Recruiting Talents for the Internal Affairs Bureau

Zenki had been searching for the right candidate to become the head of the Internal Affairs Bureau for the Kingdom of Avaloria for quite some time. It was a position that required a person of great skill and moral fortitude, someone who could not only identify corruption and injustice but also work to root it out and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Finally, after weeks of investigating, Zenki had found the perfect person for the job: Zhang Li Feng. He was a noble who had been banished to the outskirts of the kingdom after he had exposed the corruption of a higher-ranking noble than himself. It was a brave and honorable act, but unfortunately, it had also cost him dearly.

As Zenki thought about it, he couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for Zhang Li Feng. He had stood up for what was right, even when it meant going against powerful people who could crush him with ease. It was the kind of bravery that Zenki respected and admired.

He also knew that Zhang Li Feng had the skills needed for the job. He was an expert in the law and had a keen eye for identifying wrongdoing. Zenki could see the potential in him, and he was determined to give him the chance he deserved.

Zenki ordered his trusted aide, Zhang Wei, to embark on a mission to locate Zhang Li Feng. After several days of tireless searching, Zhang Wei finally managed to locate Zhang Li Feng residing in a dilapidated house on the outskirts of the kingdom.

Zhang Wei introduced himself and explained the purpose of his visit, informing Zhang Li Feng of the opportunity to lead the newly established Internal Affairs Bureau. Zhang Li Feng, however, appeared hesitant at the proposal. The scars of his past experience with corruption still ran deep, and he was cautious about being drawn back into the same web of deceit and malfeasance.

As Zhang Wei sat across from him, Zhang Li Feng reminisced about the events that had led to his banishment. He remembered how he had discovered the corrupt practices of a powerful noble and brought it to the attention of the authorities. However, his act of righteousness had led to his downfall, as the noble had used his influence and connections to cover up the incident and falsely accuse Zhang Li Feng of slander and defamation.

Zhang Li Feng had lost everything that day: his status, his reputation, and his home. The only thing he had left was his integrity, and he was not willing to compromise that again. He thanked Zhang Wei for his offer but refused to accept it, citing his fear of being caught up in another web of corruption.

Zhang Wei listened intently to Zhang Li Feng's story, nodding in understanding. "I understand your reluctance," he said, "but you have to understand that things are different now. His Majesty Zenki is different. He is committed to rooting out corruption and making the kingdom a better place for all of its citizens."

Zhang Li Feng remained skeptical. "I have heard such promises before," he said, "but they have always been empty words."

Zhang Wei leaned forward. "But this time, it's different," he insisted. "His Majesty Zenki has made it his personal mission to reform the kingdom. He wants to build an Internal Affairs Bureau that is independent, impartial, and above all, incorruptible. And he believes that you are the right person to lead it."

Zhang Li Feng looked at Zhang Wei, his eyes searching for any hint of deception. After a long moment, he finally spoke. "If what you say is true, then I am willing to give it a try. But I have one condition."

Zhang Wei raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

"I will only accept this offer if I have your word that the Internal Affairs Bureau will be truly independent," Zhang Li Feng said. "I will not tolerate any interference or influence from the nobles or any other outside forces. I want to be able to investigate and prosecute corruption wherever it is found, without fear or favor."

Zhang Wei smiled. "You have my word," he said. "His Majesty Zenki is committed to creating an Internal Affairs Bureau that is independent and free from outside influence. You will have all the resources and support you need to carry out your duties."

Zhang Li Feng nodded, satisfied. "In that case, I accept your offer," he said. "I will do my best to live up to His Majesty's expectations."

Zhang Wei stood up, a sense of relief washing over him. "Thank you, Zhang Li Feng. His Majesty will be pleased to hear that you have accepted the offer. We will arrange for your relocation to the capital and provide you with all the support you need to set up the Internal Affairs Bureau."

As Zhang Wei prepared to leave, Zhang Li Feng couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, this time things would be different. Maybe he could finally make a difference and restore his honor. He watched as Zhang Wei walked out of the door, his heart full of determination and resolve. He was ready to take on this new challenge and prove himself worthy of the trust that had been placed in him.

