Great Zhou Wensheng

Chapter 243 Conferring the Title of Marquis of Jiangyin! Grand Secretary of the Hall of Fame? (14,000 words updated today)

Jiang Xingzhou stayed in Mizhou Prefecture for half a month to observe the movements of the demon-barbarian allied forces.

The developments in the situation in northern Xinjiang over the past two weeks have completely confirmed his previous assessment.

Just as he had expected, after losing the Snow Wolf Kingdom, the most powerful and influential core clan, the so-called two million-strong demon-barbarian alliance was exposed for its loose and fragile nature, with its alliance based on interests.

Beneath the walls of Mizhou City, the Snow Wolf Kingdom's crushing defeat was like a thunderclap, completely igniting the long-simmering internal conflicts within their ranks.

The leaders of the various tribes argued heatedly in the allied army's tent, their faces flushed, and they almost came to blows, all in an attempt to shirk responsibility for the defeat and to seize the vast grasslands and power vacuum left behind after the collapse of the Snow Wolf Kingdom.

Faced with the cold reality that "who would want to follow in the footsteps of the Snow Wolf King?", no one was willing or dared to be the "first bird to stick its head out" and head south to its death.

The seemingly massive allied forces, after a period of bluffing and confrontation at the border, ultimately succumbed to low morale and internal strife, and scattered in disarray, retreating dejectedly to the frontier and the depths of the northern desert.

Jiang Xingzhou had also considered whether to continue to take the initiative and fight against the two million-strong army of the Northern Frontier Demon Barbarian Alliance.

However, given his position as Vice Minister of Revenue, he was clearly incapable of leading a major battle of this scale.

We can only abandon this idea for now and wait for the future.

With the immediate threat to northern Xinjiang temporarily averted, the vast border region has welcomed a long-awaited and reassuring peace.

Prefect Xue Chonghu continued to garrison Mizhou Prefecture, leading an elite force of 200,000 men, forged in the crucible of war, with a formidable military presence and soaring morale.

More importantly, it was thanks to Jiang Xingzhou's ruthless methods in the early stages, which were described as "scraping the ground three feet deep," that the corrupt and powerful were confiscated, as well as the supplies that were continuously and efficiently transported from Jiangnan, Bashu, Guanzhong and other places.

The reserves of money, grain, and military equipment in Mizhou Prefecture were not only not depleted by the war, but were even more abundant than before the war, truly achieving a full treasury and well-preserved armor.

The entire defense system of the northern border region, after being integrated and tempered in this battle, has become as solid and well-organized as a piece of refined iron that has been forged.

Seeing that the border situation had stabilized and everything was arranged properly.

Jiang Xingzhou knew that the real game was in Luoyang, so he didn't delay any longer.

On an auspicious day with clear skies, Jiang Xingzhou and his entourage officially set off southward amidst the cheers of "Victory!" "Respectfully bidding farewell to Lord Jiang!" "Respectfully bidding farewell to Vice Minister Jiang!" spontaneously lined the streets to see them off, their shouts echoing through the sky.

The convoy was small in size, but extremely efficient.

Jiang Xingzhou and his wife Xue Lingqi rode in the same carriage, with Qingfei and Xuannu following silently and vigilantly as usual.

In addition, there were a small number of elite troops selected from the northern border army as guards, and a few core clerks to handle documents.

They traveled light and simply, yet possessed a dignified air of someone who had experienced battle and returned with the might of a great victory.

The carriage slowly drove out of the majestic Mizhou city gate, gradually leaving the northern frontier city, which had borne blood, glory, and legend, behind.

Xue Lingqi leaned against the window, looking back for a long time. Her eyes were filled with reluctance to part with her father, Xue Chonghu, and also with excitement and emotion at having personally witnessed and participated in an epic victory.

"After this battle, my father-in-law was able to garrison the northern frontier, defeat the powerful enemy, and protect the borders and the people."

This weighty military achievement is enough to promote him to the rank of governor, and further to a higher civil rank, truly making him a tremendous asset and a reliable cornerstone for me in the Great Zhou.

Jiang Xingzhou sat upright in the carriage, his expression calm and composed, but his gaze had already traversed thousands of mountains and rivers, landing on Luoyang, the heart of the Holy Dynasty in the south, a city where prosperity and crisis coexisted.

That place was the true center of power in the Holy Dynasty, a court rife with intrigue and undercurrents.

