What's wrong with me, a powerful minister, supporting a few female officials?

Chapter 132 There is a mastermind behind His Majesty!
Upon hearing the Empress's words, the expressions of the six cabinet ministers changed drastically at the same time!
Xiao Yuan, the Minister of Rites, Junior Tutor, Grand Secretary, and the head of all officials, immediately stood up and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, this is absolutely unacceptable!"

Ancestral rules are the most important basis and legal foundation for the ministers' power to check the emperor's power!
Xiao Yuan was a veteran who served under three emperors and entered the court as an official in the later years of Emperor Wu's reign.

They knew all too well how terrifying an emperor who was unrestrained and acted recklessly was!
That would be the second Martial Emperor!
Xiao Yuan remembered it vividly!

When Emperor Wu was in power, he could kill his officials and nobles at will.

He also single-handedly created the Embroidered Uniform Guard and established the Imperial Prison, where he once massacred hundreds of court officials in a single night.

This silenced all officials, and everyone in the court and the countryside trembled under Emperor Wu's fierce power, living a terrifying life of constant uncertainty!
In fact, before attending court, one had to give instructions to one's family about what would happen after death before daring to attend!
As the head of all officials, Xiao Yuan absolutely could not allow such a situation to happen again!

Second Grand Secretary Wang Hao, following Xiao Yuan, straightened up and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, the ancestral rules cannot be changed. I hope Your Majesty will reconsider!"

Cui Xuan, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue and a Grand Secretary of the Wuying Hall, ranked fourth among the cabinet ministers. In the Ministry of Revenue, his power was second only to Wang Hao.

As a consistently easygoing person, Cui Xuan rarely expresses his own opinions.

But at this moment, he had no choice but to stand up and say, "Your Majesty, I also humbly request that you reconsider!"

The Empress's expression darkened slightly.

Their gazes shifted to Yang Ji and Wang Hua.

The two emperors hesitated for a moment, then said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, we urge you to reconsider!"

Yuan Xingdao, the director of the Imperial Observatory, remained calm and composed.

They watched the play without saying a word.

The Empress and Xiao Yuan fought fiercely.

As the second-rank official in charge of the Imperial Observatory and the Grand Academician of the Star Gazing Hall, he was more likely to reap the benefits.

Despite being in the cabinet, Yuan Xingdao appeared to be isolated and helpless.

However, there are many Taoist priests and sorcerers among the various factions in the imperial court, and they have a great many potential supporters.

Even if the Empress wanted to change ancestral rules, she would never change them to immortals and sorcerers!

After all, the presence of immortal sorcerers is a sword hanging over the Empress's head.

Although the Empress's realm was unfathomable.

However, there are also many hidden monsters within the capital!

If the Empress were to truly shake the foundations of the immortal sorcerers, it would absolutely result in a lose-lose situation.

Yuan Xingdao was well aware of the Empress's ambitions.

Before fully seizing power in the court and among the people, he would never completely turn against the Taoist sorcerers.

The Empress shifted her gaze from Yang Ji and Wang Hua without expression, and then said indifferently, "I know what worries you all."

"The ancestral system was established by Emperor Taizu and is the foundation of the Wu Dynasty. I will not easily change it!"

Xiao Yuan immediately cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty is wise!"

The Empress waved her hand: "My beloved ministers, please listen to what I have to say!"

Xiao Yuan and the others had no choice but to say in unison, "Your Majesty, we respectfully listen to your words!"

The Empress sighed, her face showing worry: "However, governing this world is absolutely impossible without money!"

"Now that the national treasury is empty, I have no choice but to change this ancestral system."

"I intend to relax the etiquette and regulations for merchants."

Everyone was stunned upon hearing this.

But at the same time, I felt relieved.

It's good that we don't target the aristocratic clans and feudal lords.

During the Great Wu Dynasty, the population consisted of four classes: scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants, plus those of low social status, totaling hundreds of millions.

Leaving aside the issue of social class, the Wu Dynasty imposed numerous restrictions on merchants.

However, as merchants amassed more and more wealth, more and more officials secretly engaged in business.

The status of merchants has risen considerably.

