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Chapter 247 Establishing the Royal Academy
After leaving court.

The civil and military officials all left the palace with their own thoughts.

"Your Majesty wants to abolish the tax exemption privileges of aristocratic landowners and also take back their private armies. This will probably not be easy!"

"Yes! It would be feasible to abolish the tax exemption rights of some aristocratic families and take back their private armies, but His Majesty wants to abolish the tax exemption rights of all aristocratic landowners and take back their private armies. This will probably provoke a rebellion by aristocratic landowners throughout the land."

"At that time, there might be big trouble."

Some officials walked out of the palace together, whispering amongst themselves.

The expressions on the faces of each official were uneasy, and some were quite cautious.

No one expected that during today's morning court session, Emperor Zhou Chen would issue an edict to directly abolish the tax exemption rights of aristocratic landowners and to reclaim the private armies of these powerful families.

This is no small matter.

While there weren't countless powerful landlord families in the country, there were still quite a few.

The imperial court wanted to abolish the tax exemption rights of aristocratic landlord families and also take back their private armies.

If these powerful landlord families rebel, then the trouble will be truly immense.

After all, powerful and influential families are not to be trifled with, and their rights are not so easily abolished or taken back.

These officials could imagine how the powerful families and wealthy landowners would react once the imperial edicts issued this morning were promulgated.

Of course, these officials all had their own thoughts on the matter.

The tax exemption rights of aristocratic landowners were abolished, and the tax exemption privileges of these officials would also be abolished in the same way.

The Eighth Prince Zhou Xian and the Minister of War also walked out of the palace with solemn expressions.

The Minister of War glanced at Prince Zhou Xian, the Eighth Prince; “Your Highness, His Majesty intends to abolish the tax exemption rights of aristocratic families and also to reclaim their private armies. If these aristocratic families resist, things could get very complicated.”

The Minister of War said with a worried expression.

"Alas, how could I not know?"

"But you've seen His Majesty's unquestionable attitude; there's no point in us objecting."

"The Eighth Prince, Zhou Xian, sighed and said."

It wasn't that Zhou Xian, the Eighth Prince, didn't approve of taking action against the aristocratic families; it was just that he felt it was a bit too hasty to do so now.

After all, the Great Zhou had only just wiped out the alien races from all sides and had not yet had time to fully stabilize.

At this time, it threatens the power of powerful and wealthy families.

It is by no means a good time.

If the powerful and influential families unite in rebellion, it will plunge the entire Great Zhou Dynasty into chaos.

"However, do you think His Majesty couldn't think of what we can think of?"

"Since His Majesty has already issued the decree, then His Majesty has already prepared for the worst."

"I just hope those powerful landowners will know what's good for them, otherwise..."

The Eighth Prince, Zhou Xian, shook his head, said nothing more, and left directly.

But the Minister of War understood what the Eighth Prince meant.

"Looks like I need to warn the people in my family."

Minister of War Li Yuan muttered to himself with a furrowed brow.

……

The Ministry of Justice, Minister's Office.

After leaving court.

Wang Yangming, the Minister of Justice, returned to his residence and sat in the main hall, deep in thought.

Earlier, when Zhou Chen had the Ministry of Revenue measure and count the land, Wang Yangming guessed that Emperor Zhou Chen might be eyeing the land.

Today's morning court session indeed confirmed Wang Yangming's guess.

The tax exemption rights of aristocratic landlord families were abolished, land was investigated, and taxes were levied per mu (unit of land area).

Emperor Zhou Chen's intentions are no longer simply to seize land; he clearly aims to completely weaken the power of aristocratic families and powerful clans.

In particular, the recall of the private soldiers of powerful families and wealthy clans has little impact on small aristocratic landowners, but it has a significant impact on large aristocratic families like the Langya Wang family.

Without private armies, the strength of powerful families like the Langya Wang family would drop significantly.

After pondering for a moment, Wang Yangming called out to the outside, "Someone come here."

"master."

A butler walked in.

Wang Yangming looked at the steward and said, "Immediately convey back to the clan the imperial court's intention to abolish the tax exemption rights of aristocratic families and to reclaim the private armies of aristocratic families."

This is all Wang Yangming can do now.

The sooner such news is sent back, the better.

As for how the clan would react, that was not something Wang Yangming could control or decide.

"Yes, sir."

The butler responded and immediately turned and left.

Such actions were not unique to Wang Yangming, the Minister of Justice.

Many aristocratic officials in the imperial court sent messages back to their respective clans as soon as they left the palace.

……

The Hall of Nourishing Heart.

Zhou Chen had just returned to the Hall of Mental Cultivation after the court session.

An imperial eunuch came in and reported, "Your Majesty, Minister Fang is requesting an audience outside the palace."

Oh!
A hint of surprise flashed in Zhou Chen's eyes.

The court had just adjourned, so why did Fang Xuanling come to the Hall of Mental Cultivation to request an audience?

"Announce him to come in."

Zhou Chen said something to the eunuchs and guards, and then sat on the dragon throne.

The eunuchs and guards bowed and withdrew.

moment.

Fang Xuanling entered the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

"I have met His Majesty."

