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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 263: Talent Above All
Cen Wenben was known for his integrity and his literary skills, but he often relied too heavily on quotations, sometimes losing touch with reality, which made him unsuitable for governing the people.
Liu Ji had an unwavering character and was dedicated to benefiting others. However, he placed great importance on promises and loyalty to friends, often blurring the lines between public and private matters.
The Emperor meticulously evaluated his ministers, and everyone strained to maintain their composure. They feigned humility when praised and appeared anxious when criticized.
Although they were acutely aware that the Emperor saw through them, they instinctively sought to please him; it was a natural reaction for any subject.
In truth, no one wished to be fully understood by others, especially not by someone who held their life and death in his hands.
"My Emperor, your insight is unparalleled, illuminating the way for all."
Li Jian Cheng stood tall: "There are no outsiders here. I share these thoughts with you so that you understand that no one is perfect. You are all talented ministers who assist me in ruling the nation, yet each of you has strengths and weaknesses.
As your Sovereign Father, I will not abandon you due to your shortcomings. Instead, I will discard what is lacking in you and embrace your strengths, ensuring that everyone’s talents are utilized effectively.
Just as a skilled craftsman uses wood—straight pieces for axles, curved ones for wheels, long ones for beams, and short ones for brackets—wise leaders draw from strategy while the foolish rely on brute strength. The brave take advantage of their might, while the timid exercise caution. Without wisdom, foolishness, bravery, or timidity, all must be employed together.
Do not forget the good in one because of a single flaw; do not let minor imperfections overshadow significant contributions. In this world, wisdom comes in various forms; a ruler must manage subordinates and govern wisely. If one does not harness collective strength, how can one succeed?
It is essential to recognize positions and assess talent appropriately!"
"But if you still cannot find capable individuals and come to me with foolish talk about untapped talent in the wilds, do not blame me for punishing you for deceiving your sovereign!"
With that said, we shall continue our journey. Soon we will arrive at Jiangdu. I want each of you to personally visit various prefectures to seek out talented individuals. Whether they are from noble families or commoners, I shall reward them all.
"Your subjects obey your command and will exert their utmost efforts."
This was the first time the Emperor clearly expressed his approach to governance, with no mention of background or region, revealing the key point within.
Outside Qianquan City, Princess Gaomi and Li Anning were admiring the scenery by a spring. It truly was as the Emperor had described: the snow-capped mountains surrounded a flat land, with fertile soil nurturing lush trees, and in late spring, flowers bloomed like a tapestry.
Now, it was evident that the Emperor's intention was to focus solely on talent, disregarding origins, promoting only those with merit.
Even during the previous dynasty's Imperial Examination, participation required recommendations from high officials, making it irrelevant to commoners.
After the courtiers dispersed, Li Jian Cheng quietly sat on the imperial couch, knowing that soon everyone would learn of today's audience and wondering how they would react.
A skilled craftsman does not waste materials; a wise ruler does not neglect capable individuals.
Among those present, very few came from commoner backgrounds. Since the Wei-Jin and Northern and Southern Dynasties implemented the Nine Ranks System, it had become customary that no commoners held high positions and no aristocrats held low ones.
"I want you to recommend talented individuals from Jiangnan," I have long said that regardless of their origins, only virtue matters. Yet you still have not provided me with a satisfactory response.
Suddenly, a bell rang out. The flowers Li Anning had just picked were tugged at as she turned to see a young deer approaching, eager for food.
Noticing the bell around its neck, she realized it was a sign of belonging to the Khan's domain; anyone daring to kill a deer from this herd would face severe punishment. Thus, these deer were bold and unafraid of humans.
What a wonderful place! After feeding the fawn, Li Anning patted her slightly protruding belly.
"If my descendants can safely enjoy this treasure of land, what need is there to envy the Central Plains?"
But she knew better that the rituals of the Central Plains were orderly, yet the Dynasty was in turmoil, and Prince Feng Sun had met a tragic end. Not to mention the Turkic tribes; if Tongye Hu made a misstep, she might still rely on her maternal family to endure humiliation and survive, but any child born of Tongye Hu would surely be doomed.
Moreover, Tongye Hu was not a trustworthy figure. Although he doted on her and granted her the prestigious power of the Turkic Kehe Dun, the various nations of the Western Regions and the Turkic tribes offered her treasures.
In the Khan's Court, anything she desired could be obtained.
However, what she needed was not this. Before the establishment of the Tang Dynasty, she was the daughter of a Duke; after its founding, she became a princess. What she lacked was not luxurious clothing or treasures. At this age, she no longer coveted gold or silver.
What she wanted was safety—the ability to give birth and raise children peacefully, to watch them grow up and marry.
After Tongye Hu returned to Qianquan and regained power under Shimin's protection, he began a ruthless purge. He dragged his own uncle Ashi Nahamo Tuo to death by horse and left the body in the wild for eagles to peck and wolves to devour.
Dozens of tribal leaders were killed or exiled, and several Western Region Sovereigns were summoned like slaves to be scolded and beaten with whips.
This might temporarily establish his authority, but the resentment among the tribes and nations quietly grew. Tongye Hu was not someone who could stabilize his reign for a lifetime or arrange everything well for his descendants.
She had naturally advised him, but Tongye Hu did not listen. Her brother's words echoed in her ears once again.
Tangxiang, Kucha, Li Anning silently recited these names. As a pregnant Kehe Dun with the Tang Dynasty backing her after recently defeating two Turkic factions, she still held considerable influence.
...
On the Queen's Soaring Dragon Boat, Duke of Song Xiao Yu and Liangjun Wang Heir Xiao Xuan accompanied the Queen in conversation.
After all, they were her uncle and brother; the Queen dismissed most of the palace maids and eunuchs, leaving only a few confidants.
"Your Majesty still has no intention of making Zong'er the crown prince."
Xiao Yu comforted, "Your Highness, the Crown Prince is still young, and there is no dispute regarding his legitimacy. Why must you rush to urge His Majesty to establish an heir?"
Xiao Chanyan sighed, "His Majesty is a cold-hearted person, treating both me and Zong'er indifferently. This Palace is also worried that there will be complications in the future, which is why I am eager to secure the Crown Prince's position and select some virtuous ministers and scholars for the Eastern Palace to strengthen his foundation."
Xiao Xuan lowered his head and said, "Uncle, the concerns of Your Highness are valid. I have heard outside the palace that His Majesty favors Consort Zheng quite a bit, and the Noble Consort also has a son who is not much younger than the Little Prince."
"Uncle, my father's health is poor, and among the elders of our family, you are the only one who can still speak in front of His Majesty."
Xiao Yu sighed, "Due to our disagreements over Buddhist matters, my relationship with His Majesty has soured to the point where I can no longer be considered a close confidant."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Xuan was filled with anger: "It all relies on Uncle's support. Those bald monks do not know gratitude and often slander you. Sooner or later, their temple will be burned down."
Xiao Yu immediately reprimanded him: "Do not speak ill of Buddhism. Moreover, how can you behave so recklessly in front of Her Highness? Where has your usual decorum gone?"
Xiao Xuan bowed to his sister above and said, "I have been disrespectful; please forgive me, Your Highness."
………………
(End of Chapter)
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