Tang Dynasty Xie Lu Lang

Chapter 428 Can be appointed as a supervisory officer
The appointment of a new prime minister signifies another round of personnel adjustments in the court. The outcome of this round of adjustments will directly impact the distribution of power among the prime ministers for a considerable period to come.

However, as the personnel reshuffle unfolded, Pei Guangting's disadvantages as a lame prime minister, unable to serve as the chief of staff, were immediately exposed.

Firstly, when he was promoted from Vice Minister of War to Vice Minister of the Chancellery, a vacancy for Vice Minister of War appeared in the Ministry of War. However, before Pei Guangting could recommend someone to replace him, Xiao Song first recommended Wei Xuxin, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, to succeed him as Vice Minister of War and his deputy.

Although Wei Xuxin came from the Wei clan of Jingzhao, he was active in border areas such as Hexi and Anxi for many years and was very familiar with border affairs and military matters. His appointment as Vice Minister of War undoubtedly further consolidated Xiao Song's voice in military affairs.

In addition, Xiao Song appointed Pei Kuan, a drafter in the Secretariat, as concurrently the Vice Censor-in-Chief, thus bringing the important supervisory office of the Censorate under his jurisdiction. As a result, Xiao Song was no longer primarily concerned with military matters as before.

As the head of the Secretariat, Yuwen Rong also made frequent moves. He first recommended Pei Yaoqing, the governor of Xuanzhou, to replace him as the vice minister of the Ministry of Revenue, and then introduced his former colleague Xue Kan as a censor, etc.

Compared to the other two prime ministers who actively recommended talented individuals and defined their spheres of influence, Pei Guangting was much more low-key and made almost no suggestions regarding personnel appointments or removals.

This was certainly not because he preferred to keep a low profile, but because he simply didn't have much influence. Whether in the former Ministry of War or in the current Secretariat, including the Secretariat-Chancellery, the office specifically for the prime minister, he was always overshadowed by Xiao Song, and unlike Yuwen Rong, he didn't have his own private domain.

So apart from having a slight presence on the day he was appointed prime minister, Pei Guangting was completely ignored by the public for the rest of the time.

Of course, it cannot be said that Pei Guangting did nothing at all. Regarding personnel matters, he proposed that Zhang Dai, the Assistant Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and concurrently Left Remonstrance Official and Palace Attendant, be appointed as the Supervising Censor.

However, this proposal was met with Xiao Song's blunt opposition as soon as it was put forward in the Secretariat: "The position of Censor is of great importance, and all those who take office must be capable and honest, with a reputation for integrity. Zhang Dai has some merit, but he is good at writing and has not personally served in the prefectures and counties, nor is he known for his integrity. His experience is still short and his usefulness is sufficient. There is no need to promote him to a more prominent position. Trying to force growth is as bad as doing too much!"

"What you say, Lord Ling, is common knowledge. Zhang Dai and his disciple are extraordinary talents! This disciple took the imperial examinations three times and ranked first each time. Does this mean his talent was limited to this? Not at all! Every examination has a list, and every list has a top scorer. For an ordinary person to rank first is a great honor. For an extraordinary person to rank first is a disgrace. Zhang Dai is a prime example of this!"

Pei Guangting remained silent for a long time before finally speaking with great enthusiasm, elevating Zhang Dai to an unfathomable level of talent: "This man not only possesses extraordinary talent, but also a rare and remarkable character, unwavering in the face of adversity. His deeds are recorded in the annals of the Southern Palace, and all officials look up to him when he comes and goes. If we dismiss him because of his short stature and exclude him from the Censorate, then who among the officials of the Censorate dares to claim that their character surpasses his? We, who hold this position, are delighted to hear of his talent and are eager to promote him. If we regret not granting him the position, who else would we be waiting for?"

"His talent may be extraordinary, but every position has its fixed rules, and every matter must be handled according to regulations. Talent cannot be measured, and such things are beyond our comprehension. Official duties must be handled fairly. I do not regret my position, but I do regret the ordinary people who are not given the opportunity!"

Xiao Song continued, and the tension between the two grew increasingly palpable.

"An official's ability is measured by his position, while a person's competence is measured by his mediocrity. All extraordinary matters should not be treated with extraordinary measures, which is why you, my lord, have no merit in the defense of Shibao City! Unpredictable changes are beyond the capabilities of an official in his position, and insurmountable difficulties are beyond the reach of a mediocre person! Your lord possesses great magnanimity, capable of encompassing the world and the universe?"

Pei Guangting retorted, as if he would not give up until Xiao Song agreed.

Xiao Song had not expected that Pei Guangting, who had been completely silent lately, would now refuse to back down over such a trivial matter. What was it about Zhang Dai that made Pei Guangting fight so hard for him, and why were the two prime ministers arguing over it?
Just then, Yuwen Rong came in from outside. After hearing the argument between the two, his eyes flashed, and after a moment's thought, he said, "Lord Xiao's concerns are a prudent view. Even if someone has extraordinary talent that cannot be measured, there are still fixed ranks for official positions. If everyone claims to have extraordinary talent, should they all be promoted beyond their rank?"

When Xiao Song heard Yuwen Rong speak from his side, his tightly furrowed brows relaxed slightly, and a hint of mockery flashed in his eyes as he looked at Pei Guangting.

Pei Guangting was never the natural choice for prime minister. He only managed to get the position by chance by relying on the influence of veteran officials and eunuchs. The reason why he was so eager to find an official position for Zhang Yue's grandson that was far beyond his qualifications was simply because he hoped to get more help from the restless Zhang Yue.

Now that he is in a position of power and influence, and even Yuwen Rong has spoken out in support of him, if Pei Guangting continues to argue about this, he will only be making a fool of himself.

