Chapter 221 The Hands-Off Manager

Chapter 221 The Hands-Off Manager

The Regent's Palace, Study.

The newly appointed prime minister, Zhang Zhengqing, stood at the door, took three deep breaths, and then dared to step over the high threshold.

He was the leader of the original Qingliu faction, and was upright and incorruptible, even somewhat pedantic.

Yesterday morning at court, he witnessed firsthand how Pei Yunjing threw the young emperor onto the dragon throne, a scene that still terrifies him.

Zhang Zhengqing was quite nervous about being summoned so suddenly today.

Could it be... that His Highness is dissatisfied with yesterday's coronation ceremony? Or does he want to give this newly appointed prime minister a warning?

"Your subject Zhang Zhengqing pays his respects to His Majesty the Regent."

Zhang Zhengqing entered the study, not daring to look around, and respectfully performed a deep bow.

"Get up."

Behind the desk, Pei Yunjing's voice sounded somewhat lazy, even carrying a hint of... impatient eagerness.

Zhang Zhengqing stood up before daring to raise his head slightly.

The powerful regent sat behind a mountain of memorials that nearly drowned him, his brow furrowed, his face full of impatience, as if the pile before him was not of national importance, but rather a heap of rotten cabbages.

"Lord Zhang."

Pei Yunjing threw down his vermilion brush and pointed to the mountain of teetering memorials:

Have you seen these?

Zhang Zhengqing was taken aback, and quickly cupped his hands in greeting: "Your Highness, these are all important official documents that have been drafted by the Cabinet and are submitted to Your Highness for approval. Your subject..."

"Since the draft has already been prepared, why do I still need to see it?"

Pei Yunjing interrupted him, his tone so matter-of-fact it was outrageous.

Zhang Zhengqing was dumbfounded: "This...this is the rule. The regent acts on behalf of the emperor, and this is the final decision-making power..."

"It's been changed."

Pei Yunjing stood up, stretched his stiff neck, and made a crisp "crack" sound:

"From today onwards, this rule has been changed."

He walked around the desk, stood in front of Zhang Zhengqing, and patted the old minister's stiff shoulder.

That action resembled that of a good boss about to pass the buck to his subordinates.

"Lord Zhang, you are a veteran of two dynasties, and you are reliable in your work. I trust you very much."

Pei Yunjing spoke earnestly, then casually pushed the tallest stack of memorials on the table into Zhang Zhengqing's arms, almost causing the frail old man to collapse under its weight:

"From now on, you can make your own decisions on these trivial matters; there's no need to send them to the Prince's residence anymore."

Zhang Zhengqing, clutching a memorial half his height, trembled. "Your Highness? This is...this is a matter of national importance! How can it be a trivial matter?"

"Unless the Northern Rong invade, or the Yellow River breaches its banks..."

Pei Yunjing thought for a moment and gave a simple and straightforward definition:

"Everything else is a minor matter."

"..."

Zhang Zhengqing's mouth dropped open, feeling his worldview crumbling.

This is way too...too casual, isn't it?

"But Your Highness, this power is too great, this old minister... this old minister is terrified!"

Zhang Zhengqing was an honest man, and he was afraid that if he made even the slightest mistake, this man would chop off his head.

"What are you so afraid of?"

Pei Yunjing narrowed his eyes, his tone carrying a hint of threat and inducement:

"Since I appointed you as prime minister, it's so you can do the work. If you can't even handle this simple task, I'll have to do it myself..."

He sneered, his eyes instantly turning dangerous:

"Then what use are you to me? Why not replace you with someone more capable?"

These words instantly struck Zhang Zhengqing's weak spot.

It was not just a threat, but also a provocation, a "scholar will die for one who understands him" tactic.

To Zhang Zhengqing, this meant:

What great trust His Highness has in me! He's actually willing to delegate authority to me! This is to allow me to realize my ambitions and unleash my full potential!

In an instant, tears of emotion filled the old minister's eyes.

He knelt down with a thud, tears streaming down his face:

"Your Highness trusts me so much! This old minister... this old minister will certainly devote himself to the utmost, even unto death! I will never fail Your Highness's high expectations!"

Pei Yunjing looked at Zhang Zhengqing, who was kneeling on the ground kowtowing repeatedly, and nodded in satisfaction.

Great, as long as the old man is willing to work, he can free up his hands.

"Alright, move out."

Pei Yunjing waved his hand, signaling the guards at the door to come in and move all the memorials in the room to the Prime Minister's residence.

"remember."

As Zhang Zhengqing was about to leave, Pei Yunjing gave him one last, crucial piece of advice:

"From now on, consult me ​​on important matters, and decide on minor matters yourself."

"But unless something truly terrible happens, don't bother me."

"I am very busy."

"Yes! This old minister understands!" Zhang Zhengqing, carrying the memorial, walked away with faltering steps but full of fighting spirit.

Looking at the empty desk, Pei Yunjing breathed a sigh of relief.

Finally, we've gotten rid of all this trouble.

What power, what approval?

Nothing is more important than spending time with my wife.

Zhang Zhengqing did the work.

Zhang Zhengqing will take the blame (he'll be the one to cover for you in the end anyway).

Power was in his hands (after all, the army obeyed him).

He'll go back and enjoy his blessings.

This is called—overall planning.

Pei Yunjing straightened his sleeves, turned and walked towards the backyard, his steps light as if he were going to a grand banquet.

"Someone, prepare the car."

“Go and call the princess here. We’re going to the estate to ‘recuperate’.”