Taigong Encountered King Wen While Fishing
（2）
Watching the convoy disappear at the end of the eastern road, Lu Shang stood there for a long time in deep thought. Today, they were going to start a major operation. This was the first major operation after King Wu ascended the throne. This operation was a test of the results of the joint efforts of King Wen and King Wu, which had been prepared for more than 30 years. This operation also marked the final stage of the grand undertaking formulated by King Wen. Lu Shang couldn't help but recall his own experience. Ever since he was invited by King Wen at the shore of the Wei River, he had served the Zhou Kingdom in the west. In the blink of an eye, it had been more than thirty years. He had contributed to the prosperity of the Zhou Country, and he had become King Wen's subordinate. He helped King Wen expand his foundation and worked diligently for decades. Just as the Zhou Kingdom was flourishing, King Wen unfortunately passed away, leaving his unfinished business to his son, King Wu. However, in the Great Shang Dynasty, King Zhou of the Shang Dynasty was obsessed with wine and sex, and his life was increasingly decadent. If the government is not governed, the power of the country is getting worse day by day. Years of war against Huai Yi had depleted the treasury. The day before yesterday, Hou Ban brought back a piece of news. King Zhou of Shang had sent out another batch of reinforcements, and now the Shang Capital was empty. Last night, King Wu had gathered Lu Shang and his relatives to discuss a plan. They had decided to use this opportunity to launch a large-scale military operation. Hou Ban rushed to Shangdu with a new mission. Lu Shang came to send them off when they set off this morning. The old official sent them off, their hearts stirred. Both of them understood that at this time, they had to be careful in everything. A slight misstep could ruin all their previous efforts. As time passed, the final battle between Shang and Zhou was maturing. As an envoy, the burden on his shoulders became heavier. As the state preceptor, Lu Shang felt that his responsibility was even greater. Decades of hard work and preparation, two generations of blood and sweat, laid the foundation of today. The outcome of the final battle was unpredictable. This depended on the competition of power, and more importantly, on whether the temple's calculations were correct or not. After a farewell, Lu Shang bade farewell to them. Their every move was related to the fate of Zhou Country. Today indicated that a new operation was about to begin.
Lu Shang raised his head and looked at the eastern horizon where the red sun was about to rise. The glow of the sun reflected on his face, making him look even more profound and full of hope. Since they were going to take action on a large scale today, he should have gone to meet up with the Martial King earlier. Before he came out, he had already instructed his car to wait for him at the square at sunrise. Now, Lu Shang could only walk there himself. Fortunately, it was not far from the Martial King's residence. When he thought of the Martial King, he naturally quickened his pace.
Along the way, the morning breeze gently caressed his face, refreshing and cool. Lu Shang's mood was stirred up. This was such a familiar road. He had already experienced the wind, frost, snow, and moon on this road. The closer he got to King Wu's residence, the more he thought of King Wen. King Wen, the Holy Lord of a generation, had created an unprecedented and magnificent foundation. He set an example for future generations. Lu Shang missed King Wen's actions the most. King Wen respected the wise and loved the talented. He did not avoid the clan when he gave important tasks. He did not fear the streets when he accepted talents. Thinking of this, Lu Shang felt as if he was in the past again.
It was a sunny day thirty years ago. Although the early winter atmosphere was a little bleak and cold, the accumulated power of nature gave people a refreshing feeling. Early in the morning, Lu Shang packed up the fishing rod, rope, and bait for fishing. When he left the courtyard, he couldn't help but turn around and examine the appearance of these two simple thatched cottages. This humble dwelling on the bank of Weishui River had accompanied him through ten years of spring and autumn, enduring the cold winter, spring rain, summer sun and autumn wind. He was deep in thought, looking troubled.
At this moment, a coquettish voice came from inside the house." Daddy," a girl about 16 or 17 years old ran out of the door and came to Lu Shang like a fairy." Daddy, you're going fishing again. Are you ready?"”
