Chapter 210: Settled

The officials had mixed reactions to Liu Ju's implementation of the cabinet system.

Liu Ju naturally saw all of this, but paid no heed.

His gaze swept over the officials' faces one by one, then he slowly asked: "Since you beloved officials mostly agree with the cabinet system, the most urgent matter now is to determine the cabinet members. Please speak freely and recommend the worthy."

As his words fell, Huo Guang stepped forward and proclaimed loudly: "Your Majesty, General Wei has outstanding military achievements; he not only knows military affairs well, but also has profound insight into court governance. During the southern development, his many strategies demonstrated extraordinary leadership and vision. I believe appointing Wei as Prime Minister of the cabinet is wholly appropriate."

Tian Qianqiu bowed slightly and said: "Your servant agrees with Lord Huo. Wei has devoted himself to the Great Han for years, risking life and death; his prestige in the military is extremely high, and his upright, selfless character is deeply respected by all officials. Having him oversee the cabinet will surely coordinate all sides and smoothly implement the cabinet system."

Zhang Qian stepped forward, his gaze firm, and said: "Your Majesty, besides Wei, Minister Tian assisted the former emperor for many years, rich in experience and well-versed in people's livelihood and governance. The southern development cannot do without such a capable minister as him. Furthermore, though I lack talent, I volunteer to serve in the cabinet and contribute my modest strength to the development of the Great Han."

When the cabinet system was proposed, everyone sensed its merit; even Huo Qing and Zhang Qian, whom Liu Ju had once struck for proposing a sanatorium, and especially Tian Qianqiu, showed signs of being moved.

Who wouldn't want to be on the front lines of the Great Han's new system, adding bricks and mortar?

After the nominations were finished, everyone looked at Liu Ju with eager anticipation.

Liu Ju frowned slightly, fell silent for a moment, then slowly said: "My beloved officials, Huo Qing, Tian Qianqiu, and Zhang Qian are all pillars of the Great Han; their talent and achievements are naturally clear to me. But the cabinet is newly established, and I hope it will bring a fresh atmosphere, infused with new vitality…"

Liu Ju had spoken only halfway when Huo Qing and the others' faces showed disappointment, but it soon faded.

No matter how the new system turns out, they will first obey the emperor Liu Ju's orders.

The other officials, however, were in an uproar.

Huo Guang's face showed surprise, and he couldn't help but say: "Your Majesty, Wei and the others wholeheartedly serve the public; they will surely lead the cabinet to create a completely new situation, but…"

Wei Xiang frowned, clasped his hands, and said: "Your Majesty, Minister Tian is experienced in governance, and Lord Zhang is versed in both Chinese and Western affairs. Their entry into the cabinet would both swiftly drive its operation and stabilize court sentiment; to not use them would likely…"

Having said that, he paused slightly, his eyes full of puzzlement.

Su Wu instinctively clenched his hands; though he said little, his confusion was plainly visible.

After pondering a moment, he said: "Your Majesty, Wei, Minister Tian, and Lord Zhang hold great prestige in the court; now that the new system is being implemented, having them oversee the cabinet would make coordination much smoother. Your Majesty, might you reconsider?"

Just as everyone was voicing their opinions, Liu Xijun, the only woman able to attend court in the Great Han, also bowed slightly and then spoke softly but firmly:

"Your Majesty, implementing the cabinet system is inherently an innovative move. Employing young talent might bring a different perspective to the court, breaking old patterns. Yet having high-prestige veteran officials oversee things would also allow newcomers to enter the cabinet with awe, making them more diligent. I believe the officials' ideas are worth a try."

Liu Ju heard this, and a flicker of approval appeared in his eyes.

He still shook his head slightly and said: "Your beloved officials' words make sense, but after careful thought I have decided to employ a new cabinet lineup."

"A new cabinet lineup?"

The officials looked at one another.

Liu Ju surveyed the crowd, then slowly said: "I appoint Su Wu as Prime Minister of the cabinet, Huo Guang as Vice Premier, and Wei Xiang, Xu Wei, Jin Fu, and Liu Xijun shall jointly enter the cabinet. Huo Qing, Tian Qianqiu, and Zhang Qian, though meritorious, have other arrangements. For now, I expect the cabinet to be infused with new vitality and to open a completely new situation."

