Chapter 355 Military Affairs Office, American Seeds
As the work of the Construction Bureau was carried out by the whole nation, a series of problems involved a wide range of issues, and even Jinmao was not immune.

All we can say is that the management team doesn't have enough staff to manage millions of people doing one thing.

Jinmao was already annoyed by the endless government affairs to deal with every day, and now this kind of incident has happened, making it even more upset.

The most helpless thing is that Jin Mao found that his ability was not enough to distract him, and he urgently needed a "prime minister" to assist him.

Throughout the two thousand years of feudal dynasties, the prime minister system has always been criticized, mainly because the prime minister has too much power.

For example, the prime ministers of the Western and Eastern Han dynasties had such great power that they could even depose and enthrone emperors.

Even though there were changes in several dynasties in later generations, only the title of the prime minister changed, but the prime minister's power did not change.

To this end, Jin Mao established the Grand Council based on the Qing Dynasty's method and found several grand council ministers to help handle government affairs.

The Grand Council was a temporary agency. Although its power was the same as that of the prime minister, this position was not part of the establishment. Whether one could take the position depended entirely on Jin Mao's words.

This way, you get the best of both worlds.

It not only retains the prime minister's powers, but also prevents the prime minister from becoming too powerful and posing a threat to itself.

There are many candidates for the Grand Councilor, including the health-preserving Jia Xu, the idle Xun Yu, or the incumbent ministers of various states, such as Xi Zhicai, Xun You, and Zhou Yu.

However, before Jinmao implemented such a system, Xun Yu came to him again.

"Your Highness, King Wu, are you going to betray your ancestors?"

Ever since Xun Yu helped Liu Xie, he became a conservative. He always emphasized that the laws of ancestors cannot be changed and that one must proceed step by step and not be impatient.

If some words make sense, Jinmao will listen; if some words are disagreeable, Jinmao will not refuse them in person.

Xun Yu is now like a powder keg. While he is exploding himself, he will also make others bleed.

"Why does Wen Ruo say that?" Jin Mao was puzzled and said, "The Grand Councilor is only a temporary appointment and is not in the court. What's wrong with that?"

Xun Yu looked solemn and his eyes were like torches. He slowly walked to the center of the palace, and his voice was full of unquestionable determination: "Your Highness, the laws of our ancestors have been tempered by several generations of sages to become stable today. Although the establishment of the military minister is aimed at responding to changes in the current situation, his power is so broad that he can almost control the court. If there is no check and balance, there may be disasters. Your Highness, haste makes waste. The reform should be planned slowly to reassure the people and stabilize the country."

"Furthermore, Your Highness, do you know that such a change in the system will inevitably affect the fundamentals of many forces in the court? If it is not handled properly, not only will it fail to achieve Your Highness's wish of strengthening the country and enriching the people, but it may also cause turmoil in the court and even endanger Your Highness's position. Your Highness is wise and powerful, and you should be able to see through everything. How can you ignore the foundation for eternity for the sake of a momentary convenience?"

Jin Mao frowned upon hearing this, thinking secretly in his heart. He knew very well that Xun Yu's words were not aimless, but the current situation forced him to seek a breakthrough. He stood up, walked in front of Xun Yu, and said sincerely: "Wen Ruo's words make sense, and I know that. However, when the country is in danger, if we still stick to the old system, I am afraid we will miss the opportunity and it will be difficult to reverse the decline. I have made up my mind, and the system of military ministers is imperative, but I will carefully consider it to ensure the balance of power and not let the court get out of control."

"As for the laws of our ancestors, I am not completely disregarding them. I want to find a balance between inheritance and innovation in the midst of change, so that the laws of our ancestors can be revitalized in the new era. Wen Ruo, you are my most trusted minister, and I hope you can lend me a helping hand and work together for the future of our country."

Xun Yu's eyes flashed with complex emotions when he heard this. He knew Jin Mao's ambition and determination, and he also understood the country's current predicament.

But there are some things that cannot be explained with words.

Since Xun Yu has decided to stand against Jin Mao, he will not regret it. He slowly lowered his head, his voice steady and firm: "Your Highness, what I am worried about is not my own desires, but the safety of the country. The laws of our ancestors are the crystallization of the wisdom of generations of sages. Its essence lies in seeking progress in stability and harmonious coexistence. If the reform is hasty, it may damage the foundation of the country and cause unnecessary turmoil. Although I am not talented, I am willing to use my meager strength to guide Your Highness to move forward prudently on the road of reform and ensure that every step is solid and safe."

"I am not against the proposal to establish a military minister, but such important decisions require the broadening of talent and the gathering of ideas. We also need to consider how to strengthen central power while avoiding excessive concentration of power, which would breed corruption and endanger the imperial power. Your Highness is wise and powerful, and you should know that the way to balance is to have both restriction and supervision, so that long-term peace and stability can be achieved."