"Alright." Lu Shang smiled and looked away. He turned his gaze to the girl lovingly, and his face revealed a kind light." Stay at home today. Father will be back soon."”
" Yes." The little girl dragged her words and pretended to be coquettish and resentful."Every time, Father said that he would be back as soon as he went, but every time, he would be gone for an entire day. He made me wait so long.”
"That's true. Ever since your mother passed away, you've been the only one guarding the house.”Lu Shang paused for a moment before saying,"I wanted to bring you out to play, but I can't today."”
"Why not? Bring me with you, Dad.”
Lü Shang needed to go to the bank of Weishui River alone to study hard. Because he was afraid of being influenced by others, he chose to fish and enjoy the peace and quiet alone. It was really difficult for him to refuse his daughter's request today. He could not remember that ever since his wife passed away, his daughter had taken on the task of guarding the house alone and had never gone out. She was really a sensible child. He didn't know that she had brought it up today because she saw that her father was in high spirits. She was afraid that her father would be lonely. Lu Shang really wanted to bring his daughter by his side and fully enjoy the joy of fatherly love. However, today was a very important day. The King of Zhou, Ji Chang, would come to the north bank of Weishui River to hunt. It was a good opportunity to meet him. It was inconvenient to bring his daughter along. He sighed and said tactfully,""Daughter, father is out today and has something important to do. I'll definitely bring you there next time."
"Didn't Father go fishing? I'll help you carry the fish and make grilled fish jerky.”His daughter begged again.
Lu Shang hesitated for a moment, but he still used this excuse to persuade his daughter."Daughter, today King Ji Chang of Zhou came to the north bank to hunt. There are many outsiders, so it's best for daughter to leave. I'll bring you there next time."
"They're here to hunt. Aren't you going to avoid them?”
"Daddy has to go today. Daddy wants to find an opportunity to meet Ji Chang. Wait for me at home. I'll come back after I'm done.”
"That's the matter. Didn't father always nag that the King of Ji Chang loved the people and talents? Why didn't father go to the capital to look for him directly, but instead went when he came to hunt?”She said that her daughter was insensible, but what she said made sense.
"My son is still young and doesn't understand the mysteries. You'll understand when you grow up. Father was already so old, so there was nothing wrong with seeing the world. My son should listen to daddy this time. He was resting at home. Ah!" Lu Shang hurriedly pushed and persuaded his daughter into the house.
Her daughter was helpless and a little reluctant to leave. She said,"Daddy will definitely bring me there tomorrow."
"Definitely."
"Deal." The daughter turned joyful and turned around to help Lu Shang put on a robe. Then, she stroked her father's black and white beard that reached his chest." I'll stay at home."”
"Good daughter." Lu Shang smiled and praised before leaving.
Along the way, Lu Shang walked with heavy steps and hummed a familiar song. He thought about how he had been down and out all his life. When he was young, he had studied hard and trained hard. He had mastered a set of hard skills and also learned the wisdom to revitalize a country. Who knew that he was repeatedly abandoned by King Zhou of Shang, rejected outside the country, could not be appointed, depressed and frustrated. Fortunately, he had a daughter in his middle age, and the two of them had a beautiful daughter, adding to the fun of the world. Lu Shang loved her like the apple of his eye and taught her personally since she was young. She was smart and agile, and she could also do all the needlework, singing, and dancing. Ten years ago, when he saw that time had passed and he had yet to make a first-tier appearance, he could only find another way. He heard that King Zhou of Shang imprisoned Ji Chang because Ji Chang advised the king to be diligent in government affairs and love the people. Lu Shang speculated that although the western frontier was remote, there were still sages who came out. He took his wife and daughter and crawled into the western Zhou territory. He chose the north bank of the Wei River to build a thatched cottage and lived there from then on. This place was much better than in the East, where he was exploited by heavy taxes and could not eat or drink all day. In this cold but beautiful nature, he relied on his own ability to open up wasteland and farm, living a well-off life. Compared to this, he was even more motivated to delve deeper into national politics and human affairs. As time passed, his knowledge would improve even more. He thought that if he wanted the people of the world to live a good life, like himself, he had to have a good king and good government. He patiently waited for the Sage to appear to fulfill his great wish. His peaceful days could not conceal his surging heart. In recent years, after his wife passed away, he and his daughter were left to rely on each other. This added to his depression. He often sang for comfort while fishing.
