The Emperor announced his decision and then left, sweeping his sleeves.
Leaving behind a crowd of officials with complex expressions.
The officials dared not challenge the Empress, so they vented their anger and dissatisfaction on Minister Dong. They surrounded Minister Dong in layers, demanding an explanation from him.
Minister Dong, truly a loyal subject of the Empress, did not yield or bow his head even when surrounded by colleagues and subordinates. Instead, he forcefully retorted: "Why are you all so anxious, red-faced and neck-veined?"
"Are you afraid that your descendants will be so incompetent that they won’t even compare to boys of humble origin?"
"The Emperor wants to enlighten the people, establish schools exempt from fees, allowing all children of Da Liang to read and write. This is a blessing for all people of Da Liang. How many of them can actually pass the Imperial Examination? What does it concern you? Why are you here stubbornly opposing?"
"And about selecting talents from various fields. Da Liang is vast, requiring talents of all kinds. Actually, every local governnt has such talents, though without formal status or background. Now the Emperor has given these people a chance, allowing them to take the exams and beco officials. What does this concern you?"
"You yourselves enjoy high positions and salaries, are you not willing to see the disadvantaged have another way out?"
"Bah! Go ho, look in the mirror at your greedy and selfish faces. Do you have the nerve to debate with , the Chief of Staff, here?"
Minister Dong was truly formidable, occupying the moral high ground and single-handedly countering all criticisms.
However, this also made Minister Dong thoroughly unpopular. Everyone avoided the Dong Mansion, and invitations to the mansion were cut by more than half.
Colleagues spoke sarcastically to Minister Dong, and subordinates at the Ministry of Rites secretly resented him, unable to openly oppose him, they procrastinated in their work.
The Empress specially summoned Minister Dong again into the palace, soothing with warm words: "Minister Dong has taken the bla on behalf of . The ministers dare not openly criticize , so they co to accuse Minister Dong. Minister Dong has suffered grievances."
Leaving behind the charming and elegant middle-aged handso man, Minister Dong, who had been stressing and worrying, aged significantly. Hearing these heartfelt words, Minister Dong felt warmth in his heart and a slight sting in his eyes: "It is only right for to share worries with the Emperor. I am not aggrieved."
Jiang Shaohua sighed lightly: "It’s easy to muddle through life, but truly getting things done is extrely difficult. To be honest with Minister Dong, I have had plans to reform the court long ago. But since I ascended the throne not long ago, the court was divided into factions, ministers each had their own interests. I could only patiently sort out the court first."
"Now I have been on the throne for five years, and I believe now is the right ti. Minister Dong is genuinely helping and working for my sake, and I keep it in my heart."
"Complaints from others do not matter, criticisms are acceptable, but if anyone dares to obstruct and delay the implentation of my reforms, Minister Zhang is the precedent."
The last words carried a cold killing intent.
Minister Dong heard it and felt comforted and assured. He had chosen his path, following the Empress forward. The Empress was decisive in killing, never hesitating when necessary. Implenting reforms required strong and assertive asures, allowing no doubt.
Those who cannot keep up with the Empress’s pace and beco obstacles deserve to be discarded.
Minister Dong composed himself and bowed: "The Emperor can rest assured, I don’t mind hardship nor feel tired. I will go back, gather the Ministry of Rites for a eting, discuss details, and then present them to the palace."
Jiang Shaohua nodded with a smile and personally escorted Minister Dong out of Zhaohai Palace.
For Minister Dong, such an honor was a first. After five years as sovereign and subject, he finally beca truly close to the Emperor.
Minister Dong straightened his back, walking forward with a vibrant posture, under the blazing sun.
...
Not long after Minister Dong left, Minister Ji ca to seek an audience.
Upon Lu Zhen’s report, Jiang Shaohua smiled knowingly: "It seems Minister Ji can no longer hold on."
Minister Ji had always wanted to, like Minister Dai, retire gracefully and return ho gloriously. But he never succeeded. While the Emperor alternately reprimanded and dispatched him, Minister Ji was exhausted over these years, nearly worn out. With successive reforms in the court, Minister Ji found himself helpless in such whirlpool.
Indeed, after entering the palace, Minister Ji respectfully submitted a morial: "Emperor, this humble minister cos today to request resignation from the position of Minister of Revenue."
"This humble minister has indeed beco old, lacking energy. The affairs of the Ministry are complex and of great importance. I dare not slack every day. This past year, I often couldn’t eat or sleep, my hair falling out by handfuls. Please show rcy, allowing to resign and choose another capable minister."
Finishing speaking, he knelt down, determined not to rise unless the Emperor agreed.
Jiang Shaohua stepped forward, lifted Minister Ji up with a gentle voice: "Minister Ji, we have been sovereign and subject for five years. In these five years, perhaps you occasionally made mistakes, but your loyalty was clear in my eyes."
"I don’t want the reputation of being harsh to old ministers, so I have repeatedly retained Minister Ji. Now that you insist on retiring, I won’t stop you."
Hearing these words, Minister Ji’s old eyes were filled with tears.
Too difficult!
Who knew he had worked for this mont for two years. Every ti he submitted a morial, it was retained by the Emperor, accompanied by kind persuasion.
Now he can finally retire as he wished.
"Thank you, Emperor, for your grace."
Jiang Shaohua asked with a smile: "After Minister Ji leaves, soone must succeed as Minister of Revenue. Who does Minister Ji think suitable?"
Isn’t it obvious? Chief Historian Feng has been waiting for five years.
Minister Ji thought but showed no sign, after pondering for a mont replied: "According to court tradition, one can either promote an Assistant Minister from the Ministry of Revenue or draw suitable candidates into the capital."
"This humble minister dares to recomnd Chief Historian Feng of Nanyang Prince Mansion for the position of Minister of Revenue."
Jiang Shaohua thought that the old fox was still well aware, collecting a favor before leaving: "Minister Ji spoke well, I shall consider it."
Minister Ji frankly continued speaking for Minister Feng: "Chief Historian Feng has managed the Household Departnt of Nanyang Prince Mansion for over twenty years, well-known for being astute and capable. The only concern is his previous rank being slightly low. However, there’s a precedent in court as Chancellor Chen also rose from being a Chief Historian to beco Pri Minister."
"The Emperor could first appoint Chief Historian Feng as acting Minister of Revenue for a year. Once he proves himself, then formally appoint him. Thus, there will be no idle talk in court."
Jiang Shaohua smiled slightly: "Minister Ji has considered very thoroughly. I will discuss this matter with the Pri Minister."
Minister Ji finally removed a heavy burden, achieving retirent with rit.
The mont he stepped out of the palace, Minister Ji’s steps beca much lighter.
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