Do You Know?: I, the Little Cabinet Elder, Regent of the World.

Chapter 235 If you won't do it, plenty of others will! (6k)
On March 11, two decrees were issued by the cabinet.

The division of powers and responsibilities was refined, and all departments were split up.

The performance evaluation system will be refined to improve performance evaluation.

In an instant, everyone, from top to bottom, was shocked.

The detailed division of powers and responsibilities and the splitting of various departments mean that tens of thousands of positions with real power will be added at once.

It is not hard to foresee that once implemented, everyone will have the right to it.

Regardless of rank, officials have more or less the opportunity to wield a certain amount of real power.

This should have been a very happy thing.

Which official doesn't want some power?
Even those who hold positions without contributing anything or are merely nominal officials still absolutely desire some power in their hands.

Clearly defining rights and responsibilities, ensuring everyone has rights, is undoubtedly a great thing.

but
In addition to the decrees detailing powers and responsibilities, there was also a decree detailing performance evaluation.

Performance evaluation system!
All administrative matters must be recorded in the "performance record book," including the executor of the task, specific requirements, time limits, and progress achieved.

The results of the assessment, whether excellent or poor, are immediately apparent.

Those with poor performance are demoted, while those with excellent performance are promoted.

Not only does everyone have the right, but everyone also has the responsibility.

Furthermore, there is a "joint accountability system," meaning that if subordinates fail to carry out government orders, their superiors will also be punished.

This undoubtedly caused great concern among some officials who lacked real ability.

All government orders are implemented and registered, and whether there are any achievements or political accomplishments is immediately clear. It can no longer be vaguely explained by a simple phrase like "rest and recuperation".

The responsibilities and powers are clearly defined, the performance evaluation is detailed, and joint accountability is enforced.

When the waves recede, it becomes crystal clear who was swimming naked.

From then on, if someone truly couldn't carry out the orders given by the authorities, they would likely be demoted.

After all, superiors bear joint responsibility and will certainly urge and monitor the implementation of government orders with all their might.

Failure to fulfill government orders is tantamount to hindering one's superiors. If the failure is severe enough, the superiors may even take the initiative to report and demote the subordinate.

In an instant, the common people, the government, and officials were all shocked!
On the same day, the first-ever newspaper was published!

Fanlou.

A small table made of pear wood, about ten feet long, was set with small bottles of wine and snacks.

Gu Tingye, Wang Shao, Liang Zhao, and Zhong Shidao sat facing each other, occasionally picking up chopsticks and chopsticks, raising their cups and chatting happily.

"The last reform was nearly thirty years ago."

Liang Zhao raised his wine cup, took a sip, and sighed, "I just don't know if this time it will work out?"

Historically, those who failed in their reforms were almost always demoted repeatedly and found it difficult to return to the imperial court.

Grand Secretary Jiang is a rare Grand Secretary of the Cabinet who is well-versed in military and political affairs. If he is demoted, it is estimated that there will be no hope of expanding the territory of the Liao Kingdom.

Expanding territory may become a thing of the past!

Gu Tingye and Wang Shao exchanged a glance, both frowning.

After a moment of contemplation, Wang Shao said calmly, "With Zichuan's talent and the Emperor's decisiveness, it is highly likely to succeed."

The more you understand Jiang Zhao, the more terrifying his vision and strategic thinking become.

Whether it was the secret establishment of an heir apparent or the expansion of territory, it undoubtedly demonstrated his almost unparalleled strategic vision and ability to seize opportunities.

As for Emperor Zhao Ceying, he can be described as the most charismatic monarch in the country's hundred-year history, and he is probably on par with Emperor Taizu.

When Emperor Xifeng opened up the borders, he placed 300,000 troops under the command of one person, making him the overall commander of all military and political affairs in Xihe and Shaanxi. He also overruled objections, dismissed the regular court, and resolutely prevented relatives of the empress and civil officials from entering the borders to exert checks and balances.

Such an approach requires more than just trust; it also demands courage.

The deposed empress, the severe punishment of the two Zhejiang provinces, and the inspection of the two capitals and fourteen circuits were all decisions made with great courage and determination.

The two men, one a brilliant administrator and the other a man of great courage and decisiveness, were a ruler and his minister.

Such a combination is likely to succeed.

"The fiscal deficit is already a crisis that threatens social stability and cannot be ignored."

Gu Tingye solemnly said, "Zichuan, you will surely succeed!"

Liang Zhao was surprised and looked at the two of them.

Are they all so confident in Jiang Ge Lao?
Zhong Shidao munched on a pear, glanced at Liang Zhao, and smiled calmly.