Lu Shang came to the place where he had been fishing for many years. A large stone was leaning against the edge of the deep pool. The light on the stone was like a wash, creating a clean and comfortable place for people to sit and sleep. Beneath the stone was a beautiful ripple of green water. Putting a fishing hook and sitting on the rock to observe was really like entering a fairyland. This place was located at the intersection of the Wei River and a small stream. There were many races in the water. Every time Lu Shang fished, he would catch something. These fish and prawns added a lot of delicious food to the table. This stream was called the Xi River. Lu Shang had chosen this place not only because of the picturesque environment, but also because very few people came here. The environment was quiet and no one disturbed his business. When he meditated, he could also obtain the rewards of nature, killing two birds with one stone. He could enjoy the happiness of his family and the joy of his people. Today, as usual, he carefully readied the line bait and threw it into the water; He placed the pole on the rock and chose a high spot on the top of the rock slope where he could look around and sit down. Today's homework began. But today, he couldn't calm down. It was like the water in a stream. On the surface, it looked calm, but there was an excited whirlpool and a huge water force flowing under it.
It was almost noon, and the sun was so hot that it made her feel warm. This was the busiest time of the day. Lu Shang looked around and felt strange. Why was there no movement at all? He was a little disappointed. Could it be that the legendary Ji Chang's hunting location today was not here but somewhere else? Looking at how he hadn't put his heart into fishing and hadn't caught a single fish in the past half a day, he couldn't help but feel a little depressed. He thought that in this short period of time, he should focus on fishing no matter what, so as not to return empty-handed. He returned to the place where the rod was set up from the top of the stone slope. He retracted the rope and looked. The bait had long disappeared, and even the small hook had been straightened. He sighed. It was a pity that if he caught this fish, it would definitely be a big one. "What a pity, what a pity." Lu Shang couldn't help but mutter to himself as he bent the hook again and used it as bait before gently throwing it into the water again. This time, he was going to pull the rod himself. He sat quietly on the rock and carefully watched the movements of the race in the water.
The marquis of Zhou, Wang Jichang, also known as Marquis of the West, had indeed come to the north bank of Wei River to hunt and relax. After he escaped from prison, he was determined to revitalize the Zhou Country. In the past two years, the people had done their job well. Coupled with the good weather and satisfactory harvest, the country was rich and the people were safe, and the financial resources had increased. Facing this scene of a bumper harvest, his heart was still depressed. This feeling was especially strong recently. He always felt like he was missing something important, but he couldn't say what it was. This winter's hunting activity was about to start. This time, he chose the north bank of Weishui River which he had not been to before and held a divination three days ago. He wanted to use the hunting operation to conduct a field inspection of this place. They left the capital city early in the morning. As soon as the sun rose above the mountain, they crossed the Wei River and arrived at the north bank. The hunting team spread out their formation and chased after their prey while shouting. It was almost noon and they had caught quite a lot of prey. Ji Chang pointed to a forest in front of them and ordered everyone to rest there for lunch. While the others were busy preparing food, he strolled around and admired the surrounding scenery. Unknowingly, he walked out of the woods and came to the bank of Wei River. As they walked, they saw a brook in front of them. The gurgling brook flowed into Weishui River quietly under the cover of dense woods. The intersection not far away was a beautiful and tranquil environment. Ji Chang sighed. This place was truly a paradise. As the ruler of a region, he didn't know that this was a good place to go. He thought of the fertile land on the north bank of Weishui River. As long as it was reclaimed, it would become a granary for rice. Besides, there were few wild beasts, which would not affect the people's living. As he walked and thought, he followed the stream and soon arrived at the intersection. Facing Weishui River, Zhang Tie's vision suddenly widened. Under the sunlight, the waves sparkled. A large stone slope extended into the water. He suddenly held his breath and looked at the rock on the protruding part. A fisherman was sitting upright and focused on fishing. There was already a family on the north bank of Weishui River. This fisherman really knew how to choose a place. Reclaiming wasteland and settling down on this land was rich and abundant. When he was free, he would go fishing by the Wei River and live a leisurely life. The person in front of him was definitely a man of insight. Today, the country is recruiting talents and recruiting all kinds of talents. He might as well go up and observe to find out the truth. He strolled to the side of the fishing fisherman and saw that this man was much older than him. His hair was mostly white, but his breath was still good and his appearance was still good. This must be a reward from nature in this place. He was about to get closer and look for an opportunity to talk to the fisherman.
