"There's nothing wrong with that. These are extraordinary times, and we should be open-minded in our hiring practices."
"No, Your Majesty, this humble subject lacks experience. This important position should be filled by a qualified minister to ensure public respect."
The one speaking to the Emperor was Su Jin.
Lin Xiangzhi heard that they seemed to be discussing important matters, so he quickly stopped in his tracks.
Lin Xiangzhi dared not deliberately eavesdrop on the emperor's conversation, and after glancing around, he was about to step back.
Just as he took a step, the Emperor's voice rang out again from inside the room, "As I just said, these are extraordinary times, and the entire court is severely lacking in talent. This important task is related to the lifeline of Wanling. It is not enough to be senior; one must have enough loyalty to serve the court."
"As for your rank, it can be adjusted after a year. I am not at ease entrusting such an important position as the Governor-General of Water Transport to someone else. If any ministers have objections, I have my own solutions. Once you have achieved results in Jiangzhou after a year, everyone will be convinced."
The Emperor's words made Prime Minister Lin's body tremble.
Is the Emperor going to send Su Jin away?!
He should take on the important task of being the Governor-General of Water Transport.
The Emperor's boldness in employing people is truly his style. Prime Minister Lin's lips curled slightly upward as he stepped back.
In the imperial study, Su Jin sat anxiously at the lower end.
This is a huge matter. Since ancient times, official ranks have risen step by step. The Governor-General of Water Transport is a second-rank minister. He has taken too big a step, and it would be bad if people criticized the emperor for nepotism.
Deep down, it wasn't that he was incapable of being the Governor-General of Water Transport, but rather that he didn't want the Emperor to be questioned, and even less did he want people to say that he got promoted through nepotism.
Since the Emperor had put it that way, Su Jin had no choice but to accept the order.
"Your humble servant obeys the imperial decree and will do his utmost to ensure the smooth operation of water transport."
Seeing that Su Jin had accepted the order, Xiao Jingzhao smiled and said, "That's right. Go back and prepare. We'll set off in three days."
Su Jin thought this was too hasty, considering the major reshuffling of officials in Jiangzhou.
The newly arrived officials had to start everything from scratch, and by this time the place was probably in complete chaos. Su Jin couldn't bring himself to suggest postponing the departure date.
Su Jin left the Imperial Study with the Emperor's personally written appointment letter and looked up to see Prime Minister Lin standing in the distance.
"Brother Lin!" Su Jin walked over.
Hearing footsteps, Lin Xiangzhi turned around and said, "Brother."
Su Jin looked at the booklet in Lin Xiangzhi's hand and said, "Brother Lin is going to be very busy these days."
"That's right, we haven't had a proper get-together since we came back from Jiangzhou."
He glanced at the brocade in Su Jin's hand. "The Emperor wants you to go to Jiangzhou as well?"
"Yes, take over the position of Governor-General of Water Transport. Depart in three days."
Su Jin's tone showed no joy at being promoted; instead, his expression was solemn.
Lin Xiangzhi understood his feelings at that moment perfectly. With such a heavy responsibility on his shoulders and his heart set on the interests of Wanling, he naturally felt that this responsibility was as heavy as a thousand pounds.
If it were a petty person who coveted fame and fortune, they would be overjoyed and carried away with their pride.
Lin Xiangzhi patted Su Jin on the shoulder, "Let's gather at my residence tonight. I'll invite Jing Xiu, Bai Zhou, and Xie Yunchen over later. We'll drink until we drop tonight."
"Alright, I'll wait for you at the palace gate. Let's go back together." Su Jin glanced back at the vermilion gate of the Imperial Study and gestured for Lin Xiangzhi to hurry up and get things done.
Lin Xiangzhi waved his hand and strode towards the Imperial Study.
Upon seeing him, Fu Gui, who was standing outside the door, immediately bowed and said, "Greetings, Lord Lin!"
Fu Gui deliberately raised his voice, and the Emperor, hearing this from inside, immediately said to Eunuch Ma, "Quickly, invite him in."
