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Chapter 807 Extra: Change (Part )
After the emperor announced his decision, he turned away.

Leaving behind a group of officials with complicated expressions.

The officials did not dare to compete with the Empress, and all of them went to Shangshu Dong in anger. They surrounded Shangshu Dong in three layers, and wanted to ask him for an explanation.

Minister Dong is indeed a loyal minister of the Empress. Even when surrounded by his colleagues and subordinates, he refused to give in or bow his head. He even responded forcefully: "Why are you all so anxious and your faces are red and your necks are thick?"

"Are you worried that your children and grandchildren will not be able to live up to expectations and will not even be able to compete with young men from peasant families?"

"The emperor wants to enlighten the people and set up schools to exempt tuition fees, so that all children in Daliang can learn to read and write. This is a good thing that will benefit all the people in Daliang. How many of them can actually pass the imperial examination? What's the problem with you? Why are you so stubbornly opposing it?"

"There is also the matter of selecting talents in various subjects. Daliang is a vast territory and needs all kinds of talents. In fact, there are such people in government offices everywhere, but there is no formal system and background. Now the emperor has given these people a chance, so that they can also take the examination and become officials. How does this hinder you?"

"You are high-ranking officials with high salaries, so can't you see that the weaker people have an extra way out?"

"Bah! Go back and look at your greedy and selfish faces in the mirror. How dare you talk to this minister about my personal interests?"

Minister Dong is really amazing. He takes the moral high ground and single-handedly fights back all accusations.

However, this also made Minister Dong's popularity completely bad. Everyone avoided Dong's house. More than half of the visiting cards to Dong's house were gone.

His colleagues spoke to Minister Dong in a sarcastic manner, and his subordinates in the Ministry of Rites were also dissatisfied with him, but they did not dare to resist openly and were slow in doing things.

Her Majesty summoned Minister Dong to the palace and comforted him gently: "Minister Dong has taken the bad name for me. My ministers dared not speak out against me, so they all came to blame Minister Dong. Minister Dong has been wronged."

Dong Shangshu, a handsome middle-aged man with a graceful demeanor, has been worried and anxious recently, and has aged a lot. Hearing these heartfelt words, Dong Shangshu's heart warmed up, and his eyes were a little sour: "It is only natural for me to share the emperor's worries. I am not wronged."

Jiang Shaohua sighed softly, "It's easy to muddle through life, but it's very difficult to really do anything. To be honest with Minister Dong, I've had the idea of ​​reforming the court for a long time. But I've been on the throne for a short time, and there are clear factions in the court, and the ministers have their own selfish motives. I can only be patient and sort out the court first."

"It has been five years since I ascended the throne. I think now is a good time. Minister Dong is someone who truly helps me share my worries and works for me. I remember that in my heart."

"It's fine for everyone to complain and criticize, but if anyone dares to interfere and delay the implementation of my new policy, Minister Zhang will serve as a warning to me."

The last two sentences were filled with murderous intent.

Minister Dong felt reassured after hearing this. He had already chosen his path, and he would follow the Empress forward. The Empress was decisive and never showed mercy when it was time to kill. When implementing new policies, she would use tough and fierce means, and would not allow anyone to question her.

You are a stumbling block that cannot keep up with Her Majesty the Empress and you deserve to be thrown away.

Minister Dong calmed himself down and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured. I don't mind the hardship or feel tired. I will go back and call a meeting of the Ministry of Rites to discuss the details and then present them to the palace."

Jiang Shaohua smiled and nodded, and personally escorted Minister Dong out of the Zhaohe Hall.

This kind of honor was also the first time for Minister Dong. After five years of serving the emperor, he was finally considered to be the emperor's confidant.

Minister Dong straightened his back, faced the bright sun, and walked forward with high spirits.

...Not long after Minister Dong left, Minister Ji came to ask for a meeting.

When Lu Zhen came to report, Jiang Shaohua smiled meaningfully: "It seems that Minister Ji can't hold on this time."

Minister Ji had always wanted to emulate Minister Dai and retire with dignity and return home in style. Unfortunately, he never got his wish. The emperor kept scolding him and sending him orders, and he had been working so hard in the past few years that he was almost exhausted. The court was implementing new policies one after another, and Minister Ji was really powerless in such a whirlpool.

Sure enough, after Minister Ji entered the palace, he respectfully handed over a memorial: "Your Majesty, I came to the palace today to meet you because I want to resign from the position of Minister of Revenue."

"I am really old and have little energy. The affairs of the Ministry of Revenue are complicated and of great importance. I dare not slack off every day. In the past year, I often couldn't eat or sleep, and my hair fell out in clumps. Please, Your Majesty, sympathize with me and allow me to resign the position of Shangshu and choose another capable minister."

After saying this, he knelt down, determined not to stand up unless the emperor agreed.

Jiang Shaohua stepped forward, personally helped Minister Ji up, and said in a gentle voice: "Minister Ji, you and I have been king and subject for five years. During these five years, you may have made occasional omissions and shortcomings in your work, but I see your loyalty."

"I don't want to be known as a mean old minister, so I have repeatedly tried to keep Minister Ji. Now that Minister Ji is determined to retire, I will not stop him."

Hearing this, Minister Ji's eyes turned red.

too difficult!
Who would have known that he had been working hard for this moment for two years. Every time he submitted a memorial, the emperor would keep it in his pocket and not send it out, no matter how much he tried to persuade him to stay.

Now I can finally retire from the court as I wish.

"I, your Majesty, thank you for your grace."

Jiang Shaohua asked with a smile: "After Minister Ji left, someone had to take over the position of Minister of Revenue. Who do you think is suitable?"

Is there any need to ask this? Feng Changshi has been waiting for five years.

Minister Ji was complaining in his heart, but he didn't show it on his face. He thought for a moment and replied, "According to the court's convention, either we should promote a minister from the Ministry of Revenue, or we should transfer a suitable person to the capital."

"I, your humble servant, would like to recommend Feng Changshi of the Nanyang Palace to the Emperor as the Minister of Revenue."

Jiang Shaohua thought that the old fox was very cunning, and he wanted to get a favor before leaving: "I need to think about what Minister Ji said."

Minister Ji continued to plead for Minister Feng with a sincere look on his face: "Changshi Feng has been in charge of the household affairs of the Nanyang Palace for more than 20 years. He is smart and capable, and everyone knows it. The only concern is that his official position was a little lower before. However, there is a precedent in the court. Prime Minister Chen was promoted several levels to become the prime minister while being a Changshi."

"Your Majesty can first transfer Feng Changshi to the capital to serve as the acting minister for a year. Once Feng Changshi has performed well, he can be officially appointed as the minister of the Ministry of Revenue. This way, there will be no more gossip in the court."

Jiang Shaohua smiled slightly: "Minister Ji has considered it very carefully. I will discuss this matter with the Prime Minister."

Minister Ji finally got rid of his heavy burden and retired after completing his mission.

The moment he walked out of the palace gate, Minister Ji's steps became much lighter.