Chapter 656: Probationary Period

That's right.

Li Shimin sighed lightly, then looked at Wang Gui: "Minister Wang, how many years have you been in service?"

"I've already lost count," Wang Gui mused for a moment, shaking his head with a wry smile: "In my life I have stood on lofty peaks and seen the view from above, I have also fallen into abysses and endured scorn."

"Standing here, recalling the past, I can't help but think of my first self entering this place."

"Back then I was riding high, full of vigor, feeling that life should be just like that."

"After all these years, still in this position, I now feel that life is nothing more than this."

"Alas," Wang Gui said wistfully, "I'll quote a line from Minister Chen."

"To buy osmanthus and bring wine, it never matches the youthful wanderings!"

Li Shimin fell silent.

The other officials were likewise speechless.

Time truly has taken away far too much.

It has not only taken their years, but also their spirit.

After a while, Li Shimin asked, "Minister Wang, since you wish to retire, even though I am reluctant, I understand that I should not keep you any longer."

"But… you are the Minister of Works, holding a key post; after you leave, who will take over as Minister of Works?"

"Do you have a favored candidate in mind?"

Wang Gui replied without hesitation, "I would never casually propose withdrawing from the Court; I have already selected a suitable candidate for His Majesty."

"As for other matters, I no longer have the strength to manage them."

"Oh?" Li Shimin asked in surprise, "I wonder who Minister Wang has in mind?"

"Kang Chong," Wang Gui said outright, naming a person.

Below, Kang Chong, who had been silently observing, was suddenly stunned.

Huh?

Me?

Chen Yan was also surprised, puzzled inside.

How could Wang Gui recommend Kang Chong?

The other officials some agreed, some opposed.

Li Shimin furrowed his brow, "Vice Minister Kang has sufficient experience, but he was only recently transferred from the Ministry of Revenue; now you recommend him for the Minister of Works—might that be somewhat inappropriate?"

Wang Gui said softly, "Your Majesty, I believe that whether one can bear great responsibilities, seniority is merely superficial; the most important is ability, whether he can shoulder the burden."

"Minister Chen is the best example, isn't he?"

"Before Minister Chen took office, everyone opposed, thinking he was too young and, in every respect, unfit for a key post in the Ministry of Revenue."

"But facts have shown that Minister Chen is more suitable for this position than anyone else, aren't they?"

"Although Kang Chong was previously only a Fifth-rank official with little experience in major posts, in the few months I've dealt with him…"

"He, in every aspect, meets the requirements of the Minister of Works."

"Therefore, I recommend Kang Chong to succeed me."

Li Shimin glanced thoughtfully at Kang Chong, but did not immediately voice an opinion.

How to put it…

He was fairly satisfied with Kang Chong; Wang Gui had not managed affairs for a long time, and during this period, all matters of the Ministry of Works, big and small, were overseen by Kang Chong.

The facts prove that Kang Chong indeed performed well.

Moreover, Kang Chong had been suppressed for too long, and it was Chen Yan who uncovered him; he also does not worry about being bought by Wang Gui.

The only issue is whether the subordinate officials will be convinced.

"Minister Chen, what do you think?"

Li Shimin thought for a moment, then simply tossed the question to Chen Yan.

Chen Yan slightly frowned, pondered a moment, and said, "I find it inappropriate."

"Hm?"

Now, not only Li Shimin but also Wang Gui and the other officials were shocked.

Chen Yan says it's inappropriate?

Isn't that so?

Then isn't Kang Chong your man?

With such a good opportunity, why do you find it inappropriate?

"Tell me, what is inappropriate?" Li Shimin asked immediately.

Chen Yan said, "Just now I heard some colleagues worry that Vice Minister Kang lacks the ability to serve as Minister of Works; honestly, I share the same concern."

"After all, the Minister of Works, one of the Six Ministries, is not a position to joke about."

"Minister Wang says Kang Chong is capable, but we have not seen him; we can't just make a rash decision based solely on Minister Wang's word, can we?"

Wang Gui twitched the corner of his mouth, not understanding what game Chen Yan was playing.

Meanwhile, Kang Chong, being the subject, actually breathed a sigh of relief.

Honestly, he himself is not ready yet.

He had just settled into the Vice Minister of Works position, and then was appointed Minister of Works.

Too fast.

It was so fast that he was a little scared.

Chen Yan's refusal was also good for himself.

Li Shimin said, "Then what do you think should be done?"

Chen Yan said directly, "Whether it's a mule or a horse, you'll know once you let it pull and run; Minister Wang recommended Kang Chong, and there's currently no good candidate in the Court."

"Why don't we give Kang Chong an assessment, let him first assume the post of Minister of Works, but with a three‑month probation, during which several Prime Ministers will supervise directly."

"If Kang Chong truly has that ability, can shoulder the great responsibility, once the three months pass he will be the actual Minister of Works; if not......"

Chen Yan said lightly, "Three months is enough for us to find a more suitable candidate."

Hearing his words, the officials pondered carefully for a while, their expressions strange.

Probation period?

If he can do it, let him; why create a probation period?

But after mulling it over, everyone suddenly thought this actually seemed a good method.

If Kang Chong is capable, can settle into this position, everyone will be convinced, and there will naturally be nothing more to say.

If Kang Chong fails, sending him back after three months would also be reasonable.

Wei Zheng immediately stepped forward: "Minister Chen's suggestion is excellent; this probation period serves perfectly as a standard for observation and assessment."

"I second the motion."

Du Ruhui smiled and nodded: "Your Majesty, the probation period proposed by Minister Chen, I think it not only applies to Kang Chong, but could also be used for dealing with other officials."

"Just now Minister Chen's words, I think are excellent: whether it's a mule or a horse, you'll know once you let it pull and run."

"The Court is precisely a place that judges ability; the capable rise, the incapable fall; a good horse gets a good saddle, a mule pulls a dung cart."

"I also second."

Li Shimin clicked his tongue in amazement, feeling in his heart that this method was indeed good, and could also prevent other officials from feeling resentful.

"Then, Kang Chong!"

"I am here!"

Kang Chong at this moment gradually understood Chen Yan's intention, realizing that Chen Yan wanted to promote him.

And he naturally could not slip up now, so he stepped forward immediately.

"Regarding the three‑month probation period proposed by Minister Chen, do you accept it?"

Kang Chong respectfully said, "I have no objections; moreover, I believe I will not disappoint His Majesty, Minister Wang, or Minister Chen."

"Very well." Li Shimin nodded with satisfaction, "Your confidence is a good sign; then let this be decided as such."

"From today onward, you are officially appointed Minister of Works, but there will be a three‑month probation; whether you can hold the position depends on your own ability."

"......."