After exchanging swords with each other, the relationship between Xiang Kang and Zhou County Ling was of course invisibly much closer, although the words were still a little polite, the topic of conversation gradually became more, first Zhou County Ling inquired about Xiang Kang's life experience, Xiang Kang told the truth, during which he deliberately mentioned some interesting anecdotes that happened when the Xiang family moved to the next minister, and tried to speak with relish, so that Zhou County Ling listened very attentively, and did not feel bored at all because the topic actually did not have any nutrition.

Then, Xiang Kang, who had inquired about some of the details of the Zhou County Order from Feng Zhong, was mainly anti-guest, and pretended to be curious to inquire whether the Zhou County Order from Zhou had any special relationship with the Western Zhou royal family, but the Zhou County Order was also straightforward, and frankly admitted that his ancestors were only a small official in the Zhou Dynasty Palace, but he changed his surname because he was born in Zhou, and talked about the Zhou Dynasty Jiuding under Xiang Kang's intentional or unintentional teasing, and said that his eyebrows were flying and dancing, and he was triumphant.

Then, Xiang Kang quietly extended the topic to the respect that the Spring and Autumn Kingdoms once had for the Western Zhou royal family, and as a result, this point happened to tickle the heart of Zhou County, which made Zhou County, who was very proud of his background, talk about it and chatted with Xiang Kang more enthusiastically.

However, Xiang Kang also underestimated Zhou County's order, after a few rounds of repeatedness, Zhou County's order gradually found that he was actually led by Xiang Kang's nose, unwilling to be passive, and at the same time, in order to test Xiang Kang's real talent, Zhou County's order also cleverly changed the topic, and suddenly mentioned today's current affairs, and said seemingly very casually: "Xiang Gongzi is a young hero, he must also be very concerned about today's current affairs, I don't know what Gongzi thinks is the first major event today?" ”

"I'm starting to be tested." Xiang Kang understood in his heart, but his face was silent, and he replied with his mouth open: "Returning to the county honor, the younger generation thinks that the first major thing today should be how the new emperor governs, and whether to continue the old law of the previous emperor?" Is it a rest with the people? Or will the achievements of the former emperor continue to be carried forward? ”

"This shaft, the tone is so big." Zhou County's heart jumped, and he was very surprised that Xiang Kang dared to open his mouth to mention Qin II's governing policy. After a little calculation, Zhou Xianling asked tentatively: "Xiang Gongzi, in your opinion, how can you be fooled into governing the world today." ”

"Of course, we should rest with the people." Xiang Kang's answer was both direct and not taboo - because Qin II had just ascended the throne and had not yet officially begun a series of perverse acts. Then Xiang Kang said: "Although the first emperor has made great achievements and benefited thousands of generations, but since the Spring and Autumn Period, the world has been in turmoil for hundreds of years, and the people are tired and miserable, which cannot be recovered by the first emperor." Therefore, the younger generation believes that the new emperor should rest with the people, benefit the people and support the people, so that all the people in the world have time to recuperate and recover their vitality, so that the Great Qin can be peaceful and glorious for eternity. ”

After all, he is the head of a county, and he has been exposed to far more important affairs in the court than ordinary people, so after listening to Xiang Kang's words, Zhou County Ling was inevitably a little silent, and couldn't help but think of all kinds of inside information from Xianyang. After a pause, Zhou Xianling didn't dare to continue this topic, and changed his words and said: "I don't know if the prince has ever heard that Neishi Mengtian has died of poison because he is suspected of rebellion?" ”

"What? Meng Tian is dead? Being in the people, Xiang Kang really hadn't heard this important news before, and when Zhou County's order was suddenly mentioned, Xiang Kang inevitably had a heartbeat, and blurted out a rhetorical question. Then Xiang Kang quietly glanced at Zhou Xianling again, and said in his heart: "This guy is not small, he dares to bring up such a sensitive topic with a stranger I just met." ”

Zhou Xianling nodded, which was regarded as an answer to Xiang Kang's rhetorical question, but Xiang Kang hesitated for a moment and said: "If the crime of treason is true, then Meng Tian deserves it, but I don't know what the county respects about it." ”

"This kid, actually give me a way to advance and retreat." Zhou Xianling couldn't laugh or cry, but he didn't dare to talk about this topic deeply, so he could only say vaguely: "Gongzi is right, if Meng Tian's crime is true, then he deserves it." ”

They tested each other for a while, and found that the other party was very wary of their words, and they did not dare to comment on the affairs of the imperial court at will, and the atmosphere of the conversation between Xiang Kang and Zhou Xianling was inevitably a little depressing. Fortunately, Zhou County's order did not intend to end here, and asked Xiang Kang again: "Xiang Gongzi, I don't know what Gongzi has to say about the administration of this official in the lower minister?" ”

"What talent and virtue do the younger generations, how dare they evaluate the county's respectful governance?" Xiang Kang said modestly, and then said: "However, compared with the Lingxian County Order of the neighboring county, the county can definitely be regarded as a good parent who loves the people and protects the people. ”

"Oh, how so?"