As Zhang Wei and Zhang Li Feng traveled back to the kingdom, Zhang Wei could sense the apprehension and doubt in Zhang Li Feng's eyes. He knew that convincing him to accept the offer was only half the battle. The other half would be to gain the trust of his new team and prove to them that he was not just another corrupt official.

When they arrived at the palace, Zhang Wei led Zhang Li Feng to Zenki's throne room. The room was grand and ornate, with golden pillars and intricate carvings adorning the walls. Zenki sat atop his throne, his expression unreadable as he watched them approach.

"Your Majesty, I present to you Zhang Li Feng, the newly appointed head of the Internal Affairs Bureau," Zhang Wei announced, bowing deeply.

Zenki nodded in acknowledgement, his eyes flickering to Zhang Li Feng. "Welcome, Zhang Li Feng. I trust that Zhang Wei has explained your role and responsibilities in the bureau."

Zhang Li Feng nodded solemnly. "Yes, Your Majesty. I understand the importance of this position and the trust that you have placed in me."

Zenki leaned forward, his gaze piercing. "I want to make one thing clear, Zhang Li Feng. The Internal Affairs Bureau will operate independently from the rest of the kingdom. You will answer only to me and no one else. Your duty is to uphold the law and expose corruption, regardless of who the guilty parties may be."

Zhang Li Feng bowed deeply, his voice resolute. "Your Majesty, I swear an oath to the heavens that I will never abuse my powers or be corrupted by the influence of others. I will fulfill my duties with honor and integrity."

Zenki's expression softened, impressed by Zhang Li Feng's conviction. "Very well, Zhang Li Feng. I trust in your abilities and your oath. May your tenure as the head of the Internal Affairs Bureau be a successful one."

Zhang Wei breathed a sigh of relief, glad that his mission was finally complete. He could see the determination in Zhang Li Feng's eyes, and he knew that the kingdom would be in good hands with him at the helm.

Zhang Wei led Zhang Li Feng to the newly established Internal Affairs Bureau, located in a grand palace at the heart of the capital city. As they approached the entrance, Zhang Wei explained that the bureau had been created with the aim of ensuring that justice was served in the kingdom and that corrupt officials were held accountable for their actions.

As they entered the building, Zhang Li Feng was struck by the grandeur of the palace. The walls were adorned with intricate paintings depicting scenes of ancient battles and heroes, and the floors were made of polished marble. The air was perfumed with the scent of incense burning in large bronze censers.

Zhang Wei showed Zhang Li Feng to his office, which was located on the second floor of the palace. The office was decorated in a traditional Chinese style, with dark wooden furniture and intricate carvings. The walls were lined with shelves filled with scrolls and books, and a large desk dominated the center of the room.

A large window looked out over the bustling city, allowing the natural light to fill the room. Zhang Wei gestured to a comfortable chair in front of the desk, inviting Zhang Li Feng to sit. He then poured them both a cup of hot tea from a pot on a nearby table.

Zhang Wei explained that the Internal Affairs Bureau would operate independently of the other branches of government, and that its primary objective was to investigate and root out corruption. He emphasized that Zhang Li Feng would have full authority to conduct investigations and make arrests, but also stressed the importance of maintaining integrity and avoiding any abuse of power.

Zhang Li Feng listened carefully to Zhang Wei's words, nodding in agreement. He understood the gravity of the task that lay before him, and he was determined to carry it out with honor and diligence.

As they finished their tea, Zhang Wei and Zhang Li Feng stood up and bowed to each other, sealing their agreement. Zhang Wei promised to provide all the necessary resources and support for Zhang Li Feng's work, while Zhang Li Feng swore an oath to the heavens that he would never be corrupted and would always act in the best interests of the people.

With their agreement made, Zhang Li Feng took his leave, feeling a sense of purpose and responsibility that he had not felt since his banishment. He knew that the road ahead would be difficult, but he was ready to face the challenge head-on, armed with his determination and his unshakable integrity.