Chapter 350 Liu Xie = White Gloves

Jinmao is not interested in Luoyang. The first imperial examination in Hebei produced many big fish, and there are also many grassroots talents in various industries. After some ideological education, they can be devoted to national construction.

The original top 16 Mohist and Taoist representatives and contacts were all retained by Jinmao to serve.

what?
Mohists don’t want to be officials?
Then go into the factory!

The Taoist Laozi and Zhuangzi schools are devoted to practicing Taoism?
Get the gunpowder first, otherwise the entire Taoist temple will be demolished.

None of the philosophers escaped. At the very least, they had to become workers in a printing factory. After all, they were educated people and were better than uneducated people.

Those who came to attend the debate event did not expect that Jin Mao would be such a tyrant.

Everything was fine when I came here, but now I can’t go back even if I want to!
July, the sixth year of Jian'an (201).

The first imperial examination in Hebei Province came to a successful conclusion, selecting more than 30,000 students and new scholars of various types. After the screening, there were still more than 13,000 students willing to serve the new era.

As for the remaining 17,000 people, Jin Mao sent them all to Luoyang.

They even put it in a nice way, saying that loyal ministers of the Han Dynasty should accompany the emperor.

September.

Autumn harvest in Luoyang.

Liu Xie was very emotional as he once again competed in a harvesting competition with Lu Xun. There were many confused scholars nearby, as well as old pedants who had changed their ideas.

But they were only a minority after all. Most people did not agree with Liu Xie's idea of ​​farming with the people and insisted on their own ideas.

As the sun set, Lu Xun straightened up and shouted, "Your Majesty, it's getting late. We should go back."

Liu Xie popped his head out from the other side and said, "Another day has passed. Time flies so fast."

Yes, time flies so fast. Lu Xun gazed at the sunset and still remembered what Jin Mao said to him before entering Luoyang. He did not regret making such a decision.

My adoptive father is surrounded by many wise counselors and generals, and a new generation of people such as Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong are rising, so there will be no problem of generation gap.

In contrast, Liu Xie was in a difficult situation. He was not recognized by the older generation, nor by the students of the new era. He was not accepted by either side.

But Lu Xun knew Liu Xie's ambitions. He was an extremely proud man with his own persistence. Lu Xun also wanted to do his part for Liu Xie.

"Your Majesty, you must understand the long-standing truth that things cannot be accomplished overnight."

Liu Xie laughed and scolded, "Lu Boyan, you are so good! You have won the title of the eighth in the world, and you want to teach me a lesson?"

Lu Xun said modestly: "There is no such thing as the eighth in the world, it's just an empty title."

Liu Xie shook his head, but his eyes flashed with recognition and appreciation for Lu Xun's ability: "You are too modest, Lu Boyan. Your wisdom and courage are obvious to all in the court and even the world. In your eyes, my predicament may require your 'long-standing' wisdom to resolve it."

After saying this, Liu Xie stopped smiling and his eyes became deep: "Although I am in adversity, my heart is looking forward to the light. I do not seek to achieve success overnight, but only hope to advance step by step, consolidate the foundation, and when the time is right, I will be able to lead our Han Dynasty back to its peak."

Hearing this, Lu Xun felt a warm current in his heart. He knew Liu Xie's difficulties and tenacity, so he said solemnly: "Your Majesty's determination is a blessing for our Han Dynasty. Although I am not talented, I am willing to do my best to plan for Your Majesty, help Your Majesty overcome difficulties, and create brilliance together."

The two looked at each other, and there was no need for words, as their trust and tacit understanding between them was already deep.

"His Majesty!"

At this time, the eunuch hurriedly came in a carriage and shouted, "Empress Fu is happy to have a son, you should go and see him!"

"Hahaha!" Liu Xie said happily, "Bo Yan, I have an heir!"

Lu Xun was also very happy and said, "Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations, Your Majesty!"

"Let's go!" Liu Xie held Lu Xun's hand and walked into the carriage together. The eunuch consciously gave up his seat.

"Come with me to meet your newly born nephew!"

That night, the palace was filled with joy.

All the officials in Luoyang City thought that Liu Xie should cheer up after he had a child.

Unexpectedly, Liu Xie not only failed to meet these people's wishes, but became even more aggressive.

On the first day of October, there was a grand court meeting.

The great Confucian scholars headed by Zheng Xuan rebuked Liu Xie in person: "The Han Dynasty is about to be taken away by thieves. Your Majesty, do you still want to listen to slanderous words?"

After that, these people turned their spearheads to Lu Xun: "This boy is the descendant of a thief. If Your Majesty really can't distinguish right from wrong, then we, the ministers..."

"Go ahead!" Liu Xie wore a twelve-crown robe on his head and a black and red dragon robe, looking even more majestic. He said, "Why don't you continue?"

