Dream of the Red Chamber: Start by gaining Zhao Yun's martial prowess, and be ennobled in a sin

Jia Jing remained calm and slowly said:

"Perhaps..."

Jia Jing did not want to discuss this matter further for the time being, as many things were still being planned.

Things are best done in secrecy; it's best not to say too much before you've done them!

in fact,

He had already laid his groundwork and made comprehensive plans regarding the situation in Jiangnan while he was in the Northwest.

He wouldn't willingly take on the infamy of slaughtering officials and gentry, nor would he need to act so recklessly. Sometimes, using someone else to do the dirty work is much more effective than doing it himself.

Daiyu's face showed contemplation, her eyes lowered, and she said softly:

"My third brother is wise and insightful; he's definitely more thorough and far-sighted than I am!"

Jia Jing looked at Daiyu, who was acting coy and speaking in a soft, endearing tone, smiled, and then suddenly picked up the "Memorials of Duke Lu Xuan" from the table and asked:

"Did Lin Daiyu finish reading this book?"

Upon hearing this, Daiyu felt a flicker of panic. She glanced at Jia Jing, who was flipping through a book, and said softly:

I flipped through it in my spare time, not seeking a deep understanding, but I guess I got a rough overview.

Jia Jing glanced at the slightly yellowed pages of the book and the slips of paper tucked between them, and chuckled softly:

"Since the Song Dynasty, this book has been regarded as the 'ultimate guide to the way of the minister,' and has been considered essential reading for rulers, scholars, and officials throughout history."

"The New Book of Tang states that his thoughts 'can serve as a model for later generations,' and Sima Guang also extensively quoted his arguments in the Zizhi Tongjian, demonstrating his dual value that transcends literature and history."

"It is based on Confucian ideals, practical and relevant to current affairs. I wonder what Lin Daiyu thought of it?"

Although Lu Xuangong's memorials have their limitations, their unique value in discussing politics cannot be denied.

Daiyu remained silent for a moment, then walked to the desk and looked at the jasmine plant on the windowsill.

Then she turned around, faced Jia Jing, her gaze unwavering, and said softly:

"Third brother, I read Lu Xuan Gong's poem, and I came across three words."

Her voice wasn't loud, but every word was clear and distinct.

She had read this book, a gift from Jia Jing, more than ten times. She could not say she knew it by heart, but she had gained some understanding of it.

He had long hoped that one day he would have the opportunity to discuss the principles of governance with Jia Jing.

Now that the day has arrived, she no longer feels the same anticipation as before, but rather a sense of calm.

She herself has always maintained an attitude of "understanding without flattering" when it comes to economics and career. It's just that she has been studying books on current affairs recently so that she can have more topics to talk about when she is with Jia Jing!

"Which three words?" Jia Jing asked curiously.

"The first phrase is 'trust between ruler and subject,'" Daiyu said slowly, as if with a hidden meaning.

Throughout his life, Lu Xuan Gong discussed politics, military affairs, finance, and people, but he could never get around the word "trust".

In his memorial to Emperor Dezong, he said, “It is human nature to be fearful in times of danger and complacent in times of peace.” He advised Emperor Dezong to establish the country on the basis of trust.

"Without faith, even the best law is just empty words. Without faith, even the most loyal minister cannot accomplish anything."

"Lu Xuan Gong was a man of great learning and devoted to the country, but Emperor Dezong did not fully trust him. When he did trust him, he listened to his every word; when he did not trust him, he demoted him again and again."

"Therefore, I believe that while the loyalty of a subject is important, the trust of the monarch is the foundation. Without trust, loyalty is just empty talk."

Jia Jing's expression hardened, his fingers paused on the armrest, and he glanced at Daiyu with approval in his eyes, then smiled and said:

"The bond between ruler and subject! My sister's words have a hidden meaning!"

The phrase "trust between ruler and subject" is naturally an allusion to Jia Jing's current predicament.

In terms of both talent and power, Jia Jing had already reached the pinnacle. At this point, what he needed to pay the most attention to and be most wary of was undoubtedly the emperor's trust.

Daiyu was unaware of the "dream of a virtuous minister," but her ability to consider this matter at this time demonstrates her considerable political acumen.

"And the second word?"

Upon hearing this, Daiyu was somewhat pleased, knowing that Jia Jing understood her meaning.