Strictly speaking, it should be scholars, farmers, merchants, and artisans!
It's just that no one dares to bring it up.

For example, in various places, especially in prefectures far from the capital, many merchants travel by sedan chair while secretly wearing silk undergarments, and local officials turn a blind eye to this.

These matters concerning etiquette fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Rites, and as the Minister of Rites, Xiao Yuan had no choice but to step forward again.

"Your Majesty, merchants do not engage in production and are parasites on the country. In order to prevent the people from following suit and damaging the foundation of the empire, the Great Ancestor set many restrictions on merchants."

"If the regulations on merchants are relaxed, it will surely lead to a rise in extravagance and arrogance. Wouldn't that be announcing to the world that the court supports such people who do not engage in production?"

He took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "Agriculture is the foundation of the nation!"

"If the people all follow suit and engage in commerce instead of farming, it will surely lead to chaos throughout the land!"

"Therefore, I believe this matter should not be undertaken!"

The Empress nodded: "Minister Xiao's words are wise and insightful, and I understand your intentions."

As she spoke, she sighed: "I understand that the people of the world are suffering, and I cannot bear to increase taxes and further harm the people."

"But the imperial court has no money, so how can it bring benefits to the people?"

"Therefore... we can only start with those merchants, hoping that they can temporarily help the court and alleviate the financial crisis."

Xiao Yuan frowned: "Your Majesty, please forgive my ignorance."

"I do not understand how opening up regulations for merchants can alleviate the financial difficulties of the imperial court?"

The Empress smiled faintly: "Merchants do not engage in production; they buy low and sell high, yet they make a considerable profit."

"I originally planned to increase the commercial tax from thirty percent to fifteen percent..."

Before he could finish speaking, Xiao Yuan and the others' expressions suddenly changed.

Even Yuan Xingdao couldn't help but frown.

Behind every great merchant is a court official, a powerful clan or noble family, or a Taoist sect.

With the tax on commerce affected, one can imagine the immense pressure the imperial court faced!

But before Xiao Yuan and the others could refute her, the Empress changed the subject: "However, commercial taxes are of great importance, and I cannot easily touch them..."

Upon hearing this, the cabinet ministers breathed a sigh of relief.

But the Empress then said, "Therefore, I will lift the restrictions."

"If a merchant is willing to donate money to help the court alleviate its predicament, the court may issue a special decree to reward him according to the extent of his support."

Xiao Yuan and the others exchanged a furrowed brow and a glance.

That doesn't sound like something that's unacceptable.

It's better than collecting taxes from feudal lords and noble families, or even levying commercial taxes.

If we were to reject His Majesty's will again, it would enrage him and cause him to insist on raising commercial taxes, which would backfire!

The cabinet ministers exchanged glances and had already reached a tacit consensus.

Wang Hao, Minister of Revenue and Grand Secretary of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, I have something to say."

The Empress nodded slightly: "Please speak freely, my dear Wang."

Wang Hao pondered for a moment and said, "It is feasible for merchants to voluntarily donate money."

"But there are no trivial matters in governing the country. This matter still needs careful consideration. We should solicit the suggestions of all officials at the grand court assembly and not act hastily!"

He paused, then added, "Furthermore, I still have two doubts."

"First, regarding open regulations, to what extent should they be open?"

"Secondly, the money obtained goes into the Ministry of Revenue's treasury, which is also His Majesty's internal treasury?"

The Empress thought for a moment and said, "What Minister Wang says is absolutely right!"

"Opening up regulations for merchants is a matter of great importance, and we must not act rashly!"

"Therefore, I have decided to first select one pilot site to observe its effectiveness before implementing it nationwide."

"As for Minister Wang's second question, I have already calculated that half of the donations received will go into the Ministry of Revenue's treasury and the other half into the imperial treasury."

Upon hearing this, Wang Hao was taken aback and blurted out, "Should we choose one as a pilot project first?"

"Your Majesty is foolish and ignorant, and does not understand Your Majesty's meaning. May Your Majesty dispel your doubts?"

As for the portion that went into the national treasury and the portion that went into the private treasury, he didn't really care.

In his view, even if some merchants were willing to pay money to obtain regulations, the amount of money they would receive wouldn't be that much!

