Emperor Chu watched as Song Zhiyuan disappeared through the hall’s doors. With a slight curl of his lips, he glanced toward the corner of the Imperial Study and asked with a raised smile, "What does Chang Feng think of Pri Minister Song?"
The person holding a shorthand notebook and charcoal pencil looked up at the words, sowhat stunned, then smiled, "Pri Minister Song is the Emperor’s trusted minister and a model for scholars from poor families across the land. I naturally admire him."
This person was none other than Cui Changxiao, the top scorer of the imperial examinations over a year ago, styled Chang Feng. Having achieved the top place, he had been occupying the position of editor for over a year.
"There are no outsiders here. Even if you flatter Pri Minister Song, he wouldn’t know," Emperor Chu said with a raised eyebrow, implying that there was no need for flattery; speak plainly, for Pri Minister Song wouldn’t know regardless.
Cui Changxiao chuckled, "I am speaking honestly; Pri Minister Song, though from a poor family, is a rare genius. His policy of prioritizing internal stability before external expansion and acting when the timing is right commands my admiration."
"Oh? Chang Feng, you are from an aristocratic family, yet you hold such high regard for Pri Minister Song, who hails from a poor family?"
Historically, the aristocracy and the poor families have been at odds. Cui Changxiao genuinely admired Song Zhiyuan to such a degree.
Cui Changxiao replied, "Indeed, I am of aristocratic origin, but I have a defiant and unrestrained nature, respecting only those with true talent. Aristocrats may boast noble lineage, yet so are all flash and no substance—hypocritical, pretentious, and not worth ntioning. Poor families rarely produce noble offspring, but it’s not unheard of; so are exceptional talents in governing. I have reviewed all of Pri Minister Song’s achievents. Under his governance, though so people’s interests were affected, earning him the reputation of one who would pluck feathers as a passing goose, the governed area is uniformly peaceful and prosperous. In my opinion, achieving this makes him a truly loyal and honest minister."
Emperor Chu’s expression grew complex, "Chang Feng hasn’t praised like this."
The tone was quite sour; he was jealous!
Cui Changxiao: "..."
It felt like a child asking for praise.
"With loyal ministers like Pri Minister Song, Your Majesty can govern the world," Cui Changxiao bowed deeply, "Your Majesty governs with competence, recognizes and effectively uses talent, which is a blessing for our Great Qing."
Emperor Chu laughed and said, "What are Chang Feng’s thoughts on opening mariti trade?"
"When the granaries are full, people know etiquette; when their basic needs are t, they know honor and sha. Whether Great Qing can truly remain stable, whether the people can live in peace and abide by the law, all relate closely to whether Great Qing is prosperous. I believe economic developnt is an inevitability. National wealth leads to a strong populace and powerful military—what then should Great Qing fear in striving for strength? And all of this depends on national prosperity, which can’t just fall from the sky by re words; it’s imperative to vigorously promote trade."
Cui Changxiao, unlike those feigning loftiness scholars, did not regard gold and silver as re filthy lucre to be scorned or looked down upon those who associate with rchants.
To put it bluntly, without money or food, could you fill your belly by eating books?
When they are clad in silk, crowned with caps, tasting delicacies or fine tea, how could they not call that filthy lucre, when it’s all piled up with money?
In simpler terms, without silver, how could you pay the tuition to have a teacher instruct you in the classics?
Cui Changxiao’s words made Emperor Chu feel physically and ntally at ease, and he sighed, "Chang Feng understands that only a prosperous nation can support a strong army. But so veteran ministers are old-fashioned and conservative, hesitating over every matter. Even Pri Minister Song, although supportive, feels that I am too hasty and aggressive—not as bold as when I was young."
This tone...
Cui Changxiao thought for a mont and said, "Pri Minister Song and Your Majesty are both in your pri, naturally full of ambition and drive. However, precisely because of your age and experience, there is a habit of considering everything thoroughly, no longer as impulsive as in youth. I am sure Your Majesty understands this in your heart."
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