My Portable Ming Dynasty

Chapter 478 The Legend of the Soviet Party, Part Three

After the officials of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices announced Li Ji's promotion in front of many censors, everyone's gaze towards Li Ji changed!

The position of Assistant Director of the Military Selection Department of the Ministry of War is only a fifth-rank official, which is not as prestigious as some officials who are directly promoted to the fifth-rank rank in the capital.

However, those who can make it in the Six Departments are all very clear about the "power" involved in officialdom.

The position of Director of the Military Selection Division of the Ministry of War was one of the most powerful fifth-rank officials in the capital.

The current Director of the Military Selection Department is Shen Shixing, a key member of the Soviet Party.

Since the departure of the previous Minister of War, Cao Bangfu, the new Minister of War, Wang Chonggu, has been handling the affairs of the Ministry of War with the help of Shen Shixing.

It just so happened that the Ministry of War was expanding its power, and Shen Shixing's outstanding performance earned him praise from the emperor to the Grand Secretaries.

Rumors circulate that Shen Shixing may be promoted to Vice Minister of War at any time.

So, Li Ji was appointed as the Assistant Director of the Military Selection Department at this time, wasn't he just waiting to take over Shen Shixing's position?
Anyone who has ever been involved in a political party knows that the most important thing for any political force to be called a "party" is that it must have its own "territory".

"Territory" refers to the foundation of a political party.

However, the "territory" that political parties need is not specific, but rather refers to the scope of political influence, or more specifically, official positions.

If a political party has a huge influence in a certain field, it can monopolize the official positions in that field, thus ensuring that these positions are passed down only within the party.

If the position is passed down to several people in a row, it will be regarded as the party's "private territory" and will not be allowed to be occupied by others.

If this were placed in today's imperial court, Gao Gong, as the Grand Secretary, would be able to suppress other factions because his faction occupied important positions in the Ministry of Personnel.

In particular, the position of Wenxuan Lang in the Ministry of Personnel was always held by Gao Gong's trusted disciples.

The reason why Zhang Juzheng's faction was able to follow closely behind was that Zhang Juzheng controlled the Ministry of Revenue.

The positions of secretary in the Ministry of Revenue's Department of Personnel were also controlled by the "Zhang faction".

Zhao Zhenji, one of the three Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet, had a weak presence because he did not control the Ministry of War.

The new Minister of War, Wang Chonggu, actually had a better relationship with Gao Gong. However, the most important position in the Ministry of War, the Military Personnel Selection Office, was filled by Shen Shixing, a two-faced figure who belonged to both the Zhang and Su factions.

Even now, compared to the two Grand Secretaries, Zhu Dashou and Lei Li, Zhao Zhenji is still inferior.

Zhu Dashou had served in the Hanlin Academy, the Ministry of Rites, and the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, and had a deep foundation in the field of education. After taking office, he presided over educational reforms and appointed many officials.

Lei Li, needless to say, has worked in the Ministry of Works for a long time, and the current Minister, Vice Minister, and various department heads of the Ministry of Works are all his former students and subordinates.

The so-called "Soviet Party" actually has a considerable base of support.

First, there were the newspapers.

The Yuefu Xinbao was founded by Su Ze, and its two consecutive editors-in-chief, Luo Wanhua and Zhang Wei, were both core members of Su Ze's faction.

Secondly, there are the Public Security Bureau and the patrol system. These two institutions were also created by Su Ze and are in charge of fire prevention, theft prevention, and municipal management in the capital.

However, both of these fields are characterized by low status and high power.

Then there are the five departments under the Secretariat and the Chancellery, which were entirely proposed and led by Su Ze. This is the core department of the Su Party.

Then there are some scattered positions.

Generally speaking, if a position is continuously controlled by members of the same party, it will create a continuous influence, resulting in a synergistic effect greater than the sum of its parts.

Is Su Ze trying to get his hands on the position of Military Selection Officer?

People speculated and thought it was quite possible!

And you still say you didn't vote for the Soviet Union?!

If he wasn't a core member of the Soviet Party, why would Li Ji be appointed as an assistant director of the Military Selection Department?
Thinking back to before, Li Ji persuaded everyone not to oppose Li Rusong's memorial, and he remembered that Li Rusong was very close to the military affairs department of the five offices of the Secretariat and the Chancellery.

The way everyone looked at Li Ji was full of doubt!

After receiving the imperial decree and expressing his gratitude, Li Ji's mind raced as he considered how to explain the situation to his colleagues.

Just then, the five departments of the Secretariat heard the commotion. Song Xun, the head of the military affairs department, and Li Ji, who were old acquaintances, naturally came over to offer their congratulations.

Song Xun said:

"I heard from Chief Clerk Song of the Personnel Department a few days ago about Brother Li's promotion. I didn't expect the Ministry of Personnel to act so quickly."