In the Battle of the Northern Frontier, he established his unparalleled military achievements with a poem that protected the nation and a decisive battle that annihilated the enemy, and also completely shattered the long-standing balance of power in the court.

Upon his triumphant return, what awaits him will be far more than just flowers, songs of victory, and generous rewards.

There will inevitably be constant open and covert attacks, even suspicion and scrutiny caused by those who achieve great merit and threaten the ruler, as well as political games and power struggles that are far more complex and dangerous than battles on the battlefield.

There was no trace of fear or hesitation in Jiang Xingzhou's eyes, only unfathomable composure and an all-knowing confidence.

The wind, snow, and swords of the northern frontier forged his unparalleled brilliance.
The corpses of 100,000 wolf soldiers forged his prestige as heavy as a mountain.

Now that we have grown strong and have a sharp sword in hand, it is time to carry this formidable fighting spirit back to that battlefield without gunpowder, yet still capable of killing invisibly.

The convoy, with its banners waving, wound its way along the official road toward Luoyang.

The world's attention has shifted from the flames of war in the north to this young vice minister who, at the tender age of twenty, has already achieved astonishing feats and is about to return in glory.

Outside Luoyang City.

The ten-mile-long pavilion was already packed with people, a sea of ​​heads!
The news spread like wildfire throughout the capital region—Lord Jiang, who achieved a great victory in the north, slew the great demon king of the Snow Wolf Kingdom, and annihilated 100,000 enemy troops, has returned in triumph today!

Countless people spontaneously poured into the streets, lining the roads to welcome the crowd, stretching from the city gates to the horizon, everyone craning their necks in anticipation.

Waving colorful cloths they had hastily found, their faces beaming with pride and joy, cheers, chatter, and exclamations blended into a sea of ​​merriment.

"They're here! They're here! Minister Jiang's carriage has arrived!"

"Look! That scholar in blue robes is none other than Lord Jiang, who composed a poem to protect the nation and summoned the spirits of ancient gods and generals on the battlefield!"

"Heaven blesses the Great Zhou! Heaven blesses His Majesty! Such a pillar of the nation has emerged, capable of securing peace and stability!"

What is even more striking is that there are a large number of scholars dressed in various Confucian robes in the crowd, and their enthusiasm even exceeds that of ordinary people.

Jiang Xingzhou's feat of composing a national treasure poem on the eve of battle, summoning the spirits of divine generals, and using his poetry to defeat the enemy has long been circulated as a legend among scholars.

To them, Jiang Xingzhou was not only a hero of the Great Zhou who turned the tide, but also a monument to literature and a shining star that guided countless scholars of the Great Zhou!
Many young scholars were so excited that tears welled up in their eyes, and they pushed and shoved forward, just to catch a glimpse of the unparalleled charisma of this man who could be called the "literary master of our time".

When Jiang Xingzhou's carriage arrived at the majestic gates of Luoyang, the scene reached its climax!

Below the city gate, led by the three Grand Secretaries who were in charge of the Holy Dynasty—Chen Shaoqing, Guo Zheng, and Wei Min—along with almost the entire core high-ranking officials of the Great Zhou Dynasty, including the Ministers of the Six Ministries, the Vice Ministers of the Ministries, and the Nine Ministers, all came to greet them!

This welcoming ceremony was truly unprecedented!

Even if a prince goes to war and returns victorious, he may not necessarily be able to persuade the three regents to personally greet him at the national gate!
This is not just a matter of etiquette, but also a silent political statement.

Chen Shaoqing, the Grand Secretary with a lean face and a calm demeanor, stepped forward first, cupped his hands, and said, "Vice Minister Jiang's victory in the northern frontier has enhanced our national prestige and secured our borders. Your contributions are invaluable to the country. Thank you for your hard work!"

His tone was extremely calm, revealing no trace of joy or anger, but the fact that someone of his status personally came out to greet him and spoke first spoke volumes.

Guo Zheng, the Chamberlain of the Imperial Secretariat, and Wei Min, the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, also bowed in greeting, their words brief but their manners impeccable.

Their fear, vigilance, and even unease toward Jiang Xingzhou had reached their peak.

But at this moment, under the watchful eyes of the public, and in the face of overwhelming popular support and illustrious military achievements, no one dared to show the slightest disrespect or negligence.

To oppose Jiang Xingzhou at this moment is tantamount to opposing the boiling public sentiment and the Empress who is about to bestow a great reward upon him.

