After Transmigration: Building a Kingdom in Turbulent Times

Zhao Kuan saw that he was incapable of anything except writing, so he arranged for him to serve as an inconspicuous clerk in the government office.

When he left Luoyang, he sent him to the Imperial College to Zhao Cheng, allowing him to continue as a clerk for Zhao Cheng.

Zhao Cheng strongly recommended him and was willing to vouch for him.

Zhao Hanzhang said, "I want to see him."

Xun Fan furrowed his brow and said, "Your Majesty, this person is a criminal from the previous dynasty, and has not been pardoned. How can he become an official in the court?"

Zhao Hanzhang nodded and said, "Grand Tutor Xun is right. After I meet him, if he truly has talent, I will pardon him."

Officials who shared the same opinion as Xun Fan were speechless. If she said "innocent" or "not guilty," they would argue, but she spoke of his talent, leaving them momentarily unable to oppose.

The guard went to find Shan Feng, and they continued to discuss the next matter, "The autumn harvest is about to end, and next we must collect taxes. What suggestions do you have?"

The ministers suggested reducing taxes, and Xun Fan said, "Throughout history, rulers only need to impose light labor and taxes, allowing people to recover and rejuvenate without excessive interference from the court."

All the officials agreed.

Zhao Hanzhang nodded, "Indeed, but how can we ensure that my policy of light labor and taxes will reach the local areas without being embezzled by corrupt officials?"

Ji Yuan said, "As in previous years, court decrees are published in the official gazette; secondly, students from various academies are ordered to disseminate the decrees in rural areas; thirdly, government officials spread the word from the county government to village chiefs and then to villagers, ensuring everyone knows of the tax and donation reductions."

Zhao Hanzhang nodded, "Anything else?"

Ji Yuan said, "Send Imperial Censors to inspect various states and counties, ensuring decrees are implemented and the governance of officials is reformed."

Ming Yu and others agreed.

Zhao Hanzhang then asked, "To whom should we entrust the matter of inspection and reforming official governance?"

Ji Yuan remained silent for a moment, waiting for officials below to volunteer.

But before they could volunteer, Ming Yu stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I have a recommendation."

After receiving Zhao Hanzhang’s indication, Ming Yu pointed out, "I believe Vice Minister Fan is suitable."

Standing at the forefront of officials, Fan Ying heard this and immediately stepped forward, bowing and saying, "Your Majesty, I am willing to go."

Among the officials, many trembled, as in the past two years, six out of ten corrupt or negligent officials were caught by Fan Ying.

Despite being a woman, she acted decisively and ruthlessly, with no room for pleas.

Zhao Hanzhang smiled and nodded, "Good, this matter will be entrusted to Fan Qing. I appoint you as the Chief Inspector, and you may direct the Imperial Censors nationwide."

Fan Ying accepted.

Zhao Hanzhang asked further, "Letting the people rest and not interfering much means reducing labor, but I think few people in the world dislike making money. After the autumn harvest, most people will be idle, and if they can earn some money for New Year, it would be good. Can any of you think of a way for the people to make money?"

Immediately, an official proposed, "The court should distribute money to the people from the county governments?"

Zhao Hanzhang: "...I also wish for that, but unfortunately, resources are scarce, so come up with a more feasible idea."

The officials were speechless; it’s cold now; what can they think of? Aren’t farmers relying on farming?

An official suggested, "Let them sell their chickens, ducks, and pigs at home!"

Zhao Hanzhang clapped and laughed, "This method is excellent; what are the prices of chickens, ducks, and pigs, and does the court have regulations? What if the prices are too low? Also, what about those who don’t raise chickens, ducks, or pigs?"

Zhao Ming was at a loss, quickly replied, "Your Majesty, perhaps the counties can cultivate chick, duckling, and piglet seeds, and sell them to the people next spring."

Zhao Hanzhang’s ridicule then dissipated, and she asked, "What if people can’t afford them; can they be sold on credit?"

Zhao Ming thought for a moment and replied, "Yes, they can agree on repaying with money or meat."

Zhao Hanzhang nodded with satisfaction and asked, "Besides this, are there any other methods? Are all your nobles unaware of worldly affairs, not minding household necessities?"

The officials were suddenly stimulated and immediately racked their brains, and indeed, once they started thinking, they came up with quite a few ideas. They immediately began discussing eagerly, just as they started, the guard came in to report, "Your Majesty, Shan Feng has been brought."

Zhao Hanzhang then said, "Announce it, and my dear ministers continue to think, as the welfare of the people is of utmost importance."

The officials agreed, but their gaze involuntarily drifted to the entrance. Speaking of which, Shan Feng and the present ruler could be seen as allies, right?

Although they took different paths, one initially failed while the other succeeded, the intent was the same.

Amidst the attention of everyone, a dust-covered man limped into the hall, with the word "crime" tattooed on his cheek, and his hair was gray-white, mostly white despite being only twenty-six years old.

He walked to the front of the hall and knelt for a salute. Zhao Hanzhang said, "No need for formalities, grant him a seat."