Master Kong Zhongni

Chapter 106 Confucius Discusses Politics
The few people who spoke were all recruited by Sanhuan to govern the place under his sect.

Seeing how eager they were to inquire about how to govern, they were obviously similar to Kong Zhong, who had been tormented by complicated government affairs for the past few months.

Some of them complained about too many government affairs, some lamented that the affairs were difficult, and some were protesting that local forces did not listen to orders.

When Confucius heard their question, he didn't answer directly, but said with a smile: "Not all."

Mi Buqi immediately stood up and saluted: "Master."

"You and they are also governing places, don't you encounter these problems?"

Mi Buqi smiled and shook his head: "Maybe I was lucky, so I didn't encounter these things."

As soon as these words came out, some students asked: "Isn't there not much government affairs in the place you govern?"

Mi Buqi shook his head and said: "There are many government affairs, but I found five people in the village who are more capable than me, and I appointed them to help me manage the local area, so they have more spare power in doing things."

Confucius nodded and smiled when he heard the words: "Governing a locality lies in selecting talents and appointing talents."

But just after saying this, another disciple questioned: "I also know that there are sages in the village, but I also appointed them, not only did not handle the government affairs more properly, but also made a mess of things.

It was later discovered that this group of people had colluded with the nobles in the village, disturbed the order in the village, and corrupted the local atmosphere.He has talent, but if his conduct is not good, how can he be appointed? "

Confucius heard the words, nodded again with a smile and said: "The selection of the virtuous and the appointment of the capable is to distinguish the loyal from the traitor."

After Mi Buqi heard it, he replied with a smile: "It is true that people with bad conduct cannot be employed. It's just that I just happened to know the method of distinguishing conduct."

As soon as this was mentioned, the students became interested one after another: "How did you identify it?"

Mi Buqi said: "When I took office, I happened to meet my friend Yang Zhou.

He was sitting by the river fishing, so I got out of the car to say goodbye to him and ask him if he had any advice on how to manage the place.

Yang Zhou said: "I came from a humble family background and a low status, so I don't know how to govern."But I have been fishing for many years and I can give you some fishing experience.

I was curious, so I asked him for advice.

Yang Zhou said: "When fishing, just after putting down the bait, the fish that will be eaten immediately are 'Yangqiao fish'. The meat is thin and the taste is not good."The ones that swim around the bait and are hungry for food are called bream. This kind of fish is the fish with fat and delicious meat.

At first, I couldn't understand what Yang Zhou meant.

But later, when my carriage was still three or five miles away from the village, I found that some small officials in the village were standing in the middle of the way to greet me.

Only then did I realize that these people are the Yangqiao fish that Yang Zhou mentioned!

After this incident, I had a preliminary judgment on the character of the officials in the village. After investigating all the people, I finally selected five people with excellent character and ability to assist me in handling government affairs. "

After listening to this passage, Confucius couldn't help nodding with a smile: "Seeing the big from the small is like comparing the principle to the fish. It's not even! You should thank the old fisherman who taught you, he is the real sage!

Back then, the grandpa could understand the principles of governing the world from fishing. Even if your friend can't govern the world, his talent is enough to govern the country.

As for missing you!Those who know how to appoint sages are also capable of governing the country!
In the past, when Yao and Shun governed the world, they always had to seek sages to assist them.

These sages are the key to governing the world.

And if you make friends with capable sages, you can choose sages and appoint talents.

such a pity!The place you govern is really too small, even if you are asked to be a doctor in charge of the city, you are probably competent! "

After listening to Confucius' words, the students all looked at Mi Buqi with envy.

After all, Master seldom praises students so much.

It is rare to get such a high evaluation.

Only Zilu listened to Confucius's words, not only did not envy him, but became confused.

"Master, this is wrong!"

Confucius asked, "What's wrong?"

Zilu said: "When you were in Qi State, the Marquis of Qi asked you about the principles of governing the country, and you said that governing the country lies in saving money.

A while ago, the monarch called you to inquire about the way of governing the country, and you said that governing the country lies in understanding the ministers.

When Ye Gong of Chu State visited our country, he asked you the principles of governing the country. You told him that governing the country is to make people near you happy and people far away to come and cling to you.

Now you appreciate Zijian and Yangzhou's point of view, why? "

Confucius wanted to answer, but after thinking for a while, he suddenly smiled and called Zaiyu: "Yu! Come and answer this question for Zhong You."

Zaiyu was so frightened that Confucius called his name suddenly.

Isn't it you that Zilu asked?

Why is there still my business here?

But Zaiyu thought about it again, and suddenly understood the master's intention to do so.

So he responded with a smile: "The master said: A gentleman is in the world, there is nothing suitable, there is nothing, and righteousness is comparable.

Is there any unchanging method for governing a country?Just deal with it properly according to different situations.

The reason why the master persuaded Qihou to save money is because Qihou lived a luxurious life. He built towers, waterside pavilions, gardens and palaces in the country, and indulged in vocal music.

It is even possible to collect two-thirds of the people's income for their own enjoyment.That's why the master advised him that the essence of government is to save money.

However, the state of Chu has a vast territory and few people, but they wage wars frequently and continue to conquer the outside world. The people are unbearably disturbed and cannot live here with peace of mind. Therefore, the master advised Ye Gong to make the people nearby happy after he came to power. , Let people from afar attach themselves.

And our state of Lu, uh... the domestic situation is more complicated, and treacherous and sycophants are rampant among the officials.

Inside, they colluded with each other to fool the monarch.Outside, they exclude the princes and guests, cover the monarch's discerning eyes, and cover up the loyal words in the monarch's ears, so it is said that government is to understand the ministers.

The conditions of these three countries are different, so we should adapt to local conditions and adopt different policy strategies flexibly, so that the country can be governed and the people can live and work in peace and contentment. "

After hearing this, Zilu suddenly realized, "So that's how it is!"

Confucius said with a smile: "I usually let you read the "Book of Songs" just to let you learn the truth.

It is said in "Poetry": The loss of chaos and contempt for capital has not benefited my teacher.

This refers to the situation where the country is in turmoil due to extravagance.

"Poetry" said: "Bandits stop their fellowship, but the king's scorpion."

This is talking about the situation where the traitor is in charge and causes national disasters.

It is said in "Poetry": The chaos is gone, and it is time to return home.

This refers to the situation where frequent wars forced the people to flee.

So, how can reading only read its surface?You should see the hidden truth behind it! "

　In fact, everything is broken and cannot be repaired, especially the author's feelings.

　　——Excerpt from "Zaiyu's Diary"

　　
　
(End of this chapter)