preface
Throughout the history of feudal dynasties, monarchy often placed itself above its subjects. The ministers of the imperial court often had to maintain the dignity and authority of the emperor at every turn, and carefully deal with the emperor's difficulties. Once offended by the emperor, the consequences could be annihilation or death. Being able to live safely on the edge of a black hole of power is all about wisdom and emotional intelligence.
During the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Qianlong was extremely political and extremely moody. Minister Liu Yong relied on his outstanding IQ and emotional intelligence to repeatedly overcome dangers and impress Qianlong. His shrewd and smooth way of dealing with the world has had a profound enlightenment effect on future generations.
First, the emperor sought flowers and asked Willow, and the minister was stretched
During the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, the Qianlong Emperor was extremely politically savvy and managed this large, fragmented empire in an orderly manner. He also possessed a high level of intellectual accomplishment, and the compilation of the Siku Quanshu was completed under his auspices. Qianlong loved literature and art, and was also good at calligraphy, painting and poetry, requiring ministers to be familiar with literary talents. He also likes to pursue excitement and often makes things difficult for ministers.
The ministers were well aware of the emperor's domineering personality and moodiness, and they had to be served carefully. Once the answer is not what is asked, it may incur the wrath of the emperor, and the consequences are unimaginable. Therefore, whenever Qianlong came to his heart and raised obscure and strange questions, the ministers were all stretched thin and worried like walking on thin ice.
Once, on a whim, Qianlong suddenly asked Liu Yong, a university scholar, how many people would die in a year and how many would be born in the Qing Empire. When Liu Yong heard this, his face turned white, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.
There is no answer to this kind of question, the Qing Empire is vast and has a large population, how can it be possible to calculate specific figures. If he indiscriminately fabricates a number, it is very likely that the emperor will recognize it and be beheaded for the crime of cheating; If you answer directly, you will also be considered incompetent by the emperor; If you simply pretend to be stupid and prevaricate in the past, you may anger the emperor and lose trust.
Liu Yong's heart was anxious, he understood that this was a huge trap, and he had to deal with it carefully before he could retreat with his whole body. He tried to calm down, force himself to calm down, and think carefully about countermeasures.
In fact, it was not the first day that Qianlong made the minister difficult, and Liu Yong had seen a lot in the dynasty. Those ministers who were quick to respond carelessly were either demoted to the cold palace or suddenly fell ill and died. Therefore, every time Qianlong had a problem, the ministers present were all walking on thin ice, for fear of saying the wrong thing and causing trouble.
Just last month, Qianlong suddenly asked a university scholar what feng shui was like in a certain place, and the university scholar replied respectfully: "Your Majesty, I am not talented, I really don't know anything about feng shui." Qianlong was furious, saying that he was lawless, did not know feng shui, and was not good for the country. The university scholar had to ask to retire and go home, never to turn over again.
Thinking of this, Liu Yong was even more frightened. He must show his true skills to survive this disaster.
Second, the humble minister is the most favored by the king, and Liu Yong uses emotional intelligence to please Qianlong
In the face of the emperor's difficulties, Liu Yong did not panic, but steadied his mind and waited for the opportunity.
Liu Yong is humble by nature, never thinks too much of himself, and is willing to learn from others. He knew that in order to gain the emperor's trust, he had to show deference. The emperor liked to make things difficult for his ministers, which was nothing more than to prove his authority and show the stupidity of his courtiers. If the courtiers showed great intelligence, it was easier to arouse the emperor's jealousy and put themselves in danger.
Therefore, Liu Yong pretended to be embarrassed and replied, "Your Majesty, the population question you asked, Wei Chen really can't do anything to give a definite answer. The minister is stupid and shallow, please ask His Majesty to open up and give the minister a chance to make amends. ”
Liu Yong's humble attitude pleased Qianlong, and the emperor laughed: "You are here for this? Give you a chance to make amends, and if you want any reward, if you can't answer, you will be punished!"
Liu Yong once again thanked the emperor for his kindness, saying that it was already a great honor for him to serve the emperor and did not need other rewards.
Qianlong saw that Liu Yongbi was respectful and did not be greedy for selfishness, and he was very satisfied in his heart.
In fact, Liu Yong could also directly avoid the question, or ask the emperor to change the question with a little chagrin. But he knew that this might make the emperor feel slighted, and then he would be furious. The wisest thing to do is to pretend to be humble and seek teaching, and win the emperor's favor.
Liu Yong understands human psychology too thoroughly. He knows that people in high positions often have a serious sense of superiority. If his subordinates show more talent than he is, it is possible to arouse his jealousy and suspicion. Therefore, the safest way is to use emotional intelligence to please the emperor and show humility and obedience to win the emperor's favor. This will also be of incalculable benefit to his future foothold in the DPRK.
