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When communicating and dealing with intelligent people, Fei Qian preferred using open, straightforward strategies, using win-win models to secure the other party's agreement.
In Luoyang, it was precisely through this win-win model that Fei Qian repeatedly reached consensus with Li Ru. Otherwise, why would someone as cunning as Li Ru, with his mind full of twists and turns, regard Fei Qian differently?
Human nature desires to seize more resources; it's instinct.
From the moment a life enters the world crying, once realizing the scarcity and preciousness of food, without needing to be taught, it instinctively grabs all edible things within reach. That's nature.
Therefore, when wanting to obtain something from someone else, the best method isn't to rush forward, tear, or pry open their tightly clenched fingers, but to offer them something else…
When they want to take that other thing, the originally tightly clenched fingers naturally loosen.
As for whether that thing is worth it, that's a matter of the benevolent seeing benevolence, the wise seeing wisdom.
On one side is difficulty, on the other, benefit. Anyway, Fei Qian now openly laid these two aspects before Chen Rui, letting Chen Rui consider for himself.
There would naturally be risks. But where in the world could there be something with only gain and no risk? Benefits naturally existed too. At the very least, this was an excellent opportunity!
Fei Qian hadn't formally taken over Puzi County yet, so naturally couldn't exert much binding force over Chen Rui. Therefore, he could only appeal to reason, telling Chen Rui that this matter was beneficial for both you and me.
Especially when mentioning Lord Taiqiu, Fei Qian clearly saw a flicker of longing in Chen Rui's eyes…
Lord Taiqiu, Chen Shi, originally came from a poor family. He started from serving as a precinct chief, successively held posts as Merit Officer, Chief of Taiqiu, and then served as General-in-Chief Dou Wu's subordinate…
Of course, Chen Shi had achievements in classical studies, but not as renowned as the Xun family. What people praised about Chen Shi was his virtue.
The most famous story was Chen Shi and the "gentleman on the beam."
Once, a thief entered Chen Shi's home, hiding on a roof beam, waiting for a chance to steal.
Chen Shi knew someone was on the beam but didn't call for guards. Instead, he gathered his children and grandchildren and lectured them: "A person must not fail to strive for self-improvement. Unvirtuous people are not necessarily inherently evil. Habits form nature, leading to this. The gentleman on the beam is such a case!"
The thief hiding on the beam was overcome with shame and remorse. He climbed down, kowtowed, and begged for punishment. Chen Shi encouraged him to reform and gave him silk and cloth.
Leaving aside the story's truth, such an entertaining tale naturally spread readily among the people during leisure time.
Thus, this man, initially of humble origins, ultimately became the universally recognized paragon of virtue, one of the "Four Elders of Yingchuan." The Chen family transformed from an obscure small clan into a prominent surname in Yingchuan. When Chen Shi passed away, even the then-General-in-Chief He Jin sent envoys to mourn, and attendees from across the land numbered over thirty thousand!
It could be said Chen Shi truly single-handedly raised the entire Yingchuan Chen clan, transforming the Chen clan's social status in Yingchuan. His struggle history was a monument in the hearts of all Yingchuan Chen clan members, a direction envied and strived for by Han Dynasty scholars. Naturally, this included Chen Rui of the Chen clan.
Though Chen Rui wasn't Chen Shi's direct descendant, with such a shining precedent like Chen Shi, wouldn't he think about advancing further himself?
Then, how to gain renown?
By merely fulfilling one's duties within one's own county?
Among so many county chiefs and magistrates under heaven, how to distinguish superior from inferior? How to be praised and talked about by others?
Only by performing extraordinary deeds would one be remembered and possibly praised by others. Right now, Fei Qian presented such an opportunity to Chen Rui. Either you refuse to send troops, then face difficulties in the next phase. Even if you solve them, you'd just be a magistrate for a few years, remembered by no one;
Or you agree to send troops, join me in resolving the White Wave army. Then naturally, you'd share the credit. As a Yingchuan Chen clan member daring to act and shoulder responsibility, you'd naturally gain better upward mobility and a ladder…
Chen Rui looked up. "May I ask how certain Commander Fei is of success in this venture?"
"With Magistrate Chen's assistance, an eighty percent chance of victory."
'Ha, how would I know exactly? But Fei Qian naturally wouldn't say that. Just claim eighty percent.' Fei Qian thought sarcastically, if you understood percentages, I might even say 82.5% success rate, wouldn't that seem more precise and credible?
But Chen Rui apparently believed it. He pondered for a while, clearly weighing gains and losses in his heart, and finally said, "I have one request. If Commander Fei agrees…"
"Speak freely" After all, not being a direct superior had this trouble. But since Chen Rui was willing to set conditions, it meant he was inclined to send troops inwardly. Therefore, Fei Qian didn't show displeasure at Chen Rui's conditions, instead smiling slightly.
"…Our county's troops shall be led and commanded by Commandant Zhang accompanying you." After saying this, Chen Rui quickly glanced at Fei Qian's expression. He was somewhat worried about this request; it did contain some self-interest.
Fei Qian considered briefly and understood Chen Rui's meaning. One, worry that Fei Qian might abscond with the troops. Second, with Zhang Lie participating, the credit belonging to Puzi County would certainly be secured…
'That's fine too,' Fei Qian thought. Since Chen Rui had ambition, in one sense, it was a good thing. After all, only those wanting to gain something would give something. Only…
"Agreed." Fei Qian said, "…But they must obey my orders." This was essential to emphasize, must be stated upfront. Otherwise, with conflicting orders, how could they attack Yong'an City?
Chen Rui nodded. "Naturally." He then looked at Zhang Lie.
Seeing this, Zhang Lie, standing nearby, stood up, saluted, and declared, "For this venture, I shall obey Commander Fei's orders! Now that Yong'an is in crisis, I beg leave to first withdraw and prepare troops and supplies!" After speaking, he saluted and, with Fei Qian and Chen Rui's permission, left the county hall first.
Fei Qian picked up his tea bowl, toasting Chen Rui. "Then I thank Magistrate Chen for your great righteousness. I believe the people of Yong'an will be grateful and sing praises of Magistrate Chen's action…"
"I dare not, I dare not. This is merely following in the Commander's wake. I truly dare not claim credit…" Chen Rui smiled. "I wish Commander Fei immediate success, pacifying the White Wave!"