Chapter 336: Becoming the Prime Minister, One Below All, Above Ten Thousand!
In this way, the most stubborn Prince of Northern Hebei among the three major rebellious kings is also finished!
Next comes the time for rewarding achievements!
The Empress is in a very pleasant mood: “Left General, I appoint you as the Grand General of the Northern Expedition, leading 200,000 elite soldiers, and departing immediately to recover the land of Northern Hebei!”
“Yes, Your Majesty!” an old general happily steps forward to receive the decree; this is almost an easily earned merit.
The Empress speaks again: “Royal Guard with the Sword, Night Fragrance of the Imperial Cat, where are you?”
“Present, Your Majesty!” Night Fragrance responds.
“In this battle, my dear, you led from the front, saving the important court minister Lin Beifan! At the same time, you single-handedly killed the leader of the Tianmen Sect, Leng Ruochen, who caused chaos in the capital city. Your contributions are immense! You shall be promoted to the first rank, becoming a sword-bearing imperial guard of the second rank! Rewarded with a hundred acres of fertile land, ten thousand taels of gold, and ten bolts each of satin and silk…”
After a round of lavish rewards, the officials are filled with envy!
While Night Fragrance is somewhat surprised, there’s also a hint of unease within him: “Your Majesty, that… I really didn’t kill Leng Ruochen! I’m just a small innate expert; how could I possibly defeat a grandmaster?”
The Empress smiles and shakes her head: “Night Fragrance, you don’t need to be modest! Everyone knows that the knife is your companion weapon. The knife flew out from your hand; if it wasn’t you, then who?”
Night Fragrance explains with a tired expression: “But, it really wasn’t me! The knife flew out on its own; I don’t have that ability…”
Since a while ago until now, he’s explained multiple times, but no one believes him.
The Empress chuckles. Of course, she knows who did it.
But she doesn’t want to expose it; she can only reward him!
After all, he’s somewhat under her influence; rewarding him is just a part of the plan.
“Night Fragrance, don’t refuse, my dear. What’s rightfully yours is yours; you can’t escape it!” the Empress says with a smile.
Night Fragrance helplessly accepts the decree.
“Next is Minister Lin, step forward to receive the appointment!”
Lin Beifan bows: “I’m here!”
The gazes of the entire court are upon him.
Now, Lin Beifan has become a first-ranking official of the court and holds the title of Loyal and Brave Duke. He can be said to be a top minister, reaching the pinnacle of power.
As for matters of daily life and clothing, he’s long surpassed everyone.
Everyone is very curious about what the Empress will bestow upon him?
The Empress looks at Lin Beifan with a satisfied expression: “Minister Lin, in this battle, you used your words to sow discord among the Northern Hebei army, causing them to turn against each other and resolve the crisis for the court. Your achievements are significant!”
“At the same time, since the beginning of this year, you have successively led 800,000 troops to resist the Great Xia forces in the east, pressed south with 500,000 troops to conquer the Jiangnan region, held the western front against the alliance of a million troops from Wuxi and Dayue, and quelled the rebellion of the northern martial forces, ending the chaos in the Great Wu Empire. You have made our Great Wu’s might known across the land, and none dare oppose us!”
“Furthermore, since you took office as the Prefect of the Capital, the weather has been favorable, the people are prosperous, and the land is abundant. The Heavenly Virtue Capital sees constant improvement and prosperity, rising steadily. This greatly pleases us!”
“It can be said that your abilities and accomplishments make you the foremost figure among all civil and military officials in the court! Therefore, after careful consideration, I believe it’s time to give you more responsibilities!”
The majestic Empress declared, “From this day forth, Minister Lin shall assume the role of Prime Minister of the Great Wu, overseeing all officials, supervising their conduct, and assisting me in governing the nation to ensure stability and security. This is decreed!”
Astonishment filled the hall among both civil and military officials!
With Lin Beifan becoming Prime Minister, he truly holds authority over them all; there’s no one who can restrain him now!
