Chapter 363: Comparison

Chapter 363: Comparison

The next day, an early imperial court session required Xiao Huai to rise from bed well before dawn. Tang Shuyi was still immensely tired, hardly opening her eyes. Xiao Huai got himself ready and carefully tucked the blankets around her before he left.

Riding to the imperial palace, he found the usual gathering of officials waiting at the gates. What differed that day was, upon dismounting, the officials in front parted, yielding a clear path for him.

Nonetheless, he greeted the familiar officials as usual, and once the palace gates were opened, he joined everyone in entering. Upon reaching the outer hall of the Golden Throne Room, he saw a young prince in regal robes standing firm.

From a distance, the prince appeared slight in frame, but his composure was undiminished. The ministers couldn't help but admire Xiao Huai's discernment. Who would have thought that the prince from the cold palace would transform into his present stature?

Tang Shubai and Qi Liangsheng, who knew the full story, were instead admiring Tang Shuyi's sagacity, not only for recognizing talent but also for her instructive prowess. Though Li Jingyi had also taken Fang Dauru as a mentor, he had learned much more from Tang Shuyi.

Qi Liangsheng sighed internally, considering her the greatest regret of his life.

"Prince Kang."

"Prince Kang."

………

The ministers approached Li Jingyi to pay their respects, and he reciprocated with a dignified grace that was neither ingratiating nor distant, managing his advances and retreats impeccably, which once again impressed the assembly.

Finally, Li Jingyi joined Xiao Huai, and together they entered the Golden Throne Room. Once everyone was positioned, they waited a good while before Jiao Kangsheng emerged to announce from above, "The Emperor is indisposed today."

"I've heard the Emperor is unconscious; is that true?" Wu Jingwei, the Empress's elder brother, stepped forward to inquire.

Jiao Kangsheng's face showed discomfort, but he confirmed, "It is so."

"A nation cannot be without its ruler for a day. If the Emperor is unconscious, the third prince should be appointed as regent," Wu Jingwei declared.

At this, Qi Liangsheng stepped forward, "A nation indeed cannot be rulerless, but the sovereign must possess the necessary talents. Otherwise, chaos will ensue."

"What do you imply, Minister Qi?" Wu Jingwei challenged. "The third prince has been well-versed in literature and poetry from a young age and conducts himself with a composed and orderly manner. How can you say he lacks the talent?"

Qi Liangsheng smiled, then turned and respectfully addressed the third prince, "Your Highness, in your opinion, what is the most pressing matter for our great Qi nation at present?"

The Third Prince, being suddenly called upon, was somewhat flustered. He glanced at Wu Jingwei, but Wu Jingwei was clearly displeased with his reaction, his expression turning sour.

The Third Prince grew even more nervous, and he stammered, "Imperial Father... Your health is poor, you cannot... cannot preside over the court affairs, so someone must take charge of the state affairs."

After hearing this, Qi Liangsheng nodded, then he clasped his hands towards Li Jingyi and asked, "Prince Kang, what do you believe is the most pressing matter for our great Qi nation at present?"

Qi Liangsheng’s question, which had not been discussed with him before, made Li Jingyi somewhat nervous. Yet, he maintained a calm demeanor and, after some thought, he said, "Although the imperial uncle is unable to oversee the state affairs, our great Qi has eradicated its external threats and enjoys peace throughout. All ministers should now focus on their respective duties and unite as one."

Wu Jingwei snorted heavily, "Even if everyone performs their duties, there still needs to be a leader."

"I have a matter to report," Tang Shubai addressed the Third Prince with a bow, "There are reports that many lands in our great Qi are fallow, yet many commoners lack land to cultivate. What should be done about this?"

The Third Prince was bewildered by the question. After some thought, he said, "Then... then sell the land to them; the court could gain some revenue."

"But the commoners do not have the silver to buy land," Tang Shubai pointed out.

"Then... then sell the land to landlords and merchants," suggested the Third Prince.

Tang Shubai retorted, "But the fallow land is difficult to cultivate, and neither landlords nor merchants are willing to buy it."

The Third Prince responded, "Then... then what do you propose we do? It is your duty as ministers to solve problems."

Tang Shubai nodded, "Your Highness is correct."

The Third Prince, relieved by his response, did not notice Tang Shubai turning to Li Jingyi to ask, "Prince Kang, how do you believe this issue should be resolved?"

Li Jingyi pondered before answering, "The tillers in our great Qi should have their own fields to cultivate."

His statement quieted the court. The Minister of Agriculture, Zhang, stepped forward and asked, "Could you elaborate on how to allow tillers their own fields, Your Highness?"

"Fallow land and landless peasants represent a waste of both land and human resources. The peasants could be allowed to cultivate the fallow lands, exempt from taxes on these lands for the initial years..."

The concept of 'to each tiller his own field' was initially suggested by Tang Shuyi, and although it was only mentioned in passing, Li Jingyi had given it considerable thought afterwards. Thus, he spoke with fluency.

After he finished, the court erupted in discussion. Li Jingyi's proposal was unprecedented, not just in Qi but in previous dynasties as well, since control of the land was traditionally held either by the court or by local gentry and landlords.

Even with extensive fallow lands, the court had no policy in place to encourage the commoners to cultivate them.

The faction supporting the Third Prince and the Empress looked visibly displeased. They had not anticipated that Qi Liangsheng and others would publicly challenge the Third Prince and Li Jingyi to a test of wits.

When everyone had almost finished discussing, Xiao Huai spoke up, "Prince Kang is right. Although the Emperor is unwell and unable to preside over court affairs, we should unite and each perform our duties. If there is a matter that requires a decision, let all the cabinet ministers discuss it together."

"Yes, Duke Dingguo is correct," someone concurred.

"Indeed, it should be this way," another agreed.

……

Xiao Huai did not seek to consolidate power or diminish anyone's rights, so the ministers naturally voiced their support.

At this point, Xiao Huai added, "I believe Prince Kang is clever and knowledgeable about the welfare of the people. When the cabinet ministers discuss matters, we can also have him join the discussions."

"Of course," Qi Liangsheng spoke first, and the other cabinet ministers followed suit. It was clear that Xiao Huai had no intention of controlling court affairs, despite his influence over the palace and the capital city.

As for whether Prince Kang or the third prince would ascend the throne in the future, it would depend on their respective abilities.

Of course, among these ministers, some were considering currying favor with the future ruler.