Luoyang.

Jin Mao received a letter from Zhao Yun and learned that there was a cold disaster in the north, but he really couldn't get away.

Because the cold disaster is not only happening in the Northeast, but also in the Northwest, or to say, it is more severe north of the Yellow River.

At present, Jinmao has already mobilized most of its resources. If there are still problems, it will have to mobilize war preparedness.

That day, Imperial Censor Bu Zhi said, "Your Majesty, how can such a huge amount of supplies not be enough? Hebei has only 20 million people, but they have used enough supplies for 40 million people."

"I suspect that someone among them is corrupt!"

Upon hearing this, Jin Mao frowned and looked at Bu Zhi with a sharp gaze. He said in a deep voice, "Do you have any solid evidence for what you said, Lord Bu? If there is no evidence, such remarks may shake the people's hearts and even chill the hearts of those who truly work for the country."

Upon seeing this, Bu Zhi quickly bowed and saluted, his expression solemn: "Your Majesty, I have no direct evidence, but there are indeed many suspicious points in the account verification. The whereabouts of many materials are unknown. In addition, there are rumors circulating among the people that some officials took the opportunity to enrich themselves. I think this matter must be prevented and investigated."

Jin Mao nodded. Although he was furious, he also understood that stabilizing the overall situation was more important at the moment. He said slowly, "Okay, I will immediately order the establishment of a special case team, led by your Censorate, to work with the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Revenue to thoroughly investigate this matter. We must ensure fairness and openness, and we must find out the corrupt officials, but we must not wrongly accuse an honest official."

"Also, pass down the order to send more imperial inspectors to inspect various places to ensure that disaster relief supplies can be accurately distributed to the people. At the same time, open a channel for civilian reporting and encourage public supervision. Once corruption is discovered, it will be severely punished!"

Bu Zhi was shocked when he heard this, and then he replied respectfully: "I will obey your order and live up to your majesty's high expectations. I will investigate this matter thoroughly and ensure that the disaster relief work goes smoothly."

Jin Mao waved his hand, signaling Bu Zhi to leave, while he continued to bury his head in his work, thinking to himself: This cold disaster may seem like a natural disaster, but it is actually a big test of the court's governance capabilities. If it is not handled properly, it may lead to a greater crisis.

Thinking of this, he felt the burden on his shoulders was even heavier, but as an emperor, he knew that he could not retreat and must face the challenges head-on in order to ensure peace in the world and happiness for the people.

“I never thought that within less than ten years of the founding of the New Han Dynasty, corruption would already be bred!”

Jin Mao said with emotion: "Those officials who embezzled disaster relief funds are simply parasites of the country and enemies of the people! I must personally investigate and punish them severely. I will never let them ruin my country and disappoint the people."

He stood up, walked slowly to the window, and looked at the gloomy sky outside the window, with complex emotions surging in his heart. This is not only a hatred of corruption, but also a deep thought on how to build a clean political environment. Jinmao realized that severe punishment alone cannot solve the problem. It is necessary to start from the system, strengthen supervision, improve the moral cultivation of officials, and make integrity a conscious pursuit of every official.

"Pass the order down," Jin Mao said in a deep voice, "Call the ministers of various ministries and officials of the Censorate to discuss countermeasures in the court tomorrow morning. Not only should we solve the current cold disaster, but we should also take this opportunity to thoroughly investigate the administration of officials and establish a more complete supervision system to ensure that such incidents will not happen again."

It was late at night, but Jin Mao still couldn't fall asleep. He knew that this battle was not only a test of the country's governance capabilities, but also a test of his wisdom and determination as an emperor. He must lead by example and lead the country to a more prosperous future, so that the people can truly feel the welfare and hope brought by the new Han.

The next morning, Jin Mao dressed neatly and walked into the magnificent court with a firm and powerful look. He knew that today's decision would have far-reaching consequences, and he was ready to meet this challenge that concerned the fate of the country.

Si Tu Xi Zhicai stepped forward. The promotion of officials was Si Tu's nature. When corruption occurred among the people, he could not escape the blame.

"Your Majesty, I beg for your remains."

Jin Mao frowned slightly when he heard this, but his eyes did not contain any blame, but rather a hint of deep thought. He slowly stepped down from the dragon chair, walked to Situ Xi Zhicai, and personally helped the elderly minister up. "Sir Situ, how can you, a pillar of the country, leave so easily because of a momentary mistake? The tumor of corruption is not formed in a day, nor is it the fault of one person. What I want is to work with you to find a good strategy and eradicate the root cause, rather than simply shirking responsibility."

In the court, all the ministers were silent, and only Jin Mao's steady voice could be heard. "Today, I want to implement three measures: First, set up a censorate to supervise all officials. No matter how high or low their positions are, once corruption is confirmed, they will be severely punished; second, revise the law to increase the punishment for corruption, and at the same time establish a reporting mechanism to protect the safety of reporters and encourage public supervision; third, restart the imperial examination system, recruit talents, and fill the court with talented and virtuous people, and gradually replace those who are just sitting there doing nothing."

