Zi Shou was very pleased with the new guidelines he had laid down for Zhang Da.
Under the old approach, the court officials-and even Fei Zhong-were no freeloaders. Every last one was shrewd, capable, and utterly loyal. Any ministers they ultimately selected would surely be equally adept at stabbing him in the back.
But reversing things so that good money drove out bad, along with that cobbled-together nonsense about using stones from another mountain to polish jade, might not only select mediocrities, but also let outsiders meddle.
He could not claim absolute certainty yet, but as long as they selected a few and he gave them a little responsibility, the results would be much the same!
First, good money driving out bad would eventually turn into bad money driving out good, just as everyone in his previous life agreed. One rat dropping spoiled a whole pot of porridge; incompetent and treacherous ministers would corrupt the atmosphere at court.
Second, military officers would meddle in civil officials' affairs, and civil officials would meddle in military officers' affairs. With outsiders pointing fingers and giving orders, the chances of selecting people with the right expertise would plummet. They might even weed out the truly capable candidates!
Simply brilliant!
It might not turn the entire court into sycophants, but it would greatly alleviate that heart-attack-inducing phenomenon where seemingly every person in Great Shang was a loyal minister!
Zi Shou began to admire himself. Nothing in this world was difficult for someone who truly set his mind to it.
As long as these people were not too blatant and kept things at Fei Zhong and You Hun's level, even Wen Zhong would have nothing to say!
Zhang Da nodded repeatedly.
Quite satisfied, Zi Shou said, "Grandee Fei has to prepare for the reform of the