Chapter 242 is full of twists and turns!
Ma Runchuan, who had relaxed, heard Ye Mingsheng's question, and without thinking too much, he sighed and said quietly:

"Ma studied under the great scholar Wang Zhi. He passed the examination for a scholar at the age of 27 and the examination for a juren at the age of 33. When I was young, I was full of passion and had thought in my heart that I would use what I learned in this life to create a peaceful and prosperous world, so that my name would go down in history and be remembered for generations. Only in this way can I live up to my decades of hard study!"

"But the world is like this, and my origin is like this. What can a disciple do? What can a disciple do..."

It has to be said that Ma Runchuan is indeed a smart man. Although he relaxed his vigilance a little under the guidance of Ye Mingsheng's words, as soon as he finished speaking, he instantly realized that he had said something wrong and immediately kept silent.

Although Ma Runchuan reacted quickly, Ye Mingsheng already had an idea in his mind after hearing what he said!

Picking up the teacup, Ye Mingsheng blew on the green tea and said lightly:

"Master Ma, you should know my latest appointment, right?"

Hearing Ye Mingsheng say this, Ma Runchuan hesitated for a moment, but still nodded and said truthfully: "I've heard some rumors that Lord Ye is going to Fengzhou to serve as a general..."

"The rumors are true!" Ye Mingsheng shook the teacup in his hand, nodded and said:
"I congratulate Lord Ye on his promotion!" Upon hearing this, Ma Runchuan quickly stood up and said:

Ye Mingsheng waved his hand and said nonchalantly:
"There's nothing to be happy about. I just got promoted from fifth rank to fifth rank. It just sounds good, but my actual power didn't increase much!"

Hearing Ye Mingsheng's calm words, Ma Runchuan, who had been stuck in the seventh-rank county magistrate position for five years, couldn't help but show envy on his face.

I secretly lamented in my heart why the gap between people is so big?
Taking a sip of the warm tea in the cup, Ye Mingsheng looked at Ma Runchuan and said seriously:

"Master Ma, I want to give you a chance, and also give myself a chance!"

Ma Runchuan seemed to understand what Ye Mingsheng said, but he didn't seem to understand it completely. He hesitated for a moment and cautiously asked Ye Mingsheng:

"Master Ye, what do you mean by that?"

Seeing that Ma Runchuan insisted on explaining himself, Ye Mingsheng did not hide anything and spoke directly:
"Fengzhou has five counties, thirteen townships, hundreds of villages, and a population of at least three hundred thousand. It is more than ten times larger than Fengshan County. Such a place is undoubtedly more suitable for you, Lord Ma, to display your talents and realize your ambitions!"

Hearing that Ye Mingsheng really wanted to recruit him, Ma Runchuan's face immediately showed a hint of surprise. His Adam's apple moved slightly and he swallowed his saliva, then hesitantly said:

"I heard that the court sent a new governor to Fengzhou..."

"I know, but this is Liaoyang!"

Facing Ma Runchuan's gaze, Ye Mingsheng said very calmly:
Although Ye Mingsheng didn't seem to have any emotion when he said this, Ma Runchuan was so shocked that his heart was turned upside down when he heard this.

Although he had long known that Ye Mingsheng was very courageous and his methods were very brutal, Ma Runchuan never expected that he would dare to do this. Not only would he be beheaded, but his entire clan would also be implicated!
If someone else did this, Ma Runchuan would not believe it, but for some reason, looking at Ye Mingsheng's calm eyes, Ma Runchuan couldn't help but believe what he said!

After pondering for a while, Ma Runchuan took a deep breath and said in a serious tone:

"I wonder why Lord Ye likes me?" Upon hearing this, Ye Mingsheng raised his eyebrows and said slowly:

"Master Ma, you may not know this, but I am not afraid to tell you that I have arranged for someone to observe you for some time!"

"Although you have bad personal ethics, love luxury and beauty, and are occasionally lazy and negligent in your work!"

"But as the county magistrate, the head of a county, you have never bullied men or women, or caused trouble to the people. You are fair and just in handling official business, and you act in accordance with the law. This shows that you at least have a bottom line!"

"In addition, I have been with the army for many years and have seen countless local officials. Sir Ma, even if your ability cannot rank first, you can at least be in the top five!"

"I believe that if you can govern Fengzhou, the people of Fengzhou will be able to live and work in peace and contentment!"

After hearing Ye Mingsheng's words, Ma Runchuan didn't know whether he should cry or be happy...

After thinking for nearly a cup of tea, Ma Runchuan raised his head, looked at Ye Mingsheng and said seriously:

"Master Ye, the conditions you offer are indeed very tempting and make my heart beat fast... But can I refuse?"

Ye Mingsheng didn't seem surprised when he heard this and asked:
"Master Ma, are you worried about the Governor's retaliation?"

"That's one reason, but not the whole reason!" Ma Runchuan said seriously:
"Oh? I'd like to hear more details!" Ye Mingsheng asked with great interest:
"Master Ye, you are too courageous... If I follow you, I will either be extremely wealthy or have my head and body cut off. I am timid and dare not take the risk!" Ma Runchuan spread his hands and said helplessly:

Hearing what Ma Runchuan said, Ye Mingsheng recalled what he had done, nodded slightly and said very frankly: "Master Ma, what you said makes sense!"

"However, talents like you are rare. If I plan to use force, what are you going to do?"

In response to Ye Mingsheng's question, Ma Runchuan said confidently:
"Master Ye, you won't do that!"

"Although I am timid and dare not gamble, I know that a person who has nothing but talent now is eager for an opportunity to come..."

After hearing Ma Runchuan's description, Ye Mingsheng's eyes flashed with a gleam of light, and he said in a deep voice: "Master Ma, do you think this person is..."

"Yes, it's Gu Sansi!"

"You may not know this, but this person and I are from the same school. We are both disciples of Teacher Wang Zhi. Among the many disciples of the teacher, there are many talented and brilliant people, but among all the disciples of the teacher, in terms of wisdom and talent, no one can compare to Junior Brother Gu!"

"Junior Brother Gu, you passed the imperial examination at the age of sixteen, and became a juren at the age of twenty-one. If that incident had not ruined your future, the number one scholar in the Great Zhou Dynasty might have been named Gu!"

"Master Ye, if you can recruit talents regardless of their background, then Junior Brother Gu is your best choice! With Junior Brother Gu's assistance, no matter what you do, I believe you will be able to achieve twice the result with half the effort!" Looking at Ye Mingsheng who was thinking, Ma Runchuan said meaningfully

(End of this chapter)