From Hoarding to Time-Travel: My Supplies Saved Him

Chapter 407: Chapter 408: Controversy

All the military generals present were united in their indignation. Only they knew that a few short sentences could never express the sacrifices of the soldiers on the border.

Xu Zhiwen also knew his words had been inappropriate, but now that they were out, he was too proud to admit his mistake.

The Minister of the Ministry of History, Yu Ligao, stroked his beard. "Let’s not get sidetracked. The priority now is to stabilize the border as quickly as possible. Otherwise, it will only lead to greater trouble."

Everyone understood that an unstable region meant great uncertainty.

"Mr. Yu, in your opinion, is there a suitable candidate?" All eyes turned to the Ministry of Personnel. After all, they were responsible for selecting and appointing officials.

Yu Ligao said, "In the past, I often appointed officials without needing the agreement of you gentlemen. So now, why don’t you reach a conclusion first?"

Xiao Liwei retorted, "You scholars are such a waste of time. If this discussion drags on any longer, it’ll be too late.

If you ask me, haven’t the annual performance reviews come out? Just go by those and directly dispatch a suitable candidate.

In our terms, this is when you need a sharpened blade. There’s no room for carelessness."

Standing behind him, Liu Chang lifted the hem of his robes to hide his laughter. ’This General Xiao really has no grasp of courtly affairs. Look at how the faces of the other officials have changed.’

If he didn’t know General Xiao’s disposition, he too would have thought the general was mocking all the officials present.

The so-called performance reviews weren’t as simple as he made them out to be. Otherwise, no one would end up serving as an official in a remote border town for their entire life.

"It’s best to choose someone who can get things done. Otherwise, they’ll just be a burden to General Zhou," Yu Ligao said through gritted teeth. ’This time, when an official is chosen, I have to keep a close watch no matter what. The Zhou Family only has that one heir. I can’t let these people go and drag him down.’

At that moment, someone mentioned, "The Hanlin Academy isn’t compiling books right now, and their workload isn’t as heavy as it used to be. We could certainly draw some capable people from there. Besides, this is the sort of external assignment they’ve been longing for. I imagine they would cherish the opportunity."

Only then did Gong Zhengping look up. "They can’t compare to the extraordinary talents under your command, my lords. Besides, your subordinates all have experience in their posts. Our officials from the Hanlin Academy really need more polishing. They deal with books all day; they can’t match your ways of governance."

He had tried his best to shrink into a corner, but he hadn’t expected them to target him anyway.

Although he wanted to secure a good future for his subordinates, he was truly unwilling to send them to a place where they would have a slim chance of survival.

"Lord Gong, you’re being too modest. Take that Ancient Scholar from your Hanlin Academy. Not only is his literary talent excellent, but his mathematical skills are also second to none.

To this day, I still remember the policy proposal he wrote. It was exceptionally well-reasoned. You can’t just hoard such a talent."

The one who spoke was the Marquis Wu’an, Bai Yugang. He was well aware of Bai Jinglie’s friendships. Since that rebellious son of his couldn’t go, sending his good friend instead would be a way to clip his wings.

The Marquis Wu’an’s words served as a reminder to the other officials. Although they too appreciated talent and had tried time and again to recruit the man, they had always been blocked by that crusty old Scholar Gong.

’Since we can’t have him, we might as well push him out. That would solve everyone’s problem.’

Xu Zhiwen immediately seconded the motion. "The Marquis Wu’an’s proposal is excellent! Mr. Gu was personally selected as the top scholar by the Holy Emperor, who must have a very high opinion of his literary talents. A person like that is more than capable of serving as Magistrate."

"Yes, yes! With the talent of a top scholar, how could he not manage a single Lu City? This proposal is excellent."

Cao Xiangqian interjected, "Have you all forgotten? Based on Ancient Wen Heng’s official rank and experience, he is not qualified for the post. This is far too reckless."

"Mr. Cao, as the saying goes, one must break the mold to promote talent. We’re just giving the Ancient Scholar a chance..."

The argument from the side hall soon reached the study, where Hua Shunming actually sat down and began to consider it.

"Ancient Wen Heng... he saved Zhou Aiqing’s life, and I hear the two of them got along quite well, even becoming sworn brothers?"

The palace maids and eunuchs nearby all kept their heads bowed, none daring to answer him.

"Le San, what is your opinion of him?"

Seeing he had been called upon, Le San answered cautiously, "Holy Emperor, this servant is but a eunuch and knows little of the court ministers. However, from my few interactions with him, Mr. Gu is a good man."

Hua Shunming said thoughtfully, "A good man? This person managed to bring Us a large sum of silver taels through Jing Lie before he even entered the court. He is indeed a ’good man’."

Hearing the Emperor put such heavy stress on the words "good man," Le San lowered his head even further.

"However, We are not afraid of someone with ambition. We are only afraid he won’t use that ambition for the right purposes."

He tapped on the pile of memorials on his desk. ’Relying on these pieces of paper, my understanding of my own empire is still too limited!’

"Go, summon the Old Prime Minister to the palace."

...

By the time Old Prime Minister Liu rushed to the palace from the suburb, the ministers were still arguing in the side hall.

"It seems your health is better than ever, Old Sir," Hua Shunming remarked casually, gazing at Liu Donglai’s ruddy complexion.

Liu Donglai straightened the robes he had changed into in a hurry. "It is thanks to the Holy Emperor’s blessing. Luohu Village is nestled by the mountains and water, and this old subject enjoys busying himself with farm work. Unintentionally, I seem to have improved my health a bit."

Hua Shunming said, "Your good health, Old Sir, is also a blessing for our Rong Dynasty.

There is a difficult matter at hand, and I wished to ask for your guidance."

Liu Donglai was already mentally prepared. He knew when His Majesty had arranged for him to retire in Luohu Village that his retirement would not be a quiet one.

"This old subject wouldn’t dare presume. Whatever the Holy Emperor asks, this old subject will answer all that he knows."

Before arriving, he already knew why the Emperor had summoned him.

Hua Shunming recounted the day’s events in court. "Lu City is a crucial pass on the border. We are truly uneasy about randomly appointing someone to take charge. They have been arguing over this matter all day and still have not reached a conclusion.

But the situation at the border is urgent. That is why We wanted to ask you for your advice, Old Sir."

"This..." Liu Donglai looked troubled. "This old subject has been away from the court for many days. My understanding of court affairs is superficial at best. I fear I can no longer offer counsel to the Holy Emperor."

Hua Shunming was silent. ’This old fox is still an old fox.’

"You need not be so modest, Old Sir. We simply wish to know, is it truly so difficult for our Rong Dynasty to find a Magistrate capable of governing a city?"

Liu Donglai said, "...If the court is short on officials, we can hold a special imperial examination to select more talent for the Holy Emperor."

This had always been his proposal when he was Prime Minister. Unfortunately, the Rong Dynasty’s fortunes had been poor in the past, with successive state funerals and natural disasters preventing the smooth administration of the imperial examinations. As a result, many of the officials in court had been appointed through recommendation, so their quality was naturally a mixed bag.

Even the examinations that were held couldn’t fill such a massive gap.