Eunuch Ma knew about what happened today, and he was happier than anyone else.
With the national treasury full, the emperor was overjoyed, and those on duty below were much more relaxed.
Eunuch Ma bowed slightly in response and headed towards the door.
"Lord Lin has arrived. Please come in quickly."
As he passed by Fugui, Lin Xiangzhi reached out and touched the top of Fugui's head. "It hasn't been that long since I last saw you, and little Fugui has grown taller again."
Fu Gui: "..."
How could he ask? Lord Lin had only seen this servant on the first day he returned to the palace, how could he have forgotten?
With money in hand, he could easily take on the role of acting Minister of Revenue, and Lin Xiangzhi walked with a brisk pace.
"Greetings, Your Majesty!"
"No need for formalities, please sit down and let's talk."
With no outsiders in the room, Xiao Jingzhao treated him the same as before, and the two of them were completely unpretentious and informal.
"Your Majesty, this is the gold and silver jewelry that was escorted back from Jiangzhou. It has all been registered and recorded, and three copies have been made. I am presenting one copy to Your Majesty for your perusal."
As he spoke, Lin Xiangzhi placed the booklet in front of Xiao Jingzhao with both hands.
After Prime Minister Lin stepped back and sat down, Eunuch Ma served tea and pastries with a broad smile.
"Please sit down and have a cup of tea. The matter in Jiangzhou is now considered settled."
Xiao Jingzhao opened the booklet, turned to the last page of numbers, and his handsome face showed a slight change in expression.
With just one glance, Xiao Jingzhao closed the booklet, looked up at Lin Xiangzhi, and said, "All the criminals have been brought to justice, and your personal safety is no longer a problem. Tomorrow in court, I will announce your achievements. Tell me, do you have any requests? As long as they are reasonable, I will grant them."
"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. Your humble servant..." Prime Minister Lin hesitated, his face lighting up with joy, but he forced himself to remain silent.
It's reasonable; he admires the princess. Whether this is reasonable or not, Lin Xiangzhi really wasn't sure.
Having grown up with the emperor since childhood, one might be able to discern his intentions in other matters.
This was the only thing he had absolutely no idea about.
"Prime Minister, when did you become so polite? If you have any requests, just say so. Your achievements are outstanding, and none of the ministers dare to find fault with you."
Seeing that Lin Xiangzhi seemed hesitant to speak, Xiao Jingzhao encouraged him.
Lin Xiangzhi thought for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, I have a wish. May I ask it when the Empress Dowager returns?"
"Don't you trust me? The Empress Dowager won't interfere in matters of the court."
"No, my wishes have nothing to do with court politics."
Lin Xiangzhi paused for a moment and said, "Your Majesty can promise me that I will ask Your Majesty for a promise after the Empress Dowager returns to the capital."
"You asked me to promise you something last time, and I have already promised. I can fulfill that promise now, but you won't say. Do you have some unspeakable reason?"
Lin Xiangzhi paused for a moment, then coughed twice and said, "Your Majesty remembers, that's good. I was just too busy to speak properly. There's nothing I can't say. No rush, let's wait for the Empress Dowager to return before we talk about it."
"I just ran into Su Jin outside. He is about to be sent to a post outside the capital, and I am preparing to give him a farewell dinner tonight. If Your Majesty has nothing else to say, I will take my leave now."
Lin Xiangzhi was afraid that the emperor would continue to question him, and he wished he could leave the imperial study immediately.
Seeing that it was getting late, Xiao Jingzhao raised his bright yellow wide sleeves, indicating that Lin Xiangzhi could leave.
That night, Su Jin and his companions enjoyed drinks and conversation at the Lin residence, discussing their future.
The group of like-minded people were inseparable, drinking and chatting until late into the night.
Su Jin rarely drinks alcohol, but thinking about not being able to see his family and friends for a long time, he felt reluctant and couldn't help but drink an extra glass.
In his drunken haze, Bai Zhou tugged at Su Jin's sleeve and said, "Brother Su, guess what task the Emperor assigned me?"
"What?"
"you……"
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