Influential figures of any era are destined to have no shortage of followers.

Gu Tingye and Wang Shao were both people cultivated by the teacher.

Gu Tingye was originally a spoiled young master in the capital. If he hadn't been lucky enough to meet his teacher, he would probably have lived a mediocre life.

They might even be suppressed by their stepmother, Madam Qin, for the rest of their lives.

Conversely, he was fortunate to meet the gentleman, they became friends, and with the help of a benefactor, he was able to take up a post in the border region. He twice expanded the territory, made great contributions, and rose to the rank of a third-grade official in the Privy Council. Wearing a purple robe, he was almost certain to become one of the military giants.

Such a change is truly defying fate and altering destiny.

Wang Shao had a similar experience.

He was originally just a minor official, but he was lucky enough to be singled out and rose to power, eventually inheriting the position for generations.

Such an experience will inevitably give the sponsor an unspeakable confidence.

Liang Zhao only participated in the expansion of the border during the reign of Emperor Xifeng, and he had already gained some influence before meeting the Master.

In comparison, the confidence in Mr. was certainly not as strong as it was without Gu Tingye and Wang Shao.

"Newspaper, newspaper."

A long shout echoed throughout Fanlou.

The group of people were all taken aback and looked up.

At the entrance of Fanlou, a minor official carried over a hundred sheets of paper, each three feet long, and read aloud from time to time:
"Newspaper! Newspaper!"

"Newspapers printed by the Imperial College."

As the number one restaurant in the world, Fanlou has a very large customer flow.

Before ten breaths had passed, a scholar stepped forward and asked, "Sir, what is a newspaper?"

As a strategically important area surrounding the capital, it is home to nearly two million people and is exceptionally wealthy.

When people have money, they are naturally more willing to accept new and interesting things.

"Didn't the Imperial College publish a gazette?"

The clerk quickly explained, "But the official gazette was only for officials to read, and too few copies were printed. Grand Secretary Jiang believed that the official gazette should be made known to the people, so he ordered that it be printed in large quantities, with its content enriched and printed using new printing techniques, and named it a newspaper."

"Grand Secretary Jiang?"

The scholar, intrigued, asked, "What's printed on it?"

"The inside story of the reform decision, the new words of Su Shi, Wang Anshi and others, the frontier affairs, strange tales and anecdotes, all are included," the clerk replied.

"The inside story of the reform decision?"

The scholar's eyes lit up; this was the most talked-about topic in the capital.

What is the price?

"The original price was fifty coins, but Grand Secretary Jiang thought it was too expensive and not in line with people's livelihoods, so he decided to sell it at a loss for thirty coins." The clerk took out several newspapers from his backpack and said slowly.

Thirty coins?

The scholar nodded and took out his money without hesitation: "Then give me four servings."

Clearly, this was a young master with a little money; thirty coins were hardly "money" to him.

"Alright!" The clerk was delighted and quickly handed over the newspaper.

Lord Xue Xiang had instructed that if the sales were good enough, he would provide a separate subsidy and submit a memorial to the Grand Secretary for a reward.

There is never a shortage of followers in the world. Once that scholar took the lead and bought four portions, people immediately gathered around.

After all, scholars value "refinement" above all else.

Following the trend can undoubtedly create a sense of elegance.

"Three servings, please."

"Two portions, two portions."

"Good heavens, are there even transvestites and humans in love up here?"

A human and a transvestite falling in love? Is that even proper?

People frequently gather around to buy it, and it's selling very well.

After all, those who have money to go to Fanlou for entertainment are naturally not short of a few dozen coins.

"That's a newspaper?" Wang Shao asked in surprise.

Gu Tingye, Liang Zhao, and Zhong Shidao all turned their attention to the direction of the gaze.

As members of the "Jiang Ge Lao circle," they naturally knew exactly what Xue Xiang had been busy with lately.

In his quest to obtain new lyrics from renowned poets, Xue Xiang frequently sent letters to Su Shi and Su Zhe, requesting their works.

They didn't even spare someone who was still in mourning period; that's too ruthless!
"Stone."

Gu Tingye waved and said cheerfully, "Go buy a few portions."

"Yes." Shi Tou bowed and hurried off to do so.

Before long, several newspapers were in the hands of the group, and the clerk's bag was completely empty.

Lately, everyone, from top to bottom, has been discussing reform policies. Taking advantage of this momentum, it's hard for newspapers to have any sales.

From beginning to end, it took less than half an incense stick's time!

"If you want to compare the West Lake to the West, it is always better to wear light makeup and heavy makeup."

"Zizhan's lyrics are truly unparalleled!"

