The Grand Secretary's face showed a calm and indifferent attitude, as if he regarded life and death as dirt.
At the same time, it also carries an indescribable weariness and vicissitudes.
Lin Yu thought of eight words: "Dedicate oneself to the cause until death."
He knew in his heart that, in the whole world, perhaps only this old man could completely abandon his head, brains, and marrow to dedicate himself to the entire nation and the world.
Without such a broad mind and vision, how could one serve as the Grand Secretary?
Personal feelings and sentimental matters, which are often confined to written words, became irrelevant to him the moment he assumed this position.
Fame and fortune are things that ordinary people pursue, valuing the smallest things the most. But for someone like the Grand Secretary, material wealth and fame are extremely indifferent; he focuses more on personal achievements and the well-being of countless people.
In ancient times, emperors were called sages. In Lin Yu's view, although the Grand Secretary did not have martial arts cultivation, his spirit had entered the realm of sages.
What a magnificent life!
"Has a successor been chosen?" Lin Yu asked.
The Grand Secretary chuckled, "Is there even a need to choose? Isn't it you?"
"Me?" Lin Yu shook his head. "Don't joke around. I can't do this job. I'd be fine fighting a war, but asking me to watch over your yard? You'd better forget it!"
The Grand Secretary shook his head and chuckled, then couldn't help but sigh, "Alas, there's no one to carry on the family legacy!"
"Among short people, there's always a tall one. What's there to be anxious about? Just let nature take its course!" Lin Yu comforted him.
The elder shook his head. “The soil is different now. There are too few young people with faith. The idea of coming from humble backgrounds is no longer a valid proposition. This world is not lacking in people with ability, talent, and courage. What it lacks most are pure people. And this path requires the purest people. It is not something that ordinary people can take on!”
"Moreover, even if such a person exists, how can he accomplish anything without a background and support?" the Grand Secretary added meaningfully.
These words were rather vague, but Lin Yu understood them perfectly: "People with connections are not pure, and pure people don't have connections. It's quite a contradiction!"
"But you're worrying too much. I firmly believe that things develop according to certain laws, whether it's an individual's fate or the fate of a nation. After you leave, the unfinished business will naturally be taken care of by someone else. Why worry about things that haven't happened yet?" Lin Yu comforted him.
The Grand Secretary shook his head. "That's fatalism, a Buddhist and Taoist concept. It's unsuitable for governing a country. National affairs require action; we must do our utmost, never forgetting our mission and our original aspirations! That's what it means to achieve anything through human effort!"
Lin Yu was taken aback, then gave a wry smile.
He did not refute the Grand Secretary.
From each perspective, there is no right or wrong. It is correct to be concerned about the people when in a high position. If one does not have such a belief, one probably cannot do a good job. Therefore, Confucianism is the study of governing the world.
Entering the realm of non-action through action, first engaging in the world and then withdrawing from it, can also lead to a higher dimension. Therefore, Lin Yu also agrees with the Grand Secretary's way of thinking.
The purpose of communication between people is not to argue about who is better or worse, or to change other people's thoughts, but to reflect on other people's thinking with our own and further elevate it.
However, seeing the Grand Secretary's worries, Lin Yu still advised, "Grand Secretary, there is no need to worry too much. You have already done enough. As the saying goes, leave some room for maneuver in everything you do. Even if you have good intentions, you can't go too far. Leaving some good fortune for future generations is also a good thing!"
The Grand Secretary smiled and said, "You're quite the comforter, lad. That makes sense, but sometimes I just can't let it go. I am truly from a humble background. I started climbing snow-capped mountains and traversing grasslands with my father when I was twelve. Although I'm not from a noble family, my ancestors did have some merit, which is why I dare to take bold measures!"
"My father taught me from a young age that a scholar must be resolute and persevering, and that when serving the people, one must do one's best! Don't be afraid of trouble, and be brave enough to take on responsibilities. I have kept these words in mind!"
"In the blink of an eye, so many years have passed. I have always followed my father's teachings. As autumn draws to a close, I don't know who to pass these words on to. Alas, I am troubled!"
The Grand Secretary smiled wryly and continued, "I wish time could slow down. I now think that era of material scarcity was the most innocent, romantic, and wonderful time. Back then, everyone cherished ideals, held firm beliefs, and fought for the liberation of all mankind and for a great cause!"
"My father came from humble beginnings, a mere scholar, yet he still held a place in society where he could speak eloquently and express his opinions with great confidence!"
"I am but a humble person, how could I not devote myself wholeheartedly to this cause, even unto death!" The Grand Secretary's tone became somewhat agitated at the end, and he even coughed.
Lin Yu quickly grabbed his arm, pinched his hand between his thumb and forefinger, and shook his head helplessly, saying, "Please don't get agitated, sir!"
He could understand the Grand Secretary's feelings.
An old steed in its stall may still aspire to gallop a thousand miles, but though it may be unwilling to give up, it has no strength left.
Who in this world can defy fate? To say that one can win by half a move is nothing but a joke.
No matter how beautiful and brilliant a life may be, it will eventually fade away like fireworks, becoming insignificant in the long river of history. People's so-called poverty, wealth, and status are nothing more than a group of pitiful people who spend their entire lives in fear and trepidation, as if walking on thin ice.
Hua Zhen, standing next to him, already had tears in his eyes.
If there is anyone in this world besides Lin Yu who can understand the Grand Secretary, it is only Hua Zhen.
Only this Imperial Commander witnessed firsthand an old man working tirelessly, day and night, under the candlelight.
"You have already done something remarkable, doing things that many people dare not do!" Hua Zhen exclaimed with admiration.
The Grand Secretary shook his head and sighed, "Actually, we were too hasty. In the end, we encroached on their interests! At the beginning, we were able to play both sides, but the deeper we dug, the more we inevitably shook their foundations, and in the end, we ended up on the opposite side!"
As the Grand Secretary spoke, he looked at Lin Yu and said, "Young man, you've been the Imperial Inspector of Eight Prefectures for a while now, have you seen the problem clearly?"
Lin Yu nodded, "In the beginning, aristocratic families and royal power complemented each other, but in the end, they always ended up on opposite sides. This has been the case since ancient times! In five thousand years, the so-called class system has never been eliminated! It's just a repetition of the same mistakes time and time again! The dragon-slaying youth eventually becomes the dragon himself, which is also a natural law!"
Lin Yu said calmly, "Regardless of the outcome, I admire every ruler who dares to reduce the number of princes. They have played a role in advancing the course of history; their merits and demerits will be judged by posterity!"
The Grand Secretary sneered, "Aren't you angry that I dragged you into this?"
Lin Yu smiled and shook his head, "Since I chose to come back and wade into these muddy waters, I was mentally prepared. Besides, what I've done is not even one ten-thousandth of what the Grand Secretary has done!"
The Grand Secretary shook his head. "I hope that after I'm gone, people will forget everything I've done! I have a clear conscience!"
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