The sudden reversal left many people dumbfounded. Even Franz, the one who had set it all in motion, wondered whether his senses had gone wrong.
Fortunately, years of being emperor had forged Franz's heart into something strong, and he quickly recovered.
"Friedrich, after reading these case files, what do you understand?"
In the spirit of making use of everything, Franz did not let this classic case go to waste, immediately using it to train his son.
So long as he himself said nothing, no one would know it had been a coincidence. The outside world would only think the emperor's methods were brilliant.
Still reeling from the shock, Friedrich was confused by Franz's question.
"What do I understand?"
The emperor's methods were brilliant?
No!
That was the answer in the ministers' hearts, something meant for flattering him. Friedrich did not believe his father had asked merely to hear him flatter him.
The Austrian Government's administration was seriously corrupt?
That was not right either!
Corruption had existed throughout every dynasty and every age. Whether compared horizontally with the nations of Europe or vertically with historical dynasties, Austria's administration was currently considered good.
The bureaucrats still made money, but they knew to mind their table manners.
Their methods of corruption had evolved into exchanges of power for money. They did not embezzle government funds or privately impose additional taxes. That in itself was progress.
To rulers, so long as those below could complete their assigned tasks on time, harbored no grand ambitions of rebellion, and did not provoke Heaven's wrath and the people's resentment until public anger boiled over, it was acceptable.
Eradicating corruption was nothing but a beautiful dream, one achievable only in sleep. Otherwise, humanity would have to evolve to a higher level and cease pursuing material things.
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