After a cursory glance at the new poem "Drinking on the Lake After Rain" in the "Poetry and Prose" section, Gu Tingye couldn't help but praise it.

This description is definitely at a high level.

"Lord Su—"

Zhong Shidao glanced around and hesitated before asking, "Have you ever been to West Lake?"

"Forehead?"

Gu Tingye was taken aback.

It seems like there really isn't one, right?

"Ahem!" Gu Tingye coughed and quickly said, "As long as the words are good, that's fine."

“No wonder Zichuan had Xue Xiang publish the newspaper.” Wang Shao held the newspaper, looked at the “Current Affairs” section in the upper left corner, and sighed, “This is the real weapon of reform!”

Liang Zhao looked over, pondered for a moment, and nodded in approval.

The current affairs section contains only two parts, with relatively simple content.

One part is a detailed account of the two reform decrees issued by the imperial court, which are about a hundred words long.

The other part records two classical Chinese dialogues. The first dialogue involves three people: the emperor, Grand Secretary Jiang, and a eunuch. The second dialogue involves three people: the emperor, Grand Secretary Jiang, and an official in charge of remonstrance.

Among them, the upper echelons constructed the problem of the fiscal deficit through the words of the officials, not that they deliberately wanted to reform, but that they had no choice but to reform.

If nothing changes, the country will be in danger.

If things change, there is hope of expanding territory and unifying the world.

Jiang Ge Lao played the role of a "senior minister," being calm, insightful, and providing the emperor with a comprehensive analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of the reforms, but without making any decisions.

Therefore, the emperor and his minister reached a consensus that reforms were necessary.

The eunuchs were the clowns, playing the role of those who hindered the reforms, occasionally interjecting with phrases like "the laws of our ancestors cannot be lightly changed," preferring the destruction of the country to the reforms.

The following dialogue mainly depicts the struggle in the imperial court. The emperor and his minister wanted to implement reforms, but the remonstrating officials tried to stop them. In the end, Zhao Ceying's retort left them speechless.

These two inside stories about the reform, on the surface, are unbiased, but in reality, they almost always suppress the statement that "the laws of our ancestors should not be changed lightly."

Once the news spreads, it will inevitably become the mainstream voice in public opinion.

Yes, the laws of our ancestors should not be changed lightly!

However, the Emperor is not one to lightly change things!

It's not that we want to change, but that we have no choice but to change.

Besides the "Current Affairs" and "Poetry" sections, the "Frontiers" section is also noteworthy.

The Liao Kingdom shamelessly accused the people of the Great Zhou of overstepping their borders to cultivate their land, and attempted to send envoys to Zhou with an arrogant attitude that aroused deep disgust.

As for the "Literati Anecdotes and Folk Tales" section, the stories recorded about fox spirits and scholars, top scholars and courtesans, seem to be stories casually made up by scribes.

Such stories might be of considerable interest to scholars who have not yet entered officialdom and to ordinary people.

After all, there is indeed a lot of room for imagination.

However, Gu Tingye, Wang Shao, and the others had absolutely no interest in it. Given their status, having a fling with a courtesan was a simple matter of a word; there was no need for them to even dream about it.

Gu Tingye exclaimed, "Zichuan is truly a genius for all time!"

Who would have thought that newspapers could be used to control public opinion?
On March 21st, the sun gradually rose.

Civil and military officials stood in orderly rows.

People would occasionally gather together, their discussions adding to the noise.

With the issuance of the two decrees, all government departments, both internal and external, were thus separated.

The number of civil and military officials in the imperial court alone increased by fifty or sixty people.

Furthermore, imperial edicts continued to be issued from the Ministry of Personnel, with hundreds of appointment documents being issued daily, making the situation extremely busy.

If nothing unexpected happens, we should be able to achieve the goal of everyone having rights in about thirty days.

Of course, once everyone has rights, everyone will inevitably have responsibilities.

Officials, both high and low, were destined to be subject to the evaluation system.

In fact, from the moment the decree was issued, all government offices in the capital had already officially implemented the performance evaluation system.

Every local decree must be clearly recorded, including who the heads of the six ministries appointed, the specific requirements, and the deadline.

Compared to the past, the process is indeed a bit more complicated.

However, it is only limited to "one point".

"when!"

A bell chimes.

The side hall opened, and the six Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet, along with the Duke of Yingguo, the head of the military, emerged one after another, slowly forming a line.

People would occasionally glance at Jiang Zhao, who was dressed in a purple robe and jade belt, with expressions of admiration, dissatisfaction, or unwavering determination.
"when!"

Another bell rang.

"Xuan——"

"All officials, enter the hall!"

With a sharp, long cry, civil and military officials entered the hall one after another.

