Chapter 460: Destiny's Calling
Chapter 651: At Worst, I'll Stage a Coup in the East PalaceChapter 460: Destiny's Will
The Qin Empire's system, since the founder abolished the prime minister system, the emperor's authority was unprecedentedly strengthened, but this came with the burden of incredibly busy government affairs.
Without a chancellor, all government affairs piled up on the emperor's shoulders. And not every emperor was as diligent as the Taizu, who after founding the dynasty still only rested three or four hours a day, devoting the rest of his time to handling government business.
Even the emperor is a human being and needs rest. Heavy government affairs cannot possibly be handled by the emperor alone.
That is how the cabinet came to be.
The cabinet consists of five university scholars, one chief minister and four deputy ministers. However, there is no regulation specifying who is the chief minister and who are the deputy ministers.
It all depends on one's wrist and the emperor's favor.
Generally, the most respected person takes the lead as chief assistant.
Therefore, by the time of this dynasty, Zhao Xuanji had served as Chief Assistant for many years, always holding the power of the Cabinet and even once vying with imperial authority.
However, the fact that Li Chen had brought out Dantang Jingzhi now presented a huge problem.
The prestige of Dantang Jingzhi is unmatched throughout the land. So, if Dantang Jingzhi were to enter service and join the cabinet, what would happen to the power of the Chief Assistant
It's fine with bystanders, but that's Dàntái Jìng!
It could be said to be the belief of scholars in the Qin Empire.
Countless officials throughout the empire grew up reading the works of Dantai Jing, and it's impossible to know just how many.
And the prince, to everyone's surprise, actually invited Dantai Jingzhi out of the mountains.
and directly enter the cabinet, becoming a high-ranking official.
Everyone felt parched.
The first court session of the year was truly frightening.
Standing in the spotlight, Zhao Xuanji remained as calm and collected as a still well.
He slowly stepped forward and said, “Mr. Jing is a renowned sage throughout the land. Previously, the Emperor invited Mr. Jing to serve three times but was refused each time. Now that Your Highness has invited Mr. Jing, it is a blessing for the court and a blessing for all the people in the world.”
Therefore, the old minister agrees with your suggestion and believes it is not inappropriate. Having Mr. Jing join the cabinet as a Grand Scholar is a great event.
As soon as these words were uttered, the entire court was astonished.
People haven't thought that Zhao Xuan could agree, mainly because the name of Dantai Jingzhi is too resounding, and it's impossible to refuse. Refusing would be going against the will of the world, and just the saliva of all the literati in the world could drown a person.
But even if you agree, it shouldn't be so simple and straightforward, right
It seems Zhao Xuanji is actually quite happy
Li Chen chuckled lightly and said, "Prime Minister Gao Yi is a righteous man among officials. As his subordinates, we should learn from him."
All the officials and ministers immediately bowed and said: "Grand Councilor Gao is truly upright."
"When will Mr. Jingzhi arrive to take up his post" Zhao Xuanji asked.
"In a few days, I will arrive in the capital city," Li Chen said.
Zhao Xuanji smiled gently and said, "If Mr. Jing arrives in the capital, please introduce him to me, Your Highness. The old minister has known Mr. Jing for a long time."
"That is right."
Though the two spoke only a few words to each other, the undercurrents within the court remained turbulent.
If Dantai Jingzhi were invited out of seclusion by the Crown Prince, the East Palace's prestige among the common scholars would instantly surge. Politically, Dantai Jingzhi would inevitably stand on the side of the East Palace, and the balance of power in the court would shift once again.
Everyone's eyes were drawn to the Crown Prince standing on the platform. Dressed in scarlet robes, his figure was so dazzling and eye-catching that it was hard to look away. No one knew how the Crown Prince had persuaded Dai Tai Jingzhi, but the truth was before their eyes. All they could do was accept it.
At this point, more and more people began to waver in their resolve.
Could it be that the Crown Prince of the East Palace is truly destined by heavendy begun. According to your order, grain and grass will be purchased as the main source, supplemented by requisition. The most basic requirement is not to affect the normal life of the people and not...