Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 843: Chapter 12: Sparring with the Emperor (Part 2)

The Emperor looked at Prime Minister He and asked, "Prime Minister He, don’t you think it’s good?"

Prime Minister He began, "To be honest, I think Prince Han’s proposal of the Three Departments and Six Ministries system is excellent." At this point, Prime Minister He suddenly stopped speaking.

"But," the Emperor continued for He, "you don’t think it’s suitable to implement it."

"I don’t believe the Three Departments and Six Ministries system is unsuitable for the Great Zhou, but sudden reform of the bureaucratic system may cause some trouble, even chaos." Prime Minister He naturally saw the benefits of the "Three Departments and Six Ministries" system, but suddenly abandoning the previously used system could lead to many suspicions with ulterior motives.

Grandmaster Liu disagreed with Prime Minister He’s words; he was always a pragmatist.

"The Three Departments and Six Ministries system is more practical than the current system, so we should abandon the current system and adopt the Three Departments and Six Ministries system." Sometimes Grandmaster Liu thought that Prime Minister He overthought things; something very simple was always made very complicated by Prime Minister He. "The Emperor is still young; it’s not too late to switch to the Three Departments and Six Ministries system now."

"It’s not that simple. If the Great Zhou had used the Three Departments and Six Ministries system from its establishment, there wouldn’t be any problem. But now..." Prime Minister He felt that the officials of Great Zhou were already thoroughly familiar with the current system. A sudden change would require them to relearn everything. Mistakes are likely during the process of getting familiar with the new system. "The current system may not be as good as the Three Departments and Six Ministries system, but it doesn’t have issues either."

Grandmaster Liu frowned at Prime Minister He and sharply asked, "Do you really think the current system has no problems?"

When questioned like this by Grandmaster Liu, Prime Minister He was at a loss. Because he knew very well that the current system has many shortcomings.

"If you abandon such a practical Three Departments and Six Ministries system just to avoid the hassle of reform, do you really think that’s right?" Grandmaster Liu’s expression was very serious, "Reforming the system may only be troublesome for a while, but its benefits are long-lasting. However, if you continue with the current system, the problems will only increase, eventually leading to a bloated bureaucracy." Grandmaster Liu had long noticed many issues with the current system, but he couldn’t think of a better system to replace it. Now that Prince Han had come up with a good system, why not use it?

Prime Minister He was rendered speechless by Grandmaster Liu’s questioning because he couldn’t refute it.

The Minister of Agriculture supported Grandmaster Liu and said, "I think Grandmaster Liu makes sense." If the "Three Departments and Six Ministries system" is adopted, he would become the Minister of Revenue, and he would only have to worry about the Ministry of Revenue, rather than other matters. "I believe the Three Departments and Six Ministries system not only clarifies official positions but also streamlines many unnecessary positions."

Grandmaster Liu suddenly solemnly saluted the Emperor: "Your Majesty, I believe we can adopt Prince Han’s Three Departments and Six Ministries system, and it should be done sooner rather than later."

The Minister of Agriculture followed suit and saluted: "I second the motion."

Prime Minister He said nothing.

The Emperor looked at the silent He and said, "Prime Minister He, what do you think?"

Prime Minister He knew the Emperor had already made up his mind to adopt the Three Departments and Six Ministries system. He was aware that whatever he said, the Emperor would not listen.

"I second the motion as well." Prime Minister He wanted to oppose, but he lacked the confidence to do so because he also thought the Three Departments and Six Ministries system was good.

"Then you will all be busy for a while, and after the New Year, we’ll switch to the Three Departments and Six Ministries system." The Emperor suddenly thought of the cabinet system and pointed at Grandmaster Liu and them, saying, "I want to establish a cabinet, and you need to draft a list of names for me." This brat Xiao Shi finally did a great job; with a cabinet, he could relax a lot more in the future and wouldn’t need to deal with endless official documents every day. "Oh yes, you three and Lao Xue are on that list."

Prime Minister He, hearing that they were on the cabinet list, was not surprised.

"Your Majesty, how many people do you want in your cabinet?" Grandmaster Liu always caught the crucial point, "five people, eight people, or ten people?"

