Chapter 234 Altruism and self-interest
Lu Songli soon learned that Le Guicai had left the county magistrate's office in anger.
Although she did not know the specific details of his discussion with Zheng Xun, from the few words he talked about with people around him, she still knew that Le Guicai had indeed mentioned to the county magistrate Zheng Xun that he wanted to use the Qin brothers, but was rejected.
After roughly knowing how he talked to Zheng Xun, Lu Songli could only say that he really didn't know the way and method, fortunately she was prepared.
County Magistrate's Mansion Backyard
Ding Xueru walked in gracefully, twisting her hips, and saw Zheng Xun sitting there with a stern face.
It’s true that Le Guicai was very angry for the sake of the Qin family, but Zheng Xun was also very uncomfortable.
Ding Xueru hurried over and said, "Master, what's wrong with you? I just saw the county lieutenant walking out angrily from a distance. Did he make you angry?"
"If so, be magnanimous and forgive him. He's just a rough guy who doesn't think before he speaks. Just don't let yourself get hurt by getting so angry."
Zheng Xun spoke up, "This time, he's not just talking without thinking, he's acting without thinking! He's actually thinking of employing exiled prisoners from the military settlements. He's completely out of his mind!"
Ding Xueru personally made him some tea to calm him down, but she said, "This—the county lieutenant doesn't seem like such a reckless person."
Zheng Xun casually explained, "It's because Tuoba Lian raided Liaoyang this time. He got the help of the Qin brothers and won the battle. So he wanted to use the Qin family to deal with the Xianbei."
"Your Excellency, what you're doing is wrong. The Qin family are fugitives, right? If anything happens, wouldn't that implicate the master?"
These words really touched Zheng Xun's heart.
"But sir, although I am just a woman, we all know that the Xianbei are cruel."
"I heard that the County Lieutenant has captured Tuoba Lian alive. If the Xianbei Khan gets angry and marches south, can the County Lieutenant resist?"
"If I can't resist, will it bring trouble to you? After all, you are the highest official in Liaodong County. Le Guicai brought this upon himself, so he deserves no death. I am worried about you."
The more Ding Xueru spoke, the darker Zheng Xun's face grew. As the governor of Liaodong County, he had the responsibility to defend the territory...
"The other day I went to the theatre to watch an opera and ran into my old nemesis. She even mocked me, saying things like 'no flower lasts forever, no man is perfect forever.' I was so angry. Isn't that just a curse?"
"Master loves me and you are loyal to the Emperor. How could you end up in such a situation?"
The speaker may not mean anything, but the listener may take it to heart, especially at this critical moment. Zheng Xun knew that he was still fresh in his heart for this concubine, and that she was not out of favor. If it was the latter, then he might have lost his power?
"Why don't you teach her a lesson? The master will support you." Zheng Xun hugged her.
"I taught her a lesson. I slapped her a few times and my hand hurts." Ding Xueru said as she stretched out her hand.
"Good lesson!"
After Zheng Xun said this, he fell into deep thought.
Ding Xueru also remained silent. Look, she said what she needed to say and helped as needed, so she felt at ease taking the money.
For Zheng Xun, the problem of the Xianbei is now imminent.
Ding Xueru's words gave him a big reminder. He was only focused on confronting Le Guicai and trying to suppress him, so he didn't think about this at all.
If he is given the choice now, being obedient and sticking to the rules will result in a high probability of being eliminated, perhaps even immediately. If he plays by the rules and pretends to obey but actually disobeys, he may still be able to keep his job.
Zheng Xun knew very well that if he lost Liaodong County, no matter how loyal he was to the emperor, he would lose his official hat!
"Does Le Gui really have to use the Qin brothers?" Zheng Xun said to himself.
Ding Xueru was stunned. How could this actually work? She hadn't expected that the wealthy businessman's wife, Jiang Mobing, was actually quite capable. She had learned all these things from her.
Ding Xueru said cautiously, "Master, let me tell you what's really in my heart. If I say something wrong, you can't be angry with me."
"Master promises not to be angry, just say it." Zheng Xun didn't expect her to say anything.
"I think the county lieutenant's idea is feasible. The Qin family is a fugitive, so we should make the best use of them."
"So what if they've made some meritorious contributions? As long as they remain fugitives, they pose no threat at all."
"Their status is predetermined. We can definitely do it. We can make the horse run without eating grass. Master, at most you can mention it in your annual report to Changan. That would be a favor to them."
Ding Xueru said this because she had no idea of the appeal and influence of a wise and brave general in the army, let alone a general at the god of war level.
But Zheng Xun thought what she said made a lot of sense.
The next day, Le Gui was summoned by the county governor, who told him that for the sake of Liaodong County, he could use the Qin family. The only problem was that the status of the Qin brothers was always that of exiles and could not be changed unless the emperor granted them special pardon.
Le Guicai was stunned after hearing this. Did he hear correctly? Zheng Xun was actually willing to let him use the Qin brothers?
But as long as it's done, it's fine. As for what he said, the Qin family must always maintain the status of exiles, Le Guicai thought, at most he can give them more material subsidies.
When Le Guicai left the county magistrate's mansion, he was still dizzy.
He had thought it was hopeless.
He had some understanding of Zheng Xun, a very stubborn person who claimed to be loyal to the emperor and patriotic, and would never violate the laws and calendar of Dali.
So, what happened that night?
What Le Guicai didn't know was that in most cases, reasoning with people will not solve the problem, because everyone has different positions, and the reasons you give may not be considered reasons in the eyes of the other party.
Just like last night, he felt that he proposed to activate the Qin brothers entirely for the safety of Liaodong County, but Zheng Xun obviously did not think so.
When a matter has nothing to do with him, he will not care no matter how much you say. But when it concerns him, do you think he will be nervous?
As I said, if you want to profit yourself, you must first benefit others.
Everyone lives for themselves, and everything they do is for themselves.
To solve a problem, we must stand in the other party's perspective, consider the interests involved, and find a win-win solution.
Lu Songli knew very well that for Zheng Xun, she could either touch his interests or combine them into common interests. Hence, Mo Bing's mission this time.
Le Guicai's role is indispensable. He is needed to take the lead so that the plan can proceed.
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