Zhu Yunying smiled and said, "What the companion said is true. The Grand Secretary of the Inner Cabinet has been the subject of some controversy in the court and among the people. Well then, the matter of moving the capital is urgent. Ru Jian should go to Tianjin to serve as the prefect. As the gateway to the capital and an important place for maritime transport, Tianjin needs someone I trust."
Ru Chang looked somewhat troubled and said to Zhu Yunying, "Your Majesty, I am not learned enough to be appointed as a prefect."
Zhu Yunying spoke frankly, "Ru Jian does have some talent, but making him a minister or vice minister would be detrimental to him. A prefectural governor would be more suitable. It just so happens that our aunt also enjoys traveling, so we won't restrict them."
Ru Chang still had some expectations in her heart. Her eldest son was a prince consort, and his status was quite prominent. However, this prominence could sometimes be a significant hidden danger.
The Grand Secretaries of the Inner Cabinet now assist the Emperor in handling state affairs, which is inherently sensitive. Add to that Ru Jian's status as a relative of the Empress Dowager, and it becomes even more sensitive. Moreover, Ru Chang is also the Minister of Personnel, and some of his memorials might even fall into Ru Jian's hands for review.
This kind of thing is quite sensitive to talk about; every single point needs to be considered carefully, as it might make some people wary. Ru Jian has encountered almost every single one of these points, making it even more sensitive and causing people to feel very uneasy.
It's better to be sent to a post outside the capital. Although it's not a high-ranking official position, it still allows one to manage the affairs of a prefecture and gain some experience.
Ru Chang actually understood that her three sons were all of average talent, just average in ability. Having too prominent a position was not necessarily a good thing; with a little experience, they would be fine. In addition, their status as relatives of the emperor would make them more carefree and comfortable outside.
As for whether His Majesty the Emperor intended to dismiss a Grand Secretary with just a few words, Ru Chang didn't care about such things at all. He was already used to these things and didn't need to speculate on the Emperor's intentions.
To be honest, he was happy to see this happen; it was definitely a good thing, and of course he would support it.
Looking at Ru Chang, Zhu Yunying also said, "This time we are preparing for the capital inspection, and I think the accompanying scholar knows our intentions. If the administration is corrupt, the court will inevitably be confused!"
Ru Chang immediately and earnestly replied, "Your Majesty, I am well aware of the importance of the capital inspection. I am determined to investigate the Ministry of Personnel first. The Ministry of Personnel is in charge of the appointment, evaluation, promotion, demotion, conferment, and transfer of civil officials. If its officials are not upright, great chaos will surely ensue!"
Zhu Yunying nodded in satisfaction. Ru Chang's ability to become the Minister of Personnel, the head of the Six Ministries, was definitely not just because he came from the Crown Prince's family.
Without genuine talent and ability, he would never have been able to hold the position of Minister of Personnel, and the emperor would never have entrusted such an important position to a mediocre person. After all, Zhu Yunying was not a foolish ruler; he was an ambitious and wise one.
I had a brief chat with Ru Chang about the capital inspection. Some things didn't require Zhu Yunying to give specific instructions. If it really came to that, Ru Chang's position as Minister of Personnel would need to be considered for replacement. Some things required these officials to take the initiative to do and solve the emperor's problems.
Ru Chang does need to prove his ability and stance. No one doubts his background, but as the Minister of Personnel, he needs to prove that he is not just occupying a position without doing his job, and that he has not become arrogant because of his current high position.
When Ru Chang left Fengtian Hall, Lian Zining naturally went to pay homage to the emperor by imperial decree. Such matters as the capital inspection naturally required the Dali Temple to contribute.
Zhu Yunying always maintained a system of checks and balances for both civil and military officials. Even though he trusted Ru Chang quite a bit, he would never allow Ru Chang to wield absolute power, especially in the evaluation and appointment of officials throughout the country, which required some supervision and checks.
As the emperor's father-in-law, Lian Zining had been constantly offending people, and he knew that his career had long since reached its peak. However, he had been working diligently all these years, which was simply his character and personality.
The grand plan to inspect the capital will inevitably offend a lot of people, but Lian Zining really doesn't care at all. He has already offended too many people, so naturally he doesn't care about offending a few more.
Moreover, with her daughter and granddaughter holding prominent positions, Lian Zining has no need to worry about retaliation from those she has offended. As long as she fulfills her duties as a subject, not only will her daughter and granddaughter receive more favor, but the other members of the Lian family will also gain more trust.
It is also necessary to mention Lian Zining's character and understanding. As a relatively traditional scholar, he thought about loyalty to the emperor and love for the country, and he was not afraid even if it meant being crushed to pieces.
After carefully explaining some things to Lian Zining, Zhu Yunying felt more at ease. He really didn't need to worry about his father-in-law; he was absolutely exceptional at offending people and was also very reliable.
Another busy day had passed, and just as Zhu Yunying was about to visit the Qianqing Palace, Wang Chengen said, "Your Majesty, the Emperor Emeritus has decreed that Your Majesty should not go to the Qianqing Palace."
Zhu Yunying paused for a moment, then said irritably, "If he doesn't want to go, he doesn't want to go. He's got a great-grandson and doesn't want his grandson anymore. That's perfect, let's go see Wen Jin. That little thing should have made some progress by now. Go and have the princess come over, we'll take her to eat."
Wang Chengen naturally accepted the decree quickly. In reality, he understood that the Second Prince was actually very afraid of His Majesty. Sending the Princess over was simply to give the Second Prince a little encouragement, nothing more.
This was no joke. Although he wasn't particularly fond of the Second Prince, Wang Chengen always knew his place. No matter how much the Emperor favored him, he was still just the Emperor's servant. He certainly couldn't offend the Second Prince, who was also his master!
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