No one doesn't like to listen to good words, and Zhou County's order is no exception, so he hurriedly asked Xiang Kang the reason. Fortunately, Xiang Kang was not a sycophant, and immediately said that the officials of Ling County had gone to the Yu family to steal the money, and compared the subordinate officials of Zhou County, and said: "...... It is completely different from the Lingxian side, under the rule of the county honor, I have never heard of anything similar, so it can be seen that the talent of the county is not only honest and spotless, but also can make the subordinate officials follow the rules and regulations, and there is no offense with the people. Therefore, the younger generation firmly believes that the future of the county is far above the county order of Ling County, and if you can get the support of the nobles, it must be limitless! ”

After that, Xiang Kang added with a smile and said, "If you say another flattering word to the county honor, comparing the county zun with the county order of Ling County, it is really too aggrieved to the county honor." ”

Zhou County Ling laughed, very satisfied with Xiang Kang's flattery, and then Zhou County Ling asked a few questions one after another to test Xiang Kang's talent, Xiang Kang answered like a stream, neither arrogant nor deliberately low-key, and at the same time very insightful, so that Zhou County Ling nodded again and again, and looked at Xiang Kang with admiration - no way, the advantage of the traverser is placed here, and a little knowledge is thrown out casually, which is a unique insight that has accumulated the essence of more than 2,000 years of history, if Xiang Kang will be tested by Zhou Xianling in this regard, it will be too sorry for the identity of the traverser.

After asking Xiang Kang a question about how to govern the people, he found that the answer given by Xiang Kang was still quite reasonable, Zhou Xianling temporarily stopped the conversation, and thought about it for a while before asking Xiang Kang: "Xiang Gongzi, is it a pity that you are so knowledgeable and talented, and you have unique insights on civil affairs, but you are buried in the people?" ”

"What does the county mean by that?" Xiang Kang really didn't understand the overtones of Zhou County's order this time.

"I don't know if the son is willing to be an official?" Zhou County Commander also confessed, and said very directly: "If the prince is interested in joining the office, the official can recruit the prince to serve as the county official to assist the official for the benefit of the people." ”

Inheriting the memories left by the previous Xiang Kang, Xiang Kang knows what recruitment is - that is, after the government understands your ability, it takes the initiative to promote you to be an official. But Xiang Kang really thought that Zhou County Ling would take the initiative to recruit him as an official, and he never thought of being a lackey for Qin II, so after Zhou County Ling suddenly asked this question, Xiang Kang couldn't help but be a little at a loss and didn't know how to decide.

After thinking about it carefully, Xiang Kang found that he should not accept the kindness of Zhou County's order, there are three main reasons, one is that the Qin Dynasty is very strict with the management of officials, and becoming an official is equivalent to losing personal freedom, not only being strictly controlled by the government, but also having to help Qin II to perversely act and discredit himself - Liu just didn't want to harm the people too much, so he took the initiative to abandon the official and go to the mountains to become a bandit and robber.

The second reason is that Xiang Kang knows very well in his heart, knowing that Zhou County Ling admires him very much, but he does not attach special importance to himself, and kindly proposes to recommend himself to join the office, but he wants to use his talents and abilities to help him govern the people, but he just uses himself as a helper, and it is impossible to trust him as a confidant. And if he accepts it, not only will he lower Zhou County's evaluation of himself, but he will also have to receive a big favor from Zhou County, and if he asks for anything in the future, there is no way to speak.

The third reason is the simplest, Xiang Liang and Xiang Yu will soon rebel, if Xiang Kang accepts the kindness of Zhou County's order, he will definitely be suspected and guarded against at that time, and he may be suddenly taken down by the government at any time, and his head will be killed, far from hiding in the safety of the people.

Considering these scruples, Xiang Kang quickly made up his mind, shook his head and said: "Thank you for the kindness of the county, the younger generation is used to being free and careless, and I have no intention of joining the office, please respect Haihan of the county." ”

"Childe really doesn't have this plan?" Zhou County Ling was very surprised, and said: "Being an official, not to mention the scenery in front of people, there is still Lu rice to receive every month, and you don't have to serve in the military service, there are many benefits, countless people want to enter the office, son, you are not tempted at all?" ”

"I'm used to being lazy, and I don't want to be taken into trouble." Xiang Kang replied with a smile: "So the county respects forgiveness, this opportunity is better for others." ”

Zhou Xianling's eyes widened, and Feng Zhong, who was sitting at the bottom, looked at Xiang Kang like killing a chicken and wiping his neck, and constantly complained in his heart that Xiang Kang didn't know how to lift, and he didn't want the opportunity to be an official in front of him, Xiang Kang also noticed Feng Zhong's small movements, but pretended not to see it.

