Chapter 275: Rock Bottom
“Yes, Minister, this timeline definitely won’t be enough.”
Some chimed in agreement, others smiled and shook their heads.
Gu Yansheng said calmly, “One month won’t be enough?”
“Definitely not enough!” Director Liao said very confidently.
Gu Yansheng paused and said, “How long have you been the Director of the Legal Affairs Division?”
As soon as this question was asked, it made Director Liao uncomfortable, but he still braced himself and answered, “A year and a half, Minister. You can rest assured on this. When I say it’s not enough, this timeline definitely isn’t sufficient.”
Gu Yansheng raised an eyebrow, “You just said that one month isn’t even enough to read through the legal provisions. Have you not read the legal provisions in this year and a half?”
Director Liao suddenly paused, then quickly made excuses, “Minister, that’s not what I meant. Of course I’ve read the legal provisions, but just because I’ve read them doesn’t mean the Legislative Yuan and Judicial Yuan have. Don’t we still need to discuss it with them?
Even if they read quickly, the subsequent discussions will still take time, so one month isn’t enough.
Moreover, one month isn’t enough for implementation either.
The speed of distributing documents can be faster, but once our new documents are sent out, conveying them takes time, and it takes time for the people below to understand them.
Documents sent to the provinces, the provinces need to study them, then convey them to the cities and counties below. Otherwise, wouldn’t the cases handled by people below be completely chaotic? For the handover between new and old legal provisions, there needs to be a transition period, right?”
Gu Yansheng neither confirmed nor denied it, “If we go by what you say, how long do you need?”
Director Liao thought for a moment and said, “Discussing the legal provisions will take at least three months to half a year anyway, distributing them down will take three months at least, plus a little time for the handover of legal provisions. Seven or eight months at the fastest.”
“The new government has been established, and it takes seven or eight months to issue its own new legal provisions. Do you think that’s appropriate?”
Director Liao smiled awkwardly, “Well, that’s unavoidable. The workload is just that big, and the time required is just that long. With the old legal provisions as a transition, we can temporarily continue implementing them.”
“Workload too heavy, not enough staff?”
“Yes.”
Gu Yansheng nodded, “I understand the difficulties with the work, but the new government must have a new look. Otherwise, I won’t be able to explain it to the higher-ups.
I’m not forcing you. Do it as soon as possible.”
“Alright.” Director Liao smiled and nodded. After nodding, he subtly glanced at the crowd opposite, with a smile that suggested great victory.
“Vice Minister Hu.” Gu Yansheng looked at Executive Vice Minister Hu Rengtai.
Hu Rengtai was quite old, over 60, frail and aged, looking very detached. Relying on his seniority, he didn’t care much about Gu Yansheng. He just nodded slightly to acknowledge, without even calling him Minister.
Gu Yansheng didn’t mind and continued on his own, “Whether in North China or Central China, the most urgent matter now is to ensure that Nanjing’s will can be carried out.
But due to the impact of war and some man-made factors, in certain local courts, we don’t even have personnel appointment rights, which is very inappropriate.
The Judicial Administration Department must control the power of all grassroots courts, starting with personnel.
Vice Minister Hu, you handle executive affairs. I’d like to trouble you to make a trip to North China, rectify the local personnel power, and bring it under Nanjing’s unified scheduling.”
“Me go to North China?” Hu Rengtai perked up, “Minister Gu, that wouldn’t be appropriate, would it? I’m just an old bag of bones. How could I withstand the hardship of such a long journey? This trip would take my old life.
Moreover, Wang Kemin in North China has never been friendly to us. If we send someone over, will he let us rectify?
Isn’t that a bit far-fetched? Haha.”
“Precisely because I know Vice Minister Hu has deep seniority, that’s why I’m asking you to handle this. If it were easy, why would I call on a big shot like you?”
Gu Yansheng smiled faintly, “They say having an elder in the family is like having a treasure. You are the most senior person in our Judicial Administration Department, the stabilizing force. If you go to North China to deal with that gang, I believe you’ll have more than enough capability.
Moreover, it’s appropriate for someone of your status to go. If we sent a Division Chief or Director, Wang Kemin would have even more reason to manipulate them.
For the sake of the new government’s judicial affairs, I hope you, sir, won’t mind the hardship and make this trip.