"As for my position, it is not for personal honor or disgrace, but out of consideration for the long-term development of the country. I am willing to share the ups and downs with Your Highness, and I hope to find the best fit between philosophy and practice, so as to live up to the teachings of the late emperor and Your Highness's high expectations."

After that, Xun Yu bowed slightly to show respect and to express his unshakable position. Jin Mao looked at this loyal and stubborn minister with mixed feelings. He understood that Xun Yu's worries were not groundless, but the country's progress was unstoppable. What he needed was more wisdom and strength to control this change so that it would neither lose speed nor deviate from the right track.

So, Jin Mao slowly spoke: "Wen Ruo, you are absolutely right. I will consider carefully and ensure that every step of the reform is steady and powerful. Although you and I have differences on the details, we share the same expectations for the future of the country. I look forward to working with you and all the nobles to jointly create a new glorious chapter for our Han Dynasty."

"Now that you are idle at home, why don't you become the Minister of Military Affairs and contribute to the country."

Xun Yu refused without hesitation, saying, "I appreciate your kindness, Prime Minister. However, I know that I am calm but not adaptable. Military affairs change rapidly, and only people with agility and wit can handle them. I would rather use my pen as a sword to assist the Prime Minister behind the scenes, plan long-term strategies, stabilize the foundation of the country, and ensure that the ship of reform can sail forward despite the storms. Moreover, I can also open up more talents at home, collect wisdom from the people, and recommend talented people to the court. This is also a contribution to the country."

Jin Mao was saddened when he heard this. "Wen Ruo is a man of high moral character. It is a blessing for the Han Dynasty. Since you have such aspirations, how can I force you to do anything? I will do as you say. You and I will help each other both inside and outside to build the iron wall of the Han Dynasty. Don't worry, the door of the court is always open to you. When the time is right, I will definitely entrust you with important tasks."

After Xun Yu left, Jin Mao consulted Jia Xu about government affairs. The latter fully supported the establishment of the Grand Council and took the initiative to ask to become a member of it.

The difference in their attitudes made Jin Mao feel a little touched. Xun Yu was still young but refused to take up an official position, while Jia Xu was half buried in the ground but was still active on the front line.

Who could know what Jia Xu was thinking in his heart? He was best informed about news. Since he knew that Xun Yu had refused the appointment, would he be seeking death if he refused again?
Do you really think that everyone is Xun Yu? He is the white moonlight of the King of Wu, and anything can happen to him.

Try someone else?
Try it or die!

I really thought the King of Wu had a good temper.

So, the first Minister of Military Discipline, Jia Xu, appeared. He dragged his old body to help handle government affairs diligently every day without making any mistakes.

Jin Mao couldn't help but give Jia Xu a thumbs up, but when he saw his dark circles under his eyes, Jin Mao thought it would be better to find someone else to help.

It just so happened that there were still five people who had not been appointed in the last assessment of the Construction Bureau, and Jin Mao brought them all in to help Jia Xu. As expected, this greatly reduced Jia Xu's burden.

Interestingly, Jin Mao specifically told Jia Xu to pay more attention to Sima Yi.

However, who is Jia Xu?

Even though he knew that Sima Yi was very ambitious, why would he risk offending both sides and do something thankless?
For many years afterwards, Sima Yi did not show any rebellious intentions. It was unknown whether it was because of Jia Xu's strong deterrence or Jin Mao's good defense. One military minister was definitely not enough. As the business became bigger and bigger, Jin Mao had limited energy. It was good enough to be able to handle major matters. It was better to leave the trivial matters to the ministers.

But who should be the second person?
Xi Zhicai can’t do it!
The burden of Yangzhou and Xuzhou is on his shoulders and he cannot get away.

Yu Fan is even worse!
A Northeast Army Corps made Yu Fan miserable and his ability was limited.

Xun You was still building Yuzhou and Yanzhou, and the task was not easy.

Not to mention Zhou Yu, he was in charge of Yizhou and its surrounding forces, including the security of Liangzhou.

Being young, Zhou Yu didn't have to worry about his health, but he didn't have as much experience and knowledge as his predecessors. He could only work hard and couldn't spare any time.

After all the calculations, only Gu Yong and Kan Ze from the early period can still be used, and Zhang Zhao and Bu Zhi are also good.

But the four prefectures in Hebei also needed people to govern. Gu Yong was in charge of the overall management, and Zhang Zhao and Bu Zhi assisted them, which was barely enough.

The remaining Kan Ze was even busier, the kind that never had to rest. After building the Imperial College in Jingzhou, he had to run to Chang'an to build a branch school.

