Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 487: Turning the Hand (Part 3)

Jiang Shaohua did not delve into what Zheng Chen was thinking; there was no need, as what Zheng Chen thought was not important. She stepped into the Emperor’s bedroom to discuss a few crucial matters from today’s morning court session.

When it came to the Ministry of War’s request for military funding, Jiang Shaohua did not shy away from making her stance known, saying, "In fact, the continuous reduction of military funds is indeed inappropriate. However, the Ministry of Revenue currently lacks silver and must prioritize repairing the river embankments, so this proposal can only be rejected for now. Once the autumn taxes are collected, the military funds should be replenished first."

Emperor Taihe sighed, "How could I not know the importance of adequately funding the military? But the annual taxes are only so much; we can’t use all of it to support the troops. We need to pay the salaries of court officials, and there are so many people in the palace with expenses to cover. The other five ministries also have numerous needs for silver."

As the saying goes, even a clever housewife cannot cook without rice.

Whoever sits on the Dragon Throne must face this vexing dilemma.

Jiang Shaohua’s eyes sparkled, and she whispered, "It is true that the National Treasury is not bountiful, but it is not entirely hopeless. If we cannot open new sources of income for now, we must save on expenses."

"Cousin Emperor, forgive me for being blunt. The Da Liang Court has long had a malpractice: before the silver even leaves the Ministry of Revenue, a portion is withheld. By the time it reaches the lower levels, every stage deducts some. How much actually gets used where it’s needed in the end? Does cousin emperor know?"

Emperor Taihe: "..."

Faced with those bright and sharp eyes, Emperor Taihe suddenly felt a pang of shame and, after a moment, whispered, "I know a little."

This means he does not know the specifics. It can also be understood as lacking the courage to lift the table and see how many worms are underneath.

Jiang Shaohua sighed heavily in her heart and had to slow her speech to gently comfort Emperor Taihe: "Cousin Emperor has occupied the Dragon Throne for less than three years; acting too aggressively is unwise and should indeed be approached with caution."

Emperor Taihe felt even more ashamed, turning his head to the side for a moment before turning back to meet Jiang Shaohua’s eyes: "Cousin Sister need not say words of comfort to me; I know my methods lack firmness. I also fear that if we investigate further, we will find widespread corruption and have no one to employ."

A corrupt Wang Yi who solicits bribes, a Duke An who openly sells official positions. How many more ministers like these are in the court?

Jiang Shaohua softly said, "For now, Cousin Emperor should prioritize rest and refrain from taking drastic actions. However, we cannot allow ministers to manipulate power unchecked. I will keep them on their toes and make them retract their hands."

She then explained the method of archiving court discussion records for future review and accountability.

Emperor Taihe listened intently, nodding repeatedly: "This is indeed a good idea; let’s proceed according to your plan." After a pause, he added, "Go ahead and reform the court ministers without fear of chaos; I will fully support you."

Jiang Shaohua smiled slightly, "Thank you, Cousin Emperor, for your trust."

...

In the following days, it was always the same.

The ministers would enter the palace early to discuss state affairs, and only once discussions were complete, could they adjourn. The accumulated state affairs were dealt with in approximately five days. However, new memorials and state affairs appeared daily, so there was a morning court session every day.

The most troubling thing was that secretaries took turns recording every word spoken by the ministers verbatim and archiving them.

Arguing was out of the question; even if there was a debate, decorum had to be maintained. Expressing opinions and making suggestions required even more caution. Because the Commandery Princess had said that if there was any error in duty, the records would be reviewed to hold the one who made suggestions accountable.

This strategy was indeed ruthless.

What the Nanyang County Princess intended to do next was even more formidable.

After five or six days, the accumulated state affairs were resolved, and most of the new daily affairs could be dealt with in half a day. The small morning court session ended in half a day. The ministers worked half a day and could return to their government offices and domains in the afternoon.

Just as everyone was secretly sighing with relief, the Nanyang County Princess brought out a table.

No, it should be said that there was a copy for each senior minister.

The table listed each of their official positions and the specific range of duties they were responsible for. Every completed task was recorded on the table. Each month, statistics had to be compiled to calculate how many duties were completed and which ones failed. Each had corresponding rewards and penalties.

Finally, based on the table, points were assigned to each minister, and rankings were drawn up.

Jiang Shaohua said cordially, "Everyone need not be too tense. This is just to encourage everyone to be more diligent in their duties and has no other intention."

"The top three each month will receive royal rewards. Just some silver and trivial items; as senior ministers of the court, with considerable wealth, I suppose none of you will care about these."

Ministers: "..."

Who says they don’t care?

They might not care about silver, but they do care about their reputation!

Prime Minister Wang’s brow twitched, looking at Jiang Shaohua: "Rewards for the top rank, what about those at the bottom?"

Jiang Shaohua said calmly, "If the monthly duty assessment ranks last, it shows either negligence, perfunctory action, or incompetence, often failing at tasks. The court has no place for slackers. The one ranked last for three consecutive months must submit a memorial to explain themselves or voluntarily resign or retire."

Prime Minister Wang’s brow twitched again: "Such punishment is too severe."

Minister Zhang’s eyes flashed with anger, his tone stiff: "Commandery Princess, the assessment, promotion, and dismissal of officials are matters for the Ministry of Personnel."

Jiang Shaohua nodded to express her understanding: "The assessment of officials below the third rank falls under the Ministry of Personnel. However, these assessment tables are for ministers of the third rank or above only. Moreover, the assessment tables are personally decided by the Emperor."

This means that such assessments are specifically intended for the twenty-some senior ministers present.

It was as if a guillotine hung over the heads of the senior ministers.

Prime Minister Wang was most annoyed, as this would greatly weaken his power as prime minister, gradually concentrating authority in the hands of the Emperor.

However, this selfish thought could not be voiced, nor was it appropriate to reveal it now.

Alas, since Jiang Shaohua would only stay in the Capital City for three months, they could endure this and wait for her to leave.

Prime Minister Wang did not express opposition, and the other senior ministers, though grumbling internally, shared similar thoughts and remained silent.

Jiang Shaohua personally delivered the assessment tables to each minister.

Unexpectedly, Prime Minister Wang did not receive one.

"The Prime Minister is the head of all officials, a veteran minister of three reigns; his governing talents are evident," Jiang Shaohua said with a smile, "I occasionally differ in political views with the Prime Minister but hold great admiration for him. The Emperor values and trusts the Prime Minister immensely."

"If the Prime Minister were also assessed, it would be a joke."

"I hope the Prime Minister does not disappoint the Emperor’s trust and expectations."

At this moment, a chill ran down Prime Minister Wang’s spine, alarm bells ringing in his mind.