Chapter 2395: Chapter 2392: Arguing Heatedly

"Then, when hiring commoners to work, a contract should also be signed. This way, there won’t be so many harboring improper intentions."

Elder Zhong said quietly, "Great Minister Qi, could it be that you have forgotten that Yonghe’s shops also signed contracts with those below, with significant compensation for breach. Yet now that people have fled and can’t be caught, what use is it?"

"This indicates that the contract is too lenient and should be stricter." Minister Qi countered imperturbably.

"Oh? How does Great Minister Qi think it should be improved?"

Minister Qi sensed he was being targeted by Elder Zhong, and though dissatisfied, he showed nothing on his face, "I do not know. The confirmation of laws needs to be sifted through repeatedly, and also requires the cooperation of the Ministry of Punishment and Department of Commerce and Construction. These cannot be determined now."

"In the end, Great Minister Qi has said nothing at all." Elder Zhong let out a cold snort, showing clearly a poor attitude toward him.

The officials around Elder Zhong immediately began to mock Minister Qi.

Minister Qi harbored silent resentment, but his years of experience in the court allowed him to endure, "Elder Zhong, although I cannot be certain of the specifics, I suggest that those responsible for the yamen’s Department of Commerce and Construction workshops should similarly be selected from the imperial examination graduates. These people are screened talents, and managing a workshop ought not to be a problem for them."

"They cannot be the same." Elder Zhong opposed without hesitation, decisively, "Previously, the identities of merchants engaged in commerce were lowly, similarly, they earned a lot of silver, living better than commoners."

"If we hire temporary workers like merchants did in the past, wouldn’t the wealth gap widen in the future, making life even harder for commoners? Commoners are the majority, and if they don’t have silver to spend and buy goods, no matter how much is produced, if it can’t be sold, it’s useless. Great Minister Qi, after so many years in office, it seems you have forgotten the real life of impoverished commoners to say what you just did!"

"Great Chu wants national prosperity and peace for the people, yet national prosperity and public peace are inseparable. The people are the foundation of Great Chu. Minister Qi, as the Minister of Personnel, do you not understand this?"

"Then I very much doubt whether the officials you’ve appointed truly have the heart for the people!" Elder Zhong’s words were powerful and sharp, aiming directly at Minister Qi, effectively slapping him in the face.

This left the court officials somewhat alarmed.

Minister Qi’s face turned unpleasant, "Minister Zhong, how can you baselessly slander me like this? Emperor, I am truly wronged."

"Whether you are wronged or not, I am well aware!" Elder Zhong did not retreat, letting out another cold snort, his aura intimidating.

"Minister Zhong, your words are somewhat unreasonable. If I have indeed erred, you are welcome to present evidence. Since you cannot provide evidence, arguing with me serves no purpose. To the uninformed, it might seem that Minister Zhong harbors a personal grudge and is therefore slandering me deliberately. If the court continues in this manner, how can any problems be solved? Perhaps we’d be better off bickering every day." Minister Qi responded through gritted teeth.

Elder Zhong glanced at him lightly, "Who says I have no evidence?"

The officials originally intending to mediate between the two gave up immediately, feeling uneasy and sensing some forthcoming injustice.

Minister Qi’s heart sank. He racked his brain, unable to recall any leverage Elder Zhong might have over him.

Before he could figure it out, Elder Zhong had already knelt before Emperor Xuanming, "Emperor, I have something to report.

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