In the officialdom, Fu Renyi is a very smooth person. He neither forms cliques nor offends his colleagues. He is a bit like what the world often calls a two-faced man.
However, he still respected Zhong Yi from the bottom of his heart.
Thinking back then, if it weren't for the support of this old chief minister, I would never have been able to climb to the high position of the temple minister. It would definitely be a lie to say that I was not grateful.
Also, although Zhong Yi has faded away from the court, his influence is still there. If he stamps his feet, the political arena will still be shaken.
This is not to say that he will never retire, but because his resume is too deep.
You must know that he was an important minister personally promoted by Emperor Taizong. He was not only a senior member of the three dynasties, but also the first minister to serve in three dynasties consecutively.
In terms of this qualification, he absolutely beats the current Prime Minister Liang Yingzhong.
However, after he retired from politics, he immediately began to live a low-key life of entertaining his grandchildren and rarely appeared in public. Even if he secretly helped his son-in-law and the Qi family this time, only a few messages were circulated.
And now, he actually took the initiative to come to the door in person, how could he not see this?
Fu Renyi made a rare bend down and respectfully invited Mr. Zhong into the seat of honor in the main hall.
"I didn't know that the old gentleman arrived, but I missed him from afar. I hope you will forgive me."
"Wenxuan doesn't have to be formal."
Fu Renyi, courtesy name Wenxuan.
After serving the tea, Mr. Fu immediately backed away and asked: "Sir, I'm here to visit you so late. Do you have any advice?"
Zhong Yi stroked his beard and smiled, and said straight to the point: "I'm here especially for the sentencing of Qi Xiao's case!"
ah……
Upon hearing this, Fu Renyi's head suddenly cramped, and it felt like two heads were as big as one.
Tsk tsk...
Whatever you avoid the most, he will give you just that!
However, Mr. Zhong’s face seems to have to be given...
What surprised Fu Renyi was that Mr. Zhong did not force the matter, but analyzed it from the perspective of gains and losses.
"Wenxuan, how do you think a person in a high position should behave?"
"It goes without saying that it is natural to repay the kindness of the emperor, to show mercy to the people, and to do more practical things while receiving salary. In this way, this life will not be in vain."
Zhong Yi laughed and said: "Although Wenxuan's words are true, I don't agree with them."
Fu Renyi was startled when he heard this, and then asked: "In your opinion, how should I become an official?"
"Those who hold high positions have reached the end of their official career and there is no room for promotion. Therefore, the focus of being an official should be on how to deal with the aftermath."
After a pause, Zhong Yi said again: "In addition to what you should do in your job, the most important thing to think about is how to escape better. It should be noted that it is extremely cold at high places. If you fall, you will be shattered to pieces.
Therefore, how to protect oneself wisely and how to forge ahead bravely are the issues that senior officials should think about most."
"Um……"
When it comes to escaping unharmed, Zhong Yi is undoubtedly the person with the most say.
He is a veteran of three dynasties and is also the chief minister of the cabinet. Not everyone can hold such a position securely.
But this person has succeeded in his official career without leaving any stain. This kind of political wisdom is not ordinary.
It is very worthy for future generations to learn.
Fu Renyi nodded in approval and said: "To be honest, sir, Yi is at the cusp of the storm right now, but I looked left and right and couldn't find an effective way to avoid the danger. I'm really worried."
Zhong Yi smiled and said, "Don't you think that if you take a step back, the sea and the sky will be brighter?"
"Oh? How do you say this?"
"Wenxuan should understand the meaning of 'retire'."
Retreat~~
Does it mean... becoming an official?
Thinking of this, Fu Renyi's expression froze.
At the same time, he also looked at the former chief assistant with puzzled eyes.
In the officialdom, people are more motivated to climb up the ranks, and less often they are encouraged to resign and give up their positions. It can be seen that the words of the right person are contrary to the norm.
Seeing that he was confused and entangled, Zhong Yi laughed heartily and said: "It is wise to retreat in order to advance! It is already early autumn, and it is less than half a year before the end of the year official examination. By then, new positions will be appointed and transferred.
Expand them one by one.”
Fu Renyi nodded and said, "What then?"
"Listen to me. Take the current case as an example. No matter how you judge it, you will offend one of the two. It will even arouse criticism from a group of people who are dissatisfied with one party. And in order to balance the two parties, your Majesty will most likely use insignificant things.
You are here to vent your anger. Therefore, I basically conclude that as soon as the end of the year is over, your position as the minister of the temple will not be preserved..."
"Ah... what should I do?"
Zhong Yi smiled and said: "Since the outcome is determined, it's better to take the initiative yourself and directly offer a seal to seal the gold and retreat bravely. In this way, you can still keep your good reputation."
"Um……"
What the old chief assistant said is indeed reasonable.
At present, one side is the powerful faction represented by Qi Yu, and the other side is the important minister faction represented by Liang Yingzhong. No matter which side, they are the ones who cannot afford to offend.
And Your Majesty, for the sake of balancing the two parties, you will most likely be blamed for an unwarranted 'misjudgement'.
At that time, it is possible to be demoted or terminated.
It's really not worth it to lose the reputation you've accumulated just to stay as a high-ranking official for a few more months.
Oh no, it’s very worthless!
After figuring out the outline, Fu Renyi hurriedly bowed to Zhong Yi and showed a look of being taught.
But the latter raised his hand and said happily: "Since Wenxuan is so wise, I will say more."
Fu Renyi quickly raised his hands and said, "Please give me your advice."
"Since you have decided to abdicate, it is better to send a favor before taking office, so as to pave the way for the future of your descendants."
“How to pave the way?”
"In my opinion, Wenxuan can convict Liang Yingzhong and others of violating the law! In this way, we can continue our friendship with the Qi family. We will definitely benefit from this in the future."
"Old Chief Assistant, how did you know it would be beneficial?"
Zhong Yi laughed and said: "Don't misinterpret it! To be honest, I did give you advice based on the consideration of helping my son-in-law. However, I definitely did not deliberately dig a hole for you. You and
Just imagine, Qi Yu and Qi Jing are both high-ranking feudal officials with heavy military forces. It is only a matter of time before they reach the position of governor. No matter how the government and the opposition change in the future, they will be the unshakable guardians of the herds."
"If you can get their care, the benefits will be unparalleled! For example, Duan Zicheng, Yu Hai, and Peng Wenchang, who is from a humble background, which one of them has not inherited the benefits of Qi Yu?"
When Fu Renyi heard this, he looked thoughtful.
It was obvious that he was moved.
Seeing this, Zhong Yi said reversely: "Looking at Liang Yingzhong and others, their political achievements are mediocre and they have made no achievements. At best, they are just passers-by in the court. Once they lose power, they will be reduced to retired villagers.
.What good is there to be gained by being in company with them?"
Well, that makes sense!
Before, I was only thinking about myself, but never took the future of my children and grandchildren into consideration. Now I see how short-sighted I am!
Fu Renyi nodded, his eyes clear.
At this moment, Zhong Yi suddenly put down the tea cup and said with a smile: "Between you, there is a bright road and a muddy river, it depends on how you choose Wenxuan! Well, that's it for today, I'm leaving!"