While the three men were reaching an agreement, Huang Kezun was talking to his son Huang Yongji at home.
Huang Yongji looked at his father with some concern and asked anxiously, "Father, isn't this too risky? I'm afraid there won't be many people supporting you by then, and this could cause problems."
Huang Kezun waved his hand and said with a smile, "You're overthinking it. People in this world are treacherous. Your father, having served in officialdom for many years, knows full well that people in officialdom are even more treacherous. They never have any true friends or supporters. They will only follow you when there is a benefit. Otherwise, who would?"
"Even if you become the Prime Minister, so what? When you're in power, everyone respects you. But once you're gone, everyone's gone. Do you really think they respect you?"
"No, they only respect your official hat, but they are also respecting themselves. Because in the officialdom, only when you respect others' official hats will others respect yours. This is the eternal truth in the officialdom."
"As long as your father knocks down Xunzi's affairs this time, others will immediately follow. They are not following me, they are following the interests involved. If a new doctrine emerges, whoever occupies it first will become the first to speak out about it, and he will be able to gain more benefits."
"In official circles, there are many who dare to take risks, even those willing to risk their lives for power. You have to understand one thing: making money in this world is addictive. You see, many people have so much money they can't spend it all in their lifetime. Even if they pass it on to their prodigal descendants, they still can't spend it all. Yet, they still work so hard to make money. Why? Do you think it's for the money? No, they just want the thrill of making money."
"Being an official is the same. Being an official is addictive, and this addiction comes faster than making money. So the various people who come and go in official circles every day are always thinking about climbing up the ladder. If they feel that the seventh rank is too low today, they want to move up to the fifth rank. If they feel that the fifth rank is still too low tomorrow, they want to move up to the third rank."
Huang Yongji hesitated for a moment, looked at his father, and asked, "Is there no one in this world who is wholeheartedly devoted to the country and the people?"
"Yes," Huang Kezun nodded and said, "but how many are there? The Ming Dynasty had only one Hai Rui, and there may have been others, but not many. But in the officialdom, how many officials are there who are addicted to power, as my father said?"
Before Huang Kezun could continue, Huang Yongji spoke first, "Like the sand of the Yellow River."
"That's why your father never worried about having no supporters. There will always be people who follow your father, but there will also be people who oppose him. You must remember, son, if no one opposes you in the officialdom, you will be in danger. His Majesty will not allow you to hold a high position."
"Is it because of balance?" Huang Yongji asked.
"Yes and no. How can Your Majesty deal with a person who has no enemies in the future?" Huang Kezun said this with a self-deprecating smile.
Seeing his son seeming to understand but not quite, Huang Kezun shook his head and continued, "Don't worry about things like this. How are your studies going?"
"Father, I've been studying hard," Huang Yongji said. "I'm not only reading Xunzi, but also Han Feizi and the Legalists."
After hearing his son's words, Huang Kezun nodded in satisfaction and said, "That's perfect. I'll get you into the Imperial Academy in a few days. By then, with our father and son united in purpose, we will definitely have a place in the Ming Dynasty. Who knows, by then, Han Yu might not be able to continue his position as Prime Minister."
Huang Yongji was silent for a while, perhaps his father was talking about himself.
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