Fang Xuanling entered the Hall of Mental Cultivation and bowed respectfully to Zhou Chen on the dragon throne.

"No gifts!"

Zhou Chen waved his hand and looked up at Fang Xuanling; "Xuanling, is there something you need to see me about?"

"His Majesty."

"The imperial court has always been short of reserve officials, and some officials in the four northern prefectures and Shu region have not yet been filled."

"The four prefectures outside the pass, as well as the northern border and the cities of Xiliang, are also lacking officials."

"Therefore, I have come to the Hall of Mental Cultivation to discuss the preparation of officials for the court."

"Your Majesty, do you think this year's imperial examination should be held earlier?"

Fang Xuanling cupped his hands and said.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Chen pondered for a moment.

Fang Xuanling didn't mention it, and Zhou Chen had completely forgotten about it.

During this period, many officials were purged both inside and outside the imperial court.

Whether they were from the imperial court or from the local area, they were all there.

The number of officials prepared by the imperial court is insufficient to fill these positions.

However, due to the resistance from powerful and wealthy families, the number of scholars who were able to pass the imperial examination before the new year was not large.

The imperial court was indeed short of reserve officials.

After a moment's thought, Zhou Chen looked at Fang Xuanling and said, "Xuanling, if you hadn't brought this up, I would have forgotten about it."

"Let's postpone this year's imperial examinations for now, but the imperial examination system needs to be revised."

"The recommendation system will miss out on a lot of talented people. In the future, the imperial examination will not need to have a quota for recommendation. As long as there are scholars and talented people, they can participate."

"I'll leave this matter to you, Xuanling."

"Xuanling, you can discuss this with Xiao He and the others."

Since the problems within the Great Zhou Dynasty need to be eliminated, the imperial examination system must also be changed.

Now that Fang Xuanling has brought it up, Zhou Chen can hand it over to Fang Xuanling to handle, along with the changes to the land tax system.

"The minister obeys the order."

Fang Xuanling bowed and accepted the order.

Zhou Chen looked at Fang Xuanling and continued, "As for the shortage of reserve officials in the court, weren't most of the reserve officials from those aristocratic families idle?"

"It can be used now." "However, your Ministry of Personnel should conduct more assessments of these prospective officials to prevent the emergence of another batch of parasites."

Previously, Zhou Chen dared not make extensive use of the reserve officials from powerful and wealthy families.

But it is different now.

Now that the external enemies have been eliminated, Emperor Zhou Chen's power has been established, and the Eastern Depot has spread throughout the Great Zhou.

Zhou Chen no longer needs to be wary of powerful and wealthy families.

Zhou Chen can grant these prospective officials the power of aristocratic and wealthy families.

He can take it back.

If these prospective officials from powerful and wealthy families, after taking office, still intend to act arrogantly and domineeringly like the officials from those families before them, then Zhou Chen would not recommend letting them experience the harsh realities of the Eastern Depot's prison.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Fang Xuanling bowed and said.

With Zhou Chen's words, the previously vacant positions of reserve officials from those aristocratic and wealthy families can now be put to use.

This resolved the temporary shortage of officials in the imperial court.

Subsequently, Fang Xuanling left the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

After Fang Xuanling left, Zhou Chen pondered for a moment and then said to Cao Zhengchun, who was standing beside him, "Cao Zhengchun, summon Du Ruhui, the Minister of Personnel, to the Hall of Mental Cultivation to see me."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Cao Zhengchun turned and left.

……

Half an hour later.

Du Ruhui entered the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

"Your subject Du Ruhui greets Your Majesty," Du Ruhui said respectfully to Zhou Chen on the dragon throne.

Du Ruhui was puzzled. The morning court had just ended, so why did His Majesty summon him to the Hall of Mental Cultivation? What important matter could there be?

Zhou Chen looked up at Du Ruhui; "Keming, I summoned you here because there is something I need you to do."

"I intend to establish a royal academy, recruit students, and offer both civil and military courses."

What is Kemin's opinion on this matter?

Zhou Chen looked at Du Ruhui and directly stated the purpose of summoning Du Ruhui to the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

Zhou Chen had already had this idea before, and had even discussed it with the Eighth Prince, Zhou Xian.

Now that Fang Xuanling has mentioned the need to reform the imperial examination system, Zhou Chen also feels that the matter of establishing a royal academy should be put on the agenda.

Otherwise, it wouldn't be a good thing if most officials in the country came from powerful and wealthy families.

Only by establishing a royal academy could the monopoly and restrictions imposed by powerful families on the inheritance of both literary and martial arts be completely broken.

Upon hearing Zhou Chen's words, Du Ruhui's eyes flashed; "Your Majesty, this is feasible."

"But now, His Majesty has issued an edict abolishing the tax exemption rights of aristocratic landowners, investigating their land grabbing and seizure, and also taking back the private armies of these powerful families."

"If Your Majesty were to establish more academies, I fear that it would be too hasty and drive powerful and wealthy families to desperate measures."

Who was Du Ruhui?

This is a man of exceptional talent and wisdom, capable of making sound decisions and possessing profound insight.

