Chapter 2035: Strange System

"He is the Emperor; if he doesn't take charge, who will?"

"Emperor Mu appoints a highly trusted senior official as the 'Chief Advisor' to oversee all domestic affairs, big and small."

The mirror asked curiously, "How is that different from Beijia's Prime Minister?"

"It's different. Beijia's Prime Minister is constrained by various factors, and their power isn't as extensive. This is intentional on Lingxu City's part," He Lingchuan explained the differences. "Mu's Chief Advisor is like an embodiment of Emperor Mu; almost anything the Emperor needs to manage, the Chief Advisor can handle."

"With the Chief Advisor overseeing affairs, Emperor Mu can preside over court from his high throne. Fang Canran once mentioned that Emperor Mu can remain silent in court for up to two months at a time."

The mirror complained, "So lazy? What does he do himself then?"

"Didn't I just say? He usually presides over court and holds small meetings," He Lingchuan tapped his temple. "You should know that all major decisions are deliberated in small circles. When it comes to affairs of state, only a handful of people truly make the decisions, and Emperor Mu only needs to speak at these small meetings. The grand court sessions with all civil and military officials are too chaotic to decide anything. Their purpose is primarily to hear advice and disseminate directives, rarely finalizing decisions – and even if they do, it's just a formality."

The mirror listened, half understanding. "So, the real decision-making power is still with Emperor Mu?"

"Of course, the Chief Advisor merely acts on his behalf." He Lingchuan found it amusing too. "Even so, the Chief Advisor can be said to wield immense power throughout the court."

The reason Emperor Mu publicly stated for adopting this advisory system is that he needs time for his daily cultivation and therefore doesn't have much time for governance.

So, he finds a proxy?

The mirror asked curiously, "Isn't he afraid of being usurped or marginalized?"

"The fact that he dares to do so means he isn't afraid." This also demonstrates Emperor Mu's strong confidence. "Even more interesting is that while the Chief Advisor can propose new policies and implement reforms, their term is limited to three years."

"After three years?"

"They're replaced."

"Ah?!" The mirror was astonished. "Replaced so soon?"

In Beijia, Yuan, Ya, and most former states, officials held lifelong positions. As long as they committed no major errors and weren't investigated, they typically served until retirement before returning to their hometowns. A three-year term was unheard of.

"Only three years of glory and then it's over? Who would want to do that?"

"You're misunderstanding," He Lingchuan shook his head. "The process by which Emperor Mu selects the Chief Advisor is called 'Dianfu,' and a grand ceremony is held to announce it to the world. But the Chief Advisor isn't some random person who popped up; they are typically core members chosen from the Futaige."

"The Futaige serves exclusively as Emperor Mu's advisory body, or 'think tank,' and its members hold official ranks. Therefore, those who become Chief Advisors are either exceptionally talented and recognized by Emperor Mu, or they are trusted lieutenants who are already pillars of the state." He gave a simple analogy, "Do you remember Zhongsun Mou?"

"Oh, that merman."

"Zhongsun Mou was originally an official. At that time, he was temporarily given the title of Inspector to tour various prefectures and counties, inspecting officials and disciplining conduct. Once his mission was complete, the title was naturally revoked," He Lingchuan said. "The Chief Advisor's position is largely similar."

"So, Emperor Mu still makes the final decisions?"

"Normally, the Chief Advisor might make the decisions, but for true affairs of state, they cannot unilaterally act without consulting Emperor Mu." He Lingchuan chuckled, "If Emperor Mu is dissatisfied with a Chief Advisor, he might replace them early. This happened seven years ago. If he's very satisfied, he might even let them serve for an additional two or three years."

The mirror hissed, "Why does Emperor Mu bother with such turnover? Isn't frequently replacing people unstable?"

"Frequent change brings fresh perspectives. Perhaps it also relates to Emperor Mu's philosophy of personnel management." He Lingchuan also felt it. "Compared to the stagnant and old-fashioned bureaucracy of Beijia, Mu's officialdom is much more dynamic."

A new system inevitably creates a new environment.

"The most crucial prerequisite for Mu to implement such a system is Emperor Mu's absolute and powerful ability to control the court."

He Lingchuan thought for a moment and smiled. "For Emperor Mu, this doesn't seem like a difficult task at all."

At this moment, a guard reported, "General Nanrong's household guard requests an audience!"

After the Nanrong family pledged allegiance to the Dragon God, Nanrong He was granted the title of General. However, he was absent when the Dragon God mustered his troops today because a demonic creature suddenly appeared in the Nanrong territory. Nanrong He's youngest son, Nanrong Qing, led a group to capture it, but was killed instead!

Upon hearing the news, Nanrong He was grief-stricken and determined to capture the monster.

Driven by a strong desire for revenge, Nanrong He had He Lingchuan's full permission.

"Yes, let him in."

A dozen breaths later, Nanrong's household guard stood before him and respectfully bowed.

He Lingchuan asked him, "Has your master captured the demonic creature?"

The Nanrong household guard replied solemnly, "Reporting to the Great Emperor, not yet."

He Lingchuan raised an eyebrow, a little surprised. Nanrong He was an excellent commander in battle and had strong control over his territory. How could he fail to capture a mere monster?

"There are two monsters in total. They have now escaped to Luofeng Pool, but the terrain there is unfavorable for capture," the Nanrong household guard said. "My master sent me to report to the Great Emperor that these monsters communicate and even cooperate in killing while escaping, but they don't speak human language. While our late mistress was alive, she was a devout follower of Miaozhantian and used to recite prayers at the temple. The monsters seem to speak that language, which is... divine language. But none of us can understand what they are saying."

He Lingchuan's gaze narrowed slightly. "What kind of monsters?"

The Nanrong household guard gestured to his temple. "They're about this tall, walk upright, and somewhat resemble humans in appearance, but their skin is greyish-white, almost transparent, as if you can see the veins underneath. They also have tails. Their eyes are somewhat like cat's pupils, narrowing into slits when exposed to strong light."

He Lingchuan stroked his chin.

"Monsters that speak Demonic Tongue? Then they aren't mere demon puppets." He was intrigued.

"These creatures inflict severe harm and can emit red light to injure people. Even the army couldn't contain them. The General used his ancestral magical artifacts, but they are too agile, and the terrain of Luofeng Pool is difficult. The General still couldn't apprehend them."

"They speak Demonic Tongue? And emit red light?" He Lingchuan put down the documents he was holding. "What kind of red light?"

"Like ripples, but anyone struck by it quickly loses consciousness and collapses."

Upon hearing this, the Soul-Capturing Mirror exclaimed, "Gao Pu's county governor, Zhao Qing, suddenly died without any external injuries, and red ripples appeared on the walls of his residence!"

The Nanrong household guard respectfully said, "These two monsters are unusual, and my master thought the Great Emperor might be interested, so he ordered me to report."