Chapter 457: What Conditions Do You Want?
The news of Su Bin’s appointment as the deputy minister of the Court of Judicial Review quickly disseminated throughout the capital.
At Su Bin’s residence, well-wishers came to offer their congratulations and establish connections. The continuous influx of guests resulted in a substantial pile of gifts.
Declining gifts entirely was not an option.
Being an official in the capital, it was imperative for Su Bin to grasp the customs and etiquette of the officialdom, ensuring a swift integration into this world.
However, Su Bin had instituted a personal guideline: he would not accept gifts of substantial value. Even if he did accept such a gift, he would promptly reciprocate with a gift of similar worth. This practice was known as reciprocation.
Su Bin’s rationale was firmly grounded in his understanding of the responsibilities entailed in his role at the Dali Temple. He believed it was imperative to maintain the self-awareness of an official. Accepting valuable items carelessly could lead to unwarranted suspicions of potential corruption, potentially disappointing the emperor if such practices were discovered.
The Court of Judicial Review served as the nation’s highest investigative agency, typically handling significant cases involving civil and military officials, nobles, and generals. It was conceivable that Su Bin might assume control of the Court of Judicial Review in the not-too-distant future.
These guests offered gifts in advance, not only as a gesture of goodwill but also to assess Su Bin’s character and determine his ease of interaction. Furthermore, it was a strategic move to cultivate strong relationships in preparation for potential future complications.