"A worthy ruler who would govern the realm must be diligent and frugal. If the emperor is diligent and frugal, how could worthy ministers fail to follow his example? How would petty men dare speak of extravagance?"
"Great Wei's three generations of sage rulers all took diligence and frugality as their foundation..."
As always, Wang Xiang expounded on lofty principles.
Cao Mao still had to put on a receptive expression, sitting obediently across from him and listening to his lecture.
When it came to diligence and frugality, who could compare with those rulers of the Two Jins?
The emperors took the lead in practicing diligence and frugality, and the ministers competed with one another, until they were so diligent and frugal that there were no poor people left in the realm.
They understood the principles of frugality and simplicity better than anyone. Putting them into practice was another matter entirely.
Only after Wang Xiang finished the day's lecture on lofty principles did Cao Mao move a little closer and ask with a smile, "Teacher, how is your selection of worthy talent coming along?"
"Huh? What matter?"
Wang Xiang looked somewhat bewildered.
Cao Mao cursed inwardly a few times. "Didn't you say before that you would recruit more worthy men for me? Surely you haven't forgotten, Teacher?"
Realization dawned on Wang Xiang, and he said with a smile, "Oh, that matter."
"Do not worry, Your Majesty. I was just preparing to submit a memorial, but to my surprise, Duke Lu of the Imperial Secretariat raised the matter before I did, so I gave it no further thought."
As Wang Xiang spoke, his face quickly grew stern again.
"Your Majesty, what did I teach you yesterday?"
"You said that a worthy ruler who governs the realm must not be impatient for quick