I was originally planning that if the legal provisions could be rectified in one month, we’d push them out first, unify the legal provisions step by step. But Director Liao here says it needs seven or eight months, a timeline we absolutely can’t wait for.
Isn’t that right, Director Liao?”
Director Liao met Gu Yansheng’s gaze and gave an awkward laugh.
Gu Yansheng withdrew his gaze and continued looking at Hu Rengtai, “So I can only entrust it to you, sir.”
Flattering words were still quite pleasing to hear. Though Hu Rengtai felt secretly pleased inside, he wasn’t so easily fooled. He sighed, “I understand the situation, but my body is really too old.
Plus, with the new government just established, handovers everywhere, and so many matters in the department, I don’t think I can get away.
Minister, you’d better find someone more capable.”
“Body can’t handle it?”
“Advanced age, indeed feeling very tired.”
Gu Yansheng sighed and nodded, looking at Political Vice Minister Xue Dianzeng, “Vice Minister Xue.”
“Ah.” Xue Dianzeng interrupted before Gu Yansheng could finish, “Minister Gu, I absolutely cannot go to North China.
First, I’m really not familiar with Wang Kemin in North China.
Second, the time spent in North China definitely won’t be short. With so many meetings since the new government was established, if I go, you’d have to attend all those meetings yourself. Wouldn’t that waste your time?
I think actually, neither I nor Vice Minister Hu going to North China is appropriate. You’d be the most suitable.
You’re the Minister, your word carries weight. Plus, you’ve dealt with Wang Kemin in North China before. If you go, your face carries more weight than us Vice Ministers. Wang Kemin would have to give you some face, right? Twice the result with half the effort.
This would definitely benefit advancing the new government’s legal unification. Don’t you think so?”
“Right.” Echoes of agreement immediately rose from below, flattering Gu Yansheng, making it seem like only he could go.
Xue Dianzeng added, “Minister, after you go, rest assured about the work here. It’s all handled by experienced veterans, no mishaps. For work matters needing your approval, whether airplane or telegram, I’ll report them to you anytime for your instructions.”
Gu Yansheng smiled and looked at Xue Dianzeng, “I’d love to go to North China, even farther, straight to Inner Mongolia for a stroll, have some mutton hotpot or something.
But I really can’t get away. I have other matters assigned by Mr. Wang on hand, no such luck.
However, Vice Minister Xue, I didn’t call on you for the North China matter.
For North China, I still hope Vice Minister Hu goes. As for you, I need you to go to Jiangsu, Anhui, and other places for a tour, inspect local courts, prisons, and such on my behalf, and listen to voices from below.”
It was good work, an imperial inspector’s job, publicly funded travel, but Xue Dianzeng still couldn’t go.
Xue Dianzeng nodded with an understanding expression, “Minister, this matter probably needs to be postponed. With so many things now, I really can’t get away. I’m not complaining.”
He glanced at his watch and noted the time, “11 o’clock, there’s a government meeting I have to attend representing the Judicial Administration Department. Don’t know when it ends, but at 2 p.m. the Judicial Yuan has a meeting, at 4 p.m. the Legislative Yuan has one. Even in the evening, I have to compile meeting minutes. Tomorrow, meetings with lower departments to convey the meeting spirit.
I really can’t get away.”
“So busy?”
“Very busy.”
“Hard work.”
Gu Yansheng nodded, pondering as he said, “Inspections and reclaiming power are imperative, but you’re all so busy, and Vice Minister Hu’s health isn’t great either. These are objective reasons. I was indeed a bit inconsiderate.
In that case, like this: I’ll apply upward to add a Vice Minister position to share your workload. For the candidate, we’ll first consider among those of you present.”
One sentence shattered the heavens!
Suddenly, everyone sobered up!
Surprised expressions appeared on some faces, while others unconsciously straightened their backs and leaned slightly forward.
The two Vice Ministers were the most anxious.
Xue Dianzeng was stunned for a moment, saying in astonishment, “No need to add a Vice Minister, right? The two Vice Ministers have clear divisions, handling the Judicial Administration Department’s work in good order, completely sufficient.”
“Sufficient?” Gu Yansheng raised an eyebrow, “Didn’t you just say time is very insufficient, completely not enough.”
