Peasant Woman’s Decreed Life as a Wife

Chapter 2140: Chapter 2137: Xu Chan

If we were to forcibly resist, given that Great Chu is increasingly prosperous and peaceful, we wouldn’t want to be seen as rebellious officials. It’s best to go along with the flow, and even use this official newspaper to bring benefits to ourselves; it might not be a bad thing.

"I, the old minister, will follow the decree." Elder Zhong bowed shakily.

Once out of the Imperial Study.

Elder Zhong looked at Chu Heng and asked with a smile, "Lord Chu, have you decided on the candidates for the official newspaper?"

Since it’s an imperial institution, it naturally requires staff, and these positions are official ranks.

Though lacking real power, any official position is coveted by scholars, so once this position becomes available, I fear people will flock to it.

"Elder, I know you are a righteous person, so I won’t speak empty words. I plan to directly conduct examinations for selection. There are indeed some imperial examination and first place in the examination candidates in Great Chu without appointments. Not utilizing them is wasteful, and we can take this opportunity to select some suitable talents to work at the Official Gazette Office." Chu Heng spoke frankly.

Elder Zhong heard him plan to directly choose these unattached first place in the examination candidates and imperial examination candidates, rather than having the Ministry of Personnel directly appoint officials. He understood this was to keep the Ministry of Personnel from intervening.

Thinking of the Emperor’s intentions, he understood this was in line with the imperial will.

Without questioning this aspect much, he asked, "Then regarding the exam questions, does Lord Chu have any ideas?"

"I have some thoughts. In the next two days, I will draft the questions. Once I’ve discussed them with you, they’ll be finalized. I also need to trouble Elder Zhong to disseminate this news."

"Are you trying to obscure the identity of the question maker?" Elder Zhong understood immediately after listening, thinking that Chu Heng’s actions are always cautious, considering ten steps ahead for each step, which explains why those officials are often infuriated and curse him at home, and why the Imperial Censor would rather find an excuse to deal with Chu Heng, but can’t find one.

Because this person handles matters without leaving any loopholes, contrary to these officials who each have some weaknesses that can be leveraged against them. Normally, they only dare to find trivial troubles to bother Chu Heng.

Elder Zhong stroked his beard, nodding in admiration.

"Hmm, I thank you first, Elder Zhong."

"Since we are responsible for this together, naturally I will do my part, or else we wouldn’t fulfill the Emperor’s instructions." Elder Zhong smiled and waved his hand, agreeing to shoulder the duty.

Very soon.

The news was dispatched from the post station, and each state government office and County City received the news that officials for the official newspaper in the capital are being recruited.

Some first place in the examination candidates who had failed for many years heard the news, first feeling surprised, then hesitant.

"Su, do you think the news about recruitment in the capital is reliable?"

"This news is definitely reliable, as it is openly circulated by the yamen. But as for who gets recruited, that’s uncertain." Some long-frustrated first place in the examination candidates believed there wouldn’t be any fairness, thinking it’s just for show.

But some younger first place in the examination candidates held hope in their hearts, "If it truly wasn’t a fair election, why spread it widely? Why not just have officials appointed by the Ministry of Personnel directly?"

"Guo, do you want to try your luck?"

"I’m not sure, but the capital is far from here..."

"I say, what’s there to fret about? We’re just first place in the examination candidates, and if we get lucky, we could become officials of the capital. Now that the opportunity is here, what is there to hesitate about? Since we’re all aiming to become officials, how is this any different from the imperial examination?" In a Jiangnan teahouse, a young man with stubble all over his chin held a pot of wine, speaking freely and casually.