Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 988 - 80: Official Assessment (Part 2)

In recent years, the granaries of Great Zhou have stayed abundantly filled by acquiring grain from these nations at the most affordable rates.

Foreign traders felt delighted upon discovering that grain could act as payment, since they possessed plenty of it themselves. Yet, given its low cost, a substantial amount of grain proves necessary for anyone opting to use it for transactions.

At present, numerous foreign merchants stand prepared to settle payments with grain. During the previous year, these lands experienced good weather and bountiful harvests, resulting in surpluses that exceeded the traders' needs.

Swamp Prefecture lies close to Annan and Siam, prompting the merchants to dispatch escorts homeward to haul the grain.

The previous granaries in Swamp Prefecture have already reached full capacity in these latest days. Luckily, Zhao Yao showed great foresight by constructing ten additional massive grain storage facilities the year before.

Officials from the Ministry of Revenue gazed at the stuffed old granaries and experienced a profound wave of pride and sentiment within.

Right now, Zheng Qian delivered a report on the recent accomplishments to Zhao Yao.

Zhao Yao expressed great satisfaction after listening to the update.

"You've all put in tremendous effort these last few days."

Zheng Qian replied with respect, "Your Highness, it didn't feel laborious to us; instead, we've been truly joyful."

Smiling, Zhao Yao inquired, "Does it bring you a strong feeling of achievement?"

"Absolutely," Zheng Qian responded, a hint of shyness appearing on his features. "Your Highness, initially, we were all stunned and couldn't accept earning such vast sums on the very first day, let alone stuffing the old Swamp Prefecture granaries with grain in mere days." Truthfully, that dreamlike sensation lingers even today.

"Hahaha..." Zhao Yao chuckled heartily, "This marks only the start; ahead lies a future where the Ministry of Revenue's national treasury grows ever richer."

"Your Highness, we'll require more storage for the treasury, or space might run short."

"More will be constructed," Zhao Yao assured with a grin, "though the treasury's funds won't sit idle for long. Once the trade conference wraps up, numerous projects demand construction, calling for hefty investments."

Zhao Yao directed, "Post-conference, have your Ministry of Revenue prepare a budget outlining the required funds."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Zhao Yao offered Zheng Qian guidance on various issues before dismissing him to resume duties. He further requested summoning the Chief of Staff and the Vice Minister of Personnel.

The Chief of Staff descends from Jiang Xiang of the prior dynasty—Jiang Muyuan. Pei Dingyuan serves as the Vice Minister of Personnel.

Zhao Yao summoned them to discuss potential appointments for recently arrived talents in Swamp Prefecture to official roles.

Though Prince Han’s small court took shape last year, shortages of officials persisted. Furthermore, other regions suffer from official deficits.

From the moment exam-failing scholars reached Swamp Prefecture, Zhao Yao tasked Ministry of Personnel officials with subtle monitoring and assessment.

Jiang Muyuan and Pei Dingyuan compiled a roster of suitable candidates for office, yet they believed deeper scrutiny remained essential for confirmation.

Beyond names, the roster detailed personalities and recent actions of the scholars.

Having meticulously examined the thorough list from Jiang Muyuan and colleagues, Zhao Yao pondered before addressing Pei Dingyuan and the others, "Here's the plan: following the trade conference, your Ministry of Personnel will conduct tests and selections, appointing only passers to positions."

Jiang Muyuan inquired deferentially, "Your Highness, what elements should the assessment and selection include?"

"Make that decision yourselves, ensuring the main focus ties to people's livelihoods, clear?"

"I understand."

"Post-assessment, assign their posts and forward to the cabinet."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"For assessment failures, devise alternative duties afterward." Zhao Yao drummed his fingers lightly on the desk, "Passing candidates mustn't hasten to duties; first, immerse them in local life to grasp the populace's situations. How can officials effectively serve and aid the people without knowing their realities?"

Jiang Muyuan questioned, "Your Highness, how to handle the assessment failures?"

"Have them accompany the passers in community integration, then allocate other tasks." Zhao Yao mentioned while rubbing his head, "We must swiftly set up government schools and free academies."

Pei Dingyuan paused before voicing, "Your Highness, founding government schools requires attention to instructors."

Struck by Pei Dingyuan's cue, Zhao Yao slapped his forehead in frustration, "Without your reminder, it slipped my mind. Mr. Xiao's brought teachers fall short; we need methods to draw more educators to Swamp Prefecture, else new schools stand empty without instructors."

He added, "On teachers, I'll rely on Fourth Brother. Later, I'll pen a letter urging advance preparation, so upon his capital return next year, he transports them here." Thankfully, Fourth Brother exists; convincing teachers to Swamp Prefecture would prove challenging otherwise.

Jiang Muyuan pointed out, "Your Highness, even with passers assuming posts, official numbers remain insufficient." Demands persist in other prefectures.

"During my capital visit, I'll attempt luring folks to Lingnan." Zhao Yao let out a heavy sigh, "Alas, shortages plague us in manpower and skills alike." Proper Lingnan development hinges on drawing greater numbers.

This manpower scarcity troubled Jiang Muyuan and associates too, yet solutions eluded them.

"Starting this year, we'll appraise officials' performances, dispensing rewards or punishments accordingly." Zhao Yao declared, "Begin with half-year reviews this year, shifting to quarterly next year."

Hearing of official evaluations for the first time, Jiang Muyuan and Pei Dingyuan displayed astonishment.

"Performance reviews ignite officials' drive to labor and jolt the lazy into action," Zhao Yao emphasized gravely, "In this initial yearly assessment, top performers earn lavish prizes. Laggards get a first verbal caution, facing demotion by year's close if the second review shows no improvement."

A gravity settled over Jiang Muyuan and companions, "Your Highness possesses great wisdom." Such a system benefits court and folk immensely.

"Moreover, considering recent diligence, double all officials' monthly pay this time." Timely incentives spur harder endeavors among officials.

Joy filled Jiang Muyuan and the rest upon this news, leading to swift thanks, "We thank you, Your Highness."

"Furthermore, punish harshly any officials taking bribes at the trade conference." Zhao Yao's expression hardened, "Upon returning, issue stark warnings." He knew the culprits already but held off action till conference's end, offering redemption chances. "Urge bribe-takers to confess directly to me. Self-reporters face milder penalties. Post-conference, non-confessors endure harsh judgments."

"Despite official shortages, I refuse tolerance for bribe-grabbing corruptors. You know my stance; mercy won't apply."