Jiang Xingzhou calmly alighted from the carriage and returned the greetings to the three prime ministers and the large group of officials behind them, his attitude neither humble nor arrogant, but composed and self-assured.

His face showed neither the arrogance of someone who had achieved early success nor the fear of someone who had suddenly risen to a high position. It was as if the ultimate honor and extraordinary treatment he was receiving were only natural and he accepted them with equanimity.

However, the real, extraordinary honors are yet to come.

The carriage slowly made its way through the massive, cheering crowds to the heavily guarded imperial city.

Afterwards, surrounded by a crowd, Jiang Xingzhou walked directly to the vast square in front of the Zichen Hall, which symbolized the core of the highest power of the Holy Dynasty.

Officials, arranged according to rank, stood solemnly and silently on either side of the magnificent white marble steps.

Under the watchful eyes of all the officials, and bathed in the golden rays of the rising sun, Empress Wu Mingyue stepped out of the Golden Palace and stood at the highest point of the nine-tiered imperial steps!

Dressed in a phoenix coronet and embroidered robe, she exuded imperial majesty and unparalleled elegance. As the emperor himself, she descended the steps to welcome her triumphant subjects!
What an extraordinary favor!
Throughout history, when emperors rewarded their meritorious officials, they would usually hold a banquet in the palace.

The emperor personally came out of the golden palace and descended the steps to welcome him. Such an honor was not a simple reward for merit, but rather an ultimate affirmation announced to the world!

The Empress's gaze pierced through the crowd and landed precisely on Jiang Xingzhou, who was walking slowly towards her.

In her eyes, there was undisguised admiration, a sense of relief, and an indescribable fervor and expectation, as if she were looking at a national treasure.

"Jiang Aiqing, you've worked hard."

The Empress's voice was clear and steady, resounding throughout the entire square, carrying a hint of barely perceptible excitement, "In the battle of the Northern Frontier, my beloved minister, with your national treasure poem, turned the tide, protected the land of my Great Zhou, and enhanced the prestige of our nation. I am deeply gratified!"
"The presence of ministers like you is a blessing to the nation!"

Jiang Xingzhou stood below the jade steps, facing the Empress, and bowed deeply, his voice calm yet firm: "Your subject, Jiang Xingzhou, has fortunately fulfilled his mission."

The simple exchange carried immense weight, echoing across the silent square.

At this moment, sunlight bathed the white marble square, reflecting a dazzling light; officials stood with their heads bowed, silent and still.
The cheers of the masses outside the imperial city could be faintly heard.

Jiang Xingzhou stood at the pinnacle of glory and power, still wearing that simple blue robe, yet he seemed to be inextricably linked to the fortune of the entire Holy Dynasty.

The glory of victory reached its zenith at this moment.

But everyone with discerning eyes knows that behind this ultimate glory lies a hidden reef beneath a calm sea, and what awaits this young vice minister is an even more turbulent and complex situation in the imperial court of Luoyang, as well as ubiquitous dangers and challenges.

The grand welcoming ceremony, brimming with the utmost honor, had concluded in front of the Golden Palace.

The Empress's entourage returned to the palace in a grand procession, preparing for the even more solemn formal investiture ceremony the following day.

The civil and military officials, in small groups, slowly descended the wide imperial steps paved with white marble.

The excitement and shock of witnessing the emperor's personal welcome still lingered on everyone's faces. They whispered among themselves about the astonishing details of the great victory in the northern frontier and Jiang Xingzhou's profound and majestic demeanor. An atmosphere of barely suppressed excitement permeated the air.

At the forefront of the crowd, the three Grand Secretaries who held the reins of the empire—Chen Shaoqing, Guo Zheng, and Wei Min—walked side by side.

Their steps were unusually steady compared to the commotion around them, their faces calm and expressionless, forming a subtle yet striking contrast with the invisible heat wave behind them, like three weathered rocks standing alone at the crest of the tide.

Reaching a secluded spot where the palace wall bends, just away from the noisy crowd behind him, Chen Shaoqing slowed his pace almost imperceptibly.

His gaze remained fixed on the neatly trimmed pines and cypresses ahead, as if he were leisurely admiring the palace garden scenery, yet he uttered a barely audible, almost whispered sound, which only the two prime ministers beside him could clearly hear:

"It is not that we are jealous of talent or have any intention of suppressing those who are less capable."

