tending to a small charcoal brazier.And opposite him was Su Jinpa, wrapped in a satin embroidered cloak, her fair skin peeking out from the white fur, with a face that could be both charming and playf...Chapter 1206 Zhao He Shan

As for Zhao He Shan's words, Li Chen did not offer his opinion but asked, "The recent personnel adjustments in the court have been quite significant. You should be aware of this."

Zhao Heshan bowed and said, "I understand this, and I am also one of the beneficiaries. In addition, many officials have been dismissed or imprisoned, so that now the court is in turmoil, and everyone is worried about whether their position is secure."

"Since you know, you should be clear that this is not a good time to streamline the staff of the Ministry of Civil Affairs." Li Chen said again.

Zhaohéshān solemnly said: "Your Highness, I believe that now is the best opportunity."

Li Chen said calmly, "What you mean is that the court is in turmoil now, and many of the official children who entered the Ministry of Personnel through connections have also implicated their families and elders. If we were to dismiss these people during this time, your resistance would be much smaller"

Zhao He Shan replied: "Your Highness is wise, indeed that is what I was thinking. Not only would my resistance be much smaller, but the resistance from the court and Your Highness would also be greatly reduced."

"As the saying goes, one burst of energy, a second decline, and a third exhaustion. Your Highness's new policies are bound to cause turmoil in the court. Under a turbulent court, everyone is apprehensive for their own safety. To be able to protect oneself is already something to be grateful for. It's simply impossible to concern oneself with the lives of others. However, if it were on an ordinary day, to move this Ministry of Public Affairs, not to mention a humble minister like myself, even Your Highness would face considerable criticism. After all, it involves a great deal."

After hearing Zhao Heshan's words, Li Chen leaned back in his chair and said expressionlessly, "You do have a point."

The court would assign personnel, mostly those who entered through the imperial examinations, to various positions. Many ended up in the Hanlin Academy, serving as compilers for a few years. They would then look for vacancies and try to fill them with suitable candidates.

As for those offspring of officials who have connections and support from their elders, they entered your Department of General Administration. The Department of General Administration has a wide range of responsibilities and considerable power. It can accommodate a large number of staff, allowing both capable and incapable individuals to find a place within it. Moreover, with the backing of their elders, they wouldn't take long to move beyond the Department of General Administration.

"Besides, the Tongzheng Si itself held a high rank. Starting from here, once one stepped out, they could at least become an official of the fourth rank or even a regular fourth-rank official. It was undoubtedly an excellent place for polishing one's reputation."

Zhao Heshan said solemnly, "Your Highness has a discerning eye, I admire you greatly."

"For these reasons, the Department of General Affairs has gradually abandoned its original purpose over many years. Now that I am in charge of the Department of General Affairs, I want to return it to its original position and make it fulfill its responsibilities: receiving imperial decrees, relaying information from below, checking and approving official documents related to border defense, reporting on matters such as real estate holdings, petitions, military affairs, and natural disasters from officials and people throughout the empire."

Li Chen said to Zhao Heshan: "This palace can let you do it, but those people, although they are in a mess and dare not say anything to this palace, they will not be merciful to you. You must be prepared for this."

Zhaohéshan smiled freely and said, "To benefit the country with one's life is a duty; why should we avoid danger or seek fortune"

Li Chen smiled and nodded. "Very good, this palace has agreed to this matter, you go ahead and do it."

"Your humble servant thanks your Highness for your wisdom."

Zhaohéshān deeply bowed, then exited Xizheng Hall.

After Zhao Heshan left, it was already late. Li Chen got up and stretched, saying to Wan Jiajiao, "Let's go back and rest."

Wan Jiaojiao blinked her big eyes and asked, "Is Your Highness still resting in the side hall"

"Go to the Palace of Hundred Flowers."l. Li Chen said, "This meat is tender and firm, but it has a slight fishy smell, so it needs more spices to enhance the flavor. Cooked this way, it's my favorite."Su Jinpa picked up the piece of meat,...