It was just the last time that Jin Mao sent people to kill too many people, and half of the officials were killed. Although there were more people this time, everyone was silent and only dared to speak ill of Jin Mao behind his back.

"Humph!" Liu Xie sneered, "I want to hear what you mean by 'thief' and 'inability to distinguish right from wrong'. Since I ascended the throne, I have worked hard day and night to revive the Han Dynasty and bring peace and prosperity to the world. Lu Xun, although his father made mistakes, people are not saints, who can be without mistakes? I think Lu Xun is talented and is indeed a pillar of the country. I want to use his talent to bring peace to the world. What's wrong with that?"

"As for you, you keep saying that you are serving the Han Dynasty, but you are only seen as forming a clique to attack dissidents, disregarding the safety of the country and only pursuing personal gain. If you really want to serve the Han Dynasty, why don't you use your energy to assist the government and resist foreign enemies instead of framing loyal people in this palace?"

"I know you have doubts, but I know better that you should not doubt people when you employ them, and you should not employ people you doubt. I have seen and heard Lu Xun's talent with my own eyes, and I cannot be shaken by your one-sided words. I have made up my mind. From today, Lu Xun will be promoted to Shangshu Lang to assist me in handling state affairs. I hope that you can work together to discuss national affairs and stop this meaningless dispute."

After saying this, Liu Xie glanced around the room with a sharp gaze. He saw that the ministers either lowered their heads in silence or looked surprised, but no one dared to refute him.

"From now on, those who do not want to go to the ground can resign and leave."

Liu Xie began to use his ultimate move: "If you really regard me as the emperor of the Han Dynasty, then obey me. If not, then forget it!"

When these words were spoken, everyone in the court was shocked.

The local grain production in Luoyang was not enough to feed these pests, so all the grain was obtained by Liu Xie from Jin Mao.

In other words, Liu Xie holds the economic lifeline of these people.

You're playing both sides, right? Just tear off the fig leaf!
At this time, Zheng Xuan was nominated to take the blame and said, "I obey your order."

Since the founding of the Han Dynasty, there has been no logic in requiring an elder over 70 years old to work. By doing this, Zheng Xuan was undoubtedly scolding Liu Xie for being unfilial.

"Those over sixty can be exempted." Liu Xie was not that stupid, and immediately issued an edict: "Those under fifteen and over sixty can be exempted from corvée labor."

This really counts as corvee labor.

Liu Xie then added: "If anyone lies or conceals the truth, he will be punished the same as the common people!"

As soon as these words came out, there was an uproar in the court. Everyone was surprised and admired Liu Xie's decisiveness and wisdom. Instead of being angered by Zheng Xuan's sarcasm, he took this opportunity to show his benevolent heart, which not only complied with the will of the people, but also cleverly resolved the embarrassment and established the majesty of the law.

The ministers looked at each other, thinking to themselves that this young emperor, though seemingly weak, was actually well versed in governing a country, and had a tolerant heart, yet was also ruthless. Zheng Xuan was also slightly stunned, and then smiled bitterly. He had originally just wanted to take this opportunity to remind Liu Xie not to be too harsh, but he did not expect that it would prompt Liu Xie to make a more humane decision.

"Your Majesty is wise!" An old minister took the lead in kneeling, followed by the others, and the whole hall was filled with praises. Liu Xie smiled slightly, his eyes revealing a calmness and confidence beyond his age. He knew that true governance was not simply about command and obedience, but about finding a balance between law and human feelings.

Later, Liu Xie changed the subject and talked about how to manage the national economy more effectively. He proposed a series of reform measures, including encouraging farming, building water conservancy projects, reducing commercial taxes, and promoting trade, aiming to strengthen national strength and improve people's livelihood. Every word he said was powerful, but few people present agreed with him.

The people with the surname Jin have the final say in the world. What do you, a puppet emperor, have to say here?

"I have made up my mind. I hope you will work together to build a prosperous Han Dynasty!"

"We obey your order." The officials responded reluctantly.

Down towards the back.

Lu Xun couldn't resist Liu Xie and went to visit his nephew together. On the way, he couldn't help but ask the doubts in his heart.

"Your Majesty, you should know that all the officials sincerely agree with you, so why do you still say those words?"

Indeed, Liu Xie's philosophy of governing the country was increasingly similar to Jin Mao's, which was also the key point that all officials could not tolerate.

"Bo Yan, I'll be honest with you." Liu Xie said with emotion: "The longer I spend with the people, the more I understand my uncle's approach."

"I used to think that the way of an emperor lies in power and checks and balances, but after witnessing the suffering of the people, I realized that a truly prosperous era requires not only a stable regime, but also the support of the people. The emperor's uncle is known for his benevolence. He taught me that true power comes from the will of the people, not from the hypocrisy of the court."

