Even emperors have it tough, so don't be too picky about the entries.

......

The military food production line was built in the western suburbs of Beijing.

Chen Shao is free today and has come to inspect the place in person.

The fact that Yu Qi'an, Shen Qingci, and Hai Rui accompanied him shows how much Chen Shao valued this.

He walked around the workshop for a long time, observing everything carefully.

Then, several suggestions were put forward.

First, current production efficiency is too low. One person does all four processes: cooking porridge, drying, crushing, and grinding.

Every time a new process is introduced, a new set of tools must be used, hands must be washed, and the process must be re-familiarized with, wasting all the time on switching.

Chen Shao pointed out that assembly line operations should be established.

Those that are dried by baking will simply be dried by baking; those that are heated by fire will simply be heated by fire; and those that are ground into powder will simply be ground into powder.

Each person has their own duties, and each person does only one thing.

Secondly, the craftsmen worked in two shifts.

The day shift runs from 9 AM to 9 PM, and the night shift runs from 9 PM to 9 AM the next day.

Each shift lasts six hours, with a break for a meal once an incense stick is burned in between; no other breaks are allowed.

Set production targets and establish quotas.

Encourage them in the form of bonuses.

Six days on, one day off – this is commonly known as "996" (or "996" in Chinese).

Upon hearing this, all the craftsmen immediately knelt down to express their gratitude.

Such as:

The Emperor's kindness is never enough.

This 996 work schedule is truly a blessing for us!

Chen Shao accepted it calmly.

In this era, imagine, when even life is uncertain, and yesterday you were selling your children, today you can earn millet with your own strength, isn't working 996 a blessing?

Moreover, the artisans working here earn far more than those in other industries.

"Your Majesty has done this before?"

Shen Qingci listened in stunned silence.

You can't learn this kind of management knowledge from books.

"When you read the Analects, you learn about benevolence, righteousness, and morality; when I read it, I learn about an assembly line."

Shen Qingci didn't quite understand, so she pressed for an explanation.

"How do you pronounce 'Your Majesty'?"

Chen Shao pointed to the craftsmen:

"Only by going among the people can one truly learn the art."

"Many people spend their entire lives studying books, but they can't apply what they've learned to practical use in the world."

"This year's imperial examination was rushed, so I'll let it go. I want to reform the imperial examination system for the future."

At this point, Chen Shao asked her in return:

"How is the imperial examination going?"

"Scholars from all over the country have been arriving in the capital one after another, and the examination rooms in the examination hall have been renovated."

As the saying goes, "A young man with no experience is unreliable."

This doesn't apply to Shen Qingci.

She is also a doer.

They are meticulous and methodical in their work.

No wonder he was so eager to save the country.

"You will serve as the chief examiner this time. I have a few words to tell you."

"The imperial examination system is for selecting talent for the country, not for choosing lackeys for aristocratic families."

"No matter whose student, whose relationship, or whose note was passed on, no one is allowed to glance at the papers during the grading process."

"You personally oversee the situation and thoroughly crack down on the cheating and corruption in the imperial examinations. The Embroidered Uniform Guard will fully cooperate with you."

Shen Qingci's expression immediately turned solemn.

"I will certainly not fail Your Majesty's trust."

She patted her chest and assured him.

But Chen Shao was somewhat dazzled by what he saw.

This woman is really something.

"By the way, there's a man named Huang Chao. I don't care what methods you use, he must pass the imperial examination with top honors!"

Chen Shao had already made up his mind.

This top-ranked student who failed the exam is bound to become the top scholar in this subject.

Will he then harbor any disloyal thoughts?

If Huang Chao uses it well, it can be a sharper knife than Hai Rui's!

"no..."

Shen Qingci was somewhat bewildered.

"Your Majesty just said you wanted to crack down on cheating, and now you want me to lead the way in cheating?"

Chen Shao did not answer but asked a question in return:

"Shen Qingci, and Lord Yu, what is it that allows you to stand here today?"

Shen Qingci: "Naturally, it's because we have brilliant ideas in our hearts."

Yu Qi'an, however, chuckled:

"It is Your Majesty's discerning eye for talent."

Progress, that's progress. Chen Shao nodded slightly to Yu Qi'an.

"You are indeed talented, but didn't you also feel frustrated and unfulfilled during the Qing'an era?"

"Lord Yu is right, it is thanks to my discerning eye."

"This Huang Chao will surely become a pillar of the nation in the future, but he is not good at taking exams. We cannot let such a talent slip through our fingers."

Yu Qi'an seems to have become addicted to filming.

His expression immediately hardened, and he sighed:

"Truly, Heaven has bestowed forth extraordinary talents!"

"Alright, stop filming."

Chen Shao waved his hand.

"Lord Shen, please go and make the preparations."

......

After seeing Shen Qingci off, Chen Shao's gaze fell on Hai Rui.

The latter felt a sudden tightness in his chest and instinctively straightened his back.

"Lord Hai, I know you are upright and honest, and have the heart of a child."

"But if I really want to entrust you with important responsibilities, having the will is not enough; I also need to see your abilities."

Hai Rui's expression hardened, and he cupped his hands in greeting:

"Your Majesty, please speak."

"I will be in seclusion for a few days. During these days, all the memorials from the court will be delivered to you by Eunuch Wei."

"You may write down your own views and then submit them to me."

"What...?"

Hai Rui froze on the spot.

Although His Majesty claims it's his own opinion... it's practically... practically like he's reviewing a memorial on behalf of the emperor.

He was responsible for the final review, but if it passed, it meant his opinion would be adopted and become official national policy...

This is clearly allowing him to directly participate in national affairs!

He took a deep breath, lifted his robe, and was about to kneel down.

"Lord Hai, there's no need for such formalities. This concerns national affairs, so I hope you will consider things in a balanced way. Some things don't need to be taken too seriously; a combination of firmness and flexibility is necessary."

In an instant, Hai Rui burst into tears.

He couldn't understand why Chen Shao valued him so much.

But now I really have the urge to die for someone who understands me.

"Your Majesty, rest assured, this humble subject... will do my utmost to live up to Your Majesty's trust."

His expression suddenly turned somewhat unpleasant.

Hesitant to speak.

"There are no outsiders here, so please feel free to speak."

Chen Shao's casual remark almost moved Yu Qi'an, who was standing next to him, to tears.

Hai Rui respectfully replied:

"Your Majesty...could the memorial be sent to the prison? I'd like it to be there..."

Yu Qi'an's eyes widened instantly.

What a bizarre hobby!

"Dr. Hai, why is this? This is the first time I've ever seen someone make such a request!"

"Ahem, I just feel that the place... is soundproof, has a good environment, and can inspire creativity."

Yu Qi'an: "..."

Chen Shao knew about his hobby and immediately agreed.

laughed:

"If Professor Hai's method works, all new officials should spend a few days in jail before taking office."

"No, no, Your Majesty, this is just a small hobby of mine."

"Go, go! State affairs are of paramount importance and cannot be delayed even for a moment."

After Hai Rui took his leave, Chen Shao called over aluminum cloth.

The big guy trotted over, slammed his halberd on the ground, and knelt on one knee in one smooth, fluid motion.

"Greetings, Holy Emperor..."

Chen Shao interrupted him directly, "No need for formalities, I have an important task for you to do."

......