This is called the Book Sea Battle Method, something the civil servants of the Outer Court love to use. Some matters, when they don't want the Emperor to know, yet cannot avoid reporting, can only be handled in this way. The Emperor is but human as well and will have times of fatigue. It's impossible for him to know every minor detail. Trying to manage everything and know everything would certainly shorten one's life.

However, regarding Prince Yu's presumptuous actions, Chen Zhong specifically placed them in the most conspicuous location. There was no other way; his loyalty to the Emperor is as clear as day and night, and he would never commit the heinous crime of deceiving the Emperor for Prince Yu.

…

…

"Weizhong, the Social Affairs Investigation and Statistics Department of the Recovery Society must be established as soon as possible. To repel external troubles, we must first stabilize internal issues; if the society's affairs are chaotic and unclear, our Recovery Society will eventually deteriorate, harming our true members..." Xu Qing, with a solemn face, sat in the main seat of the study, his gaze fixed tightly on Yan Shan.

His voice was deep and powerful, each word seemingly reminding Yan Shan of the urgency of the situation.

Purging internal bad practices is not a task that can be accomplished overnight but rather a long-term and arduous mission. For instance, in his spare time, he met with Li Xiwen, an upright official who passed the clerk examination; this person is quite talented, a rare talent, yet he doesn't even have the qualifications to join the Recovery Society.

Such situations are not uncommon. Over time, the Recovery Society might become no different from other academies or schools of thought, or even devolve into the most corrupt organization. This is not fearmongering but the harsh reality that is occurring.

Under Xu Qing's earnest instructions, Yan Shan gradually realized the severity of the problem. However, his face still showed difficulty. Because Xu Qing typically worried much less about the society's affairs compared to Yan Shan, Yan Shan gradually gathered many trusted aides around him. Unbeknownst to him, these trusted aides were corroding the Recovery Society.

Currently, there's a saying going around: Xu Family's Recovery Society, Yan Family's Party. It means that although the Recovery Society was established by Xu Liushou, the factions within it have become Yan Family's private faction. Although things have not developed to such a severe extent, the signs are already visible.

Yan Shan quickly realized this, knowing that Xu Qing must have also heard these rumors. Others cannot intervene in this matter; he can only resolve it by himself. Only in this way can the Yan Party be fundamentally dismantled, allowing the Recovery Society to return to its proper path. Only in this way can he preserve the glory and wealth of the Yan Family.

Once Yan Shan understood the seriousness of the matter, there was no longer any room for retreat. Xu Qing, seeing that Yan Shan understood his intentions, patted him on the back and, with heartfelt words, said, "Weizhong, wealth and honor I will surely share with you. But don't forget our original aspirations, to save Great Yu from peril!" His gaze revealed a firm belief, as if telling Yan Shan that no matter the difficulties encountered, they must never forget their original aspirations.

"Save Great Yu!" Yan Shan nodded quietly, his eyes showing firm determination. Feeling slightly relieved, he walked out of Xu Qing's office. Only after truly starting to work did he deeply understand why so many predecessors fell into corruption under the allure of power and ambition.

Having aspirations is not difficult, nor is achieving ambitions something unreachable. The difficulty lies in consistently adhering to one's aspirations, unwaveringly.

Though the reforms of the previous dynasty's twisted minister were flawed, one aspect is commendable: he unwaveringly adhered to his aspirations, never changing.

This is exceedingly difficult!

On the path to saving the world, one will naturally face countless temptations and challenges. The challenges are not frightening; what's frightening are the temptations. Even if one can remain honest and true to oneself, it is hard not to be swayed by friends and family.

Living in this world, friends and family are both the solace of the soul and sometimes the fetters and obstacles on the journey. In this complex and chaotic world, it is extremely difficult to stand firm and adhere to one's course.

Yan Shan couldn't help but ponder, if he forgot his original intent and upheld the Yan Party, how would Xu Qing treat him? He always knew that Xu Qing had a soft heart for those around him. Although he always spoke sternly, he rarely truly punished those close to him. But when it comes to such fundamental issues, how would Xu Qing decide?

Because the rise of the Xu Party was too recent, there haven't been such severe problems yet, but the future is hard to predict.

…

…

"Guo Zhuang's brother-in-law is forcibly occupying someone else's land and even pressuring them to marry their daughter to his brother-in-law?" Xu Qing looked grim, sitting in the chair of the study, as Feng Wu spoke of this matter.

Guo Zhuang was the first subordinate Xu Qing won over, and he has now been promoted to the chief arrest officer of Yingtian Prefecture.

Xu Qing planned to establish the Patrol Room next, replacing part of the functions of the Yingtian Prefecture's Five Cities Military Department, and thus Guo Zhuang came into his view.

The way of employing people not only depends on ability but also on closeness. If you don't use your people, who else would you use? For superiors, loyalty is far more important than ability.

Xu Qing used to highly advocate employing people solely based on talent, but now in a high position, his stance has changed. Although the Guo brothers currently lack some capabilities, their loyalty is beyond doubt.

They have all endured life and death tests, rising step by step from the bottom alongside Xu Qing.

Speaking of which, Guo Zhuang's brother-in-law also has ties with the Feng Family. Back then, Guo Zhuang's brother-in-law offended the county arrest officer Zhao Family because of the good land at home, and Zhao Bao sent people to break his leg. At that time, he was a student of Xu Qing's father-in-law, Feng Xifeng. Later, the Zhao Family was almost wiped out by Xu Qing.

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