"Although I know that my words today will not immediately change the hearts of the officials, they are also a declaration to the world that I intend to follow the example of the ancient sages, put the people first, and strive to make every inch of the Han Dynasty bathed in peace and prosperity. I know the road ahead is difficult, but I believe that as long as I persevere and set an example, I will eventually be able to influence the officials and join me in this journey."

"As for the reactions of the officials, I have already anticipated them. People have different mindsets and it is difficult to agree on ideas, but I will not back down because of this. I will use my actions to prove that my decision is for the long-term stability of the Han Dynasty and for the well-being of the people. I believe that time will be the best witness, and it will prove whether my choice is correct."

"Bo Yan, you are my right-hand man. I hope you can understand my painstaking efforts and continue to assist me to jointly realize the vision of the prosperity of the Han Dynasty. I know that you care about the world and are both wise and brave. With your help, my confidence is doubled."

There were other things that Liu Xie did not tell Lu Xun. The story of the Golden Goat was still vivid in his mind. Liu Xie did not want Lu Xun to follow in the old path of the Golden Goat. All the filth and evil had to be borne by himself.

Hearing this, Lu Xun felt a warm current in his heart. "Don't worry, Your Majesty. I will do my best to assist Your Majesty and build a prosperous Han Dynasty. No matter how bumpy the road ahead is, I will fight side by side with Your Majesty until we succeed."

"That's good!" Liu Xie changed the subject and said, "Let's not talk about these unhappy things, let's talk about something interesting."

Liu Xie looked at Lu Xun and asked, "Bo Yan is seventeen this year, right? Is he married?"

Hearing this, Lu Xun blushed and replied modestly, "Your Majesty, I am indeed only seventeen years old, but I am busy with state affairs and my family is in decline, so I have not had time to think about marriage. I think I should first establish a career and then start a family. When the country is stable and the people are well, I can talk about personal matters."

Liu Xie nodded slightly when he heard this, with a hint of approval in his eyes: "Bo Yan is indeed ambitious, I am very pleased. However, a man with lofty ambitions also needs a beautiful woman to accompany him, so that they can complement each other. You are a pillar of our dynasty, I will pay attention to you, and if there is a suitable woman, I will definitely act as a matchmaker for you."

Lu Xun bowed and said gratefully, "I thank your majesty for your kindness, but I believe that marriage is a matter of destiny. When the time comes, it will come naturally. At present, I just want to assist your majesty wholeheartedly and work hard for the Han Dynasty until my death."

Liu Xie smiled and patted Lu Xun on the shoulder, saying, "What a good person who will not stop until his death. With loyal ministers and generals like you, I don't have to worry about the unrest in the world. However, I also hope that you can find your own happiness while serving the country. After all, people are not plants or trees, so who can be heartless?"

"Let's talk about it later." Lu Xun looked around and said, "If there is a girl I like, I will marry her, but there is no one in the court who catches my eye."

"Food and sex are human nature." Liu Xie said jokingly, "You can take concubines even if you have never married. When I was your age, I had already had more than a handful of concubines in the harem, but you are so different. You still haven't had a woman!"

"No way!" Liu Xie exclaimed, "Could it be that Boyan has a crush on Long Yang?"

"Forget it. I think I am pretty, so I will give it to you." Liu Xie pretended to be serious and said, "It is agreed that I am a real dragon, and you can only be a golden crow without eggs."

Lu Xun was furious: "How dare your majesty make fun of me like this!"

"Seniors can be killed, but not humiliated!"

After saying that, Lu Xun turned around and was about to leave.

Liu Xie panicked and reached out but failed to grab Lu Xun's collar. He quickly explained, "It's just a joke. Boyan, don't take it seriously."

Lu Xun paused and said, "Your Majesty, just wait and see. I will find a woman tomorrow!"

After saying this, Lu Xun walked away with a heroic and high-spirited look.

Liu Xie asked the people around him in surprise, "Do you think Lu Boyan dares to say it or do it?"

No one answered. Lu Xun dared to fight in front of Liu Xie, but they didn't dare.

Three days later.

When Liu Xie received the news, he didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

It turned out that Lu Xun did find a woman, but he went to Yihongyuan.

Yihongyuan is an intelligence agency. Everyone knows that this young master is the adopted son of Prince Wu. How could they dare to let an ordinary girl serve him? On the first day, he was accompanied by the courtesan.

The next day, the news reached Jin Mao's ears.

On the fifth day, Zhou Yu's beautiful and talented daughter was sent to Lu Xun's residence, along with ten other beauties of average appearance as dowry.

Jin Mao personally granted the marriage and wrote a letter to Lu Xun, reminding him not to go out and fool around. If he wanted to have fun, he should stay at home. If he got sick, he would be skinned alive.

At this time, the clever Lu Xun realized what Yihongyuan was like and felt ashamed.

(End of this chapter)