Chapter 154: In the Silence (Part Two)

After making her decision, Empress Wu asked, "How are the official talents and capabilities of Ling Gu and Xiao Jing?"

Shi Wuzi was momentarily speechless. Strictly speaking, a counselor-in-training was merely an observational post, and a compiler was just a quill-pusher for editing books. They held none of the three powers of personnel, finance, and material, and thus could not be considered officials in the true sense. As the Minister of Personnel, who oversaw the governance of the entire realm, he naturally had no idea of the capabilities of these two seventh-rank idle youngsters. He could only vaguely reply, "These two men dare to speak out righteously, and their integrity is passable. Since taking office, no flaws have been found. They may be called capable."

"Very good," Empress Wu smiled slightly, saying lightly, "Young officials need to be bold in taking on responsibilities, dare to venture forth, and invigorate the atmosphere of the imperial court. Ling Gu and Xiao Jing can serve as the bones of my steed. Promote Ling Gu to succeed Cen Xi as the Grand Ceremonial Doctor, and bestow upon Xiao Jing, given his distinguished noble lineage, the post of Director of the Lin-tai."

Shi Wuzi bowed to express gratitude on their behalf. Two eighth-rank officials who were not even qualified to attend the grand morning court had leaped upwards to the clouds—one becoming a sixth-rank and the other directly a fifth-rank. He trod upon this winding and serpentine rhythm with a trembling heart. Glancing at Prime Minister Li Zhaode at the head of the court, his mood unexpectedly settled. Regardless of whether this play was directed by Princess Taiping or operated by Her Majesty in person, he was certain that no one would dare to make an issue of this matter.

Then, the Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies stepped out to report that the stubborn northern neighbor of the Great Zhou, the Tujue, had changed its leader once again. Kutlugh, the Khagan of the Eastern Turkic Khaganate, had died suddenly of illness, and his son was too young to contend with his formidable uncle, Ashina Mochuo. Mochuo had declared himself Khagan. He was a hardliner among the Eastern Turkic nobility, and the tribes under his command had plundered the borders of the Great Zhou year after year. Now that he had become the Khagan of the Eastern Turkic Khaganate, the peace of the northern frontier would likely be difficult to sustain.

Lou Shide, the Minister of War, left his mat and reported to the court on the Ministry of War's preventive plan regarding this matter. Inevitably, this involved the transfer of a large number of border regional officials and generals. Zheng Zhong, who originated from the Thousand-Bull Guard of the Eastern Capital, and Linghu Lun of the Northern Court's Thousand-Rider Guard, were both dispatched to Zhuozhou and Yunzhou directions, which bore the brunt of the threat. Their official titles were also changed from Prefects to Military Commandants, displaying without hesitation a posture of meeting the threat head-on.

The officials throughout the court all sought to patch up omissions and pool their wisdom; not a single person voiced any opposition.

Once this matter was settled, Empress Wu looked somewhat fatigued. Supporting her brow with one hand, her expression solemn, she felt that dealing with external troubles and regulating internal affairs felt vastly different. "Do my lords have any further memorials?"

Most of the court ministers indicated silence. Even if they had matters to raise, they held back for the time being, judging it more appropriate to bring them up at a suitable opportunity. Unexpectedly, there was indeed an exception.

"Your subject, Ge Hui, Left Imperial Censor, submits a memorial. I believe that local officials are far away from the imperial capital, holding heavy authority in their respective regions. The imperial court's supervision cannot reach them, and daily oversight is cumbersome and useless. The handover between officials follows old conventions and breeds mutual shielding, resulting in the stagnation of official governance. I request the implementation of departure handover audits, thoroughly investigating the three major duties of a term in office—financial taxes, official recommendations, and criminal litigation. We must ensure that the sword of justice hangs high, causing local officials to always harbor a sense of awe."

Empress Wu's languid posture instantly straightened. Pondering for a moment, she sighed slightly, "This is a grand strategy devised by a seasoned and mature mind, but I fear it involves too much and will ultimately be difficult to implement."

A faint smile touched Ge Hui's calm and detached face. "What Your Majesty says is entirely true. Your subject is well aware that this matter cannot be rushed too hastily. To avoid alarming various parties, especially regions of vital financial wealth, I suggest it be implemented first in remote border areas. Perhaps this will test its actual effectiveness, remedy deficiencies, and once the time is ripe, it can be promoted to all four directions."

Cen Changqian, the head of the prime ministers, spoke first. "Your subject deeply agrees. Auditing upon departure not only reviews an official's tenure but also provides the imperial court with references for employing personnel. The capable and talented are promoted, while the incompetent and mediocre have nowhere to hide."

"Your subject seconds this," Su Weidao stepped out of rank to voice his agreement. According to his seniority, he ranked third among the prime ministers and had always been strictly conventional; it was truly rare for him to step ahead of Wu Chengsi, who ranked second.

