Yefutidaolu

Chapter 454 Not convinced

Gao Jian's attitude of treating everyone in the hall as if they were nothing further enraged the aristocratic faction.

However, no one dared to provoke the emperor at this time. Even if Gao Jian was truly an arrogant and reckless person, no one would be willing to actually walk into the line of fire at this critical juncture.

But the silent aristocratic families still turned their attention to Gao Jian.

However, the emperor could not remain silent.

The powerful families still held a great deal of power in the world. Faced with their silent pressure on Gao Jian, the emperor turned his head slightly.

The emperor's gaze finally fell on Gao Jian, carrying an indescribable meaning. "Gao Jian."

Gao Jian finally put down the spiritual fruit, clapped his hands, stood up, and casually cupped his hands to the emperor: "Your Majesty."

"I have come to ask you," the emperor looked at him, "what you did regarding Liangzhou and Cangzhou, was it for your own selfish interests or for the public good?"

Gao Jian smiled, his voice carrying clearly throughout the hall: "I just don't like them."

This answer is utterly arrogant! It's a blatant disregard for the laws of the country!
However, upon hearing this, the emperor not only did not become angry, but nodded and looked at Jiang Huai-ren and the others again:
"Did you all hear that? His purpose?" The emperor's voice suddenly turned stern. "What else do you have to say?"

As soon as this statement came out, it was shocking!

What is the Emperor saying?

How can such words still be defended?

What exactly did this supposedly brilliant idea entail? Was the emperor truly unafraid of a backlash from the powerful clans?

The entire Taiji Hall fell into a deathly silence. Even Li Zoufang abruptly looked up, his eyes filled with disbelief!

The emperor's voice, like thunder from the heavens, echoed throughout the hall:

"The powerful families of Liangzhou and Cangzhou have long held sway over the region, becoming too powerful to be controlled and a major threat to the court! When I was ill, I already knew of their treachery! I secretly ordered Gao Jian to use extraordinary means to eliminate these treacherous officials and restore order! The people you are criticizing today are none other than the meritorious officials who have served me and rendered service to the country!"

"You lot—" The emperor's gaze, like a cold blade, swept over the aristocratic officials led by Jiang Huai-ren, "Do you intend to question my decree? Or do you intend to plead for the injustice done to those corrupt officials?!"

boom!
An invisible pressure descended like a mountain, accompanied by the emperor's question, which contained anger and absolute authority. Jiang Huai-ren and the others turned pale, broke out in a cold sweat, and almost lost their footing!
They had planned everything meticulously, but they never expected that the emperor would use this method to directly "legitimize" all of Gao Jian's actions, even elevating them to the level of "acting on imperial orders" and "making contributions to the country"!

With this serious accusation pinned on them, who would dare to question anything anymore? To question insightful opinions is to question the emperor! It's to sympathize with a traitor!
Jiang Huai Ren's lips trembled, and finally, under the emperor's terrifying pressure, he lowered his head deeply and said in a trembling voice, "This old minister...this old minister was ignorant of the inside story and spoke recklessly. Please forgive me, Your Majesty!"

The powerful officials behind him, who had been so aggressive just moments before, all knelt down and begged for forgiveness.

With absolute authority and unexpected methods, the emperor forcefully crushed the aristocratic families' rebellion, not only preserving his own vision but also using this opportunity to give all the powerful clans a severe warning.

Beside the dragon throne, Gao looked down at the officials kneeling before His Highness, a barely perceptible smile curving his lips.

The imperial court in this capital city is truly...

However, looking at the kneeling aristocratic families, Gao Jian knew that this fierce battle had only just begun.

After this thunderous confrontation, no one in the court dared to easily test the waters. The subsequent agenda proceeded in an atmosphere of outward obedience but inward turmoil.

The Minister of Revenue stepped forward and reported on the general situation of this year's spiritual grain entering the granaries and the output of spiritual veins in various regions:

"Your Majesty, this year the three southern provinces have enjoyed favorable weather, with three million shi of top-grade 'white corn' entering the granaries, an increase of 50% compared to the same period last year. However, the two northern prefectures have experienced a slight reduction in production due to the influence of the 'Nine Netherworld Cold Qi,' necessitating the appropriate allocation of reserves to balance supply and demand in various prefectures and counties. Furthermore, the 'Tidal Spirit Eye' in the East Sea has seen a sharp decrease of 30% in the amount of Gui Water essence erupting this year compared to previous years, which may affect the expenses of water-attribute cultivators next year. I have already sent a letter to the East Sea Garrison Commander instructing him to investigate the cause and requesting the Ministry of Works to consider activating the backup spirit eye..."

The Emperor nodded slightly, his fingers lightly tapping on the armrest of the dragon throne: "Granted. The shortfall in production in the northern border shall be made up first by allocating grain from the Ever-Normal Granary in the capital region, so as not to discourage the cultivators in the border towns. As for the matter in the East Sea, the Ministry of Works and the Imperial Observatory shall conduct a joint investigation and give me an explanation within ten days."

