The Shadow of Great Britain

Chapter 1327: Chapter 181: I See You Just Don’t Want to Improve!

Instead, the Inspector, having just calmed down, finally asked, “Since Lord Hestingov is so young, he must have strong backing. How should we deal with him? According to your description, he cannot be a person easily manipulated.”

The old squire snorted, clearly pleased by these words: “You all still underestimate him! This young Hestingov not only has sharp vision but also a keen mind. He can easily spot the decay and hypocrisy in the officialdom. Do you think he will bow to you local small-time officials? When he attends a banquet in St. Petersburg, those serving him tea and water are high-society figures you wouldn’t dare imagine! Anyone who underestimates him will end up falling first! Since he’s here, you’d better maintain a low profile from the start and not think about using those outdated tricks to make a good impression. Otherwise, when he starts giving you trouble, it might be too late to cry!”

The Mayor cautiously inquired, “Did Lord Hestingov reveal to you the purpose of his visit? Is it to investigate the unfinished Charity Hospital chapel, or has some unruly locals reported us?”

The old squire assumed the air of an Eighth Rank Civil Servant and analyzed in a pretentious manner: “Bakarjin, do you know why you’ve been stuck at Ninth Grade Civil Servant while I managed to break through to Eighth Rank and secure a life-time nobility status?”

The City Judge interjected: “Isn’t it because you voluntarily applied to go to that godforsaken place in the Caucasus?”

“Nonsense!” The old squire, exposed, flew into a rage: “If going to the Caucasus could lead to a promotion, it would be overcrowded by now! The reason I became an Eighth Rank Civil Servant is due to the political intuition and acumen honed over decades in the officialdom!”

Mayor Bakarjin hurriedly stepped forward to soothe the atmosphere: “There’s no need for you to get angry with him. As you mentioned, Nikolai Ivanovich studied himself into a deadlock in a middle school. Grigory Nikiforovich, my dear senior, please enlighten us.”

The old squire glared at the City Judge, reluctantly speaking: “With your attitude, even if I said nothing, you wouldn’t be able to fault me. But given the unity between officials and gentry, if something goes wrong in Druiysk, I’ll be implicated too. So I have to clarify the crucial points to you.”

The old squire coughed, continuing: “Recently, during my visit to the provincial city for the nobility meeting, I connected with some old friends. They told me a semi-public secret: The Emperor is currently considering revising the ‘Civil Servant Rank Promotion Ordinance.’

“The ‘Promotion Ordinance’ is to be revised?”

“Oh my! Such a big matter, why are you only telling us now?”

“Grigory Nikiforovich, can you explain in more detail, what other information do you have?”

In Russia, official rank holds significant importance. Practically, Russia’s inescapable poverty fosters its people’s pursuit of positions, and anyone without a job will go hungry. Even for lower administrative personnel like the Mayor and City Judge, although they have escaped hunger, they still seek life-time nobility status.

In Britain, life-time nobility has increasingly become a mere honor and a facade of secular status, yet it still attracts many.

But in Russia, life-time nobility is more than just a title; it comes with various benefits.

Exemption from numerous taxes, military service waiver, freedom to buy and sell land and serfs, and criminal charges handled in the more lenient nobility courts.

Descendants can attend secondary schools, universities, and military academies. Once in the military, they can start from junior command positions instead of from scratch. If they choose an administrative path, they skip the clerk level and start with the Fourteenth Rank Civil Servant status. Moreover, in both the government and military, life-time nobility’s promotion time requirements are at least three years shorter than those from ordinary backgrounds.

According to the 1827 decree, the government categorized clerks’ origins into four types.

The first type is those from life-time nobility.

The second type is children of lifetime nobility, major merchants, and missionaries.

The third type is children of clerks.

The fourth type is those who are unqualified for civil servants but were already clerks before the decree was issued.

The promotion time for these four types to become Fourteenth Rank Civil Servants is: two years, four years, six years, and twelve years, respectively.

Due to these benefits, Russian Civil Servants’ desire for promotion constantly rises, with some officials developing a pathological craving for life-time nobility.

Unfortunately, low and mid-level officials face more difficulties than senior ones in getting promoted, so each achievement in their career is immensely significant.

The old squire tantalized the crowd, speaking slowly: “I heard the upcoming ‘Promotion Ordinance’ will shorten the time for clerks to be promoted to Fourteenth Rank Civil Servants…”

“Ah…”

Everyone couldn’t help but smile with delight.

“Don’t be hasty! I haven’t finished yet.”

The old squire cleared his throat: “Although the time will be shortened, after the new law is issued, the prerequisite for promotion to Fourteenth Rank Civil Servant is to have received primary education. If one hasn’t attended primary school, they must pass an exam covering dissertation, religious scriptures, common sense, and academic knowledge. Additionally, officials will be reclassified: those with higher education as first-class officials, those with secondary education as second-class officials, and those with primary education as third-class officials. Moreover, the exams for third-class officials’ promotion to Eighth Rank and second-class officials’ promotion to Fifth Rank will be strictly enforced.

Once the new ordinance is issued, the most favored will be first-class officials. I’ve learned they can be promoted exceptionally under the new rules, while second and third-class officials will advance steadily one grade at a time. However, considering our situation in Druiysk, there seems to be no one who will benefit. But don’t despair just yet; Lord Hestingov’s inspection offers you a chance to catch the last train.”

The Mayor, who was feeling despondent just moments ago, now glimmered with hope: “What do you mean? My dear Grigory Nikiforovich, don’t keep us in suspense!”

The old squire sneered, casting a meaningfully glance at the Mayor, and continued: “A good news and a bad news, which do you want to hear first?”

“The good one!”

The old squire coughed: “Lord Hestingov’s inspection isn’t just to assess Druiysk’s construction status; his mission is much broader. Did you forget Emperor Alexander I’s ‘Civil Servant Promotion and Appointment Ordinance’? It clearly states: all local official appointments are determined by the required number within the region, and to respect the competent, assessment should ascertain suitability for a higher position if necessary, but promotions can’t exceed one grade. Similarly, consideration for demotion can be made for those without achievements, though demotion cannot be more than one grade. Lord Hestingov’s visit looks like a casual inspection but should be the last evaluation of local officials before the new ordinance is issued. We have quite a number of Ninth Grade Civil Servants here; you folks, who usually keep a low profile, if you manage to please him, may seize the chance to climb up a step and reach the life-time nobility ladder.”

The Mayor exclaimed with joy: “And the bad news?”

The old squire forcefully planted his cane on the ground and cursed: “You left him alone in a hotel for five days and nights, his rear frozen solid, and with that, you still want to make him happy?”