kang knows what enlistment is—that is, after the government understands your ability, they take the initiative to promote you as an official.But Xiang Kang really thought that Zhou County Magistrate would take the initiative to recruit him as an official, and he never thought of being a lackey of Qin II, so when Zhou County Magistrate suddenly asked this question, Xiang Kang couldn't help being a little at a loss. Know how to decide.

After thinking about it further, Xiang Kang found that he should not accept the kindness of Zhou County Magistrate. There are three main reasons. One is that the Qin Dynasty has very strict management of officials. The government strictly controlled it, and they had to help Qin Ershi do the wrong thing and ruin his reputation—Liu was unwilling to harm the people too much, so he voluntarily abandoned his official position and ran to the mountains to become a bandit.

The second reason is that Xiang Kang is very clear in his heart, knowing that the magistrate of Zhou appreciates him quite a lot, but he doesn't particularly value himself. He kindly proposed to recommend him to be an official, but he just wanted to use his talent and ability to help him govern the people. , I just use myself as a helper, and I can't trust my confidant.And if I accept it, not only will the magistrate Zhou's evaluation of me be lowered, but I will also get a favor from the magistrate Zhou. If I ask the magistrate Zhou for anything in the future, I will have no way to speak up.

The third reason is the simplest. Xiang Liang and Xiang Yu are about to rebel soon. If Xiang Kang accepts the kindness of Zhou County Magistrate, he will definitely be suspected and guarded against, and may be suddenly taken down by the government at any time. Decapitation and head loss are far less safe than hiding among the people.

Considering these scruples, Xiang Kang quickly made up his mind, shook his head and said: "Thank you for the kindness of the county lord, the younger generation is used to being free and loose, and has no intention of becoming an official, please ask the county lord Haihan."

"Young Master, you really don't have this plan?" County magistrate Zhou was very surprised, and said: "Being an official, not to mention the prestige, you can get Lumi every month, and you don't have to do more military service. There are many benefits. Countless people You want to be an official if you squeeze your head, son, you are not tempted at all?"

"I'm used to being lazy, and I don't want to be troubled by the case." Xiang Kang replied with a smile: "So the county respects the crime, and this opportunity should be given to others."

Magistrate Zhou's eyes widened, and Feng Zhong, who was sitting at the bottom, was winking at Xiang Kang as if wiping his neck, complaining in his heart that Xiang Kang didn't know how to praise him, and that he didn't want the opportunity to become an official in front of him for nothing, Xiang Kang I also noticed Feng Zhong's small movements, but pretended not to see them.

It was still expected by Xiang Kang, although he was very surprised at Xiang Kang's ignorance, but after confirming that Xiang Kang was sincerely unwilling to bend his waist for three buckets of rice, County Magistrate Zhou couldn't help but look at Xiang Kang again - he could frankly refuse Magistrate Zhou had only heard of such a tempting person before, but he had never seen him before.So after nodding his head, County Magistrate Zhou said: "Since that's the case, then I won't force you. However, if the young master changes his mind that day, he can speak to the official at any time. This official really appreciates the young master's talent and education."

"Thank you for your respect and love, the younger generation will keep it in your heart." Xiang Kang's tone was quite sincere, and he really admired the County Magistrate Zhou in front of him, who was quite a good official and person.After he finished speaking, Xiang Kang suddenly caught sight of Feng Zhong, who was already full of disappointment. His heart moved, and he cupped his hands again and said, "The county lord, I take the liberty to ask you something. I don't know if the county lord can agree."

"Sir, please tell me." Magistrate Zhou replied casually.

"Please be kind to the county magistrate, and support me, Brother Feng Zhong." Xiang Kang held Feng Zhong with his fingers.

"what?"

"what?!"

County magistrate Zhou and Feng Zhong were surprised at the same time, and then Feng Zhong was of course full of ecstasy, wishing he could rush forward and kiss Xiang Kang on the spot.Xiang Kang said eloquently: "Your Majesty, I, Brother Feng, has been the pavilion chief of Shiling Pavilion for many years. He has always been diligent in his errands and has a good reputation as an official. , this junior feels pity for him from the bottom of his heart. Today, this junior is honored to pay a visit to the county venerable, and I would like to ask the county lord to be kind to me, Brother Feng."

Hearing such words, of course Feng Zhong wanted to kiss Xiang Kang even more—good brother!It's a pity that County Magistrate Zhou was a little unmoved, and sighed, and said, "Master Xiang, it's not that I don't give you this face, it's because Feng Zhong lacks merit. If you reward for nothing, I'm afraid the people below will not accept it." .”

"Your Majesty, forgive the crime, please allow this junior to speak out boldly." Xiang Kang said eloquently: "In my humble opinion, Brother Feng's lack of achievements is his greatest achievement."

"What do you mean by this, son?" Magistrate Zhou became interested again.

"Because Brother Feng is the head of the pavilion." Xiang Kang said in a deep voice: "The position of the head of the pavilion is to be responsible for the security of the pavilion and to arrest bandits. He has no dazzling achievements, which just proves that the head of the pavilion is safe and sound. , the people live and work in peace and contentment, and there are no bandits doing evil. On the contrary, if the chief of the pavilion has outstanding political achievements and catches a few thieves today and a few bandits tomorrow, wouldn't it mean that the chief of the pavilion is full of thieves and the people are miserable? If not, where did the pavilion chief go to catch so many bandits?"

After finishing speaking, Xiang Kang added another sentence, saying: "Please think about it, if Brother Feng has made outstanding achievements and is catching thieves in Shiling Pavilion every day, shouldn't you be worried that the folk customs in Shiling Pavilion will be corrupted, and the people will suffer? Harassment by bandits, and thus affect the peace and stability of the entire Xiaxiang County?"

County magistrate Zhou was speechless, and only then did he realize that Feng Zhong, the incompetent pavilion chief, was actually doing a decent job, at least he didn't cause trouble for himself, affecting his official reputation as a prime minister.On the other hand, Feng Zhong was both nervous and excited. While thanking Xiang Kang to death in his heart, he desperately hoped that County Magistrate Zhou would open his mouth and promise to promote himself.

Magistrate Zhou did not disappoint Feng Zhong. After careful consideration for a while, Magistrate Zhou finally nodded and said, "Young Master Xiang is right. Although Feng Zhong's achievements are not obvious, he is the head of the pavilion responsible for arresting thieves." , As long as the people under his rule can live and work in peace and contentment, do not pick up things on the road, and do not close their houses at night, that is his greatest achievement! Well, I promise you, I will reconsider the appointment of Feng Zhong."

"Brother Xiang Kang!" Feng Zhong shouted in his heart, looking at Xiang Kang with nothing but gratitude and emotion, he kept shouting in his heart, "Good brother! I once brought someone to search your house, I planned to arrest your aunt for a statement, but you actually repaid me like this! I didn’t expect you to repay me like this! Good brother, don’t worry, I will never forget your kindness in this life! I will never forget your kindness for revenge!”

Seeing the gratitude in Feng Zhong's heart, Xiang Kang also smiled slightly, and secretly said: "I sold you such a big favor, remember to pay it back in the future. You are a little bit loyal, and a little timid, so it is easier to fiddle with it. Helping you to grasp more power may play a big role in the future."

　The custom-made soundproof windows arrived today, and I hope they can be installed smoothly.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)