Third, to overcome the danger, Liu Yong skillfully coped with Qianlong's difficulties
Qianlong repeatedly pressed Liu Yong for answers to his questions. Liu Yong pondered for a moment and replied to Qianlong: "Your Majesty, under careful consideration, one person is born and 12 people die every year in the Great Qing Dynasty."
"What do you mean by that?" The Qianlong Emperor was furious, "My Great Qing Kingdom Tai Min'an, how can only one person be born every year, but 12 people die?" You're cheating!"
Liu Yong steadied his mind and responded respectfully: "Please rest your majesty, the 'one' and '12' mentioned by the minister are not specific numbers, but according to the genus of the sixty jiazi. This year is the Year of the Horse, so all children born belong to horses, and there is only 'one' genus. And the dead people are different ages, naturally there are 12 genera phases, so it is '12'. The minister has no intention of cheating the king, and he also asks His Majesty to understand it. ”
Liu Yong's explanation made Qianlong suddenly realize, it turned out to be such a truth! He blamed Liu Yong wrongly. Qianlong was in a good mood, and another problem appeared: "Good! You are really smart! So how many people come and go in the capital every day?"
Liu Yong pondered again and said: "There are only two kinds of people entering and leaving the capital every day, one is a man and the other is a woman. Although the exact number is unknown, it is divided into only two genera phases. ”
Qianlong was amazed after hearing this, and Liu Yong's wit impressed him. The other ministers also admired Liu Yong's wisdom. Liu Yong used ingenious thinking to turn danger into a disaster, and successfully turned the evil into luck.
Liu Yong's answer was like walking on thin ice, and he did not dare to slack off in the slightest. He knew that the emperor was moody, and if he answered incorrectly, the consequences would be unimaginable. So he chose the clever metaphor of sixty koshi, which shows the importance of the country's population and avoids answering the numbers directly. This showed both knowledge and did not anger the emperor.
Liu Yong's cautious thinking also impressed other ministers. Everyone present understood that Liu Yong's answer was completely made up to deal with the emperor's difficulties. With his official position and status, how is it possible to know the specific population of the country? But the important thing is to save the danger and make the emperor happy, which is the way to protect yourself.
Seeing the emperor's heartfelt look after hearing the answer, the other ministers also breathed a sigh. It is rumored in the capital that last month there was also a minister who did not have long eyes, blurted out "this is impossible to solve" when the emperor asked an unsolvable mathematical problem, and was angrily rebuked by the emperor, so he had to endure illness and resign to his hometown. Liu Yong's wit gave the ministers a glimpse of hope.
Fourth, kill people without saying a word, Liu Yong carefully answered Qianlong
Seeing that Liu Yong had answered his difficult question, Qianlong was overjoyed, and immediately took out a hundred taels of gold from his side and rewarded Liu Yong.
Liu Yong quickly thanked the emperor again for his grace, saying that he was satisfied that he could serve the emperor. Qianlong saw that Liu Yong was modest and cautious and praised him.
In fact, Liu Yong's heart was already in a cold sweat, and he was extremely afraid. He understood that the emperor's temper was changeable, and if he did not agree with each other, disaster could fall from the sky. If you are a little careless, you are too lucky, and you are likely to invite the scourge of killing. Being able to retreat with the whole body is already a blessing of God.
This thrilling situation of approaching life and death made Liu Yong realize the importance of being humble and cautious and knowing the progress and retreat. He took this valuable experience to heart and repeatedly turned risks into dangers in his future official career.
In fact, when Liu Yong answered the question, he had already made up his mind that no matter what the emperor asked, he would bring the answer in a direction beneficial to the people of the country. Making up numbers can invite trouble, and he must grasp the general direction and skillfully manage his loyalty and responsibility. Sure enough, his witty answers pleased the emperor and allowed him to accumulate prestige in the hearts of other ministers.
In fact, these ministers were not less difficult by the emperor. One of the emperor's favorite red card guards was asked by the emperor about the situation in the palace when he was on duty a few days ago. The chief guard answered truthfully that there was nothing unusual, but the emperor was furious, saying that he knew nothing and did nothing, and directly demoted him to Xinjiang. Therefore, Liu Yong's treatment was not alarmed, and it undoubtedly gave them a shot in the arm.
epilogue
Liu Yong was able to survive his life under Qianlong not only because of his extraordinary wisdom, but also because of his humble and prudent way of doing things. He is well versed in the life principle of "the people are not disrespectful, so they are loyal and do not seek retribution", never showed his talent and power, handled changes without alarm, was understanding, and calmly dealt with the emperor's difficulties with emotional intelligence.
Liu Yong's success has taught us that we must know how to be a person and have a humble attitude, and no one will make others unmatched. Be kind to others, help others, and treat others sincerely in order to make smart friends; Modesty, low-key, contentment and happiness can go further.