Chapter 2171: Chapter 2168: Letter of Self-Recommendation

Emperor Xuanming narrowed his eyes slightly, his tone carrying a hint of warning: "My love, you usually find someone to play cards with when you’re free; there’s always something to pass the time with. As for the affairs of the imperial court, it’s best not to meddle too much."

Deng Jieyu felt unwilling in her heart, but she dared not continue speaking, fearing that she might drive away the Emperor, who had finally come to the Imperial Harem. She stifled her feelings and nodded in agreement.

Emperor Xuanming waved his sleeve: "Someone, escort Consort Jie back to the palace."

Deng Jieyu, not having achieved her purpose, felt unhappy, but she dared not take any risks at this time and had to comply and leave.

Emperor Xuanming quickly returned to the Imperial Study.

Just after sitting down behind the desk, he looked at the memorials placed before him, expressionless, as he selected one from them.

Soon, he noticed the memorial that was submitted by Chu Heng, which was pressed beneath the others.

He reached out and picked it up to read through, and after he finished reading, his previously depressed mood had become cheerful, even the corners of his eyes carried a hint of a smile. He knew that Chu Heng’s capabilities were significant and that it was impossible for him not to have a backup plan.

It brought to mind what Chu Heng mentioned in his memorial, about secretly sending people to teach military strategy.

And the hypothetical test questions they proposed.

The test questions resembled scenarios encountered in reality; any veteran would find them familiar. Some of the details were handled very well, to the extent that even Emperor Xuanming, as the ruler, had to admit that Chu Heng’s questions carried deep meaning.

Moreover, the questions he raised were merely a few examples.

Emperor Xuanming narrowed his eyes and thought that having soldiers learn to read was not a bad idea, as long as all military power was in his hands and most of the generals were his people. Coupled with Chu Heng’s assurance of the soldiers’ salary, military supplies, etc., there was no way these soldiers couldn’t be won over.

With strong military forces, the throne he sits upon will only become more stable in the future.

Emperor Xuanming quickly approved Chu Heng’s suggestion, pondering a few candidates for teaching in his heart. However, he made one change in this matter: anyone who wanted to learn to read must join the Military Household, and for the Military Household, they must bring their families along. Meanwhile, these literate soldiers would naturally receive higher salaries after graduating.

Chu Heng was unaware of this maneuver by Emperor Xuanming.

At that moment, he had already returned, resolved some leftover official tasks, and went to the official newspaper in the afternoon.

At the newspaper, with Yan Zhenming overseeing, everything was orderly.

The evaluation and review system for officials within the newspaper was also very well-established, and interpersonal relationships were included in the evaluation. Additionally, the members of the newspaper were full of a sense of justice, effectively sharing the same values. For a time, harmony prevailed, and no one dared to slack off for fear of being dismissed after three months.

Moreover, the entire newspaper operated independently of the Six Ministries, subject only to the Emperor’s supervision. The Imperial Censors had oversight authority, but other yamen could not interfere with its internal affairs.

Chu Heng, together with Elder Zhong, one who preferred to adhere to regulations rather than backdoor methods, and one who evaluated solely on performance without accepting bribes, ensured no one in the newspaper played any mind games.

It’s truly because Chu Heng’s sharp eyes seemed to see through everything.

These people were influenced by a comfortable and progressive atmosphere, finding the engagements in the yamen more interesting than their interactions with the officials of the capital outside.

Over time, they developed a strong aversion to injustice, becoming more clear-minded.

Before leaving the yamen that evening, Yan Zhenming approached Chu Heng and handed over a few letters.

"Lord Chu, these are a few self-recommendation letters recently found in the newspaper’s mailbox."

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