amaotonovel Chapter 574 Han Xin 4
Chapter 574 Han Xin 4
"and then?"
"And then?" A sharp glint flashed in Han Xin's eyes. "Conquering the world is difficult, but governing it is even more difficult. Qin's laws are harsh, and the remnants of the six states have not yet submitted. It seems peaceful on the surface, but in reality, undercurrents are surging."
Lin Xi nodded: "In your opinion, what should be done?"
“Severe punishments should be used, but benevolent governance should also be practiced.” Han Xin’s words were startling, and carried with an undeniable certainty: “The problem with Qin’s laws is not their severity, but their injustice. Nobles who break the law are often pardoned, while commoners who commit minor offenses are severely punished. This is not the way to govern a country.”
Lin Xi said thoughtfully, "I didn't expect Brother Han to have such insights into politics."
Han Xin proudly declared, "The Art of War states that the best strategy is to attack the enemy's plans, the next best is to disrupt their alliances, the next best is to attack their army, and the worst is to besiege their cities. Governing a country is like governing an army; it requires comprehensive consideration." His arrogance was evident when discussing his area of expertise.
"If that's the case, why does Brother Han remain in Pei County instead of serving in the government and making contributions?" Lin Xi probed.
Han Xin sneered, his expression clearly disdainful: "A lowly county clerk, toiling away all day long, is not my ambition." He looked down on those humble positions.
"What if there were an opportunity to realize my ambitions?"
Han Xin looked sharply at Lin Xi: "Just tell me, who exactly are you? Why are you so interested in me?" He was impatient with beating around the bush.
Lin Xi put down his wine glass and said seriously, "I am a guard under Princess Jiayang of Qin. I have come to find you on the princess's orders."
"Princess?" Han Xin frowned, making no attempt to hide his doubts. "What can a woman possibly gain from this?" He was by nature averse to currying favor and instinctively kept his distance from those who relied on their status or position.
Lin Xi shook his head: "Brother Han, you are mistaken. Although Princess Jiayang is a woman, she has exceptional insight, and the King of Qin has adopted her suggestions many times. You must have seen the notices in the city, Brother Han; they are all thanks to the princess's earnest advice."
Han Xin was slightly surprised: "Those laws...are indeed beneficial to the country and the people." He acknowledged the facts, but his attitude remained reserved.
"The princess has heard of Brother Han's talent and wishes to recommend you to Xianyang so that you may present your strategies for governing the country and waging war," Lin Xi said solemnly.
Han Xin remained silent for a long time before suddenly asking, "How did the princess know about me?" He needed to find out the reason and disliked being manipulated.
Lin Xi had anticipated this question and calmly replied, "The princess is well-read and values talent above all else. She has long been aware of your talent and has been ordering me to secretly search for you."
A complex look flashed in Han Xin's eyes. "What if I don't want to go?" Han Xin asked, wanting to maintain control.
Lin Xi smiled: "The princess said that she would never force anyone. She only said that if Brother Han is willing to grow old and die in obscurity, then he is not the person she is looking for."
This statement struck at Han Xin's weak point. He was confident in his talent; how could he truly be content with mediocrity?
"Give me three days to consider," Han Xin finally said, needing time to weigh his options and unwilling to make a hasty decision.
Over the next two days, Lin Xi took Han Xin on a tour of various places in Pei County. They visited the county commandant and the county magistrate.
Wherever he went, Han Xin would always speak frankly about current affairs, without any regard for the feelings of those present. He neither understood nor cared to understand the intricacies of officialdom.
If it weren't for Lin Xi's frequent attempts to smooth things over, and his generous treat to dinner, he probably would have offended a whole bunch of people long ago.
"Brother Han," Lin Xi couldn't help but advise as they left the tavern, "It's good to speak frankly, but you also need to consider the feelings of others."
