NOVPUBHearing these words, Song Dongyang pondered for a moment before nodding and saying, "Alright, I agree to your request."
Wang Ba’s face immediately showed gratitude, then he thought of something and frowned, saying,
"Reporting to Hall Master, there are a total of twenty-five departments within the Five Elements Division, and although I am willing to put forth all my efforts, a single person’s strength is limited..."
However, Song Dongyang took it all upon himself and said, 𝖓𝖔𝖛𝔭𝖚𝖇.𝔠𝖔𝔪
"Don’t worry about that, haha, I have already spoken with the people from Rende Hall. You can go there to pick people, or, if you have some reliable hands you trust, you can bring them along too. The treatment is guaranteed to be at least that of a Deacon, and if someone is already a Deacon, their salary can be reasonably increased by an extra 20 points of Merit each year."
"Of course, don’t recruit too many people, it would be best to keep it under fifteen. After all, the total amount of Merit positions dispensed by our Diwu Hall each year is fixed. If there are too many hands... you should know…"
Wang Ba immediately understood.
It was about drawing pay without working.
The fewer the poeple, the more Merit left over, and naturally, it would not be returned to the Sect. Where it went from there, needless to say.
Although the Hall Masters may not care about it, the Enforcers and Deacons below might not feel the same…
Wang Ba nodded, "Rest assured, Hall Master, there’s no need for too many hands."
Seeing Wang Ba’s confidence, Song Dongyang began to worry a bit,
"If you really need more hands, it is fine to recruit more. Don’t worry too much, the completion of the Sect’s task comes first."
Wang Ba already had ideas in mind but did not dare to set his words in stone,
"What the Hall Master says is right, as a disciple, I will put the Sect first."
"Hmm, that’s good."
Song Dongyang breathed a sigh of relief, then smiling at Wang Ba, he said,
"Speaking of which, to facilitate your work, I will also send one of the seniors in the hall with you, just in case any Minister is less cooperative, with him there, you can also be more at ease."
"One of the seniors in the hall?"
Wang Ba was startled.
But Song Dongyang had already called out, "Old Li, come in."
Wang Ba turned to look.
He saw a middle-aged Cultivator with slightly white temples and a familiar honest face walk in from outside the hall.
Upon seeing Wang Ba, the middle-aged Cultivator actually took the initiative to greet him,
"Li Yingfu pays respects to Right Enforcer."
Wang Ba quickly returned the salute, "Enforcer Li flatters me too much!"
"Haha, no need for formality. Get to know each other, and it would be best to start the inspection within the next two days, striving to complete it within half a year," Song Dongyang said laughingly from the side.
In his view, although half a year seemed tight, there was no helping it, as time waits for no one. Sorting out the Five Elements Division sooner would allow him to mobilize it faster.
The matter of the Tribulation Crossing Treasure Raft was of great importance, allowing for no delay.
Wang Ba and Li Yingfu both nodded.
They then excused themselves and left.
Once outside the hall,
Wang Ba spoke with respect, "In this endeavor, Enforcer Li should be the lead. Wang Ba, with scant virtue and merit, is fortunate to be in this position and truly feels apprehensive."
Li Yingfu was even more polite,
"Right Enforcer, you are too modest. The proposal you submitted to Master Song was unexpected and struck at the core; I am far inferior. It is only right that I follow your lead. Should you have any orders, please do not be courteous, Right Enforcer."
Wang Ba repeatedly said he dared not.
After exchanging courtesies, Wang Ba suddenly asked,
"Does Enforcer Li have any trustworthy hands to recommend?"
"Trustworthy hands?"
Li Yingfu was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, then looked at Wang Ba with a meaningful expression, his tone carrying less of the formality between strangers, as he said softly,
"Since Right Enforcer has brought it up... ahem, in appointing the virtuous one must not avoid relatives, and without hiding the truth from Right Enforcer, I have a disciple. Though his Cultivation Base is mediocre, he is honest and loyal, earnest and hardworking…"
Without hesitation, Wang Ba immediately slapped his thigh in agreement, saying with a smile,
"If it’s someone recommended by Enforcer Li, then he must be competent. In that case, this position is settled. Does Enforcer Li have anyone else to recommend?"
Seeing Wang Ba’s prompt decision, a smile appeared on Enforcer Li’s face. After musing for a moment, he still shook his head slightly,
"For this matter, I fear that Right Enforcer will have to expend effort."
Hearing this, the smile on Wang Ba’s face grew even wider, "Alright then, I will go back first and look for some hands. Once I’m ready, I will trouble Enforcer Li to join me."
Li Yingfu promptly gestured with his hand,
"You are too kind, Right Enforcer. Just let me know when, and I will arrive in an instant."
Seeing Li Yingfu’s cooperative attitude, Wang Ba nodded.
The two then exchanged Sound Transmission Talismans.
Wang Ba also inquired in detail about the situation of each department’s Ministers, and Li Yingfu earnestly replied.
After that, Wang Ba quickly left Diwu Hall.
Watching Wang Ba’s departing figure, Li Yingfu’s smile slowly faded from his face, replaced with a touch of reflection,
"This Right Enforcer is truly a person of intricate thoughts."
"Immeasurable indeed."
...
Mid-air.
The strong wind buffeted around him but instead helped propel Wang Ba swiftly towards the distance.
Wang Ba recalled Li Yingfu’s figure, his face showing contemplation.
"Indeed, it is impossible for Diwu Hall to really let me handle these matters alone; this Enforcer Li must be the one Master Song arranged to watch over me."
"However, winning over Enforcer Li isn’t a bad idea either; after all, he is a veteran of Diwu Hall and should be well-informed about the situations in each of the Five Elements Division’s departments. With him around, it should reduce some unnecessary trouble."
The fewer enemies, the better, the more friends, the merrier.
When it comes to getting things done, this is even more the case.
Of course, apart from Enforcer Li and his disciple, some more hands will be needed to deal with the tasks entrusted by Song Dongyang.
