Of course, Mr. Feng, as a Six Department Inspector, lacks decision-making power, but he can provide suggestions.
Early in the morning, Mr. Feng, in his role as an Assistant Minister of War, received a covert hint from the Grand Secretary to recommend Mr. Wu, his drinking companion from the previous night, in the role of Right Assistant Imperial Censor at the Inspection Bureau, to inspect Liao Dong.
After all, in the eyes of both the Court and its officials, Mr. Wu has a rich résumé, a typical military scholar with experience as a local governing official, who also has a knack for maintaining public order.
Such a person, additionally serving as Right Assistant Imperial Censor at the Inspection Bureau, is precisely suited to inspect Liao Dong at this time, stabilizing the situation in the Northeast.
…
…
Mr. Wu consoled Mr. Feng last night, but then he cried this afternoon.
The decision from above had come; they were sending him to inspect Liao Dong.
