It's broken, and was picked up by a femme fatale

Chapter 218: The "Three-Body Problem" of the Goryeo Court

Lu Yuan captured an intact warship easily.

The battleship that was crushed by the phoenix turned into a submarine in a short while.

out of humanitarianism,

Lu Yuan allowed the capture of prisoners and the rescue of naval officers and soldiers who fell into the water.

The captain of the Eastern Fleet, who jumped into the sea wearing leather armor, was finally rescued.

Lying on the deck, he kept vomiting seawater.

In the end, this guy almost vomited out all his bitterness.

Lu Yuan didn't bother to care about these small fry and gave him two choices.

One is to ask the family to pay money to redeem the person, and the other is to do hard labor for ten years.

As expected, the boy readily agreed and gave 12,000 taels of silver.

It seems that he makes a lot of money.

The same goes for prisoners, each one has a different price.

Of course, Lu Yuan also took the opportunity to offer preferential conditions to recruit naval officers and soldiers.

Recently, in order to become a true fleet commander,
Mao Wenlong even began recruiting Korean fishermen.

The conditions for joining the army have been relaxed again and again. As long as you are a man and can swim, you can join.

A large number of fishermen joined the Invincible Armada, resulting in a gradual increase in the price of aquatic products.

This stimulated more farmers to buy boats and go fishing.

In short, navy, shipping and fishing became bustling industries.

Almost all the former officers and soldiers of the Pi Island Navy became officers.

The "Large Steam Engine" drawn by Lu Yuan,
Finally, the research team of Peking University and Tsinghua University succeeded in trial production.

Although it is extremely clumsy, at least the energy output has made a qualitative leap.

The main application projects have two directions:

One is mining and transportation, and the other is steam ironclad warships.

In the near future,
Goryeo, the Throat of Northeast Asia
It will become a heavy industry base for steel and shipbuilding.

It is also the solid backing for Lu Yuan to dominate the world.

Two days later, Lu Yuan and his party arrived in Ryukyu.

The great chief once again led the islanders to warmly welcome the arrival of the King of the North Sea.

Commander of the Invincible Fleet, Mao Wenlong, led five warships and waited for a long time.

When transferring officers and soldiers of the Japanese Navy onto troop transport ships, Mao Wenlong received an inside information.

"My lord, the captured captain is of a very special status."

"Oh? What's the origin?"

"He is the legitimate son of the Yan clan of Shenling, Yan Shisanlang."

Regarding the descendants of the Shenling Empire,
Lu Yuan had heard about it from Gao Mingna and Ling Xiong before, but he didn't know much.

However, among the powerful people in Shenling, the Yan family has a very transcendent status.

When Emperor Lingwu overthrew the previous dynasty, he married into the Yan clan, a great family in Lu.

From then on, we obtained a steady stream of financial and human resources.

It played a very important role in the founding of the Shenling Empire.

From then on, the Lingyan and Yan families were bound together.
Whether the Crown Prince likes it or not, the Crown Princess must be the legitimate daughter of the Yan family.

This is a closer relationship.

In order to avoid suspicion, the Yan family set down the following family rules:
Direct male descendants were not allowed to serve as court officials above the third rank.

However, there are still many officials who are willing to cling to the Yan family.

After all, no matter how powerful the political scheme is, it is not as real as the pillow talk.

Therefore, the Yan family has an extraordinary status.

And, Yan Shisan was arranged by the Yan family to go to the Eastern Navy to gild his reputation.

As a result, this kid was unlucky and was caught red-handed by Lu Yuan twice.

This time, his subordinates secretly reported him to the rebels.

This shows how harshly he treated his subordinates and how unpopular he was.

No wonder this guy agreed to the ransom of 12,000 taels of silver without hesitation.

Lu Yuan smiled and asked, "What's your plan?"

"This kid is not honest, we must not let him off so easily."

Lu Yuan thought about it, shook his head and said:
"Let's see what attitude the Yan family has."

Lu Yuan’s plan is mainly at the strategic level and will not stimulate specific ethnic groups unless necessary.

The Yan family only occupies a small proportion in the power structure of the Shenling Empire.

Their focus is on agriculture and commerce.
To put it bluntly, the Yan family annexed a large amount of land.
And he has mastered several major franchise businesses.

