The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 226 Xu Xuan’s road to public examination

Xu Xuan walked on the corridor leading to the county government office, feeling that this short distance was extremely long.

After several rounds of screening among 43 applicants, he was the only one left.

The seemingly harsh selection conditions were absurd at every turn, but they happened to include him.

Let him be one of the lucky 43.

Xu Xuan silently thought to himself that perhaps this final interview, hosted by the county magistrate himself, would be the real highlight.

It must be quite difficult for the county magistrate to hear the news in person. In addition to the pictures, poems and poems indicated on the recruitment notice, he may also ask some tricky and weird questions at random.

Xu Xuan secretly reminded himself that he must cheer up and never relax.

Don't think that because you were lucky enough to pass all the screenings before, everything is fine and you will be successfully selected to become the mayor.

The real test may still be waiting for him ahead.

Xu Xuan's gaze became firm again, and he held his chest high, like a soldier about to set foot on the battlefield, ready to accept any challenge.

The green-robed official who was leading the way looked sideways and found Xu Maocai very interesting.

If it were someone else who was lucky enough to pass the harsh and unreasonable selection process, he would probably be so excited that he would burn incense and prostrate himself, and go crazy with joy.

But this Xu Maocai is always cautious and always looks at everything with suspicion and prudence.

Standing out from 43 people did not make him lose his mind with excitement.

Judging from his appearance, even if the county magistrate prepared a series of difficult measures, he would still be able to deal with it calmly.

Don't be alarmed by changes, stay calm, have the style of a general!

The official in green robe admired secretly, and somewhat understood why he was the lucky one.

"I'd like to ask you, the county magistrate needs to be assessed, but what are the other requirements for being named on the recruitment notice, such as painting, calligraphy, chess, calligraphy and painting?"

Xu Xuan turned sideways and asked with his hands raised.

The green-robed official smiled and said, "Mr. Xu will naturally know after meeting the county magistrate."

The green-robed officer stopped talking and walked forward faster.

Xu Xuan had no choice but to follow closely.

Arriving at the official room, a man in his 30s wearing a light cyan official robe and a black gauze sitting behind the large desk was none other than Anding County Magistrate Wen Zhongping.

"For the honorable county official, this is the final winner among the 43 applicants, Xu Maocai of Wu County."

The green-robed sergeant brought Xu Xuan forward to pay homage.

Xu Xuan took a look and saw that the county magistrate was very young, barely a few years older than himself.

There was no lack of etiquette, and he bowed respectfully: "Xu Maocai, a student from Wu County, pays homage to the Ming Dynasty!"

Wen Zhongping looked at it carefully and found that Xu Maocai was indeed a talented person. He was really a distinguished and elegant man with the demeanor of a famous scholar.

Wen Zhongping nodded secretly and said with a smile: "Mr. Xu, please sit down."

Then he waved his hand to signal the green-robed officials to retreat.

Xu Xuan thanked him and sat down aside. He turned slightly sideways to face Wen Zhongping, lowered his head and lowered his eyes. There was no fault in his etiquette.

Wen Zhongping smiled and said, "Mr. Xu is from Wu County?"

"Exactly!"

"Why come all the way to Jingzhou?"

Xu Xuan had already prepared his words and responded calmly: "Qi Ming Mansion, I have always wanted to visit the customs of the northern country. It happened that some tribesmen were going north to do business, so they came with them. They saw that the people in Jingzhou and Wufu were prosperous, so they got up. The heart of abiding for a long time.”

Wen Zhongping smiled and said, "What do you do for a living in this county?"

Xu Xuan said: "I'm ashamed, I've spent all the money I brought with me, so I had to pawn some items in exchange for some loose money to support myself. Later, I accidentally published a signed article in a Jingzhou daily life tabloid, earned some royalties, and was accepted by the newspaper. , allowing me to help proofread publications during weekends, and earn extra money to supplement my daily expenses, which is enough to meet my daily food and clothing needs, and I have been able to survive to this day."

Wen Zhongping chuckled: "Very good, you didn't deceive me by talking nonsense."

"The meaning of Mingfu." Xu Xuan was a little confused and didn't understand the meaning of Wen Zhongping's words.

Wen Zhongping smiled slightly: "In addition to being the magistrate of Anding County, I am also the editor-in-chief of the newspaper. I have read every article you write, and every article that appears on the front page must be reviewed by me. "

Xu Xuan was shocked and quickly stood up and handed over his hands: "That's it! I'm rude, I didn't know that Mingfu was also the editor-in-chief! I've been to the newspaper office many times, but I've never heard of this."

Wen Zhongping smiled calmly and said, "You are not an official employee of the newspaper. It is not convenient for me to disclose this internal information to you."

Xu Xuan nodded to express his understanding.

Wen Zhongping smiled again and said, "Why do you want to choose the mayor?"

This time Xu Xuan did not answer hastily, but pondered for a moment, thinking anxiously in his mind.

He was not sure whether the county official knew that they had ever entered the rehabilitation center, or whether he knew that his clan members were still locked up there.

