Chapter 1151: The Diamond Ring, Biographies of Famous Ministers and Scholars (Part 2) [Requesting Monthly Tickets]
For Shen Tang, being the ruler was always a secondary matter.
My true main profession is painting.
Driven by her unwavering dedication, she devoted herself to the research of papermaking from the time of Heyin County, moving on to Longwu County, and then to the capital Fengluo. Regardless of whether Shen Tang was at war or managing people's livelihoods, or whether her finances were tight or not, she never reduced the research and development funding for papermaking. The papermakers did not disappoint her trust, changing the formula ratio tens of thousands of times and improving the technology thousands of times over more than ten years, constantly trying new materials to make better paper.
It truly achieves the effect of being resilient yet moisturizing, and glossy yet not slippery.
When writing, one can capture both the essence and spirit; when painting, one can display a vibrant and spirited style.
The paper mill also started to make a profit, instead of being a money-devouring beast that only took in money and never gave it back.
This piece of land, which served as Shen Tang's personal treasury, was used by her to allocate half of the production from the next two years to printing booklets praising the civil and military officials of Kangguo. What magnanimity this showed! Throughout history, which ruler has not pursued fame and fortune? Which one has not been deeply suspicious?
Who can tolerate a minister whose achievements overshadow the ruler and whose fame spreads far and wide? They would love to stand out alone, with no minister able to steal their limelight.
But our lord is different.
Chu Yao resisted the temptation and rationally advised Shen Tang to reconsider: "It is unheard of and unseen for a monarch to order the writing of biographies for his subjects, praising their achievements and promoting their benevolence. Even if it doesn't bring them worldwide fame like 'Biographies of Famous Ministers and Scholars,' it will still attract a large following among the common people. If it gets out of control, I'm afraid..."
Shen Tang countered, "What are you afraid of?"
Chu Yao sighed, "I'm afraid they will let our lord down."
It wasn't that Chu Yao was deliberately trying to sow discord among his colleagues, but rather that the emperor's preferential treatment was too generous, so generous that it could make people complacent and even lose their sense of self-importance. He was even more afraid that excessive popularity among the people might eventually lead to the emperor abusing his power and threatening his authority.
People always change.
The moment of pledging allegiance is genuine, but the betrayal that follows, once the facade crumbles, is also a true betrayal: "When a ruler is too benevolent and lenient, it can cause his subjects to forget their duties, attributing their current prosperity to their own abilities while forgetting the trust and promotion they received from their ruler..."
Are you tempted?
My heart is fluttering!
It was precisely because Chu Yao himself was tempted that he was even more afraid of others losing control. Making money was money anyway; there was no need to leave such a huge hidden danger. He said solemnly, "I implore Your Majesty to reconsider before acting!"
Shen Tang was stunned by what he said.
He was almost led into a ditch by Chu Yao.
"What are you doing, Wu Hui?" Shen Tang helped Chu Yao up, patted his hand, and said frankly, "I have seriously considered the concerns you have. The hidden dangers do exist, but I don't think it's necessary to throw the baby out with the bathwater and assume the worst outcome because of a little suspicion. Does Wu Hui know that 'a single flower does not make a spring, but a garden full of flowers makes a spring'? Some lords like a single flower to stand out, but I am different. The court is more beautiful when there are many flowers in full bloom."
This is like going on stage, vying for the center position, and then demanding that everyone else's makeup be useless—using the mediocrity of others to highlight one's own brilliance and wisdom? Little do they know, birds of a feather flock together. How high can a ruler's IQ be if they're constantly arguing with a bunch of unknown people?
If any of the civil and military officials under their command are outstanding, then what kind of extraordinary person must their lord be?
If one were not an outstanding person, how could so many talented individuals be moved to bow down?
Shen Tang could already picture his reputation soaring even higher among the people: "Besides, the interviews will definitely involve my first encounter with them. Anyone with eyes can see what a good lord I am. Isn't that more effective than praising myself directly?"
She still has a sense of shame.
Being narcissistic in private is harmless, but Shen Tang can't bring herself to praise herself in front of the whole world. There's no pressure to slip in her own opinions within the "Biographies of Famous Officials and Scholars"—even if Shen Tang doesn't praise herself, others will. And the praise from others feels more genuine.
Chu Yao: "...That makes sense too."
As long as the lord doesn't suffer a loss, that's fine.
Shen Tang smiled slyly: "That's right. Don't you know what kind of person your master is? Would he let himself suffer a loss? Once this news gets out, it will definitely make them happy. The 'Biographies of Famous Ministers and Scholars' doesn't need to take twenty years to complete. We can make it an annual or semi-annual publication. The length doesn't need to be too long. The number of people in each issue is fixed, and those who perform well will all get a share."
Hanging radishes is the only way to keep everyone motivated to work.
Chu Yao smiled faintly: "Everything is as Your Majesty wishes. However, there is still one thing I don't understand. This booklet is not only to commend and recognize meritorious officials, but its main purpose is to promote diamonds and open up new avenues. How can we link diamonds with its contents?"
Shen Tang rested her chin on her hand: "...Let me think about it."
