Chapter 599: Assistant Supervisor of Construction

Since last year, the Ministry of Works was exposed for corruption and embezzlement, and even the minister who had not taken bribes was dismissed.

However, what no one expected was that those corrupt officials faced no consequences; Li Shimin seemed to have forgotten them and ignored them.

But everyone understood that Li Shimin might have acted solely for the greater good, for the stability of the Court, and thus made this choice.

Since the corruption had been exposed, Li Shimin could not simply turn a blind eye to them.

The sword hanging over their heads will eventually fall.

Now, that day seems about to arrive.

Many officials now understand and look at the Ministry of Works officials with a look of glee at their misfortune.

No wonder this year's Imperial Examination admitted fifteen candidates, far exceeding the usual numbers.

It turns out it was all prepared to clean up the Ministry of Works.

"Ministry of Works...?"

Li Shimin raised his eyebrows, gave the Ministry of Works officials a casual glance, and said with a half‑smile, "Minister Chen, what position would be suitable for Lai Ji?"

"Starting from which rank should we begin?"

Chen Yan pondered, "I have said before that in extraordinary times, extraordinary measures are required. The situation of the Ministry of Works is known to all; in my view, we should not follow the usual rules. How about letting Lai Ji start as Assistant Supervisor of Construction?"

Assistant Supervisor of Construction?

Upon hearing Chen Yan's words, everyone was stunned.

It wasn't because Chen Yan spoke too highly, but rather too lowly.

Assistant Supervisor of Construction is merely a modest seventh‑rank subordinate position......

No!

The officials recovered, realizing that although Assistant Supervisor of Construction appears to be a modest seventh‑rank post, the authority it wields is not small.

Although the Zhen Guan era promoted frugality, construction of the Imperial City, tombs, and government offices never ceased.

Moreover, the Assistant Supervisor of Construction directly oversees royal projects in the two capitals, Chang'an and Luoyang, appointed directly by the Emperor or the Chancellor!

Such officials control huge funds and allocate thousands of craftsmen; though their rank seems low, many senior officials are reluctant to offend them lightly.

If Lai Ji were to take this Assistant Supervisor of Construction role, not only would Ministry of Works officials be hard to control, but any further corruption in the Ministry would likely be exposed directly.

It is like driving a nail directly into the Ministry of Works.

After all, on the day the Lai brothers were announced, they publicly bowed to Chen Yan in thanks; everyone knew they were his protégés.

And Chen Yan is a staunch supporter of Li Shimin......

Realizing this, some officials who had long been displeased with the Ministry of Works smiled inwardly.

If the speculation is correct, Li Shimin and Chen Yan intend to start from the grassroots of the Ministry of Works, gradually pruning and renewing it.

"Assistant Supervisor of Construction......" Li Shimin thought for a moment, smiling, "It does not seem to violate protocol!"

"Assistant Supervisor of Construction is merely a seventh‑rank subordinate post; ordinarily, the top graduate of the Imperial Examination could reasonably hold a seventh‑rank senior position."

"Seventh‑rank subordinate...... not excessive!"

Li Shimin looked around at the ministers and asked, "What do you, esteemed ministers, think?"

Wei Zheng clasped his hands and said, "Your Majesty's words are reasonable, but in fact the top scholar usually starts in a seventh‑rank senior post, which is ideal; normally it is only an eighth rank."

"Minister Chen said that in extraordinary times, extraordinary methods should be used; I endorse that. Assistant Supervisor of Construction is a very suitable post, a seventh‑rank subordinate position that sits between the two points, indeed not overstepping, so I second the proposal!"

"Fu Ji, you are the minister of Personnel, what is your view?" Li Shimin asked again.

Chang Sun Wuji replied, "Your Majesty, I actually think the same; Assistant Supervisor of Construction may appear low in rank, but it truly tests a person's ability. Placing Lai Ji in this position, I deem it appropriate."

Li Shimin nodded slightly, turned his head toward the usually quiet Wang Gui, "Minister Wang, now you oversee the Ministry of Works; do you approve the words of the ministers just now?"

Wang Gui felt utterly weary.

He had already built the Wen Ming Dian, exhausting the last of his influence in the Court and his own status, now just waiting to retire, and yet he was being asked what to do?

He replied concisely, "I have no objections!"

"Then it is decided," Li Shimin declared decisively, sat down again, and looked at Lai Ji, "Lai Ji, I intend to adopt the ministers' proposal and appoint you as Assistant Supervisor of Construction of the Ministry of Works. I hope you will not disappoint me or the ministers' expectations!"

Lai Ji responded solemnly, "Your Majesty, I will certainly not betray your and the ministers' goodwill. The only guarantee I can give you and the ministers is that, regardless of the office I hold or the tasks I perform, I will live up to the official robe I wear!"

"Hmm, good!" Li Shimin nodded approvingly.

In truth, he truly valued Lai Ji in his heart.

It was only a pity that Lai Heng was not taken as well.

Recalling this, Li Shimin let out a slight sigh.

As an emperor eager to achieve greatness, he never tires of talent; otherwise he would not have repeatedly pardoned Wei Zheng or ignored Chen Yan, who sat cross‑legged in such a setting.

Li Shimin glanced at Li Chengqian and said, "Crown Prince... I recall your Eastern Palace duties are busy; I wonder if you still lack staff?"

"Hehe......" Hearing this, Chen Yan couldn't hold back and let out a laugh.

But that laugh attracted everyone's attention.

"What? Minister Chen, something on your mind?"

Chen Yan cleared his throat, "Your Majesty, I have nothing particular; I just recalled some pleasant matters."

Du Ruhui and the others twitched the corners of their mouths, unable to suppress a grin.

Li Shimin wore a dark expression, about to speak, when Li Chengqian cleared his throat and stepped forward, "Father Emperor, the Eastern Palace's duties are indeed heavy; I often feel exhausted, and the multitude of tasks is nearly beyond my capacity to handle."

"Therefore, I request that Father Emperor provide me with some staff to share the burden."

Li Shimin said with a hint of double meaning, "Speaking of it, Lai Heng and Lai Ji are brothers; placing them together would invite gossip. Since Lai Ji has entered the Ministry of Works, how about assigning Lai Heng to your Eastern Palace?"

"As for the specific position, let you, Crown Prince, decide personally; I will not interfere, how does that sound?"

"I thank Father Emperor!"

Li Chengqian didn't mind the double meaning in Li Shimin's words; getting the person was all that mattered.

As for the Lai brothers below, they were already mentally prepared and had no objections to this outcome.

Because from the start, Chen Yan had told them that the Crown Prince and His Majesty placed great importance on them.

If you don't pass the Imperial Examination, then go straight to report at the Eastern Palace!

"Go down then." Li Shimin waved his hand with a hint of disdain, his gaze occasionally flicking toward the Ministry of Works, "Do any of you ministers have matters to report?"

"If not, then we will formally begin the banquet."

"His Majesty! I have a matter to report."

"......"