Chapter 1 The Emperor Wants Students

The imperial palace, Hall of Diligent Governance.

Twenty-six scholars looked at each other, their eyes filled with unbelievable joy.

The Emperor actually wanted to take them, commoners, as his students?

Was this not just a dream?

Just as everyone was stunned, the imperial female officials, at Feng Jin's prompting, stepped forward.

While offering prepared tea and snacks, they gently reminded, "Young masters, His Majesty is awaiting your response."

The group then realized that they had been silent for too long, already suspected of disrespecting the imperial court.

They hurriedly spoke out, "Your Majesty, this humble subject is shallow in learning and afraid he is not qualified to be your student."

"Yes, we are commoners. To enter your service in such a way is not in accordance with the rules!"

Hearing this, Jiang Chen raised an eyebrow. "Not in accordance with the rules?"

"In Great Wei, what I say is the rule! If anyone disagrees, tell them to come to me and 'reason' with me face to face!"

Jiang Chen emphasized the word "reason" especially heavily.

The cold tone made the scholars in the hall feel a chill down their spines, and they dared not argue any further.

Jiang Chen saw their apprehension and softened his expression, saying, "I know what you are worried about. After all, the common rumors paint me as a bloodthirsty tyrant, moody and unpredictable, whose close ministers easily lose their lives."

"Bearing such a bad reputation, it's normal that you fear me and dare not work by my side."

At this point, Jiang Chen changed his tone, "However, rumors are not to be believed!"

"You have met me twice now. Do you think I am as foolish and cruel as the rumors say?"

Looking at the gentle and refined Jiang Chen, a thoughtful expression appeared in their eyes, and the hesitation on their faces faded for the most part.

Jiang Chen pressed on while the iron was hot, "Facts speak louder than words. I don't want to explain much. I just want to ask you one question: are you willing to enter my service?"

The group was silent for a moment, still with a trace of hesitation between their brows.

But in the end, they were conquered by Jiang Chen's demeanor and talent, choosing to believe and pledging, "Your Majesty, we are willing to become your students!"

While shouting, Zhang Zifang took the lead, guiding the scholars to kneel and express their gratitude.

He had been shocked by Jiang Chen's poetry at the Huai River Poetry Meeting, and had even secretly given Jiang Chen the title of 'Poet Immortal' in his heart.

At this moment, to be accepted into the service of the great talent he admired was completely a golden opportunity falling from the sky for Zhang Zifang. Any hesitation would be disrespect to himself!

Across from him, Jiang Chen, sitting behind the imperial table, looked at the scholars kneeling at his feet, a hint of gratification flashing in his eyes.

These twenty or so people were all top talents, and with a little training, they could become the pillars of Great Wei!

In the days to come, with the relationship of teacher and student, they would surely offer their loyalty.

A satisfied smile tugged at the corner of Jiang Chen's mouth, and he nodded, "Good, I see your sincerity. I will grant you official positions now."

"However, there is something I must warn you about in advance."

"The power I bestow upon you is for you to better build Great Wei and solve the worries of the people. If you forget your original intention in the future and act recklessly with the power in your hands, I will personally take action to clean up the mess!"

Jiang Chen's cold warning made the scholars' faces tighten.

The ecstasy that arose in their hearts because of obtaining official positions instantly cooled.

They could hear the seriousness in the Emperor's words. If they really made a mistake, the consequences would be disastrous!

They immediately solemnly stated, "Students will never forget Your Majesty's teachings!"

"Students will devote themselves to the country and be loyal, and will not fail Your Majesty's expectations!"

"..."

Jiang Chen could feel the sincerity of these scholars, and a flash of gratification and expectation appeared in his eyes.

If the youth are strong, then the country is strong!

With this batch of fresh blood, the Great Wei court would surely be a new scene, and he, the Emperor, could also unleash his ambitions!

"Someone, draft an edict."

"Appoint Zhang Zifang as the Supervising Secretary, in charge of the Imperial Censorate, with the power to supervise all officials and report on all matters."

"Appoint Lu Yichen as the Imperial Astronomer, appoint Fang Tu as the Vice Minister of Revenue, appoint..."

Because there was a huge vacancy in the court, Jiang Chen simply promoted talents without sticking to conventions, and placed these twenty or so scholars in positions of real power.

Of course, he also made checks and balances, and the positions he gave were not the final decision-making positions, so as not to let these scholars take the helm.

Lest they lack experience and cause disaster.

The imperial edict was drafted and widely distributed in all directions. The imperial capital, which had just regained its calm, was once again boiling!

First, the huge changes in the court gave ambitious people an opportunity, and they used all means to try to go further.

Second, the current Emperor's generosity towards scholars, and the scholars who were granted official positions, made the four academies and the scholars of the world go crazy.

They began to try every means to make a name for themselves, wanting to step onto the ladder to the sky released by the Emperor.

But everything outside had nothing to do with those scholars.

As pragmatic people carefully selected by the Prime Minister, these scholars went to the government offices as soon as they received their uniforms and official seals.

Familiarizing themselves with the department's procedures and learning how to handle government affairs.

Zhang Zifang was kept behind by Jiang Chen alone.

He was the Supervising Secretary, a 'Deputy Prime Minister' in the court. In terms of actual status and power, even the six ministers were far inferior.

"Secretary Zhang, how is the taste of the imperial tea? Does it suit your taste?" Jiang Chen held a fragrant tea in his hands, his tone amiable.

Zhang Zifang was neither humble nor arrogant, with a composure far exceeding his peers.

He picked up the porcelain cup, tasted it carefully, and then earnestly said, "Reporting to Your Majesty, this tea has a beautiful color, fragrance, and taste. It is a rare delicacy, and this is the first time I have tasted such tea."

Jiang Chen liked his frankness very much and said with a smile, "Do you know why I kept you here?"

Zhang Zifang shook his head. "Your Majesty's heavenly might is unpredictable, and this humble subject dares not guess."

Jiang Chen raised an eyebrow and joked, "I have already granted you an official position, so it's time for Secretary Zhang to change his address."

"As the Supervising Secretary, it is somewhat inappropriate to call yourself 'this humble subject'."

Zhang Zifang was stunned, then smiled, "Your Majesty is right. This, your subject will remember in the future."

Jiang Chen put down the porcelain cup, his expression a little serious. "Alright, I'm not joking with you. Next, let's talk about serious matters."

"I kept you here mainly for two things."

"First, I hope you can take on the responsibility of the Supervising Secretary, lead by example, and supervise all officials, especially those scholars who have just been rewarded by me."

"They are young and vigorous, with ability but lack of experience. They are easily impulsive and exploited by others, Secretary Zhang. I need you to help them at critical moments. Can you do it?"

Zhang Zifang knew the importance of the matter, and immediately his expression became solemn, and he solemnly said, "This matter, your subject will not refuse!"

"Please rest assured, Your Majesty, your subject will definitely fulfill his responsibilities and keep an eye on them to avoid causing disaster."

Jiang Chen nodded. Zhang Zifang's ability and character were beyond doubt, and he could rest assured to hand this matter over to him.

"Well, the second thing I want to entrust to you is a bit thorny, but for the sake of the people of Great Wei, this matter must be done!"