Chapter 372 The eldest prince is like his father!
Luoyang Nangong.

The entire palace has undergone a simple renovation. Although it no longer retains the appearance of the Guangwu period, it is still magnificent enough.

Since his debut, Jin Mao has been domineering and self-centered, which is completely different from the period of Emperor Ling. All the buildings near the palace that are taller than the imperial city have been demolished.

If there is a major development in the future, Jinmao will imitate the later capital and plan the first, second and third ring roads, with at least the second ring road near the imperial city, but buildings taller than the imperial palace will still not be allowed to be built.

In addition, as the Grand Council became more mature, centralization became more and more obvious, and Jin Mao had the final say over the entire world.

As a result, Jinmao became constrained and dared not to take action on many things.

Wasting people's money and time is a small matter, but losing people's lives is a big matter.

The present time is different from the past. There are very few remnants of the old era among the people all over the world. Most people regard themselves as living in the new era. Even Liu Xie, who just abdicated, is actively responding to the new policies promulgated by Jin Mao.

September, the first year of Yan Han (209).

King Liu Xie of Nanyang recommended the eldest prince Jin Lin in the court.

"Your Majesty, the eldest prince is about to come of age. It is not appropriate to let him continue to train in Wushang County. I suggest that the eldest prince be transferred to join the development of the Northwest."

This was a strategy agreed upon by Liu Xie and Lu Xun. Although the Greater Northeast also had huge development plans, the potential there was limited at a glance. To the east of Liaodong was the sea, and to the north was the desert. The purpose of building a city was not for anything else but to expand territory and guard against the rise of nomadic peoples.

The Northwest is different. It is a must-pass place on the Silk Road. Although the Silk Road was not cut off during the Eastern Han Dynasty, it is hard to say how much it can recover to its former state after so many years of unrest.

Moreover, Liu Xie has been in frequent contact with Jin Mao recently and is very aware of the importance the current emperor attaches to the Northwest.

Although he was not clear about the reason why the emperor attached great importance to him, Liu Xie was smart enough to quickly realize that this was an opportunity and it would be the best choice to let Jin Lin go here to gild his reputation.

What if Jin Lin suddenly realizes something and gets a real golden body? He’ll make a fortune!
"Where is my son Jin Lin?"

Jin Mao sat in the main hall and did not object to Liu Xie's proposal. As a father, he would definitely make things convenient for his son as long as he was capable and daring enough to take risks.

The newly promoted Grand Eunuch Lu Xun stepped out and said, "Your Majesty, the eldest prince is staying at the Nanyang Palace and will leave for Wushang County to take up his post soon."

This was not because Lu Xun was betraying the brotherhood between Liu Xie and Jin Lin, but because he knew that Jin Mao hated hiding things the most. Not to mention his adopted son, even Jin Lin, his biological son, would not have an easy time.

Sure enough, when Jin Mao heard this, he did not show any dissatisfaction, but nodded and said: "Prince Xuanda Jin Lin is here to see you."

"Yes!" Lu Xun immediately took the order and left.

Half an hour later, Jin Lin followed Lu Xun to the outside of Chongde Hall, panting, having run a lot along the way.

Lu Xun motioned Jin Lin to wait outside the door, and he stepped into the hall, bowed and said, "Your Majesty, the eldest prince has arrived."

At this time, the court had finished discussing today's affairs, and Jin Mao was about to leave the court, "Summon him in."

"Here."

After a while, Jin Lin lowered his head and walked quickly to the hall. He walked to the throne and knelt down and kowtowed: "Your son greets you, father."

It's not that Jin Mao likes the kneeling ceremony, but Jin Lin took the initiative to learn from the Confucianists to show filial piety in the Chongde Hall.

Jin Mao was very unhappy about this: "You shouldn't waste time on these red tapes, nor should you hang yourself on the tree of Confucianism. You should learn from others and become a ruler in the future."

Jin Lin was trembling all over. Fortunately, Liu Xie and Lu Xun had corrected his ideas last time, so he didn't make a fool of himself today.

"My son, please remember your father's teachings!"

"Yes!" Jin Lin raised his head and objected: "Even if I want to combine the strengths of hundreds of schools of thought in the future, I should not abandon the essence of Confucianism!"

"I believe that a person who is disloyal, unfilial, unkind, and unrighteous cannot be a wise ruler!"

As imagined, the scene of Jinmao getting angry did not happen.

"Oh?" Jin Mao asked with great interest, "Then tell me, what is a wise ruler?"

