Da Tang: Father, can I resign?

Chapter 406: Old and New Ways of Governing a Country

"Eating problem? Minister eating... is that still a problem?"

The next day.

The top-level study of the former Pingzhou Prefecture, which has now been renamed the "State Affairs Office".

It was raining heavily outside the window, even heavier than yesterday.

In the window, Deputy Prime Minister Zhangsun Wuji was staring at the two visiting emperors in a daze.

Li Ming and Li Shimin, the answer to the earth and the pinnacle of life, came here in the heavy rain just for this matter???
"Whether the ministers eat two or three meals a day, whether they eat meat or vegetables, is not a major issue, and I dare not disturb your Majesty and the Emperor Emeritus."

Changsun Wuji's harsh voice echoed in the spacious study, resoundingly.

This study was originally shared by him and Fang Xuanling.

But because Prime Minister Fang was threatening to resign, he was the only one in the room.

Naturally, the entire responsibility of managing the country fell on his shoulders.

In other words, Changsun Wuji finally became the powerful official he had always dreamed of, second only to the emperor and above everyone else.

However, after seizing all the power, Changsun Daquanchen did not seem very happy.

“Our dynasty is now no less than a newborn, and political affairs are complicated.

"At this critical juncture, do you think it is appropriate to waste your precious time on the minister's eating habits?"

Changsun Wuji's eyes were dull, but his tone was aggressive.

Li Shimin on the side frowned.

As a retired cadre, he came along just to watch.

Let's see what's so special about Li Ming's governance that he could beat him to a pulp.

But as he watched, his desire to provide guidance arose.

Who are you, Changsun Wuji, to dare to speak to the emperor like that?

Li Ming himself was not angry at the minister's rude attitude. He just crossed his arms and nodded seriously to show the seriousness of the matter.

"Very appropriate. Minister, it is a problem for a great country to eat."

"Hiss... Your Majesty is so caring and considerate of all the officials. I am deeply grateful. But..."

Zhang Sun Wuji first skillfully stacked a layer of armor on himself, and then began to output:

"The country is in a state of chaos and busy with affairs, but Your Majesty is obsessed with trivial food issues. Isn't it a case of losing the big picture for the small?"

Li Shimin, who was accompanying him, snorted:
"Lord Changsun, you have become a loyal minister who dares to speak out and give advice."

The generals will waver between the camps of Li Chengqian, Li Zhi and Li Ming. The three families who jumped ship for the second time were named Nu and were considered "loyal". The old emperor's sarcasm was quite bitter.

To be fair, Changsun Wuji spoke frankly and made very reasonable suggestions, which was quite in line with the style of Zhenguan.

But His Majesty Li Shimin is now retired.

When he was emperor himself, he was still able to accept advice with an open mind.

But now Lao Li can let himself go and criticize the ministers who give him advice.

It’s okay to scold him, but it’s even more unacceptable to scold his son in person. Only he can scold his son.

This is not only because Old Li is "like" Little Li and is a protective person.

Also, it was Old Li who was beaten up by Little Li. You, Changsun Wuji, even dare to criticize Little Li. Then, aren't you going to shit on my head, Old Li?
This simple food chain forced Emperor Li Shimin to strike hard against his brother-in-law.

"Thank you for your kindness, His Majesty the Emperor."

However, unexpectedly, Changsun Wuji did not feel ashamed of his treacherous behavior at all, and directly retorted to Lao Li.

The harsh tone of voice startled Li Shimin, and he couldn't help but look at the other person straight in the eye.

Only then did I realize that my brother-in-law's eyes were black, his face was black, and his whole body exuded a dark aura of resentment.

This is the unique resentment felt by workers who work too much overtime.

Friends who often work overtime know that when you stay up late to work overtime for several days and nights in a row, you will enter this invincible state where you are fearless and even the devil will give you a slap in the face.

Changsun Wuji has now entered this state.

He has always been cautious and submissive to "His Majesty the Brother-in-law", but now he dares to confront him head-on.

