Chapter 419 Recommendation
Qin Jinzhi finished all the rice in her bowl.
Arms crossed.
"It's not impossible for me to take on this task, but I have conditions."
The emperor glanced at the empress, then looked at Qin Jinzhi.
He put down his chopsticks, crossed his arms, and asked, "What are the conditions?"
He then quickly added, "I can't give you money."
Qin Jinzhi gave the emperor a look of disgust.
"First, if I take over this matter, I will be fully responsible for it, and you and Grandmother cannot interfere."
The emperor nodded. "Alright."
"Secondly, Grandfather and Grandmother, each of you must give me a few of your most capable subordinates. These people will be completely under my command until the imperial examination system is reformed and successfully implemented."
The emperor blinked. "No problem."
"Third, I want women to be allowed to participate in the imperial examinations. I'll leave it to you two to deal with those stubborn old fogies in the court."
Only after hearing this did the Empress speak, "Very well."
Qin Jinzhi nodded, "Then it's decided."
After she finished speaking, she got off the table and went to rest on the Empress's couch.
The emperor sensed something was amiss and said, "Wait, wait, what do you mean by handing over those old fogies to us?"
The Empress looked at the Emperor, "What do you think?"
Women participating in scientific expeditions is unprecedented in history.
If this is to be actually implemented, there will be a constant stream of resistance.
They need to overcome the opposition and persuade these people.
The emperor suddenly turned around and looked at Qin Jinzhi. Was this little brat setting a trap for him?
The Empress said, "Someone, summon Wei Cha, the Grand Counselor, to the palace."
The emperor then looked at the empress, "Why did you call that old woman?"
The Empress frowned slightly. "Then you'll argue with those old fogies yourself?"
The emperor was startled. "Quickly, quickly, summon Wei Cha!"
Qin Jinzhi was sleeping facing the bed.
After the emperor left, the empress looked at Qin Jinzhi on the bed.
He sighed and sat down on the tatami mat.
She gathered Qin Jinzhi's loose long hair behind her head.
He patted her to sleep, just like he did when Qin Jinzhi was a child.
A hint of worry lingered between the empress's brows.
"Grandmother knows what you're thinking."
Everything you do is done in the sight of me and your grandfather.
People say the Qin family's achievements are so great that they threaten the emperor's position, and now that you've shown your talent, they say you're harboring ulterior motives.
Outsiders always say that you are arrogant and unscrupulous, but my dear grandson is much more upright and honest than those hypocritical scoundrels.
No matter what those people say, your grandfather and I believe in you.
Although you are not my biological child, no one can say you are not my bloodline.
Then, the sound of singing filled the room.
Qin Jinzhi's eyelashes trembled, but she didn't open them.
The next day at court, the controversy over the irregularities in the appointment of officials continued.
Amidst the arguing, Wei Cha coughed and rolled up his sleeves.
The officials next to Wei Cha immediately moved aside.
Wei Cha stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I have something to report."
"Regarding the matter of officials taking office without compliance, the investigation has been ongoing for a long time without any results. I believe that a dedicated official should be appointed to be in charge of this matter. Those who should be punished should be punished, and those who should be rectified should be rectified. Only when the matter is resolved can the revision of the laws of Jin be put on the agenda as soon as possible. What is the use of just talking noisily in the palace every day about how many officials have violated regulations!"
The emperor stroked his beard. "What Minister Wei says is true. However, this matter is of great importance. Who should be appointed to stabilize the situation?"
Wei Cha said, "This matter concerns the selection of pillars of our Jin state, and is of great significance. It must be filled by a person who is not afraid of powerful figures or high-ranking officials, and who has the people in his heart."
The Emperor nodded. "What does the Empress think?"
The Empress spoke up, "Minister Wei's words are reasonable. I wonder if any officials in our court have volunteered to take on this important task!"
The officials in the court looked at each other in bewilderment.
The reason this matter has remained unresolved is that officials in the court all know that it involves a wide range of people, and anyone who takes on this matter will offend countless others.
At this moment, the Crown Prince spoke up: "Father, Mother, this matter is of utmost importance. Many officials in the court have reservations. As the heir apparent, I should do my duty to relieve the country's worries. I am willing to shoulder this heavy responsibility."
"No!"
Wei Cha stepped forward, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, you mustn't!"
The Crown Prince looked at Wei Cha with some confusion, "What do you mean by that, Lord Wei? Why is it not allowed?"
Wei Cha said, “Your Highness, I am a straightforward person and will not beat around the bush. The only thing that cannot be done is for a prince to interfere in this matter. The imperial examination means that the literary fortune of Jin is reviving. If a prince were to interfere in this matter, it would be only natural for him to win people’s hearts and place his protégés. In particular, Your Highness should avoid suspicion.”
The Crown Prince chuckled, “Lord Wei, you are mistaken. I am the heir apparent of the nation, the current Crown Prince. I am naturally more concerned about the literary fortune of Jin than anyone else. Who is more suitable than me for this matter?”
"Your subject has something to report."
Lang Qingfeng stepped out from the crowd. "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I would like to recommend someone."
The moment the Crown Prince saw Lang Qingfeng, his gaze fell on Qin Jinzhi.
"I would like to recommend Commander Qin of the Thousand Birds Division for this important task."
The officials in the court turned their gazes toward Qin Jinzhi.
You know what, that's actually a great idea!
In the entire state of Jin, there was no one Qin Jinzhi dared not offend.
Lang Qingfeng slowly said, "Commander Qin's reputation for not fearing power is known throughout the country. She is skilled in both literature and martial arts, and although she is not a member of the royal family, she has a noble status, making her the perfect candidate to take on this important task."
The Crown Prince chuckled, “Lord Lang, I know you have a close relationship with Commander Qin, but this matter is a matter of state, of utmost importance, and cannot be taken lightly.”
Lang Qingfeng remained unfazed by the Crown Prince's threatening gaze.
"Your Highness, I have no ulterior motives and my integrity is beyond question."
His Highness also said that this matter is a matter of state. I don't know why His Highness the Crown Prince has brought this matter into my negotiations with Commander Qin.
The principle of recommending the virtuous should not be biased towards relatives, and relatives should not be spared in matters of national importance, especially since the Qin commander had rendered great service to the state of Jin.
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, my words are solely for the sake of the nation; Heaven and Earth bear witness!"
The smile on the crown prince's face slowly faded.
At this moment, an official behind him spoke up: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I feel that this matter is inappropriate. This matter concerns the imperial examination. Although Commander Qin is a young and talented man, he is not suitable to take on this important task."
The emperor looked at the official and asked, "According to you, who is the best candidate?"
The official said, "He must be a person of high moral character and prestige, capable of shouldering the responsibility of enriching the literary world of Jin."
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I have something to say!"
Then, Wu Wenguang, the Minister of Personnel, stepped out from the side.
Wu Wenguang coughed lightly and spoke loudly:
"The imperial court is shrouded in gloom, and treacherous officials abuse their power and disrupt the order of the court."
Those who form cliques for personal gain and corrupt the nation suffer, while loyal and virtuous officials die with their blood staining their robes in resentment.
"You gentlemen have served in the court for many years and are naturally exceptionally talented. I, Wu, am not so talented, but I would like to ask you gentlemen what your thoughts are on this poem?"
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