NOVEL WEB Chapter 66
Thus, the edict to recruit talented individuals was posted.
The common folk quickly gathered around.
“Another imperial notice, what’s happened this time?”
“In my opinion, this must certainly be something very good!”
“How can you tell?”
“Think about it, since His Majesty ascended the throne, the number of imperial notices has been very few! The first notice was about job opportunities, the second one was about distributing houses, so this third one must definitely be another piece of good news!”
“You make a lot of sense, here, have some melon seeds as a reward!”
……
After posting the imperial notice, the sergeant loudly proclaimed, “Listen up, everyone! Due to the increasing population and the growing affairs in our Xia Kingdom, His Majesty has decided to recruit talented individuals to serve him!”
“So that’s it, it’s like the imperial examination!” everyone realized.“Are there any requirements, military officer?” someone asked.
The sergeant shook his head, “There are no specific requirements. Anyone who believes they have talent can recommend themselves. His Majesty will personally conduct interviews! If you truly have talent and catch the Emperor’s eye, you will rise to great heights!”
The crowd was astounded.
“As long as you have talent, you can recommend yourself! The Emperor will personally conduct interviews!”
“Once His Majesty takes a liking to you, you’ll soar to great heights!”
“Is there really such a good thing in this world?”
“I want to sign up and give it a try!”
Everyone became excited.
After all, this was an unparalleled opportunity!
In the past, only scholars had the chance to become officials.
But now, even the common people have a chance, that’s great!
At that moment, a scruffy old man suddenly rushed over excitedly.
A sergeant immediately intercepted him, barking, “Hey hey hey, what do you think you’re doing?”
The man said excitedly, “I’m signing up, didn’t His Majesty say that anyone with talent could recommend themselves?”
Just then, an old lady nearby, cracking sunflower seeds, laughed and said, “Junior, you might as well forget it! His Majesty may not have many requirements, but you at least need to be literate! Without reading or writing, how will you manage state affairs? How will you share His Majesty’s worries? Everyone agrees, right? Otherwise, even if His Majesty dares to use you, we certainly wouldn’t!”
Everyone immediately burst into an uproar.
“The old lady is right! If you want to sign up, you must at least be literate!”
“His Majesty dares to employ you, but we certainly don’t!”
“We’ve finally achieved this happy life; we can’t let you ruin it!”
“If you know what’s good for you, get lost. Don’t waste His Majesty’s time!”
The scruffy old man snorted, “Hmph! I see you’re just looking down on people like a snobbish dog! Once I become an official, I’ll have you all thrown into the dungeon!”
In the end, there were simply too many people signing up; everyone wanted to join in on the excitement.
Fortunately, Heshen, who was in charge of the matter, secretly took control and kicked out all the illiterates, thus keeping the number of people under control.
At this time, the General of the Nation, An Lushan, brought a man to see Lin Beifan.
“Your Majesty, I would like to recommend someone to you!”
“Who?”
Lin Beifan looked on curiously, only to see that this person had a somewhat strange appearance, seemingly with a bit of Western Region ancestry.
An Lushan smiled and said, “Your Majesty, this man’s name is Shi Siming, and he has always followed me! Don’t be fooled by his unremarkable appearance; he possesses the strength of a first-rate expert, and he is brave and good at fighting, having established numerous military achievements. He is truly a talent fit for command! Your Majesty, you have said to promote the virtuous without avoiding relatives, so I have specially brought this man to your attention!”
(TLN: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shi_Siming)
“Shi Siming, huh?”
Lin Beifan gave An Lushan a peculiar look.
An Lushan and Shi Siming, what a perfect pair they make.
Even if they traversed to another world, they still could not be separated.
An Lushan and his companion felt a bit uneasy under Lin Beifan’s gaze. An Lushan coughed, and Shi Siming came back to his senses, saluting with neither servility nor overbearingness, “This subordinate pays his respects to Your Majesty, long live the Emperor!”
“Dispense with the formalities!”
Lin Beifan extended his hand to stop them, smiling, “Since General An says you are a talented individual, then I shall test you! If you pass my test, I will certainly make good use of you!”
“Your Majesty, please set your questions!” Shi Siming saluted once more.
Following that, Lin Beifan posed several questions, all of which were answered logically and convincingly by the other party.
Lin Beifan was very satisfied, “I will ask you one last question. If my command goes against the principles of law and is contrary to the wishes of the people, whose words should be heeded? I want you to answer truthfully!”
“Report to Your Majesty, of course I will heed Your Majesty’s commands!”
Shi Siming declared loudly, “Laws are made by man, and man is prone to error! The common people are ignorant and easily misled! But Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven, Your Majesty is always wise, and following Your Majesty will never lead us astray!”
Lin Beifan listened with a smile that spread across his face, clapping and laughing, “Well said! I need talents like you! I will appoint you as a fourth-rank general for now, and if you perform well, promotion and nobility will soon follow!”
Shi Siming was overjoyed, “Thank you for Your Majesty’s great kindness!”
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