People in this era don't even have a systematic understanding of advertising, let alone the concept of subtle advertising. They only know that doing business relies on shouting and concisely explaining the advantages of their products. Without finding the core strengths of their products, how can they accurately target their audience?
In the previous life, merchants always associated diamonds with love.
It hits the mark for young people's yearning for eternal love.
Copy exactly as is?
This is a dead end.
Love is a luxury for people in chaotic times. It needs peaceful soil and abundant resources to take root and sprout. Ordinary people are lucky to survive, let alone talk about love.
Chu Yao has an idea.
"Since diamonds are hard, doesn't this property perfectly match the core of this book—loyalty between ruler and subject!"
Shen Tang slammed his hand on the table and stood up: "What a brilliant idea!"
Wu Hui is also a person with a business mind!
No matter how chaotic the world is, how frequently countries change hands, or even if a generation changes nationality two or three times, monarchs always expect their subjects to be loyal to them, and warlords also hope that their subordinates will be unwavering in their loyalty! Subjects will verbally agree with this expectation.
Is it wrong to place your hopes on hard diamonds?
No problem!
In ancient times, virtuous men compared their character to jade, for its warmth and luster symbolized benevolence. If jade can embody virtue and integrity, why can't diamonds represent loyalty and righteousness? Its hardness is perfect! It perfectly hits the lord's sweet spot! Which lord wouldn't be confused by this?
This concept can be extended to other meanings.
For example, brotherly love and the bond between close friends.
Shen Tang couldn't even imagine how well the sales would go.
She couldn't wait to put her ideas into action.
“Among our subordinates, Wang Chao is undoubtedly the best at this, and as for portrait painting…” Shen Tang’s eyes shone brightly, the expectation in them almost blinding Chu Yao. She hoped Chu Yao would recommend her, “Who do you think is suitable?”
His eyes blinked rapidly, their expression screaming "Choose me!"
Chu Yao: "..."
He couldn't bear to refuse his lord.
To make him recommend the Lord against his will would also be unfair to his colleagues.
He made up his mind and said, "Yuanliang is most skilled in painting."
Shen Tang frowned, muttering in disappointment, "Ah, it's him again? Wu Hui, should we find someone else? Don't exhaust my beloved minister."
Chu Yao said, "The effect of the first volume is crucial."
Shen Tang could only reluctantly agree.
I felt some inner turmoil and self-doubt.
Why is it that no one appreciates her paintings?
Shen Tang composed herself, and a figure flashed through her mind: "In that case, write a letter to Yuan Liang. Oh, and I should also recruit He Buzuo's wife. I remember her painting skills are no less than Yuan Liang's. If she joins us, she can help Yuan Liang a bit."
Actually, it's not necessarily the case that Qi Shan has to step in to resolve this matter.
It's not easy to find a master of his caliber in Kangguo, but it's easy to find a bunch of slightly less skilled ones. A generous reward will surely attract brave men! Shen Tang has his own selfish motives. He hopes that Yuan Liang can take this opportunity to get closer to his colleagues and improve his public image.
With this booklet successfully published, who doesn't owe Yuanliang a favor?
Chu Yao nodded and noted it down.
Shen Tang knew that this news would cause a stir, but he didn't expect it to be so big, causing an uproar. From civil and military officials to soldiers and commoners, even the prisoners of war and the remnants of noble families from the Gao Kingdom heard about it, and everyone was astonished.
Even Wu Xian, who was immersed in the grief of losing his loved one, was alarmed.
"puff--"
I almost choked on my saliva.
Wu Xian coughed so loudly it shook the heavens: "What did you say?"
Shen Youli hadn't shown her face for five or six days, and now that she finally did, she dropped this bombshell? Had her mule kicked her in the head? Wu Xian's face was full of shock and astonishment, as if he had seen a monster: "Shen Youli, she's gone mad!"
Wu Xian's former officials, however, looked envious.
The envy in his eyes was almost overflowing.
Putting aside Shen Youli's harsh treatment of aristocratic families, she is truly impeccable in every other aspect. Who enters officialdom without the desire to support their family and gain fame and fortune? But even monarchs fear their subordinates becoming too powerful and overshadowing them. Once a minister reaches a certain threshold, what awaits them is the monarch's suspicion, and they will live in constant fear for the rest of their lives, terrified that a single mistake caught by the monarch will bring disaster upon their entire family.
Reputation and public support—who wouldn't want those?
I want it, but I'm afraid I won't live to have it.
Shen Youli, however, did the opposite. They actually gave it to her, and they gave it generously! They spared no effort to personally elevate their subject!
The more the former official thought about it, the more heartbroken he became.
Putting himself in that position, if he were in that situation, he would have given his life if that man surnamed Shen asked for it! Just as he was thinking this, the old minister saw Wu Xian's face and suddenly realized that he could have such a thought. He immediately restrained himself, afraid that Wu Xian would see it and think too much.
Wu Xian said quietly, "There's no need for that."
He is no longer the king of Gao, but a prisoner.
His future depends on how Shen Youli arranges things for him.
