Chapter 921: The Fifth Year of Yuanhuang (Part 2) [Requesting Monthly Tickets]
Shen Tang smiled and asked a question she already knew the answer to.
"Wangchao was so overjoyed he didn't know what to say?"
The Censorate, with its ability to report matters based on hearsay, was destined to clash with other court officials. It wasn't that Shen Tang wanted to put Gu Chi in a difficult position, but rather that in the early days of the dynasty, the hastily assembled team had too many shortcomings, and the need to expand the group in a short time meant there was simply no time for training and evaluation. Inevitably, a few scoundrels with ulterior motives would infiltrate—even if, from a macro perspective, these scoundrels couldn't shake Kang's internal affairs, their positions meant that any action they took could affect the lives of hundreds or even thousands of innocent commoners!
Gu Chi is the sharpest hoe in Shen Tang's hand, enabling her to eradicate the weeds that have infiltrated her at the fastest speed!
If you do nothing wrong during the day, you won't be startled by a knock on the door at night!
Only those with a guilty conscience are afraid of ghosts!
Similarly, we can conclude that—
Only those with unclean hands fear the Censorate!
Gu Chi forced a smile, a smile more like a grimace, and said, "Yes, I'm overjoyed..."
Shen Tang smiled and said, "You should strive to live up to everyone's expectations."
Gu Chi turned his head and glanced at his colleagues.
Their eyes and expressions were indescribable.
If Gu Chi were to take charge of the Censorate, it's estimated that no one in the entire court would still be wearing their underwear; they would be completely stripped bare by these censors. Besides the established senior officials, there were also many new faces present. They lacked seniority, had little influence with Shen Tang, and were unaware of Gu Chi's background. They didn't understand why these people showed such expressions upon Gu Chi's appointment as Censor-in-Chief.
Could it be that he is envious and jealous of Gu Wangchao for winning the emperor's favor?
That's not impossible.
Among the senior officials under the lord, each one is aloof and taciturn, but Gu Wangchao is the only one who understands the lord's heart. It is said that this man can clearly understand the lord's thoughts, which is why he is now highly regarded.
They outwardly scoff at such sycophantic tactics, but deep down, who wouldn't want to be valued by their lord?
The Censorate supervises all officials and reports matters based on hearsay.
Such an important position was given away so easily, and even more unprecedentedly, the position of Imperial Censor was given to him. I was so envious.
They had different thoughts.
Although they knew the chances of being offered an official position today were slim, what if they were lucky? They all perked up, their eyes occasionally glancing at the fortunate Gu Chi. Gu Chi, the center of the conversation, looked ashen-faced, wishing he could give each of these gossipy people a copy!
He bowed and thanked him, saying, "Your subject will certainly not fail Your Majesty's high expectations."
Shen Tang raised an eyebrow inwardly when she heard him change his form of address.
Whose voice made him unhappy?
She hadn't announced it to heaven and earth, so she couldn't use titles like "Lord," "Sovereign," or "Your Majesty" yet—if someone did use them, it wouldn't be considered presumptuous; at most, it would make people think that the person was deliberately trying to please Shen Tang, and there was a suspicion of flattery—but Gu Chi had just used "Lord."
Shen Tang raised her hand and gestured for him to sit down.
He lowered his head and continued reading the book in his hand.
"The Hanlin Academy... has neither official rank nor subordinate officials, relying solely on a single skill to entertain the ruler... isn't this just an entertainment agency? What a waste of talent! However, it is indeed necessary to recruit skilled individuals from all walks of life..."
She discovered that the Hanlin Academy was quite unique.
Some countries simply use it as a companion service, while others use it to promote talent; many high-ranking officials were originally from the Hanlin Academy. Shen Tang doesn't even want to support idle people, let alone an institution for leisure companionship. If the Hanlin Academy is retained, it will definitely come in handy. A thought flashed through her mind. She gave Wu Hui a look, and the latter nodded, understanding.
The Hanlin Academy was later used to promote trusted confidants and private officials.
Besides Bei Qiu and Gu Chi, Shen Tang also finalized a few more candidates with relevant expertise, and then slowly assigned the others to their respective fields: "Dong Dao, Medical Bureau, Imperial Physician."
According to the intelligence gathered, the ranks of the Imperial Physician vary widely, ranging from the highest being the fifth rank to the lowest being the seventh rank (lower). This shows that the world is indeed prejudiced against medical skills: "...Whether it's the seventh rank (lower) or the fifth rank, they're both too low. Let's set them at the third rank, like the Grand Master of the Imperial Workshops in Zhoukou. What do you think, Wu Hui?"