However… Jiang Xingzhou's rise to power this time was far too swift and fierce, like a sudden, deafening thunderclap from the heavens.

He paused, his voice becoming even lower, "This young man is indeed exceptionally talented, but his brilliance is too exposed, and his momentum is too strong."

Like an arrow released from a bow, it may be unstoppable at first, but if the string pull is too strong, the arrow may break.
Like a fine tree, if it grows too fast, its roots will inevitably become shallow, and it will surely bend over in a strong wind.

This is not a sustainable solution, and it may not bring blessings to either the country or the individual.

His words were extremely subtle and refined, but how could Guo Zheng and Wei Min, who had been immersed in the court for decades, not understand his deeper meaning?
Jiang Xingzhou now boasts immense military achievements, including slaying the Wolf King and annihilating 100,000 enemy troops. He is also renowned for his literary talent and enjoys the favor and trust of the Empress. His prestige is at its zenith.

If no constraints are imposed, and he is allowed to rise to prominence in one fell swoop, directly entering the cabinet as prime minister, and even attaining a status equal to or even subtly surpassing the three of them through imperial favor, then...

The balance that the court has painstakingly maintained for many years will be completely broken. Will these veteran ministers still have room to maneuver and take control of the government?
This is no longer a matter of personal likes or dislikes, but a fundamental consideration concerning the stability of the power structure and even one's own political life.

Upon hearing this, Minister Wei Min's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he replied in a low, resonant voice: "What Chancellor Chen said is indeed a wise and experienced way of governing the country."

The wood is beautiful in the forest, and the wind will destroy it.

Let them slow down, calm down, and gain more experience.

He kept a low profile and consolidated his foundation.

A smooth transition of power and avoidance of upheaval may not necessarily be a bad thing.

He then shifted his focus to the most crucial practical issue.
"But how can we slow it down?"

Under what name?

Ordinary reasons are futile in the face of such great merit and imperial favor, amounting to nothing more than a mantis trying to stop a chariot, and only inviting ridicule.

Guo Zheng, the Chamberlain, nodded slightly. He was in charge of reviewing and refuting government orders and was most familiar with the court's regulations and promotion rules.

He knew full well that at such a moment, any underhanded tricks were a poor strategy and would only give his opponents a handle against him. He had to use a fair and square strategy, relying on the power of the rules themselves.

At this moment, he spoke slowly, his tone carrying a calm confidence that suggested he was in control of the rules and understood the underlying dynamics:

"What Prime Minister Wei is worried about is precisely the key point."

According to the ancestral system and precedents of our Great Zhou Dynasty, officials who wish to rise to high positions in the Three Departments and Six Ministries, especially to participate in state affairs within the Grand Secretariat, must, in addition to merit and seniority, advance further beyond their literary rank—they must be promoted to the prestigious title of "Grand Secretary of the Hall of Literary Excellence."

His gaze was deep as he swept over Chen Shaoqing and Wei Min, and he continued meaningfully, "Although Jiang Xingzhou is now the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, he is favored by the Emperor and enjoys great favor."

However, his literary rank remained limited to 'Hanlin Academician'.

The difference between "Hanlin Academician" and "Grand Academician of the Hall of Fame" may seem like just a step, but in reality, they are worlds apart, like heaven and earth...

This is a crucial watershed moment in the system of literary cultivation, which cannot be achieved overnight through military merit, political achievements, or imperial favor alone; it requires gradual accumulation and enlightenment.

Guo Zheng's voice carried an unwavering certainty, as if he were stating a truth:
"Grand Secretary of the Hall of Fame!"

This position is of utmost importance; it is a crucial step for practitioners of literary arts to connect with the literary energy of heaven and earth and to begin to bear the weight of the nation's destiny!
One must have a thorough understanding of Confucian classics, possess an unshakeable literary talent, and have a deep resonance between one's literary mind and the glorious destiny of the nation in order to invoke the recognition of the rules of literature and the way of heaven and earth and obtain the blessing of this high-level literary position.

It is only possible for those with great perseverance, extensive experience, and profound understanding.

The cultivation of literature and Taoism is like building a nine-story tower, starting with accumulating earth. It emphasizes gradual progress and the accumulation of knowledge before unleashing its full potential.

If, because of his outstanding military achievements, he were hastily promoted from the position of Hanlin Academician to Minister of Revenue or even higher, it would likely jeopardize his literary foundation and make him prone to inner turmoil and resentment. This would not only be detrimental to his long-term future but also likely not be a blessing for the court and the nation.