For example, brewing, mining and shipping industries.

Yan Shisan joined the Eastern Navy for training not in order to gain control of military power.

But it was for the sake of a smooth future and to inherit his father's title.

Mao Wenlong's awareness has not yet reached the overall level.
Therefore, he couldn't guess Lu Yuan's thoughts.

However, a leader is a leader, and subordinates should just obey.

He immediately said, “Yes!

If someone from the Yan family comes, I will report it to you immediately."

Lu Yuan suddenly said:
"Don't spread the identity of that person."

Mao Wenlong was startled.
Then I realized that Lu Yuan was talking about the whistleblower of the Beiyang Navy.

"I understand! No one else will know about this."

Afterwards, Lu Yuan issued a special order to Mao Wenlong.

"Expand the patrol area eastwards,
Maintain the suppression of the Japanese navy, and destroy all pirates and corsairs."

Mao Wenlong was very excited.

This is the prelude to the attack on Japan.

Recently, Shen Liuliu has been secretly destroying the underground resistance forces in Goryeo.
They also launched an effort to instigate rebellion against Japanese prisoners of war.

This shows that Lu Yuan is preparing to take over the four islands of Japan.

Cross-sea warfare, especially for island countries like Japan,

A navy is a prerequisite.

Considering that Lu Yuan had made an exception and increased the size of the navy to 10,000 men,
Mao Wenlong was full of admiration.

What does it mean to prepare for a rainy day?

The king looks three steps ahead when he takes one step, and one thing leads to another.

As long as he wins this battle, his position will be as stable as Mount Tai.

After Mao Wenlong stepped back and met Shen Elbow, he unexpectedly received good news.

The Shen family has its own fleet and a large number of sailors.

In addition, the Shen family knows many large shipping families in Yuhang very well.

Mao Wenlong breathed a sigh of relief after getting the list of these families.

Now, the personnel of the Invincible Fleet can be completed.

Moreover, there are countless shipbuilding craftsmen in Jiangnan.

Skilled craftsmen can also be secretly recruited to strengthen the Incheon Shipyard.

I believe that the day when the steam ironclad warship was launched,
That was the time when Japan would be destroyed.

After a day's rest in Ryukyu, the fleet headed north.

The journey was smooth and three days later, Lu Yuan returned to Incheon safely.

At this time, the eight provinces of Goryeo were basically in a stable state.

The Incheon Central Emergency Center urgently allocated a large amount of supplies.

Promptly rescue refugees and civilians in Pyeongan Province and Hamgyong Province.

Although the weather is getting colder, in previous years a large number of people would freeze to death.

Fortunately, Lu Yuan opened the national treasury and made every effort to ensure the survival of the grassroots people.

Even porridge stalls were set up on the main roads.
Guide the penniless refugees to migrate to the southern tip of the peninsula.

This move was reported in the court newspaper and spread by word of mouth in the eight provinces.
Compared with Gao Jianwu's inaction or Hu's actions,

The benefits Lu Yuan brings to the people are tangible and visible.

Use work-for-relief and build water conservancy projects to ensure that the refugees have enough food and clothing.

Various factories, including shipyards, were open to recruiting workers.

A large number of royal fields were distributed to the farmers, giving them hope for their lives in the coming year.

Lu Yuan's popularity once again soared among the middle and lower classes of Goryeo.

Even the most stubborn writers,
He also had to express his approval of the court's series of "benevolent policies".

At the same time, the political bigwigs who occupy high positions in the temple,
Gradually I realized that the benefits of the "recommendation system" were becoming apparent.

For example, Lu Yuan only needed to state his requirements, and the court officials would express their opinions on how to implement them, and then summarize and decide on them.

The methods that were decided upon are basically the same.

Because this resolution was jointly recommended by all officials.
Therefore, even if something goes wrong during the process, it will not affect specific bigwigs in the court.

In this way, one's position will be more secure.

The big guys who are interested have discovered that the nomination can be micro-managed in private.

For example, reach consensus with key opinion leaders among officials in advance.
They can influence the direction of decision-making to make it more favorable to their own forces.

At least for now, there are three more obvious factions.

The Prime Minister's faction, as the name suggests, consists of people who follow Park Kuk-chang.