The Vice Minister of War followed closely behind, reporting on the rotation of border troops and the losses of military equipment:
"Your Majesty, the annual rotation period for the 'Demon Suppression Division' in the Western Frontier is approaching, and according to regulations, elite troops from the Three Guards in the interior must be drawn to fill the vacancies. Their reported list of the losses of magical artifacts and war puppets is here, among which the consumption of 'Armor-Piercing Demon-Slaying Crossbow' arrows is particularly high, and an urgent replenishment of 500,000 is needed. In addition, the 'Dragon Soaring Guard' in the Northern Frontier has reported that traces of small groups of unidentified forces have been discovered in the border area, suspected to be related to the Qilin tribes beyond the Great Wall. Scouts have been increased and patrols have been increased. We have also requested the Astronomical Surveillance Bureau to grant additional 'Sky-Gazing Mirror' permissions for further investigation."

The Emperor glanced at the list and said in a deep voice, "The rotation is approved, and the Ministry of War is to handle it. The Ministry of Works and the Ordnance Bureau must give priority to the replenishment of military equipment, and those who delay will be punished according to military law. There are disturbances in the northern border, which must be guarded against. The request of the Longxiang Guard is granted, and the Imperial Observatory is to grant partial access to the 'Sky-Gazing Mirror'. As soon as there is any definite news, it must be reported to me immediately."

"Your Majesty," another official stepped forward, proposing permission to allow scholars to engage in commerce, "may we discuss this matter? As the saying goes, for scholars, making a living is the most important task. If one's livelihood is insufficient, it will hinder one's pursuit of knowledge. Those who seek advancement through unorthodox means, and those who become officials for personal gain, are likely also constrained by their own livelihood. Most scholars make a living through farming. Although commerce is a secondary pursuit, there are still viable options. If one does not compromise on righteousness and profit, even if it provides temporary relief, it is not entirely unacceptable."

The prerequisite for learning from sages is to be free from worries about food and clothing; if one is worried about food and clothing, it will greatly hinder the learning of sages; although doing business is not the fundamental career of a scholar, it is not unacceptable to use it to make a living. This is the way to open the door to learning and then to do business.

Gao Jian's gaze sharpened, and he looked over.

The emperor waved his hand and said: "Merchants are driven by profit and easily corrupt their minds; craftsmen are servants and are considered lowly; doctors and diviners are even lower than merchants and artisans; and those below them are even more lowly. There is nothing more to say. One must be careful in choosing a profession. Apart from farming and studying, there is nothing else worth doing. In ancient times, farming was called 'diligent farming,' and studying was called 'diligent learning.' Passing down farming and studying through generations is enough."

Since the emperor had spoken, the man had no choice but to leave.

The following matters were reported one by one.

The Ministry of Rites submitted a proposal to the Emperor for his approval regarding the ceremony, specifications, and arrangements for tribute missions from various countries during the upcoming spring sacrificial ceremony; the Ministry of Works reported that some of the defensive formations outside the capital city had fallen into disrepair and required the use of imperial funds for maintenance...

All government affairs were handled with clarity and decisiveness. The emperor was thoroughly familiar with all the data, precedents, and even local secrets, demonstrating that even in his illness, he had never truly lost control of the empire. This performance instilled a sense of awe in his ministers, who dared not be negligent in the slightest.

After all the agenda items were settled, the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs loudly announced, "Court adjourned!"
Shouts of "Long live the Emperor!" rose again, but this time, the voices contained more awe, shock, and complex emotions. The officials exited the magnificent Taiji Hall in turn.

Many people were still immersed in the shock of what had just happened, whispering among themselves and glancing occasionally toward the direction of the imperial staircase. Officials from aristocratic families had solemn expressions and hurried steps, clearly needing to return to their respective families to discuss countermeasures; officials from humble backgrounds or those affiliated with the emperor mostly looked excited, feeling that the emperor's power had been restored and they had found a pillar of support; many more had complex expressions and were carefully observing the winds of change.

Li Zoufang followed the crowd out of the main hall, paused briefly in the white jade square, then turned and walked toward Gao Jian, who had not left with the crowd but was standing by the corridor pillars seemingly admiring the scenery.

He approached Takami, his expression complex, but ultimately he let out a soft sigh, raised his hand and patted Takami's shoulder, his tone tinged with a mixture of emotion and unspoken regret:

"Insightful indeed... Your Majesty, this time, you really..." He paused, seemingly searching for the right words, and finally looked at Gao Jian, saying sincerely, "It's all thanks to you."

This statement has profound implications and cannot be explained in just a few words.

Gao Jian withdrew his gaze from the distant sea of ​​clouds, smiled at Li Zoufang, and gave him a smile that was difficult to decipher:
"Minister Li, you flatter me. It was just a coincidence."