Chen Shaoqing softly repeated the title "Grand Secretary of the Hall of Fame," a slight smile playing on his lips, a smile that was a mixture of satisfaction and coldness.

The threshold of being a Grand Secretary in the Hall of Literary Rank is like an invisible chasm, keeping many talented but unqualified officials firmly at the outermost level of the power core.

Today, it is perfectly legitimate and respectable to use this rule set by our ancestors, which concerns the very foundation of literature and morality, to "regulate" Jiang Xingzhou's promotion path.

Even if the Empress were willing to break the rules, she would have to carefully consider the impact this move would have on scholars and intellectuals throughout the land, as well as on the system of literary cultivation.

It would be difficult for anyone to openly accuse them of deliberately suppressing others.

"Lord Guo is deeply versed in the true essence of literature and the profound understanding of the system!"

Chen Shaoqing finally stopped and turned to face Guo Zheng and Wei Min. His tone returned to its usual gentleness during political discussions, but carried an undeniable air of conviction.

"We are senior elders, and we also bear the heavy responsibility of assisting the country and protecting the people."

How can we sit idly by and watch a talented junior destroy his literary foundation and leave behind only regret because of his rapid promotion in official position?

Following the proper path of literature and morality, we advise them to slow down, solidify their foundation, and temper their character.

This is the true act of care and preservation.

This proposal is reasonable, justifiable, and in accordance with regulations.

Wei Min nodded heavily and added decisively, "That's exactly right!"
Those who do not hold the rank of Grand Secretary of the Hall of Fame are not allowed to be promoted to the substantive position of Minister, let alone enter the Cabinet!

This is an ancestral system, and it is the foundation for maintaining the integrity of civil officials and ensuring that all important ministers in the court are top-notch scholars!
Only by adhering to established rules and regulations can the fairness of the imperial court's personnel selection be demonstrated, the practice of favoritism in promotion be eliminated, and the trust of scholars throughout the land be earned.

In the brief moment before the throne, the three powerful prime ministers reached a tacit agreement with just a few words.

They would not openly oppose the bestowal of honors upon Jiang Xingzhou.

They might even lavish praise on his achievements in public, but in the most crucial step—promoting his literary rank to "Grand Academician of the Hall of Fame"—they would cleverly use the power of the Great Zhou ancestral system and the rules of literature to set up a "compliant" and "for your own good" obstacle.

This plan can be described as a model of open strategy. It can not only effectively slow down Jiang Xingzhou's rise on the ladder of power, but also occupy the high ground of morality and system, making it seem dignified and impeccable.

The following day, the Great Zhou Dynasty held its routine court assembly.

The atmosphere inside the Zichen Palace was solemn and dignified, yet subtly conveyed an unusual tension and anticipation.

Empress Wu Mingyue sat on the dragon throne atop the nine-tiered imperial steps, her crown tassels drooping, her face obscured by pearls and jade, making it impossible to discern her true expression.

Only that clear and resonant voice, imbued with supreme majesty, clearly resounded throughout every corner of the hall:

"A great victory was achieved in the northern frontier. The Great Demon King of Snow Wolves was beheaded, 100,000 wolf soldiers were wiped out, the demon-barbarian allied forces retreated, and the border troubles were quelled."

Jiang Aiqing made great contributions, enhanced our national prestige, stabilized the border regions, and his merits are recorded in history.

I am very relieved."

She paused slightly, her gaze sweeping, seemingly intentionally or unintentionally, over the officials standing below with their heads bowed in solemn silence, especially the three prime ministers in the front row. Then, her voice suddenly rose, carrying an undeniable decisiveness:
"I, the Emperor, mean:"

Jiang Xingzhou is promoted to Vice Minister of Revenue, and then to Minister of Revenue, in charge of all national finances, taxes, and expenditures. It is hoped that he will eradicate long-standing abuses and strengthen the nation's military!

"Furthermore, he is granted the title of Marquis of Jiangyin, which shall be hereditary and never be replaced!"
He was granted a mansion within the inner city of Luoyang, the estate of the Marquis of Jiangyin, one hundred hectares of fertile land in the capital region, and one million coins from the imperial treasury as funds for his family's settlement.

"His wife, Lady Xue Lingqi, came from a military family of the Duke of Xue. She was virtuous and kind, and was specially granted the title of Third-Rank Lady to show her honor."

