Chapter 1 Jiang Chen’s Decision

Jiang Chen did not go to Consort Shu’s palace.

Nor did he accept Mei Ruoying’s invitation to stay at Chengqian Palace.

Instead, he returned to the Hall of Diligent Governance alone, pondering how to cleanse the court.

Mei Ruoying being able to obtain detailed blueprints of the Four Camps of Kyoto.

This made Jiang Chen extremely vigilant!

Although the Mei family’s painter was able to freely enter and exit the military camps, it was by his decree.

But without the cooperation of internal personnel, they could not have drawn such detailed scenes.

That is to say, if the Mei family wants to do something rebellious, he will be in great danger!

Thinking of this, a cold light flashed in Jiang Chen’s eyes, and he said in a deep voice:

"Jing Yue!"

As soon as the words fell, a dark shadow suddenly appeared in the corner of the Hall of Diligent Governance.

"Your subordinate is here!"

Jiang Chen looked at the figure kneeling on one knee and ordered in a cold voice:

"Arrange for the dark guards to collect information on the movements of military generals of the fourth rank and above and report to me."

The fourth rank is the dividing line for officials of the Great Wei.

If they don’t reach this rank, they don’t even have the qualifications to attend court and meet the emperor.

Jiang Chen couldn’t spare the time to take care of those minor officials for the time being, so he could only supervise the big fish first.

Hearing this, Jing Yue’s tone revealed a hint of hesitation.

"Your Majesty, the number of dark guards is limited, it will be difficult to monitor all of these people."

Jiang Chen frowned, feeling a bit of a headache.

The mess left by the original owner is really棘手 (jí shǒu – troublesome)!

With limited power at his disposal, Jiang Chen had to take a step back and said:

"In that case, send someone to keep an eye on the Mei family and record all the officials who have had contact with them."

"Also, go to the private treasury and get some gold and silver to expand the manpower."

"The situation in the imperial capital is complex now, and I need enough eyes and ears to collect information on all sides."

Jing Yue cupped her fist, her voice cold: "Your subordinate obeys!"

After speaking, she disappeared into the hall like a ghost.

Jiang Chen then re-examined the scroll of the Kyoto map, with a pensive look in his eyes.

The only people I can trust now are the Southern Army led by Xu Changqing.

But compared with the Four Camps, this power is still a bit weak.

Most of the civil officials in the court are now leaning towards Mei Wenstone.

In this case, even if Xu Changqing is rewarded for his meritorious service in providing disaster relief to the Wei River, and is promoted, the lone and weak him will probably find it difficult to contend with the Mei family.

No, I have to think of a way to turn the tide!

Jiang Chen shook his sleeves and got up from the chair.

He paced around the room, thinking about a way to break the situation.

What should I do to control important positions in the court?

Thinking about it, a light flashed in Jiang Chen’s eyes!

"The Imperial Examination!"

"Yes, implement the imperial examination and select scholars from humble backgrounds who are loyal to me!"

The solemn expression on Jiang Chen’s face disappeared, and a smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.

Now, most of the officials in the court have been won over by the Mei family, so Jiang Chen naturally can’t trust them.

If he wants to regain power, he can only cultivate his own loyal ministers.

"Feng Jin, go and invite Grand Tutor Yuan into the palace, I have important matters to discuss with him!"

A moment later, Yuan Buyi arrived.

Jiang Chen got up to greet him personally.

Inside the Hall of Diligent Governance.

Yuan Buyi was shocked when he heard that the Emperor wanted to implement the imperial examination, and the teacup in his hand almost slipped.

Is this still the fatuous and stupid emperor of the past, ridiculed by court officials as a waste?

This kind of superb method of governing the country, did he come up with it himself?

Jiang Chen noticed his gaffe, laughed loudly, and spoke eloquently, explaining his plan.

Originally, Yuan Buyi thought that Jiang Chen only had a preliminary idea. Although he was shocked, he didn’t pay too much attention to it.

However, as the conversation deepened.

His old eyes widened, and his calm and composed expression could no longer be maintained!

He even broke out in a cold sweat.