After hesitating for a while, Xu Xuan decided to treat each other with sincerity to avoid causing more trouble in the future.

Xu Xuan cupped his hands and said: "I don't dare to deceive the Ming government. Several of my tribesmen have committed minor offenses because they first came to Jingzhou and did not understand the rules. They are still being imprisoned in labor camps. I have studied the decrees promulgated by the Jiedu government. , according to the law, my clan members should have been released long ago, but so far there has been no movement, no people alive, no dead bodies. I want to find an opportunity to investigate after I become the mayor.

In addition, I am very interested in the development and reform of Jingzhou, and I really want to join this construction wave and contribute a small amount to the development of Jingzhou.

What I say below comes from the bottom of my heart, please make a decision! "

As for the search for Mr. Siyou's whereabouts, Xu Xuan felt that it was of no importance and did not disclose it.

Wen Zhongping stroked his beard and chuckled: "Very good! Very good! He is indeed a magnanimous gentleman! I, Jingzhou, employ people based on their ability. We are not afraid of some selfishness, but are afraid that those who are incompetent will eat nothing!"

Xu Xuan secretly breathed a sigh of relief, bowed his head and said, "Thank you Mingfu for your tolerance."

There is indeed an unusual magnanimity in Jingzhou, which is admirable.

Wen Zhongping smiled and said: "Actually, I have a basic understanding of your situation, and what you said is basically true. Your people are still being detained in the rehabilitation center. The reason is very simple. They are a group of people who do not obey discipline. I once tried to snatch the guards' weapons and escaped from the rehabilitation center. I injured several guards in the fight. I must be punished and extend my service period."

Xu Xuan was surprised, but then he thought about it. Xu Biao and others were all reckless people in the world. They couldn't stand the strict rules of the reform center. They would inevitably cause trouble and escape from prison.

No wonder it's been so long and we still haven't heard about their release from prison.

Xu Xuan smiled bitterly, blaming him for being careless and not thinking of this.

Wen Zhongping said: "You don't need to worry. Fortunately, no one was killed, otherwise"

After a pause, Wen Zhongping said in a stern voice: "They, as a group, will never be able to leave for the rest of their lives." Xu Xuan quickly bowed his head to the ground: "Thank you Mingfu for your magnanimity."

Wen Zhongping shook his head and said: "The renovation site belongs directly to Jiedu Mansion. I have no jurisdiction over it. Everything is done in accordance with the rules. You don't need to thank me."

Xu Xuan added: "I would like to send a letter to the reform site and give it to the tribesmen, telling them to accept the reform with peace of mind and not to cause trouble again. Can you ask the Ming government to help forward the letter?"

Wen Zhongping thought about it: "Okay."

Xu Xuan was grateful and thanked him again.

"What do you know about the agricultural reclamation area?" Wen Zhongping asked as he took a sip of tea.

Xu Xuan thought for a moment and said: "The agricultural reclamation area is the main grain-producing area in Jingzhou. It has the densest network of water canals in Jingzhou, and paddy fields account for up to 850%. The agricultural reclamation area governs [-] villages and more than [-] households. People, more than [-] people"

Xu Xuan talked eloquently and gave a very detailed overview of the agricultural reclamation area.

Wen Zhongping asked again: "If you were the mayor of the town, how would you govern?"

Xu Xuan had already prepared a plan for a similar problem, and he immediately smiled and said: "The first thing is to follow the overall strategic layout of Jiedu Mansion, clearly position it, and continue and strengthen the role of the agricultural reclamation area as the main grain-producing area.

Then, it is to further strengthen the relationship between the village chiefs and elders of each village and the county government. The town office public office should play the role of intermediary liaison, inherit the policy instructions of the Jiedu government, and connect the people, completely changing the government power that has been difficult since ancient times. Touch the ills of the place.

After that, the interference of village elders, elders, and rural sages in local political power was strictly restricted to prevent the patriarchal system from undermining government administration.
Finally, I believe that based on the current development trend of Jingzhou, work should be carried out from the aspects of encouraging childbearing, expanding the cotton planting area, stabilizing the migrant population, etc."

Wen Zhongping nodded repeatedly after hearing this. Many of Xu Xuan's ideas were similar to what the young envoy said during the meeting. No wonder, no wonder.
Wen Zhongping was deeply impressed by Xu Xuan's broad knowledge and profound knowledge.

Wen Zhongping stood up and walked down the hall. Xu Xuan was startled and hurriedly stood up and bowed.

"Mr. Xu is a great talent!" Wen Zhongping quickly stepped forward and held Xu Xuan's hand, sighing repeatedly.

Xu Xuan was a little flattered. After all, his position at the moment was just an ordinary Jiangnan scribe. When he came to Jingzhou and faced the Anding County Magistrate and the county's parent officials, he should be frightened.

"I don't dare to be honored by the Ming Dynasty. Just call me by your name." Xu Xuan took a few steps back and saluted.

Wen Zhongping said with a smile: "Mr. Xu is a very talented man. It is a pity that he is left behind among the people. He should do something practical for the people."