As these words were spoken, the hall first fell silent, then murmurs arose one after another.

Huo Guang's eyes flashed with surprise, then his face filled with indescribable delight; he eagerly clasped his hands, knelt, and proclaimed loudly: "Your servant will surely exert all efforts to assist Prime Minister Su, not failing Your Majesty's great trust."

Su Wu stared for a moment, then knelt and bowed his head, his voice slightly uneasy: "Your Majesty, your servant is shallow in talent and learning; I fear I cannot bear this heavy responsibility. Wei and the others are experienced and more suited to lead the cabinet…"

Liu Ju smiled and interrupted him: "Beloved Su, there's no need to decline; your integrity is noble, your abilities outstanding, and you have unique insight into court affairs. I believe you will certainly be equal to the task."

Su Wu declined no further and solemnly accepted the order.

Wei Xiang's face also showed joy, yet he remained composed and respectfully said: "Your Majesty, your sagacity—your servant wishes to contribute his strength to the smooth operation of the cabinet."

His demeanor was calm and steady; after such long tempering, he could already stand on his own, his words bearing the bearing of a distinguished minister.

Xu Wei could not hide his excitement, stepped forward, knelt, and proclaimed loudly: "Your Majesty, this move provides an opportunity for us junior officials. Your servant will surely fulfill his duties faithfully and not disgrace his mission."

Jin Fu knelt in excitement, performed the salute with a respectful attitude, and said: "Your Majesty, having given this careful thought, the new cabinet will surely inaugurate a golden age. Your servant will surely follow Prime Minister Su, unite in effort, and jointly achieve great undertakings."

As the sole woman entering the cabinet, Liu Xijun's cheeks flushed slightly, her heart both delighted and nervous.

She moved lotus-step lightly, bowed again, and said: "Your Majesty, your servant will surely not betray your trust, offering counsel for the development of the Great Han."

In the Proclamation Hall, the atmosphere was solemn and reverent. Liu Ju gazed over the officials, then slowly announced: "I have decided to appoint Su Wu as Prime Minister of the cabinet, Huo Guang as Vice Premier, and Wei Xiang, Xu Wei, Jin Fu, and Liu Xijun shall jointly enter the cabinet."

The cabinet personnel had already been proclaimed by Liu Ju.

Huo Qing's eyes flashed with a hint of surprise, but it vanished instantly; he then clasped his hands and proclaimed loudly: "Your Majesty, your sagacity! Su Wu is wise and brave, of high integrity and noble character. Having him serve as Prime Minister of the cabinet will surely guide the new cabinet to inaugurate a golden age for the Great Han. Your servant wholeheartedly endorses Your Majesty's decision!"

He stood tall, his expression full of openness.

Zhang Qian raised his brows slightly, pondered a moment, then spoke respectfully: "Your Majesty, this arrangement is most appropriate. Brother Su is upright and also possesses rich experience; Huo Guang and the others are equally outstanding in ability. The new cabinet gathers talents from all sides, will surely bring fresh vitality to the court and smoothly implement the cabinet system. Though not entering the cabinet is somewhat regrettable, as long as it benefits the Great Han, your servant bears no grudge."

Tian Qianqiu stroked his white beard, nodded slightly, and said with a touch of feeling: "Your Majesty, your vision is far-reaching; the new cabinet employs experienced capable ministers while also giving young talent the opportunity to display their abilities—such a pairing is complementary. Though the elder cannot participate therein, if needed he will certainly speak without reservation, offering counsel for the new cabinet."

At this moment, Su Wu stepped forward, bowed slightly, and said: "Having received Your Majesty's trust and also thanks to the three officials' recognition, this burden is heavy; I hope the three will often offer guidance henceforth."

Huo Qing stepped forward, extended his hand to lift Su Wu, and laughed: "Prime Minister Su, don't be so polite!"

The other officials discussed for a while, but seeing that Liu Ju's decision was set, they all knelt and said in unison:

"Your Majesty, your sagacity! We will surely support the new cabinet!"

Liu Ju gazed over the crowd with satisfaction and said: "Good! May you all work together so that the cabinet system exerts its greatest effect, adding bricks and mortar to the prosperity and flourishing of the Great Han."

Amid the unified assent of all, the formation of the new cabinet was finally settled.