The officials present were in an uproar. Li Ji already wanted to die, so he quickly made a few perfunctory remarks in an attempt to drive Song Xun away.

Li Ji said:

"I will naturally pay my respects to Chief Song for his kindness."

Unexpectedly, Song Xun whispered in Li Ji's ear:

"The appointment of the Assistant Director of the Military Selection Department is not something that we, the five departments of the Secretariat and Chancellery, can decide."

"Brother Li, you should personally thank Prosecutor Su."

Li Ji's pupils dilated in shock. He never expected that he was recommended by Su Ze!

So, does this mean I've really joined the Soviet Party?
Li Ji was still pondering when he had joined the Su Party when Song Xun had already left.

Faced with his colleagues' watchful eyes, Li Ji quickly said:
"Gentlemen! Let me explain!"

But Li Ji's mind was completely blank, and he couldn't say a word.

Even Zhang Shu, another official in the Ministry of War, looked at Li Ji with disdain.

Just then, someone Li Ji never expected stepped forward and addressed the crowd:

Yan Yonghe, a supervising secretary of the Ministry of Personnel, said:

"Everyone!"

"This promotion of Li Jishizhong was approved by His Majesty, and it is a reward for his dedication to public service and hard work in recent days!"

Yan Yonghe continued:
"As Yan said before, the most important duty of us Six Departments Censors is to impeach, not to oppose every major policy of the court to gain prominence and show off. As long as we do our job well, His Majesty will naturally notice, and the high-ranking officials in the court will also remember."

"It was precisely because Li, the censor, listened to Yan's advice, worked diligently, and focused on the matter rather than the person that he was able to obtain this important position."

"This is also the court's expectation of Li Jishizhong. They hope that he will continue to work diligently in his future post and not let His Majesty down!"

These words disgusted Li Ji to the point of near death!

Yan Yonghe is indeed protecting himself, but he is clearly trying to elevate his own status.

It was as if he had heeded Yan Yonghe's "loyal advice," "turned back to the right path," and started to truly focus on military affairs, which led to his promotion.

But finally someone came to his rescue. Although it was his mortal enemy, Li Ji could only grit his teeth and agree, which meant he had accepted Yan Yonghe's argument.

The officials present also began to think about it.

The position of Supervising Secretary of the Six Ministries does indeed carry considerable power, but the rank is low and the pay is meager.

For example, while officials in the capital were all allocated housing, the Six Ministries had never had the opportunity. It was only after Su Ze brought them along that they were allocated dormitories.

Officials' salaries are another aspect. It is said that the Ministry of Revenue is also discussing reforms to officials' salaries, preparing to change the current system of partially converting salaries to silver salaries to fully converting them to silver salaries. This would result in a greater disparity in treatment between officials of different ranks.

Moreover, there were also high-ranking officials in the capital who held positions with great power, such as Li Jisheng, who was promoted to Assistant Director of the Military Selection Department, whose power was no less than that of the Six Ministries' Censors.

High-ranking officials also enjoy retirement benefits and the privilege of having their wives and children granted official titles—these are all tangible advantages.

Who wouldn't want to get promoted if they could rise higher and higher?

The crowd looked at Li Ji, their eyes no longer filled with anger, but with envy and jealousy.

Many of the officials also had other ideas and were preparing to make a name for themselves!
-
That night.

Li Ji, dressed in an ordinary scholar's robe, arrived in front of Su Ze's residence.

He used to pride himself on being a man of integrity and never went to visit high-ranking officials in the imperial court.

He spent a long time persuading Su Ze to come to his residence.

Li Ji secretly reminded himself that he was no longer a military officer. After much persuasion, he finally arrived in front of Su Ze's residence.

Song Xun, the chief of the military affairs office, has made it clear that it was Su Ze who recommended him to Minister Yang.

Song Xun was Su Ze's subordinate, so these words were naturally at Su Ze's behest.

Su Ze is my patron, so it would be extremely impolite not to pay him a visit.

In official circles, this is no longer a matter of being impolite; it's a complete offense to Su Ze.

In addition, Li had another purpose in visiting.

He needed to know what Su Ze wanted him to do after recruiting him into the "Su Party".
Every political party has its own political objectives.

This goal can be quite ambitious; for example, Gao Gong's current goal is to promote practical learning.

It can also be very pragmatic, like the Yan faction in the previous dynasty, which was all about making money and personal wealth and status.

Since Su Ze took office, he has done a lot of things, but no one can understand his true purpose.

Therefore, Li Ji's visit was also to inquire about the platform of the Su Party. He wanted to know what Su Ze needed him to do, and then see if it conflicted with his own political ideals.

In other words, Li Ji needed a sense of belonging to join the Soviet Party with a clear conscience.

If the conflict becomes too great, Li Jiming would rather resign than join the Su Party.

It is customary in officialdom to express gratitude for promotion after receiving a promotion, and even upright officials who dare to speak out know this but cannot say much about it.

