eurekapd Chapter 188: Two Jobs
Chapter 188: Two Jobs
Zhou Dajiang followed the eunuch who delivered the imperial edict to the imperial study with a nervous heart.
Along the way, he was still wondering what the emperor wanted him to do.
As a result, when he arrived at the imperial study, he found out that the emperor was not only looking for him, but also for several other people.
However, apart from his own master and the Minister of Revenue, he had never seen anyone else.
It wasn't his fault. Donghua State stipulated that civil and military officials of the third rank and above must attend a morning court session every five days. Zhou Dajiang, a fifth-rank official, wasn't qualified to attend court, so naturally, he didn't recognize any of the bigwigs.
He slowly walked to the spot indicated by the small stool in front of the hall and knelt down to salute, "Your Highness, I, Zhou Dajiang, pay my respects to the Emperor. Long live the Emperor!"
Emperor Jiayou sat at the top and looked at Zhou Dajiang. This was the second time he saw him. Last time there were too many people around and he didn't look at him carefully. This time he looked at him carefully and found that he was quite a handsome man. He looked like a loyal and patriotic minister. Not bad!
"I love your life."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Zhou Dajiang stood up and saw that his old master was looking at him. He also wanted to go over, but since the emperor had called him here, he must have wanted to ask him some questions, so he decided to stay standing.
As expected, Emperor Jiayou said, "I called you here today because I have a mission for you."
Zhou Dajiang...is here.
"Your Majesty, I wish to hear the details."
"The imperial court is establishing a glass manufacturing plant. I've heard you're skilled in glass processing, so I'd like to appoint you as deputy director, collaborating with the Chief Craftsman Zhan Peiyuan to establish the factory. Are you willing?"
Zhou Dajiang... He knew about the glass incident, and it would eventually come to light, but what did it have to do with the Ministry of Industry? Wasn't that the job of the Construction Supervisor?
However, since the emperor had said so, as a subject, he could only agree. Zhou Dajiang could only bow and say, "I agree."
Emperor Jiayou looked at Minister Cui and said, "See? He's willing!"
Zhou Dajiang stared at his elder in confusion. What's going on? Wasn't this something you two had discussed?
Minister Cui didn't even look at him. He argued, "You are the Emperor. Just tell him directly that you want him to be the deputy factory director. He's just a minor official who has only been at the Ministry of Industry for two days. How can he resist? Anyone would have to agree!"
Minister Cui was furious. I had just brought the person to me, and before even three days had passed, they were already trying to snatch her from me. How could this be?!
"Then, according to your opinion, what should we do?"
Emperor Jiayou was helpless. He had finally gotten him into bed last night, and only after he promised to make Zhou Dajiang the deputy factory director, did he agree reluctantly. If he didn't get it done today, he might really be alone tonight. How could he do that? He had already wasted so much time, he wanted to get it back!
Zhou Dajiang finally understood that things were not set in stone, and he was still a member of the Ministry of Industry. Emperor Jiayou wanted him to join the glass processing factory for some unknown reason, but his own master was unwilling to let him go.
This is great. I didn’t expect that he would be snatched up by others as soon as he got to work. This shows that he is very charming.
Seeing that his old master was unable to answer the questions of Emperor Jiayou, he couldn't bear it. After all, Master Cui had helped him in the past. Besides, he also liked the Ministry of Works.
Then he bowed to the emperor and said, "Your Majesty, I have a plan."
"Oh? Tell me about it?"
Emperor Jiayou was unwilling to argue with his old ministers. How humiliating would that be? However, it was only those old officials who had dedicated their lives to the Donghua Kingdom, and he couldn't bear to offend them. If it were anyone else, they would have been kicked out long ago.
"I wish to do both. I will spend the morning at the Ministry of Works, completing my tasks as best I can. In the afternoon, I will go to the Directorate of Works to assist Lord Zhan. While I am away, please have my servant record all matters and I will deal with them later. If there is any urgent need, please have him inform me immediately."
Zhou Dajiang's idea was simple: I'd try to squeeze my work into half a day, and spend the other half in another department. My secretary would take notes while I was away and handle matters when I returned. If anything urgent came up, he'd let me know.
In modern times, he has held multiple positions, including factory manager, equipment programmer, and repair quoter. When staff were insufficient, he even stepped in personally. Therefore, for him, holding two positions is something he would consider, as long as the salary is sufficient.
Emperor Jiayou listened to Zhou Dajiang's words and nodded slightly. "This plan is feasible, but I'm afraid it will tire you out. I heard that you have been working very diligently these past two days."
Zhou Dajiang bowed hurriedly and replied, "Your Majesty, I am deeply grateful for your consideration. However, I am in good health and will not make any mistakes. However, I need money to support my family..."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Jiayou laughed in anger, "How can I possibly miss out on your salary? Two assignments, two salaries, go with your respective departments, I won't miss out on your salary."
"I thank the Lord for his grace!" Oh, how great it is. It can train myself and my nephew at the same time. Moreover, I can get two salaries. Then, I can give more to my two nephews.
Lord Cui, who was standing by, saw Zhou Dajiang's statement and could no longer stop him, so he said to Emperor Jiayou, "Your Majesty, since Zhou Dajiang has made this determination, we have no objection."
Emperor Jiayou was delighted and said, "Since that's the case, then let's do as Zhou Dajiang says."
Zhou Dajiang breathed a sigh of relief and was secretly happy that he had not offended either side.
Then, he officially began this life of running back and forth between the two sides. It was a bit chaotic at first. Although Tietou and Suotou diligently recorded everything, there were always some misunderstandings. But Zhou Dajiang, with his rich experience, gradually sorted out the process.
In the Ministry of Industry, he used the morning hours to efficiently handle affairs; when he became the Supervisor of Works, he devoted himself to glass processing. As the days passed, he not only established a firm foothold in both positions, but also achieved considerable success.
With his involvement, the glassmaking process saw significant improvements, and the Ministry of Industry's affairs gradually became more organized. This move impressed both departments, and Emperor Jiayou praised him highly. Of course, this is all a story for later.
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As for Zhou Sisi, the two little ones started waiting at home in the afternoon. Daddy said he would buy them some candy after his shift. However, after waiting for a long time and seeing no one coming back, they ran to the study to bother their sister.
There was no other way. My sister and Sister Hehua were the only ones at home; everyone else was busy with work. Their mother wasn't home either, so it was useless to harass Madam Sun, so I had to come and harass my sister.
Zhou Sisi...if grandpa wasn't ready yet, I would have thrown you to him long ago!
She had no choice but to change her clothes and take them out for a walk. However, before she even left the house, Song Tingye arrived.
"I met my uncle in the palace. He said the emperor summoned him and he would be back later. He asked me to tell him."
In fact, Zhou Dajiang’s original words were, go to the Ministry of Industry and tell Tietou and Suotou not to wait for me, and let them go back and tell your aunt that I will be back later.
As a result, after Song Tingye went to the Ministry of Works, he told the two people that his uncle asked them to go back first.
Tietou was stunned. What about the pine nut candy and custard he asked me to order? I haven't paid for them yet!