Chapter 1481: The Authority Over Personnel

Strolling leisurely out of Chuigong Hall, Crown Prince Liu Yang's increasingly composed face could not help but reveal a trace of relief. He looked back at the majestic and solemn hall, and let out a light sigh.

Lately, Liu Yang had been visiting Chuigong Hall with great frequency, and during this period, he had been quite busy. Summarizing the gains from his previous inspection tour, Liu Yang had carried out targeted policy work, putting some of his ideas and suggestions into practice.

Because they aligned with the governing principles of the Hall of State Affairs, many of Liu Yang's ideas had received the approval of Chancellor Zhao Pu, who helped refine and implement them. This time could be considered the first time in Liu Yang's more than a decade as Crown Prince that he had truly taken the lead in policy deliberation and implementation.

Throughout this process, he naturally had to report and summarize to Emperor Liu. Of course, Emperor Liu was somewhat like an "empty-nester," and Liu Yang comforted Emperor Liu's "empty" heart by discussing the gains and losses of governance with him and seeking his advice on administrative experience...

"Greetings, Your Highness!" A commotion came from nearby—it was the sound of Zhao Pu bowing in salute.

Along the corridor of the hall, Zhao Pu was leading a group of officials over. A quick scan showed roughly eight or nine people, all wearing clean and tidy court robes, dressed impeccably.

"These people are...?" Although he had some guesses, Liu Yang kept his expression unchanged and asked.

Zhao Pu introduced and explained: "Reporting to Your Highness, these officials have all been selected by the Ministry of Personnel for promotion to prefectural posts. They have come to the capital to undergo review, and I have specially brought them to meet His Majesty and receive his sacred instructions..."

With that, these high-ranking prefectural officials, being tactful, all bowed to Liu Yang in unison: "Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince!"

Liu Yang nodded and smiled at Zhao Pu: "Chancellor Zhao, I deeply admire your hands-on dedication!"

"Your Highness flatters me; these are all within my duties!" Zhao Pu also gave a faint smile.

As chancellor, besides directing the court's major policies, the most important power Zhao Pu held was the authority over personnel appointments. To this day, the Ministry of Personnel was still personally managed by Zhao Pu.

This was also one of the greatest sources of confidence for Zhao Pu's standing in the Hall of State Affairs. Emperor Liu was very supportive in this regard, giving him considerable room and leeway.

During this period, with the rollout of new civil service regulations, Zhao Pu's moves in personnel adjustments had grown bolder. From the capital to the provinces, he had dismissed many officials and likewise promoted many capable administrators.

Naturally, among these were talents Zhao Pu valued. Chancellor Zhao's influence at court had grown ever deeper through these personnel adjustments.

Unlike in the past, however, these frequent, large-scale personnel adjustments had not stirred up major turmoil at court. Even those who harbored discontent rarely voiced open opposition anymore.

The political upheaval that had swept through the court and beyond last winter, though smoothly navigated and peacefully concluded under Emperor Liu's direction, had lingering effects that had never truly dissipated, continuing within the court. And heavyweights like Zhao Pu had gained some invisible yet tangible benefits from it.

"May I ask, is His Majesty available?" Zhao Pu asked Liu Yang.

Liu Yang's gaze turned toward the hall interior, and he said: "I have just come out from my audience. Chancellor Zhao, you may lead them into the hall!"

"Yes!"

Liu Yang turned his head and gave the group of officials another look, asking: "Are they all principal officials heading to various prefectures?"

Zhao Pu nodded: "Indeed! However, His Majesty still needs to receive and examine them, personally instruct them, before the edicts of appointment can be issued!"

Liu Yang smiled and said: "Chancellor Zhao has keen eyes; those you have selected are naturally the court's capable officials. They will surely pass the examination as His Majesty requires—no problem at all!"

Zhao Pu humbly replied: "I dare not accept such praise!"

As the Crown Prince and the chancellor conversed, the assembled officials listened attentively with pricked ears, remaining deferential and submissive, not daring to disturb. They stood with slightly bowed bodies, waiting silently. In this imposing Ziwei City, few could act with complete ease.

During this period, Liu Yang was naturally well aware of the court's personnel adjustments and had even had a hand in some. However, this batch of promoted and transferred officials had drawn his particular attention.

Principal officials at the prefectural level held no low status in the Great Han's bureaucratic system. Even a county magistrate was called a "marquis of a hundred li," let alone the head of a prefecture.

Liu Yang had no doubts about the quality of these people. The Ministry of Personnel under Zhao Pu maintained high standards in selecting talent. Setting aside personal character and integrity, at the very least their administrative capabilities were absolutely up to par.

What Liu Yang was curious about was where these people came from, what their backgrounds were, and how many among them were Zhao Pu's men. A hint of scrutiny crept into his gaze as he silently swept his eyes across them, until they landed on one person, and his eyes brightened slightly.