Han Xin disagreed, his brows furrowing slightly: "What I said is all true, what's wrong with it?" He firmly believed in his own judgment and was unwilling to change his words to please others.
Lin Xi shook his head: "For example, in chess, you not only have to look at the moves, but also at your opponent. The same applies to interacting with people."
Han Xin remained silent for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Why are you helping me out like this?" Although he was not good at socializing, he was not ignorant of human relationships; he simply did not want to do so.
"Because I believe in your talent and don't want you to miss out on a big opportunity because of trivial matters."
That evening, the two climbed the city wall of Pei County. The moonlight, like water, spilled onto the quiet streets.
"When I was young, my family fell into poverty, and my mother was seriously ill, but we had no money to treat her," Han Xin suddenly said, his voice somewhat ethereal in the night wind. "I knelt before the gates of noble families for two days, begging them to lend a helping hand for the sake of my late father, but I couldn't even get through the door."
Lin Xi listened quietly.
"My mother said before she died, 'Xin'er, you are exceptionally intelligent, but you are too straightforward. You will suffer greatly in the future.'" Han Xin smiled bitterly. "She is right, but I can't change, and I don't want to." His arrogance and stubbornness were particularly clear at this moment.
"and after?"
"I buried my mother, left my hometown to study, sought out renowned teachers, and researched military strategy. I wanted to prove that even without flattery, one can achieve great things through true ability." Han Xin gazed into the distance with a determined look in his eyes. "However, ten years have passed, and I have still accomplished nothing." His tone was filled with a complex mix of resentment and pride.
Lin Xi said softly, "Because the time was not right. Now the time is coming, Brother Han, are you willing to seize it?"
Han Xin did not answer, but Lin Xi saw the fire in his eyes and it said it all.
That night, as Lin Xi was preparing to go to bed, Han Xin knocked on the door and entered.
"Brother Lin, I have a question for you." Han Xin said with a serious expression, "Princess Jiayang... just who is she?" He finally began to seriously consider this opportunity, but still remained cautious.
Lin Xi invited Han Xin to sit down and began to explain: "Princess Wuyou is the sixth daughter of the King of Qin. Her Highness has reformed the system, revised the laws, and established the imperial examination system precisely to break down barriers of social class and create a path for talented people from all over the world to advance! A person of such great talent as Brother Han is exactly what Her Highness is looking for!"
Lin Xi nodded: "The princess often says that the world has suffered from war for too long, and the priority should be to bring peace to the people. She is eager to find talented people, regardless of their background, and only appoints them based on their abilities. Many young officials in the court were recommended by her, or entered officialdom in the last two years through the imperial examinations."
"Including you?"
“Including me.” Lin Xi smiled. “I was originally a guard by the King of Qin’s side. After the princess took us to her side, although we were still guards, we were no longer protecting His Highness. Instead, we were stationed in various places to carry out missions. I really like this kind of life now.”
A thoughtful look flashed in Han Xin's eyes: "In that case, this princess is indeed extraordinary."
“More importantly,” Lin Xi looked directly into Han Xin’s eyes, “she was good at recognizing and employing people, and she wouldn’t discard them after they were no longer useful. She often said that a good general is hard to find, and one should strive to see things through to the end.”
These words deeply moved Han Xin. The phrase "the bow is put away after the birds are all gone" was precisely the ending he feared most.
After a long silence, he took a deep breath, a resolute glint in his eyes: "What you say is absolutely right, sir. I am willing to go to Xianyang and serve under Your Highness!" He had finally made his choice, based on his recognition of his own value, not on currying favor.
Lin Xi was delighted and said with a smile, "Brother Han, please return to your lodgings and make some preparations. I still need to handle some follow-up matters in Pei County and arrange transportation. We will set off for Xianyang in three days, how about that?"
“Three days…that’s enough.” Han Xin nodded. He needed time to say goodbye—although there were not many people or things worth staying for in Pei County, he also needed to organize his treasured military books and documents.