Jin Lin thought for a moment before saying, "A wise ruler should be benevolent, people-oriented, treat the people like his own children, sympathize with the people's sufferings, promote benefits and eliminate disadvantages, make the country prosperous, and make the people live and work in peace and contentment. A wise ruler should open up the way for talents, be unconventional, accept advice, listen to opinions from all sides with an open mind, pool wisdom, and work together for national affairs. At the same time, a wise ruler must also have foresight, be able to see through the current situation, grasp the trend of historical development, and formulate strategic policies that conform to national conditions. When governing the country, one should be fair and selfless, and clearly distinguish between rewards and punishments, so that loyalty and talent can be demonstrated, and treachery and incompetence can have nowhere to hide.

"In addition, a wise ruler should also focus on cultural education, promote the essence of Confucianism, but also not exclude the advantages of other doctrines, integrate hundreds of schools of thought, and promote the prosperity of thought. Through education, the moral sentiments and wisdom of the people can be cultivated, so that the country has the driving force and source of sustainable development. I believe that a truly wise ruler is a leader who can stick to the right path in a complex and changing situation and lead the country to a bright future."

Jin Lin spoke passionately, his eyes flashing with vision and determination for the future. After hearing this, Jin Mao smiled with satisfaction, nodded slightly, his eyes full of admiration.

"I am very pleased that my son has such insights."

"However," Jin Mao changed the subject and said, "Anyone can talk, but to be a wise ruler you must have practical ability, not just empty talk!"

"Your Majesty is right. I know that theory and practice complement each other and are indispensable. Therefore, I am willing to go deep into the people from now on, understand their sentiments, understand their sufferings, and truly apply the morality and wisdom I have learned to solve practical problems. At the same time, I will also open up a wide range of talents, not stick to one style, absorb talents from all over the world, and work together for national development, so that every knowledgeable person can play his or her strengths in national construction." "I also plan to promote educational reform, not only focusing on the imparting of knowledge, but also strengthening moral education and the cultivation of innovative thinking, so that future citizens will not only have a solid academic foundation, but also have noble moral sentiments and the spirit of courage to explore. Through these measures, I believe that we can cultivate more pillars of talent with both moral integrity and ability for the country, and lay a solid foundation for the long-term development of the country."

"In addition, I will actively learn the ways of governing the country from the wise rulers of past dynasties, absorb their wisdom and experience, and at the same time, combine them with the current actual situation of the country, apply them flexibly, and constantly innovate, striving to open up a unique development path for the prosperity and stability of our country in a complex and changing international environment."

Jin Lin's words were full of firm belief and sense of responsibility for the future. His eyes were shining again, which was the unremitting pursuit of ideals and infinite longing for the future of the country.

Jin Mao looked at his son and said with a curled lip, "You are so ambitious. You can't even manage a small Wushang County, and you still want to manage the country?"

"When I was your age, I was the one who had the final say in the entire Accounting County."

Jin Lin lowered his head in shame, but then raised it again, his eyes gleaming with a more determined light. "Father taught me that I really need to be down-to-earth and start from the basics. But the vision in my heart is not groundless, but based on a deep understanding of the current situation and careful consideration of the country's future. Although Wushang is small, it is also an indispensable part of the country's body. If we can explore effective governance methods here and accumulate experience, wouldn't it lay a solid foundation for a broader world in the future?"

"I understand that the combination of theory and practice is the key to driving the country forward. I plan to first gain an in-depth understanding of the livelihood, economy, culture and other aspects of Wushang County, and formulate development strategies that are in line with local conditions. At the same time, I will focus on cultivating talents and stimulating the innovative vitality of the people, so that everyone can become a force to promote local development."

"Furthermore, I will be committed to building an open and cooperative pattern. I will not only optimize the allocation of resources within the county, but also actively seek cooperation opportunities with surrounding areas to jointly meet challenges and share development opportunities. At the international level, although I have not yet directly involved myself, I will pay close attention to international developments, learn from the successful experiences of other countries, and at the same time adhere to a development path that suits my country's national conditions, and not blindly follow the trend or go with the flow."

"Father, I know that the road ahead will not be smooth, but as you said, Accounting County was your starting point, and now Wushang County is my starting point. I will live up to your expectations and prove with practical actions that even on the smallest stage, I can perform a wonderful chapter and contribute my own strength to the prosperity and stability of the country."

Upon hearing this, Jin Mao showed a disapproving expression on his face and said, "Okay, don't go to Wushang County. King Nanyang has found a good job for you. I hope you don't let him down."

Jin Lin looked up at Liu Xie, who was sitting above him, but before he could say anything, he heard his father begin to deliver an imperial edict.

"Grand Prince Jin Lin, from today on, I order you to be the captain of the baggage transport team of the Development Department of the Construction Bureau."

