Great Han Arrow God

Chapter 593 Management
There is a sentence in "The Analects of Confucius Tabor", the Master said: "The people can be made to know it, but they cannot be made to know it."Because the sentences are different, there is a lot of controversy among the schools.Some say that Confucius was fooling the people, while others say that Confucius advocated enlightenment. The two views are diametrically opposed.

However, looking at the confident Dou Ying in front of him, Liang Xiao, who also had combat experience, felt that it was safer to fool the people.Dou Ying, an old ranger, is getting old, and it is impossible to change his character.Besides, if you really want to change, it is not Dou Ying alone, but the thinking habits of the entire Han Dynasty.

In addition, Liang Xiao also had an indescribable feeling: he preferred Dou Ying to maintain such an optimistic attitude. In comparison, he was indeed too conservative and too cautious.If everyone is like him, maybe nothing can be done.

It's just...the situation is a bit reversed, shouldn't it be that Dou Ying is mature and I, Liang Xiao, are impulsive? Why is it the other way around?
Liang Xiao was so distracted that he forgot to answer Dou Ying.It wasn't until Dou Ying asked again that he came back to his senses and laughed: "That's right, I don't want to worry about being stabbed in the back when I'm fighting with others on the front line."

Dou Ying laughed out loud, proud that she had guessed right about Liang Xiao's thoughts. "You, you are too suspicious, and you are more cautious than I was worried about. Could it be that in your heart, the emperor is such an ignorant person who will suspect you when you are fighting. You are also the commander of the army, don't you know It is a big taboo for military strategists to change generals just before the battle, not to mention the discord between the monarch and his ministers. Isn't he afraid that you will do something irrational in a fit of anger?"

Liang Xiao smiled, it seemed like he was laughing at himself, but the meaning was unclear.Of course he knew that doing this was extremely stupid, but anyone with a bit of common sense would not be able to do it, but Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty did such stupid things in history.Li Guangli, the general of the second division, led the last elite of the empire to fight on the front line. Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty killed his family in Chang'an. As a result, Li Guangli was forced to surrender to the Huns, and the elite of the empire was completely lost.

"A wise man thinks a lot, and he will make a mistake. As long as he is a human being, he will inevitably lose his mind." Liang Xiao said unhurriedly: "Of course, for me, there is no need to worry so much. Because I am rich and honored. I have no plans to lead the army to fight. Duke Dou, let's discuss the matter at hand. Does the court have any arrangements for the matter of Tingwei Temple?"

Dou Ying put away her smile. "I'm also planning to discuss this matter with you. Unlike grammatical officials like Zhang Tang, Duke Zhai is an elder, and now he is also in prison. If you torture them one by one, I'm afraid you will suffer injustice. More importantly What’s interesting is that this matter is not just a simple case of injustice, it involves the policy of governing the country. Govern the country by virtue or rule by law.”

Dou Ying spoke very slowly, and then stopped altogether, staring at Liang Xiao intently.Liang Xiao pouted. "Why are you staring at me? Just say what you have to say."

"You know, I believe in Confucianism, so I naturally hope to govern the country with morality. You have always criticized Confucianism, and even criticized Master Dong. But now you have also seen that although Confucianism has its disadvantages, But compared to the strictness of the Legalists, at least you have kind thoughts in your heart. Don’t you think so? Don’t you want monarchs and ministers, fathers and sons?”

Liang Xiao held his head and did not answer Dou Ying immediately.As Dou Ying said, whether an opportunity comes naturally or is forced by the situation, it is an opportunity after all.It is no longer necessary to pursue responsibility. The most important thing is how to seize this opportunity and maximize the results.

He can answer Dou Ying's question. The conflict between Confucianism and Legalism has been discussed in later generations for 2000 years. Although each has its own reasons, the disadvantages of each are also very clear. How did Emperor Wu of the Han use the conflict between Confucianism and Legalism to achieve his goals? , he also knows it clearly, but if he speaks out, I am afraid that the effect will be negligible and the impact will be limited.

"I don't quite understand such a big question." Liang Xiao sat up. "However, if you don't understand the reason, why don't you ask Your Majesty to issue an edict to hold a debate meeting to ask the world's sages about politics?"

"Ask the sages of the world about politics?" Dou Ying's eyes lit up. "This is indeed a good idea. No matter what the final result is, it is better to gather the wisdom of everyone than a single view."

"That's right, I thought so too." Liang Xiao laughed twice. "In addition to discussing the similarities and differences of Confucianism and Legalism, there is a more practical gain. My uncle's printing shop has a new business."