Li Shimin's eyelids were twitching. He was actually frightened back by the opponent's "invincible" aura and subconsciously looked around him.

How could the eldest son persecute his subjects and force them into this state...

Li Ming, who was accused of "rebellion", was naturally not angry at all. On the contrary, he was hesitant and a little guilty.

"Um... ahem. I know you and Chang Sunyan are busy.

"But as the saying goes, if you can't even clean your own house, how can you clean the world? Another saying goes, a thousand-mile embankment is destroyed by an ant hole..."

Li Ming reluctantly put on the airs of an emperor, trying to suppress the deputy prime minister's arrogance.

Unfortunately, Changsun Wuji completely ignored it and said directly:

"Regarding the reform of the official system that Your Majesty has ordered me to carry out, I would like to report to Your Majesty the latest progress. I hope Your Majesty will take the time to listen to me."

The words used were "at your discretion", but having said this, there was no room for Li Ming to refuse.

"Okay..." Li Ming nodded with a guilty look on his face.

Before he finished speaking, Changsun Wuji had already started reporting on his own.

“In order to unify the country and govern efficiently, Your Majesty has issued an imperial decree that I will take the lead in improving our administrative institutions and bureaucratic system.

"Now, I, together with Changsun Yan, Xiao Yu and others, have basically completed the process. The situation is as follows."

After a brief opening speech, Deputy Prime Minister Zhangsun did not give the two Majesties time to organize their thoughts, and went straight to the point, laying out the complex and specific improvements one by one.

The administrative agencies and bureaucratic system are related to the "national economy" in terms of national economy and people's livelihood, and are the issues that Li Ming is most concerned about besides the economy.

After establishing the Liaodong regime, Li Ming had undergone a major institutional reorganization, creating two systems. After raising the banner of the Great Ming, he carried out another reform, completely abolishing the "shell" used to deal with the Great Tang.

This is the third "institutional reform" and it is of extraordinary scale.

This does not mean that there was something wrong with the Ming Dynasty’s system in the past.

But the Ming Dynasty today is different from the past. It is no longer a separatist regime occupying a corner.

Instead, it is a Leviathan that spans across Asia and has a territory far beyond the limits of the ruling power of traditional feudal society.

As the difficulty of governance increases suddenly, the political system must naturally keep pace with the times and make corresponding improvements.

As a political veteran, Changsun Wuji has more to consider than just doing things.

And being a human being.

As for the Ming Dynasty, although it was not an ant swallowing an elephant, it was still like Mars hitting the Earth.

The merger of two giants of comparable size was like a huge shock to the power map, completely reshuffling and reorganizing the original structure.

Who should hold what position, and what level of power should different positions enjoy? Will such an arrangement upset the complex and delicate balance of the Ming Dynasty? Will it be beneficial to the country, or to one's own family...

It is necessary to ensure administrative efficiency while taking into account the distribution of power, which is like carving a pattern on a grain of rice, and a single move can affect the entire body.

As one of the leaders of the bureaucratic system, it goes without saying that Deputy Prime Minister Changsun has a heavy task.

During this period, he and his subordinates were almost crazy busy, working five days a week and two days a week, and got the 21st Century Experience Card in advance.

His great grandson, the chief secretary general, Sun Yan, had practiced Taoism to the point of becoming emaciated and his hairline had receded to a very dangerous level.

At this critical moment when everyone was busy, His Majesty Li Ming suddenly had a sudden idea and looked for him to discuss what to eat "morning, noon and evening".

No wonder Changsun Wuji was so angry.

I am so busy that I am almost exhausted, but the boss is slacking off on trivial matters.

Anyone would be angry about this.

"I have already made corresponding adjustments to the three provinces, six ministries and hundreds of official positions in accordance with your majesty's wishes."

Changsun Wuji told the story in detail.

Li Ming also changed his absent-minded attitude and listened attentively.

This is business.

The first thing to be reformed in the Ming Dynasty was the administrative system.