was still expected by Xiang Kang, although he was very surprised by Xiang Kang's ignorance, but after determining that Xiang Kang was really unwilling to bend his waist for three buckets of rice, Zhou Xianling couldn't help but glance at Xiang Kang again - who can calmly refuse such a temptation, Zhou Xianling has only heard of it before, and he has really never seen it. So after nodding, Zhou Xianling said: "Since this is the case, the official is not reluctant." However, if Childe changes his mind that day, he can open his mouth to the official at any time, and the official sincerely appreciates Childe's talent and learning. ”

"Thank you for the county's love, and the younger generations will remember it." Xiang Kang's tone was quite sincere, and he really appreciated the Zhou County Order in front of him, who was quite good as an official and a person. And after saying that, Xiang Kang suddenly glanced at Feng Zhong, who was already full of disappointment, his heart moved, and he arched his hand and said: "County Zun, the junior is presumptuous, I want to ask you for something, I don't know if County Zun can agree." ”

"Childe, please speak." Zhou Xianling replied casually.

"Please be gracious to the county and bring me, Brother Feng Zhongfeng." Xiang Kang pointed at Feng Zhong.

"What?"

"What?!"

Zhou Xianling and Feng Zhong were surprised at the same time, and then Feng Zhong was of course full of ecstasy, eager to pounce on Xiang Kang on the spot and kiss Xiang Kang a few times. Xiang Kang said with a heartfelt voice: "The county respects the courtesy, my eldest brother Feng has served as the pavilion chief in Shiling Pavilion for many years, and he has always been diligent in his errands, and his official reputation is quite good, but he lacks opportunities and has never had the opportunity to show his strengths, and the younger generation feels sorry for him from the bottom of his heart." Today, the younger generation has the honor to visit the county honor, and I want to ask the county lord to show grace and support me, Brother Feng. ”

Hearing this, Feng Zhong of course wanted to kiss Xiang Kang even more-good brother! It's a pity that Zhou County's order was a little unmoved, and he sighed and said: "Xiang Gongzi, it's not that the official doesn't give you this face, it's that Feng Zhong lacks merit, and he will be rewarded for nothing, but I'm afraid that the people below will not be convinced." ”

"The county respects the sin, please allow the younger generation to speak out." Xiang Kang Zhenzhen said eloquently: "The younger generation is foolish, Brother Feng's lack of merit is his greatest merit. ”

"What do you mean by that?" Zhou County's order regained interest.

"Because Brother Feng is the pavilion chief." Xiang Kang said in a deep voice: "The position of the pavilion chief is responsible for the security of the pavilion and the arrest of bandits, and there is no dazzling political achievement, which just proves that the rule of this pavilion chief is peaceful, the people live and work in peace and contentment, and there are no bandits doing evil." On the contrary, if this pavilion chief has outstanding political achievements, catches a few thieves today, and gets a few bandits tomorrow, doesn't it mean that thieves are rampant under the rule of this pavilion chief, and the people are miserable? If not, where would this pavilion chief go up there to catch so many bandits? ”

After finishing speaking, Xiang Kang added another sentence and said: "Please think about it, if Brother Feng has outstanding achievements and catches thieves and thieves in Shiling Pavilion every day, shouldn't you worry that the people of Shiling Pavilion will be corrupted, and the people will be harassed by bandits, which will affect the peace and stability of the entire Xiaxiang County?" ”

Zhou Xianling opened his mouth, and only then did he realize that Feng Zhong, the incompetent pavilion chief, was actually quite good, at least he didn't cause trouble for himself, which affected his official reputation and political achievements in the lower minister. On the other hand, Feng Zhong was both nervous and excited, and while he was grateful to Xiang Kang to death in his heart, he desperately longed for Zhou County's order to open his golden mouth and promise to promote himself.

Zhou County Ling did not disappoint Feng Zhong, after thinking carefully for a while, Zhou County Ling finally nodded and said: "What Xiang Gongzi said is good, although Feng Zhong's merits are not obvious, but he is the pavilion chief responsible for arresting thieves, as long as he can let the people under his rule live and work in peace and contentment, the road is not left behind, and the door is not closed at night, it is his greatest achievement!" Well, this official promises you that this official will reconsider the appointment of Feng Zhong. ”

"Brother Xiang Kang!" Feng Zhong shouted in his heart, looking at Xiang Kang's eyes except for gratitude, only moved, and kept shouting in his heart, "Good brother! I once took someone to search your house, and I planned to arrest your uncle and ask for a confession, and you actually repaid me like this! I didn't expect you to repay me like this! Good brother, don't worry, I will never forget your kindness in this life and this life! I won't forget your revenge with virtue! ”

Seeing the gratitude in Feng Zhong's heart, Xiang Kang also smiled slightly, and said secretly: "I sold you such a big favor, remember it in the future." You kid is a bit righteous, but a little timid and afraid of death, it's easier to fiddle, and I can help you to have more power, and maybe it will play a big role in the future. ”