Just being stared at felt like the gaze was burning into my heart. I looked away and spoke again:

The second phrase is "nationalism above self-interest".

Daiyu's voice softened, but her expression became even more serious:

"In every memorial submitted by Duke Lu Xuan, none of them were written with his own interests in mind."

"He advised Emperor Dezong to 'agree with reduced taxes and swear an oath to cease hostilities,' using the words 'agree,' 'reduce,' and 'swear,' not 'kill,' 'seize,' or 'force.'"

"In every memorial he wrote, he wasn't thinking of himself, or of any particular person, or even of the emperor; he was thinking of the people."

"After the An Lushan Rebellion, the warlords were in power, the court was in chaos, and all the officials had their own agendas. Only he always had the world in his heart, not himself."

"This kind of 'selflessness' or 'public-mindedness' is the very quality that enabled Duke Lu Xuan to dare to speak frankly and remain steadfast in his principles despite repeated demotions!"

"Just like Father and Third Brother, you disregarded your personal life and death for the sake of the country. Perhaps this is the true way of being a subject in your hearts!"

Daiyu lowered her curved eyelashes and pursed her lips.

By placing the principle of "serving the country above oneself" in her words, she was also showing Jia Jing that she understood his aspirations and offered him respect and support.

After all, Jia Jing once wrote, "If it benefits the country, I will risk my life; how can I avoid it because of fortune or misfortune!"

Jia Jing's gaze fell on her face, his eyes bright.

"And the third one?" Jia Jing straightened his expression and asked in a deep voice.

Daiyu lowered her eyes and remained silent for a few moments, as if considering whether or not she should speak.

Then she raised her head, and the corners of her mouth curved into a smile that was both cunning and rebellious, and serious.

"The third point is that Duke Lu Xuan also had shortcomings."

Daiyu's long eyelashes drooped slightly, casting a faint blue shadow under her eyes. Her fingertips traced the rough edge of the desk, as if she were organizing the words in her mind.

"Third brother, everyone says that Duke Xuan is wise and far-sighted."

"But as I read it, I felt that he was sometimes too upright, almost to the point of being obsessive."

Daiyu raised her eyelids, her dewy eyes filled with nothing but clear, pensive thoughts.

The Analects says, "If you cannot find someone of moderate character to associate with, you must associate with someone who is either eccentric or reserved."

"Duke Xuan's uprightness was almost to the point of being 'unyielding,' and he had things he would not do. However, this was also a weakness in governing the country."

"When discussing finance, he insisted on restoring the rent, labor service, and tax system, and criticized Yang Yan's Two-Tax System, feeling that it was 'putting the cart before the horse.'"

"But the equal-field system has already collapsed, and the population has been lost. The tax system based on the number of people has long been a tree without roots. He insists on looking for a remedy in the rule of the Three Dynasties. Isn't that like trying to catch fish by climbing a tree?"

Daiyu paused slightly, glanced at Jia Jing's expression, and continued:

"The same applies to punishments. Once, Emperor Dezong wanted to punish a minister who had made great contributions but was arrogant and lawless. Duke Xuan stood up and pleaded for the man, saying that his crime did not warrant death."

"But that man clearly holds a large army in the regional military governorship, disregards the imperial court's orders, and is practically a separatist. He is only 'not guilty enough to die' in terms of law, but he is already a major threat."

"Duke Xuan spent his whole life talking about 'rewards and punishments are the foundation of the state,' emphasizing that rewards should be fair and punishments should be clear. However, when it came to specific people and matters, he was too fixated on the word 'clear,' which ultimately bound him with rigid rules."

"When faced with important matters, he hesitates and wavers, appearing prudent but actually indecisive."

"In the end, he was a Confucian official, and he couldn't let go of the concepts of 'benevolence and forgiveness' in his heart. He always hesitated for a moment before making a move."

"It can bring order to chaotic times and quell disorganized armies. But if everyone practices benevolence and forgiveness, where will the court's discipline and authority remain?"

After saying these words, Daiyu felt a slight dryness in her throat. She picked up her teacup and took a sip, her furrowed brows remaining furrowed.

Looking at Jia Jing, she seemed to be searching for him, as if she wanted to see if her words were just cliché or if they were truly insightful.