Chapter 312 Discovering Talent
This year, the people of Huai'an City lived a good life, and they gradually saw the city becoming more and more prosperous.
Lu Chenyang started working on the first day of the Lunar New Year. He wanted to look at the recruitment exam papers. No one could help him with this, so he had to choose it himself.
This time, over a thousand people took the exam, making it the largest number of applicants ever. Of course, Lu Chenyang hadn't held many recruitment exams. This was also due to the long distance and the tight schedule. If there were more time, the number of applicants would be even greater.
After Lu Chenyang read through more than a thousand test papers, he found only one person who answered all four questions to his satisfaction.
When looking for an advisor, one must find someone with similar ideas and goals. This way, the two of them can communicate and think alike. If the other person's ideas run counter to one's own, isn't he just looking for someone to cause trouble for himself?
This man was called Qian Yue, 31 years old, but without any official title. But Lu Chenyang could see from his handwriting that his brushstrokes were powerful and vigorous, and his words were profound and meaningful, indicating that he must have been a scholar since childhood.
How could such a person not pass the imperial examination? Lu Chenyang became curious about him and, not caring that it was New Year's Day, quickly called him over.
Lu Chenyang arranged accommodation for all those who came to take the exam. Since most of the houses in the city were empty, he gave them the place to stay. Of course, they had to take care of their own food.
The guards immediately went to invite Qian Yue over. Qian Yue had an aggressive appearance. His eyes sparkled with ambition, and a glint of light flashed when he saw Lu Chenyang.
"Student pays his respects to Lord Lu." He bowed respectfully, a gesture of willing submission.
Lu Chenyang could see at a glance that he was restless in nature. He was a person who was not content with the status quo.
Lu Chenyang immediately thought of the word "heresy". He suddenly understood why he did not take part in the imperial examination and did not obtain fame.
"Mr. Qian, there's no need to be so polite. Please stand up." Lu Chenyang said gently, "I've read your test paper, and many of your ideas are truly impressive. That's why I invited you to come over and discuss this in detail."
Qian Yue cupped his hands and said, "I am fortunate that Your Excellency can recognize my point of view."
It's no exaggeration to say that most scholars would have to call themselves "students" in front of Lu Chenyang. Even the great scholars of the time, with their status as a top six scholar, could look down on others.
After they sat down, Lu Chenyang asked, "The world is in chaos right now. There are the Tatars outside and the Yilin Army inside. Sir, how do you think we can repel these two forces?"
Qian Yue pondered for a moment and said, "The Tartars are a foreign tribe that has killed our people and destroyed our homes. We must use a strong military force to repel them. As for the Yilin Army... they are numerous, but most of them are a mob. The people have simply been fooled. We should use a gentle attitude to appease and persuade them to surrender."
This idea coincides with Lu Chenyang's.
Lu Chenyang frowned and said, "But now the Yilin Army is coming with such force, I'm afraid it won't be so easy for them to surrender."
Qian Yue said, "If it were the Li Dynasty, of course it wouldn't be possible, but Lord Lu's reputation is known to all the world. It's only you who can persuade the Yilin Army to surrender."
Qian Yue's face lit up with disdain as he spoke. "The Li Dynasty is doomed, and there's absolutely no chance of recovery." He paused, then continued, "Originally, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince had the potential to be a wise ruler. Unfortunately, he's narrow-minded and lacks perspective. He disregards morality and law for his own selfish gain, making him unfit for this important responsibility."
Qian Yue looked at Lu Chenyang with a sharp gaze: "Now the world is in chaos. Only you, sir, can put an end to this chaos. Only you, sir, can bring peace to the world and bring prosperity to the country."
He made no secret of his admiration and support, and said such outrageous words because he had already seen through Lu Chenyang's intention to conquer the world from those four test questions.
Of the four questions, the first two were about maintaining peace and stability at home, and the third was about people's livelihood. This was clearly looking at the problem from the perspective of someone in a higher position, and he had already considered these his responsibilities.
The fourth question, however, blatantly expressed dissatisfaction with the royal family.
The punishments handed down by the Fourth Prince and Yuan Kuishan fully demonstrated the royal family's stupidity and inaction.
Qian Yue understood Lu Chenyang's dissatisfaction and also saw his determination to win the dynasty.
Lu Chenyang smiled slightly and did not scold him for his boldness. Instead, he poured him a cup of tea.
"Sir, have some tea." Lu Chenyang thought for a moment and said, "The world is in chaos now. The priority should be to stabilize the country. Personal gains and losses are not important. The most urgent task now is to recapture Yanhui Pass and restore peace to the border. I hope you can lend me a hand."
The most important reason why Lu Chenyang is interested in Qian Yue now is his insights into the war against the Tatars.
Lu Chenyang had discussed this issue with many people. Everyone expressed his or her own opinion, and each had its own merits, but only Qian Yue's insights impressed Lu Chenyang.
Their thoughts coincided, and Qian Yue even noticed many details. This was the most detailed and complete question he had ever answered. Perhaps he had also noticed that of the four questions, Lu Chenyang's most important concern was the war with the Tartars.
The answers to the other three questions also matched Lu Chenyang's thinking, so he chose him. He was going to Yanhui Pass and would definitely need Qian Yue's assistance.
Lu Chenyang has already made plans for Qian Yue's future and will let him stay in Yanhui Pass in the future.
That’s right, Lord Lu now regards Yanhui Pass as his own property and has begun planning the future official issues of Yanhui Pass.
Emperor Qianyuan had always been wary of the Duke of Zhenguo because his control over the Yan Army made him feel out of control. Separating power between the military and the government was a hallmark of Lu Chenyang's administration, designed to avoid this.
Lu Chenyang will not follow the old path of Emperor Qianyuan. In the future, the military and political affairs of the Yanhui Army will be separated, and he plans to hand over the political affairs to Qian Yue.
This is his current plan, and if there are changes in the future, he can adjust it. But for now, he will move forward in this direction.
That's getting off topic.
Qian Yue bowed deeply and said, "I am willing to serve you, sir."
Lu Chenyang mentioned Qian Yue's policy paper. "Your policy paper is truly amazing! Many of your ideas coincide with mine. Could you please tell me more about it?"
Qian Yue said, "I have been stationed in Yanhui Pass for five years. Yanhui Pass was always in the midst of war, the people were suffering, and the country's strength and manpower were exhausted. Could it be that my Yanhui Army was incapable of defeating the Tatars in one fell swoop and making them dare not invade? No, my Yanhui Army is brave and skilled in fighting, and the Duke of Zhenguo is one of the most talented generals in the world. Ultimately, it's all due to the court."
Qian Yue said: "The Emperor is wary of the Duke of Zhenguo, which has restricted his actions in many aspects, even..."
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