Chapter 214 Decentralization

Prime Minister Cui and Minister Du gritted their teeth and swallowed their anger.

The ministers who offered these remonstrances were all their subordinates.

For no reason, Qin Jinzhi lost a lot of money. She said she was deceived. Anyone with a narrow mind would hold a grudge against them!

Qin Ye and the emperor exchanged a glance, wondering why they suddenly wanted to send money.

The emperor then spoke up, saying, "Although the misunderstanding has been cleared up, the investigation should still be conducted, after all, Prime Minister Cui and Minister Du are also concerned about the country and its people."

Qin Jinzhi glanced at Wei Cha, and the old man stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, I have objections to today's events."

Prime Minister Cui and Minister Du's eyelids twitched.

What's that old bastard up to now!

Wei Cha said with a serious expression:

"Today's events are all due to the Prime Minister and the Minister's abuse of power."

Prime Minister Cui and Minister Du were extremely busy with state affairs, handling countless political matters.

Fortunately, the princess was able to prove the prince's innocence today. If she hadn't been able to prove his innocence and had wronged a loyal minister, wouldn't that have chilled the hearts of all those who have contributed to the country?

Political affairs are numerous and cannot be handled by one person alone.

The concentration of power in the hands of the Chancellor and the Minister of State was not conducive to the development of the State of Jin.

Therefore, I propose that capable ministers be promoted and power be distributed among them. Only in this way can our Great Jin Dynasty flourish and prevent such injustices from happening again!

Prime Minister Cui and Du Zhong's expressions changed.

Unexpectedly, Wei Cha would delegate power at this critical juncture!

Instead of seizing military power, the power they held was being divided up.

Du Zhong immediately said, "Your Majesty, this is absolutely not allowed. Although we were negligent in today's matter, I have served as an official for many years and have never delegated my duties to others. The official system in Jin has been established for a long time. If it is changed arbitrarily, I am afraid the court will be in great chaos!"

Wei Cha glanced at him sideways and said, "If you're afraid of the division of power, just say so. Don't talk about the chaos in Jin. Why do you think so highly of yourself? Why don't you die right now? I'd like to see if Jin will really descend into chaos!"

Du Zhong shouted, "Wei Cha, I usually don't argue with you, but this matter is of great importance and cannot be taken lightly!"

Wei Cha ignored Du Zhong.

"Your Majesty, if a country wants to grow, it cannot stick to old ways and should adopt the strengths of all schools of thought."

The achievements of Prime Minister Cui and Minister Du over the years need no further explanation; however, now that the war has just ended, it is the perfect time for the State of Jin to vigorously develop.

If our Jin state wants to become an unshakeable power, it must discard the dross and select the essence.

Moreover, our Jin state is full of talented people. Prime Minister Cui and Minister Du should not disregard the state for their own selfish interests!

Prime Minister Cui looked at Wei Cha and said, “Lord Wei’s dedication to the country is evident to all. We naturally hope that the State of Jin will prosper. However, this matter is of great importance and requires careful consideration.”

Wei Cha immediately said, "Today and tomorrow, there are so many tomorrows. Why drag things out until tomorrow when they can be resolved today? Prime Minister Cui is just like a vain person, unwilling to give up the power in his hands?"

Du Zhong's face darkened!

Prime Minister Cui's expression was also not very good.

Everyone knows that the two of them are unlikely to relinquish power easily.

But Wei Cha was reckless and acted like a madman.

They dare to defy even His Majesty, let alone them!

The two sides were deadlocked. At this moment, the emperor spoke up: "What Minister Wei said is not without reason. You and I have seen the contributions that Prime Minister Cui and Minister Du have made to the country. But the affairs of the world depend on the two of you. It pains me to see you both overworked. Since you have brought up this matter, Minister Wei, do you have any solutions?"

Wei Cha spoke up:

"The scholars in the Hanlin Academy are the most talented and learned individuals in the imperial examinations of our Jin State who are eligible to take up their posts."

