Li Zhenqing came to the room with familiarity and handed a calligraphy written by Zeng Guofan into Qiao Zhiyong's hand. After Qiao Zhiyong took it, he stared at the large calligraphy and nodded repeatedly: "This calligraphy is vigorous and powerful. The writing is experienced and can penetrate the back of the paper. Good calligraphy, good calligraphy. As the saying goes, a word is like a person, and this calligraphy is just like the president's character, unyielding and full of strength, which is admirable."
Li Zhen smiled, waved his hand and said: "Thank you, thank you."
However, Li Zhen's expression fell into Qiao Zhiyong's eyes, but he thought it was Li Zhen's self-effacement.
Li Zhen's family knew about his family affairs, and they knew it well, because this calligraphy was written by Zeng Guofan, not his. It is estimated that if he had written it, Qiao Zhiyong would laugh out loud.
Qiao Zhiyong said: "President, the number of businessmen coming to Beijing is increasing day by day. At this stage, your requirements may have been met. On which day do you plan to hold the meeting?"
Li Zhen said: "The eighteenth day of the first lunar month."
Qiao Zhiyong nodded slightly and said, "President Li, how much do you know about our Shanxi merchants?"
Li Zhen said: "Shanxi merchants usually refer to Shanxi merchants during the Qing Dynasty, who mainly engaged in salt industry, ticket numbers, etc., especially the ticket numbers are the most famous. Of course, it can actually be traced back to earlier years..."
Li Zhen briefly stated what he knew.
After hearing this, Qiao Zhiyong had a surprised expression on his face. Li Zhenneng understood that it was already very good at this point. He said with emotion: "Looking at the president's words, you can tell that the president is a good scholar. At the same time, the president is very fond of Shanxi merchants. He is also very knowledgeable and admirable.”
Li Zhen said: "What I know is only superficial, not much to mention. Compared with Mr. Qiao, I am far behind."
Qiao Zhiyong said modestly: "The president is too praised."
The two expressed their admiration for each other, which was quite interesting.
Li Zhen changed the topic and said: "Mr. Qiao, I came to visit today to ask for something."
Qiao Zhiyong said: "President, please tell me, if it is beyond Zhiyong's ability, I will not refuse."
Li Zhen sat up straight, with a serious expression on his face, and said seriously: "I would like to ask Mr. Qiao to become an official and serve as China's Minister of Finance. At present, most of the country's finances are controlled remotely by banks, and all money goes through banks. There is no leader yet, and there is no detailed financial system. Therefore, I would like to ask Mr. Qiao to manage the country's finances and consider the livelihood of the people. As the saying goes, if you are poor, you can only benefit yourself, and if you are rich, you can help the world. I would like to ask Mr. Qiao to help the country. Consider the world."
Li Zhen stood up and bowed respectfully, giving Qiao Zhiyong face.
At this moment, Qiao Zhiyong was confused.
He looked at Li Zhen and said nothing because he did not expect such a thing to happen.
After a while, Qiao Zhiyong recovered, then took a deep breath to calm his restless mind, and then said calmly: "President, what you said happened so suddenly, I was not prepared at all. It was a mistake. Please forgive me, President."
Li Zhen said: "Mr. Qiao is talented and honest. The country needs talents like Mr. Qiao. With Mr. Qiao's talent, he can manage a family and there is no problem in governing a country. If he cultivates himself, manages the family, governs the country and brings peace to the world, the Qiao family will be able to rule the world." Under Mr. Qiao's management, Shanxi has become famous all over Shanxi and is famous all over the world. It has been quite brilliant. Next, I hope that Mr. Qiao can contribute his talents to the world and benefit the people and the country."
Qiao Zhiyong's breathing was rapid, and his heart began to waver.
No one could keep calm after hearing the news.
"Tap, step,,."
The sound of footsteps came, and Old Liu came in with a footbath. Previously, Old Liu went out to fetch water to wash his feet, so he didn't know that Li Zhen was coming. Now when he saw Li Zhen, he bowed and saluted: "President."
Li Zhen nodded and waited for Qiao Zhiyong's reply.
Qiao Zhiyong frowned, not making up his mind yet.
When Lao Liu saw this, he was confused.
What is going on? Why does the boss seem so confused?
Qiao Zhiyong was silent for a long time, and finally said with difficulty: "President Li, what you said was too sudden. I was not prepared, so I can't give you an answer right away. I have to think about it all night. I will personally visit the Presidential Palace tomorrow morning. Regardless of success or failure If it doesn’t work, I will report it to you.”
Li Zhen said: "Okay, I'll wait."
After a pause, Li Zhen said: "Mr. Qiao, I hope you can show your talents for the country."
Immediately, Li Zhen said goodbye and left.
After closing the door, Old Liu sat down and lifted up his trouser legs, put his skinny feet in the footbath, groaned, and then said: "My boss, President Li just told you something. It seems that you are very confused. When you encounter difficulties, Question?"
Qiao Zhiyong asked: "Old Liu, if you were asked to choose between being an official or a businessman, what would you choose?"
"Of course I am an official." Lao Liu said without hesitation.
The next moment, Lao Liu's eyes widened and he said in amusement: "My boss, you mean that President Li invites you to become an official."
Qiao Zhiyong nodded, but sighed again.
Old Liu swallowed and said, "What official position does President Li ask you to take?"
Qiao Zhiyong replied: "The Minister of Finance is in charge of the world's finances."
"You're stupid if you don't do it then." Lao Liu said loudly with an expression of hatred for steel. "In the Manchu Qing Dynasty, the official position of Minister of Finance was the Minister of Household Affairs, which was a position of real power. , majestic and majestic, now that the country has just been founded, everything is waiting for improvement, so there is only a big framework that needs countless talents to fill, and the boss has caught up with this time. This is an opportunity. President Li personally came to invite you, which shows even more If you show your sincerity, why not go? If it is done well, it will be something that will last forever, so why not go? Agree, agree quickly."
Qiao Zhiyong said: "The Qiao family has just started to improve. If this happens..."
"Don't be stupid, don't be stupid."
Old Liu waved his hand and interrupted directly: "You are just the head of the family at home, following President Li, who is one of the top officials in the country. Back then, you were only thinking about entering an official career, but due to various reasons, you were not able to do so. Shi, now, President Li chose you because you are good at doing business. You have come full circle and returned to the original stage. Boss, this is an opportunity. If you miss it, it will be gone."
After a pause, Old Liu continued: "As for the arrangements for the Qiao family, you can go back, settle down the family, arrange the business at home, and let the rest of the family take over. Moreover, as you become an official, you will be responsible for the family. It helps too.”
Qiao Zhiyong thought carefully, and gradually became more inclined to help Li Zhen with his work.
He went into business for the sake of his family, this was not his original intention.
Being an official, asking for orders for the people, and benefiting the country, this was his original dream. Now that he had the opportunity, he could not let it go. After Qiao Zhiyong made up his mind, he no longer hesitated and said: "Wash your feet, go to bed, tomorrow morning I’ll go to the Presidential Palace and tell President Li.”
"Yes, my lord minister." Old Liu joked.
Qiao Zhiyong glared at Lao Liu, but there was still a hint of joy in his heart.