Li Shimin faked his death? Then I will be powerful enough to conquer the world!

Qian Shuwang lowered his head and dared not breathe.

Li Chengqian's words exploded in his ears.

In an instant, Qian Shuwang's lowered face revealed an extremely dazed look, and his eyes were full of confusion and helplessness.

He couldn't believe his ears and kept thinking in his heart, what exactly does His Majesty mean?

Everyone knows that Di Renjie and Wu Meiniang successfully entered the cabinet thanks to their outstanding performance as county magistrates and became the remarkable new stars in the court.

Coincidentally, Qian Shuwang was also the county magistrate of Wu County.

Thinking carefully about what His Majesty just said, if I heard it correctly, the meaning couldn't be clearer. It is clear that he wants to promote me!

Even the dumbest person can understand the profound meaning.

But Qian Shuwang was full of confusion in his heart.

His Majesty was greatly angered by his ridiculous act of wrapping the tree in cotton clothes.

He thought that his career would be ruined and he would be severely punished, but now His Majesty not only did not pursue the matter, but wanted to promote him. This huge reversal made Qian Shuwang really unable to understand.

Faced with His Majesty's words, Qian Shuwang was in a dilemma.

If I respond, I don’t know how to answer. If I don’t respond, it would seem extremely rude.

After much hesitation, he could only choose to lower his head, purse his lips tightly, and remain silent, trying to use this silent posture to act like a turtle and wait for the emperor's decision.

Li Chengqian looked at Qian Shuwang's cowardly appearance and couldn't help but feel angry and amused.

He sighed softly, raised his foot, and gently kicked Qian Shuwang with his toes. He said gently but with dignity: "Stand up and talk, and hold your head up."

This seemingly unintentional kick made Qian Shuwang realize that he could no longer escape.

Qian Shuwang secretly sighed in his heart, thinking that he was just an insignificant county magistrate. How could he have deserved such a serious matter?

To receive such special "favor" from His Majesty, even if I am just kicked lightly by His Majesty twice, this life is worth it.

Qian Shuwang slowly stood up with a feeling of great trepidation. He mustered his courage, raised his head slightly, and glanced quickly at His Majesty.

I originally thought that I would be greeted by His Majesty's gloomy and ugly face.

But unexpectedly, His Majesty's expression was calm, and there was even a hint of a smile on the corner of his mouth, and that smile was like the warm sunshine in spring.

Seeing this scene, Qian Shuwang's tense nerves suddenly relaxed and he felt much more relaxed all over.

Looking at His Majesty's approachable appearance, Qian Shuwang felt an irrepressible surge of emotion in his heart. For a moment, his nose suddenly felt sore and his eyes were slightly red.

Li Chengqian looked at Qian Shuwang's trembling expression. He reached out his hand, gently patted Qian Shuwang's shoulder, and said earnestly: "Everyone makes mistakes, and I am no exception."

“It’s not terrible to make mistakes. As long as you recognize your mistakes and correct them in time, it’s still okay.”

"At first, when I learned that you were wrapping cotton clothes around trees, I was furious. I felt that you were whitewashing the situation and that this was against the code of conduct for an official."

"But after carefully reviewing your resume, I have great admiration for you. From a despised wealthy businessman, you have made your way step by step to the position of county magistrate. I can deeply understand the hardships and difficulties involved."

"What's even more rare is that you're willing to spend all your wealth for the people of Wu County. You're truly responsible and well done!"

"No matter what you wanted to ask for, or whether you really wanted to be famous, the fact is that you did it, and I am very pleased."

Hearing Li Chengqian's heartfelt words, Qian Shuwang felt both moved and ashamed.

He quickly bowed respectfully to Li Chengqian and said in a trembling voice, "Your Majesty, I am deeply ashamed! I was confused for a moment and did such a ridiculous thing. I have truly betrayed Your Majesty's trust. I am guilty!"

Li Chengqian smiled and shook his head, saying, "There's nothing to be ashamed of."

"I understand. You simply want to show off your achievements and impress your colleagues, so you came up with the idea of ​​wrapping the trees in cotton."

"I understand your feelings, but this approach is ultimately unacceptable."

"A gentleman judges deeds, not intentions. I have seen all the practical things you have done for the people of Wu County, and I admire them from the bottom of my heart."

"However, in my opinion, merits are merits and faults are faults, and the two cannot cancel each other out."

Qian Shuwang nodded thoughtfully and said sincerely, "Your Majesty is wise. I know I am guilty. I beg Your Majesty to punish me."

Li Chengqian nodded slightly and said, "Okay, you will continue to serve as the county magistrate for another year."

"One year later, come to see me in Chang'an, and I will arrange a better job for you."

Then, Li Chengqian shouted loudly: "Xuan Huai."

"Here! Your Majesty!" Zhang Xianhuai responded with a bow.

Li Chengqian's expression was gentle, his eyes full of expectation. He said, "Spread Qian Shuwang's story to the Tang Daily and have them publish it for seven consecutive days."

"I want all the officials and people of my Tang Dynasty to know Qian Shuwang, and know that he is a good county magistrate who is willing to spend all his wealth for the people and govern the county wholeheartedly."

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Zhang Xianhuai took the order and left.

As soon as Zhang Xianhuai's voice fell, Qian Shuwang's face instantly showed an expression of shock, his eyes widened, and his mouth slightly opened. At this moment, his heart was like a turbulent sea, and he couldn't calm down for a long time.

If you ask Qian Shuwang what he most desires in his life?

It is neither the mountains of money nor the high official position.

He was born into a merchant family. Although his family was wealthy, in that era when agriculture was emphasized and commerce was suppressed, the identity of a merchant was looked down upon by the world.

In the past years, he had suffered too much cold stares and ridicule. Those contemptuous eyes were like sharp blades, piercing his heart.

To change all this, to make up for the humiliation he suffered as a businessman in the first half of his life, he worked tirelessly to climb the official career ladder. Everything he did, in the final analysis, was for the sake of "reputation", to win the respect of others, and to leave his name in this world.

But now, he never expected that His Majesty could easily satisfy what he desired most in his life with just one sentence.

For a moment, Qian Shuwang felt a warm current surge in his heart and straightened his spine, as if from this moment on, his back had truly become straight.

All those methods used in the past to pursue political achievements, such as wrapping trees with cotton clothes, now seem so insignificant, just some minor tricks.

Your Majesty's actions paved a bright road for him and pushed him forward.

It is hard to repay this kindness!