"Your subject also seconds this," came the voice of Lai Junchen, the Vice Censor-in-Chief. "I am in charge of the Lantai and have deep feelings regarding this matter. What Imperial Censor Ge said hits the nail on the head. As for the region for the pilot implementation, it should not be too extensive. I believe Longyou Circuit is the best choice. Firstly, the location is remote with little grain and tax revenue; secondly, it is situated on the border, and rectifying official governance can simultaneously achieve the effect of military preparedness."

As he spoke, he looked at Ge Hui with deep admiration, sighing inwardly: Strategies can be orthodox or unconventional, dark or bright; yet today, he chose to play it fair and square. On the surface, this move appeared magnanimous and wholly dedicated to the public good, but in reality, it could firmly entangle Yun Hongsi in Didao Commandery.

Since Lai Junchen had changed his ways and was now eating vegetarian fare, the meat would be consumed by this old man. As long as there was an excuse for a thorough investigation, he would surely forge an airtight, inescapable case, and Yun Hongsi would have absolutely no survival. Li Zhaode was currently in favor and could not be dealt with directly; hence, he would first strike him a heavy blow across the face to vent the hatred in his heart, just to let him know that this old man Lai's toes were not so easily trampled upon.

"Ge Hui, you suggest Longyou Circuit? Is that appropriate?" Having listened to the expressions of the officials, Empress Wu's eyes shimmered as she looked down and questioned Ge Hui.

"If Your Majesty graciously grants such benevolent governance, it is truly the gospel of countless common people. Your subject only wishes to sing and dance for Your Majesty. As for the pilot region, I beg Your Majesty to exercise your unique sagacity and make an independent imperial decision." Ge Hui's calm and detached face was truly ill-suited for making excited expressions, and at this moment, it looked rather awkward.

"Ha-ha, ha-ha-ha," Empress Wu first chuckled, then burst into a grand laugh that echoed through the hall for a long time before subsiding. "How very interesting. You are such a stern and solemn person; it is truly hard to imagine what you would look like if you were singing and dancing. On some future banquet day, I must certainly open my eyes to witness it."

"The proposals of Lai Junchen and Ge Hui are hereby approved. Longyou Circuit shall serve as the pilot area for departure audits. This policy shall apply only up to the prefectural and commandery chiefs and shall extend no further." Empress Wu flicked her sleeve, rose, and issued the decree. "Ge Hui possesses administrative talent and strategic resourcefulness, acts with stability, and thinks comprehensively. He is promoted to Imperial Censor."

"Your subject prostrates himself and expresses gratitude for Your Majesty's immense grace." Ge Hui lay flat on the ground to give thanks, a faint smile touching his lips. Throughout the official world, regardless of rank, everyone wore masks. Being an official was remarkably similar to performing in a theater, and quite interesting indeed.

When the morning court dispersed, many court ministers came forward to offer congratulations. To jump three ranks in a short period could be considered a minor miracle. Ge Hui responded with calm detachment, and only old acquaintances like Wu Youxu could win a true smile from him, which displeased quite a few people. Ge Hui couldn't be bothered to care; he had merely accepted Dalang's invitation to experience life in official circles, and naturally, following his own heart took precedence.

At the Princess Taiping Residence, the sound of the zither was distant and lingering, echoing without cease.

Quan Ce was learning to play the zither, and his teacher was Prince Ding, Wu Youji.

He had once refused to learn musical instruments, but now he had changed his original intention. He had even given a name to his own small courtyard within Princess Taiping's estate: "Self-Restraint." He could not rely solely on the advantages of coming from future generations to get by, nor could he rely only on the simplest and crudest methods to solve problems. He had to overcome his laziness, earnestly face the challenges of this era, and ultimately tame it.

Starting with a musical instrument—that was very good.

"Dalang, your natural talent is extraordinary, and your progress is extremely rapid." Wu Youji wore loose robes and a wide belt; his cheeks were thin and fair, adorned with a short, messy beard. A hazy, grayish undertone veiled the depths of his eyes where focus was lost, giving him quite the air of a slovenly, melancholic prince.

"It is all thanks to Your Uncle's guidance," Quan Ce smiled and cupped his hands in modest gratitude.

Wu Youji waved a hand, stood up, and walked toward the door. "You have always been a man of your own mind and will rarely ask for help lightly. Though I am decadent and useless, I still hold a grand official title and noble rank. If it can be of any use, just take it and use it."

Quan Ce opened his mouth to speak, but Wu Youji raised a hand to stop him. "I am unworthy of being a father. Chongmin and Chongxing rely entirely on your support and guidance. If you say any more, it will be as if you are spitting in my face."

Quan Ce nodded, then changed the subject. "Uncle, do you know of Fan Li (Tao Zhugong)? Among the three hundred and sixty trades, every trade produces its master. Your Uncle possesses extraordinary talent and ability. Even if you have no inclination toward officialdom, you should not remain in obscurity like this. Business allows for a free and unrestrained spirit; if Uncle specializes in this path, you will surely trample all the merchants of the realm beneath your feet. When the day comes that Her Majesty must borrow money from you, how can that fail to leave a renowned name in history?"

"Heh, you certainly dare to dream." A glint of vitality returned to Wu Youji's eyes. "Very well, I shall give it a try. I have rested enough these past days; my bones were beginning to rust."