Fake Eunuch: Discovering the Emperor is a Woman!-Chapter 109: What’s So Funny? (Fifth update for today)
Chapter 109: Chapter 109: What’s So Funny? (Fifth update for today)
Although the Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Rites may not seem to have a significant role, they are of the utmost importance to Lin Yi’s upcoming plans.
Originally, he was still fretting about how to take control of the Ministry of Industry, but now the other party has unexpectedly offered it up willingly, which has made him somewhat overjoyed momentarily.
His movements also immediately caught the young Emperor’s attention, as he glanced quickly at Lin Yi’s excited expression, unsure as to why he was so thrilled.
But just as this thought came to mind, Lin Yi’s voice echoed in the Emperor’s head:
"Ah, this old fellow really provides the pillow to a coughing man!
Your Majesty, give him a little push, and then agree to his request! Do not reject it at any cost!
The Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Rites are very useful. Once we take control of these two ministries, it’s like having money and talent at our disposal!
Don’t be foolish! Don’t reject it! Don’t reject it!"
For a moment, Lin Yi was almost anxious to have the Emperor say something more, but clearly, under the current circumstances, it wouldn’t be appropriate for a eunuch to interject.
If Lin Yi remembered correctly, the Ministry of Rites was not only in charge of ceremonial matters but also had control over the current imperial examination system!
"Although the current imperial examinations are just budding and are merely a tool for the Aristocratic Families to promote their own members,
it’s possible to reform them!
Give me some time, and I have complete confidence in transforming them into what they were in later eras!
Once the imperial examination system is in place, the future of You Country will certainly not lack talent!
Once we have the talent, isn’t the officialdom of You Country as easy to change as clothing?
If one doesn’t fit, simply replace them with another!
This is nothing but the cradle for cultivating one’s own power!
The same goes for the Ministry of Industry. First and foremost, if one wishes to invent something, there must be people to manufacture it, and the Ministry of Industry is undoubtedly the best place for it.
After all, the best craftsmen from all over the world are gathered there.
Furthermore, now that we have the academy, what are we lacking?
We’re lacking books!
If I can develop printing technology and papermaking, will there ever be a shortage of books in the world?
If there are more books, will the children from poor families ever face the situation of having no books to read?
This would further improve the imperial examinations!"
As these thoughts filled the young Emperor’s mind, they left her astounded.
She could never have imagined that these two seemingly insignificant ministries could have such a significant impact.
Of course, this was also due to her trust in Lin Yi. If someone else had told her this, she would have slapped them away immediately.
But Lin Yi was reliable. Every word he said could be achieved.
That was why she truly took these two ministries seriously for the first time.
Of course, at this moment, if she agreed too readily, it would obviously raise suspicion in the eyes of others.
Hence, the Emperor placed the scroll in her hands down gently and then looked at the Fourth Prince:
"The grain prices in the city have increased quite a bit due to this famine relief, haven’t they?"
She simply laid out this remark without further elaboration.
However, the meaning behind it was clear to the Fourth Prince.
"Is that so?
It seems these grain merchants are really tired of living, even trying to profit from national disasters!
Such people deserve to die!
Your Majesty, rest assured, after I return, I will thoroughly investigate this matter. Any grain merchant daring to raise prices will not be spared by me.
Besides, I also visited the Ministry of Revenue and found some surplus grain in the National Treasury. After I return, I will have it released to the public."
Although the Fourth Prince’s words were somewhat improper, it was a necessary measure.
After all, he indeed held such power, and there was nothing the young Emperor could do about it.
However, this time, the Fourth Prince really bled for it, as most of the grain merchants were his forces.
And the stored grain in the National Treasury, which he used to control, now had to be taken out, which naturally equated to draining his own resources.
But there was no other way. To come out on top in this power struggle, to not be trampled by other factions, he had no choice but to cut his losses.
After all, the position at the Ministry of Revenue was too important; whoever took over would not let go easily.
As for why he sought the Emperor even though he knew that no one would let go of the position, it was because the Ministry of Revenue had been under his management for many years, and it wasn’t a position the Emperor could simply decide to replace at a whim.
Even if a new Chief of Staff for the Ministry of Revenue was appointed, those below would still work against the grain.
He was certain the Emperor was aware of this as well.
Rather than having a department that worked against her, it would be better to seize two substantial ministries.
And the words of the Fourth Prince indeed delighted Lin Yi.
Originally satisfied with taking over two ministries, he now became utterly elated.
Being responsible for the famine relief, he knew just how difficult it was to procure grain.
The most worrisome thing for Lin Yi right now was securing enough grain to sustain the 30,000 refugees outside the city.
Of course, this did not mean he had to fully support these 30,000 refugees for several months; after all, leaving them idle would be a waste.
But Lin Yi’s upcoming plan was also related to the Ministry of Industry.
Now looking at the Emperor, who was frowning as if pondering something, a moment later, she let out a long breath:
"Hehe, the Fourth Imperial Uncle has taken great efforts. Since the Fourth Imperial Uncle has nominated someone, then I trust his judgment is correct.
It shall be Liu Fu then. I will announce this matter at tomorrow’s morning court."
After saying this, the Fourth Prince visibly released a sigh of relief.
He also stood up, deeply bowed to the Emperor to express his gratitude, and then hastily left the Imperial Study Room.
Of course, before leaving, the Fourth Prince did not forget to say:
"I will go back and retrieve the resignation letters from those two old Chiefs of Staff."
Watching the Fourth Prince’s retreating figure, the Emperor couldn’t help but laugh out loud.
However, this laughter seemed somewhat perplexing to Lin Yi.
He didn’t know why the Emperor would laugh:
"Uh, what’s this foolish girl laughing about? Is she really so excited about swapping a ministry with real power for two insignificant ones?"
...End of Chapter...
