Fangzhou Xier, starting with failing the art exam

He was happy to watch from the sidelines, seeing the Crown Prince and Xun Huiming in a state of utter chaos, completely forgetting that he himself was also on the edge of this storm.

……

Wherever the sun and moon reach, it is scorching earth: Chapter 243: "On Regulating the Grand Canal Transport to Secure the Foundation of the Nation"

The turmoil in the capital city seemed to have subsided on the surface after Xun Huiming swiftly dealt with several scapegoats.

The chatter in the teahouse subsided, the wall poems on the street were cleaned up, and everything seemed to have returned to its former tranquility.

However, beneath this calm lies a deeper sense of repression.

The people saw through it all; the so-called severe punishment was nothing more than a show put on for them.

Lacey keenly sensed this undercurrent of repression.

……

Prince Qin's Mansion, study.

Lacey was writing furiously at his desk, and a memorial was gradually taking shape under his pen.

The title of the memorial was: "On Rectifying the Grand Canal Transport to Secure the Foundation of the Nation".

In the opening, he first affirmed the importance of the Grand Canal to the Great Yan Dynasty, calling it "the lifeblood of the nation and the lifeline of the people."

Then, he changed the subject and, from an observer's perspective, objectively described the various problems plaguing the canal transport system: numerous checkpoints, complicated taxes and fees, low transport capacity, and hindered trade and travel.

He wrote:

The capital region is rich in resources, yet fruits and vegetables rot in the fields outside the city, while the people inside the city eat expensive produce. The reason for this is not natural disaster, but rather the flaws in the distribution system.

If the waterway is not functioning properly, all goods will not circulate; if all goods circulate, commerce will cease; if commerce ceases, the people will suffer, and the national treasury will be depleted.

These words, without mentioning corruption in a single sentence, all point to the disastrous consequences of corruption.

It bypassed the sensitive area of ​​partisan strife and elevated the issue to the level of national importance and people's livelihood.

Then, Lacey proposed his solution.

[In my opinion, the problems with the Grand Canal cannot be solved by a single government department.]

[It involves the Ministry of Works' waterways, the Ministry of Revenue's taxation, the Ministry of War's escort duties, and the Ministry of Justice's legal system; the issues are deeply intertwined and require concerted efforts from all parties to resolve them completely.]

Therefore, your son humbly requests Your Majesty to emulate the system of the Reform and Strategy Office and establish a special agency, tentatively named the "Grain Transport Rectification Office," composed of capable personnel drawn from various ministries such as the Ministry of Works, Ministry of Revenue, Ministry of War, Ministry of Justice, Court of Judicial Review, and Court of Censorate, to form a joint investigation and enforcement body.

This department is not involved in court factional struggles; its sole purpose is to dredge the canal, benefit the people and merchants, and revitalize the canal to replenish the national treasury.

At this point, Lacey paused slightly, adding a crucial sentence at the end of the memorial.

[Your humble servant, though unworthy, has long resided in your fiefdom and has gained some understanding of water conservancy and the people's livelihood.]

[If Your Majesty grants your permission, I would like to serve as a deputy commissioner in the Grand Canal Transport Management Office, assisting the chief official, sharing Your Majesty's burdens, and dedicating myself to the Great Yan Dynasty.]

I seek neither fame nor fortune, but only to see the canal once again witness the magnificent sight of hundreds of boats racing against each other.

These words were spoken very cleverly.

He volunteered, but humbled himself, asking only for the position of deputy envoy.

Nominally, it's about assisting, about being a helper.

But everyone knew that, given his status as a prince, once he entered this newly established department, he would inevitably become the de facto core member.

This not only demonstrated his sense of responsibility but also avoided any suspicion of coveting power, perfectly portraying a prince who was devoted to the public good and did not crave power.

After finishing the memorial, Lacey blew the ink dry, carefully read it through, and only put down his pen after confirming that there were no errors.

……

The following day, the morning court session was held in the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

When the eunuch read out Prince Qin Yanxi's memorial in a high-pitched voice in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the entire court fell into an eerie silence.

All eyes were involuntarily drawn to Xun Huiming, who was standing at the front.

Xun Huiming's expression instantly turned somewhat ugly.

He hadn't expected Lacey to make this move.

What troubled him was that Lacey proposed to establish a Canal Transport Rectification Office, an idea that was exactly the same as his own reform and strategic planning office, making it impossible for him to refute it from an institutional standpoint.

If he opposes it, it would be tantamount to contradicting himself and admitting that such a specialized agency is not feasible.

But if he doesn't object and just watches as Lacey takes this opportunity to reach into the huge pie of profits in the canal transport industry, it would be tantamount to letting a wolf into the house!

He himself knew best how much of the money in the canal transport system belonged to his newly rich reformist clique.

"His Majesty!"

Xun Huiming immediately stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Your Highness Prince Qin is so concerned about the affairs of the state that this old minister is deeply gratified."

"However, the matter of grain transport was originally the responsibility of the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Revenue, and other government departments."

"The various departments of the court have been performing their respective duties for many years. If new departments are established, it may lead to redundant work and multiple sources of authority, which will affect efficiency. It would be better to order the relevant departments to make strict adjustments."

He wants to keep things under control within the existing system. As long as it remains within the framework of the Six Ministries, he has countless ways to influence and restrain things.

However, as soon as he finished speaking, Grand Commandant Mu Zheng, who had been silent all along, spoke up for the first time ever.

"Grand Tutor Xun is mistaken!" Mu Zheng's voice boomed.

"If each department could truly perform its duties, how could the grain transport system have fallen into such a state of disarray?"

"His Highness the King of Qin's memorial is absolutely correct!"

"Establishing a special department to concentrate resources on major tasks is the only effective solution to the current predicament of the canal transport system."

