Soon, more than twenty scholars came into the originally quiet imperial study.
These scholars were all successful candidates who failed the imperial examination. Some were young, some were old. They all paid their respects to the emperor and the elders who were about to leave the imperial court.
It would be a lie for them to say they were not afraid of the seemingly kind Lord Chu.
After all, a group of scholars had caused trouble in the street and offended Lord Chu, who was furious. In the end, it was rumored that the group of scholars were not thrown into death row, but their punishment was worse than death.
Those scholars were expelled from the capital. Not only could they not take part in this year's imperial examination, but even their nine clans would not be able to take the examination for several years.
This incident caused panic among the people at the time, but no scholar dared to stand up and say it was not true.
With such an incident before them, these scholars were very nervous. They didn't know whether it was a good thing or a bad thing for Lord Chu to ask them to come.
After keeping everyone in a state of suspense for a long time, Chu Yi finally spoke:
"You are all pillars of the court!"
Students: “???”
Then, they quickly lowered their heads in rows.
"The students are terrified—"
"There's no need to be so careful."
Chu Yi smiled. "I called you here this time because you are the most outstanding among the candidates who came to Beijing to participate in the Spring Examination. Now the court is implementing tax reforms and needs to send a large number of officials to other places. If you are willing, you can join us at any time."
Those who passed the imperial examination in Anguo were already able to become officials, but they were usually county magistrates or county magistrates in local areas. It was almost impossible for them to stay in the capital and serve as officials in the capital.
There are not many of these candidates, but for tax collectors or censors sent to some places in Annan, they can solve urgent problems.
Moreover, this group of juren is just one of the groups. If necessary, official positions can also be directly granted from the remaining juren.
When the twenty or so people below heard this, they were all stunned.
"The imperial court is currently looking to send tax collectors and censors to Annan to manage local taxation. If you are willing, you can directly serve as tax inspectors, a sixth-rank official, and be sent to manage commercial taxes in various parts of Annan!"
"At the end of the year, they will participate in the unified assessment. Those with outstanding abilities will be directly promoted to the Metropolitan Censorate as Censors, or they may even be assigned to any of the six ministries."
Chu Yi's words were simple, but they made people quickly understand the role of this official position.
The scholar who was originally hesitant heard that this so-called externally dispatched tax inspector had outstanding performance and could directly enter the Censorate, his eyes suddenly lit up.
The Censorate is where the censors are. The censors are censors and are also officials in the capital.
If these people became officials through normal channels, they would be appointed as local county magistrates or something like that. It would take them an unknown number of years to advance from a seventh-rank county magistrate to a Beijing official.
But now they are suddenly told that these scholars who failed the imperial examination still have the opportunity to serve as censors in charge of tax inspections, taking a shortcut to direct promotion. This kind of thing does not happen every day.
What's more, the name "tax inspection" sounds like it will make you feel lucrative.
It must be a good job!
Looking at the excited expressions on the faces of these scholars, Chu Yi knew exactly what they were thinking.
Without waiting for anyone to answer, he spoke again:
"Of course, I'll be frank! This good job fell on you not because the people who passed the imperial examination were not as good as you, but because the court needs people right now!"
"This time, the imperial court is focusing on tax reform, and they want to start with commercial taxes. If you, as tax collectors, fail to collect taxes in your jurisdiction, you will also be derelict in your duty. Do you understand?"
This serious warning brought the candidates below back to reality from their excitement.
Can’t collect taxes?
Are you kidding? If they were really sent to other places as imperial censors, how could merchants, with their low status and powerlessness, dare to evade taxes?
In their eyes, the so-called tax collectors and tax inspectors were just people who put food in people's mouths.
As long as we get to the place and squeeze those merchants hard, we will definitely collect a lot of commercial taxes.
And next year they will be able to enter the Censorate and become Beijing officials!
Faced with such generous conditions, people quickly nodded:
"Master Chu, I understand. If there really is such an opportunity, I would naturally be willing to become an official."
"Yes, I am also willing to take on the role of Tax Inspector!"
Seeing this, Chu Yi also nodded, "Very good, you guys are very energetic!"
"However, I must remind you that commercial taxes involve the affairs of the imperial court for the next few years, and there can be no room for any concealment. I have sought you out in the hope that you will bring about a new trend. When it comes to tax collection, you must not engage in corruption, bribery, or favoritism!"
"The Censorate will also send censors to assess Annan. If any region illegally collects taxes or causes unrest, it will be considered a failure of your supervision. Not only will you not be able to get promoted, but your career will also be ruined. Do you understand?"
Chu Yi's long speech interrupted these people's thoughts and also interrupted their fantasies.
But in order to have a better and faster career, it seems that it is not difficult to ensure that one is clean.
Soon, everyone nodded.
"Master Chu, I understand!"
"Okay, that's all I have to say." Chu Yi nodded. "If you're willing, you can report to the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Personnel later and state your names and places of origin!"
After Chu Yi finished his instructions, they bowed again and left one after another soon.
On the side, Xiao Ling, who had remained silent throughout, finally spoke:
"I don't even need to ask, I can see that when these people know what they are going to do, their faces are filled with excitement and the word money is written all over their faces."
"Really?" Chu Yi didn't refute, but simply expressed his understanding, "Officials in the world are all about money and power. It's normal."
Xiao Ling was already dwindling in hope: "Commercial taxation has only just begun. When these people become tax collectors, driven by profit, there will likely be a lot of corruption."
Seeing the helpless expression on the young empress's face, Chu Yi laughed again. "As long as the silver isn't in the hands of the merchants, everything will be fine. And I've already said before, if the tax collection standard isn't met by the end of the year, the court won't recognize the debt."
Hearing this, Xiao Ling was stunned.
"Chu thief..., you are so evil."
"Thank you for the compliment, Your Majesty."
Xiao Ling: “…”
This person is really hopeless.
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