Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 802: Cleansing

Time flows like water, passing swiftly.

This year marks the fifth year of Zhao Ping, the fifth year of Her Majesty the Empress of Da Liang.

A major scandal of corruption in the Ministry of Personnel erupted in the Capital City, involving the entire Ministry. The evidence was irrefutable, and accusations were hurled by many. Minister Zhang stepped down in disgrace, lost his official position, and had his family properties confiscated, while the entire Zhang clan was exiled.

A few men from the Zhang family, unwilling to accept such a fate, gathered house servants and some clansmen to storm the Imperial Palace, only to be slain outside the palace gates.

After this heavy blow, Minister Zhang fell seriously ill on the way to exile and passed away before reaching his destination.

When the news reached the Capital City, Her Majesty the Empress showed no emotion and ordered that Minister Zhang’s body be buried on the spot. As for the rest of the Zhang clan, even if they had one last breath, they had to crawl to the place of exile.

Her Majesty the Empress fully displayed her ruthless and iron-fisted methods, leaving the entire court stunned.

Following this was a purge of the Ministry of Personnel government office.

All henchmen of Minister Zhang were either dismissed or exiled, and those heavily involved in corruption were beheaded. In the end, the Ministry of Personnel was nearly empty, with only a few remaining.

Next, Her Majesty the Empress issued another decree, appointing Chancellor Chen as the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel and promoting Wang Zhongshu Ling to Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.

It was clear to the astute that Her Majesty the Empress was handing over the Ministry of Personnel to Wang Jin. However, Wang Jin was still very young and lacked the necessary experience. So, Chancellor Chen was given the nominal title, while the actual duties were for Wang Jin to handle.

"Vice Minister Wang," Her Majesty the Empress said with growing authority from the Dragon Throne, "you shall select the officials needed for the Ministry of Personnel. Prepare a list and present it to me for review."

This was Her Majesty the Empress’s absolute trust in the newly appointed Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.

Wang Jin suppressed the excitement in his heart and accepted the command with a cupped hands salute.

Before officially taking office, Wang Jin returned home to consult with his restless father.

Prime Minister Wang had already received the news beforehand. When he saw his son, he warmly said, "With Minister Zhang’s departure, it has opened up a good position for you. You, at the age of twenty-four, have already become the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel. You have accomplished more than I did at your age."

"If you work diligently in the Ministry of Personnel and gain some experience over a few years, you might become the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel by the time you’re thirty."

Her Majesty the Empress indeed kept her word, genuinely putting trust in and grooming Wang Jin.

In high spirits, Prime Minister Wang pulled out a list from his sleeve, "Here is a list I’ve prepared for you. Take a look and select some names that you find agreeable."

Upon receiving the paper, Wang Jin noticed it contained dozens of names densely packed. These were all former Prime Minister faction members. However, most of them held positions outside the Capital City.

Having served as Prime Minister for many years, Prime Minister Wang had a keen eye for talent and advised his son, "Minister Zhang has been in charge of the Ministry of Personnel for many years, where corruption has taken root. The root cause lay with Minister Zhang himself. The Emperor tolerated it for years and seized this corruption scandal to uproot Minister Zhang entirely, including his faction. Now the Ministry lacks personnel, and it’s inappropriate to draw from the Six Ministries."

"Selecting competent officials from those posted outside to replenish the Ministry of Personnel is the most suitable option. These external officials have little connection with the Capital Officials, so they’ll follow your orders and eventually help foster a good administrative environment."

"You can rest assured using these people; they are all capable and available for use."

Wang Jin didn’t hold back and slipped the list into his sleeve. "I can’t make decisions on my own; I need to discuss the personnel matters with Chancellor Chen. Tomorrow, I’ll let Chancellor Chen take a look at the list first."

A father wouldn’t deceive his son. Over the years, Wang Jin’s steady footing in the court owed much to the efforts of Prime Minister Wang.

The next day, Wang Jin first reported to the Ministry of Personnel to assume his position.

The Ministry of Personnel government office only had eight or nine people left. These officials, who had narrowly escaped the purge, were all as meek as quails.

Who would have imagined that Her Majesty the Empress, when she finally acted, would do so with such severity? Minister Zhang met a tragic end, and his former colleagues had faced demotion, exile, or execution.

They were utterly terrified.

As a newly appointed official, Wang Jin had no intention of currying favor. He glanced across the officials and spoke in a stern voice, "The corruption of Da Liang’s official administration lies within the Ministry of Personnel. The Emperor has entrusted me to serve as the Vice Minister here, and I am determined to change the previous corrupt practices and ensure clarity within the Ministry."

"Since you have been retained, it shows you haven’t committed any significant wrongs in the past. From today onward, listen carefully and fulfill your duties diligently."

The officials, trembling with fear, responded in unison, "Vice Minister, we will follow your commands closely and act accordingly."

Vice Minister Wang then proceeded to the palace to present himself to the Emperor, bringing with him the list prepared by Prime Minister Wang.

Jiang Shaohua, upon viewing the list, smiled and asked, "This list was prepared by your father, wasn’t it?"

Wang Jin responded earnestly, "Indeed, Your Majesty. My father served as a Prime Minister for decades, with protégés spread all over Da Liang. He praised those on the list as capable and reliable. Deciding whom to use is ultimately up to Your Majesty’s decision."

Jiang Shaohua gave a faint smile, "As I said, the Ministry of Personnel is now under your management. How to employ people is your responsibility as Vice Minister Wang. After reviewing this list, take it back, discuss it with Chancellor Chen, and make a decision. Present the finalized list to me afterwards."

Jiang Shaohua’s confidence in Wang Jin was, of course, not at that level; it was mainly due to her trust in her Chancellor. With Chancellor Chen’s oversight, no significant problems were likely to arise.

Wang Jin accepted the command with respect and took the list to consult Chancellor Chen.

Chancellor Chen, though busy every day, showed no signs of aging but instead appeared invigorated and younger. For a man of ambition and aspirations, power is the best longevity elixir.

Chancellor Chen reviewed the list carefully. Da Liang Dynasty had tens of thousands of officials. Chancellor Chen might not have met most of them, but he retained a clear memory of those truly talented, who consistently performed at the top level in the Ministry of Personnel’s annual assessments. With a glance, he chose about ten names.

Wang Jin took a pen and circled those names on the list.

Personnel changes in officialdom are no small matter; replacing one official creates a vacancy that must be filled. Bringing so many officials to the Capital City implied many vacant positions elsewhere.

The Ministry of Personnel had to select a batch of officials from the substitutes for appointments.

The past unhealthy practice of bribery and selling official positions was firmly suppressed. Vice Minister Wang proposed to the Emperor that all substitute officials take an examination to select talents.

The Emperor agreed, making it a standard practice.

During the examination period, someone quietly visited the Wang Family. Upon viewing the visitor’s card, Vice Minister Wang immediately struck this person’s name from the list of substitute officials.

When the news spread, no one else dared to visit the Wang Family.

This inaugural selection examination for officials by the Ministry of Personnel indeed set a precedent in Da Liang. The exam papers contained less than twenty percent on classics and histories, with most focusing on civil administration and livelihoods. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

The examination results were unexpectedly surprising to everyone. Among the officials who passed the Ministry of Personnel’s selection examination, there were as many as eight female officials.

Among these eight individuals were Lu Qingqing, Cui Yun’er, and the name of Chen Jinyu also prominently appeared.