The officials express their concerns hesitantly, “Your Majesty, please reconsider…”
The Empress responded, “What’s there to reconsider? Is it because Minister Lin lacks capability, or because his merits are insufficient?”
“Your Majesty, Lord Lin possesses both capability and merits. However, he is still too young, unable to command the respect of the masses!”
The Empress countered, “Although Minister Lin is young, his ambition is not limited by his age! His capabilities are extraordinary, and we should welcome talents of all ages. I choose to elevate Minister Lin, allowing him to fully employ his talents!”
“Your Majesty, Minister Lin’s time in office has been short, and his experience is limited. Shouldn’t he gain more experience before assuming such a significant position?”
The Empress scoffed, “Limited experience? You’ve been at it for over twenty years and haven’t achieved in one year what others have. Yet, you dare claim his experience is limited? Hence, this reason is not acceptable!”
“Your Majesty, it’s been a long time since we’ve had a Prime Minister in Great Wu! The Six Ministries and Nine Departments are each fulfilling their responsibilities, ensuring the smooth operation of the government. The role of Prime Minister seems somewhat redundant, and it might be inappropriate to reintroduce it.”
The Empress countered again, “The reason we didn’t have a Prime Minister before was due to a lack of suitable talents! Over these years, I’ve held the dual roles of Emperor and Prime Minister, and it’s been exhausting. Thus, I greatly need a capable assistant. This person has finally emerged, and it’s Minister Lin. I am very pleased!”
“Your Majesty, with the addition of a Prime Minister, some of your authority might be diminished…”
The Empress countered once more, “No need to worry! My dear Minister is loyal and trustworthy, and I have great faith in him! Moreover, compared to all of you, he’s far superior. At least he doesn’t engage in factions or private interests at the expense of the public!”
“Your Majesty…”
Impatiently, the Empress waved her hand, “Enough, stop talking. My decision is made. Come and pay your respects to the new Prime Minister! Do you really intend to defy my decree?”
“Thank you for your favor, Your Majesty. I will devote myself fully to the task until my last breath!” Lin Beifan received the decree, smiling as he faced the officials.
The officials were helpless and had no choice but to speak in unison, “Greetings, Prime Minister!”
Lin Beifan smiled and gestured, “Colleagues, no need for excessive formalities. With the trust of Her Majesty, I’ve taken on the role of Prime Minister. From now on, let us work together to assist Her Majesty and rebuild the Great Wu!”
The officials bowed again, “The Prime Minister’s words are absolutely correct!”
From that day forward, Lin Beifan ascended to the position of Prime Minister, becoming the unquestionable leader of the court, commanding the respect of all officials!
One below all, above ten thousand!
The Empress felt deeply gratified, “Lin Beifan, ever since you joined the court, I’ve believed you to be a promising talent. You’ve never disappointed, demonstrating exceptional ability and contributing significantly to the court. Now, you’ve finally grown into the devoted minister I’ve highly regarded. I’m immensely pleased and content!”
“All of this is Your Majesty’s gracious favor, and I am deeply grateful!” Lin Beifan exclaimed loudly.
“Minister Lin, you bear significant responsibilities. After assuming the position of Prime Minister, you will also continue to serve as Prefect of the Capital, overseeing matters in the capital city. As the economic and administrative center of Great Wu, the capital must not fall into disorder! Additionally, you will remain as the Principal of the Imperial Academy, for the Imperial Academy represents Great Wu’s future and must be preserved!”
“Yes, Your Majesty!” Lin Beifan accepted the decree.
“Minister, do you have any governing philosophy or ideas that you’d like to share with everyone?” the Empress encouraged.
“Your Majesty, to discuss my governing philosophy, I must first reflect on today’s battle! To be honest, this battle has left me deeply affected!” Lin Beifan sighed deeply. “Prince of Northern Hebei rose in rebellion, purportedly in the name of dethroning the emperor, but it’s essentially unfounded. Nevertheless, it garnered the support of the common people. From this, we can see that it’s because the actions of our court officials haven’t been satisfactory enough to the people. This allowed an opening for our enemies!”