Xue Dianzeng, “This…”
Hu Rengtai interjected, “From the establishment of the Judicial Administration Department, there have been two Vice Minister positions. The new government is just starting, the department is in handover period. We can’t just add positions at will, right?
Adding another Vice Minister position wouldn’t benefit the work, Minister Gu. Completely unnecessary.”
“I think if it’s necessary, it is.”
Gu Yansheng glanced at him indifferently.
“As for it always being two, don’t worry about that. If I ask for one, I’ll definitely get one. If one isn’t enough, then two.
Vice Minister Hu has health issues, so much work in the new government. I’ll try to find someone to help share your load, let you live in peace in old age.
No need to worry about work. The new government has plenty of people willing to serve.”
Time to close the net, Gu Yansheng no longer cared about their feelings.
Hu Rengtai’s face tightened, “Minister Gu, adding a Vice Minister will cause work chaos. If it leads to disruptions in the judicial system, that’s a huge responsibility.”
“I can bear it. No need for Vice Minister Hu to consider it for me.”
Gu Yansheng swept his gaze over everyone and spoke clearly, “This matter is decided. The new Vice Minister’s main work is to handle the external affairs I just mentioned.
So the scope will cover personnel and external political affairs.
To reduce pressure on the two Vice Ministers.
Archive Room, later send the files of all the department’s chief officials to my office. I’ll decide quickly on who to recommend upward.
At the same time, during this period, I’ll have routine talks with everyone.
Any more questions?
Then adjourn the meeting. Archive Room, hurry up!”
“Yes!” The Archive Room Director responded instinctively.
Gu Yansheng left swiftly and decisively, but the meeting room was deathly quiet, no one moving from their seats.
This meeting was completely different from what they had anticipated!
The two Vice Ministers looked unhappy, faces grim, especially Hu Rengtai’s.
Pulling the rug out from under someone!
Taking away personnel power and external political affairs—then one handles internal matters, the other just attends meetings?
Too ruthless.
Smiling on the surface, seeming agreeable, but striking with a fatal blow.
“Vice Minister Xue, this matter absolutely cannot be allowed to proceed!” Hu Rengtai couldn’t tolerate it.
Xue Dianzeng, “But he wants to add a Vice Minister. With his ability, he really can do it. He’s so close to the Wang Faction. How to stop him?”
“I just don’t believe there’s no place for reason. Has the Judicial Administration Department become his one-man show? Work divisions were set long ago. Why can he change them on a whim?”
Hu Rengtai glanced at some who couldn’t hide their interest, eyes widening, “Whoever wants to be this Vice Minister, say so now. Even if he pushes it, won’t it still be selected from among you?
No matter who becomes it, they won’t help him get things done. Adding one, adding two, even adding ten—what can he do?”
“That’s right.”
A Director chimed in, “Most importantly, we unite, not letting him control the Judicial Administration Department. No matter who becomes the new Vice Minister, as long as it’s one of us, it doesn’t matter who. That’s the reason, right?
Let him divide if he wants. After dividing, we still don’t do what shouldn’t be done.”
“Makes sense.”
United against a common enemy!
Office.
Gu Yansheng picked up the coffee cup for Liu Xiaolou to brew a fresh one.
Liu Xiaolou looked at Gu Yansheng admiringly, “Minister, this move of yours is brilliant. One step shattered their alliance.”
She had thought reclaiming power in the Judicial Administration Department would be tricky, but now, with the Minister’s flip of the hand, this group was about to start internal strife.
Having worked in the government for so long, she knew the least reliable thing before promotions was any alliances—pure nonsense.
“The premise for forming an alliance is that everyone’s current interests remain undamaged. Now some lose, some stand to gain—it’s normal for minds to diverge.”
Gu Yansheng smiled, “Draft a document addressed to Mr. Wang. Content: I’m preparing to recommend so-and-so as the new Vice Minister.
Write one for each Director’s name. Give them to me when done.”
“Why is this?” Liu Xiaolou didn’t understand.
Gu Yansheng smiled faintly, “Useful later. Go write it. Remember, don’t let others see.”
“Alright, I’ll go now.”
“Mm.”
Gu Yansheng took a sip of coffee and called for Ma Shiqi to come over.
