Chapter 371: The Difference Between North and South

Chapter 371: The Difference Between North and South

Once they understood what was going on, the Minister of Rites and others secretly rejoiced.

Implementing the new policy was supposed to be tough in the south. Unexpectedly, He Qingxiao's firm approach, decisive in shedding blood without hesitation, along with the grand plays and folk songs that swayed the common people to support the new policy, made the implementation surprisingly smooth.

Thinking about it made the Minister of Rites and others' hearts bleed. Their hometowns were all in the south, each owning vast fertile lands, and the new policy had caused them significant losses.

Fortunately, the north faced strong resistance, and the policy hadn't been pushed forward there.

Although the difficulties in the north didn't change the fact that their interests were damaged, the lack of progress was a great advantage.

The Minister of Rites and others had realized that the struggle over the new policy would be long. If the difficulties persisted, perhaps in a few years, the Emperor's enthusiasm for the new policy would wane, or maybe a new ruler would come to power?

By then, the fat they had lost could be regained.

In short, the stagnation of the new policy in the north was good news for them.

Emperor Xingyuan knew that at least half of these ministers opposed the new policy, but it was customary to convene senior ministers from various departments to discuss major state affairs.

"Thousands of people in Shuanglin Prefecture in the north have gathered to protest, preventing the policy from being implemented. What do you all think?"

The Minister of War stepped forward: "I believe this trend should not be encouraged, and the troublemakers should be punished."

The Minister of Rites immediately opposed: "Minister Ma, haven't you heard? These are ordinary people. If we resort to force to suppress them, wouldn't it make the people think the court is tyrannical? It would also damage Your Majesty's reputation!"

Emperor Xingyuan glanced at the Minister of Rites.

Among the six ministers, this old man was the most opposed to the new policy, but today his words were not wrong. Using force against the people would surely spread the word that he was a tyrant.

After all, preventing the people's mouths is harder than blocking a river, especially in places far from the emperor's reach.

Emperor Xingyuan, as the founding emperor, was not concerned with minor details and was not afraid of war, but anyone who sat on this throne would not want to be remembered as a tyrant after a hundred years.

If it were for the sake of the people's well-being at the cost of his reputation, sorry, Emperor Xingyuan did not have such awareness.

In his view, this great Xia was his, and as the ruler of Xia, he wanted his subjects to live better, the treasury to be fuller, the dynasty to last longer, and his own reputation was also very important!

The Minister of Revenue, observing Emperor Xingyuan's expression, also stepped forward: "I also think this move is inappropriate. With pirates in the south and barbarians in the north, military expenses often exceed the budget every year. If we use force again, the treasury cannot bear the burden!"

What about the new policy increasing taxes? Not a single coin has been seen yet, and now more money is needed?

"If we cannot use force to disperse and suppress, what good strategies do you have?" Emperor Xingyuan asked.

"I believe we should first appease the people's emotions. The new policy should not be rushed; a gradual approach is advisable," said the Minister of Works.

"I agree."

"I agree."

Emperor Xingyuan looked at the ministers who agreed to slow down the new policy, his expression unreadable.

Then Xin You stepped forward: "I have something to say."

The Minister of Rites and others glanced at her, thinking, you are just a minor official of the ninth rank, why do you have so much to say?

Oh, she is the Emperor's own daughter, so go ahead.

Emperor Xingyuan couldn't help but smile and signaled Xin You to continue.

"Initially, Your Majesty was deeply concerned for the people and selected several cities in the north and south to test the new policies. The new policies in the south have been smoothly implemented, and by next year, taxes can be levied under the new policies. However, progress in the north has been slow. Perhaps we can share experiences and learn from one another."

Emperor Xingyuan nodded in agreement.

Xie Chengan stepped up: "Your Majesty, the people in the north gathering to oppose the new policies is due to misunderstandings about them. I believe that Lady Xin's earlier efforts in various cities, using theatrical performances to inform the people about the new policies, have been remarkably effective. We could request Lady Xin to spearhead this initiative."

Upon hearing Xie Chengan's suggestion, the Minister of Rites and others cursed inwardly: Recommending Xin You to promote the new policies? This old fox is trying to get us killed!

Xie Chengan's proposal caused Emperor Xingyuan to smile.

Not for any other reason, but because it showed recognition of Ayou's abilities. What father wouldn't be pleased to see his daughter acknowledged?

However, despite his pleasure, Emperor Xingyuan had no intention of sending Xin You personally to the north to promote the new policies.

At this time of year, even the capital is bitterly cold, let alone further north. Ayou, a young woman, shouldn't have to suffer through such cold. It's not just discomfort; it could also affect her health.

Worried that Xin You might consent to go, Emperor Xingyuan coughed lightly and pretended to be puzzled: "I was just thinking, the smooth implementation of the new policies in the south is largely due to effective dissemination. Didn't Yong'an Count assign someone to manage this in the north?"

This was actually Emperor Xingyuan raising the bar.

No one denies the power of public opinion, but most people today lack awareness of it. By the time they realize something is wrong, it's often too late.

"Yong'an Count, being a military official, is not skilled in such matters," Xie Chengan said, appearing to criticize Yong'an Count but in reality defending him.

Xie Chengan later learned that Xin You had sent some people to Changle Marquis, which reminded him of the day after court when Xin You invited He Qingxiao and Yong'an Count for tea.

It must have been during that tea meeting that the storytellers were sent!

Xie Chengan wrote to Yong'an Count about this, but Yong'an Count dismissed it, so Xie Chengan didn't push further.

"Nowadays, even three-year-olds in the capital can talk about the benefits of the new policies, thanks to those storytellers. Since the new policies are encountering resistance in the north, why not send these storytellers north? Lady Xin, what do you think?" Emperor Xingyuan asked Xin You gently.

Xin You had already sensed from Emperor Xingyuan's reaction that he didn't want her to go north, so she didn't insist. She immediately replied, "Your Majesty is sagacious."

At this point, Prince Xiu stepped forward: "Father, I am willing to take the storytellers north and contribute to the new policies."

Emperor Xingyuan glanced at Prince Xiu and said indifferently, "The New Year is approaching. Stay in the capital and relax."

Rejected by Emperor Xingyuan, Prince Xiu's cheeks flushed red. He lowered his head and responded, "Yes," then stepped aside.

"Dismissed. Lady Xin, stay."

After the ministers left, Emperor Xingyuan asked, "Ayou, did you only send those storytellers and actors to Changle Marquis?"

The promotion of the new policies was carried out through performances of *Journey to the West*, with the storytellers playing the key role of explaining the new policies. The actors playing Sun Wukong and his disciples were ordinary performers, easily replaceable.

Emperor Xingyuan's question wasn't just out of curiosity but also concern.

Annoying, it seems like evidence that Ayou favors that wild boy!

Xin You looked deeply at Emperor Xingyuan and explained openly, "No. That day, I invited Changle Marquis and Yong'an Count for tea, intending to send them storytellers. Unfortunately, Yong'an Count was too busy and declined the invitation, so it didn't happen."

"I see," Emperor Xingyuan felt relieved and reminded her, "Don't skip the family feast on New Year's Eve."

Xin You paused for a moment, then lowered her eyes slightly: "I understand."

Shortly after she left the palace gates, Xie Chengan, who had been waiting, approached, rubbing his hands in anticipation.