Peasant Woman's Decreed Life as a Wife

Chapter 2143: Chapter 2140: Autonomy

When Elder Zhong said this, Chu Heng was somewhat surprised. This essentially meant he was giving the entire initiative into his hands.

He was allowed to select the personnel, meaning he would have full control over how the official newspaper was managed.

Elder Zhong looked at his surprised expression with a smile and said, "I’ve reviewed dozens of exam papers. Just these answers alone allow me to distinguish the candidates roughly. I understand the kind of people you need, and there’s no need to dwell on it any longer. I’m quite satisfied with your selections."

"Since Elder Zhong has said so, I won’t refuse." Chu Heng directly handed over a dozen exam papers he had chosen: "These are the imperial examination graduates I find quite satisfactory."

Elder Zhong was pleased not to have to continue reviewing so many papers. Not out of sloth, but out of trust in Chu Heng. Of course, he could always review the papers later if necessary, so for now, it was merely to test Chu Heng.

He reviewed ten exam papers and further confirmed that Chu Heng was looking for those imperial graduates who were bold, combative, but also possessed a sense of justice.

"The newspaper has temporarily set up only fifteen positions."

"Do you want all ten?" As expected, Elder Zhong did not raise any objections, leaving all decisions up to Chu Heng. He merely observed, granting Chu Heng ample autonomy, which in the imperial court, was a very rare occurrence.

Chu Heng, of course, understood that the more autonomy he had, the greater the responsibility if something indeed went wrong.

But he was never one to fear, compared to the precarious official circles of his previous life, constantly constrained at every turn.

Now, what he wanted to achieve was easier. Since this was the case, why worry? Naturally, he would do as he pleased.

"Let’s keep them for now. Isn’t there a three-month probation period?" Chu Heng’s words had a hint of playfulness.

Elder Zhong jokingly chided, "Looks like the officials in the newspaper will be the first to experience your strict management. They won’t dare to slack off."

"Elder Zhong, you’re joking. It can’t be helped; one must fulfill their duties." Chu Heng shrugged, usually not presenting himself as an old hand.

He seemed smart but not unfathomable to others.

Only this way could the Emperor feel at ease using him, right?

If he truly faced the Emperor and ministers with the cunning of his previous life, everyone would likely be more wary of him, and the Emperor wouldn’t dare to employ him.

Chu Heng increasingly felt that he was growing younger day by day.

He had a moment of reflection.

Chu Heng walked out, announcing the candidates who passed the exam, leaving behind ten people.

Among over a hundred imperial graduates, only ten were admitted. This number was not insignificant.

However, some graduates were dissatisfied.

"Lord Chu, wasn’t it said there were fifteen positions available? Why are only ten people being picked now?"

"Yes, we still don’t understand why we were eliminated. What are the criteria for these tests? Are they based on the examiner’s personal preference? Or their background?"

This statement was clearly combative.

Chu Heng glanced at the graduate and saw discontent and impulsive anger in their eyes. It was clear that he was being used as a scapegoat, openly questioning him, the examiner, effectively sealing his fate.

However, the person working behind the scenes could take this opportunity to exploit this, thereby attacking him.

If it failed, so be it; after all, the one to suffer would be the foolish person thrust forward.

Chu Heng looked at him coolly: "The results were selected by Minister Zhong and myself according to the requirements. As for the criteria you mentioned, rest assured, once all exams are concluded, I will have the information released."