As soon as the reward was announced, a series of suppressed, faint gasps filled the hall.

He was appointed Minister of the Imperial Academy, granted the title of Marquis, bestowed with a mansion and land, and his wife was granted hereditary privileges.

Such a reward is undeniably generous, reaching almost the pinnacle of what a subject can achieve, especially for a young official like Jiang Xingzhou, it is an unprecedented favor.

However, despite the turmoil in their hearts, no one dared to voice their opposition at this moment.

Jiang Xingzhou's unparalleled achievements in the northern frontier are now shining brightly like the sun and moon in the sky, and his momentum has been established.

To rashly confront them at this moment would be tantamount to a mantis trying to stop a chariot, only to invite humiliation.

However, just when the Emperor's decision seemed final and everyone thought the matter was settled, as soon as the Empress finished speaking, she mentioned the crucial substantive position of Minister of Revenue—

Minister Wei Min, who had been standing quietly at the head of the group, took a step forward at the opportune moment.

His calm and powerful literary aura, as steady as a mountain and as vast as the sea, rippled slightly, subtly resonating with the invisible power of rules within the hall, revealing his unfathomable literary cultivation.

He bowed and addressed the audience, his voice not loud, yet carrying a profound weight that resonated with the principles of literature; each word was clear and distinct.

"Your Majesty is wise and insightful."

Minister Jiang's achievements on the northern frontier are unprecedented and will be recorded in history. He deserves a great reward to honor his merits and encourage loyalty and courage throughout the land. We, his subjects, are deeply impressed.

He first fully affirmed the achievements, then changed the subject, his tone becoming serious:
"However, Your Majesty, in accordance with the ancestral system of our Great Zhou and the ironclad rules for the promotion of civil officials, any official who enters the Three Provinces and holds the core power of the Six Ministries must have an extremely solid literary foundation and be able to bear the weight of the nation's destiny."

Only those whose literary rank reaches the lofty level of "Grand Secretary of the Hall of Literary Excellence" are qualified to serve as Ministers.

Wei Min raised his head, his gaze clear and bright, revealing a heart devoted to the country: "The title of Grand Academician is a crucial juncture in the literary cultivation system, a qualification that determines whether literary talent and national destiny can be deeply integrated, and cannot be attained solely through meritorious service."

Although Jiang is a man of extraordinary talent, his current literary rank is still Hanlin Academician.

If a scholar of the Hanlin Academy were to be forced into the high position of Minister, the disparity between his official rank and literary status would likely cause his official authority to overwhelm his literary career, damaging his foundation for cultivation. It would be like a small tripod supporting a giant cauldron, potentially leading to its collapse.

This is not only detrimental to Lord Jiang's long-term future, but it is also unlikely to be a sound strategy for the court to select virtuous and capable officials and bring blessings to the nation.

He bowed deeply at the end, his words earnest: "I am not obstructing the bestowal of honors, but rather acting in the best interests of Jiang Da's future as a scholar and for the stability of the imperial system!"
Therefore, I humbly beg Your Majesty to act in accordance with the established order, even at the risk of my life.

The titles and rewards could be bestowed first to demonstrate the emperor's boundless grace.

As for the substantive position of Minister of Revenue, it may be postponed for now. While Lord Jiang devotes himself to his studies, his literary rank will naturally rise to that of Grand Secretary of the Hall of Literary Excellence.

When the time is right, a formal investiture and appointment should be made; this is the best way to preserve talent and achieve the best of both worlds.

We humbly request Your Majesty's wise judgment!

These words, rich in classical allusions, accurately grasped the two major principles of "ancestral system" and "the foundation of literature and morality," appearing dignified and impeccable.

The many ministers in the hall, all of whom were scholars and belonged to various factions, heard this and, reflecting on their own cultivation experiences, found it reasonable. They all bowed in agreement, and the voices gradually rose: "What Prime Minister Wei said is very true!"

"I second the proposal!"

"Your Majesty, please act in accordance with the established rules and preserve the foundation of Jiang University's humanistic values!"

The title of "Grand Secretary of the Hall of Fame" is a watershed moment, holding a supreme position in the civil service system. It is not only a ticket to the top of power, but also a symbol that one's literary cultivation has been recognized by both heaven and earth and the state.

Many talented individuals in the Hanlin Academy were stuck at the level of "Hanlin Academician" for their entire lives, unable to move beyond that.

