Chapter 2608 - 2581: Laying One’s Heart Bare

The emperor threw down the memorial in his hand and snorted coldly.

The others sat in their places in contemplation. The crown prince suggested, "Father, why not send the imperial guard to check it out?"

The emperor glanced at him and said, "It’s just some tenant farmers causing trouble; why would it require the imperial guard?"

Crown Prince: ... Are the troublemakers tenant farmers? Clearly, it’s those local prominent families.

However, he only complained inwardly and did not express it.

Wei Zhi also did not want to use too radical methods. Though the imperial guard would be quick, the aftermath would be endless. Other local families might become wary and hostile toward the court.

It is not appropriate to exacerbate conflicts at this time.

Therefore, he suggested, "Your Majesty, perhaps select some officials to go to Qizhou to inspect and comfort."

The emperor nodded repeatedly, as he had intended the same. Thus, he scanned the crowd and asked, "Do any of you have good candidates?"

Yin Li’s eyes flashed. He stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I think sending Tang He would be appropriate. If indeed, the local prominent families are encouraging tenant farmers to stir trouble, he should be able to find it out and bring them to justice."

Without evidence, they could hardly take action. But if evidence were found, it would be different.

However, the matter is not significant enough to have the key ministers of the court involved. It’s practical to choose from among the younger officials.

Yin Li thinks Tang He is a good choice.

Lord Tang’s brows twitched but said nothing. The emperor didn’t ask his opinion and instead turned to Wei Zhi, asking, "What do you think, Courtier Wei?"

Wei Zhi nodded, "Okay."

Yin Li was satisfied, then asked, "Who does Your Majesty think is suitable for the position of County Magistrate in Chang’an County?"

The emperor tapped the table and fell into thought. To be a magistrate in Chang’an County, one’s background mustn’t be low, or it wouldn’t command respect from all the officials and noble families of the court. Moreover, the temperament shouldn’t be too soft; otherwise, they would sway easily, making Chang’an into a sieve.

Nor should they be too rigid, or they’d cause issues within months, requiring cleanup after them—who’s supposed to be the magistrate for whom?

The emperor pondered for a while and then said, "Guo Yu seems decent."

Lord Tang nearly spat blood and said grumpily, "Your Majesty, Guo Yu is now the magistrate of Wannian County."

Although Wannian County and Chang’an County are of the same rank, the magistrate of Chang’an County typically precedes the magistrate of Wannian County. Guo Yu was already meant to be assigned elsewhere as a consequence of his poor performance, yet you’re considering promoting him to Chang’an County? Is this not swapping hands for convenience?

How can one manage a team with unclear reward and punishment?

The emperor felt that since there were underlying factors behind the manor skirmishes, which are uncontrollable, how could Guo Yu evade it?

Hence, this might be forgivable.

Yin Li thought over it and felt that having already suggested a subordinate for promotion, adding another wouldn’t be a problem. Thus, he agreed with the emperor’s proposal, suggesting that if Guo Magistrate were truly to be punished, it could be done in other ways, such as docking his salary for two years or submitting a plea for atonement.

Lord Tang, however, refused to agree. Some rules need to be adhered to; without clear rewards and punishments, nothing can be achieved. This cannot be an exception.

The matter was shelved for now. The emperor pondered, then called Bai Shan and asked him, "What do you think of Guo magistrate?"

As a secretary within the Central Secretariat, it was natural for the emperor to inquire about governance issues from time to time. Bai Shan responded accordingly, "I think he’s alright."

After considering, he added, "While rewards and punishments should be clear, occasionally hiring outside the norm might be permissible. Guo magistrate was derelict in the skirmishes but somewhat innocent."

The emperor nodded in agreement and asked with a smile, "So, we’ve got a magistrate for Chang’an County, but not for Wannian County. Who do you think fits?"

Bai Shan thought seriously and shook his head, "I know few people; perhaps Your Majesty could ask Lord Wei and others."

"I do have someone in mind," looking at Bai Shan, he smiled, "I think you’re suitable."

Bai Shan was startled, then quickly declined, "Your Majesty, I’m not suitable."

The emperor inquired, "Why are you unsuitable?"

Bai Shan replied, "Like Chang’an County, Wannian County is crucial as it surrounds the capital. Each magistrate had regional governance experience, whereas I just entered the official circle from Hanlin Academy directly to the Central Secretariat without such experience. I fear managing Wannian County might disappoint Your Majesty’s expectations."

The emperor frowned in thought.

Seeing this, Bai Shan seized the opportunity and suggested, "Your Majesty, I wish to be assigned elsewhere."

The emperor’s frown deepened, "You’ve only recently been promoted to be a secretary; why do you wish to be assigned elsewhere so soon?"

"I want to learn to manage regional affairs," Bai Shan explained, "Upon entering the Central Secretariat, I realized the knowledge learned from books is superficial. During inquiries by Your Majesty, I often feel anxious, fearing I might fail to respond appropriately."

He said, "It is not due to insufficient reading but inadequate knowledge. This knowledge cannot be learned from books, nor acquired at Hanlin Academy or the Central Secretariat."

The emperor lowered his gaze in thought, then looked up at Bai Shan after a pause and asked, "Where would you like to be assigned?"

Bai Shan candidly said, "I wish to go to a middle or lower county, just not in Guo County."

The emperor understood immediately, chuckled, and pointed at him, "You are quite straightforward, knowing how to avoid the limelight."

Bai Shan lowered his head, focusing on his toes.

The emperor stood up, turned around twice, and said, "Very well, but there isn’t currently a suitable position; you should continue in the Central Secretariat for now."

Bai Shan nodded, feeling secretly thrilled. He knew the emperor had agreed; he just needed to wait for a suitable position to become available.

Bai Shan respectfully took his leave.

The secretary recorded diligently, yet felt some sadness. Just getting acquainted with someone who would help with ink grinding during busy times, and now this person was about to leave.

He wondered when he might climb up from being the secretary sitting in the corner to become a historian compiling the Daily Records in the distinguished chambers.

The emperor began pouring over his roster, making calculations about who could assume the magistrate positions in Wannian and Chang’an Counties.

Guo Zhong laughed as he refilled the emperor’s tea, "Your Majesty might want to rest your eyes."

The emperor sighed and set aside the roster, "There are still too few suitable candidates."

"Why then did Your Majesty agree to let Lord Bai go?" Guo Zhong laughed, "I find Lord Bai wise; even without experience, he might quickly learn after assuming office."

Shaking his head, the emperor said, "He has much further to go, and I would not hinder him."

The emperor then recalled something, put down his brush, and laughed, "Who was not reckless in their youth? This child is not only bold but wisely so; in these years, I’ve seen many youngsters, yet only Yang Heshu pairs with him."

Guo Zhong was surprised.