The system of three dukes and nine ministers, which originated in the Xia Dynasty, was already in name only by the time of the Tang Dynasty, becoming a ceremonial title. It was formally abolished in this institutional reorganization and came to an end. The system of three provinces and six ministries, which was created by the previous dynasty, the Sui Dynasty, has only been around for a hundred years and is not outdated.

In fact, this system is quite suitable for the production mode of agricultural society and was used until more than a thousand years later, by another dynasty that originated in the Northeast - the Qing Dynasty.

His Majesty Li Ming was very pragmatic and would not reform for the sake of reform, so the three ministries of Shangshu, Zhongshu and Menxia were all retained.

It’s just that the functions of the three have been “fine-tuned”.

The Secretariat as an administrative department remains unchanged, but there are some adjustments in the powers and responsibilities of the six subordinate ministries, which need not be elaborated.

The two ministries that underwent the most significant changes were the Secretariat and the Ministry of Personnel.

The Secretariat was responsible for drafting imperial edicts according to the emperor's wishes, while the Ministry of Personnel was responsible for reviewing imperial edicts. Both ministries originated from the emperor's internal service agencies, and their functions also overlapped and complemented each other.

Therefore, in later generations, the two provinces were gradually merged into one department called "Zhongshu Menxia".

As for His Majesty Li Ming, he will naturally not leave this problem to future generations. He will solve it now.

"The imperial edict review function of the Ministry of Personnel was completely transferred to the Ministry of Central Secretariat, which was fully responsible for the formulation, review and issuance of laws.

"The Dali Temple of the former Nine Ministers and the Ministry of Justice of the Shangshu Province were merged into the Menxia Province. The Menxia Province is responsible for supervising and reviewing the implementation of laws and regulations throughout the country and commanding the law."

Changsun Wuji talked incessantly and Li Ming nodded and listened.

After this magical change, the three provinces were respectively responsible for administration, legislation (compilation, review and issuance of His Majesty's imperial edicts) and justice (supervision of the implementation of laws), each performing its own duties.

Within their respective areas of jurisdiction, the three provinces have complete authority, but in the broader executive, legislative and judicial powers, the three provinces are separate and constrain each other.

This can not only greatly improve administrative efficiency, but also maintain a certain balance of power.

"Above the three provinces, the former Menxia Province Political Affairs Hall was upgraded to the 'State Affairs Office', which is the government office here.

"The State Council Office is responsible for the three ministries. Above the three ministries' chiefs, there is a prime minister and a deputy prime minister. They are Fang Xuanling and Fang Xianghe."

Changsun Wuji continued.

The Political Affairs Hall was originally where the prime ministers discussed matters together. Although the three ministries had divided power, when there were major events that required coordination among the various ministries, the prime ministers still had to meet together to discuss.

The Zhengshi Hall was where the prime ministers worked, and it was located in the Menxia Province.

Li Ming simply made this temporary agency a regular organization, placing it above the three provinces, and allowing it to unify and direct national affairs, officially becoming the center of national administration.

This is the finalized infrastructure of political power in the Ming Dynasty (revised version).

It can be said to be a major change, but all the frameworks are developed from the old system.

Although it is a continuation of the old system, the power structure has indeed changed.

It gives people a feeling of both new and old.

Well, reform should be carried out step by step.

If you take too big a step you'll hurt your balls.

"After that, it's the selection of ministers of each ministry."

The radish pit has been dug, and the next step is to plant the radishes.

Changsun Wuji continued to introduce the personnel positions to Li Ming.

There is nothing much to say about this, because personnel power is the foundation of everything, it is Li Ming's Achilles' heel, a power that he holds firmly in his hands and will never allow others, including his own parents, to get involved in.

He had already chosen the officials at all levels, and Changsun Wuji just confirmed to His Majesty that his will had been implemented.

Li Shimin listened from the side, as quiet as a student the whole time, and did not express his opinions freely.

There was too much information and he had to digest it.

