"Duke Zhenguo, you command a hundred thousand troops. Do you know what it means to follow the example of superiors?"
Lin Che's voice was like a sword, extremely sharp.
Lin Pojun just looked at Lin Che with a sullen expression, saying nothing.
"You've been leading troops for many years, but don't you know that teaching by example and leading by example is the way for the subordinates to follow?"
"You made the donation on your own, without seeking fame or profit, and without making a single noise. May I ask, how many of your soldiers knew you made the donation?"
"If they knew about this and took the lead in donating, one hundred thousand soldiers would follow your example. Even if each person donated one tael of silver, that would be one hundred thousand. If each person donated ten taels of silver, that would be one million taels of silver."
"And you? You're like a thief. You don't tell anyone, and you don't want others to tell anyone."
"If I truly had a clear conscience, how could I have immediately thought that my donation was a show, a publicity stunt?"
Lin Pojun was trembling all over. Almost all his habits and thoughts had been like this since ancient times.
Do good things but don’t make them public.
This was the first time he had heard Lin Che say these words. For a moment, he was both angry and unable to accept it:
"You, you...if you keep quibbling, you're just trying to gain fame and fortune."
"Hahaha. Seeking fame? A gentleman is judged by deeds, not by the heart. Judging by the heart, there are no good people in the world!"
"Duke of the State, you really aren't doing this for fame or fortune. Why would you be a Duke of the State? You could just be a soldier and serve the country. In the final analysis, you're just trying to protect your reputation."
Lin Pojun's face twisted: "You...rebellious son!!!"
Ji Bu stretched out his hand to block Lin Pojun again and said comfortingly:
"Duke Zhenguo, there's no need to be angry. I think your son is right. A gentleman judges deeds, not intentions. Perhaps we really did make a mistake."
Crash!
The ministers were shocked again.
Even the great scholar said this?
When Lin Che saw this, she was overjoyed.
Since I'm about to turn the tide, shouldn't I take advantage of the opportunity to make an impact?
“Respect the old as well as the old of my own family, and respect the young as well as the young of others!”
"I thought that someone in a high position should be able to understand the suffering of the disaster victims. If your elders and your children are the victims of the disaster in the Southern Territory, what do you want most?"
"Is it because of your clean reputation that you're afraid of being misunderstood and criticized that you dare not speak out? Or, as officials, would you risk everything and do everything in your power to raise funds? Just to save one more victim?"
"You are the leaders of the country. Your influence is so great that you can be regarded as role models for the people. At such a critical moment, if you make a bold donation, you will set an example. Countless people will follow your lead!"
Lin Che looked at General Wen Hong beside him and took the opportunity to lick him:
"As the saying goes, a bad general brings a bad pack of soldiers! General Wen Hong is as fierce as a tiger, and every soldier under him is a hero who can defeat a hundred enemies with one. Because they all take General Wen Hong as their role model."
"Similarly, fellow ministers. You govern an area, and amidst this dire situation, you should take the lead in donating. How many people will follow you?"
"Back then, word spread quickly from one person to ten, and from ten to a hundred. This spark could ignite a major movement. So what if you're misunderstood? So what if you're criticized? You took the lead and saved all the victims in the entire Southern Region!"
"But if you are unwilling to sacrifice your reputation, and if you are afraid that people will misunderstand you as seeking fame and reputation, and you do not help others in need, then you are not worthy of being a minister of the great country."
"I, Lin Che, a mere Earl of Jing'an, would also scold you. Being in a position but not doing your job is harming all the victims!! Because you could have saved them, but in the end you didn't!"
A wake-up call!!
With all your might!!
High spirits!!
This was exactly what Lin Che was like at that moment. A lone and arrogant figure, actually pointing at the great scholar, the Duke, and the entire court, blocking his way and cursing.
Yet, they remained speechless.
Because what Lin Che said was the truth. Deep down, they were actually worried about being accused of putting on a show, of being fake, and of being two-faced.
Are they unwilling to donate? Are they unwilling to make it public?
But no one dares to mention it!
This kind of thinking is too old.
Even if you have donated one million taels of silver, even if you have saved many victims, you cannot say it. If you say it, you will be considered wrong and you will be buying fame and fortune.
You have to force every donor to become a saint, only then can it be considered that your donation is sincere.
"Lord Jing'an, what you said is absolutely true!"
Ji Bu's old face was also very moved. He said with a clear mind:
"I've lived a hundred years in vain. I don't have many years left to live. Why should I care about my reputation or be afraid of criticism? As long as I can help the victims, that's the most practical thing."
As Ji Bu spoke, he actually straightened his wide sleeves and bowed deeply to Lin Che.
"Been taught a lesson--"
Lin Che didn't dare to be too presumptuous and quickly bowed:
"I am not worthy of such a generous gift from a great scholar. I hope you will not blame me, a young boy, for my arrogant words."
"Hahaha. You deserve this gift. What you said is not arrogant."
Ji Bu turned around again, saluted Jiang Li, and said loudly:
"Your Majesty. As the Earl of Jing'an said, millions of disaster victims are desperately waiting for help. We shouldn't hesitate. We should announce the amount of donated silver to the world. And not just our own figures. We should also order all prefectures and counties to record and make public all donations."
"This is a truly virtuous act. It should let the world know who offered a helping hand in times of crisis. Such acts of kindness, with their constant guidance, will surely become a positive influence in my future endeavors."
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