While discreetly glancing at the expression on Zhao Ji's face, Liang Shicheng tentatively spoke.
"Enough, enough, it's this late, don't play coy with me!"
With the situation dire, Zhao Ji had no patience for his word games.
"Your Majesty, please look, there's actually someone recommending themselves here!"
With a dry laugh, Liang Shicheng quickly stepped forward, retrieved a memorial from Zhao Ji's desk, and placed it before him.
"Recommending himself?"
Hearing Liang Shicheng's words, Zhao Ji picked up the memorial with some suspicion. However, upon reading its contents, his expression turned peculiar.
"Can this fellow do it?"
Although the memorial was impeccably written, Zhao Ji still felt hesitant at the unfamiliar name.
The position of Deputy Governor of Kaifeng Prefecture, while not overly significant, was not insignificant either. While it was one of the most frequently changing posts in the entire Song bureaucracy, and also one of the fastest routes to demotion, it could not be denied that it was also a fast track to becoming Chancellor.
Want to quickly build connections?
Want to become familiar with high-ranking officials?
Want to win the Emperor's favor?
Then come to Kaifeng Prefecture as Deputy Governor!
Of course, risk and reward coexist. While other official positions require talent, this one demands much more luck!
From the first year of Jianlong under Emperor Taizu to the second year of Chongning under Emperor Huizong, a period of merely 146 years, there were as many as 183 individuals who held the post of Deputy Governor of Kaifeng Prefecture!
This number alone indicated how perilous the position was.
Compared to other official posts, this one was like gambling!
Bet right, and you soar to prominence; bet wrong, and you pack your bags and leave…
It was truly rare for someone like Nie Shan to hold this position for several years!
Having just been thoroughly disheartened by Du Chong, Zhao Ji was now unsure about appointing another unknown individual.
"The old minister thinks the same, so I specifically sent someone to investigate this fellow's background. His name is Zhang Shaoyou, currently a Langzhong in the Ministry of Revenue's granary department. He previously served as a TuiGuan in Kaifeng Prefecture and is quite familiar with the place. He was the one who helped Prince Xin raise military funds last time!"
"Is that so?"
Upon hearing Liang Shicheng's words, Zhao Ji's eyes lit up.
As for other matters, even he, the Emperor, had not expected the smooth success of Prince Xin's fundraising efforts. Since this person was involved in that affair, and now dared to step forward and request a position, Zhao Ji was indeed becoming interested in him.
"Does Your Majesty wish to meet him?"
Seeing Zhao Ji's eyes brighten, Liang Shicheng seized the opportunity to press further.
"How about this: he is currently a Yuanwailang in the granary department. In terms of seniority, he is indeed a little lacking. Let's appoint him as Acting Deputy Governor of Kaifeng Prefecture and give him a deadline to solve the case. If he can apprehend the culprit within seven days, what's the harm in giving him the position of Deputy Governor of Kaifeng Prefecture?"
Since a scapegoat was urgently needed, Zhao Ji didn't even feel the need to meet him and spoke directly.
"Should we discuss this with Chancellor Cai?"
Hearing this, Liang Shicheng, though pleased, maintained a neutral expression.
"Just tell him it is My intention. I believe Yuan Weng is an intelligent man!"
"Yes!"
After acknowledging, Liang Shicheng wasted no further words and turned directly towards Cai Jing's residence.
"My Lord, My Lord! Congratulations on your promotion!"
In the Ministry of Revenue's office, Zhang Shaoyou was distractedly processing the documents before him when Wang Tie Zhu suddenly rushed in from outside.
"What are you talking about?"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Shaoyou's heart sank. Although he had submitted his memorial, he had no confidence in whether it would ultimately succeed.
"There is an imperial envoy outside waiting for you to receive the imperial decree. You have been promoted, and His Majesty has appointed you as Deputy Governor of Kaifeng Prefecture!"
Wang Tie Zhu spoke while continuously bowing to Zhang Shaoyou.
"D-Deputy Governor of Kaifeng Prefecture?"
"My Lord, don't stand there stunned, hurry up and receive the decree!"
"You, you go out and wait for me for a moment. I need to tidy up my clothes. I'll be right there!"
Exhaling a long sigh of relief, Zhang Shaoyou's face lit up with joy.
At this very moment, he truly felt Han Mo's power.
This was the Deputy Governor of Kaifeng Prefecture!
Such a crucial position, and he had actually managed to obtain it so easily!
After the initial euphoria, Zhang Shaoyou quickly tidied his clothes and hurried to the main hall.
Zhang Shaoyou, overwhelmed with emotion, did not remember a single word of the imperial decree. It wasn't until a young eunuch approached to ask for a monetary reward that he snapped back to reality.
"This is a small token of my appreciation, please take it for some tea, Eunuch!"
Having received such a great favor, Zhang Shaoyou didn't care about anything else and gave the eunuch all the remaining small silver pieces from his money pouch.
After the eunuch left and he returned to his office, carefully reading the imperial decree several times, the previously ecstatic Zhang Shaoyou finally calmed down completely.
The first task upon taking office was to handle the death of Wang Fu. Although no one had been dispatched to investigate yet, judging from the whispers and rumors, he understood that this case was definitely a tough nut to crack.
"I heard you were promoted today as well?"
Just as Zhang Shaoyou was pondering, Fan Zhengguo suddenly knocked and entered.
"My Lord, please don't tease me. This is hardly a promotion; it's clearly being dragged out as a scapegoat…"
As Zhang Shaoyou spoke, he handed the imperial decree to Fan Zhengguo.
He had come to the Ministry of Revenue with Fan Zhengguo. To help Fan Zhengguo secure his position as Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, he had also put in considerable effort behind the scenes.
Although their relationship was formally that of a superior and subordinate, in private, they were almost like friends.
"This matter is difficult, and yet simple!"
After reading the contents of the imperial decree, Fan Zhengguo suddenly smiled.
Hearing this, Zhang Shaoyou's heart skipped a beat. Fan Zhengguo's words clearly had a hidden meaning!
"Please enlighten me, My Lord!"