"This is not a phrase of my own creation, but something I came across occasionally while browsing through various books."
"It still shows your extensive knowledge and impressive memory, and the ability to apply it in daily life." Magistrate He said with a light smile, yet he hardly believed it. He had read quite a few miscellaneous books himself.
All sorts of obscure novels like "Embroidered Couch: Anecdotes", "Night Chats by Lamplight", "Monk under the Oil-lamp" and such, he had read, but never did he come across the sentence Xu Qing mentioned.
In fact, he was quite interested in Inspector Wu’s "Cave Thirty-Six Styles"; originally, the old fellow had intended to give it to him, but after the old dog Wu got promoted, he no longer mentioned it.
The cold reality of officialdom, the sycophancy, power-riding, trampling down, and other contemptible behaviors, just a glimpse can be enough.
Mr. He himself wanted to climb higher, precisely to purify the administration and correct such a climate.
Then Households Commander Zuo pulled Xu Qing and Magistrate He in for another drinking session.
In the circles of the government, the back and forth over the wine table is an unavoidable part.
Xu Qing had become accustomed to it.
In the past, he disliked such social obligations, as he was only meant to play a supporting role like an ox or horse, with benefits unconcerned with him, yet likely to take the blame.
To some, bearing blame for others was even seen as an opportunity for advancement.
They would wish to bear it but can’t.
However, regardless, he definitely didn’t like such things.
Now it’s different, his status and identity have changed, in these social interactions, Xu Qing at least played an important role, not just a minor character, with a sense of participation and immersion, naturally it felt different.
Therefore, for the same matter, those above can expound many grand principles, teaching others how to conduct themselves, but those below can only taste the bitterness and still have to agree with humiliation after being coerced.
Drinking glasses cross paths, toast follows the winding stream.
The fun ends, and they return!
"Master, your subordinate deserves death." Guo Zhuang, realizing the matter was exposed, knelt before Xu Qing, constantly slapping his own face.
After a while, Xu Qing spoke indifferently: "Arrest Officer Guo, you are not to blame for this. The number of people who had contact with the prisoner is limited; once suspicion arises, it is inevitable to trace it back. The mistake was my lack of thorough consideration, we should not have killed so hastily, it would have been better to just keep him unconscious."
Guo Zhuang said: "It’s all because your subordinate didn’t think of this, otherwise I should have reminded Master."
Xu Qing slightly smiled: "Get up. There’s nothing wrong with making a mistake. We are different from the Government Office. In the Office, a mistake can easily ruin one’s future, so many officials prefer to do nothing rather than make a mistake. But the world must move forward, how can we achieve that by doing nothing? Having learned from this experience, we must remember it, reflect, and not stop doing things."
He helped Guo Zhuang to his feet, whispering: "Do not fear making mistakes, just act within measure."
For Xu Qing, killing Guo Zhuang would be easy, but what then? If Guo Zhuang is killed, would his brother Guo Li hold a grudge? Should he be killed too?
If not, marginalization is the consequence.
Would a trusted aide, nurtured with difficulty and suddenly marginalized, bear a grudge?
It’s better to oversee mistakes than to have never attempted.
Learning from experience and growing from it makes a valuable aide. If mistakes continue, marginalization can follow later; then he would also be convinced.
Moreover, Guo Zhuang has managed many affairs before; it’s not right to invalidate his past merits over one mistake—this is not the way of being human.
Apart from manipulation, shouldn’t a superior also show responsibility?
If the leader does not bear responsibility, how can the subordinates be willing to exert themselves with dedication?
In being human, one must remember not to be too narrow-minded.
Then Xu Qing tossed out a Secret Manual, "This is a Saber Technique called Sorrowful Wind Saber, seized from a traitor of the Lotus Sect; take some time to learn it."
"Thank you, Master. Your subordinate can only repay you with my life." Guo Zhuang was choked up, not expecting to receive a Saber Technique from his master after messing up an assignment.
It was a fortune he cultivated in many lives, to follow such a master.
Xu Qing laughed nonchalantly: "What use do I have for your life? Doing your tasks well is the best way you can repay me."
"Yes." Guo Zhuang bowed deeply to the ground once more.
He resolved to be more cautious and deeper infiltrate the Government and County Government with his operatives.
He must not repeat the same mistake, even if it costs him his life.