Chapter 1335 Why
Fu Minqing's answer received gratitude from Zou Chenglong and recognition from Li Chen.
Never be arrogant or complacent, nor greedy for credit.
Li Chen nodded in satisfaction and asked, "What have you gained?"
Fú Mǐnqīng sorted out his thoughts and replied, "We truly felt that the common people's demands are not actually high. They don't crave mountains of gold and silver, nor do they aspire to rise quickly through the ranks to become powerful officials. The vast majority of ordinary people just want a wife, children, and a warm kang (traditional Chinese heated bed) at home."
"A full granary, clothes to wear, children around the knees, wives and daughters safe and sound – that is their greatest desire."
As long as we treat the people sincerely, they will definitely reciprocate our sincerity. Being an official is not actually difficult; the difficulty lies in putting the people first in our hearts.
"If it's for power, then look around, all you see are political enemies. If it's for the people, then the power in your hands is the tool to benefit the nation."
After hearing Fu Minqing's reply, Li Chen stopped in his tracks. Facing the emerald green rice fields that stretched as far as the eye could see, he was in high spirits and said, "Not bad, you guys have finally understood the true nature of being an official."
"There are too many people in official positions these days, all seeing it as a way to satisfy their own personal desires. They fail to realize that their power comes from the imperial court, and the court's power comes from the common people."
"Everyone says parents are parents, but actually the real providers of food and clothing are the common people."
“If there were no hardworking farmers to cultivate the land, how many of us officials, nobles, princes and generals could even lift a finger? We would probably all starve to death. But ironically, they exploit the power of the people, deceiving both superiors and inferiors. They don't understand things that you do.”
After finishing, Li Chen turned to Zou Chenglong and asked, "How did you come up with the idea of persuading Fu Minqing to come here?"

Zou Chenglong chuckled amiably and replied, "All I know is that the closer something is to life, the more real it is. As they say, 'the greatest truths are often the simplest.' The court keeps us around to allow us to shine brightly and benefit the common people of the world. If we don't understand the lives of the people, how can we possibly know their suffering?"
"If one is unaware of the suffering of the common people, how can one be said to benefit them?"
"Therefore, the humble minister cleverly devised a plan and persuaded Brother Fu to bring many like-minded companions here."
He nodded, and Li Chen suddenly changed the subject, asking, "Xu Junlou, who graduated in the same year as you, is already the Magistrate of Beijing. He was third on the list of top scorers, while you two are the number one and second place scholar respectively. Although you both hold two positions, your main duties are still teaching at the academy. Do you have any dissatisfaction in your hearts?"
Zou Chenglong and Fu Minqing immediately replied, "We are not discontented."
Shaking his head, Li Chen said, "No, you guys must have some discontent. If not, then you must be saints."
Fu Minqing and Zou Chenglong were speechless.
At this point, Li Chen asked again: “Do you think that Xu Junlou’s uncle, Xu Changqing, being a prominent figure in my court, and currently the Minister of Revenue, will allow him to rise faster than you?”
Fu Minqing and Zou Chenglong looked at each other, then shook their heads and replied, "Your humble servants do not feel that way."
"Why?" Li Chen asked with interest.
"Because your humble servant believes in Your Highness and that you will not bury any talent. The reason why your humble servant and Brother Zou have not yet been heavily used is because we both need to be tempered, but in this aspect, Brother Xu is one step ahead of us two. It has nothing to do with his background."

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