Chapter 436: The Favor of Being Recognized

False Song, Bianjing.

The early summer breeze brushed the willow tips inside the palace walls, bringing a touch of rare coolness.

Li Yuan carried several volumes of documents, walking steadily beneath the corridors leading to the official residence of the Deputy Commissioner of the Privy Council, Wang Dan.

His visage remained stern, yet his eyes held a bit more focus and caution than usual.

The affairs of the South Bureau of the Ministry of Personnel were complex, involving the evaluation and file management of numerous mid- and low-level officials; though its authority was modest, it was a post that severely tested patience and impartiality.

Recently, he had handled several particularly thorny evaluation cases.

All were complicated matters entangled with various personal connections.

If one followed precedent or guessed at superior intentions, one could easily muddle through without offending anyone.

Li Yuan did not do so.

He spent several nights carefully examining the relevant statutes, past precedents, and even summoned the officials' yearly performance records, comparing and verifying each one.

Finally, under considerable pressure, he based his recommendation on facts and regulations, offering what he deemed the most equitable rating.

One of them concerned a certain noble offspring whose evaluation had flaws, yet many parties came to intercede, hoping he would show leniency.

Li Yuan rejected each with the reasoning that "statutes are as firm as mountains; evaluation is a major state affair in personnel selection—I dare not show favoritism," insisting on recording the facts.

This matter stirred up a modest ripple within the small South Bureau of the Ministry of Personnel.

Some praised his integrity;

others privately mocked him for not knowing how to compromise, ruining his own future.

Li Yuan turned a deaf ear to this, continuing to report for duty on time each day, burying himself among mountains of documents, as if outside gossip had nothing to do with him.

He did not realize that his seemingly pedantic conduct had already caught the eye of certain interested parties.

After the day's shift ended, he returned to his lodgings as usual.

Yet at the gate, he was stopped by a middle-aged official in plain attire, whose face was gaunt.

Li Yuan took a close look, his heart slightly startled, and hastily bowed in salute.

"Officer Li Yuan, I pay my respects to Deputy Commissioner Wang."

The visitor was none other than the Deputy Commissioner of the Privy Council, Wang Dan, a senior official of the Imperial Court renowned for his integrity and talent-spotting.

Wang Dan gave a faint smile and lightly gestured for him to rise.

"Director Li, no need for excessive ceremony. I happened to pass by, recalled that Director Li resides here, and came specially to intrude for a cup of clear tea—may I?"

Although Li Yuan felt surprised, he dared not be negligent and quickly ushered Wang Dan into the study.

The study was simply furnished: besides shelves full of books, there were only a few ordinary pieces of furniture, the most eye‑catching being that rather exquisite tea set.

"Director Li, this place is rather refined."

Wang Dan's gaze swept over the study, and he offered a compliment.

Li Yuan respectfully presented the clear tea.

"My humble abode is simple; I fear I have neglected the Deputy Commissioner."

Wang Dan took the cup, sipped lightly, did not rush to state his purpose, and instead chatted with Li Yuan about a few passages of the classics.

Though Li Yuan was not adept at socializing, his scholarly foundation was solid, and his responses were composed.

After a moment, Wang Dan shifted the conversation, apparently asking casually:

"I have recently heard that Director Li, in the South Bureau of the Ministry of Personnel, has handled several evaluation matters and seems rather… insistent on his own views?"

Li Yuan's heart tightened; he set down the cup and spoke solemnly:

"Replying to the Deputy Commissioner, I merely follow the statutes and procedures, daring not to show the slightest bias. If there is any impropriety, I still beg the Deputy Commissioner's instruction."

Wang Dan looked at his tense face, then suddenly laughed and waved his hand.

"No need to be nervous. I am not here to reproach you; on the contrary, I wish to praise you."

He set down the cup, his expression turning solemn.

"The Ministry of Personnel is a pivotal post for selection; though the South Bureau is a low‑rank office, it concerns the futures of many officials and also the Imperial Court's personnel climate. Lately, the wind of extravagance and competition has risen; to be like Director Li—unafraid of the powerful, unswayed by private feelings, steadfast in the rules—is truly rare."

Li Yuan had not expected such praise and was momentarily stunned.

"I… am merely doing my duty."

"To fulfill one's duty is itself the most commendable thing."

Wang Dan nodded.

"If officials all conscientiously performed their duties and handled affairs impartially, what worry would there be about an unclean bureaucracy or an ungoverned realm?"

He paused, gazing at Li Yuan, his eyes holding scrutiny and a hint of expectation.

"Director Li has served in both the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Personnel, amassing considerable practical experience. Recently, the debate over the 'Young Sprouts Money' policy has been heated in the court; I wonder what Director Li's opinion is?"

