Qualifications for Joining the Cabinet

The abrupt change of topic was quite unexpected, shifting from the joint trial of the three departments to the far - away Shanshui City.

Cui Shifan's eyebrows twitched, and a glint of light flashed across his eyes.

"I've heard that the person in charge there has good management skills. The new policies have been implemented smoothly and show great promise," Shangguan Yuan said, seemingly oblivious to Cui Shifan's reaction. His tone was filled with a bit of admiration.

"The Chief Minister has a lot of state affairs to handle every day. In his spare time, he might as well take a look at the reports from there to learn about the achievements."

Cui Shifan's expression remained unchanged on the surface, but countless thoughts raced through his mind in an instant.

Shanshui City.

It was the pilot area for the two new national policies of the Second Prince.

When Shangguan Yuan mentioned Shanshui City at this moment, his meaning couldn't be clearer.

The Crown Prince's faction was going to set a trap for the Prince's faction this time.

Having figured this out, the boulder that had been hanging in Cui Shifan's heart for a long time finally crashed to the ground.

As long as it wasn't aimed at him, the Chief Minister of the Cabinet, everything would be fine.

Moreover, Shangguan Yuan didn't beat around the bush. It was almost as if he had directly stated his intention.

A genuine smile appeared on Cui Shifan's face, reaching his eyes and dispelling the previous gloom and vigilance.

He nodded and said, "Indeed, I've also heard a bit about Shanshui City."

"The two new policies of the Second Prince are beneficial to the country and the people. They are good policies that bring blessings to all living beings."

"The Cabinet should fully support those who are working whole - heartedly for the country and the people to relieve the country's worries and plead for the people."

"We mustn't let these dedicated people be wronged and have their hearts chilled."

These words were high - sounding, but they were a way of reciprocating and showing his stance.

Since they were going to set a trap for the Prince's faction, well, the Cui family was willing to cooperate.

Hearing this, a smile also appeared on Shangguan Yuan's face, and he nodded in agreement.

"The Chief Minister is right. The Second Prince has the country at heart. He is truly a rare talent. However..."

He lengthened his tone. As soon as the words "however" came out, Cui Shifan's eyes sharpened.

Here it comes.

Shangguan Yuan was going to put forward his conditions.

After all, Gu Chengyin had leaked some insider information to him in advance in order to win him over.

This allowed the Cui family to gain an advantage in the industrial layout in Shanshui City and insert many of their people.

Now that the Crown Prince's faction was going to deal with the Prince's faction, what would happen to those Cui family members inserted in Shanshui City?

Would they be cleared along with the forces of the Prince's faction, or could they be retained as their own people?

Even whether they could participate in the distribution of the spoils would depend entirely on whether he, Cui Shifan, could accept the following conditions.

If he could accept, the Cui family would be one of their own in the Crown Prince's faction. When it came time to reap the benefits, they would be good brothers fighting side by side.

If he couldn't accept, well, the Crown Prince's faction wouldn't mind pulling out the Cui family's arrangements in Shanshui City along the way. It would be like killing two birds with one stone.

Shangguan Yuan didn't play games and didn't use those convoluted official jargons to beat around the bush.

Under the premise that they had already reached an understanding, beating around the bush would be a waste of each other's time and an insult to both of their intelligence.

He picked up the teacup, moistened his throat, and said simply and clearly, "Well, this time, the Ministry of Rites was ordered to inspect the sects. Everyone worked hard, and the results were remarkable."

"It not only spread the Emperor's might across the world but also showed the court's grace and style to the people."

"I think since there are achievements, there should be rewards. Otherwise, how can we encourage those who come after?"

Cui Shifan listened quietly, his expression unchanged.

Shangguan Yuan continued, "For example, the Right Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Rites, who led the inspection this time, has made great contributions. He handled all kinds of relationships very well, and his sense of proportion was just right."

"I have a high opinion of him. Such an outstanding young man should be given more responsibilities so that he can relieve the court of more worries."

"Coincidentally, the Minister of the Ministry of Rites is getting old, and his energy is inevitably a bit lacking."

"Occupying the position without doing anything is not good for the operation of the court."

"We must give some opportunities to the young people so that the court can have successors."

After saying this, Shangguan Yuan stopped and slowly sipped his tea.

After hearing these high - sounding official words, Cui Shifan blinked.

The Right Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Rites...

Wasn't that Gu Chengyin?

Giving more responsibilities, occupying the position, giving opportunities to the young people...

Translated, these words had only one meaning.

Remove Cui Zhenji from the position of the Minister of the Ministry of Rites and let Gu Chengyin take over.

This meant that...

Gu Chengyin's condition was the position of the Minister of the Ministry of Rites!

Cui Shifan lowered his eyelids to hide the surging thoughts in his eyes.

This condition was no small matter.

The Ministry of Rites was in charge of the country's ceremonies, sacrifices, banquets, and imperial examinations. It was an important department, second only to the Ministry of Personnel among the six ministries.

Back then, the Cui family was able to compete with the Xiao family and firmly hold the position of the Second Chief Minister.

To a large extent, it was because they held the Ministry of Rites. Their protégés and old acquaintances were all over the country.

If Gu Chengyin took the position of the Minister of the Ministry of Rites...

The situation in the court would change.

And the most crucial thing was that once Gu Chengyin became the Minister of the Ministry of Rites.

He would be qualified to enter the Cabinet.

If there were any changes in the Cabinet in the future and one or more positions of Cabinet Elders became available.

With Gu Chengyin's ability and means, his status in the Crown Prince's faction, and his relationship with Luo Zhao.

It was not impossible for him to enter the Cabinet.

No, under no circumstances could Gu Chengyin be allowed to enter the Cabinet.

Cui Shifan looked up and met Shangguan Yuan's calm gaze. Just as he was about to speak,

Shangguan Yuan interrupted him first, "Chief Minister, there's something I'm not sure if I should say."

Cui Shifan was taken aback and couldn't help but ask curiously, "Go ahead."

Shangguan Yuan smiled slightly and said, "I've heard that Luodu has been very lively recently."

"Those who don't know might think that the Qinghe Cui family is on the side of the Second Prince."

Hearing this, Cui Shifan's face darkened.

There was no doubt that only Gu Chengyin would say such a thing.

After staring at Shangguan Yuan for a moment, Cui Shifan suddenly smiled.

He slowly opened his mouth, his tone filled with a bit of emotion, "Brother Shangguan is quite right."

"Zhenji has worked hard for the Great Luo for many years. He really deserves a rest and to enjoy the happiness of having grandchildren around him."

"As for that Right Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Rites..."

Cui Shifan paused, as if recalling something, then nodded and said with admiration in his tone, "He is indeed a promising young man. I'll keep this matter in mind."

"After the joint trial of the three departments is over, let the Ministry of Personnel come up with a plan and discuss it first."

These words meant that he had agreed.

Hearing this, the smile on Shangguan Yuan's face became even broader.

He put down the teacup and bowed, saying, "The Chief Minister is loyal to the country and promotes the younger generation. It is truly a blessing for the court and a fortune for all the officials."

"Ah, Brother Shangguan, you're overestimating me," Cui Shifan waved his hand and said, "We're all working for the court. Why should we distinguish between each other?"

The two looked at each other and smiled. The atmosphere was so harmonious that it seemed as if those hidden barbs had never existed.