The ministers' actions were ostensibly in accordance with the law, using the rules of literature and morality as a natural barrier to delay Jiang Xingzhou's complete control of the state's finances and to buy time for all parties involved.

On the steps of the palace, behind the imperial crown, Empress Wu Mingyue's sharp gaze swept over the seemingly selfless ministers below.

She was well aware that this was a tacit agreement between the three prime ministers and their respective factions, an attempt to delay Jiang Xingzhou's promotion through a calculated scheme!
However, as an emperor ruling the world, she also needed to carefully weigh the options between promoting meritorious officials and upholding the authority of the ancestral system.

The ancestral system of the Great Zhou Dynasty closely binds literary rank and official position, as they together bear the fate of the nation's literary tradition. If this system is easily shaken, unforeseen consequences may arise.

She hesitated for a moment, her gaze passing through the crowd before finally settling on the composed figure in blue robes below the steps. Her voice was calm yet inquiring:

“Minister Jiang, what Chancellor Wei and the other ministers said concerns the ancestral laws and the proper path of literary cultivation. I must also be cautious about it.”

What are your thoughts on this matter?

In an instant, all eyes in the hall, whether open or hidden, filled with worry, scrutiny, or expectation, focused on Jiang Xingzhou alone.

Jiang Xingzhou remained calm and composed, as if this crucial court struggle concerning his career was already within his expectations.

He bowed slightly, his voice clear and melodious like a jade chime, utterly calm, yet his words subtly resonated with the refined atmosphere flowing within the hall, as if each word contained a unique power:
"Your Majesty's decree will be obeyed!"
I wholeheartedly agree and am willing to follow the proper path of literature and morality.

"The literary rank of [Grand Secretary of the Hall of Literary Excellence] is an essential step on my path of literary cultivation, and it is also the literary rank that I aspire to."

His tone was frank, even carrying a hint of pure pursuit of a higher realm of literature and morality: "Even without the position of Minister to urge me on, I will still devote myself to honing my skills in order to achieve perfection in literature and reach a point where I can bear the weight of the nation's destiny as soon as possible."

Finally, he looked in the direction of Wei Min and the others, nodded slightly, and said in a calm tone: "Today, Prime Minister Wei and my colleagues are advising me based on this ancestral rule, which is also out of reverence for the rules of literature and concern for my personal cultivation and future prospects."

I deeply appreciate and am sincerely grateful for this spirit of upholding the system and caring for younger generations.

His response was calm, composed, and magnanimous. He lightly transformed the other party's attempt to use the system to establish checks and balances into an inevitable process and trial on his own path of self-cultivation.

You see him as a tiger blocking your path, but he sees him as a whetstone.

You all thought it would delay my official career, but he used it to enlighten his mind and see his true nature, pointing directly to a higher realm of literature.

Such extraordinary demeanor and absolute confidence made many officials who were originally watching the show or even secretly gloating suddenly feel a chill.

The Empress gave Jiang Xingzhou a deep look, her crown tassels twitching slightly, a hint of barely perceptible admiration and satisfaction flashing in her eyes. Then she spoke loudly, her voice resolute: "Excellent! Minister Jiang is wise and righteous, considerate of the system, and does not forget the fundamentals of cultivation. I am very pleased!"

"Since that is the case, we shall follow the advice of Chancellor Wei and the ministers. The laws and regulations of our ancestors should not be lightly abandoned."

"I will leave the position of Minister of Revenue vacant for you, my dear minister. Once your literary rank has risen to Grand Secretary, when the time is right, I will formally appoint you to head the Ministry of Revenue!"

She paused, her tone becoming clear and forceful, her gaze sweeping over the officials: "During this period, Minister Jiang will continue to serve as the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, and will be in full charge of all affairs of the Ministry of Revenue!"
All relevant departments and authorities must cooperate fully and must not slacken their efforts!

This last sentence is crucial.

The phrase "fully authorized to act" means that although Jiang Xingzhou does not hold the title of Minister, he already wields the real power of a Minister.

The power was not substantially weakened by the requirement of a formal title; it was simply lacking a formal status.

"Your Majesty, please accept the order and thank me."

Jiang Xingzhou bowed again, his demeanor composed.
-
ps:
Working myself to the bone in November!
For every 500 monthly passes, I'll write 1 words straight out of my sleeve! Come on! Unleash your fury upon me!

Completed today, 14,000 words updated!

(End of this chapter)