"In my opinion, this proposal is feasible!"

Mu Zheng certainly didn't really want to help Lai Xi, but he was more interested in seeing anything that could annoy Xun Huiming.

Laisi's proposal was undoubtedly a knife aimed at Xun Huiming's weak spot, so how could he not support it?

In the imperial court, voices of supporters and opponents clashed.

On the dragon throne, the true dragon had already made his plans.

At this time, the Grand Canal not only affected people's livelihoods, but more seriously, it also affected the national treasury's tax revenue and the transportation of military supplies to the northern border.

This has crossed the line for the Great Yan Dynasty.

Xun Huiming's suggestion to let each department reorganize itself was nothing but empty talk.

The officials in those departments are already deeply entrenched in the interests of the canal transport system. What can they find out if they investigate themselves?

Lacey's suggestion, however, offered a completely new perspective.

A special agency that operates outside the existing power structure and is personally supervised by the prince.

More importantly, Lacey's achievements in Great Wilderness City, as evidenced by his detailed report down to every single penny, have proven his practical abilities.

If we entrust this matter to him, he might actually succeed.

Having thought this through, Zhenlong had already made up his mind.

"enough."

The two simple words from Zhenlong instantly silenced the noisy court.

His authoritative gaze swept across the room, finally settling on Lacey.

"Yan Xi".

“Your subject is here.” Lacey stepped forward.

"I have read your memorial, and it is very well said." The emperor's tone was unreadable.

"Since you have this intention, I will give you this opportunity."

He paused, then announced, word by word:

"Your Majesty's request is approved! The Grand Canal Transportation Management Office shall be established immediately, with... Minister of Personnel Li Yuanming temporarily in charge, and Prince Qin Yanxi as his deputy!"

"The ministries of Works, Revenue, War, and Justice must all send personnel to cooperate. Anyone who disobeys or outwardly complies but inwardly defies will be handed over to the Discipline Office for punishment!"

As soon as this statement came out, the whole hall was shocked!

The Emperor not only agreed, but also gave the Second Prince the real power of a deputy envoy, and even granted the Grand Canal Transport Rectification Office the power to act first and report later!

Xun Huiming's face turned extremely gloomy at this moment.

What he was most worried about happened.

He tried to stop him, but found that the true dragon had already made up his mind.

The Third Prince Yanwen's heart sank suddenly.

He knew better than anyone how murky the waters were in the canal trade; if Lacey got that power, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Lacey's heart stirred slightly; he hadn't expected the true dragon to be so decisive.

He respectfully expressed his gratitude: "Your subject accepts the imperial decree and thanks you! I will certainly not fail in my father's trust!"

At this moment, all eyes, both in the court and among the people, were once again focused on the King of Qin who had returned from the frontier.

If the previous work-for-relief program was just a small trial, then...

That time, obtaining real power in the Grand Canal Transportation Management Office was Lai Xi's first truly significant victory in the imperial court of the capital.

……

After the court session, Laisi did not delay for a moment and immediately returned to the palace.

The first thing he had to do was to build up the team for the Grand Canal Transportation Management Office.

The emperor appointed the Minister of Personnel as the chief envoy, which was originally intended as a check and balance.

But Lacey knew that the old minister was advanced in years and a smooth talker. He only asked Lu Yiqi to be blameless and not to make any contributions. He would never really interfere in specific matters.

This means that he, as the deputy envoy, will have immense autonomy.

"Yang Wei".

"My subordinate is here."

"In my name, with my royal decree, immediately take up residence at the Canal Transport Management Office."

"From Yang Qier Sanling, fifty of the most reliable brothers were selected from the Si family army to serve as guards and clerks within the department."

"I want to make sure that every order from the Rectification Division is conveyed to the letter and executed without fail!"

"Yes!" A glint flashed in Yang Wei's eyes.

……

The office of the Grand Canal Administration was located in an unused government office not far from the Grand Canal Administration.

On the afternoon of the same day the imperial edict was issued, Yang Wei led fifty elite soldiers of the Yang Family Army, dressed in black and wearing standard long swords, to take over the entire yamen.

Their swift and disciplined actions, along with their imposing presence, drew the attention of officials from surrounding government offices.

Lacey's move directly demonstrated his attitude: he was the one in charge of this government office.

However, Lacey also understood that hard-line tactics alone were not enough.

A government office staffed entirely with its own people may have strong execution capabilities, but it is also prone to becoming a target of criticism and being accused of being "the private relatives of the King of Qin".

He needs allies, and some neutral forces to balance the situation and demonstrate the company's impartiality.

He thought of the two people recommended by Grand Tutor Yan Guanyi.

Zhang Cheng, the Vice Minister of Works, had become his staunch ally because of the mass grave incident.

As for the other one, Lin Yue, the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, although Lai Xi had not yet become close to him, Yang Wei's investigation revealed that he was upright and incorruptible and well-versed in the law.

Because he refused to cover up for the Wu Prince's Mansion in the Qinghe County case, he offended Yan Wen's faction and was suppressed and ostracized, and is now unemployed at home.

This is exactly the kind of talent he needs.

That evening, Lacey personally prepared a small gift and visited Lin Yue's residence incognito.

Lin Yue's home was very simple, which was quite inconsistent with his official position as Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review.

Upon seeing the King of Qin personally come to his door, the official, who was in his thirties and had a lean face, seemed quite surprised, but there was little flattery in his eyes; he simply followed the proper etiquette.

"I wonder what brings Your Highness Prince Qin here so late at night?" Lin Yue asked, neither humble nor arrogant.

Lai Xi cut to the chase: "Minister Lin, I have come here today to ask you to come out of seclusion and lend me a hand."