At this moment, the Master Fisherman suddenly waved his hand behind him and said softly,""Don't make a sound. The fish is about to take the bait.”
Ji Chang was shocked. He looked at the fishing line and saw that the long fishing line was slightly trembling under the current. He didn't see any signs of being hooked. He was about to ask when he saw the fishing line suddenly tremble and tremble again. Obviously, it wasn't caused by the current. It seemed that this fisherman was good at fishing. He could observe the details and know what was going to happen. Then the fishing line shook violently again and slowly pulled the fishing line into the water.
The fisherman quickly grabbed the rod and slowly lifted it up. He could vaguely see the shadow of the fish in the water twisting violently. The fisherman suddenly lifted the hook rope into the water and threw it behind him. Immediately, a fish weighing two pounds jumped out of the water and hit Ji Chang in an arc with inertia. Ji Chang, who wanted to say something but hesitated, staggered and was stunned for a moment.
When the fisherman turned around and saw this situation, he quickly stood up to greet him. He saw that the person was in his forties or fifties, and his square face showed a relaxed and peaceful expression. He guessed that he might be Wang Jichang, who was praised and supported by the people of Zhou. The opportunity came, so he said unhurriedly,"I didn't know that Marquis Xi had arrived. Sorry for not welcoming you.”
Ji Chang returned the greeting and politely said to the Duke Yu,""Fishing is a very good business. Coupled with the elegant environment here, it really has endless fun.”After a pause, he asked again,"Does the fisherman often fish here?" Where do you live?"
This fisherman was Lu Shang. He pointed to the front left and said,"There, not far away, there are two thatched cottages to live in." He didn't expect Marquis of the West to come here.”
Ji Chang followed the finger of the fisherman and saw two thatched roofs looming in the woods. He turned around and said to the fisherman,""It seems that you like fishing very much.”
When Lu Shang saw this question, he thought about the opportunity to meet Ji Chang first. He sighed and said,""Everyone has their own good in life. My fishing business is like the saying,'A gentleman is happy with his ambition, and a villain is happy with his work'. Just like you and me." As he spoke, he looked at Ji Chang, who was busy picking up the big fish he had caught. In his heart, he was thinking about how he could further attract Ji Chang's attention.
"This…" When Ji Chang heard this, he couldn't think of a reply.
Lu Shang continued," I'm fishing here to catch fish. Marquis of the West had come to the north bank of Weishui River to hunt for wild animals. As the ruler of a country, he also wanted to obtain talents. Things are different, but they make sense." He wanted to use this fishing principle to draw the other party's attention.
Hearing the fisherman's words, Ji Chang seemed to be interested, but he didn't understand, so he asked,""I'm willing to hear the truth."