Now these two secretaries were divided by need: Liu Xiaolou as executive secretary handling internal matters, Ma Shiqi as political secretary handling external.
“Minister, you wanted me?” Ma Shiqi arrived quickly.
Ma Shiqi’s current role was secretary, working in the Secretariat.
In rank, he was even lower than Liu Xiaolou. Liu Xiaolou was properly transferred from a Section Chief position in Shanghai. Actually, with Shanghai’s Judicial Department turning into a bureau, Liu Xiaolou’s Section Chief should be Division Chief level.
While Ma Shiqi was just a Deputy Section Chief. Promoting him one level makes him a Deputy Division Chief, not even an official in the department.
Of course, it depends on who he’s compared to.
“Shiqi, I remember Gu Zhuxuan is a Jiangsu person, right?”
“Yes.” Ma Shiqi nodded, “He’s from Yancheng.”
“Yancheng.” Gu Yansheng thought and said, “Does the Jiangbei Gang have force in Jiangsu?”
“As far as I know, yes, but currently not large scale. Before Boss Gu went to prison, the Jiangbei Gang had real force in Jiangsu, but once imprisoned, the tree fell and monkeys scattered. Except for us righteous ones close to him, others with chance to switch doors sought their own ways, so it scattered a bit.
But for small matters, they can still help. Even if Jiangbei Gang can’t, we can find someone. If you have something, just say.”
Gu Yansheng neither confirmed nor denied, “Last year, the Green Gang smuggled opium to Jiangsu and Zhejiang, fought fiercely with local gangs. Any impact on Jiangbei Gang?”
Ma Shiqi smiled, “Who can still do that business?
After Boss Gu went to prison, all money-making businesses in Jiangbei Gang’s hands were snatched by others. If you say wharf loading, pulling rickshaws, Jiangbei Gang is good at it.
For that kind of trade, even if Boss Gu hadn’t gone to prison, without Japanese nodding now, who can do big business.
Green Gang people can’t snatch to their heads either.”
“That’s good. I do have something I want Jiangbei Gang to do.” Gu Yansheng said directly, “You should understand, Nanjing definitely wants to reclaim power, but people below may not acknowledge.
Banners change on city walls, can’t not recognize the new nation.
Pacifying them with soothing methods, I think too slow. I want anti-corruption.
Jiangbei Gang people from all over, across Jiangsu no matter which city, as long as there are clues, I need them.
You can tell Gu Zhuxuan, whatever he does in this matter, if done, Jiangbei Gang should become the foremost gang in Jiangsu.”
Ma Shiqi was smart and understood immediately. This was a great chance for revenge. If Jiangbei Gang uses it to report officials they dislike.
Those disliked go down, the liked come up?
Ma Shiqi nodded at once, “Alright, I’ll call Boss Gu later. But Minister, can anti-corruption also deal with these people in the department now?
I see they must have plenty of handles outside.”
With his butt here, Ma Shiqi still thought for Gu Yansheng.
Gu Yansheng smiled faintly, “No need for us to act. Later I’ll have No. 76 people handle it. Building the new government, all departments must contribute. Can’t be us doing all the offending. Everyone offends, right?”
Ways to deal with those in the meeting room are plenty. Let them bounce however. Cut or not, depends on necessity.
Ma Shiqi pursed his lips. Damn, these people better off reported by Jiangbei Gang—at least chance to live.
Entering No. 76 is entering the gates of hell?
“Then I’ll go call right away.”
“No call. Go back in person to say. Nanjing phones probably all eavesdropped.”
“Alright, I’ll go quick and back quick.”
Ring ring, ring ring. Gu Yansheng waved to Ma Shiqi and picked up the phone.
“Hello.”
It was a call from home.
“Mr., a police officer named Wang Desheng arrived, from Shanghai. Says you called him.”
“Yes, he’s at home now? Have him come over.”
Arrived quite fast.
Gu Yansheng, after leaving Minister Zhou last night, had someone call this Wang Desheng who’d sent money in Shanghai to come up. Phone yesterday, and here at this hour.
Took a cup of coffee. Liu Xiaolou came in first.
“Minister, resumes from Archive Room, all here. And this is the report I wrote per your request. Please review.”
