Onmyoji, a nobleman in Heian-kyo

Page 421

“…Retreat.”

"Yes, Lord Raiping!"

The bald man who came over quickly nodded and bowed.

His groveling appearance looked comical thanks to his bald head.

Somewhat like a comedian.

Kousaka Kyosuke could sense that even the good-natured Minamoto no Yorihei was frowning slightly.

After leading the bald man away, Kyosuke Kosaka laughed.

"Lord Lai, you've really had a tough time."

"...It's not as difficult as you make it out to be. We'll just send them somewhere else in a while."

"Oh."

"It's my fault for not being clear—that man was from a collateral branch of the family, and today he managed to push my entourage aside..."

Minamoto no Yorimitsu began to speak in a calm voice.

The intention to complain is relatively mild; it's more like an explanation.

"Flattery, huh? What you're saying reminds me of the recent deaths in the government offices," Kousaka Kyosuke chuckled in agreement.

Then they talked about the replacements for the officials who died during the few days after the Four Gods Barrier was lifted.

That period was truly chaotic and disorderly.

Each individual used every means at their disposal to secure an official position.

Various flattering tactics were used on Kyosuke Kousaka.

Even now, the situation continues.

Kyosuke Kosaka's solution to this was quite simple—he rolled it up.

Whoever handles the most work and tasks will be selected for promotion or replacement.

In order to rule out any malicious cheating, Kyosuke Kosaka also conducted checks from time to time.

Therefore, the efficiency in the government offices is quite high.

This allowed Kyosuke Kousaka to frequently slack off after taking on the role of the alternate...

"Brilliant! That's how the promotion problem was solved!" Minamoto no Yorihira exclaimed in praise after hearing the explanation.

Kousaka Kyosuke smiled and said:

“This is nothing. Once they get what they want, they’ll probably go back to the way things were. That’s why I specifically had someone keep an eye on them.”

"For example, I also set up several wooden boxes in the official residence. If anyone feels that a newly appointed official is not doing his job well or is making a mistake, they can hand over a note to urge and report him."

Minamoto no Yorihira, who was still showing an expression of admiration, paused for a moment.

"This……"

"This is to prevent them from making mistakes. If they continue to be stubborn and refuse to see the truth, there will be no turning back. Urging them to report these mistakes is a step towards making their colleagues and superiors better."

Kyosuke Kosaka explained to Yorihei Minamoto with a smile.

Minamoto no Yorihira slowly became thoughtful again.

"What Lord Kyosuke said is indeed correct."

The people at the Outer Guard Office are indeed a bit idle.

Perhaps it's necessary to learn what Kyosuke Kosaka is saying.

He was sent here by his elder brother to serve as an official, so he couldn't just coast along.

However, it's still best to proceed in an orderly manner.

Reforms never satisfy the majority of people.

Especially those who have vested interests.

"There are still quite a few die-hards in the Outer Guard Bureau who still believe in the snake god... They should be expelled as soon as possible."

Yeah.

Just roll it up.

Noticing a thoughtful look in Minamoto no Yorihei's eyes, Kousaka Kyosuke was quite intrigued.

The Ministry of Justice has limited manpower.

As the amount of yin energy gradually increases, it will definitely not be enough.

At that time, whether it's the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or the Bureau of Yin and Yang, they will all have to work hard!

The forces representing the Fujiwara, Minamoto, and Kamo clans must indeed unite.

At the very least, we can't hold others back.

That's why Kyosuke Kosaka brought this up with Yorihei Minamoto.

Minamoto no Yorihira seemed to have noticed this as well, and asked tentatively.

"...Will it get very serious later?"

"Yes, otherwise why do you think I consulted your brother about that matter before?"

"Kyosuke-sama's ability to plan ahead is truly admirable."

"Don't praise them like that. Their underhanded deeds aren't worth praising," Kousaka Kyosuke shook his head.

It is disgraceful to constantly use high-level integrity as a scapegoat.

It's not worth him being smug about.

Of course, it still needs to be done.

Because Kyosuke Kousaka is an egoist.

"Lord Kyosuke, this is for the greater good."

"Yes, for the greater good."

Kousaka Kyosuke glanced at Minamoto no Yorihei, who was looking serious, and then laughed.

The so-called "greater good"

It's just an excuse used to achieve one's own goals.

It's rare that Minamoto no Yorihira was able to say it so frankly.

This shows they are great teammates.

Not long after, Kyosuke Kousaka took his leave.

Minamoto no Yorihira saw him off with a smile, and he did not refuse.

Minamoto no Yorihira had only been in office for a short time, so it was a good opportunity for him to gain exposure through the Outer Guard Office.

To avoid being offended by some clueless person when I come here again in the future.

"You bastard! What are you hiding from?"

A loud, angry shout rang out from the office.

Kyosuke Kousaka, who was just about to check on his brother-in-law's work, raised an eyebrow.

No need to look at it in detail.

At that moment, the brother-in-law was dodging someone's slaps.

A bald man, his face contorted with rage, chased after his brother-in-law, intending to slap his rough hand across the face.

This isn't a good idea, is it?

"Well……"

"Nonsense!" A low, cold rebuke, barely concealing its anger, rang out.

The office fell silent instantly.

The bald man, who was still about to hit someone, was stunned. He turned around and immediately panicked.

"...Lord Laihei."

"How can this be allowed to so brazenly bully officials within the government compound?!"

Minamoto no Yorihira coldly stared at the collateral relatives a dozen steps away, his disgust reaching its peak.

In less than a day, he had a way to drive away his entourage and constantly fawn over him.

Yorihira knew perfectly well what he was thinking.

He's never short of people like that around him!

Originally, I was planning to tolerate it for the sake of the collateral branch and because his father was old.

The result was that they became increasingly outrageous!

He even offended someone he respected!