"Your Majesty, Holy Ann."

"No gift."

Standing on the steps of the imperial palace, Zhao Ceying looked down and said calmly, "All officials, both inside and outside the capital, may now speak."

"Your subject has a report to submit."

A calm voice rang out, and all the civil and military officials turned their attention to it.
Jiang Zhao stepped forward and calmly said, "The core of the performance evaluation system is three ledgers. Currently, the department responsible for verifying these ledgers has not yet been established."

"In my opinion, it would be better to establish a separate office called the Censorate, which would be directly under the jurisdiction of the Cabinet."

On the steps of the imperial palace, Zhao Ceying waved his sleeve without hesitation and said, "Granted."

"Regarding the organizational structure and the selection of the chief official, does Minister Jiang have any recommendations?" Zhao Ceying asked.

“The structure will be the same as the ‘Nine Temples’, with the chief official being a third-rank official. I recommend Wang Anshi, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, as the deputy chief official—” Jiang Xiao pondered, looking back.

My gaze followed the procession of officials, slowly moving downwards.

As the focus of all officials, both civil and military officials were taken aback and followed Jiang Zhao's gaze downwards, bit by bit.

Finally, my gaze fell upon a minor official at the very end of the list of officials, dressed in a green robe.

Qi Heng!

Qi Heng held the tablet, his expression changed slightly, and he was greatly alarmed.

I?
Jiang Zhao nodded slightly, "It's you!"
After a brief exchange of glances, Jiang Zhao turned around, bowed respectfully, and said in a loud voice, "Vice Chief, I recommend Imperial Censor Qi Heng."

Is it really Qi Heng?!
Wow!
In an instant, all the civil and military officials were in an uproar.

Last time, the two disagreed on political views, and Qi Heng even rashly went to Jiang Ge Lao's door to question him, right?

This time, he was actually recommended to be the deputy head of the Censorate?

What an incredibly terrifying capacity for tolerance!

The civil and military officials kept glancing at Jiang Zhao and then at Qi Heng, their gazes constantly shifting.

"this--"

Qi Heng was startled and speechless, momentarily at a loss for what to do.

The civil and military officials would occasionally exchange glances, unsure of what to say.

Should one recommend officials without avoiding enemies, and recommend officials without avoiding relatives?
Outrageous!

"Grand Secretary Jiang, you have the demeanor of ancient sages!" exclaimed Xue Xiang, Chancellor of the Imperial Academy.

Once this news is published in the newspaper, it'll sell like hotcakes!

On the steps of the imperial palace, Zhao Ceying smiled, rubbing his knees.

Jiang Qing had already submitted a memorial to the Imperial Study regarding the establishment of the new office.

To be honest, he was also taken aback when the memorial was presented to the Imperial Study.

Such magnanimity truly befits a renowned prime minister throughout history!
"Isn't this a bit inappropriate?"

At the end of the train, Qi Heng stepped out, his face showing hesitation.

“The Censorate is structured the same as the Nine Temples, so the deputy chief official is a fourth-rank official.” Qi Heng hesitated for only a moment before firmly holding his tablet and saying, “The Imperial Censor is a seventh-rank official, and should not be promoted directly to the fourth rank, as that would disrupt the rules of officialdom.”

He definitely wants a promotion.

But this does not mean that he can promote people without any principles.

Being promoted seven ranks in a row is really not a good thing.

As soon as he finished speaking, many people turned their attention to him.

Right!

He was promoted from the seventh rank to the fourth rank, which is a jump of seven ranks!
"I recommend Qi Heng for the position of acting deputy chief of the Censorate," Jiang Zhao added.

Going from the seventh rank to the fourth rank is indeed going too far.

However, there are always more solutions than problems.

The appointment of a fake official position is essentially a temporary assignment, and the official rank will not change. This is similar to Song Huai's appointment as the Pacification Commissioner of Liangzhe East Circuit, which was a third-rank official position but a second-rank official position.

The fact that Qi Heng was appointed as the deputy head of the Censorate means that he was still a seventh-rank official, but only held the rank of fourth-rank official.

On the imperial steps, Zhao Ceying waved his hand and ordered, "Granted."

The Censorate truly needs someone like Qi Heng!
Since it was a fake position in the Censorate and the Emperor had already announced the decree, Qi Heng stopped worrying about it.

Qi Heng glanced heavily at Jiang Zhao, then bowed and said, "Your subject Qi Heng thanks Your Majesty for your great kindness."

"Your subject Wang Anshi thanks Your Majesty for your great kindness," Wang Anshi said, bowing.

Jiang Zhao bowed and retreated.