The Empress felt a strong resonance, “What you say is absolutely correct!”
“As the saying goes: ‘To rectify others, first rectify oneself. To govern others, first govern oneself!’” Lin Beifan declared loudly. “We must critically examine ourselves in order to do good things and strictly demand of ourselves before we can manage others. We shouldn’t refrain from doing good deeds due to their insignificance, nor commit minor evils! Over time, this will earn the trust of the people, stabilize the nation, and secure the empire!”
The Empress wholeheartedly agreed, “Minister, you are absolutely right!”
“Therefore, my idea is…”
Lin Beifan finally revealed a sly smile, “Let me carry out inspections of officials’ homes! Firstly, we can identify corrupt officials, deter the unscrupulous, and cleanse the court of impurities. Secondly, we can present ourselves outwardly as righteous and pure, upholding the court’s reputation!”
“Another round of inspections?” The officials turned pale at the prospect. They knew this was coming!
Once this corrupt official reached high position, he would undoubtedly target them!
The Empress pondered deeply, “Minister, what you propose makes a lot of sense…”
The officials pleaded anxiously, “Your Majesty, please reconsider…”
The Empress proclaimed loudly, “My decision stands!”
“No!” The officials responded in despair…
“Thank you, Your Majesty!” Lin Beifan was overjoyed. Facing the officials, he said, “Distinguished gentlemen, please, who would like to go first?”
After receiving the imperial decree, Lin Beifan proceeded to address the officials with enthusiasm.
Meanwhile, due to Lin Beifan’s recent significant achievement and his appointment as Prime Minister of Great Wu, the news rapidly spread throughout the realm!
“Lin Beifan has become Prime Minister! Truly standing above all others!”
“A Prime Minister in his twenties, the first in history!”
“His name will certainly be recorded in history, his legacy enduring for generations!”
“I wonder if life will improve a bit for us common folk now that he’s become Prime Minister?”
“How bad could life get? At the very least, Lord Lin possesses remarkable administrative skills. Ever since he became Prefect of the Capital, our lives have been improving!”
“That’s true!”
…
Regarding Lin Beifan’s appointment as Prime Minister, the common people held some degree of anticipation. After all, Lin Beifan’s abilities and achievements were apparent to all. Since becoming Prefect of the Capital, the lives of the city’s common folk had been improving. The weather was favorable, food was abundant, the economy was thriving, everyone had work to do, everyone had enough to eat, and now they even had homes.
Though he was quite greedy for money, he hadn’t extended his hand to the common people.
That was enough; what more could they hope for?
However, for other officials, their mood wasn’t as rosy!
This guy was truly avaricious, and his methods were ruthless. No matter where gold, silver, or jewels were hidden, he could uncover them and then have them sent to his Lin residence.
Not complying? Well, then prepare to lose your position and your head!
The officials dared not express their anger!
They despised Lin Beifan to the core!
Yet, Lin Beifan didn’t care at all. With a cheerful smile, he said, “Distinguished gentlemen, as the saying goes, out with the old and in with the new! The wealth you embezzled is ill-gotten gains! According to Great Wu’s laws, you’ve long lost your official positions and your heads should’ve already been chopped off. However, I’ve granted you clemency beyond the law, allowing you to keep your positions and your heads. You can continue serving the court, enjoying honor and prosperity. You should be grateful to me!”
Everyone was infuriated!
You’ve taken away all the ill-gotten wealth we labored so hard to amass, and now you want us to be thankful to you?
How audacious can you be?
I’ll thank your ancestors eight generations back!
In ancient Chinese military nomenclature, “Left General” (左将军, Zuǒ Jiāngjūn) was a high-ranking military position. The term “Left” refers to the position within the army’s formation. The “Left General” was typically responsible for leading the left flank of the army during battles. This position held considerable authority and was often given to skilled and experienced military commanders.
