Playing the Pig and Eating the Tiger: My Funny System is Too Fierce

Chapter 219 Spring Breeze Turns into Rain

"Your Highness, the Ministry of Personnel's reform plan has been delivered." The third lady walked into the imperial study with a stack of memorials.

Since suppressing the rebellion of the aristocratic families, the imperial court's reforms have entered a new phase. This time, the goal is to fundamentally reform the official selection system to ensure that talented people can stand out.

"Let me see it." Mo Yunchen took the memorial.

The core of the plan was to break the monopoly of aristocratic families and allow children from poor families to have the opportunity to enter the officialdom. In addition to the imperial examination, a practical assessment was added, no longer just focusing on the quality of the essay.

"That's a good suggestion," Mo Yunchen nodded, "but there's one more thing to add."

“What?”

"Grassroots training," Mo Yunchen said, "all new Jinshi must first serve in local areas for three years. Only those who have made achievements can be promoted."

The third young lady's eyes lit up. "This is indeed better. Letting them experience the suffering of the people firsthand will be of great help to future governance."

At this moment, my niece came rushing over: "Third sister, guess what I found?"

She brought good news: since the new policy was implemented, the number of candidates from all over the country has increased significantly. Many of them are children of ordinary people. They were afraid to take the exam before because of their poverty, but now they have the opportunity to sign up enthusiastically.

"That's right," Mo Yunchen said with satisfaction. "A dragon trapped in shallow water is played by shrimps. Talents left idle are detrimental to the country. Only by opening up new career paths can we select true talents."

As she was speaking, my cousin also shared a new discovery: after the new policies were implemented at the grassroots level, a new atmosphere had emerged in many places. Those young officials, unafraid of their aristocratic backgrounds, sincerely served the people and were deeply loved by the people.

"It seems the court made the right move," the Third Miss sighed. "As long as we give them the opportunity, talents will naturally emerge."

"But be careful," Mo Yunchen warned, "those fallen families won't let you down."

Sure enough, news soon arrived: although some aristocratic families appeared to be submissive, they were secretly plotting to gain upper hand. They had their children change their names in an attempt to maintain their control over officialdom.

"These people," the Third Miss sneered, "are really not giving up."

"That's fine," Mo Yunchen said, "let them try."

It turns out the imperial court had already made preparations: all candidates would be examined not only for their family background but also for their actual performance. Background alone was no longer enough; true ability was required.

"Report!" the spy reported, "We've discovered that several aristocratic families are secretly colluding with the examiners!"

"Oh?" Mo Yunchen sneered, "Send them to the border to understand the people's sentiments."

This punishment is well-intentioned: it gives these people a chance to reform and allows them to experience firsthand the hardships of the grassroots. If they truly repent, it could be a way out.

"Your Highness, this is a brilliant move," the Third Lady exclaimed. "It doesn't hurt the relationship, but it achieves the goal."

"Yes," Mo Yunchen said, "Instead of killing them all, it's better to give them a chance. As long as they can sincerely serve the people, I don't mind giving them a chance."

At this time, new news arrived: among the officials who had been inspecting the frontier, some had actually turned over a new leaf! They had witnessed the suffering of the people firsthand and were deeply moved. Upon returning, they had volunteered to take up positions at the grassroots level.

"This is an unexpected surprise," the Third Miss said with a smile, "it seems that people are all made of flesh and blood."

"So," Mo Yunchen said, "reform cannot be simply suppressed, but must also pay attention to methods and approaches."

Indeed, the purpose of reform is not to create opposition, but to unite people. As long as the direction is right, even former opponents can become supporters.

At this time, good news came from outside: the new Jinshi had been selected and were waiting to be assigned to various places. Most of these people came from humble backgrounds, were full of energy, and were worried about not having the opportunity to display their talents.

"That's perfect," Mo Yunchen said, "Let them all go to the grassroots level for training. I want to see who can really achieve results."

So batches of young officials were sent to various places, carrying the court's expectations and starting their official careers.

The results were quickly apparent: these new officials, free from baggage and daring to think and act, brought about a new atmosphere in various places. Some improved water conservancy, some established schools, and some developed commerce, bringing vitality to every corner.

"This is finally happening," Miss San said, looking at the reports from various places with relief in her heart. "Finally, there's hope."

"Yes," Mo Yunchen sighed, "young people should have this kind of enthusiasm. But..." He changed the subject, "you still have to be a little cautious."

“What are you protecting against?”

"Young people are prone to impulsiveness," Mo Yunchen said. "We should remind them to proceed step by step and not be too ambitious."

The third young lady understood his point: Reform requires courage, but it also requires method. More haste makes waste; sometimes, going slower is safer.

"I'll arrange it right away," she said, "and ask the local inspectors to give me some advice."

"Yes," Mo Yunchen nodded, "By the way, I think your suggestion on official assessment can be promoted."

"Really?" The third young lady's eyes lit up.

"Of course," Mo Yunchen said, "since we want to reform, we must have a complete system. From selection to assessment, from appointment to promotion, there must be rules to follow."

The third young lady was touched: this is her husband, he always thinks carefully before doing anything and never gives up halfway.

"I understand," she said solemnly, "I will prepare the detailed plan right away."

Seeing her serious expression, Mo Yunchen felt warm in his heart: "Don't worry, you should take a break first. You have worked hard these days."

"I'm not tired," the Third Miss said with a smile, "It's my blessing to be able to share your Highness's worries."

Mo Yunchen's expression softened: "Silly girl, you are my Crown Princess, not my subject."

The third young lady blushed and said, "I know."

Watching the two flirting, the niece and cousin tactfully withdrew. They knew this was a tender moment between the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess.

"By the way," Mo Yunchen suddenly said, "I heard that there's an interesting official in Jiangnan?"

"Yes," the Third Miss said with a smile, "He's a young man who's very capable. Not only did he manage the local floods, he also developed a number of industries, allowing the people to live a better life."

"Oh?" Mo Yunchen became interested. "Tell me about it."

The third young lady then recounted the young official's deeds in detail. Though young, he was meticulous and methodical. After taking office, he first understood the people's sentiments and then implemented policies step by step, neither rushing for quick results nor dragging his feet.

"That's right," Mo Yunchen nodded, "Talents like this should be used."

"I think so too," said the Third Young Lady, "so I've asked people to pay more attention to it."

Mo Yunchen looked at her and said, "You really do love talented people."

"Isn't this His Highness Xue?" The third lady winked mischievously.

"You're so smooth-talking," Mo Yunchen pretended to be angry, but his eyes were full of doting.

Just then, a report came from outside: The Empress Dowager asked the two to go to the Cining Palace.

When they arrived at the Cining Palace, they saw the Empress Dowager reviewing memorials from various places. Seeing them coming, the Empress Dowager smiled and said, "The reforms are going well."

"It's all thanks to the Queen Mother," said Mo Yunchen.

"Don't talk nonsense," the Queen Mother waved her hand. "I just want to ask, when do you plan to give me a grandson?"

The third young lady blushed immediately: "Empress Dowager..."

"Alright, alright," the Queen Mother smiled kindly, noticing her shyness. "I was just asking casually. But you should also take care of your health and stop dwelling on state affairs."

Mo Yunchen replied: "I understand."

On the way back, the Third Miss still felt embarrassed. Mo Yunchen saw this and said softly, "Mother is right. You should have a good rest recently."

“But there are so many things…”

"I'm here," Mo Yunchen interrupted her, "just rest assured and take care of yourself."

The third young lady felt warm in her heart: this seemingly majestic prince was always so gentle in front of her.

"I obey your command." She said sweetly.