CHAPTER 378: CHAPTER 167: THE WORLD’S PEOPLE, EACH WITH THEIR OWN FUTURE (PLEASE SUBSCRIBE)_3

Hence, the Governor refuses to collaborate with the Reform Faction, preferring to remain uninvolved.

But the task of land survey in South Zhili is clearly perilous; even the Reform Faction dares not approach.

One could say, within the Court, except for Zhang Shilun who dares, the rest lack the courage.

Mr. He, thrilled yet anxious, asked: "Gongming, if no Governor comes forward, might the task fall upon the shoulders of the Assistant Governor?"

Xu Qing replied: "Lord, do not follow the example of Yuan Shu, for who spares himself when carrying out great deeds. I still vividly remember your heroic figure when vanquishing the bandits of the Lotus Sect, Lord."

Mr. He, of course, was not misled by Xu Qing’s sweet talk, but on second thought, if it really came to that, he could always resign.

Yet the important opportunities in life often come only once or twice, and missing them leads to a lifetime of regret.

Without his sword, Mr. He could have emulated Sun Shiwang by chopping down the table before the Battle of Red Cliffs to demonstrate his resolve. Banging the table, he declared: "A true man born in this era ought to strive for achievements and establish a legacy. Gongming, I entrust this matter to you."

Xu Qing naturally agreed.

In his view, Mr. He was a mediator that both the Reform Faction and the Conservative Faction were likely to accept. Because naturally, Mr. He wasn’t with the Reform Faction, but rather aligned with the Conservatives.

Now with the Reform Faction gaining strength, Mr. He’s suffering in silence and infiltrating the enemy was an acceptable strategy.

Xu Qing sent away Mr. He and couldn’t help but recite on the steps: "One stationed in the temple worries for the people; one dwelling far in the worldly society worries for the Sovereign. Involvement brings worries, as does withdrawal."

"My husband, stop worrying. Why not let Uncle He apologize to my father?"

"Do you think my father-in-law would be pleased?"

"I reckon he would be extremely delighted," Feng Wu said with a smile.

...

...

"The lives of the people under Heaven," the Grand Secretary exclaimed upon reading Xu Qing’s letter, and couldn’t help but hurl it to the ground. Since when did it become Xu Gongming’s place to speak of the lives of the people under Heaven?

The servant picked up the letter swiftly without daring to read it.

With a gesture from the Grand Secretary, the servant fetched a brazier, and into it the Grand Secretary tossed the letter. The ashes from the brazier would be handled with strict procedures afterward.

The Grand Secretary sat down lost in thought.

Although Xu Gongming repeatedly claimed to be seeking an office for his father-in-law for the sake of the people, the position Feng Xifeng was to fill was also crucial.

Promotion was not an easy option.

The Grand Secretary thought to himself, lately the Inspectors from the Six Divisions had been somewhat disappointing, making him feel fettered in his actions.

In order to purify the civil administration, it was essential to have the Inspectors’ roles smoothly managed.

Originally, he had considered abolishing the position.

After all, despite the Inspectors sharing the same rank as the Imperial Censor, being just Seventh Rank officials, their powers are substantial, including the rights to seal and rebut petitions, supervise the affairs of the Six Ministries, and annul documents – "Seal and Rebut": assisting the Emperor in handling petitions; "Supervise": monitoring the affairs of the Six Ministries; "Annul": meaning decrees and petitions are registered daily, every five days submitted to the Cabinet for recording, with the implementing agencies acting upon these within a specified time, and the Six Divisions inspecting and annulling them every five days.

In addition, the current Inspectors from the Six Divisions could also participate in court deliberations and recommendations.

Thus, the Inspectors could be involved in the Central decision-making.

Using a term from Xu Qing’s previous life, one could say they were the perfect keyboard warriors.

These individuals could enter the decision-making level without bearing the fallout. Successful or not, they could still manage in failure.

Crucially, the emergence of the Inspectors from the Six Divisions mirrored the strategy of the country’s government in using the minor to control the major, designed to prevent high officials within the Court from becoming too powerful.

After much contemplation, the Grand Secretary still felt that abolishing the Six Department Inspectors was challenging to execute.

Unable to abolish them, the only option was to replace them all with more amenable people.

He had to maintain appearances previously, but now through stages of struggle, friends and foes were clear, and with power secured, some measures naturally needed to be taken.

The art of governance lies in employing the right people.

Positioning Feng Xifeng among the Six Department Inspectors, if Xu Gongming still made trouble, then he would be disregarding the duties of a son.

Governing the world is tough indeed.

At times, the Grand Secretary could hardly resist the urge to use the Golden Gourd Hammer bestowed by the Sovereign to shatter the heads of those vermin who opposed him.

At this moment, the Grand Secretary found himself somewhat anticipating Xu Qing’s entry into the Central government. Based on his understanding of Xu Qing, this man was both fierce and decisive; tasks like cracking heads could be done even without the Golden Gourd Hammer.

Recalling the man’s martial prowess, the Grand Secretary couldn’t help but feel a headache.

The key issue was the man’s youth.

Yet how could the rise and fall of a single family compare with the construction of national institutions?

One saying from Xu Qing he profoundly agreed with:

The rise and fall of a nation, everyone is responsible.

Each generation faces its own challenges. Power isn’t gained out of thin air; it has a goal and must align with the interests of the majority. Many people revolving around you, sharing in these interests, naturally form an interest group.

Yu the Great embarked from farmland. In fact, while Yu was cultivating the land, many people joined him in tilling and received abundant harvests, thereby naturally being supported by others.

Yu the Great also managed the waters, and during this, he controlled manpower and resources, solved the water crisis, and naturally became the Sovereign...

With a virtuous ruler, what need has Xu Qing to worry?

Without a virtuous ruler, why should only Xu Qing worry?

The Grand Secretary made a decision and couldn’t help reflecting that this young man must spend his days buried in books, constantly pondering the major affairs of the Court.

Yet again, he had found an opportunity.

Moreover, his talents and contributions remained unobtrusively hidden.

However, the Grand Secretary’s surprises were far from over.

Not long after, Mr. Feng, with Mr. He attending to him, enjoyed a sumptuous wine feast and penned a stunning petition.

"Please grant permission to survey the land in South Zhili!"

A single petition stirred up massive waves in the initially settling Court.

Vice Minister Zhang was caught between laughter and tears.

Lately, as the position of South Zhili’s Governor became vacant, certainly qualified persons inquired at the Ministry of Personnel, giving Vice Minister Zhang some opportunities.

Unexpectedly, within a short time.

The post of South Zhili’s Governor had turned into a hot potato.

Naturally, those who had come to inquire beforehand now subtly suggested that Vice Minister Zhang not recommend them.

With one matter going back and forth, one had to reluctantly accept two gifts!

Unbelievable!