The chaebol faction, a group headed by Zhou Zhenglong from the Ministry of Revenue, are all from relatively wealthy families.

And finally, the Qingliu faction, which is mainly composed of the Censorate,
This group of professional fish eaters took it as their mission to promote a wise ruler, virtuous ministers and a strong Goryeo.

There is no doubt that the Qingliu faction is the weakest, but its combat power is off the charts.

It is said that they are plotting to overthrow the Prime Minister Park Kuk-chang.

And Zhou Zhenglong was also on their "death list".

Of course, there are also some scattered small groups that are not powerful enough and can only rely on the three major factions.

Lu Yuan returned to the palace and summoned the Prime Minister, Zhou Zhenglong, and the Chief Censor Quan Douyang respectively.

Park Guk-chang has been under a lot of pressure recently.

Although his faction is the largest, he is wary of three things.

Having great power may not necessarily be a good thing for the royal power.

In addition, the diehards in the opposition believed that he was Goryeo's biggest traitor.

Moreover, he threatened to assassinate him.

Finally, the Qing School seems to be intent on joining hands with the chaebol faction to bring itself down.

It can be said that the position of the Prime Minister is truly a "place surrounded by four wars."

Therefore, when he met Lu Yuan, he tentatively proposed to "retire and return home".

Lu Yuan knew his little thoughts clearly.

"Why do you say that? Look, I'm not here.

The court is still in order, the country is peaceful and the people are safe, all thanks to the Prime Minister!

The Prime Minister is the pillar of the court, he has made contributions but no faults!"

Knowing that the king had not changed his mind,

Park Guk-chang felt relieved as the cloudy weather turned to sunny.

When Zhou Zhenglong came to see him, he mainly gave a report.

The cost of resettlement in Pyongyang and Hamgyong provinces is staggeringly high.
However, agricultural and commercial taxes dropped sharply, and the court's deficit was exaggerated.

"Your Majesty, even if the royal treasury has more treasures, it cannot afford such subsidies..."

Since the other party was a technical bureaucrat, Lu Yuan used another tactic.

"Increase revenue and reduce expenditure, two-pronged approach, what do you think?"

Zhou Zhenglong asked hesitantly, "Your Majesty...are you talking about imposing new taxes?"

"Well, you can say that, for example, a 'luxury tax' that charges three times the tax rate on high-end items."

Zhou Zhenglong was surprised and asked, "Your Majesty, will this offend the wealthy family?"

Lu Yuan smiled and said, "No, I can afford it.
They won’t care about a little more money, and the vast majority of ordinary people will not be harmed at all.”

Zhou Zhenglong thought about it carefully and felt that the problem was not too big.

"Yes! I will arrange it right away."

Lu Yuan asked again: "What about saving money?

I heard that the imperial court and government offices at all levels in Daozhou and counties,
Redundancy is quite serious... 100 people support one official.
This situation has gone too far and must be reversed as soon as possible!"

Zhou Zhenglong's scalp tingled.

Layoffs have always been a double-edged sword, and if you are not careful you can easily cut into your aorta.

"Your Majesty, I think this matter should be dealt with slowly rather than hastily..."

Lu Yuan smiled and said, "You are right. Governing a big country is like cooking a small fish..."

Zhou Zhenglong was secretly delighted and immediately said, "Your Majesty is wise!"

Lu Yuan changed the subject and said, "But,
The imperial court must make its position clear and inform the world.”

"Yes! I obey your command!"

Lu Yuan stood up and said as he walked:

“Generally speaking, redundancy can be divided into three steps:
The first step is to liberalize government-run businesses and allow citizens to participate.
All government-run institutions will be phased out within three years.”

Zhou Zhenglong doesn't care.
Because most of the official business is done by the royal family or the Imperial Household Department.

"The second step is that starting next year, the number of newly promoted officials will be halved, and the number of successors will not exceed two generations."

Zhou Zhenglong breathed a sigh of relief.

At least, this will have little impact on the existing group of officials and the resistance can be controlled.

"The third step is to abolish the city defense forces in each prefecture within the five provinces and replace them with militia groups, and the court will allocate fixed amounts of funds to subsidize them."

Zhou Zhenglong didn't care, as this was in the interests of local officials.