As the construction of the lanes began, a large number of people poured into the Guanxi region, and Chang'an became prosperous again. The talent gap became particularly huge, and the Imperial College branch had to be built, and it had to be built as soon as possible.

With this calculation, there are still a lack of high-end talents.

Zhuge Liang and Xu Shu have little qualifications and experience, and can at most be assistants to Sima Yi.

The mature talents either died with Yuan Shao and Cao Cao, or are still in their growth stage.

On this day, Jia Xu's son Jia Mu came to see Jia Xu for family matters and was caught by Jin Mao.

After a conversation, Jin Mao learned that Jia Mu was still raising fish in the Staff Office. Without saying a word, Jin Mao referred him to the Grand Council. The working together of father and son was a good story.

Unexpectedly, a joke happened within two days.

Jia Xu came to Jin Mao to complain: "My son handled the situation improperly, causing the overseas fleet to be idle for two days. Your Highness, please punish me!"

What Jia Xu said was that Zhou Tai's men had returned from America and brought back a series of high-yield crops such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and corn.

It was not known whether Jia Mu did it on purpose or was just stupid, but he let the seed boat drift on the water for two days. Due to the warm climate, the seeds on the boat began to germinate.

Damn, I have no choice but to plant this.

After all the chaos, the efforts overseas were not in vain, and the germinated seeds were successfully planted.

But Jia Xu could not escape the blame. At the very least he would be dismissed from his post, and at worst he would have to fight in fifty battles and suffer serious injuries.

But how could Jinmao hit Jia Mu? It would be more appropriate to just send him off with a smile.

Even though the world has just been pacified, who knows what the consequences will be if you offend the vicious scholar Jia Xu.

"No one is perfect," Jin Mao consoled him, "Although Jiamu made a small mistake this time, it was unintentional. Look at the sprouting seeds, don't they indicate new life and hope? Our army has fought for many years, isn't it for the growth of all things on this land and for the people to live and work in peace and contentment? This accident may be a test from heaven, reminding us to cherish every resource and carefully protect every hope. General Jiamu, you should make up for your mistakes and take good care of these seeds until they grow strong and healthy. This will be your greatest achievement."

Jin Mao's words were full of encouragement and trust, which made Jia Mu, who was originally uneasy because of his mistakes, feel warm in his heart. He knew that he had a great responsibility, not only to take care of these seeds, but also to make a commitment to the future of the entire country.

But Jia Mu glanced at Jia Xu and flatly refused, "Your Highness, I will remember your teachings in my heart, but I am responsible for this mistake. I am grateful for your tolerance, but a true warrior should be brave enough to take responsibility, rather than rely on the forgiveness of others to evade responsibility. I am willing to take the initiative to volunteer to go to the most difficult place on the border, where the land is barren and the people live in hardship. It is the best place for me to atone for my sins and build my career. I will take practical actions to not only bring vitality to that barren land, but also let the people there feel the care and warmth of the court, and let every inch of land bear witness to my determination to reform myself."

After saying this, Jia Mu's eyes were firm and deep, as if he had foreseen that where his sweat fell, flowers of hope would eventually bloom. His decision moved everyone present. Jin Mao always felt that something was wrong, but he couldn't put his finger on it.

"Jia Mu, your courage and responsibility are truly a role model for our generation. Although life on the frontier is hard, it is also the best way to sharpen one's will and accomplish extraordinary things. On behalf of the court, I approve your request and promise to fully support your feat. I hope that you can not only make up for the past in the frontier, but also create a new world, and let your name be forever engraved on the monument of history."

As Jin Mao finished speaking, Jia Mu felt relieved. This was all Jia Xu's idea.

Among the three brothers of Jia family, the second one is doing well in the army, the third one is in the Military Intelligence Department, and if the eldest one also enters the Grand Council, what will others think?
Everyone will regard the Jia family as a thorn in their side and try to trip them up in every way possible.

Jia Xu knew very well that he should not take too much. It was obvious that his eldest son was the most like him and had reached the age where he longed for fame, wealth and power, but Jia Xu had to suppress it cruelly.

This is for the good of the Jia family and also for the good of Jia Mu.

After all, after Jia Xu's death, the title would definitely be left to Jia Mu, so there was no need to worry about being marginalized. Jia Xu just had to work hard.

But this matter is far from the danger of genocide.

Jia Xu would rather play it safe than be in the spotlight.

Jin Mao didn't take Jia Mu's affairs to heart, he had more important things to do.

It takes time to propagate new seeds, and even more time to promote them. To this end, Jinmao uses the method of accelerating the growth of seeds, and after selecting land in the south, it plants two crops a year.

In this way, it can be planted on a large scale next year, and promoted throughout the country the year after. In just three years, the people of Han will no longer have to worry about starvation.

(End of this chapter)