Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 562 - 398: Leave It for Me
"Ah, Mr. Zhong has arrived. Please wait a moment, I’ll announce your arrival," said Xiao Quanzi, standing guard outside the Imperial Study Room, as he noticed the presence of Zhong Shize, the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, and hurriedly greeted him with enthusiasm.
Unexpectedly, Xiao Quanzi encountered Zhong Shize during his duty today, knowing their Ministry of Personnel was indeed a fruitful post. Every year, officers’ transfers brought substantial benefits. Especially after the Imperial Examination, the officials of the Ministry of Personnel couldn’t help but break into smiles, as their pockets were filled to the brim.
"Then please trouble Eunuch Quan!" Zhong Shize nodded, a demeanor of hidden arrogance.
Xiao Quanzi swiftly turned and headed towards the Imperial Study Room, realizing that an official of Mr. Zhong’s Second Rank might not regard eunuchs like them. After all, it was a matter of face; he was neither the Grand Steward Eunuch Chen nor a close confidant of the Emperor, earning such polite words simply because he had recently gained the Emperor’s favor.
De’an noticed Xiao Quanzi stepping inside, only hinting with a glance, indicating the Emperor was resting with his eyes closed.
"Is there anything?" The Emperor asked casually, without opening his eyes, as he heard Xiao Quanzi’s subtle footsteps.
It seemed the burdens of aging were taking their toll, often feeling fatigued and dizzy.
"To report, Your Majesty, Minister Zhong requests an audience!" With the Emperor’s inquiry, Xiao Quanzi swiftly reported.
The Emperor opened his eyes, bloodshot and weary, forcing himself to speak, "Let him in!"
The Emperor was well aware of the matter at hand; the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites and the Right Imperial Censor positions had been vacant for over a month. Zhong Shize must be here to inquire about any potential candidates.
Whilst the Ministry of Personnel had no decision-making power over officials of Standard Fourth Rank and above, the steps following the Emperor’s appointments still needed to be processed through the Ministry.
Yesterday at the court meeting, the Emperor instructed Zhong Shize to draft a list and present it, from which he would select. Thus, Zhong Shize’s visit was presumably to deliver the finalized list.
"Mr. Zhong, the Emperor invites you in!" Xiao Quanzi reported back, then stood motionless outside the Imperial Study Room. Although not specifically tasked with guarding, Xiao Quanzi was on duty today and had to remain outside. Meanwhile, De’an attended to the Emperor, leaving no room for Xiao Quanzi’s involvement.
Zhong Shize thanked Xiao Quanzi and entered the Imperial Study Room directly.
"Minister Zhong Shize humbly wishes Your Majesty good health!" Zhong Shize, having entered the study, knelt to the ground.
"Rise, faithful servant Zhong!" 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺
"Thank you, Your Majesty! To report, Your Majesty, this is the list drafted by this humble servant, please review it." Zhong Shize raised the booklet, which De’an promptly retrieved and handed to the Emperor.
"Hmm!" The Emperor acknowledged, taking the booklet from De’an and began reviewing it.
After some time, the Emperor frowned, seemingly dissatisfied with the names listed, causing Zhong Shize’s heart to tighten. Indeed, selecting candidates for these two positions was somewhat tricky; it wasn’t the season for officials to return to the capital for annual evaluations, and the doctors under the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites were merely Standard Fifth Rank, hence unfit for promotion.
The leap from Standard Fifth Rank to Standard Third Rank spanned four levels, and historically, there was no precedent for such advancement. Meanwhile, the other officials each had their duties, and in recent years, the number of officials in the Dayan Dynasty had been reduced, leaving a plethora of low-ranked but few high-ranked personnel.
The Emperor rubbed his brow, "Let Bian Shengrong, Minister of the Ministry of Rites, take the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites post, and let Hu Maoshen, the Left Deputy Imperial Censor, assume the Right Imperial Censor position. Promote their immediate subordinates to fill the vacant posts."