"What did you say?" Dou Ying just uttered the words, and immediately understood what Liang Xiao meant, and couldn't help laughing.He pointed at Liang Xiao and shook his head repeatedly. "You, you are petty, and you only see small profits when it matters to the fate of the country?"

Liang Xiao smiled without saying a word.He didn't bother arguing about such trivial issues that had nothing to do with the overall situation.

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Dou Ying returned to the palace and made a detailed report to the emperor on the results of the discussion with Liang Xiao.

The Son of Heaven listened very carefully, asked repeatedly, and finally gave the same evaluation as Dou Ying: petty, digging, looking open to money, short-sighted.At the end, the emperor couldn't help laughing. "Is he turning a corner to ask for a reward?"

Dou Ying stroked her beard and nodded. "The old minister also thinks this is a possibility. Maoling's property was given away for nothing, and his loss is not small. Although he has made meritorious service this time, it is not military merit after all. I am afraid that the reward is limited. I also know that I am disrespectful, and I am afraid that the merits and demerits will be offset. Such an idea."

"No prospect." The emperor looked contemptuous, but his expression was inexplicably relaxed.

He immediately called Xu Le and others to study the feasibility of Liang Xiao's proposal.Liang Xiao proposed to hold a discussion on Confucianism and Legalism, which was beyond the scope of rectifying Tingwei Temple, but it was obviously a good opportunity for the emperor to express his thirst for talents to the people all over the world.This can not only help to understand the attitudes of the people, but also shift the responsibility for dealing with the relevant officials of Tingwei Temple to the public opinion.

It's better to act according to public opinion than to find a substitute for the dead, right?

However, not everyone agrees with this point of view, and Zhu Fuyan raised objections.Discussing Dao cannot be equated with governing. The greatest skill of Confucianists is to discuss Dao. When it comes to reasoning, they can talk eloquently and eloquently, but they can't do it when it comes to specific affairs.Back then, Mencius was eloquent and no one could beat him, but why no king was willing to entrust him with state affairs?Because everyone knows that the Confucianist set is not useful.

In the end, Zhu Fuyan came to a conclusion: Liang Xiao's suggestion is the same as the Confucian theory, it looks beautiful, but it is actually useless.If there are any benefits to be said, I am afraid that only the newly opened book printing workshop of King Huainan will benefit.So many articles need to be printed, how much new paper is needed, and how much money will it cost?With this item alone, King Huainan can make a lot of money.

The emperor couldn't help but laugh.However, he still accepted Liang Xiao's suggestion and entrusted Dou Ying to arrange this matter. Now it can start in Chang'an. If the effect is good, it will be extended to the whole country. At that time, virtuous people from all over the world will be called to gather in Chang'an for a big public debate.

Dou Ying accepted the order gladly, and then went out of the palace to find Liu An, the king of Huainan.

Liu An immediately found Liang Xiao.Although Dou Ying was in charge of this matter, Liang Xiao was the one who proposed it at first, and Liu An only trusted two people in how to manage the action: his daughter Liu Ling, and his son-in-law Liang Xiao.Since Liu Ling was not in Chang'an, the only thing left was to catch Liang Xiao.

Liang Xiao rushed to the Huainan Mansion, and he was very happy to hear that the Emperor had basically accepted his suggestion.Although Dou Ying and Liu An belonged to Confucianism and Taoism and had many disagreements on academic issues, they applauded Liang Xiao's proposal unanimously.Regardless of the final result, this is a good thing to listen to the public opinion. For the subjects, there is an extra chance to speak out. For the court, it is also a very sincere and benevolent government.

However, as soon as Liang Xiao opened his mouth, his tall image collapsed.

"Only profitable things can be sustainable and can be done for a long time, not a gust of wind."

"You mean to make money?" Dou Ying and Director Liu An said in unison, and then they glanced at each other, Liu An continued: "This is not a big article, nor is it a travelogue that can broaden your knowledge. Interested There won't be too many people."

Liang Xiao smiled.There are not many people who are interested, so what's the point of doing it? If you want to do it, you have to do it big. I dare not say that everyone in the world pays attention to it, at least people around Chang'an.Wouldn't it be a failure if the people under the emperor's feet didn't care about this matter.

"So find a way to do something attractive." Liang Xiao said: "The first point is that the article must be interesting. Not only must it be informative, but also easy to understand. Let those illiterate people listen to others, They can understand what it means, so they will care.”

Dou Ying was thoughtful. "This is an opportunity to open up the wisdom of the people. It is indeed good to let more people know the good intentions of the imperial court."

"Considering that scholars like to quote classics and compare articles in their compositions, it may not be easy for them to write in an easy-to-understand way. Therefore, it is best to find some commentators and let them comment on the content of the article. misunderstood."

