The young lady is delicate and soft, yet she criticizes the powerful minister for bowing and scrapin

The imperial study was filled with the fragrance of incense and the aroma of ink.

The sun outside the window slowly rose from morning to noon, and then gradually began to set in the west.

Wei Jun sat on the dragon throne all day, his fingertips holding a memorial to the throne, his gaze fixed on Wei En, who stood bowing below the steps.

"What are your thoughts on the regulations for evaluating official conduct submitted by the Ministry of Personnel today?"

Wei En lowered his head. "The Ministry of Personnel's regulations seem comprehensive, but the assessment standards for remote prefectures and counties are too harsh. The people in those places are impoverished, and it is already difficult for officials to maintain peace and security in their areas. If we use the standards of the capital to measure them, it will probably discourage local officials."

After saying that, Wei En secretly looked up at the Emperor.

For the past three months, the Emperor has summoned him to the Imperial Study every two days to discuss matters of state.

Six months ago, he was sent out to participate in the assessment of different tasks in the six ministries. The emperor sent him out to go with the governor to various prefectures and counties to understand the operation.

Fortunately, his third sister said that after becoming a prince, he would have a leisurely life and receive money, and thought that the days of enjoying happiness were coming. Little did she know that the emperor had no intention of letting him go.

During these past three months, the Emperor's expression was always gloomy during discussions in the Imperial Study. Today, however, it has finally softened somewhat.

Wei Jun thought for a moment, then nodded and asked:

"So how do you think it should be adjusted?"

"Graded assessment."

Wei En recalled that when he went to the prefectures and counties, he saw that some local officials were not lacking in their efforts, but rather that the conditions did not allow it.

"For the capital or other wealthy prefectures and counties, strict assessments should be conducted according to the original regulations. However, for slightly remote and impoverished areas, it is more appropriate to focus on the performance of tax reductions and exemptions. The assessment cycle should be three years, which is the most suitable."

Why three years?

"A policy cannot show results in a short period of time. Three years is a preliminary test of whether the local officials have done their best."

Wei Jun listened without speaking, placed the memorial on the table, and tapped the tabletop with his fingertips. The imperial study was very quiet, without any other sound.

"There has been great progress. Now we can see the difficulties in remote counties and understand how to adapt to local conditions. This is much better than what we did six months ago when we just followed the textbook."

Wei En felt a sense of relief, but dared not show it on his face, and could only bow with his hands at his sides.

"Your Majesty is unworthy of such praise. Your Majesty's teachings are excellent. By sending me to gain experience, I have come to understand the hardships of the people and that the rules of the court cannot be generalized."

Wei Jun nodded.

"However, it would be even better if it were more perfect. If the people's livelihood in the prefecture and county has not improved after the three-year term, how should it be handled? Should it be demoted and transferred, or retained? There should be rewards and punishments for everything, so that the country can be governed stably."

Wei En quickly said, "Your Majesty is wise. I was negligent. If we add another clause, those who have not shown any improvement after three years can submit a petition to the capital for help. The court will then investigate and select a more capable person."

Upon hearing this, Wei Jun did not delve any further. Instead, he picked up a yellowed handbook and moved it to the side of the desk.

"Have you finished reading 'The Strategy for Governing Prefectures' that I showed you last month?"

Wei En: "Your Majesty, I have finished reading it."

Wei Jun raised an eyebrow, a half-smile playing on his lips:

"Tell me, which chapter in the book touched you the most?"

"This is the chapter on assisting the people. The people are the foundation of the state. When governing a region, do not only focus on how much tax is collected, but also on whether the people's granaries are full and whether their clothes are warm."

When I passed through the prefectures and counties of Jiangnan, I saw some county magistrates who levied exorbitant taxes, causing the people to be displaced. Other magistrates, however, reduced taxes and encouraged agriculture, transforming barren villages into fertile fields within three years.

"Your efforts weren't in vain." Wei Jun, who had been worrying for half a year, could finally relax a little. "An official must be responsible to the court and devoted to the people. I value you because you are a prince of the imperial family. You must be able to calm down and listen, observe, and think."

Wayne really wanted to find out the reason, and he looked up with a puzzled look in his eyes.

Wei Jun remained tight-lipped: "I have my reasons for training you."

Wei Jun left the palace without having any palace servants follow him. Carrying two food boxes in his hands, he walked briskly in an ordinary sedan chair towards the small courtyard in his heart.

The young eunuch watched from afar, wanting to call for someone to follow, but was stopped by Wei Jun's gaze.

The fragrance of plum blossoms wafted out from the courtyard. He walked to the familiar door and gently knocked.

It took a while for someone inside to come out and open the door. The person who opened the door was Qi Yunsi.

"Your Majesty..."

"Asi".

The setting sun shone on Wei Jun, and the two food boxes in his hands emitted a fragrant aroma, with a faint smile on his lips.

His gaze softened as he looked inside, showing no trace of imperial airs.

"Come in and sit down." Qi Yunsi hurriedly stepped aside and invited Wei Jun into the courtyard.

"My sister is embroidering a handkerchief in the house."

As soon as she finished speaking, Qi Yunli came out of the house, holding a needle with a few strands of silk thread wrapped around it in her hand. She paused when she saw the man.

"Are these two boxes for my older sister?" Qi Yunsi looked back and forth between the two of them.

He eagerly anticipated that his sister could enter the palace and be by the emperor's side.

"No, these two are for you. They're braised pork hocks from a well-established brand in the west of the city." Wei Jun patted his shoulder, his tone very familiar, more like that of an older brother.

Qi Yunli looked at him with a puzzled expression.

"I thought you were just here to freeload, but the amount of food you brought probably isn't enough for the three of us."

"Ah Li, the weather is nice today, let me take you for a walk."

"Get out?" Qi Yunli asked in surprise. "But..."

Qi Yunsi quickly interrupted him, forcefully pushing her sister towards the door:

"There's no 'but' about it. My sister has been keeping me company in the courtyard every day while I study. Now she should relax a bit. I've heard that the plum blossoms in the capital are in excellent condition, and there's also a newly opened study with many rare books. I'm sure my sister will love them."

Wei Jun laughed and said, "Don't worry, I've changed into casual clothes and have no entourage. I'll just act like an ordinary citizen going on a trip. The people won't recognize me."

Before leaving, he said again in the name of his elder brother:

"Asi, you stay home and study. This food should keep you occupied for the afternoon. We'll be back later."

A chestnut horse was parked at the entrance of the alley. Its mane was very shiny, and it was clear at a glance that it was a well-cared-for horse.

"There are many people on the street. Wearing this will protect you from the dust and prevent others from seeing your stunning beauty."

Qi Yunli took the veil and gently tied it under her chin.

"Come on up. This horse is gentle and won't make you feel bumpy. I'll lead you."

With a little effort, Wei Jun helped her steadily onto the saddle, which was very soft and comfortable to sit on.

Both of them were very good-looking, especially the one leading the horse.

Some dignitaries saw him and recognized him at a glance as the current emperor, but they were so surprised that they dared not make a sound.

The fact that the Emperor was leading a horse for a woman is quite strange.

Moreover, it was quite rare for an emperor who was decisive and efficient in the court to be chatting and laughing with a woman in private, and for them to be confused for a moment.

As I walked, the number of pedestrians on the street gradually decreased in the evening.

The two finally arrived at the plum garden in the west of the city. Wei Jun had prepared a stool for her to jump down.

"Since you like plum blossoms, I will take you to see the most beautiful plum blossoms in the capital."