The former official was filled with shame and embarrassment.
But then Wu Xian muttered a curse: "I'm envious too."
It wasn't that he envied those whom Shen Tang had elevated, but rather Shen Tang's decisiveness and ruthlessness. If it were him, he simply wouldn't have that kind of courage. Even if he were told that doing so could quickly unite people's hearts and elevate his prestige to its peak, he wouldn't have the courage.
Nothing else—
Firstly, the risk is too great, and secondly, I'm reluctant to give it up.
Honestly, which ruler would be so reckless?
Wu Xian couldn't do it, so he was envious, jealous, and extremely sour.
The former officials of Gao were filled with envy and jealousy, while the officials of Kang were filled with trepidation and anticipation.
The number of slots in the first round was limited, not even enough for high-ranking officials, so I definitely wouldn't get a chance. The second, third, and subsequent rounds, I could still think about. Looking back on the Ministry of Personnel's evaluations over the years, some were happy, some were sad! The depression was temporary; I quickly threw myself back into work!
With the Ministry of Personnel's evaluation, they can do even better!
Other high-ranking officials may appear indifferent and unassuming, but they are actually secretly vying for power.
They're not satisfied with just one spot!
What I care about most is which volume and which number!
Gu Chi, as the lead writer, was leisurely and showed no sign of anxiety. While pondering how to begin, he secretly glanced at Bai Su out of the corner of his eye. Bai Su initially ignored him, focusing on her meal. Her movements appeared slow and deliberate, but the food in her bowl was visibly disappearing. Until Gu Chi, annoyed by her stares, asked, "What are you looking at me for?"
Gu Chi finally got to ask Bai Su's question, and straightened his posture: "Isn't Shao Xuan curious about whether he can be on the list in the first volume?"
Bai Su said, "My lord has his own plans."
Everything depends on the arrangements.
She said, "We can't put the emperor in a difficult position just for a hollow reputation. Being too fixated on it can also damage the harmony among officials. It's not worth it."
Bai Su didn't know how many spots were available; she only knew that there were too many people who had followed their master from humble beginnings to the present day, making it difficult to rank them.
"Chu Shangjun and Qi Zhongshu are both set in stone."
Gu Chi's smile froze: "Where are the others?"
Bai Su said, "They are evenly matched."
Gu Chi was grinding his teeth so hard they were about to break. He had intended to reassure Bai Su, but instead, she turned around and stabbed him in the back.
What does "evenly matched" mean?
How could I be on par with others?
He and Chu Wuhui are clearly in the same league!
Bai Su looked at Gu Chi, who seemed about to break, and sighed: "I misspoke. You're the one who's definitely going to make a move. Stop fooling around."
Gu Chi: "..."
He silently glued the pieces back together.
She said sourly, "Shao Xuan, you'll have your turn."
Bai Su looked up in surprise: "Did the master reveal this to you?"
Gu Chi said, "Men and women in this world should know the truth that women cannot cultivate. It's not because Heaven favors anyone, nor because women are born with a defect. Our Kang Kingdom's General Bai is a true heroine, someone to be proud of!"
Not competing or vying for something doesn't necessarily mean you don't have that intention.
It could also be a lack of self-confidence.
Bai Su turned her face away: "Major General, you've spoken too confidently. If I believe you and then turn my back on you, how do you plan to explain yourself?"
Gu Chi: "Then I will write a separate biography for you."
The offerings have been made generation after generation, and the incense has burned endlessly.
Bai Su was taken aback, and a rare blush appeared on her face.
"I still prefer the Lord."
Gu Chi's face fell: "I also wrote this for you, my lord."
Bai Su smiled and patted his forehead with her handkerchief.
"Since it is the king's order, how dare you slack off and be lazy?"
Gu Chi sighed and took off the handkerchief: "Sigh."
Writing novels was just a hobby for him to pass the time, but once it became a task assigned by his superiors, its nature changed, and he had to rack his brains to embellish and polish it for his colleagues. For a typical example, how could he possibly praise the shady things Qi Yuanliang had done?
I feel inexplicably wronged, as if I've been forced into prostitution or oppressed into a lowly position.
Those who knew they wouldn't be chosen this time were quite carefree. Qian Yong and Wei Shou, having finished their work, could even sit on a curb and drink. The great fire in the Gao capital had shattered public morale, and the remaining forces in various regions were easily subdued; the few remaining rebel armies posed no real threat. Wei Shou and Qian Yong had been enjoying a period of smooth sailing.
Qian Yong nudged Wei Shou with his elbow: "Old Wei, the news has spread everywhere, why haven't you made a move? Aren't you tempted?"
Wei Shou said, "It's meaningless. As long as Chu Jie isn't in the first volume and isn't ranked in front of me, I don't care which volume I'm in."
Qian Yong clicked his tongue: "That's a bit difficult."
Wei Shou's face visibly darkened.
He asked somewhat reluctantly, "And what about you?"
Qian Yong sighed: "People should have self-awareness."
Shen Youli chose him for the first book because of his foul mouth?
|ω`)
(End of this chapter)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
