Chapter 4: The Way of Governance

The third year of Guanghe

What should we do?" Wei Xian furrowed his brows

Preventing the outbreak of the Yellow Turban Rebellion

"Recommend him for an official position!" Wei Ji said in a deep voice

Ye Zhao nodded slightly, given the nature of his previous self, one could not survive in the officialdom for more than three chapters

Since my return, the bond between us as master and disciple has become much more distant" Cai Yong shook his head and said, "You did not address me this way before

Although he is Wei Ji's uncle, in front of Wei Ji, Wei Xian instead appears like a junior: "What Uncle Ru said is very true, I will pay attention to this matter in the future"

... ...

The Great Virtuous Teacher? Zhang Jiao? Ha, it comes to mind. Upon hearing this, Ye Zhao raised an eyebrow; not only did memories emerge in his mind, but he also finally found a historical figure that matched what he knew from his past life.

Then I will go draft the memorial!" Wei Xian replied with a smile, and immediately went to the study. After writing a lengthy memorial recommending Ye Zhao, he ordered someone to send it to Luoyang overnight, taking advantage of the fact that the city gates had not yet closed.

Go back!

Wei Ji looked at Wei Xian with a hint of helplessness and said: "Uncle, you are at least a governor, so who is Yu Du? You have a relationship with him, and if this matter gets out, not only you, but our Wei family will also suffer the consequences"

Although in the end, the fault lies with Wei Xian, but as a member of a prominent family, there is no reason to truly prioritize reason over kinship. Wei Xian is the governor of Hanoi; although he is a collateral branch, he is still a person of status within the Wei family. Naturally, it is impossible to abandon Wei Xian simply because Ye Zhao is in the right.

Cai Weng is present here, and naturally, it would not be appropriate to make things difficult for him. However, I observe that this individual has displayed a markedly different demeanor today, exhibiting both courage and strategy. Most importantly, you hold a grudge against him for the destruction of your family. If I had not intervened, this person would have almost been driven to his death by you. This enmity, although not escalated today out of respect for Cai Weng's reputation, will likely lead to future complications between him and you, as well as our Wei family. Do not blame me for raising his ambitions; this person, Uncle, you cannot contend with.

Ye Zhao frowned upon hearing this. At this moment, he had just recently received the memories and had not yet sorted out the current state of the world. If asked about his thoughts, he truly could not come up with any.

"What divine messenger?" Ye Zhao turned to look at Uncle Liang with a puzzled expression, while the maid beside them was already blushing with excitement. Ye Zhao decided not to ask further.

Ye Zhao nodded thoughtfully. In the previous life, the entire Earth underwent a great cleansing. The threat of zombies to the base city did not only come from external sources, but also from internal issues. He had gradually assembled a group of people. Although he had witnessed the treachery of human nature, he was still somewhat naive regarding the intricate schemes and manipulations that arose due to the external environment, which had created a nearly closed-off power structure. In many of the underhanded tactics, he perhaps was not as adept as his subordinates. Ultimately, he was betrayed and became a stepping stone for others. Now, hearing Cai Yong's words, he felt a deep resonance.

However, what I observed today, although it may seem reckless, is in fact intricately connected. From the moment you stepped into the hall, Wei Xian had already fallen into your scheme without realizing it. Cai Yong looked at Ye Zhao with a half-smile and said, "The gentry, myself, and even Wei Ji have all become your accomplices. The crime of murder is not to be taken lightly, yet you have effortlessly resolved it. In this way, I can leave with a bit more peace of mind."

What does that Bo Ru think should be done? I have some connections with that Yang and the others from Du, it would be better to ... ...

Fortunately, there is such a development; otherwise, the sudden estrangement between Ye Zhao and Cai Yong would inevitably raise suspicions.

What instructions do you have, Teacher? Ye Zhao slightly nodded her head

It is interesting! Now that I have a general idea of the current era, although my memories of the subsequent events are already vague, it is certain that chaos will ensue in the world, which simplifies my plans for the future

Ye Zhao had never considered that the Yellow Turban Rebellion could sweep across the nation in such a short time. This was not solely due to the influence of the Taiping Sect; the Yellow Turban Rebellion was merely a catalyst. In reality, the Han Dynasty had already decayed to a certain extent. Even without the Yellow Turban Rebellion, other uprisings, such as the Green Turban Rebellion, would have emerged. What he needed to do was not to reverse the prevailing trend, but to contemplate how to secure sufficient benefits for himself under this prevailing situation.

It seems that my previous incarnation was not merely an ordinary bookworm; at the very least, this level of insight surpasses that of most people in this era

"Did the esteemed teacher suggest that the disciple become a treacherous minister?" Ye Zhao furrowed his brows and said

Uh, young master has forgotten, it is that great sage of Julu, who founded the Taiping Sect. These divine messengers are all disciples of the great sage, assigned by him to various places to assist the people, distribute talismanic water, and treat illnesses, earning the deep affection of the populace. Uncle Liang looked at Ye Zhao with confusion, as he remembered that Ye Zhao had shown great interest in this sect before.

This matter cannot be blamed on the esteemed teacher; it is the disciple's incompetence, and I have wrongfully accused the esteemed teacher, which is truly inappropriate. " Shaking his head, Ye Zhao took the opportunity to change his form of address. Although it is just a single character difference, it reflects the closeness or distance in the relationship: "In my youth, I was impetuous and did not know how to conduct myself, causing the teacher unnecessary worry.

Gao! Upon hearing this, Wei Xian's eyes brightened. Given Ye Zhao's frail health, if he were to go to the frontier, not to mention fighting in battle, even the harsh climate would likely be too much for Ye Zhao to endure for long. Moreover, and more importantly, this would allow the Wei family to distance themselves from this matter. Regardless of what would happen to Ye Zhao after going to the frontier, at least on the surface, Wei Xian could still maintain a reputation for magnanimity.