For Shen Tang, whether they were Mohists or physicians, they were no different from scholars and warriors. It was only out of consideration for the reactions of the court officials and future public opinion that he did not grant them the rank of "official third rank." However, even the rank of "minor third rank" was enough to astonish everyone.
These people naturally did not include veteran officials and senior ministers. Although they had their objections, they dared not voice them in this setting. This was a crucial time for bestowing official titles, and it would be a terrible loss for them to be blacklisted by their lord over such a trivial matter as the rank of the Imperial Physician.
No one spoke up, but Chu Yao immediately agreed.
And so the matter was settled.
Shen Tang said, "I'll send someone to congratulate Xingdao later."
She privately respected Dr. Dong, calling him "Old Dong," but in formal settings, she couldn't address him that way, so she simply used his courtesy name. Dr. Dong had spent the first half of his medical career striving to enter the Imperial Medical Academy as a physician, but ultimately, due to his family background, he couldn't even get past the threshold. Now, however, he had entered the academy as the Imperial Physician. One can't help but lament the vicissitudes of fate.
"Would Shan Xiao be willing to join the Censorate?" Shen Tang's roll call had no discernible pattern; she called on whoever came to mind, while simultaneously considering where to place each person to maximize their abilities. As she glanced at Cui Xiao's name, a thought began to form in her mind.
Cui Xiaowei was slightly taken aback, then stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Xiaoyuan!"
There was no way to refuse this.
The big boss's inquiry is equivalent to a notification.
All eyes were on Cui Xiao.
Qi Shan felt vaguely uneasy. Cui Shanxiao's scholarly ways were truly unpredictable; even if the two had a grudge, he would subconsciously ignore the other's existence. The group of unfamiliar faces seated at the back were even more bewildered. Cui Shanxiao's high seating position meant that even if he wasn't a core member, he was close to being one. Why didn't they have a single recollection of such a person?
Then, they became curious about what official position Cui Xiaohui would be assigned.
Shen Tang said, "Censor-in-Chief."
This statement was unexpected by most people.
Cui Xiao's seniority with Shen Tang was indeed not high, but he had made great contributions and had an excellent relationship with Qin Li and others. If he were to enter the Censorate, he could easily become a Vice Censor-in-Chief, right?
The result was that he became a censor.
The Censor-in-Chief was under the jurisdiction of the Censorate and was only a lower eighth-rank official. Although his powers were extensive, including supervising officials and maintaining court order, as well as inspecting counties and correcting criminal cases, his position was not as high as Cui Xiao's.
Cui Xiao was not picky and bowed to express his gratitude.
"I will certainly live up to the high expectations of my lord."
His use of "My Lord" was neither sarcastic nor flattering; it was purely to maintain alignment with Gu Chi.
Cui Xiao thanked him, but the matter was not over.
Shen Tang seemed to know what everyone was thinking and said with a smile, "The rank of the eighth grade is indeed a bit low, and it is too hard to inspect various places. Why don't you also take on the post of Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices? The rank of the third grade, the Court of Imperial Sacrifices should be quite leisurely in the early years of our dynasty."
Of the nine temples, only the Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices was a third-rank official.
Given the current situation in Kangguo, the Court of Imperial Sacrifices doesn't have many major affairs to handle. Cui Xiao can delegate these to his deputy and focus on inspecting various regions. Gu Chi oversees all officials in court, while Cui Xiao keeps an eye on local officials—tsk tsk tsk—a perfect solution!
The calculations were so elaborate that Gu Chi's ears were practically deafened.
Cui Xiao appeared calm on the surface, but his heart was in turmoil. Suppressing his excitement, he once again bowed and expressed his gratitude. Hmm, Shen Tang was quite satisfied. He'd given Cui Xiao the salary of a Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, made him do the work of two people, and he'd even sincerely thanked him.
She's a really charming boss.
"Ji Shou".
Shen Tang called out names again.
Kang Shi reluctantly stepped forward, hoping his unlucky official position wouldn't be too detrimental. Shen Tang, after all, wasn't some devilish ruler; why would he harm his own people? He raised his hand and offered Kang Shi a third-rank official position: "Minister of Justice, third-rank, how about that?"
The Ministry of Justice, in charge of punishments, has four subordinate departments: the Ministry of Justice Department, the Department of Criminal Justice, the Department of Criminal Law, and the Department of Criminal Justice. However, their authority is limited, and their scope is narrow. Judging from the information in the documents, they only have the power to execute commoners and officials below the seventh rank. If a high-ranking official commits a crime, he is either handed over to the Court of Judicial Review or to the Secretariat for supervision. Shen Tang pondered for a moment, then raised his hand and moved a portion of the Court of Judicial Review's office away.