Jin Mao looked at his son and said, "Zhuge Kongming is a man of great talent. If you can learn even 50% of his abilities, the position of crown prince will definitely belong to you."

After these words came out, Jin Lin felt mixed emotions, with both longing for the future and trepidation about the unknown challenges. He knew that his father's expectations were as heavy as a mountain, and Zhuge Kongming, the legendary strategist with unparalleled wisdom, was his role model. Jin Lin took a deep breath, knelt on the ground, and said in a firm and powerful voice: "I will obey your order and live up to your father's high expectations. I will do my best to learn from Mr. Zhuge's wisdom, not only to fulfill my duties for the baggage transport team, but also to contribute all my strength to national construction. I hope to use my glimmer of light to illuminate the road to national prosperity."

Jin Mao nodded with satisfaction, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes. He knew that although Jin Lin was not his favorite son, his calmness and tenacity, as well as his determination to not lag behind, gave him hope for the future. "My son, since you have such ambition, I will be relieved to hand this matter over to you. Remember, every man has his share of responsibility for the rise and fall of a country. I am very pleased that you did not get discouraged by the lowly position and heavy responsibility of the transport captain."

"Retreat!"

...

Outside the Chongde Hall, the ministers who had just retired from court greeted Jin Lin in various ways when they passed by him to show their respect.

Being a transport team leader is a tough job. Not only do you have to be exposed to wind and rain, but you also have to be able to adapt to changing circumstances. It can be said that this is a tough job where you work a lot but get little credit and are easily blamed.

Soon, a message spread throughout Luoyang.

[The eldest prince is like a father! 】

Beigong is where all the princes and concubines who are not yet twenty years old live.

In the Fourth Prince's residence, the atmosphere was quite solemn at this time.

Xie Ying and Feng Lu sat opposite each other, the former had a worried look on her face, while the latter didn't know whether she should be worried or have some other emotion.

"Sister, Zhe'er's greatest advantage is gone. You have to think of a way."

Xie Ying's heart was filled with excitement. She thought she had invested in a potential stock, but she didn't expect Liu Xie to suddenly appear and help the eldest prince quickly gain a foothold, and even snatched away Jin Zhe's greatest advantage.

But what could Feng Lu say? She knew nothing and didn't know what to do in the future. Originally, the mother and son had never thought of fighting for the throne.

Therefore, Xie Ying actually said this to Jin Zhe. She also knew that Jin Zhe was the one with independent ideas among the mother and son, and this way of asking was just to give Feng Lu face.

"You worry too much, Auntie." Jin Zhe went straight to the point as soon as he opened his mouth: "I heard that my brother was praised by the ministers because he was going to do the hardest job in the northwest. There is nothing to be alarmed about. When I am twenty, I can get such praise at any time."

No technical content at all!
Jin Zhe's answer showed his confidence and composure, while also showing respect for his elder brother, which made Xie Ying nod secretly in her heart. She knew very well that although this young man was young, he had maturity and wisdom beyond his age. So, she changed the subject, and her tone was a bit serious and expectant: "Zhe'er, you know that behind this praise is not only hard work and dedication, but also responsibility and commitment. Your royal brother's choice is his deep affection for this land, and his determination as the crown prince to go ahead for all the people. And if you really want to inherit the throne, you need not only talent and martial arts, but also the mind and bearing of caring for the world."

Jin Zhe's eyes narrowed slightly when he heard this, as if he was deep in thought. After a moment, he slowly raised his head, his eyes flashing with unprecedented determination: "Auntie, you are right. Jin Zhe has learned his lesson. Although I have no intention of competing with my brother, if that day really comes, I will follow my brother's example, live up to his expectations, and create a peaceful sky for everyone on this land."

Xie Ying was very pleased to see this. She gently patted Jin Zhe's shoulder and said earnestly: "Good boy, remember what you said today. The road ahead is still long. No matter which path you choose, you must maintain this innocence and kindness, and use wisdom and courage to protect everything you cherish."

On the other hand, the second and third princes were not so calm.

There was no special support behind the two of them, and Zhou Yu did not want to get involved, so he would not give any advice to Da Qiao and her son.

Cai Wenji and her son did have the support of many Confucian scholars, but these scholars knew nothing about political intrigues. In addition, Cai Yong was not a politically outstanding person, so he was unable to provide effective help to Cai Wenji and her son.

In addition, Cai Wenji may have great attainments in literature, but she is a novice in politics and has no idea about the twists and turns involved. This made the two princes uneasy and even made them want to make their debut earlier.

(End of this chapter)