"Xu is ashamed." Xu Xuan smiled bitterly. People in Jingzhou seemed to like to praise people in person.

Pretending to be thoughtful, Wen Zhongping said: "Mr. Xu, please go back to your residence to pack your luggage. In two days, I will send someone to pick you up to take up your post in the agricultural reclamation area! I will personally send you there then!"

Xu Xuan was stunned and didn't come back to his senses for a long time.

"The intention of the Ming Dynasty. Have you passed the inspection?" Xu Xuan's face was filled with surprise and deep doubt.

Wen Zhongping smiled and said: "Of course it passed. With Mr. Xu's talent, he will definitely be qualified for the post of mayor! No one except Mr. Xu is qualified to take on this important task!"

Xu Xuan was surprised and said: "The recruitment notice stated your name, and the assessment content includes painting, calligraphy, chess, calligraphy and painting. Doesn't the Ming Dynasty no longer allow me to take exams on my teaching?"

Wen Zhongping waved his hand: "No, no! The county government elects officials by the people, so what's the use of those flashy talents? Writing them on the notice is just a gimmick to deceive others, to prevent some people with ulterior motives from trying to fish in troubled waters."

"." Xu Xuan was speechless. Fortunately, he had practiced calligraphy for a few days before, discussed several poems with Li Congjia, and was waiting to display them during the inspection.

Now he didn't even mention it. He just asked a few basic questions and told himself that he had successfully applied for the election and became the leader of a town?
Is this eclectic employment style too childish?

Xu Xuan couldn't tell whether to laugh or cry, and couldn't tell whether he should be happy or disappointed.

There is a feeling of punching the air, full preparation, all the skills, and it is already done before it is fully utilized?
Success and happiness come too suddenly.

"Mingfu really doesn't need to think about it anymore?" Xu Xuan said with a bitter smile.

"Hey~ Mr. Xu made his way out of 43 applicants. After rigorous and careful selection, and personal interviews and inspections by the officer, he passed all the tests and finally won!
In such a fair and just recruitment examination, Mr. Xu, as the only winner, deserves to be welcomed by the public. What else needs to be considered?

The position of mayor belongs to none other than Mr. Xu!

Mayor Xu, from now on you and I will be both colleagues and friends. If you have any questions, you can come to the county government directly to see me!Mayor Laoxu is responsible for the affairs of the agricultural reclamation area. The county government will definitely support you!
No need to worry, just let your hands and feet go and do your business! "

".Thank you Mingfu! I will definitely remember Mingfu's teachings!"

Xu Xuan had no choice but to cup his hands and say thank you.

"Come here! Send Mayor Xu out of the house as a gift!"

Wen Zhongping gave an order, and the green-robed official hurriedly came in and said with a smile: "Congratulations to Mayor Xu! Mayor Xu, please!"

"Thank you." Xu Xuan thanked him politely and followed him to say goodbye to Wen Zhongping and leave the official room.

Wen Zhongping watched Xu Xuan leave, breathed a sigh of relief, walked quickly to the next room, waited in front of the door and said respectfully: "Young Envoy Qi, he has left."

"Come in." Zhu Xiu's voice came from inside the room.

Wen Zhongping straightened his clothes and pushed the door open.

"sit!"

Zhu Xiuzheng was lying on the desk writing something, and Wen Zhongping sat down beside him.

"Young envoy, you must have heard what Xu Maocai said? Young envoy, you have eyes, this person really has the talent for governing the world! The young envoy appoints him as the mayor, and the young envoy will definitely carry out the orders of the young envoy."

Zhu Xiu put down her pen, glanced at him, and said with a smile, "You seem a little nervous?"

Wen Zhongping smiled unnaturally and wiped the sweat from his forehead: "The room is a little stuffy."

Zhu Xiu stared at him and said with a smile: "Why, are you afraid that one day in the future, Xu Maocai will replace you as the county magistrate?"

Wen Zhongping's expression changed and he forced out a smile: "This person is a hundred times more talented than me. I am willing to give up the position of county magistrate."

Zhu Xiu curled her lips and joked: "What you said is a bit untrue. Although the position of newspaper editor-in-chief is noble, as the young patriarch of the Wen family, if you don't have real power, it will be difficult to convince people."

Wen Zhongping remained silent.

Zhu Xiu smiled slightly: "Don't worry, although you don't have much merit as a county magistrate, you won't make mistakes, which is already very rare.

Take a step back and say, even if you are worthless, I will not abandon you like a shoe.Because when I was fighting against the Xue family, it was you, the Wen family, who decisively came to help me and reciprocated the favor. As long as I am still in power, I will guarantee the status of your Wen family in Jingzhou. "

"Young Envoy!" Wen Zhongping kowtowed and sobbed gratefully.

"stand up!"

Zhu Xiu helped him stand up and said: "Xu Maocai will not stay in Jingzhou for too long. You don't have to think too much and work with peace of mind. The agricultural reclamation area is related to the stability of food production. You must give your full support."

"Don't worry, sir, I will definitely keep this in mind!"

After a few more instructions, Wen Zhongping resigned.

(End of this chapter)