Chapter 2172: Chapter 2169: Handling Official Affairs

"There are some manuscripts, but we cannot ascertain the authenticity of their content, therefore we dare not decide whether to publish them."

Chu Heng first read a few letters of self-recommendation, all from people seeking positions in the official newspaper who were first place in the examination.

Chu Heng quickly finished reading the letters and said, "Reply to these people one by one, saying that once we have confirmed the date for the second examination, we will notify them, and they can submit manuscripts in the meantime."

"Yes." Yan Zhenming nodded, understanding that the official newspaper still lacked personnel. He wasn’t sure whether apart from the initially decided five, there would be any additions.

Though he pondered this in his mind, he did not ask. After spending only a few days with Chu Heng, he already had some understanding of this lord. The matters they needed to know, the other party would straightforwardly disclose; those they weren’t meant to know, they shouldn’t inquire about.

"As for these manuscripts regarding agriculture and crafts, the verification process requires face-to-face confirmation. Many craftsmen rely on their skills for livelihood and may not be willing to share them. Thus, it’s necessary to confirm their willingness to avoid wrongful accusations. Of course, when confirming, a contract must be signed so the other party does not handle it carelessly. Regarding officials traveling to verify situations locally, they should bring two guards with them, and any expenses incurred can be recorded and reimbursed upon return."

Chu Heng methodically arranged matters, not mentioning the consequences of false reimbursements, which Yan Zhenming momentarily forgot to ask about.

"Lord, if these manuscripts are located very far away, the travel might delay time considerably." Since becoming the editor-in-chief, Yan Zhenming had become aware of daily expenses and revenue.

Because reimbursement amounts are limited, if they exceed the monthly reimbursement limit, funds will need to be sourced from elsewhere.

Moreover, from Chu Heng’s attitude, he understood another point.

Since the revenue of the entire official newspaper is divided into three parts: sixty percent needs to be handed over to the Ministry of Revenue, twenty percent reserved as rewards, and the remaining twenty percent used for newspaper reimbursements.

If the newspaper’s reimbursement is insufficient, although salaries provided monthly by the Ministry of Revenue remain unchanged, and the rewards initially agreed upon, endorsed by the Emperor, will not be altered under any circumstances.

In such a situation, if the newspaper’s reimbursement is insufficient, funds can only be requested from the Ministry of Revenue.

There are only two results: either the Ministry of Revenue agrees to provide funds or it does not, implicating everyone involved in an endless vicious cycle, leading to eventual problems for the official newspaper.

In the end, the newspaper might no longer have as much autonomy, sacrificing freedom for survival, or undergo complete reform, losing their current positions.

Yan Zhenming received two instructions from Chu Heng: firstly, to budget for reimbursement based on the previous month’s balance, and secondly, to be conscious of achieving big goals with frugal spending.

He needs to uphold this principle and naturally questioned Chu Heng’s statement, asking instinctively.

Chu Heng said, "Unless it’s a major matter involving a criminal case, submissions from locations more than a day’s journey from the capital will not be accepted."

Yan Zhenming nodded, "I understand, my lord."

Seeing Chu Heng rise and prepare to leave, quickly sorting out the useful manuscripts and setting them aside, Yan Zhenming marveled at Lord Chu’s efficiency, stood in awe, and watched him walk away.

Meanwhile, Chu Heng exited the yamen and boarded the carriage.

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