In an instant, Du Ruhui understood the profound meaning behind Zhou Chen's establishment of the Royal Academy.

Therefore, Du Ruhui had to remind Zhou Chen.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Chen smiled and said, "The powerful families are not fools. I have just wiped out the foreign tribes from all sides and my power is at its peak. They know how to seek advantage and avoid harm, and they will not run into my trap at this time."

"Unless someone is truly courting death, in which case I do not recommend making an example of them and exterminating a few more powerful and influential families."

Zhou Chen's position determined his perspective.

When imperial power is weak, powerful and influential families might try to stir up trouble.

However, when imperial power was at its peak, powerful families could only obediently submit, and most of them did not have the courage to resist.

Zhou Chen said calmly, looking at Du Ruhui, "Then I entrust the matter of establishing the royal academy to you. I will have the Eighth Prince and Liu Ye's Ministry of Works assist you."

"You should first select a site to build the government building and draft specific regulations."

"The establishment of the Royal Academy is not something that can be completed in a short time; there are many preparatory matters to be made in the early stages."

Zhou Chen said to Du Ruhui.

"The minister obeys the order."

Du Ruhui bowed and accepted the imperial decree.

indeed.

There are many things to prepare for establishing a royal academy.

Whether it's choosing a site to build a residence or drafting teaching regulations, the selection of teachers requires time for preparation.

It can't be done in a day or two.

Immediately afterwards, Du Ruhui received the imperial decree and left the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

Just a few minutes after Du Ruhui left the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Cao Zhengchun entered the hall and reported to Zhou Chen: "Your Majesty, the Prince of Kaoshan has returned from the southern border and is currently requesting an audience outside the hall."

Oh!
Has the King of Kao Shan returned?
Zhou Chen's eyes flickered inexplicably.

"Summon the King of Kao Shan."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Cao Zhengchun turned and left.

soon.

Cao Zhengchun then led Prince Zhou Zhan into the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

"Your subject Zhou Zhan greets Your Majesty."

Even though Zhou Zhan, the Prince of Kao Shan, was a veteran of three reigns of the royal family and wielded the Golden Shield of the King, he still had to bow respectfully to Emperor Zhou Chen.

This is the distinction between ruler and subject.

"Uncle, there's no need for such formalities."

Zhou Chen waved his hand and looked at the travel-worn Prince Zhou Zhan, saying with a smile, "Uncle, you must be tired from your journey! Have you handed over the affairs of the Southern Frontier?"

Prince Zhou Zhan immediately bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I am a martial artist, so traveling is not arduous for me."

"Your Majesty, the handover of matters in the southern border region between your minister and Governor Zhou has been completed. Please rest assured."

"The Prince of Kao Shan" said to Zhou Chen, who was on the dragon throne.

Prince Kao Shan, Zhou Zhan, requested a second appointment to return to the capital, and Zhou Chen readily agreed to the prince's request.

The Prince of Kao Shan was allowed to return to the capital, and Zhou Yu was allowed to take command of the Zhennan Army.

Meanwhile, Zhou Zhan, the Prince of Kao Shan, has been in Nanjing for the past month assisting Zhou Yu in handling the post-war affairs.

Therefore, it was not until today that Prince Zhou Zhan of Kaoshan returned to Luoyang.

"It's good that the handover is complete. The Imperial Uncle's return is just in time."

"I currently have something to do and am considering who should handle it. Now that my uncle has returned, this is the only thing that he should do."

Zhou Chen nodded and said.

Upon hearing this, Prince Zhou Zhan immediately replied, "Your Majesty, please give your orders, and this old minister will do his utmost."

"Your Majesty, I have already issued an edict to reclaim the power of private armies held by powerful and wealthy families."

"Before my uncle returned, I was considering who to send to confiscate the private armies of powerful families."

"Now that the Imperial Uncle has returned, I will entrust this matter to him."

Zhou Chen said with a smile.

Previously, Zhou Chen was still considering who to send to take over the private armies of powerful and wealthy families!

Unexpectedly, Prince Zhou Zhan returned in time, so this matter must be handled by Prince Zhou Zhan.

Given the prestige of King Zhou Zhan, this was the most suitable thing to do.

To reclaim the power of private armies held by powerful and wealthy families?
Upon hearing this, Zhou Zhan, the Prince of Kao Shan, immediately had a glint in his eyes.

King Zhou Zhan never expected that Zhou Chen would have such great courage to issue an edict to take back the private armies of powerful families.

This is no small matter.

Powerful and influential families are not to be trifled with; they have always outwardly obeyed but inwardly defied the imperial court's orders. Taking back the private armies of these powerful families will not be so easy.

However, since Emperor Zhou Chen had issued the decree, Prince Zhou Zhan could not say anything more.

Prince Zhou Zhan immediately bowed and said, "Your subject obeys the decree."

Zhou Chen nodded: "Uncle, tell me about the situation in the Southern Frontier!"

Zhou Chen didn't say anything more, but instead asked about the Southern Frontier under the King of the Mountain.

King Zhou Zhan, who was in charge of the mountain, also began to tell Zhou Chen about the various events in the southern border region.

(End of this chapter)