How did a street urchin from the film crew end up in a Northern Song Dynasty drama called "The

"Dealing with the problem of redundant officials is actually not complicated. The key is to hang a sharp sword over the heads of all officials, so that if any unscrupulous person dares to act recklessly, their head will be cut off immediately." Jin Shuai replied with a confident smile on his lips.

"This..." Emperor Renzong looked troubled, and hesitated to speak.

"Does Your Majesty wish to mention the ancestral rule of 'not killing scholar-officials'?" General Jin asked bluntly, his eyes piercing, as if he had already seen through Emperor Renzong's thoughts.

"That's exactly right! Emperor Taizu established an ancestral precept that scholars and officials, as well as those who offer advice, must not be killed. Moreover, every new emperor must swear to abide by this precept before ascending the throne." Emperor Renzong explained slowly with a solemn expression.

"In the early days of the founding of the dynasty, everything was in ruins and scholar-officials were needed to help. Besides, as long as you didn't order the killing, it doesn't count as violating ancestral precepts, right?" Jin Shuai asked with a smile.

"That definitely doesn't count!" Emperor Renzong replied.

"Then why not try a few different methods? Like me, I can use a special decree to kill them out of personal grudges, and they won't dare to impeach me for no reason. Give one to each of your trusted military officers, and see if they still dare to talk nonsense. As for civil officials who have committed capital crimes, just drag them out into the street for a public trial, explain their crimes in detail, and crush their arrogance. Anyone who pleads for them is an accomplice, and the people will want them killed. The government can also win the hearts of the people, and only when the people's hearts are with you can you be invincible," Jin Shuai said.

"Tsk tsk, this is handled very well!" Emperor Renzong said with a smile.

"I really want to do it now! So, what should be the first step?" Emperor Renzong asked.

"We need to secretly establish an oversight department to investigate various prefectures and counties, to examine whether they are exaggerating their achievements, embezzling, neglecting their duties, or oppressing the local people. We need to gather solid evidence. The second step is to establish a secret military department, authorized by the emperor, to monitor all officials. If they find substantial evidence of corruption and abuse of power, they can act first and report later. They only need to be accountable to the emperor. This will be like a sword hanging over the heads of all officials, which will be the only way to dismiss officials. We can also implement an official vetting system, and some departments can be cut or dismantled. This will alleviate the problem of redundant officials," Jin Shuai said.

"Yes, if we are too hasty, we will shake our foundations. Young Master Jin has the potential to be a prime minister! Once you come of age, I will certainly appoint you to an official position in the court," Emperor Renzong said with a smile.

"Please spare me! I need a lot of time at home making things!" Jin Shuai replied with a smile.

"How can your talent be wasted on investigating things!" Emperor Renzong said.

"Your Majesty," Jin Shuai said enticingly, "a set of women's underwear can solve many problems. What I create will drive social progress, making the people wealthy and the country strong. Only with a strong army can we recover lost territories. Do you want to be a peerless emperor for all time, or a mediocre ruler who can only leave a name through benevolence?"

"Of course I am the most supreme emperor under heaven," Emperor Renzong said.

"A ruler's word is law. As long as Your Majesty is determined, I will help in any way I can. We'll take it one step at a time. Now, may I go back?" Jin Shuai asked.

On Zhuque Avenue, a lavishly decorated oxcart moved slowly forward. A corner of the curtain was gently lifted, revealing a wicked smile on Jin Shuai's lips. He thought to himself, "The reason the Song Dynasty is so poor and weak is because of those power-hungry, incompetent officials who only know how to fight for power! Since that's the case, then I'll sharpen my knife and slaughter the pigs and sheep, so as not to waste this time-traveling journey! Hehe, let's see how I continue to stir up trouble! Hahaha..."

Before they knew it, the oxcart had arrived at the gate of the Jin residence. It was nearly noon, and the sunlight shone warmly on the earth. General Jin alighted from the oxcart and quietly entered the residence through the back gate. He then went straight to the bathroom and carefully bathed and disinfected himself, as if trying to wash away all his fatigue and grime.

After everything was settled, General Jin strode towards his own courtyard. As soon as he entered, he summoned Liu Ma and explained in detail that the palace would soon be sending people to learn needlework, instructing her to make proper arrangements. Liu Ma obeyed and left, returning to the courtyard shortly after with Steward Jin.