"Little Ferdinand, this is the plan you came up with?" Ferdinand asked doubtfully.
"Yes, Father!" Little Ferdinand answered firmly.
"Fine, then explain it yourself. You'd best be able to convince me, or I'll have to consider where to send you off to serve as governor!" Ferdinand said, shaking his head.
"It can basically be understood at face value. I don't think it needs explaining—Father should be able to understand it," Little Ferdinand said carelessly.
"Fine, then let me ask you: where is the detailed plan? Don't tell me you intend to govern the Caucasus with just these few dozen words?" Ferdinand said with a smile.
"Aren't there local officials to handle it? You taught me not to personally attend to every single matter, but to leave chances for subordinates to prove themselves. There's no need for us to compete with them for credit!" Little Ferdinand said with perfect righteousness.
"Little Ferdinand, didn't I also teach you that before doing anything, you must consult more information, understand the causes and consequences, and only then make a decision?
"Now you don't know a thing. How will you judge whether these plans have actually been put into effect?
"Are you expecting bureaucrats to rely on their moral integrity?
"If that's the case, then I really must consider changing my heir. After all, you are my son. I can't just watch as others send you to the guillotine!" Ferdinand said sternly.
Clearly, Ferdinand was truly angry this time. There was no major problem with Little Ferdinand's proposal. But he had actually entrusted the most crucial step—implementation—to the moral integrity of officials?
Had he simply cast aside the lessons of those two men in Europe who went to the guillotine? If so, his future ending could easily be imagined!
Since ancient times, wise kings had