Standing on the steps of the imperial palace, Zhao Ceying looked down and asked:
"Is there anything else to play?"

With the implementation of the new policy, there will inevitably be people who oppose it.

As an emperor, he wouldn't mind killing a group of people as a starting point.

"Your subject has a report to submit."

A man carrying a tablet stepped forward; he was an imperial censor.

Zhao Ceying looked over.

A fifth-rank imperial censor!

"The performance evaluation system has been in effect for about ten days. In my opinion, it is far too cumbersome and is a bad policy."

“If this continues, I fear that some virtuous officials will suffer from the bad government and retire.”

The censor sighed deeply, looking quite disheartened, and bowed, saying, "I humbly beseech Grand Secretary Jiang to rescind the decrees and restore peace and tranquility to all officials."

Excuse!
Many people were startled and looked over.

Is this a direct naming of Grand Secretary Jiang?
To the left, Jiang Zhao calmly glanced back before looking up at the steps of the imperial palace.

The implementation of reforms is destined to face opposition for a long time.

However, this was the first time that a memorial to the emperor was presented on a "large scale".

Jiang Zhao looked up at the steps of the palace, and Zhao Ceying also glanced at Jiang Zhao unintentionally.

The two, ruler and subject, exchanged a tacit understanding, everything unspoken.

If that's the case, then we must make an example of them!
"I second the proposal."

"I second the proposal."

More than ten officials bowed down and echoed his sentiments.

In the past, at least one could muddle through and maintain good relationships with superiors without having to focus on political achievements and responsibilities.

Now that such a policy concerning specific performance evaluations has been issued, how are people supposed to get by?
How can you maintain a good relationship with your boss if you've dragged them down?
This is a bad government!
"absurd!"

Zhang Dun, a senior official in the Ministry of Personnel, shouted and strode out, rebuking, "What is bad governance? Is regulating all officials bad governance?"

Zeng Bu, a secretary in the Ministry of Rites, echoed, "The virtuous should be promoted, and the mediocre should be demoted. We should clarify the responsibilities, rewards, and punishments."

"This is a good strategy, not a bad one!"

"If virtuous officials are forced to retire due to the severity of government policies, isn't that a bad policy?"

The fifth-rank censor bowed deeply and shouted, "I beg Grand Secretary Jiang to rescind the decree!"

"Otherwise, Wang will definitely resign as a form of protest."

"I second the proposal."

"I second the proposal."

More than ten people bowed down in unison.

Jiang Zhao stepped out from the left and looked over there.

The dozen or so people were not from a single lineage, but rather spread across all six lineages.

Even his own people are involved.

To be precise, they were Grand Tutor Wang's men.

This means that it was not done under the instruction of a certain Grand Secretary.

These people are simply a group of "incompetent" people who have spontaneously gathered together.

The reason for this is, of course, the fear of becoming a victim of the performance evaluation system.

The entire hall fell silent.

"I remember you are a disciple of the Grand Tutor, aren't you?" Jiang Zhao called out his name separately and asked calmly.

The man tilted his head back, then lowered it again, not daring to utter a sound.

All the civil and military officials were astonished.

Your boss is a reformer, and you still dare to oppose him?
"Ugh!"

Jiang Zhao shook his head and glanced at the officials: "You are all outstanding officials selected from the two capitals and fourteen routes. If you have ever truly held political office, why would you be worried about being dismissed?"

"The performance evaluation method is nothing more than a performance evaluation method. For officials who know how to do things on a regular basis, it is just an extra step in the process."

"On the contrary, those who jump out are all mediocre people who can't even handle ordinary things well."

Jiang Zhao looked at the dozen or so people and shouted, "It's ridiculous that you're trying to coerce the new policies by resigning from your post."

"If you won't do it, plenty of others will!"

"There's no shortage of officials in the world!"

As soon as he finished speaking, more than ten people looked up at the same time, realizing that something was wrong.

The next moment, Jiang Zhao turned around, bowed, and said: "In my opinion, this mediocre person should be dismissed."

"No, Your Majesty!"

"Your Majesty's forgiveness!"

"Jiang Zichuan is a treacherous minister; do not trust him!"

More than ten people all changed their expressions. They were just threatening him. Did he really want to demote them?
This is more than ten people, one-twentieth of the civil officials!
Feeling remorseful, he quickly stopped them.

On the imperial steps, Zhao Ceying waved his hand and said, "Dismiss them all!"

As he spoke, he waved his sleeve, and imperial guards stepped forward to help him.

In an instant, alas!

The civil and military officials exchanged glances, their eyes filled with unspeakable shock.

More than ten people were demoted just like that?

(End of this chapter)