"very good."
Zhao Jun nodded.
This sentence is the best response.
He looked around and said, "The ancients said that officials are appointed to govern the people according to their talents. But I don't think the purpose of officials is to herd the people. Herders treat the people like livestock, raising them only to kill them and eat them to enrich themselves. How can the people not resent them?"
"We all come from the common people. Are we all high-ranking officials for twenty generations? We should never forget our roots. When we draw water, we should remember its source. How can we become officials and then despise our origins and forget the teachings of our ancestors?"
"So, we are establishing this constitution today to serve as the foundation of the Great Song State. We are telling you, the officials, and the people of the world that the people are not livestock, nor are they targets for your willful actions. Instead, they are the foundation of the state's stability, the very foundation Mencius spoke of!"
"The court is now setting this tone to teach officials not to herd the people, but to serve the people. They should serve the people, plan for the people's interests, and consider the people's welfare."
"The purpose of an official's existence lies in making the people prosperous, happy, and having a good life."
"If you only think about your own lofty authority and how to appear majestic in front of the people, then are you really serving the country and the people, or are you simply showing off and assuming power?"
"Then I have no choice but to ask Yang Tongzhi, since you became Tongzhi of Kaifeng Prefecture, how much have you done for the people, and how much have you contributed to maintaining the stability of the court?"
As soon as these words came out, Yang Wei was already sweating profusely.
According to historical records, Yang Wei had no talent for governing drama, but he was honest, cautious and diligent, and was praised by his contemporaries.
Although he was praised, as mentioned in the previous sentence, he did not have the ability to govern Kaifeng Prefecture well, he was just relatively honest and cautious.
So if we talk about his merits, he is obviously useless and can be regarded as an honest and mediocre official at best.
Seeing that he was already somewhat frightened, Zhao Jun continued, "There may be differences in status in this world, but there is no distinction between people's personalities. The moral character of some officials is not as noble as that of a farmer in the countryside."
"Since all beings are inherently equal, why should we care about status?"
He spread his hands, looked at the officials in the court and said, "Whether it's the emperor, me, or the prime ministers, I hope that you can focus on caring for the people and serving them, instead of being petty here and worrying about your own authority."
Yang Wei was choked by these words, and finally he could only bow and say: "I will keep in mind what I said to the court."
"Um."
Zhao Jun, unaware of Yang Wei's lack of talent, said, "I hope Kaifeng Prefecture can set an example for other prefectures and counties across the country. When you meet with the people in the future, you should no longer act so condescendingly. Respecting the elderly and loving the young is an ancient virtue."
"From now on, when the common people pay their respects to you, you must respond. I have not weakened your power. I simply want to make it clear to you that in the eyes of the government and me, you are no different from the common people."
He looked around at the officials and said, "Remember what I said. Treat the people well, and the people will treat the court well. If the court is doing well, how can it treat you badly? In this way, the whole country will be united, the government will be stable, and the people will be harmonious. This is the best way. Please remember this."
"Han Long's words are very much in my heart. Do you know?"
Zhao Zhen said.
"We, your Majesty, will remember your words and the words of the chancellor."
All officials bowed in greeting.
This constitution has been promulgated.
(End of this chapter)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
