Cuiguo, who was originally serving not far away, also tactfully left the palace gate.
...
In the west of the capital, it’s still the same street and the same courtyard.
Zhang Zhengming and Song Gongwen sat opposite each other.
It has been a few days since the army returned from the southern expedition, but as important officials of the court, the two of them have a lot of things to do, such as holding banquets in the city, and trading with the Baiyue people.
So we have never been able to find time to get together, but now that we are finally done with our work, we decided to get together.
"Teacher, I just received news that His Majesty has agreed to various trade agreements with Baiyue."
"Not only were restrictions lifted on copper and iron, but at the request of the Baiyue King, we also sent people to teach the Baiyue people how to read and write."
Song Gongwen drank the tea in the cup and said with a smile on his face.
"Your Majesty conquered the Baiyue during this southern expedition, achieving something no other dynasty had ever accomplished. To be honest, even I didn't expect it." Zhang Zhengming smiled and continued, "And your Majesty's handling of the aftermath is something I, an old minister, admire."
"The land of the Baiyue peoples was considered barbaric. Historical records describe them as uncivilized and unacceptable to the Central Plains. But in fact, it was precisely this lack of civility that caused the Baiyue and the Central Plains to be at odds."
"Now that His Majesty has agreed to let someone go, it means that the culture of the Central Plains will be integrated with the Baiyue people. One or two years won't seem like much."
"But if a few years or even more than ten years pass, or if the next generation of Baiyue people grow up, then the situation will be different."
"At that time, the Central Plains would be regarded by the Baiyue people as a prosperous place, and they would yearn for it."
"This is what true conquest means."
Zhang Zhengming was such a smart man that he quickly realized that this move was definitely powerful.
The Baiyue people now seem to have not been incorporated into the territory of the Wei Dynasty, but it is only a matter of time.
"So, this demonstrates Your Majesty's far-sightedness. You don't care about short-term victories or defeats, but rather the consequences that will last for generations to come." Song Gongwen also sighed, continuing, "Also, the opening of copper and iron trade demonstrates Your Majesty's benevolence and full trust in the Baiyue people. It is a true example of the kingly way of education."
"Teacher, Your Majesty has only been on the throne for a short time, yet you already have such a temperament and methods. Sometimes I wonder if I can continue to follow in Your Majesty's footsteps if this continues."
Both of them lamented that His Majesty's various actions against the Baiyue did not seem to involve much major warfare.
But in fact, conquering a place is not something that can be decided by a single war.
What really matters is education and integration.
Otherwise, even if you have the ability to occupy that land, you will have to give it up one day.
The current emperor is obviously aware of this. While establishing territories for future generations, he also does not leave any future troubles for them.
So they felt that His Majesty was becoming more and more powerful, and there was no need to worry about the prosperity of the Wei Dynasty in the future.
"Seeing the court and the country flourishing and growing stronger, I'm relieved." At this time, Zhang Zhengming suddenly spoke up, "Gong Wen, I've been feeling unwell recently and my energy isn't what it used to be. I used to worry about Your Majesty and state affairs, so I tried to hold on. Now it seems the court can be better off without me."
"Therefore, I plan to submit my resignation letter to Your Majesty at the end of this month and return home."
As soon as these words were spoken, Song Gongwen, who was originally happy, suddenly changed his expression.
"Teacher, are you going to retire?"
Of course he knew that the teacher was old and if it were any other time, he would have retired long ago.
It’s just because Your Majesty had just ascended the throne and there was no one in the court who could keep things under control, so he had to stay to stabilize the situation.
Now Song Gongwen understood clearly that the teacher had obviously seen that the country was now stable, His Majesty had the means, and his prestige had been fully established through several major wars, so he realized that it was time to leave.
But for a moment, he found it hard to accept. After all, he had just joined the cabinet and needed a backbone.
Besides, if something big happens in the future, who should I consult?
But I couldn’t say what the teacher wanted me to say.
Song Gongwen knew that his teacher was indeed very tired over the years. Almost all of his thoughts in this life were focused on the Wei Dynasty. If he stopped him, he would not be able to bear it. But if he retired and returned to his hometown, he could at least spend a comfortable old age.
So, he couldn't help but take a deep breath, and then said: "Teacher, have you really decided?"
Hearing this, Zhang Zhengming chuckled softly, "I know what you're thinking. I also understand that you're worried that the court situation might be unstable after I leave. But with Your Majesty here, I don't think there will be any problems. Also, I've already planned to recommend you to Your Majesty to become the Prime Minister after I leave. In this position, you must have the courage to make decisions alone."
"If I stay behind you all the time, it will actually limit your development. You should understand what I mean."
Upon hearing this, Song Gongwen remained silent, obviously agreeing.
He still has a lot to do.
It’s good to have a teacher, but it’s impossible for him to always support you, right?
Moreover, His Majesty is open-minded, so there will surely be nothing difficult to do.
Immediately, Song Gongwen stood up and bowed to Zhang Zhengming.
Zhang Zhengming nodded and said, "Although I will submit my resignation letter at the end of the month, it will take at least a month to resign from the position of Prime Minister. I need to deal with the matter, so you don't have to do the same."
After finishing speaking, he poured the other person a full cup of tea and gestured for him to sit down and continue drinking.
And the next period of time.
The two continued to chat about various subsequent measures.
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