"Ten people, perhaps." The Emperor thought the more people, the less work he’d have to do.

Prime Minister He and Grandmaster Liu guessed the Emperor would say that and felt somewhat helpless.

"Your Majesty, ten people might be too many, don’t you think?"

Grandmaster Liu said unceremoniously, "Your Majesty, even if you want to slack off, you shouldn’t start by setting up ten people in the cabinet, or how would you add more later on?"

The Minister of Agriculture said nothing, because he thought the number of people in the cabinet had nothing to do with him; he just needed to worry about future matters of the Ministry of Revenue.

The Emperor’s little thoughts were seen through, but he wasn’t embarrassed.

"Then how many people do you suggest?"

Prime Minister He pondered for a while and said, "Start with five people."

Grandmaster Liu nodded in agreement.

"Five people?" The Emperor extended one hand in disbelief, "Isn’t five too few?"

Grandmaster Liu mocked, "How about fifty people?"

The Emperor, who was ruthlessly mocked, chuckled, "I would love that."

Grandmaster Liu snorted coldly, "You wish!"

The Emperor retorted angrily, "Can’t I even dream now?"

Grandmaster Liu very coldly said, "Nope!"

The Emperor glared at Grandmaster Liu with a pitiful expression, pointing a finger at him as if about to cry.

"Lao Liu, you’re bullying me."

Grandmaster Liu was almost struck speechless by the Emperor’s antics, almost unable to resist rolling his eyes.

"Your Majesty, you are establishing a cabinet, not opening a public bathhouse."

The Minister of Agriculture couldn’t help but chuckle at Grandmaster Liu’s comment.

When it comes to retorts, Grandmaster Liu is unmatched.

Prime Minister He, suppressing a smile, said, "Your Majesty, Grandmaster Liu is right; the cabinet directly answers to you. They discuss major national affairs, so the number should not be too many; five people are enough."

The Emperor struggled and said, "Five is too few, make it six; that’s my biggest concession."

Grandmaster Liu and Prime Minister He thought it would be fine as long as it wasn’t eighty or ninety people; six people it is, then.

"Alright, let’s go with the Emperor’s suggestion for now and set it as six people." No sooner had Prime Minister He said this than he realized that while establishing a cabinet would ease the Emperor’s burdens, it would mean more work for them. Knowing the Emperor liked to shirk responsibilities, once the cabinet was established, they would likely have even more tasks to handle.

"By the way, Xiao Shi’s proposal for the Hanlin Academy, you all should handle that as well." The Emperor continued, "Also, prepare a set of rules for the selection of Imperial Academy scholars."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Minister of Agriculture, you will now serve as the Minister of Revenue."

The Minister of Agriculture quickly expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

The Emperor announced again, "Lao Liu, you should temporarily hold the position of Minister of Ministry of Personnel. The Ministry of Personnel is the most important among the six ministries. The Emperor wouldn’t rest easy giving it to other people, but handing it over to Grandmaster Liu would give him peace of mind."

Grandmaster Liu accepted the order: "Yes, Your Majesty."

"As for the position of the Minister of Rites, it will be given to Lao Xue; he’s the most suitable."

Prime Minister He and Minister of Justice concurred, "I also think so."

"Then you all recommend someone for the position of Minister of Justice."

Prime Minister He asked, "Your Majesty, what about the Minister of War?"

"For the Minister of War, it will be Lao Chu then." Chu Ying is the wisest, most stable, and also the most diplomatic among the four great generals, making him well-suited for the role of Minister of War. "As for other positions, you can rely on your people to recommend suitable candidates."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"I hope you can take care of this matter before the end of the year." If it isn’t done by then, they couldn’t reform the bureaucratic system afterward.

"We will obey, Your Majesty."

"Oh yes, Xiao Shi has decided to establish a dock in Swamp Prefecture. He also wants to develop Swamp Prefecture into an international trade city, and said something about setting up customs there."

Prime Minister He and Grandmaster Liu were internally exclaiming: How many things does Prince Han intend to accomplish?