This is the only lifeline he can grasp at this moment, as he tries to clarify his own "belonging".

After Li Ji presented his visiting card to the gatekeeper, the gatekeeper of the Su residence was very welcoming to him. He took Li Ji's visiting card and went to inform the inner quarters.

While Li Ji was waiting at the gatehouse, Su Ze was receiving guests.

Li Rusong's wedding date has been set. Today, he came to Su Ze's home to express his gratitude and to present Su Ze with a wedding invitation, inviting Su Ze to attend his wedding.

Of course, besides the marriage, Li Rusong also visited Su Ze to seek advice on reform issues.

Li Ji, standing outside the gatehouse, was also lost in thought.

From the moment he began to "oppose" the General Staff, to being pulled into making summaries by the military departments of the five offices of the Secretariat and the Chancellery, and then helping the General Staff to improve memorials, he ultimately left the impression of being "dedicated and hardworking" in the minds of the emperor and the Grand Secretaries.

It was only through the recommendation of Yang Sizhong, the Minister of Personnel, that his proposal was approved by the Emperor without any obstacles.

The more carefully you think about it, the more it seems like there's an invisible hand guiding and pushing you forward.

Making an impression on the emperor can be difficult, but it can also be easy.

Every year there are always many outstanding memorials to the throne or a few excellent political achievements.

However, apart from those famous ministers, there are not many opportunities to leave a deep impression on the emperor.

Or sometimes, even if the emperor remembers you, if there is no opportunity for promotion in the near future, the emperor will soon forget your name, and you will eventually fade into obscurity.

He became famous and was recommended in one fell swoop, which led to the miracle of his rapid promotion.

He plans carefully before acting, and when he does act, it is with overwhelming force. This is Su Ze's style of doing things.

But why did Su Ze promote him like this?
Given Su Ze's style, there must be other motives behind his appointment as Assistant Director of the Military Selection Department.

Li Ji knew that favors had to be repaid, and if the favor exceeded his ability to bear it, then the promotion would be a curse rather than a blessing.

The door opened, and the same doorman came out.

“Master Li,” the gatekeeper said with a slightly formulaic apology, “it’s really unfortunate. The master is currently entertaining guests and doesn’t plan to see any more today, so we have already accepted your visiting card. Please go back today, Master Li.”

Li Ji's heart sank, and he quickly took out his silver pouch, saying:
"May I ask which distinguished guest Prosecutor Su is currently meeting? I may wait in front of the residence."

The doorman quickly said:

"Please don't make things difficult for someone as insignificant as me, Li Yuanwailang. How could we possibly reveal the news about this mansion?"

Li Ji then recalled the rumors circulating in the capital that Su Ze's wife, Zhao, was a strict disciplinarian, and that the Su family's stewards and servants were known for their strict adherence to rules.

The doorman then said:
"But the master has a few words to convey to Li Yuanwailang."

Li Ji straightened his expression, and the gatekeeper said:
"The Military Selection Office is in charge of military personnel selection, which is crucial to the foundation of the nation's military preparedness and carries great responsibility. It is hoped that Assistant Minister Li will perform his duties diligently and impartially; this would be the best reward for the court and for him. There is no need to be bound by customary formalities."

After he finished speaking, the doorman immediately said:

"The master also said: 'He has always seen your integrity and talent in handling matters objectively and being proficient in practical affairs when you were in the Six Ministries. The Military Selection Division needs officials like you who can get things done.'"

After delivering the message, Li Ji left the Su residence, feeling utterly lost.

"Don't be bound by formalities... Be sincere in your work... We'll see it..."

Su Ze's response was impeccable, full of official jargon, and brimming with the routine encouragement and expectations a superior gives to a capable subordinate.

But there was not a single hint of intimacy, not a trace of secret handover, not even a single allusion to the "Party".

It was as if Li Ji's promotion was purely due to the emperor's discerning eye and the Ministry of Personnel's merit-based recruitment, and Su Ze just happened to "see it" and casually recommended him.

So what about the "Soviet Party"?

Li Ji's thoughts were like a deep pool with stones thrown in, a chaotic mess.

Am I a member of the Soviet Party or not?

But outsiders all believe that he is a member of the Soviet Party, otherwise how did he get promoted by Rocket?

Could it be that my "sincere dedication" truly moved heaven and earth?

What exactly is the Soviet Party?
In the past, powerful ministers formed factions with a pyramid-like structure, with the faction leader at the core and core members as the backbone.

But this Su Party can't even get a chance to get in the door of the party leader. Now that he's about to take office, Su Ze hasn't even given him a word of advice.

Could it be that the so-called "Su Party" refers to people like myself who are "valued for their talents" by Su Ze or his inner circle, and then pushed forward to do things at a certain crucial moment?
Or is it that I, Li Ji, am not qualified to enter the core of the Soviet Party, and that the Soviet prosecutor is testing me?
(End of this chapter)