The Emperor recalled the mountain bandit investigation conducted by Hu Maoshen, which he had subtly bypassed in the end. Having followed this case for two years, this promotion seemed compensation for past endeavors.
Zhong Shize glanced at the Emperor in surprise; Hu Maoyuan was merely Standard Third Rank, but promoted to Right Imperial Censor, would ascend two ranks, equalizing him with Zhong.
"I will comply with Your Majesty’s order!" With the Emperor’s appointed promotions, the remaining vacancies would depend on the Ministry of Personnel to assign suitable officials.
"Has the candidate for the Hanlin Academy Assistant Reader been finalized?" Just as Zhong Shize was about to take his leave, the Emperor suddenly spoke again.
Zhong Shize found it peculiar; the former Assistant Reader was Tong Zhouyi, whom the Emperor had dismissed. But it was merely a Secondary Fifth Rank post, so why would the Emperor be concerned? Could the Emperor have a candidate in mind? Despite his curiosity, Zhong Shize answered respectfully.
"To report, Your Majesty, the Ministry of Personnel had settled on Qiu Yixue as the Hanlin Academy Attendant." The position of Hanlin Academy Assistant Reader was one rank higher, and Qiu Yixue’s promotion was perfectly fitting.
Upon hearing this, the Emperor nodded. He had some impression of Qiu Yixue, noting the individual’s remarkable talent.
"Leave the Assistant Reader position vacant, as I have chosen someone for it in my mind," said the Emperor, handing the booklet to De’an, then reverting to resting.
Zhong Shize was quite stunned; numerous eyes had been fixed on the Assistant Reader role—not only seasoned Hanlin Academy members but even Grand Secretary Xia Qing had approached him about it. He had initially planned to favor Xia Qing, but now it seemed unlikely.
"I will comply with Your Majesty’s order!" Noting the Emperor’s lack of vigor, Zhong Shize withdrew with a bow.
After exiting the Imperial Study Room, Zhong Shize focused on his own matters, casually responding to Xiao Quanzi’s farewell. Curiosity lingered in his mind; who could the Emperor be planning to appoint? He pondered the Hanlin Academy officials thoroughly but couldn’t think of anyone who had recently caught significant favor.
Shaking his head, he discarded the thought, proceeding toward the palace entrance. Suddenly, a spark of realization struck him—could it be him?
Gu Chengyu was summoned to Mr. Zhang’s place early this morning, aware it concerned the compilation of "The Dayan Code."
"Lower officer Gu Chengyu greets Mr. Zhang!"
As per custom, he announced his presence to Zhang Hai from outside, reflecting on how Zhang Hai, being the highest leader of the Hanlin Academy, arrived even earlier than anyone else there.
"Cough! Come in!"
Listening to Zhang Hai’s voice, Gu Chengyu deduced that he might not be feeling well, leading to further admiration. It seemed Zhang Hai was unfamiliar with the concept of sick leave.
Upon entry, Gu Chengyu saw Zhang Hai reviewing documents submitted by his subordinates. These needed daily scrutinization, lest work accumulated excessively.
"Sit down!" Zhang Hai said to Gu Chengyu as he entered, his stern face showing no expression, yet inviting Gu Chengyu to take the chair opposite him.
"Thank you, sir!" Gu Chengyu didn’t hesitate; since the Emperor had granted him a seat before, there was no need for formality here.
Observing this, Zhang Hai’s demeanor softened a bit. "Yesterday, the Emperor asked you to write lyrics and bestowed upon you the Four Treasures of the Study, showing favor towards you. You must strive to ease the Emperor’s burdens."
While speaking, he glanced at Gu Chengyu, noticing Gu Chengyu remained composed, easing Zhang Hai’s concerns. Although confident in Gu Chengyu’s literary prowess, Zhang Hai feared youthful arrogance with the Emperor’s favor. Now, reassured of Gu Chengyu’s steady character, he relaxed, assured this was a young man of stable temperament.