Needless to say, the establishment of the State Council Yamen and the redivision of the three provinces and six ministries shocked him.

Just this "selecting and employing people" is full of knowledge -

Each government office must be equipped with a former Tang Dynasty official as deputy.

The balance of this region and the balance of power are played very well...

After finishing the report, Changsun Wuji exhaled:

"After your majesty's guidance, the three provinces can now independently handle matters within their respective responsibilities without the need for cross-departmental coordination, thus shortening the work process and reducing buck-passing.

“Improving administrative efficiency will help us rule this vast territory.

"Your Majesty, wise!"

As he said this, he bowed solemnly to Li Ming.

This was praise from the bottom of his heart, not flattery, sarcasm, or the beginning of advice.

Each department is in charge of the entire process of handling affairs, and there is a leading agency set up above it, and above it is the emperor who issues orders. This is a power structure designed specifically for efficiency.

It best matches the temperament of the Ming Dynasty - efficiency first and enterprising spirit.

Although His Majesty Li Ming may occasionally have...sudden ideas, when has he ever made a mistake in major policies?

He is a wise ruler worthy of the trust of all officials.

This political reform will surely go down in history...

"Wise..."

Li Ming did not feel proud.

This way of distributing power certainly improves efficiency.

But there is another hidden danger - the separation of powers among various departments can easily lead to solidification and the formation of independent kingdoms that are impenetrable.

In other words, the lack of checks and balances makes it easy for interest groups to form.

Under Li Ming's diligent governance, through regular rotation and personnel mobility, the formation of interest groups can be delayed for the time being, allowing this administrative machine to remain efficient.

But after a long time, the machine still inevitably rusts...

Whatever!

“As for future generations’ affairs, trust their wisdom.

"Today, we must first solve the problems in front of us, put efficiency first, and manage this ridiculously large land well."

Li Ming muttered to himself and couldn't help thinking.

If Fang Xiang was still alive, he probably wouldn't say "Your Majesty is wise", but would list one, two, three reasons to prove that this move was stupid...

"By the way, speaking of the house."

Li Ming remembered the reason he came here, and changed the subject:
"Prime Minister Chang Sun, do you want your colleague Fang Xuanling to come back?"

I humbly acknowledge that Your Majesty's wishes are respected, but I personally think that Prime Minister Fang is old and frail, and his thinking is slow. For both public and private reasons, he should be allowed to retire and return home... Li Shimin, standing aside, amused himself by answering for Changsun Wuji in his mind while leisurely drinking tea.

Are you kidding? The stumbling block that hindered his autocracy was finally removed, are you going to invite it back?
"Hope." Changsun Wuji replied briefly with these two words without any expression on his face.

"Poof!" Li Shimin almost spit out the tea all over the floor. He looked at Changsun Wuji in surprise, as if he was looking at a stranger.

This brother-in-law made him feel strange today!

He used to be very smooth in dealing with things, but today he became extremely upright.

He used to have a strong desire for power, but today he has to seek help from others.

What happened to Zhang Sun Wuji during his time in Ming Dynasty? !

"The workload is too heavy and the tasks are too complicated..."

Changsun Wuji's voice was weak, his expression was tired, and his face was full of despair.

“It’s a bit of a stretch for me to shoulder the responsibilities of two prime ministers.

"I wrote to His Majesty to request that he promote a new prime minister or delegate some of the prime minister's duties, but His Majesty refused..."

"After all, the Prime Minister is the head of all ministers, and this matter is of great importance. Apart from Prime Minister Fang and Prime Minister Changsun, I dare not trust anyone else." Looking at Changsun Wuji who was about to die from overwork, Li Ming showed a sly smile on his face.

"What if I say that by reorganizing the ministers' diet, I can get the chancellor back?"

Changsun Wuji suddenly perked up, and his lifeless face showed obvious changes.

First there was surprise, then doubt, and finally certainty.

"Your Majesty, please elaborate."

(End of this chapter)