Yang Shiqi obviously did not expect that the person standing in front of him was Zhu Yunwen, the grandson of the Ming emperor. This grandson has become very famous recently. After all, being able to turn the tide in adversity and seize the position of grandson of the emperor means that he is no ordinary person.
Yang Shiqi, who had heard some of Zhu Yunwen's deeds, also held this grandson in high esteem.
After all, both his previous disaster relief efforts and his subsequent crisis resolutions in the imperial court demonstrate that Zhu Yunwen was a person of upright character and resourceful wisdom.
People like Yang Shiqi have always possessed profound talents, but because of his humble origins and lack of wealth, he has never been able to find an opportunity to serve his country.
Now that he has met Zhu Yunwen, he has naturally gained hope.
Zhu Yunwen quickly stepped forward, helped Yang Shiqi up, and said to him:
“Sir, there is no need for such formalities. I have come here incognito to seek out talented individuals. I know that you possess great talent, and therefore, I wish to make your acquaintance. If you are willing to work with me on important matters that can govern the country and bring peace to the world, then my trip will not have been in vain.”
Yang Shiqi was somewhat shocked, and then said to Zhu Yunwen:
"Your Highness has traveled so far from the palace this time, just to find talented people who can assist you in governing the country?"
Zhu Yunwen nodded and said, "That's right, that's my main purpose. I also want to take this opportunity to observe the people's conditions and understand their hardships so that I can come up with a series of solutions to these problems when I get back."
These words deeply shocked Yang Shiqi. He stood up straight, bowed respectfully to Zhu Yunwen, and said:
"It is a blessing for the people and the country that the Ming Dynasty has you as its crown prince."
Zhu Yunwen sighed and said, "Sir, you flatter me. Along the way, I have seen many scenes that make me feel uncomfortable."
Now, as the Crown Prince, I bear heavy responsibilities and have many tasks to perform. Therefore, I need someone of extraordinary talent like you, sir, to assist me in creating a peaceful and prosperous world. Would you be willing, sir?
Yang Shiqi spoke with utmost seriousness:
"To be honest, Your Highness, although I have some knowledge, I also really want to serve the court and do something for the country, but I have never been able to find a way."
Now that Your Highness holds me in such high regard and possesses such a heart that cherishes talent, I am naturally willing to serve Your Highness with utmost devotion, even unto death.
Zhu Yunwen smiled: "With your words, sir, I am relieved. Come and sit down. Today, sir and I will drink until we are drunk and have a good time."
The two sat down, picked up their glasses, drank, and had a heart-to-heart talk.
After a conversation, Zhu Yunwen realized that Yang Shiqi was indeed no ordinary person.
Zhu Yunwen hadn't realized it during their earlier conversation, but after drinking together and hearing Yang Shiqi discuss some of the problems facing the Ming Dynasty and what methods he thought should be used to solve them, he understood that there was a reason why Yang Shiqi could be called the strongest Grand Secretary in the early Ming Dynasty.
Thinking of this, Zhu Yunwen became even more eager to meet the next two.
After a satisfying meal, the two became quite familiar with each other.
Yang Shiqi knew that Zhu Yunwen was traveling incognito, so in order to help Zhu Yunwen conceal his identity, he deliberately did not show Zhu Yunwen too much respect.
The two addressed each other as friends, and then Yang Shiqi said to Zhu Yunwen:
"Young Master Zhu, please allow me to return home and give my elderly mother some instructions. Then I can leave with peace of mind so we can discuss important matters together."
Zhu Yuntong smiled and said, "Of course. I will wait for your news in the inn across from the restaurant. Once you have made all the arrangements, we will leave this place."
After the two parted ways, the next morning, Yang Shiqi's voice could be heard outside Zhu Yunwen's door.
"My name is Yang Shiqi, and I request an audience with Young Master Zhu."
Zhu Yunwen immediately opened the door and looked at Yang Shiqi standing at the door.
Yang Shiqi, already carrying his bundle and with an excited expression, looked at Zhu Yunwen and said:
"The household affairs have been arranged, Young Master Zhu. When shall we depart?"
Zhu Yunwen smiled and said, "Let's set off immediately and head to Jian'an County in Jianning Prefecture to the east."
Yang Shiqi asked in confusion, "Oh? Going to Jian'an County, is there something else going on?"
Zhu Yunwen: "I have heard that there is a man named Yang Rong in Jianning Prefecture, Jian'an County. It is said that he is quite talented. I would like to meet him and if he is indeed talented, I will recruit him."
Yang Shiqi smiled and said, "Young Master Zhu is truly a person who appreciates talent. I admire him greatly. In that case, let's not delay."
Zhu Yunwen nodded, and the group set off again.
Taihe County is in a different province from Jian'an County, so it took the group about four or five days to finally reach Jian'an County.
Upon arriving at the destination, Zhu Yunwen still ordered the Embroidered Uniform Guards to go out and inquire.
Yang Rong was quite famous in Jian'an County. It was said that he entered the prefectural school at the young age of seventeen, and such a person was destined to be extraordinary.
As long as one works hard and passes the imperial examination, entering officialdom is only a matter of time.
After Zhu Yunwen found Yang Rong, he immediately went to pay his respects to him with Yang Shiqi.
Yang Rong was studying at home when he heard that a guest had come to visit, so he immediately welcomed the guest in.
Zhu Yunwen was very happy to see Yang Rong.
Yang Rong, however, carried a hint of arrogance. After bowing to Zhu Yunwen and Yang Shiqi, he asked:
"May I ask who you two are?"
Zhu Yunwen did not conceal his identity, after all, he had come to find Yang Rong.
So he said, "I am the grandson of the current emperor."
As he spoke, he took out the token.
As expected, Yang Rong's expression changed, and he immediately knelt down to pay his respects.
Zhu Yunwen immediately helped the person up and said:
"Sir, you are too kind. I have come here to ask you to go to the capital with me to assist me."
Yang Rong was greatly alarmed and said to Zhu Yunwen:
"What merit do I possess to have troubled the Crown Prince to personally come to me?"
Yang Shiqi, standing to the side, said with a smile:
"The Crown Prince is quite fond of talent. Perhaps he has heard of your reputation and thinks you are a rare talent, so he has come all this way to find you. We must not let down the Crown Prince's good intentions."
Yang Rong quickly bowed again and said:
"I have no way to repay such kindness and recognition. Please accept my bow, Grandson."
This person is actually quite arrogant, as can be seen from his previous attitude. Although he is young, only about twenty-one or twenty-two years old, he has been studying for quite some time and has already entered the academy.
Some pride is inevitable!
However proud he may be, he must still behave properly when he encounters the current crown prince, Zhu Yunwen.
Moreover, Zhu Yunwen believed him to be a promising talent and had come specifically to invite him. Even if he was arrogant, he could no longer maintain his haughty demeanor.
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