"That's no problem, there are many wanderers in Chang'an."

"Since it's a business, you can't use the form of keeping customers, it's better to use the form of employment. According to their level and diligence, pay a certain amount of remuneration, and update it regularly so that it doesn't become a cliché. Knowledgeable and popular articles People, you can recommend to the imperial court."

Dou Ying also agreed.

"In addition, in order to make those scholars have the courage to speak up, we can give them publishing fees so that they can maintain their basic living by writing articles, so that they will not depend on others. Living in someone else, I’m afraid it’s not his own words. Of course, if someone is willing to pay to support customers and write articles for himself, then we don’t object, but the manuscript fee will be paid accordingly.”

Liu An raised concerns. "That's a lot of money."

"Don't worry, my lord, there are other expenses." Liang Xiao continued: "After the article is printed, it has to be sold in order to exchange for money, and the sooner the better. It is definitely inappropriate for you to sell it. It is better to recruit some Half-year-olds are the kind of boys who will be adults and minors, have physical strength, and have nothing to do. Let them sell and give a certain amount of remuneration according to the sales volume. In this way, the article can be sent to readers as soon as possible, and they can also get a certain amount of money. Remuneration, subsidizing the family is also good."

Liu An became a little uneasy. "How much does that cost?"

"An article is counted in thousands of words, including the cost of paper and ink, what is the cost?"

Liu An called the person in charge, and after a calculation, it was about two five baht.

"Well, an article sells for five baht, even ordinary people should be able to afford it."

Liu An stared and stared at Liang Xiao, even Dou Ying couldn't help laughing. "Did you hear it wrong? The cost is two dollars, and you sell it for one? That's not counting the manuscript fee and the wages of the promoters. According to your calculation, an article will cost three or four dollars. If each article is printed for one Thousands of copies, that is three or four thousand dollars, the accumulation of small amounts becomes more, and you will lose more than ten gold a month. After a year or so, the king will not say anything. If it takes a long time, hehe, I am afraid he will not I forgive you."

Liang Xiao smiled. "Don't worry, I haven't finished yet. Think about it, if an article sells 3000 copies and passes it around, it will be read by at least [-] people, right?"

"It should be more than that." Dou Ying said: "Counting all the surrounding areas of Chang'an, there are about 10,000+ households. I estimate that 1 people have visited it, which is a conservative estimate."

"Well, even if there are 1 people, what kind of news channel is there that can cover a wider area than this method? If the Chen family has a new knife and publishes a message on it, within a few days, nearly ten thousand people will watch it. Arrived. Another example, merchants from various places have brought in a batch of new goods..."

Dou Ying understood as soon as she heard it, and she lost her voice: "Are you going to let the merchants take this opportunity to make publicity, and then charge them money?"

"Is it not possible?" Liang Xiao asked back with a smile. "Mr. Dou, if you edited a new book, how much are you willing to spend to promote it?"

Dou Ying laughed out loud. "I understand, I understand, this is indeed a good way. When the leaflet is released, people who are willing to buy will come to the door, and I don't have to sell it with an old face. If you want to sell a thousand books, you can make a profit of thirty gold , spend three hardware to do publicity, I will definitely not refuse."

"Then, just for this family, each leaflet can earn [-] to [-] yuan. Even if you have a customer for ten days, you can still keep your capital. What's more, you can only do one promotion on a leaflet."

Liu An nodded again and again, smiling broadly.If it is carried out according to Liang Xiao's method, at least he will not lose money, and this business can be operated for a long time.

Once the most fundamental economic problems are solved, the next thing will be easier to handle.Liang Xiao used his limited knowledge as an excuse not to get involved, so he got up to find brothers Chen Xu, Guo Yu and other businessmen from the Western Regions for sponsorship, and left the rest to Dou Ying and Liu An.

After repeated discussions, Dou Ying and Liu An reached an agreement that Liu An would print related articles at a preferential price.In order to ensure fairness and justice, Liu An could not make any revisions to the article. Dou Ying would arrange other work such as text proofreading, and the book printing house could just print it.

Liu An agreed to Dou Ying's request, but he also made a suggestion: Dou Ying cannot decide what articles can be printed and what articles cannot be printed.You, Dou Ying, love Confucianism, who knows if you will be biased towards Confucianism?The right to review manuscripts cannot be given to you alone. People from different schools of thought should be organized to form a review team to ensure that any school of thought has a chance to speak out.

Dou Ying did not immediately agree, but he agreed to convey it to the emperor.
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(End of this chapter)