Lu Shang thought that his words had worked, so he sat back in his original seat. Seeing that Ji Chang was also sitting at the side, he said while loading the bait,""I have all kinds of bait here. Use different bait to catch different kinds of fish. The monarch's recruitment of talents is like my fishing. There are three kinds of political tactics. Recruiting talents with generous salaries is like fishing with bait, bribing death soldiers with generous rewards is like fishing with fragrant bait, granting different official positions to different talents, and fishing different fish with different baits. You said so. The monarch uses talents to govern the country and prosper the country, aiming at achieving great achievements. I fish at home to help eat, with the intention of small gains and benefits. It's the same for big things and small things. It's profound to see the big truth from the small." At this point, he knew that his analysis and metaphor had already attracted the other party's thoughts, but on the surface, he pretended to be relaxed and disapproving.
Hearing this, Ji Chang was indeed deeply moved by these principles and couldn't help but cheer. He couldn't help but take a step closer. With a respectful expression, he said,"I'm willing to listen to this profound truth.”
Next, it was time for the other party to understand the role of reason in depth so that he could truly move the other party's heart. Lu Shang thought about it and smiled. He continued,"The fishing line is fine, the bait is visible, and the small fish will take the bait. The fishing line is moderate, the bait is fragrant, and the fish will take the bait. The fishing line was thick and long, and there was plenty of bait. Big fish would take the bait. If the fish wanted to eat the bait, they would be caught by the fishing line. If a person wanted to be greedy for the monarch's salary, they had to obey the monarch. So when fishing with bait, the fish can be cooked; With a salary to make people, people can do their best; Take the country with the family as the foundation, and the country can be yours. With the country as the foundation, he could conquer the world.”Lu Shang knew that his words had hit the other party's heart. It was time to attract the other party's attention.
"It is indeed a profound principle. Lord Yu knew the nature of fish and was also very experienced in the world. What a knowledgeable person. " How many years have you been living in Weishui River, Master Yu?" Saying that, Ji Chang couldn't help but exclaim at Master Yu's profound knowledge as he moved to sit beside Master Yu.
"No more, no less. Ten degrees of spring and autumn."
"You caught a lot of fish, right?"
"Although I caught a lot, it's not as big as the fish I caught today.”Lu Shang pointed at the fish that had just been caught.
Ji Chang wanted to say something but stopped. He glanced at the fish that had just been caught in the fish basket and carefully looked at the fisherman. After stopping for a while, he saw that the fisherman was going to fish again, so he quickly said,""May I know your name, Master Yu?"
"My ancestor's surname is Jiang. Because I lived in Lu, I followed his surname.”
"Lu Shang." Ji Chang repeated," Good name." Then he asked," How do you know my name?"”
"As the king of a country, who doesn't know that you are kind, loyal, and filial when you are conferred the title of Marquis of the West? "The Monarch Hunt was divined three days ago. I asked Ji Xingli. As a fisherman, I've long heard of it. Today, I saw your appearance and body. I guessed it right.”As he spoke, Lu Shangxiang thought of something. He quickly rolled up the rope and retracted the hook. He said to Ji Chang,"I'm not far from here. I caught a big fish today and it's just nice to cook it. I'll invite you to taste it.”He smiled at her.
"Alright, thank you for your invitation, Duke Yu. I still have my subordinates waiting in the forest. Wait for me to inform him." As Ji Chang spoke, he was about to stand up, but he couldn't leave Lu Shang and hesitated.
"In broad daylight, if there is no danger, everyone will come. You just have to come with me." Lu Shang said as he packed up his fishing gear. He held a fishing basket in one hand and a fishing rod in the other. He stood up and led Ji Chang back.
Ji Chang said as he walked,"Letting me wait in vain is a disgrace to everyone. Wouldn't it be even more lost if he had to search everywhere? Wait for me to inform you first."
"There's no need to be like this. I'm right in front of you. Where my eyes can see, what's the point of waiting? I'm looking everywhere.”
" However, you're right. We'll talk about it later." Ji Chang really could not bear to leave Lu Shang behind, so he listened to his advice and followed Lu Shang to the cottage.