Moreover, the five-year period provides a buffer period.

Finally, Lu Yuan smiled at Zhou Zhenglong and said:

“Zhou Qing has done his duty conscientiously, and this king knows it.

But among the six ministries, your Ministry of Revenue has the most officials, so you should share my worries!"

Zhou Zhenglong understood that Lu Yuan had said three steps.
He only left the redundancy in the Ministry of Revenue to himself, intending to make himself bear the burden.

Heaven will give great responsibilities to this people!
He felt both nervous and excited, but he couldn't refuse no matter what.

He prostrated himself on the ground and said, “Your Majesty, your words are very sincere!
Even if I have to sacrifice my life, I will definitely complete the important task of reducing the number of employees!"

"Good, good, good! My dear, please get up quickly.
There are still many days ahead, and I hope to leave you and I with a story of harmony between king and subject."

Zhou Zhenglong left the palace wiping away tears.
Because I am so excited and moved!

When Quan Douyang came to see him, Lu Yuan's expression changed instantly...

He put on a solemn and dignified expression.

"Minister Quan, you have to understand that the Censorate has a heavy responsibility.
You are the sword that upholds justice and protects the people.

And you are the sharp edge of this sword that slays demons and monsters!

I will always support you, just go for it.
No matter if they are princes, nobles, or officials of high or low rank, as long as they bend the law for personal gain,
You will investigate this thoroughly for me, bring these corrupt officials to justice, and show no mercy!"

Wow!
Quan Douyang, who had prepared many topics, was ignited by Lu Yuan's words.

Ahhhhh!
Your Majesty is so wise!

I said everything in my heart!
Now, we have the "Imperial Sword"!
You old thief Park, you fat guy Zhou, just wait for death!
He prostrated himself to express his gratitude.

"Your Majesty, I am overjoyed! I thank God for His grace!"

Lu Yuan transformed into "Uncle Liu" and stood up to help the other person up.

"Mr. Quan, if you have any difficulties or needs in the future,
You can report directly to me...

By the way, I have always heard that the Censorate is a government office with little resources.

I wonder how your life is going?"

Quan Douyang said with a serious face:

"I became an imperial censor not to pass on my wealth and status to my family! It doesn't matter if I live a hard life!"

Lu Yuan smiled and said, "It is said that 'the emperor has no hungry soldiers'.
No matter how foolish this king is, he cannot chill the heart of the Sword of Justice.
Well, in this way, the Censorate will be independent and parallel to the three judicial departments, and its salary will be doubled.
Specifically responsible for supervising corruption and fraud among all officials and business guilds.

What do you think, Lord Quan?

Quan Douyang was dumbfounded.

what?
The Censorate operates independently and its status is parallel to the Three Judicial Departments?

Doesn’t that mean that I’m a third-rank official?

Jumping three levels in a row is so exciting!
Moreover, the salary has been doubled, which makes her like Guanyin Bodhisattva who saves people from suffering!

He knelt down again: "Even if I were to be torn to pieces, I would never be able to repay the king for his kindness!"

Lu Yuan laughed and said, "You have worked hard and made great contributions.
As long as I live, I will never let you,

While they shed blood for the country, their whole family shed tears for life!"

Quan Douyang felt a pang in his heart and couldn't help but kowtow.

"If I could meet a wise ruler, I would die without regrets!"

Quan Douyang returned to the Censorate.

The imperial censors saw that the boss had a bruised face.

I thought he was being beaten up by the King of the North Sea because of his rash words!
Just wanted to say a few words of comfort,

Quan Douyang's eyes gleamed, and he shouted, "The Censorate swears to be loyal to the King of Beihai until death!"

Ah!
Everyone was shocked.

You, the leader of the Qingliu faction, have you walked out of the set?
Wait until Quan Douyang announces the latest decision of the King of Beihai.
The entire Censorate was in an uproar, no, it was boiling with excitement!
Finally, we can hold our heads high and the Censorate has gained both face and reputation!
Now, in the Incheon court, the three forces were intertwined and checked and balanced each other, achieving initial stability.

The manipulator behind the scenes, Lu Yuan, happens to be in a transcendent position in the "Three-Body Eternal Era".

(End of this chapter)