High Martial Arts Three Kingdoms: The Incompetent Strategist

Thinking of this, Tang Ke couldn't help but feel a chill. Was Emperor Ling of Han using the same tactic to frequently appoint him, a complete stranger who had suddenly appeared? Was he also treating him like a pig, waiting to fatten him up before slaughtering him?

This person was not as incompetent as later generations described him, only knowing how to indulge in play and pleasure. Although he had been indulging in sensual pleasures and his body had been almost completely drained, he had been trying to balance the various forces. Who knows if he was also a pawn in his efforts to balance the various forces?

Seeing that no agreement could be reached, Emperor Ling of Han was furious. Seeing that it was getting late, he hastily ended the court session and, unusually, requested that the court session continue three days later.

He Jin was also very embarrassed. This matter was closely related to his personal interests, so he couldn't speak out. Usually, he had a good relationship with these officials who dared to speak out, so he didn't know why they were opposing him on this matter.

To better prepare for tomorrow's court assembly, he specifically summoned Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, and Tang Ke back to his home for discussion. He was determined to obtain the position of Grand General and could not afford the slightest mishap.

Yuan Shao and Cao Cao were not fully recovered from their injuries and were not in good spirits, but they still offered their advice enthusiastically.

The most enthusiastic were Chen Lin and Kuai Yue. These two desperately needed an opportunity to prove themselves. If they could promote He Jin to the position of Grand General, their chances of advancement in dealing with the Taiping Dao rebellion would be even greater.

Only Tang Ke remained silent. He was very unhappy that He Jin and others had blamed him entirely for the deaths of Ma Yuanyi and others in their public announcements. In addition, Emperor Ling of Han seemed to be very sensitive about the fact that he was He Jin's man. It was best not to get involved if possible.

"Ziyou, what's your opinion?" Seeing that Tang Ke remained silent, He Jin simply pointed the finger at him.

"Triggering task: Help He Jin ascend to the position of Grand General; Target of advice: He Jin; Completion conditions 1: The plan is adopted; Condition 2: The plan fails; Time limit for completion: Three days. Do you accept?"

Tang Ke carefully read the panel. This mission had a very short timeframe, with the outcome to be determined in three days. Without any hesitation, he accepted the mission.

"How much money are you willing to offer for the position of Grand General?"

"Money?" He Jin looked at Tang Ke in surprise: "This isn't a business transaction, how can it be measured in money? Besides, why would these censors and officials take my money to do this kind of thing?"

Yuan Shao chimed in, “Exactly, money won’t work. I’ve already tried contacting one of them, but I was immediately rejected.”

Tang Ke smiled and said, "Money can move mountains, and three sticks of incense can be used to worship Buddha. There are no pulses that cannot be penetrated, only pulses that cannot be accurately diagnosed."

Yuan Shao slapped his thigh: "Ziyou is absolutely right. Spending money to please someone is definitely better than giving them money directly. Everyone has their own preferences. If they like beautiful women, give them beautiful women; if they like ancient books, give them books. As long as you give them the right thing, you don't have to worry about them not being tempted."

Tang Ke nodded vigorously: "That's exactly what I mean. Money makes the world go round!"

“Money is not a problem. My He family dares not say that we are as rich as Deng Tong, but we have quite a lot of wealth. We can give it all away without any problem.” He Jin did not seem to care about money. “This is a joint venture between you two, Benchu ​​and Ziyou. Benchu ​​is responsible for finding out the preferences of the various officials and censors and prescribing the right medicine for them. Ziyou is responsible for the procurement.”

After Yuan Shao received the order, the group first discussed in detail with several key figures what to send, and Yuan Shao then drew up a purchase order on the spot.

They worked until late into the night to finish their discussion, but Tang Ke had something on his mind and took his leave early.

Kuai Yue looked at Tang Ke thoughtfully. Relying on bribery to obtain the position of Grand General would be a shocking scandal if it were exposed.

Considering that Tang Ke now held an important position, he swallowed back the words that were about to come out.

Tonight is destined to be a sleepless night.

Before Tang Ke could even step into his home, he was hurriedly dragged into the palace by a eunuch.

As soon as Emperor Ling saw him enter, he quickly came to greet him. "Ziyou," he said, "tell me, what methods can help me deal with these old scholars in court? Can we execute them all?"

Tang Ke sneered inwardly, "If you could really cut me down, would you be asking me?"

He didn't expose the emperor's charade, shaking his head and saying, "The country has its own system. It's not impossible for Your Majesty to add annotations to your golden words, but it wouldn't be conducive to the operation of the national system."

"Oh?" Emperor Ling of Han realized that he seemed to be meeting this young man for the first time.

Tang Ke sighed deeply: "Today in the court, when these censors and officials jumped out to criticize His Majesty, I was also very angry. But after the court session ended, I thought about it again and again, and suddenly I understood many things."

“People like them, who are not afraid of death or power, and who speak frankly and even die to remonstrate with Your Majesty, may not be loyal to Your Majesty personally, but rather to the foundation of the stable development of our Great Han.”

"They may not have the ability to expand territory or defend the country, but such ministers, such adherence to principles and their own opinions, may be another force that keeps our Han Dynasty stable."

Emperor Ling of Han said helplessly, "But I haven't done anything outrageous. I just wanted to grant an official position to someone close to me. He Jin has a good reputation. I really can't understand why there is so much resistance. It's simply unreasonable."

Tang Ke gazed into the distance, lost in thought: "This is precisely why I say they are the foundation of the Han Dynasty's stable development. Throughout history, there have been countless domineering monarchs who could have acted arbitrarily if they so desired. However, such things have not actually happened in many cases. Does Your Majesty know why?"

Emperor Ling of Han gave a wry smile: "Don't tell me that all of this is thanks to these censors."

"Yes, but not entirely. Historical judgments, the legitimacy of imperial power, loyalty, filial piety, benevolence, and righteousness are all important factors. The loyalty and integrity of the censors and officials are even more like shackles that restrain ambition."

"Your Majesty's desire to appoint He Jin as Grand General is certainly a solution to the current problem, and may even be the best solution. However, officials have the freedom to express their different opinions. If they are rashly killed, it will set a bad example for the country and for future emperors."

"Future emperors will think, since I have the power, I can do what I like and use the people I like, and no one has the right to interfere. If they insist on interfering, then just kill them. After all, that's what our ancestors did."

"With this example, the execution of officials who speak out can be carried out openly. At that time, the emperor's wisdom will be clouded, and the court will be filled with flattery. Where will the emperor be placed when he cannot see or hear?"

Emperor Ling of Han looked at the young man, who was not yet twenty years old, and finally a trace of respect appeared in his eyes: "I never expected that Ziyou could have such profound insights. It has truly been worth my cultivation of you!"