After saying this, Jin Mao looked around, his eyes full of both majesty and expectation. "I know this road is not easy, and there may be many obstacles, but I have made up my mind and vowed to restore the integrity of the court, so that the people can see that under the new Han Dynasty, corruption has nowhere to hide, and justice and light will eventually shine on the earth."

Upon hearing this, Situ Xi Zhicai's eyes moistened slightly, and he bowed again. "Your Majesty is wise and wise. I am willing to devote the rest of my life to help Your Majesty accomplish this great cause."

There was a chorus of agreement in the court. Jin Mao looked at this scene and felt a warm feeling in his heart.

At this time, the Grand Commandant Zhou Yu stepped out and said, "Your Majesty, I think that if the government officials are biased, there is no guarantee that the county military officers will not be involved." Jin Mao frowned slightly when he heard this, and turned his eyes to Zhou Yu, with a thoughtful look on his face. "What you said is very true, the county military officers hold military power, and if they have evil thoughts, it is indeed a big hidden danger. But I also have considerations, and I want to set up a censorate to monitor all officials, whether civil or military, to ensure that the law is strict and no one escapes."

After hearing this, Zhou Yu showed a hint of approval on his face, and said with a cupped hand: "Your Majesty has thought it over carefully. This is a strategy for long-term peace and stability. I am willing to help Your Majesty improve the system of the Censorate and select loyal and capable people to make them the eyes and ears of the court and the shield of the people."

At one side, the Grand Councilor Zhuge Liang stroked his beard and added, "Your Majesty, in addition to the Censorate, we need to strengthen the laws and clarify rewards and punishments so that officials will know fear and the people will live in peace. I suggest revising the Han Code, adding anti-corruption clauses, and severely punishing those who commit corruption to serve as a warning to others."

Jin Mao nodded, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Good! What you said is right in my heart. Let's act according to this plan. From now on, we will prepare for the establishment of the Censorate and revise the laws. I want this new Han Dynasty to have not only a clear political system, but also a prosperous rule of law, so that every inch of land will be bathed in justice and light."

Zhou Yu stepped out again and said, "Your Majesty, please investigate the military officers in the counties, especially those who hold military power and are located in the border areas. In recent years, some military officers have taken advantage of their geographical location to embezzle military pay, oppress the people, and even collude with foreign races, endangering the peace of the border. I suggest setting up a special agency to conduct a comprehensive review of military officers across the country, eliminate corrupt and incompetent ones, and promote loyal and brave men to ensure the strength of the army and the stability of the border."

Jin Mao nodded slowly with a solemn expression. "My dear minister, you are right. Military preparation is the cornerstone of the country. We must not slack off in the slightest. I grant your request and start preparations immediately. We must be fair and selfless, clean up the mess and boost the morale of the army. At the same time, we must strengthen border defense construction and improve military training to ensure that our Han territory is intact and our power is feared by all."

At this time, Sikong Xunyou stepped forward and said respectfully: "Your Majesty, a clear political system, a prosperous rule of law, and a strong military all require a solid economic foundation as support. I suggest that you reform the tax system, reduce the burden on the people, encourage farming and commerce, and at the same time strengthen the management of the treasury, severely punish corruption, and ensure that every penny is spent on the right things, so as to nourish the national strength and support various reforms."

Jin Mao showed approval after hearing this. "Xun Qing's plan is very much in my heart. The economy is the lifeblood of the country, and we must pay attention to it. I will follow your suggestion and start to reform the tax system and optimize the finances, so that the people can live and work in peace and the country can be prosperous. You are all the pillars of our Han Dynasty, and today's discussion is really the key to the prosperity of the country. I hope you will continue to work together and seek common cause. I will work with you to create brilliance together!"

Xun You said again: "Your Majesty, I request that you thoroughly investigate all officials in the industrial sector to eliminate the source of corruption and ensure that the development of manufacturing and handicraft industries is not hindered. In recent years, although the skills of craftsmen have been improving day by day, there are often phenomena of waste of materials and unclear accounts. This is all due to poor supervision and some officials embezzling money. I suggest setting up an independent audit office to be responsible for reviewing the accounts of industrial departments and workshops. Once corrupt officials are found, no matter how high or low their positions are, they will be severely punished to serve as a warning to others. At the same time, a performance appraisal system should be implemented to encourage officials and craftsmen to be diligent and responsible, promote technological innovation and industrial upgrading, so that our Han industry will flourish and become a national treasure, further consolidating the country's economic foundation."

"Isn't this necessary?" Jin Mao hesitated and said, "Industry is the lifeblood of the country. If we delay scientific research because of trivial matters, it would be putting the cart before the horse!"