This...

Is this still the ignorant and fatuous emperor of the past?!

"Minister Yuan, can my proposal be implemented directly?"

Jiang Chen’s eyes were bright, and his tone was full of confidence.

Yuan Buyi took a deep look at him, then bowed down, sincerely convinced.

"Your Majesty’s strategy is extraordinary, this humble minister admires it and is willing to work hard for this matter!"

"Good! Then let the matter of holding the imperial examination be implemented as soon as possible!" Jiang Chen ordered decisively.

Yuan Buyi knelt on the ground, his eyes fixed on Jiang Chen’s back, his body trembling with excitement.

Could it be that His Majesty’s fatuous performance over the years was to hide his abilities?

The next day, at the court meeting.

Jiang Chen proposed to select officials through the imperial examination, so that children from poor families could also have the qualifications to serve the court.

As soon as this statement came out, the officials in the hall were in an uproar.

Like a hornet’s nest that had been poked, they whispered to each other, constantly discussing.

"Your Majesty, this matter is not allowed!"

"My Great Wei has always shared the world with the noble families. If you want to promote the poor families, this move violates the ancestral precepts, and this minister cannot obey the edict!"

Zhang Kang stood up, his face red, and his attitude extremely tough.

As the Grand Censor, he has the right to question the Emperor on behalf of the officials.

As soon as his voice fell, Wang Zijing, the representative of the military, also stood up and said loudly:

"Your Majesty, if you insist on reusing the poor families and marginalizing the noble families, we will kneel to death in this Golden Luan Hall to show our determination!"

The statements of the two were like a charge horn.

Some officials who had been won over by Mei Wenstone and stakeholders from aristocratic families began to denounce Jiang Chen.

"Your Majesty, the poor are lowly and cannot bear great responsibilities. Please do not act foolishly!"

"Your Majesty, who gave you this bad idea? He deserves to be punished!"

Looking at the officials who were reacting so strongly, Jiang Chen was so angry that veins popped out on his head, and he slammed the table and scolded:

"Presumptuous! When did I say that I would abandon the noble families?"

"I am the Lord of Great Wei, the noble families are my subjects, are the common people not? Why can’t I promote them?"

As soon as these words fell, the Golden Luan Hall was silent!

The officials who were dissatisfied with the Emperor’s decision immediately shut up. The Emperor could say such words, but they absolutely could not!

Otherwise, if it spreads out, the reputation they have worked so hard to build will be shattered.

Seeing that no one was speaking, Jiang Chen was about to take advantage of the situation to finalize the imperial examination.

But Mei Wenstone suddenly came out and changed the subject:

"Your Majesty, the imperial examination is not urgent. This minister has an urgent memorial that needs your personal judgment!"

As he said that, he took out a memorial from his sleeve and held it high above his head.

"This memorial comes from the hands of the Wei River transport officials. It was delivered at eight hundred li (unit of distance) per hour, with three fine horses running to their deaths along the way. It concerns the Great Wei state, so this old minister dares not make a light judgment and hopes for Your Majesty’s holy decision."

Hearing this, Jiang Chen couldn’t help but frown.

Wei River transport officials? Concerns the Great Wei state?

Could it be that there has been a new change in the disaster area, and the Wei River has burst its banks again?!

Thinking of this, Jiang Chen’s heart tightened, and he temporarily put aside the matter of the imperial examination and said in a deep voice:

"Feng Jin, quickly present the memorial!"

"Yes."

Feng Jin obeyed the order, quickly took the memorial, and spread it out on the imperial table.

'Whoosh.'

Jiang Chen read the papers in his hand.

His face became darker and darker, and in the end, he kicked over the table and said sternly:

"This rebellious minister is so bold, he dares to slander the commander of the Southern Army, I think he doesn’t want his head anymore!"

Jiang Chen’s unprovoked rage changed the atmosphere of the entire Golden Luan Hall.

Zhang Kang and Wang Zijing, who were standing in the front row, trembled.

But Mei Wenstone, who was in the center of the hall, facing the Emperor’s anger, was still calm...