Uh... Wei Xian was somewhat taken aback, looking at Wei Ji in surprise: "Bo Ru, didn't you say..."

Zhang Jiao, is he not the one who initiated the Yellow Turban Rebellion

"Uncle, it is not that I, your little nephew, speak of you, but our Wei family is a prominent clan. Why must we rely on those from the three teachings and nine streams to achieve success?" Wei Ji shook his head and sighed

Ah? Wei Xian can no longer keep up with Wei Ji's thoughts. One moment he wants to eliminate him, and the next he wants to recommend him for an official position. What exactly does he want?

Now he has temporarily settled down, but he has already grown accustomed to wielding great power, having the authority to determine life and death with a single word. He is unwilling to live a mundane life.

The way of being an official, when it comes down to it, is merely a word for treachery! Cai Yong said with a smile

Ye Zhao looked at Cai Yong in surprise; the old man was silent, yet his ability to perceive was astonishing

At this moment, Ye Zhao found it difficult to grasp the old man's thoughts, and shook his head, saying: "I am dull-witted, and I hope for your guidance, Master"

Thank you, esteemed teacher, for your guidance; your disciple will remember it. Ye Zhao's expression became serious as he bowed.

"Yes, the disciple takes his leave." Ye Zhao nodded, watching Cai Yong return to the inn before he joined the steward, maid, and two servants, his mind heavy with thoughts

"Look quickly, it is the divine messenger of the Taiping Sect issuing talisman water!" Just as Ye Zhao was sorting through the memories in his mind and contemplating the future, he noticed that for some unknown reason, a large crowd of common people on the street suddenly appeared to be in high spirits, as if celebrating the New Year.

The Ye family has produced three generations of generals. Although Ye Zhao is weak now, he is still a descendant of a military family. Recommending him to the frontier, sometimes, killing... does not necessarily require us to take action ourselves. This matter should be expedited; it must be completed before Old Man Cai enters Luoyang, and the recommendation letter must be submitted to His Majesty.

What truly surprised Ye Zhao was that his previous incarnation had already sensed that the Taiping Sect was problematic two years ago, precisely when the name of the Great Virtuous Teacher was just beginning to rise.

"Xiu Ming!" Walking on the spacious bluestone street, Cai Yong sighed and looked ahead.

Ye Zhao dug at his own ear and looked at Cai Yong. This statement certainly did not seem like something a great Confucian would say. Shouldn't a great Confucian always have loyalty to the monarch and love for the country on their lips?

Cai Yong turned around and looked seriously at Ye Zhao. Although Ye Zhao felt a bit uneasy inside, worried that this old man might see through something, he remained calm on his face, as he was someone who had experienced storms. After a long while, Cai Yong finally withdrew his gaze and shook his head with a smile, saying: "Xiu Ming, you are exceptionally talented, having mastered various schools of thought by the age of twenty, and you possess unique insights into worldly matters. However, you are too rigid and lack adaptability. I have always been concerned that one day, your temperament will be detrimental to you. Therefore, I only recommended you for the position of filial and incorrupt official, but did not further assist you in seeking a post. Firstly, you are still young and need to undergo more training; secondly, your disposition is truly not suited for navigating the officialdom. Entering the political arena too early would, in fact, be harmful to you."

"Not busy," Cai Yong said with a smile upon seeing this, "Tell me the answer tomorrow."

Time rewinds to when Ye Zhao and the others left the governor's residence. Wei Xian looked in the direction Ye Zhao had departed, finally letting out a sigh of relief. He bowed to Wei Ji and said, "Boru, I must thank you for stepping in this time; otherwise, today's matter would likely have been..."

It seems that this setback is not a bad thing for you, and I can rest assured to help you open your eyes and assist you in ascending the officialdom. " At this point, Cai Yong suddenly paused and turned to Ye Zhao: "Do you know what is the most important thing in the path of being an official?"

Loyalty? Treachery?" Cai Yong gazed into the distance, a hint of confusion flickering in his eyes: "Ten years ago, I would never have spoken such words, but now... sigh... How can one distinguish between great treachery and great loyalty? It is said that one can leave a name in history, but who knows how many wronged souls are gathered upon that historical record? I previously did not wish for you to enter the officialdom for this very reason. Although you are exceptionally gifted, your character is pure and good. If you were to enter the political arena, I fear you would not meet a good end.

Currently, this matter is understood only temporarily; however, Hanoi is ultimately under the influence of the Wei family. As your teacher, I cannot always be by your side. The pros and cons of this situation must be weighed by you. Cai Yong shook his head and said, "Xiu Ming must remember that in the path of officialdom, whether one is a loyal minister or a mediocre one, the most important thing is to learn to be a treacherous minister. Although this reputation is not very good, it at least allows you to survive. As long as one is alive, one can accomplish things; if one is dead... one may not necessarily be remembered in history either"

Rubbing his temples, Ye Zhao, although he had studied history and enjoyed reading historical novels before the end of the world in his past life, found that those memories were from ten years ago, and he could recall even less. He had no understanding of the era of Guanghe and this particular year.

Wei Ji nodded slightly, glanced in the direction where Ye Zhao and the others had left, and frowned as he said: "However, Ye Zhao cannot be allowed to stay any longer"

The two fell into silence as they walked to the inn where Cai Yong was temporarily staying. Only then did Cai Yong turn to Ye Zhao and say: "Tomorrow morning, I shall set off for Luoyang. Although I will plan your official career this time, I believe it is not advisable to aim too high at the beginning of your official career. Do you have any thoughts, Xiu Ming?"