Xun You immediately objected, "Your Majesty, this is wrong! Industry is important, but without a clean and honest style and strict system, it is like a tree without roots and water without a source. How can it last long? The establishment of an audit office will not hinder scientific research, but will create a pure land for scientific research. Imagine if craftsmen and officials can focus on their skills and duties without distractions, how can there be any worry about corruption? The performance appraisal system will encourage everyone to show their strengths instead of restricting their hands and feet. Only in this way can we ensure that every investment can be transformed into tangible results, promote the steady progress of the Han Dynasty's industry, rather than fall into personal pockets and become a hotbed for corruption. Therefore, I think these two policies are urgent and indispensable."

“Besides, an official is an official, and a craftsman is a craftsman. Your Majesty should not confuse the two.

The distinction between officials and craftsmen is the cornerstone of state governance. Officials should be honest and selfless, and their duties are to plan, guide, supervise and coordinate, and ensure that laws and orders are smooth and government orders are effective. Craftsmen, on the other hand, need to be ingenious, strive for excellence, establish themselves with skills, and make creation their profession. Every bit of their efforts is an indispensable cornerstone of national prosperity.

If officials indulge in power struggles and craftsmen are distracted by fame and fortune, the state machinery will not be able to operate smoothly and the spirit of innovation will be suffocated. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the roles of officials and craftsmen, and each perform their duties and stay in their positions, so that we can form a joint force and build the glory of the Han Dynasty. The establishment of the Audit Office is precisely to clarify the accounts, prevent officials from abusing their power for personal gain, ensure the rational allocation of resources to scientific research and people's livelihood, and allow craftsmen to freely play in a pure environment and innovate endlessly.

Furthermore, the improvement of the performance appraisal system is not only a spur to officials, but also an affirmation of craftsmen. It encourages officials to be diligent and responsible, with clear rewards and punishments; it motivates craftsmen to pursue excellence and pass on their skills. In this way, it can effectively curb corruption, stimulate social vitality, promote scientific and technological progress and industrial upgrading, and achieve long-term peace and stability in the country.

Therefore, I implore Your Majesty to think deeply about the difference between officials and craftsmen, and the system comes first. Only under the dual drive of clear and honest politics and the spirit of craftsmanship can the Han Dynasty set sail and create a prosperous era, so that future generations will remember today's changes and glory. "

Jin Mao nodded in agreement and added: "A pure environment and a perfect system are like the two wheels of a car and the two wings of a bird, neither of which can be missing. While encouraging innovation and the pursuit of excellence, we must also pay attention to the nourishment of culture and the guidance of morality. Let the essence of Confucianism's benevolence, Taoism's nature, and Legalism's order be deeply rooted in people's hearts and become the consensus and action guide of the whole society.

In this way, not only can officials uphold justice and integrity, and craftsmen can stick to the way of excellence, but the people can also live and work in peace and contentment, and the society will be harmonious and orderly. On this basis, the prosperity and strength of the Han Dynasty will not only be the accumulation of material, but also the sublimation of spirit. "

"Your Majesty is wise!" Xun You stepped back.

Zhuge Liang stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, cultural nourishment and moral guidance are the cornerstones of governing a country and maintaining peace. I believe that in addition to the essence of Confucianism, Taoism, and Legalism, we should also absorb the strengths of all schools of thought and be inclusive, so that our Han culture can be more colorful and our moral system can be more complete. For example, the Mohist doctrine of universal love and non-aggression can promote interpersonal harmony; the military strategists' wisdom and strategies can be used in governing a country; the agriculturalists' emphasis on farming can ensure the stability of people's livelihood. In this way, all the subjects of our Han Dynasty can have great love in their hearts and act with restraint, and the country will naturally prosper."

"Well, what Kong Ming said is very true." The emperor nodded slightly, with a hint of approval in his eyes. "The tree of culture needs deep roots and lush leaves to withstand the wind and rain. Our Han Dynasty should take this as a lesson, constantly absorb the wisdom of ancient and modern times, China and foreign countries, nourish the soul, lead the fashion, and achieve great achievements for thousands of years."

Zhuge Liang was secretly excited when he heard this, and continued: "In addition, I also suggest setting up a special institution to organize classics and promote culture. At the same time, we should strengthen the education and training of scholars, so that they are not only proficient in knowledge, but also have noble morals and can become the pillars of the country. In this way, the light of our Han culture can shine all over the world and attract all nations to come to us."

"Great! This is a brilliant plan!" The emperor clapped his hands in approval, his eyes revealing his infinite longing for the future. "I will issue an order immediately to prepare for this matter. Kong Ming, you are known for your strategies, so this matter will be fully under your charge. You must ensure that it is a complete success."

"I obey your command!" Zhuge Liang bowed and saluted. He already had a detailed plan and blueprint in his mind, waiting to put it into practice, hoping to live up to your majesty's high expectations and build the glory of the Han Dynasty. (End of this chapter)