Lu Shang opened the door and let Ji Chang enter first, followed by himself. When he turned around to close the door, his daughter ran out of the door to welcome him. She looked up and saw a stranger. Her excitement was immediately restrained and turned red and shy. She walked to Lu Shang and took the fishing gear and fishing basket. She said softly,"Father came back early today and caught such a big fish.”
"This is my daughter." Lu Shang pointed at Ji Chang, who was smiling as he looked at the beautiful girl.""My son, who do you think he is?"
The daughter glanced at the person who had come and hesitated for a moment before saying,"I've never seen him before, so I don't know him. He's someone my father found for me.”
"He is Marquis of the West, Ji Chang."
"He…" Her daughter paused and stared at Ji Chang with her eyes wide open. Ji Chang had a smile on his face. His figure was as hard as his father's, but he looked a little younger." Why is he Marquis of the West, Ji Chang?"”She asked again, clearly in disbelief. People said that Ji Chang was a benevolent ruler and a sage. Saints were different from people, but this person in front of her was ordinary, just like her father. She found it difficult to associate the title of sage with this person in front of her, and she stammered,"People say that Marquis Ji Chang of the West is a saint…”
"Your daughter is so handsome." Ji Chang chuckled and said to Lu Shang,""I didn't expect that although your thatched cottage is simple and crude, you're hiding your talents.”At this moment, Ji Chang's heart was filled with respect for Lu Shang. The words just now made him understand many principles, and a question that lingered in his heart had long been resolved. He was just about to invite Lu Shang into the capital to assist in the foundation, rejuvenate the country, and strengthen the army. Seeing Lu Shang have such a daughter, his determination was even firmer. He smiled at Lu Shang's daughter and said,""What? Are Saints not humans? I'm human too, just like your father. Humans need to eat, and saints need to eat too, don't you think so?”He turned around and asked Lu Shang with a smile.
"You're right, you're right. My son, go and cook. Today's big fish was really a good treat for guests. It was a delicacy in the meal.”Lu Shang smiled happily. He knew that his extraordinary history with Ji Chang would begin today.
Soon, the coriander was cooked. Ji Chang looked at the fish dish on the plate. It was delicious and fragrant. Without even touching the chopsticks, it had greatly aroused his strong appetite. He couldn't help but praise him and asked Lu Shang, who was persuading him to eat," Your words just now enlightened me greatly. You are a wise old man with extraordinary knowledge. I have some questions to ask you, okay?”After receiving Lu Shang's permission, Ji Chang asked directly,""What kind of method can be formulated to win the hearts of the people to make the world submit?”This was his most pressing problem at the moment.
Lu Shang thought for a moment and said," In today's world, the monarch rules the world alone. It looks like the world belongs to the monarch alone. In fact, the world did not belong to one person, but to all the people in the world. Those who can share the interests of the world with the people of the world can obtain the world. Those who monopolized the interests of the world would lose the world. This was the main reason why the Shang Dynasty replaced the Xia Dynasty, the world changed, and the Wang family changed. To make the world submit to him, he must achieve benevolence, morality, and righteousness. Those who can share the favorable weather and favorable terrain with the people are benevolent. Where benevolence lies, the world will submit to it. Those who can avoid the death of the people, solve the difficulties of the people, eliminate the disasters of the people, and save the people from danger are virtue. Where virtue lies, the world belongs to it. It is righteousness that can make the people share happiness and sorrow, likes and dislikes. Where righteousness lies, the world will follow it. The people hate death and are happy to live. They welcome kindness and pursue interests. Those who can make all the people benefit are the kingly way. Whoever implements the kingly way will submit to him.”
"Well said. How can I not accept the will of heaven?”Ji Chang clapped his hands and then asked,""The world is chaotic. Sometimes it is strong, sometimes it is weak, sometimes it is stable, and sometimes it is chaotic. What is the reason for this? Was it the relationship between a virtuous and unvirtuous king, or was it the result of a change in destiny?”
