Li Chen's purpose on this incognito inspection was not to inspect any particular department. He merely wanted to stroll around the various ministries' offices and observe the daily lives and spirits of their lower-ranking officials.
He knew full well that the men he encountered at the Imperial Court were powerful, calculating old foxes like Zhao Wenyuan and Guo Poyun. They excelled at gauging their sovereign's wishes, and their reports rarely left a single crack exposed.
But the true efficiency and health of a government were often reflected in the middle- and lower-ranking officials who buried themselves in their work.
Their attitudes toward work, their words and actions, even their everyday complaints and idle conversations could faithfully reflect the Imperial Court's benefits, avenues for promotion, and administrative culture.
As emperor, he had to care not only for the common people, but also for these "minor officials" who formed the bedrock of the empire's rule.
Strolling to the Ministry of War's offices, Li Chen did not enter. He simply stopped a short distance away to watch.
He watched the officials bustling in and out, listened to their occasional conversations, and took in the atmosphere.
He issued no instructions, nor did he wish to alert anyone to his presence.
Yet just as he prepared to leave, someone sharp-eyed spotted him.
The man was Wu Qi, a mid-ranking Office Director in the Ministry of War's Military Selection Office.
He had another connection as well: his aunt was an Imperial Consort in the Imperial Harem whom Li Chen greatly favored.
When Wu Qi saw Li Chen from afar, he froze for a moment before delight spread across his face. Instinctively, he started forward to bow and offer his greetings.
Li Chen saw him too. Before Wu Qi could speak, he smiled and gently waved a