In layman's terms, it means strengthening the Ministry of Justice!
Just as Kang Shi was about to agree, Shen Tang suggested, "I think the Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review are essentially one entity. Why don't you hold concurrent positions as the head of both places? I can handle that; it's up to you."
Kang Shi saw through Shen Tang's "sinister intentions" and politely declined.
Shen Tang clicked his tongue, seemingly regretful.
“Your virtue is exemplary.”
Kang Shigang sat back down, and Lin Feng, who had been called out, stepped forward.
Shen Tang said, "You were in the Ministry of Revenue before, so you should go directly to the Ministry of Revenue now. However, you are still young and inexperienced."
It is indeed astonishing that Lin Feng is serving as the Minister of Revenue at his current age, and given his somewhat unbalanced academic background, Shen Tang is worried that he might not be able to maintain order: "How about appointing you as the Vice Minister of Revenue?"
He could hone his skills in this position for a few years, and then be rightfully promoted to Minister of Revenue. Lin Feng, however, did not agree immediately; instead, she hesitated. Of course, she knew her lord's good intentions, but her original thought was to see where her teacher was going.
Lin Feng knew she was somewhat unbalanced in her studies; in agriculture, no one but her lord could surpass her, but the Ministry of Revenue had more to offer. She wanted to settle down and study for a few years before pursuing other matters. However, looking into Shen Tang's eyes, she dismissed the idea.
He was poised and confident when taking on the task.
"The wind will surely live up to the Lord's high expectations."
She couldn't let her lord and teacher down. Lin Lingde was Chu Wuhui's prized disciple and a new generation valued by her lord!
Shen Tang then appointed Luan Xin and sent him to the Ministry of Personnel as well.
"Gongyi, Minister of Personnel, a third-rank official."
Her original plan was to send Luan Xin to the Ministry of Revenue, since he had served as a Revenue Clerk for quite some time. However, she then remembered that she had personally forced him into that position. Luan Xin himself was not very familiar with the affairs of the Ministry of Revenue, so after much consideration, she decided to send him to the Ministry of Personnel.
The other party's scholarly approach is indeed suitable for assessing an official's abilities, but his slow reaction time due to years of working at full capacity is a major headache. She'll have to arrange for a quick-witted and steady vice-minister later. She thinks Xie Qi would be quite suitable; that fellow is meticulous in his actions.
Luan Xin, limping, came out and bowed to express his gratitude.
"I believe I will not fail the Lord's high expectations."
Shen Tang continued clicking down: "Tu Nan".
Ning Yan didn't expect it to be her turn so soon.
Shen Tang said, "The Grand Secretary of the Secretariat is a third-rank official."
Upon hearing this, everyone was stunned once again, including Ning Yan herself, who looked up abruptly and pursed her lips for a long while.
Seeing that Ning Yan did not react, Shen Tang said with a smile: "Minister Ning, it's time to come to your senses. It's not good to be disrespectful in front of the palace."
Ning Yan realized what was happening and bowed to express her gratitude.
They also maintained their formation: "Yan will certainly not fail the lord's high expectations."
After she sat back down, she was still somewhat dazed and lost in thought. Her lord's arrangements had truly exceeded her expectations. Ning Yan had originally thought she would be going to the Imperial Academy, which was indeed something she could easily handle—whether it was the academy that had been built in Longwu County for several years or the academies being built elsewhere, they all adopted the experience and suggestions that Ning Yan had accumulated over the years.
The Imperial College can also better cultivate future talents.
To everyone's surprise, she entered the door of the provincial capital.
Being a smart person, Ning Yan quickly figured out the reason.
His gaze inadvertently fell on Wenxin's monogram hanging on her thigh. Her life was tied to her lord—if her lord lived, she lived; if her lord died, she died. She was definitely one of the lord's trusted confidants, so it was only natural to let her enter the lord's service and go to the province.
"Yuanliang, Secretary of the Secretariat, Grand Secretary, Rank 3."
Qi Shan's face was as black as coal.
He regretted not insisting on getting more staff positions during the bargaining process. Thirty-five staff positions in the Central Secretariat—what a blessing for him!
He almost ground his teeth to powder when he said the last two words, "blessings".
Gu Chi raised his sleeve to cover his mouth, which he couldn't suppress.
Watching my colleagues have fun is always a pleasant experience.
"Good deeds will not fail the high expectations of the Lord."