Ever since he met Ji Chang, Lu Shang had been excited. He was even more excited when he invited Ji Chang to his residence. Ji Chang had asked so many big questions about the country in a row, which made him even more unable to suppress the long-suppressed emotions in his heart. He knew that the more questions the other party asked and the more answers he gave, the greater the hope of him being put in an important position. He smiled and said,"If the king is not virtuous, the country will be in danger and the people will be in chaos. If the king is wise, the country will be peaceful and the people will be stable. The fate of a country depended on whether the king was virtuous or not, not on the change of destiny. If the king is wise and able to carry out benevolence, virtue and righteousness, the world will submit to him, the country will be occupied by him, the people will be used by him, and the country will be strong and stable. On the contrary, the country will be weak and chaotic."
"Then, what can be done to become a wise king, and what can be considered to be the implementation of benevolence and righteousness?”Ji Chang was enthralled by his words and asked.
Lü Shang had to stop eating. He felt that his heart and blood were boiling, and his mind and knowledge finally had an audience. He began to talk excitedly, and his voice gradually increased unconsciously. "Whether a king is wise or not does not depend on destiny, but on his actions. As a king, he should set an example by living frugally and imitating the people. In the position of state, you should be diligent in government affairs and always remember the four principles of benevolence, morality and righteousness. The main purpose was to love the people. To love the people is to give the people benefits without harming them, to promote the people's production without destroying them, to protect the people's lives without killing them, to give the people material benefits without robbing them, to make the people happy without causing them pain, to make the people happy without making them angry.”At this point, Lu Shang suddenly felt that he was too excited. He restrained his tone and paused to calm himself down. Then, he pointed at the fish on the table and said,"Monarch, try this fish first. If you don't eat it, the fish will get cold.”
Ji Chang was extremely excited. After Lu Shang repeatedly urged him to eat, he moved his chopsticks and said,"Please explain the reasoning behind it.”
Lu Shang's cheeks trembled. Filled with passion, he changed his tone and continued," To not make the people lose their jobs is to give the people benefits; Not delaying the farming season is to promote the people's production; Not punishing the innocent is protecting the lives of the people. Taking less tribute was giving the people benefits. If you use the people's strength less, you can make the people happy. Officials and ministers are honest and do not harass and exploit, which can make the people happy. On the other hand, if the people are deprived of their jobs, their interests will be harmed, and their production will be destroyed if the farming season is delayed. To punish the innocent without reason is to kill; Expropriating the people is plundering; If you use more people's strength, you will increase the suffering of the people. The corruption and exploitation of officials and ministers will make the people angry. Therefore, a king who is good at governing the country governs the people as parents love their children and brothers love their younger brothers and sisters. He worries about their hunger and cold and grieves for their toil. This is the principle of loving the people."
Ji Chang still did not give up and asked curiously,"The key to governing the country and loving the people lies in whether the king is virtuous or not. Then, how should we formulate the etiquette and laws of the relationship between the king and his subjects?”
"As a ruler, the most important thing is to be able to see through the feelings of his subordinates. As a subject, the most important thing is to be humble and tame. If a king wants to understand the feelings of his subordinates, he cannot alienate his subjects. If the subjects wanted to be humble and docile, they could not hide their opinions. The king should be merciful, and the subjects should be obedient. Pushen's virtue will cover all things like the sky; Be as steady and solid as the earth. The king imitated the heavens, and the subjects imitated the earth. This constituted the etiquette between the king and his subjects.”
"Good, well said." Ji Chang couldn't help but cry out. Lu Shang's words had spoken out the meaning that had entangled his heart and resolved the doubts in his heart. He thought that meeting Lu Shang today was really a godsend, so he said loudly,""Duke Yu has great talent and strategy. I want to take you as my master and ask you for advice sooner or later. I would like to invite you to rest in the capital city.”As he spoke, his face was full of pleading as he looked at Lu Shang with concern.