The two exchanged a glance, both seeing the depth in each other's eyes. The political landscape of the capital had been completely transformed by today's court assembly.

Everyone left.

On a white jade plaza in the capital, the officials' figures gradually transformed into streams of light and disappeared, some riding on ethereal beams, others boarding flying boats, each harboring different thoughts as they vanished among the numerous floating islands of the capital.

Gao Jian and Li Zoufang stood under the corridor, and the surroundings gradually quieted down, with only the faint sound of the churning sea of ​​clouds coming from afar.

Gao Jian withdrew his gaze from the empty square and landed on the Minister of Revenue beside him: "Then, Minister Li, now I should have a proper talk with you?"

He used the word "you," clearly regarding Li Zoufang as the core of the "Imperial Party" represented by the emperor.

Gao Jian continued, "After today's events, the political landscape of the court should be much clearer now. It's divided into two factions, right?"

Upon hearing this, Li Zoufang gave a wry smile and slowly shook his head: "It's hard to say exactly how many factions there are. Beneath the surface, there are intricate connections and treacherous human nature. It's not a simple matter of either/or." He pondered for a moment, carefully choosing his words, "But if we're talking about those families that can truly form their own system, possess sufficient foundation and imperial power... well, those that can engage in long-term power struggles, are indeed only those aristocratic families that have existed for hundreds or even thousands of years and have flourished branches."

"Oh?" Gao Jian raised an eyebrow. "What about the major immortal sects? What is their attitude? As far as I know, many of them are not to be underestimated."

“Immortal sects…” Li Zoufang let out a soft breath, his eyes reflecting a careful assessment of the complex situation. “The various immortal sects have different methods of inheritance. Some emphasize bloodlines, some recruit disciples widely, some live in seclusion, and some cultivate in the world. Their ways and degrees of involvement in worldly power also vary. Some, like the Qingyun Sword Sect, have disciples who have served as generals in the court throughout the ages, loyal to the emperor and protecting the country; others, like the Zhenjing Dao Palace, live in seclusion, only caring about their own interests and watching the court struggles with indifference; still others are even more intertwined with the interests of certain aristocratic families, with deeply entrenched relationships. It’s difficult to generalize and categorize them into a single faction.”

Gao Jian nodded thoughtfully and concluded, "In other words, aside from those with ambiguous or neutral stances, those who truly challenge the emperor's authority, or rather, those who are 'unconvinced,' are mainly the powerful aristocratic families?"

Upon hearing the word "unconvinced," Li Zoufang slowly shook his head, his tone carrying a profound understanding of the historical context:

“It’s not so much a matter of ‘resentment.’ At least, openly, they would never admit it.” He paused, then got to the point: “They’re just following… the same old routine.”

Same as always.

These four words carry immense weight.

The expert understood immediately.

This means that throughout the long history of the Divine Dynasty, the power structure was not solely dominated by the emperor, but rather a system of shared governance between the emperor and powerful clans. These clans, through their monopoly on knowledge, resources, and talent, as well as through intermarriage and alliances, formed a vast and stable interest group that was both interdependent with and checked by the imperial power.

The emperor needed the support of powerful families to govern the vast empire, while the families needed the emperor's approval to maintain their privileged status. This was a dynamic balance, a political tradition that had continued for countless years.

“It has always been like this,” Li Zoufang added, confirming Gao Jian’s conjecture.

However, Gao Jian keenly observed that when Li Zoufang said this, his eyes did not show any approval of this old order, but rather a subtle, sharp desire to break the shackles.

Clearly, the emperor on the dragon throne, who has just "recovered," seems to have no intention of "remaining the same as before," given his displayed strength and decisiveness. He wants to reclaim more power and establish a more centralized empire with fewer constraints.

The "pillar of the nation" standing beside him, Li Zoufang, clearly shared the same ambitions as the emperor, judging from his consistent actions of suppressing powerful families and strengthening centralized power.

The old balance has been broken, and a new order has yet to be established.

Gao Jian looked at Li Zoufang, a slight smile curving his lips. His smile contained a hint of understanding, a touch of amusement, and a hint of excitement at about to step into the eye of the storm.

“I see,” he said softly. “It seems that it’s time to change these ‘old’ rules.”

"Are you also planning to make changes?" Li Zoufang asked, his sharp gaze scrutinizing Gao Jian. He was naturally referring to the old practice of "the emperor and aristocratic families ruling together."

Gao Jian met his gaze without flinching, nodding calmly, his tone even yet carrying an undeniable resolve:
"Yes, I'm also planning to make changes."

These few simple words announced that he would officially step into the highest level of the power game in the capital city, and that he was on the side that intended to break the old order.

However, what Li Zoufang didn't realize, or rather, what Gao Jian didn't intend to say at this moment, was—

What he wants to change is far more than just these things.

There are still many things that need to be changed.

(End of this chapter)