Li Yuan pondered for a moment.

He originally did not dare to casually discuss state affairs before a senior minister, but recalling his earlier tea chat with "Lu Ming," who had offhandedly remarked that "governance values practicality; people‑benefiting measures hinge on fine execution and strict safeguards," he found it quite reasonable.

He therefore chose his words and replied:

"Replying to the Deputy Commissioner, I believe that the Young Sprouts Money proposal, whose original intent is to benefit the people and curb the powerful's exploitation, is indeed a good policy. However, its success or failure hinges not on courtroom debate but on execution at the prefectural and county levels. If the regulations are meticulous, supervision strong, and personnel selection proper, it can yield benefits for the populace; if unsuitable persons are appointed and oversight lax, even a sound law may turn into a tool that harms the people. Therefore, the trial run in Jingdong Circuit ought to seize this opportunity to work out detailed rules, scrutinize minutely, and accumulate experience—that is the steady and secure way."

He did not directly voice support or opposition, but placed the emphasis on "execution" and "guarding against abuses," which was precisely his deepest insight from handling Ministry of Personnel affairs.

Upon hearing this, Wang Dan's eyes grew brighter with approval.

He had come today partly because he had heard of Li Yuan's uprightness, which stirred his appreciation of talent;

and partly because he wished to hear the views of this official, who works in a practical bureau and is not deeply entangled in factional struggles, on current hot‑button political matters.

Li Yuan's answer was pragmatic, clear, free of empty talk, and exactly to his liking.

"What a fine saying: 'The key lies not in courtroom debate but in prefectural and county execution!'"

Wang Dan clapped his hands and sighed lightly.

"Director Li possesses clear vision; I have not misjudged him."

He again chatted with Li Yuan for a moment, asking about some recent affairs of the Ministry of Works; Li Yuan answered truthfully, in clear order.

At parting, Wang Dan said meaningfully:

"Li Langzhong, settle in and attend to your duties. The Imperial Court needs talent like yours who gets things done. If you encounter difficulties later, you may come find me."

Seeing Wang Dan off, Li Yuan stood at the doorway, watching the fading sedan chair, his heart unable to calm for a long time.

He well understood what it meant to receive the appreciation of the Deputy Chief of the Privy Council.

This was not because he had clung to someone, but because he had adhered to his duty as an official.

This gave him a sense of steadiness he had never felt before.

A few days later, in the new round of Ministry of Personnel evaluations, Li Yuan received an upper-grade rating for being "meticulous in handling affairs, dutiful in his responsibilities, and not forming factions for personal gain."

His pragmatic attitude toward the "Green Sprouts Money" matter also quietly spread in a small circle among some pragmatic officials through certain channels.

Some young officials who shared his disposition and likewise concerned themselves with practical matters began to take the initiative to associate with him.

A small circle centered on Li Yuan, inclined toward pragmatism and averse to empty talk and factional strife, quietly began to take shape.

Chen Dynasty, Separate Villa.

Zhang Cheng presented the latest information on Li Yuan's recent situation to Chen Wen.

"Your Majesty, Li Yuan has earned the appreciation of Wang Dan, Deputy Chief of the Privy Council of the False Song; his evaluation was excellent, his reputation rising. Around him, a few like-minded individuals have quietly gathered."

Chen Wen gave a slight nod, his face showing no surprise.

"Li Yuan is of a simple and earnest nature, diligent in his work; gaining recognition was only a matter of time. 'Lu Ming' previously guided him to focus on practical matters and consider the details of policy implementation; at the crucial moment, this helped him form views more readily valued by senior pragmatic officials. This investment has already shown returns."

Wang Ru laughed and said:

"Exactly. According to Lu Ming's report, he and Li Yuan have recently engaged in frank talks; Li Yuan's speech shows greater concern for practical matters, even proactively asking about the details of finances and legalities in local governance. This shows the guidance has taken effect."

"Very good."

Chen Wen walked to the window.

"Such subtle influence far surpasses forced indoctrination. Li Yuan's status rises, and the impact of his pragmatic views grows; for me, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks."

He paused, then ordered:

"Have Lu Ming maintain the status quo, interacting with Li Yuan under the identity of 'Jing You'. You may suitably delve into deeper topics concerning institutions, law, and people's livelihood, but be sure to keep proper bounds, guiding his thought rather than speaking for him."

"Yes!"

Zhang Cheng and Wang Ru replied in unison.

Chen Wen felt the steady growth of his internal progress.

The success of infiltrating Li Yuan not only brought strategic advantages, but also provided solid accumulation for his own "growth".

This "undercurrent surging" stage requires exactly such patience and precision.

An important piece has already firmly planted its foot on the False Song chessboard.

Next, it is a matter of how to make it play a greater role.