Lu Shang did not refuse. He only said,"I'm a fisherman in the countryside. I don't have much wisdom. I'm afraid I'll delay the emperor's great event."”
When Ji Chang heard this, he was about to answer when he heard a question from outside the door,""Is there anyone in the house?" Hearing the voice, Ji Chang knew that his subordinates had come. He looked at Lu Shang and smiled happily."Master Yu, you don't have to be too modest. We'll go back to the capital together.”
As he was speaking, a man strode in. He was very strong. When this person saw Ji Chang, he hurriedly bowed and said,""Reporting to Monarch, everything is ready. Please go back for lunch.”When she said this, she saw the food on the table and guessed that Ji Chang might be eating. She was at a loss.”
Ji Chang stood up happily and said to Lu Shang,""This is my bodyguard, the commander of the Huben Armored Soldiers, Pan Xiang.”He introduced both parties.
Pan Xiang saluted Lu Shang with cupped fists, then turned to Ji Chang, awaiting his orders.
Ji Chang said to Pan Xiang,"I'll be eating here. Go back and tell everyone to come here after lunch."”Seeing the armored soldier turn around and leave, Ji Chang said to Lu Shang,""Please follow me into the capital, Duke Yu. I will give you an important task. When the guards arrive, pack your things and leave with the whole family.”"Is there anyone else at home?" she asked.”
"Only this daughter and I depend on each other. My wife passed away the year before last.”
"Oh." Ji Chang sighed.
After noon, Lu Shang and his daughter left the house with Ji Chang. After getting into the car, Lu Shang couldn't help but look back at the cottage he had lived in for ten years. Seeing that the roof of the cottage was gradually disappearing from his sight, he sat up and looked at Ji Chang.
Ji Chang was deep in thought.
Pan Xiang smiled at Lu Shang.
Lu Shang guessed that this Pan Xiang might have been found by Ji Chang somewhere, just like how he and Ji Chang entered the capital today. "How many years have you been following the emperor?"”
"Not much. It started the winter before last." Pan Xiang replied succinctly.
Lu Shang thought that Pan Xiang had become Ji Chang's personal attendant in just two and a half years. It seemed that he had a certain specialty. He was wondering to himself.
Ji Chang turned around and smiled at Lu Shang.""I met him on the road when I went to Xishan to hire a farmer two years ago.”He pointed at Pan Xiang." His physical strength is extraordinary. He fought a tiger with his bare hands and saved a child. I named that child Hu Sheng to commemorate the tiger's survival. He was also a master archer, and he could hit the target with 100% accuracy.”Ji Chang praised.
Lu Shang smiled as he listened. He thought to himself," I've long heard that Ji Chang gathers talents. What he said today is indeed a loyal ruler. He will definitely create great achievements in the future. I can serve the Sage Monarch and leave a good reputation. My life has not been in vain. It's just that I'm middle-aged and I don't have much time left." He couldn't help but feel a little melancholic.
At this moment, they arrived at a fork in the road. From another road, an old man saw Ji Chang and quickly came over to greet him. The man asked," I heard that the Monarch went out hunting today. He's only been back for a day. How's the harvest?"”
Ji Chang answered loudly from the other side of the carriage,"We've got a great harvest. Where did the farmer come from? Should we go back to the capital?"”
"I came back from Yi Land and was preparing to return to the capital. It was such a coincidence that I met the Monarch here.”The person whom Ji Chang called the Master Farmer also answered in a clear voice.
Lu Shang unconsciously looked at that person. He was an elderly man, about seventy years old.
Ji Chang said to Lu Shang,"This is the farmer I hired." I was referring to him just now."
"Oh." Lu Shang smiled and bowed to the farmer.
Ji Chang turned to the farmer and said,"Please follow me back. I have something to tell you."”
"Alright." The farmer agreed and ordered the coachman to follow Ji Chang's carriage back to the capital.
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