Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 721: Chess Piece (Part 2)

Jiang Shaohua has always been lenient with diligent and hardworking subjects and laughed as he said, "This is what he deserves; I would not mistreat him."

"The Ministry of Industry often has outside assignments and involves large amounts of engineering expenses. Having him go to the Ministry of Industry to keep an eye on its officials is quite suitable."

Chen Jinyu also casually joked a few words. The Emperor has not long ascended the throne and is in need of manpower. At such times, he certainly needs to use his own people."

In Chen Jinyu’s view, the Emperor has been sufficiently accommodating to the old ministers of the court. Those like Minister Zhang, who have ulterior motives, or those like Minister Ji, who are incompetent, and even Minister Zhou, who is stubbornly oblivious, should all be replaced. It’s just right to free up positions for the capable officials from the Nanyang Prince Mansion.

Minister Feng and Shen Gongzheng are still staying in Nanyang County!

Chen Jinyu inadvertently revealed his intentions on his face.

Jiang Shaohua smiled and glanced at Chen Sheren, "There are so many officials in the court; I can’t replace them all. I must give them time, or perhaps train them a bit; maybe they’ll come around."

"For those truly obstinate, we must gradually take measures to rectify them."

Chen Jinyu nodded earnestly and responded, "Your Majesty speaks wisely; it is my impatience, taking actions too hastily."

Then he laughed softly and said, "Who knows how Minister Zhou will feel seeing the newly appointed Doctor Yang."

...

Minister Zhou felt very complicated.

Although the Ministry of Industry ranks last among the Six Ministries’ offices, it is actually the most bustling and busy. In recent years, natural disasters have been frequent in the North, and life in the South hasn’t been easy either. The Yellow River breaks its banks every year, causing floods that submerge fertile lands and villages.

Every year, dredging river channels and constructing embankments are major court matters, concerning the safety of thousands of people living along the river. Each year, the largest expenditure of the Ministry of Revenue is military funds and riverworks. This means that the Ministry of Industry handles vast amounts of money and resources annually, with tens of thousands of river workers and cooperation from various government offices... How many shady dealings are hidden within?

Even Minister Zhou himself dares not say he understands all of it.

One fact is clearly evident: the officials of the Ministry of Industry are all wealthy, and the Zhou Family is one of the notable nobles in the Capital City.

Tang Youyin has gone to the Ministry of Revenue, and Ma Yaosong has entered the Ministry of Personnel. Minister Zhou has long been waiting for the Empress to send a confidant to the Ministry of Industry.

One day, such a person indeed arrived.

"Your humble servant Yang Zheng, pays respects to Lord Minister." Yang Zheng respectfully cupped his hands in salute.

Minister Zhou calmed his mind and spoke warmly, "Doctor Yang, please rise."

Yang Zheng is an old minister from Nanyang County and the legitimate nephew of Vice Minister Yang, backed by the Empress herself, so Minister Zhou is naturally courteous to him.

Minister Zhou quickly summoned all the officials from the Ministry of Industry to introduce their new colleague.

The officials either sneered inwardly, burned with envy, or calculated how to get closer to Yang Zheng. For several consecutive days, Yang Zheng’s signature room was bustling with people, never seeing a moment of peace.

At such a time, Yang Zheng’s strengths became apparent. Growing up in the Capital City from a young age, his first job was as a constable in the Ministry of Justice, making him adept at dealing with all sorts of people. Within a few days, he had gotten acquainted with everyone in the Ministry of Industry.

Yang Zheng also has the good habit cultivated over years of case investigation and trial, as he privately prepared a booklet, recording all colleagues from the Ministry of Industry in detail.

When Yang Zheng presented the booklet at the imperial court, Jiang Shaohua was a bit surprised, "You’ve only been at the Ministry of Industry a few days, and already figured out the work situation of so many people?" 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

Yang Zheng replied, "Not exactly. I can now only write down the names and respective duties of all officials, having recorded half of their ages and places of origin. Personalities, preferences, work habits, and styles will need to be gradually filled in later."

Jiang Shaohua smiled and praised, "You’re diligent and meticulous; it’s truly rare."

Expertise is specific. Although Yang Zheng doesn’t understand the tasks at the Ministry of Industry, in investigating people and cases, he is quite skilled. With someone like him at the Ministry, the dozens of officials must be extra cautious.

Pleased with the praise, Yang Zheng repeatedly humbled himself, "I have not done enough. I only know how to investigate and try cases; I don’t understand the Ministry of Industry’s tasks at all and will have to learn diligently to relieve Your Majesty’s worries."

He must learn to understand the accounting books of the Ministry of Industry, uncover all sorts of irregularities and schemes, and gather solid evidence. When the Emperor wishes to deal with someone, he can immediately present a heap of evidence.

This is truly alleviating the ruler’s worries!

When Yang Zheng explained his plans, even Chief Historian Chen couldn’t help but smile, "That’s a good idea."

After all, having been in the officialdom for many years, guided personally by Vice Minister Yang, Yang Zheng now acts with great order.

In comparison, Ma Yaosong and Tang Youyin are a bit less experienced and need to be gradually polished.

With praises from the Empress and Chief Historian Chen, Yang Zheng was delighted, and after exiting Zhaohai Palace, returned to the Ministry of Industry.

"Doctor Yang, you seem happy; could it be that you received praise from His Majesty after meeting in the palace?"

Minister Zhou noticed and casually joked.

Yang Zheng responded with a smile, "There’s nothing that can escape Lord Minister’s eyes. I was appointed to the Ministry of Industry by His Majesty’s grace. The Ministry of Industry is harmonious, and I fit in perfectly, so I visited the capital especially to express gratitude to His Majesty today."

"For any tasks, Lord Minister, feel free to assign them to me; I will certainly serve diligently."

Since he’s here, he must take on some tasks, so as not to leave His Majesty unsettled.

Minister Zhou casually assigned a task to Yang Zheng, "Two palaces in the palace have aged and need renovation. You should prepare a budget, then go to the Ministry of Revenue to approve the funds. Once the silver is allocated, proceed to purchase the required materials and gather craftsmen to work."

Yang Zheng willingly accepted the task.

Minister Zhou tugged his lip corners in thought.

...

At the year’s end, all government offices were busy. Especially the Ministry of Revenue, where daily there was a line of people waiting to approve funds.

Yang Zheng endured several days and nights and, with the guidance and help of colleagues, managed to complete the budget. However, upon entering the Ministry of Revenue, he saw the stack of documents awaiting approval was nearly two feet high.

At normal speed, it might take five or six days to reach his turn.

Yang Zheng, eager to make a good impression as a new officer, didn’t wish to keep waiting. With a quick thought, he went to see Tang Youyin.

Tang Youyin, having a low official position, didn’t have the independent authority for a personal signature room in the Ministry of Revenue and shared one with another Extraordinary Minister. Minister Ji had assigned a pile of tasks...

This was no difficulty. In any government office, being too idle meant sitting on a cold bench; being busy meant being valued and elevated.

When Yang Zheng arrived, Tang Youyin was frowning at a document, his abacus beads clicking rapidly, while occasionally turning to talk to his long-term follower.

Catching a glimpse of a familiar figure from the corner of his eye, Tang Youyin immediately set aside his work and rose with a smile to greet him.