Husband and wife united in purpose, jointly governing the country.
Shen Chengyou's new marriage to Wang Ruoxi did not lead him astray. Soon after, the emperor, recognizing his outstanding talent, promoted him to Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, in charge of rectifying official corruption. Although the court was relatively clean and efficient at the time, some officials still relied on their seniority or connections to hold their positions without performing their duties, and were corrupt and derelict in their responsibilities, which urgently needed to be cleaned up.
Upon assuming office, Shen Chengyou encountered a thorny problem. There was a minor official surnamed Liu, the nephew of Grand Tutor Liu, a veteran of three reigns. He had served for three years without any achievements, yet he had been repeatedly promoted thanks to his uncle's power, leaving many colleagues angry but unable to speak out. Shen Chengyou reviewed Liu's official records and discovered that he had a history of tax evasion and oppression of the people during his time in local government, but Grand Tutor Liu had suppressed the matter and had not pursued it further.
"If this person is not dealt with, the rectification of officialdom will be nothing but empty talk." Shen Chengyou paced back and forth in his study, his brows furrowed. Grand Tutor Liu wielded immense power in the court, and his protégés and former officials were scattered throughout the government. To rashly take action against his nephew would inevitably invite retaliation and might even hinder the progress of subsequent reforms.
Wang Ruoxi walked in carrying a cup of hot tea. Seeing his solemn expression, she asked softly, "Chengyou, have you encountered a difficult problem?"
Shen Chengyou recounted the matter of Liu Yuanwailang in detail, his tone tinged with concern: "Grand Tutor Liu wields considerable power. If I were to demote him according to regulations, it would likely invite criticism and obstruction. However, if I were to leave it unattended, I would be failing His Majesty's trust and going against my original intentions."
Wang Ruoxi took the case file from his hands, carefully reviewed it, and then pondered, "Chengyou, you are the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, and it is your duty to rectify official conduct. The evidence against Liu Yuanwailang is irrefutable, and it is reasonable to deal with him according to the rules. His Majesty and the upright officials in the court will certainly support you." She then added, "However, you must be strategic. You can first compile the evidence of Liu Yuanwailang's crimes into a book and privately present it to His Majesty to gain his support; at the same time, contact several upright ministers to create a united front in court, leaving Grand Tutor Liu with no way to refute your claims."
She paused, then added, "In addition, I can host a banquet tomorrow to invite several ministers' wives, including Grand Tutor Liu's wife. During the banquet, I will subtly mention the importance of reforming the bureaucracy to the country, and let her know that Liu Yuanwailang's behavior has offended the public. If the Grand Tutor insists on protecting her, it may affect the family's reputation."
Upon hearing this, Shen Chengyou felt a sense of relief. He held his wife's hand, his eyes full of approval: "Ruoxi, you've thought of everything! With your help, I have no worries."
The next day, Shen Chengyou followed the plan, meticulously compiling evidence of Liu Yuanwailang's crimes, and personally went to the palace to meet the emperor. The emperor, after reviewing the evidence, flew into a rage: "Such a disgraced individual, how could he hold such a high position? It's utterly outrageous! I support your decision to punish him according to the law; anyone who dares to obstruct me is an enemy of me!"
After receiving the emperor's explicit support, Shen Chengyou secretly contacted several like-minded ministers. All of them had long been dissatisfied with Liu Yuanwailang's behavior and expressed their willingness to testify on his behalf in court. At the banquet, Wang Ruoxi also subtly conveyed the pros and cons to Madam Liu. Madam Liu knew that the evidence was conclusive and that if she forcibly defended him, she might get herself into trouble. So she secretly advised Grand Tutor Liu not to interfere too much.
During the court assembly, Shen Chengyou presented evidence of Liu Yuanwailang's crimes in public, clearly outlining his various misdeeds. Grand Tutor Liu wanted to speak in rebuttal, but seeing the emperor's gloomy face and several ministers offering corroborating evidence, and remembering his wife's persuasion, he could only remain silent in the end.
“Liu Yuanwailang has been corrupt and derelict in his duties, corrupting the administration. According to the laws of Dajing, he is demoted to a commoner and will never be employed again!” Shen Chengyou’s voice was firm and resounding.
The Emperor immediately granted the request: "Granted! Minister Shen is fair and impartial, and handled the matter appropriately. From this day forward, I entrust you with full authority over the rectification of officialdom, and no one is allowed to interfere!"
This incident caused a great stir throughout the court. Seeing that Shen Chengyou had the emperor's support, was courageous and resourceful, and was impartial and incorruptible, officials quickly curbed their past laziness and greed, and the atmosphere of officialdom was cleansed. Many upright and capable officials were promoted, and the bureaucracy flourished.
Privately, Shen Nianqing said to his son, "Chengyou, you handled this matter well, adhering to principles while employing strategy, much like your grandfather did back then. But you must remember that reforming the bureaucracy is not something that can be accomplished overnight, and you will definitely encounter more obstacles in the future, so you must not be careless."
Shen Chengyou bowed and replied, "Father, rest assured, I understand. The successful handling of Liu Yuanwailang this time was largely due to Ruoxi's advice. From now on, she and I will work together as husband and wife to assist in governing the country and live up to the trust of His Majesty and the people."
Wang Ruoxi stood to the side, her eyes full of smiles. She knew that the road ahead might be full of thorns, but as long as the couple worked together and supported each other, there was no obstacle they couldn't overcome. The Shen family's tradition of "serving the country and the people, and being honest and upright" was being passed down and continued in this young couple.
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