"Wu Hui, Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, second rank."
Shen Tang entrusted the positions of heads of the three provinces to three people whose lives were intertwined with hers, but this wasn't for that reason. She trusted them simply because they were trustworthy. Qi Shan and Chu Yao had been with her for a long time and were the most senior veterans; the three of them had supported each other through the most difficult early stages. As for Ning Yan, besides trusting her abilities, there was also the matter of her gender.
Shen Tang needs a female official with sufficient influence!
The position of Attendant-in-Ordinary of the Secretariat is definitely high enough!
"Yao will certainly live up to the lord's high expectations."
Shen Tang then ordered Jiang Sheng and Xun Zhen.
Jiang Sheng is quite versatile, a true all-rounder, capable of excelling in any of the six departments.
Because of her omnipotence, Shen Tang didn't need to think too much.
"Xian Deng, Minister of War, a third-rank official."
"Han Zhang, Minister of Revenue, a third-rank official."
Jiang Sheng thanked the emperor, saying, "I will certainly live up to the emperor's high expectations."
Xun Zhen was a beat slow to react.
For a moment, the expressions on his and his colleagues' faces contorted.
Appointing Xun Zhen as Minister of Revenue is like throwing a rat into a rice jar! It's not that Xun Zhen is corrupt, but the Ministry of Revenue is in charge of finances. Is the lord really sure he wants someone who can "spend a fortune and still earn it back" to be Minister of Revenue?
Shen Tang coughed and said, "I have my own reasons."
Xun Zhen had no choice but to accept the task despite his reluctance.
He bowed and expressed his gratitude, saying, "Zhen will certainly live up to the Lord's high expectations."
"Gong Su, Minister of Rites, a third-rank official... Hmm, the Ministry of Rites is quite quiet now, with not much to do, so why don't you also take on the role of Director of the Arsenal?" Looking at the handsome and refined Qin Li, Shen Tang's heart stirred, and she added, "Promote him as Junior Tutor."
The Junior Tutor is one of the Three Sovereigns, second only to the Three Dukes.
Qin Li is also the only person to have been granted an additional title so far.
Sending Qin Li to the Ministry of Rites is somewhat unfair to him.
To be honest, the Ordnance Inspection Bureau isn't really my area of expertise.
Qin Li hadn't thought that far ahead.
In fact, Shen Tang's favor overwhelmed him, and he said gently, "I will certainly live up to Your Majesty's high expectations."
"Shao Mei, Left Vice Minister, second rank."
Among the group, Liao Jia and Qi Shan were the closest. Sending him to the Ministry of Personnel to serve as Chu Yao's deputy was naturally to promote greater unity among the three provinces. During the year or so that Shen Tang was away fighting, Liao Jia and Qi Shan had managed the rear areas smoothly, demonstrating their considerable abilities, though their presence was somewhat lacking. Shen Tang hadn't yet appointed the Right Minister, indeed because there wasn't a truly suitable candidate, leaving the position vacant for now.
Among the six ministries, the position of Minister of Works is also vacant.
After pondering for a moment, Shen Tang decided to send Shen Zhi to the Ministry of Agriculture and Yu Zi to the Ministry of Justice for an internship. If she passed the internship, she would become Kang Shi's deputy and the future successor of the Ministry of Justice. Her scholarly approach of "usurping power" might not be without its uses in the Ministry of Justice.
|ω`)
I'll make some changes, and I need to add some more; there are so many people...
I've fixed some bugs. Luan Xin is in the Ministry of Personnel (damn Sogou Pinyin), and Wu Hui, the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, is a second-rank official (I misread the line when I was looking up information).
Zhongshu Sheng (Fengge), Zhongshu Ling Qishan;
The Secretariat (Luantai), the Palace Attendant Ning Yan;
The Ministry of Personnel, with Chu Yao as Minister and Liao Jia as Left Vice Minister;
Luan Xin, Minister of Personnel, and Xie Qi, Vice Minister;
Qin Li, Minister of Rites, concurrently served as Director of the Arsenal, and was granted the title of Junior Tutor.
Minister of War, Jiang Sheng;
Ministry of Revenue, Minister Xun Zhen;
Ministry of Justice, Minister Kang Shi, Deputy Yu Zi (internship period).
Ministry of Works, vacancy.
The Censorate, with Grand Censor Gu Chi and Supervising Censor Cui Xiao (concurrently serving as Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices).
The Director of Works, the Grand Master Craftsman Bei Qiu;
The Imperial Medical Bureau, Chief Physician Dong Dao.
(End of this chapter)
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