When Pei Guangting heard Yuwen Rong say this, his expression changed, but he was not too disappointed. It was within his expectations that Yuwen Rong would not agree with him. Since he could not force the issue at the moment, he could only move on to the next step.

But before he could speak to put an end to the dispute, Yuwen Rong said, "As for the two ministers' claim that Zhang Dai's talent is immeasurable, that is a misconception born of a lack of understanding. I know him well, and he is undoubtedly worthy of the position of Censor."

However, this man is ultimately inexperienced, having only passed two official examinations. If he were given a full-fledged position, it would inevitably arouse jealousy and criticism from his subordinates. In my opinion, it would be better to temporarily appoint him as an Inspector concurrently. What do you two gentlemen think?" After he finished speaking, the expressions of the two men in the hall changed drastically. Xiao Song had never expected Yuwen Rong's attitude to change so drastically; it was almost as if he were being toyed with!
Pei Guangting, on the other hand, was utterly astonished. He wasn't surprised at all that Yuwen Rong had verbally attacked Zhang Dai and even advocated for his dismissal and exile.

After all, the animosity between the two sides was there. Ever since Yuwen Rong, together with Cui Yinfu and others, impeached Zhang Shuo, leading to his dismissal as prime minister, there was no possibility of reconciliation. As Zhang Shuo's grandson, Zhang Dai naturally had to bear the consequences of this grudge. Moreover, this young man had repeatedly provoked and harassed Yuwen Rong, which Pei Guangting had also noticed.

But judging from Yuwen Rong's tone, he seems to admire Zhang Dai quite a bit. This guy has always been arrogant and impatient, when did he become so magnanimous?
Although filled with doubt, Yuwen Rong always agreed with his opinion. In order to curb Xiao Song's arrogance, Pei Guangting did not have time to think carefully and immediately spoke up, saying, "What Prime Minister Yuwen said takes into account all aspects and is well thought out. Such a handling is indeed appropriate. If Lord Xiao still thinks it is inappropriate, it can be put to court discussion."

"Let's handle it this way. Zhang Dai can be appointed as an acting inspector. We'll examine his past positions and then decide whether to appoint him to a full-fledged post!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Song immediately frowned. He couldn't bear the embarrassment of discussing the appointment of a mere supervisor in the imperial court.

If even such trivial matters require court deliberation, how can one expect the Grand Secretary to make decisions on major issues? The two previous prime ministers were dismissed precisely because they couldn't handle important matters but argued endlessly over trivial ones!

Moreover, judging from the various signs after this year's official performance evaluation, Zhang Shuo's influence in the court is still not to be underestimated. If this matter is really brought up for discussion in the court, Pei Guangting and Yuwen Rong will share the same plan. If Zhang Shuo adds fuel to the fire, then it is really hard to say what the final outcome will be!

After much debate, the three prime ministers finally reached a consensus on this matter and unanimously agreed to appoint Zhang Dai as the Acting Censor.

When Zhang Dai learned of this, it was already after the morning court session the next day. Although the position of Censor was only an eighth-rank official, and the position of Acting Censor granted to Zhang Dai was not a regular post, the treatment was not low, as the imperial edict of appointment was personally read by Yuwen Rong, the Vice Minister of the Imperial Secretariat.

"Your humble servant Zhang Dai thanks Your Majesty for your great kindness and all the ministers for your recommendation and appointment!"

After bowing respectfully in gratitude, he accepted the imperial edict with both hands and danced in thanks. From then on, his part-time position as Left Remonstrator ceased, and he was replaced by Acting Supervising Censor, while his primary position remained that of Assistant Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices.

After Zhang Dai finished his dance to express his gratitude, Yuwen Rong beckoned to him and said, "Zhang Dai, please come into the hall. There are some things I need to tell you in person."

Zhang Dai quickly and respectfully agreed, but inwardly he was filled with apprehension and doubt, unsure of what Yuwen Rong was up to.

After they were seated in the hall, Yuwen Rong looked at Zhang Dai and sighed, saying, "I have long known that Zhang Dai is resourceful and capable. For example, the other day when you went to the capital to investigate matters on behalf of the eunuch Du, you troubled me quite a bit..."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dai couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat. This guy wasn't going to let him off the hook even after he resigned; he was planning to settle scores later.

"At the time, I was full of public-spiritedness and hoped to serve the country. I thought I was fearless and had no idea that I would disturb your plans. It was only after my grandfather told me your intentions that I realized what was going on. So I hurriedly dealt with the matter and dared not cause any more trouble. Now that I have heard what you said, I am very ashamed."

When things went wrong, he never acted stubbornly and immediately followed Yuwen Rong's words to express his apology.

"There's no need to hold a grudge about this. Let me tell you today, young man, the position of prime minister is completely different from that of other officials. Although this position is prestigious, it also carries heavy responsibilities. It is especially important to recruit virtuous and capable people in order to govern well. You are quite talented, young man. Although you have often been hostile to me in the past, you have the wisdom to help me, so I can forgive you. If you think this intention is insincere, you may ask your grandfather, Lord Zhang Yan."

Seeing the boy's trembling appearance, Yuwen Rong couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction. Although he said this, the boy's actions were truly despicable, and he needed to find a time to give him a good beating to vent his anger.

Is this what they mean by "a prime minister's belly can hold a boat"? After becoming prime minister, Yuwen Rong was so magnanimous as to forgive himself?

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dai was both surprised and doubtful. He quickly lowered his head and said, "Your words are so magnanimous and benevolent, they make me feel ashamed of my past shameful behavior! I regret that I am so ignorant and incompetent, and that I could not have recognized your benevolence and noble character sooner!"

(End of this chapter)