NOVEL WEB Chapter 765: Distraction
"Have you heard the rumors? There's a group of people within the court and the people accusing me of overstepping by concurrently holding the position of Commander of the Spy Detection Bureau."
Lin Rui sipped his tea, letting out a scoff: "They say that the Star Port, the Cabinet, and the Spy Detection Bureau are all crucial to the nation and should not be entrusted to a single person. I am not of royal bloodline, yet I bear the responsibilities of Regent, while also managing the Cabinet and the Spy Detection Bureau, wielding unprecedented power. They fear that if this continues, there may be a risk of overstepping authority and urge the court to rectify the situation to stabilize the nation and ensure peace across the lands."
Lin Rui squinted: "Though these arguments are ill-intentioned, I must admit that holding the titles of Duke, Cabinet Minister, Starport Governor, and Minister of Commerce, while also commanding the Spy Detection Bureau, truly does stretch my attention thin. I'm afraid I might overlook one thing and jeopardize national affairs."
Zhang Tianchang's expression turned serious at these words: "Your Grace is mistaken, the power of the Spy Detection Bureau must not be relinquished! Implementing the new governance is like rowing against the current; without progress, you fall behind.
As the Duke, you carry the expectations of both the court and the people. Countless individuals look to you with hope to relieve the nation's distress, revive its prosperity, and restore the glory of our dynasty. However, without significant power, how can you remove old corruptions and implement new policies? This is for the country and the people, not for personal gain."
Zhuang Mingyue nodded slightly, concern in her eyes: "Senior Brother, without power, nothing stands in this world! Your leadership over the Cabinet and the Spy Detection Bureau is essential for reform. Without concentrated power, how can reforms be executed? Please, Senior Brother, do not mislead yourself. If you feel uneasy, you can return power to the court once the reforms take effect."
Lin Rui was slightly surprised, thinking that old Zhang had truly been tempered by experience to speak such reasonable and eloquent words.
He felt increasingly reassured, and with a smile, he said, "Don't worry, how could I be so foolish as to destroy the Great Wall myself? Rest assured, after I step down, I will be promoted to Vice Divine Envoy and also take on the role of Commander of the Imperial City Department, while Ming Yue will assume command of the Spy Detection Bureau, and Tian Chang will be transferred to the Capital to serve as Vice Envoy of the Divine Supervision Bureau."
The so-called Divine Supervision Bureau is an internal department of the Imperial City Department, acting as a divine oversight within the Imperial City Department, akin to the Supervision Center within the Security Bureau.
Although in the past 800 years, a portion of the Divine Supervision Bureau's power has been usurped by the Spy Detection Bureau, being monitored by it in return, it still remains the second most important institution within the Imperial City Department, feared by its members.
Lin Xi previously served as Deputy Commander of the Divine Supervision Bureau until he was transferred to the Demon Suppression Bureau last year.
Taking advantage of the vacant position after the death of the Commander of the Demon Suppression Bureau, Lin Rui promoted Lin Xi to Commander of the Demon Suppression Bureau, making him the head of the 47,000 Alien Walkers within the Imperial City Department, overseeing all 'Demon Suppression Envoys' infiltrated into the Earth Federation.
In truth, Lin Rui preferred Zhang Tianchang to be Commander of the Spy Detection Bureau. Beginning in the countryside, he deeply understood the people's sentiments, was diligent and responsible, competent and wise, and rose through the ranks step by step from the grassroots.
Unfortunately, Zhang Tianchang was, firstly, overage for the top-tier Heavenly Demon Test, and secondly, his merits weren't enough.
Lin Rui's own rise to Commander of the Spy Detection Bureau was based on stepping through the ranks in governance, while Zhang Tianchang's record was much more ordinary.
Zhuang Mingyue was extremely shocked upon hearing this, not expecting Lin Hao to act this way, not only refusing to let go of the Spy Detection Bureau but further consolidating power to enhance his control over the Imperial City Department.
Lin Hao, considering himself as the Commander of the Imperial City Department, held these two critical departments, who within the Imperial City Department could oppose his will?
Her eyes were filled with doubt: "Senior Brother, I'm afraid neither the emperor nor the two Divine Envoys will agree, nor will the Divine Department's master be without opinion."
Lin Rui smiled nonchalantly, evading the question: "The war between our dynasty and Purgatory is escalating. Both sides have deployed millions of troops along with numerous war equipment of Heavenly Demons. According to the Ministry of Revenue, with the court's current income, a significant deficit will occur within half a year unless increased. The Great Celestial Master hopes I can find a way to increase the court's income without affecting the people's livelihood, and I have agreed."
Zhuang Mingyue immediately understood that this must be a deal between Lin Hao and the Great Celestial Master.
She then heard Lin Hao chuckle: "The Sky Pond War is indeed the most significant matter for our dynastic court. I need to secure military funding and replenish the national treasury while considering the welfare of our people. How could the implementation of new policies succeed if I lost my power?"
As Junior Sister Zhuang has said, without power, nothing stands in this world. Even when surrounded by slander and attacks from officials, holding onto power and reinforcing it remains my top priority!"
He was not truly a citizen of the Great Song Dynasty, nor was he a loyal minister who would devote his life and soul to the Great Song and the East Abyss. How could he be foolish enough to relinquish his power due to a few criticisms?
Coincidentally, the case of Huang Fuqing's Battle Dragon being stolen has come to light, altering the situation in the court.
Although Lin Rui was behind it, no flaws have yet surfaced, so the blame hasn't reached him. Instead, it might make the Great Celestial Master even more wary of the emperor, providing Lin Rui the opportunity to further expand his power.
One must know that the construction speed of the Heavenly Curtain within the Federation is accelerating, and the Transcend War is just a few years away. Seizing this period when the East Abyss relies on his financial skills to earn more money and accumulate more strength alongside his master is the legitimate course of action. What consideration can be spared for the opinions of the East Abyss and the emperor?
Of course, while earning money, Lin Rui didn't mind spending some effort to improve the Great Song's people's livelihood, building a reputation in the East Continent as future protection.