The position, originally meant to relieve the emperor's worries, has become a sinecure due to the concentration of power. The outstanding individuals who should have been able to realize their ambitions are now only able to study scriptures and copy books.

Your subject proposes to delegate power to the Hanlin Academy, allowing each scholar of the Hanlin Academy to be in charge of a portion of the political affairs.

At the same time, a Right Chancellor was appointed, selected from among the Hanlin Academicians with outstanding achievements.

For a moment, everyone in the hall fell into an eerie silence.

Wei Cha wanted to reduce Prime Minister Cui's power and establish new positions to check and balance him.

Although Minister Du's position is below that of the Chancellor, he now holds a position equivalent to that of the Right Chancellor.

Wei Cha's proposal shattered his dream of becoming prime minister.

After Wei Cha finished speaking, Prime Minister Cui turned his gaze to Qin Jinzhi's face.

Qin Jinzhi seemed to be waiting for his gaze.

A smirk played on her lips, her face a blatant display of defiance.

It really is her!

This man is so cunning; every step they take is paving the way for her.

This child must not be allowed to live!

He should have realized that everything Wei Cha did after re-entering officialdom benefited Qin Jinzhi.

Is Wei Cha Qin Jinzhi's man? Or is this just a charade orchestrated with His Majesty's tacit approval?

The smiling face on the dragon throne was unfathomable.

Over the years, he has never forgotten this man's path to becoming emperor.

Now it's shrouded in even more mystery.

Then the emperor spoke up: "What Minister Wei said makes a lot of sense. However, what Prime Minister Cui and Minister Du said also shows their concern for the state. Please allow me to go back and consider it carefully."

Prime Minister Cui lowered his gaze to the ground, "Your Majesty is wise."

The powerful families were in opposition to the imperial power, and they stood on equal footing.

This is the best opportunity to distribute power away from the powerful families.

His Majesty would not disagree; saying so is merely to save face for him, the Prime Minister, and Du Zhong, the Minister.

Ironically, at this very moment, he couldn't even do much to stop them.

Hanlin Academy?

Has Qin Jinzhi already reached there?

Unfortunately, he had countless students and many subordinates in the Hanlin Academy!

Those in the court, however, harbored their own schemes.

In the imperial court, no one is willing to lag behind others.

The political forces in the court are complex and their connections are extensive.

If His Majesty were to adopt Wei Cha's proposal, wouldn't it be possible for their clansmen to rise to a position second only to the emperor?

If that's the case, wouldn't their families also experience such a grand occasion?

Today, the matter initiated by Prime Minister Cui and Du Zhong has already implicated many officials. The matter Wei Cha mentioned is far-reaching, and many officials in the court must have their eyes on it. If he continues to obstruct it, it will surely arouse resentment.

Qin Jinzhi's move was brilliant.

After the court session, Du Zhong turned and left.

When Qin Jinzhi walked out of the main hall, Prime Minister Cui was actually waiting for her.

Upon seeing her emerge, he stepped forward and asked, "Is Your Highness about to leave the palace?"

Qin Jinzhi smiled slightly, "Prime Minister Cui, come along?"

Prime Minister Cui laughed and said, "Aren't we going to wait for the Prince?"

Qin Jinzhi stepped forward and said, "Grandfather and Imperial Grandfather have important matters to discuss."

Prime Minister Cui followed in Qin Jinzhi's footsteps.

"Today's events were meticulously planned, with each step carefully orchestrated. However, aren't you afraid that if something goes wrong, the Prince's illustrious reputation will be ruined?"

Qin Jinzhi stood with her hands behind her back, a smile spreading across her face. "Prime Minister Cui, you should know that I never do anything without certainty. I wonder how long it has been since Prime Minister Cui last saw his daughter?"

Prime Minister Cui's smile vanished, replaced by a cold gaze. "Do you know why the Cui clan is known as the foremost clan?"