Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 478 Internal Reforms of the Palace, Assisting in the Reforms

In the course of handling a series of diplomatic and domestic affairs, some problems within the court gradually came to light. After careful consideration, the emperor decided to undertake a sweeping reform of the court's internal management system.

One morning at court, the emperor sat on his dragon throne and said solemnly, "My beloved ministers, the palace is currently in disarray and riddled with problems. I am determined to carry out reforms to revitalize the court."

These words caused an uproar in the imperial court.

"Your Majesty, the matter of reform is of great importance and requires careful consideration," an old minister said with concern.

“Your Majesty is wise, but the path of reform will surely be difficult. I hope Your Majesty will reconsider,” another minister echoed.

The emperor's gaze was firm: "My mind is made up; this reform is imperative."

Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling stood in the imperial court, fully aware of the emperor's determination to reform.

The emperor first pointed out the problems of redundant personnel and unclear responsibilities within the palace.

"Many officials are idle, drawing salaries from the court but doing nothing of substance. We must streamline personnel and clarify responsibilities."

Subsequently, the emperor ordered reforms to the court's financial system.

“The palace’s expenditures are enormous and waste is serious. It must be strictly audited to prevent corruption.”

As soon as the order for reform was issued, the palace was thrown into chaos.

Some officials, fearing damage to their own interests, have tried every means to obstruct reforms.

"What should we do? Our lives will be much harder after the reforms."

Meanwhile, some insightful individuals actively responded to the emperor's call for reform.

"Your Majesty's reforms are beneficial to the country and its people, and we will certainly give them our full support."

Su Jinxiu was entrusted with an important task by the emperor: to formulate specific plans for streamlining personnel and dividing responsibilities.

She worked tirelessly day and night, reviewing a vast amount of palace archives and communicating with officials at all levels.

Xiao Ling then assisted the emperor in reforming the palace's finances and investigating corrupt officials.

"We will never let a single corrupt official go unpunished!" Xiao Ling vowed resolutely.

During the reform process, Su Jinxiu encountered numerous difficulties.

Some officials raised various questions and objections to her plan.

"Such a plan would harm the interests of our department and is absolutely unacceptable."

Su Jinxiu patiently explained, "The reform is for the long-term development of the palace, not for any particular person or department."

During his investigation into corruption, Xiao Ling also encountered threats and bribes.

"General Xiao, as long as you show leniency, you will be well rewarded."

Xiao Ling remained unmoved: "Don't even think about bribing me. I will bring you to justice."

After a period of effort, the reforms have begun to show results.

Some redundant officials were dismissed, which improved the efficiency of the court.

The reform of the financial system also led to a significant reduction in court expenditures, and funds were used more rationally.

However, resistance to reform still exists.

Some dismissed officials harbored resentment and secretly colluded to undermine the achievements of the reforms.

"We cannot allow their reforms to succeed; we must fight back."

A new conspiracy is brewing quietly within the palace.

The news of the emperor's determination to reform the palace's internal management system sent shockwaves throughout the court. Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling, fully aware of the importance and difficulty of this reform, stepped forward without hesitation to actively assist the emperor in implementing this major change.

Su Jinxiu first went deep into various departments of the palace to understand their operation and existing problems. She communicated with officials at all levels, as well as palace maids and eunuchs, listening to their thoughts and demands.

“I know everyone may have concerns about the reforms, but this is for the future of the court, and for everyone to be able to better fulfill their roles,” Su Jinxiu said gently but firmly.

Xiao Ling was responsible for reorganizing the palace's guard forces, re-establishing strict discipline and training plans, and ensuring that the palace's security was not affected during the reforms.

"Guards, we bear a heavy responsibility and must hold ourselves to even higher standards," Xiao Ling said with authority.

They encountered numerous difficulties during the reform process. Some veteran officials strongly resisted the reform plan, believing it would harm their vested interests.

"Su Jinxiu, what do you know about palace management as a woman? Stop causing trouble here!" an official shouted angrily.

Su Jinxiu responded neither humbly nor arrogantly: "My lord, the reform is not aimed at any individual, but at the overall interests of the court. If you have better suggestions, please feel free to speak them."

When Xiao Ling was reorganizing the guards, he also encountered some passive resistance from the soldiers.

"This new training is too tough, we can't take it."

Xiao Ling said solemnly, "Only by enduring hardship can we build a solid shield for the palace. If we retreat now, how can the palace remain safe?"

In order to ensure the smooth progress of the reform, Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling continuously offered advice and proposed adjustments to the emperor.

“Your Majesty, in some special circumstances, we can give appropriate buffer time to avoid escalating the conflict excessively,” Su Jinxiu said.

The emperor nodded: "You have considered everything very thoroughly."

They also organized several meetings to explain the purpose and benefits of the reforms to the court officials.

"After the reform, everyone's work will be more orderly, and promotions will be fairer," Xiao Ling said loudly.

However, some people with ulterior motives began to spread rumors in an attempt to sabotage the reform process.

"I heard that after the reforms, everyone will be laid off and lose their livelihood."

This caused widespread anxiety within the palace, and work efficiency declined at one point.

Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling immediately launched an investigation and uncovered the source of the rumor.

"So it was you who was behind this! You deserve to be punished!" Xiao Ling glared angrily.

After some effort, the reforms gradually got on track. The personnel structure of the palace was optimized, and the work processes became smoother.

But at that moment, an unexpected accident occurred.

A fire broke out in an important storeroom of the palace, causing heavy losses.

"Someone must be deliberately sabotaging the reforms!"