Soon, Liu Yang withdrew his gaze and said to Zhao Pu with a smile: "I won't delay you any longer, Chancellor Zhao. Go ahead and lead them in for the audience. I'll take my leave now!"

"Yes! Go slowly, Your Highness!" Zhao Pu calmly clasped his hands in salute: "I respectfully see off Your Highness!"

As they passed each other, Liu Yang somewhat deliberately nodded to that one person in the crowd, a warm smile on his face—clearly showing special regard for him—and successfully drew puzzled looks from the other officials accompanying him.

Of course, Zhao Pu also noticed, but showed not the slightest surprise, remaining very calm. The official who had received Liu Yang's look was around thirty years old, with a long, thin face and a distinctive bearing. Feeling the goodwill the Crown Prince had extended, he could not help but be moved.

This man wore a crimson official robe and was none other than Zhang Qixian, who had considerable ties with Crown Prince Liu Yang. Previously, during his post in Hengshui, Zhang Qixian had achieved notable accomplishments, especially during the Northern Expedition, when he led the officials and people under his jurisdiction in supplying the front lines—an outstanding contribution.

After the triumphant return, when the court summarized the merits of the Northern Expedition and rewarded accordingly, military officers, civilians, and officials were all included. Zhang Qixian naturally received a promotion, being transferred to serve as Chief Administrator of Cangzhou in Hebei Circuit. Now, less than a year later, he was being transferred again—and if not promoted to the top post, this was clearly unusual.

After the Crown Prince had walked far away, Zhao Pu gave a light cough, calling everyone's attention back, and after announcing, led them into the hall for the audience.

Emperor Liu was in the hall, seemingly in a good mood. Upon learning of Zhao Pu's purpose, he showed considerable interest. In the past, when the court appointed principal officials, every county magistrate would receive an audience with Emperor Liu, both as a final examination and as encouragement.

Now things were clearly different. Emperor Liu was no longer as hands-on as before. Those below a certain rank or status, or without sufficient closeness to him, could not receive the Son of Heaven's personal attention.

The assembled officials entered, paid their respects, and Emperor Liu reacted much the same as Liu Yang had—first expressing appreciation for Zhao Pu's meticulous care, then flipping through these men's backgrounds, resumes, and achievements while casually asking questions.

Emperor Liu's voice was very calm, his attitude gentle, and he asked no sharp or difficult questions, yet an overwhelming pressure still emanated from him. These capable officials who were imposing and even all-powerful in their localities could not help but feel nervous and flustered before Emperor Liu. Each one who finished answering felt as though they had narrowly passed a dangerous trial.

When it came to Zhang Qixian's name, it naturally drew Emperor Liu's attention once more, as he already had some impression of him. Lifting his eyes to search, his gaze fell upon the distinguished-looking Zhang Qixian, and he called out: "Zhang Qixian!"

"Your servant is here!" With an instinctive start, Zhang Qixian stepped forward and bowed in response.

Looking at the utterly respectful Zhang Qixian, Emperor Liu said with interest: "Counting this time, this is your second time ascending the hall and your third audience with me, is it not!"

"This is your servant's supreme honor!" Zhang Qixian immediately replied.

"Heh heh!" Emperor Liu smiled, lowered his head to glance at the resume in his hand, then looked up and said: "I must congratulate you. Having served in Cangzhou for less than a year, you are promoted again. A principal official of a prefecture at around thirty years of age—truly a brilliant talent, rare as phoenix feathers and qilin horns in the entire Great Han..."

These words from Emperor Liu caused Zhang Qixian's expression to shift slightly. Among the batch of officials present, he was the youngest and had the thinnest credentials, and naturally, he drew the most attention.

Just as he was at a loss for how to respond, Zhao Pu spoke up: "Reporting to Your Majesty, Zhang Qixian is a jinshi degree holder. During his observation period, he already performed outstandingly, handling matters with competence and possessing administrative experience. After being posted to the provinces, his achievements were remarkable. His performance during the Northern Expedition ranked among the best of all prefectural and county officials in the north.

Last year, when merits were assessed for promotion, his achievements should have warranted a greater reward. However, considering his limited seniority, it was slightly held back, and he was transferred to serve as Chief Administrator of Cangzhou.

During his tenure in Cangzhou, his reputation remained excellent—he did practical work and earned much praise. Therefore, after examination by the Ministry of Personnel, this further promotion is entirely reasonable and proper, all conducted in accordance with the court's official regulations.

The examining officials of the ministry believe that Zhang Qixian has demonstrated outstanding ability, rich experience, and sufficient achievements, and can be entrusted with important responsibilities. Hence, he has been selected as Prefect of Yanzhou!"

The protective intent in Zhao Pu's words was obvious. Emperor Liu shot a glance at this solemn old fox, then looked toward Zhang Qixian: "Did you hear that? Chancellor Zhao and the relevant ministry hold you in high regard!"

"Your servant is deeply grateful!" Zhang Qixian said with a solemn face: "I will only dedicate myself wholeheartedly to serve the state and not disappoint the court's expectations!"