Chapter 364: In the Court

Chapter 364: In the Court

The discussion then turned back to addressing the snow disaster in the border towns. The ministers were listless, their thoughts already elsewhere.

Xin You spoke up again: "Your Majesty, I think we can listen to more opinions on this matter during tomorrow's morning court."

The ministers gave her sidelong glances.

Just moments ago, the Emperor had dismissed the idea of seeking more opinions as pointless.

Emperor Xingyuan, however, nodded: "Indeed, it would be beneficial to gather more perspectives."

The ministers remained silent.

"Tomorrow morning, Lady Xin and Prince Xiu will also be present to listen," Emperor Xingyuan said.

"Yes," Xin You and Prince Xiu responded in unison.

After the meeting, Xin You walked out, and several ministers shot her sidelong glances, their expressions far from friendly.

"A soft voice called from behind, 'Ayou.'"

Xin You turned her head to see Prince Xiu approaching.

"Would you care to join me for tea?" Prince Xiu asked with a gentle smile. "I'd like to discuss the new policies you proposed in more detail."

"Regarding the new policies, I've already covered all the necessary points. The policies themselves are straightforward; the challenge lies in their execution," Xin You politely declined the invitation.

Though Prince Xiu appeared supportive of the new policies, Xin You remained wary of the man who had compelled her to reveal her true identity.

Undeterred by the rejection, Prince Xiu inquired, "Ayou, are you returning to the Hanlin Academy or—"

"Back to the Hanlin Academy."

"Then allow me to accompany you."

Xin You gestured ahead: "It's just over there."

"Until tomorrow, then."

Xin You swiftly entered the Hanlin Academy and exhaled softly.

Regardless of what tomorrow might bring, with the Emperor having committed to the new policies before the senior ministers, he was unlikely to backtrack.

"At the sound of her name, Xin You turned around."

It was Xie Chengan, the head of the Hanlin Academy, who had attended the meeting as well.

Xin You walked over: "Master Xie."

"If you have a moment, Lady Xin, join me for a cup of tea. I'd like to seek your insights on the new policies."

Though it was yet another tea invitation, Xin You accepted Xie Chengan's without hesitation.

"The new policies you presented in court today were truly enlightening for this old man," Xie Chengan stated, clearly expressing his support.

Xin You was slightly taken aback.

She knew that even among those inherently opposed to the new policies, there would still be supporters. In this world, there are always selfless individuals who serve the nation and its citizens.

Such people are few, but they undoubtedly exist.

However, gaining support from Xie Chengan so quickly was a bit surprising.

Xie Chengan noticed Xin You's surprise and smiled openly, "The Xie family was regarded as affluent in the previous dynasty, but after several ups and downs, we owe our current status entirely to His Majesty's grace. I have witnessed the hardships of the people and the brutality of war. At this age, I yearn to witness lasting prosperity and peace for the nation."

"Your high-minded ideals are admirable, Xie Chengan," Xin You replied respectfully.

Xie Chengan shook his head slightly, "These words should be directed from me to you, Lady Xin."

The young woman before him could have lived a life of opulence and comfort, yet she chose the most difficult path.

"Lady Xin, have you considered the obstacles in executing the new policies?"

"Who would be suitable to manage the execution?"

"How will you handle the unavoidable public opposition?"

Xie Chengan asked numerous pointed questions. Xin You answered in detail where she could and skirted around what she could not disclose.

In the end, Xie Chengan clasped his hands, "Thank you, Lady Xin, for shedding light on this matter."

Xin You returned the gesture, "It is my honor that Xie Chengan has taken the time to hear me out."

After leaving the office, Xie Chengan headed to meet Meng Jizuo to discuss the new policies.

Countless officials and nobles, like Xie Chengan, were profoundly troubled by the new policies. That evening, the studies of various mansions and some private teahouses and taverns were abuzz with discussions.

In a quiet teahouse room, a group of people sat with grim expressions, the mood somber.

"We must not let the new policies be implemented. They will erode our very core!"

"His Majesty has already spoken today. Opposing it now would be in vain."

"At tomorrow's morning court, if there are many opponents, His Majesty could potentially reconsider."

"Oppose?" one person sneered, "Who dares to stand up and oppose? Haven't you seen how the prisons are filling up, and the executions at the West Market are occurring in rapid succession?"

With heads rolling at the West Market and execution blades dulling, who would dare to defy the Emperor's will without weighing the consequences?

"That girl has chosen her timing too well!"

Recently, even those who once idled in the streets have disappeared, let alone the officials. After all, those being executed were their colleagues and relatives. The intimidation is palpable.

After a long silence, the Minister of Rites spoke, "His Majesty has summoned the heads of the Six Ministries and Nine Courts to make this decision. Opposing it tomorrow will likely be useless."

"Are we just supposed to accept it?"

"Who said we should just accept it?" The Minister of Rites stroked his beard.

He came from a prominent southern family with vast estates. The implementation of these new policies would strip away a layer of their wealth.

"What does the Minister mean?"

"Throughout history, many new policies have been abandoned halfway. These policies claim to benefit the people, but whether the people will accept them is yet to be determined."

Upon hearing this, the eyes of those present lit up.

That's a valid point.

Those illiterate commoners know nothing; whether the new policies are beneficial or not is entirely up to what the educated and literate say.

The officials, gentry, and wealthy families already view the new policy as harmful. If the commoners also oppose it, who would continue with something that only brings criticism and no benefits?

Using facts to cause the new policies to fail halfway is much safer than openly opposing His Majesty now.

The next day at the morning assembly, Emperor Xingyuan sat on the dragon throne, looking down at the court officials.

As per tradition, officials of the fifth rank and above in the capital had to rise before dawn and faithfully attend the morning assembly. Additionally, there were low-ranking censors and minor officials from various departments, as well as imperial relatives and nobles.

During regular morning assemblies, there were always some absentees or those who requested leave. Today, Emperor Xingyuan glanced around and noticed that the number of attendees seemed to exceed the usual count.

Hah, quite a few are concerned about the new policies.

After some routine matters, Emperor Xingyuan brought up the snow disaster in the border regions: "Do any of you have good plans?"

The treasury's funds are limited; spending more here means less available there.

The court officials either remained silent, spoke some empty words, or proposed one or two useful suggestions. Duan Shaoqing, standing towards the back of the line, thought of his "chance encounter" with Xin You on his way home from the office yesterday and stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, I, Duan Wensong, the Tai Pu Temple Shaoqing, have a matter to report."

Emperor Xingyuan's expression remained indifferent as he gestured for him to continue.

"The border regions are crucial to our national security and cannot be neglected. I am willing to donate the family wealth left by my niece, Kou Qingqing, to accumulate merit for her."

As soon as these words were spoken, the court officials' gazes towards Duan Shaoqing turned strange.

What does this Duan fellow mean? Donating money again?

Who among the proper officials is so willing to dig into their own pockets to share the court's burdens?

Feeling the dissatisfied glances from his colleagues, Duan Shaoqing inwardly lamented.

He didn't want to do this either!

By stepping forward, not only did he lose a significant amount of money, but he also offended his colleagues. However, this huge sum of money was already beyond saving, and offending colleagues is still better than offending the Emperor.

"Oh, how much does Duan Shaoqing intend to donate?" Emperor Xingyuan asked, trying to hide his surprise but failing to conceal it entirely.

Duan Shaoqing slightly bowed his head: "I, on behalf of my niece, am donating four hundred thousand taels of silver."