Xiao Yuan, Yang Ji, Cui Xuan, and others also showed expressions of suspicion.

Leng Liuxi couldn't help but sneer inwardly!
These are the cabinet ministers of the Great Wu Dynasty!

I've explained it so clearly, yet you still don't understand what I mean!
She felt more and more that Su Mo was incredibly capable!
He can propose brilliant national policies that address specific issues while also articulating profound truths like "practice makes perfect." This is the kind of person I need—a true statesman!

The Empress slowly said, "First, take a county, loosen the regulations for merchants, and try it out for a period of time."

"If no problems occur, then it can be implemented nationwide!"

Wang Hao and the other cabinet ministers were all dumbfounded!
Unexpectedly, the Empress came up with this brilliant suggestion!
Xiao Yuan couldn't contain his excitement and slapped his thigh, exclaiming, "Your Majesty is brilliant!"

"This is a strategy of starting with a specific point and then expanding to the whole country. It can be tested in selected locations first, and then implemented nationwide. It can be applied not only to the regulation of merchants, but also to other national policies!"

"wonderful!"

"Absolutely wonderful!"

Although they were forced to contend for power with the Empress due to their own interests.

But the interests of Da Wu also belong to the ministers, who naturally want Da Wu's national strength to flourish.

Sometimes, it's not that they don't support the will of the gods.

The concern is that if we act according to the Emperor's will, the consequences will be unpredictable, potentially leading to national turmoil!
If a policy is issued and then immediately withdrawn, this repeated occurrence will inevitably lead to a significant loss of the court's prestige!

Choose a location to test it first, and all problems will disappear!

A prefecture or county can be easily controlled by the imperial court. Even if problems arise, they can be stopped in time, preventing unpredictable consequences.

When Leng Liuxi saw that the cabinet minister not only did not object, but instead slammed his fist on the table in approval, she secretly gasped!
Could Su Mo be that monstrous?

Did they anticipate that the ministers would oppose opening up regulations, and even anticipate that the ministers would use the excuse that "no matter is too small" to propose a pilot program?
That can't be possible!

Human nature is always unpredictable!

If that clerk could even guess the minister's reaction perfectly...

That's truly terrifying!

But now is not the time to investigate whether Su Mo is indeed that extraordinary.

The Empress said in a deep voice, "Since all my beloved ministers have no objections, then it shall be settled then!"

"I have decided to first select Tianchang County as a pilot area."

"Tianchang County has a population of over 200,000, which is neither too big nor too small. Moreover, it is located next to the capital, so the court can monitor the effectiveness of this policy at any time."

The six cabinet ministers were stunned upon hearing this.

No wonder the Empress brought up the matter of the magistrate of Tianchang County in the first place.

So the foreshadowing was left here...

……

Xiao Yuan left the Lizheng Hall and exited the imperial city.

Sure enough, Wang Hao's sedan chair was parked on the side of the road.

Wang Hao leaned out halfway and nodded to Xiao Yuan: "Prime Minister, please get into the sedan chair so we can talk!"

Xiao Yuan frowned slightly, instructed the sedan chair bearers to follow behind, and then climbed into Wang Hao's sedan chair.

Wang Hao didn't waste any words with Xiao Yuan and immediately said in a deep voice, "Lord Xiao, what do you think?"

Xiao Yuan thought for a moment and said, "This strategy should be fine."

Wang Hao gave a wry smile: "Lord Xiao, please don't play games with me. You should understand what I mean!"

He paused slightly, a worried look on his face, and lowered his voice: "His Majesty has a powerful figure behind him!"

Xiao Yuan's expression also turned serious, and he slowly nodded: "I think so too!"

He looked at Wang Hao suspiciously: "Lord Wang, do you know who instructed His Majesty?"

In the past, the Empress had competed with them.

Although they would also use Yang Ji, Wang Hua, and even Yuan Xingdao to counterbalance him.

But this kind of skill in managing and balancing subordinates is really naive in the eyes of an old fox like Xiao Yuan!

The Empress most of the time.

Or, by virtue of the sage's power, forcefully implement the sacred policy!

Even Your Majesty's ascension to the throne relied primarily on military force.

With terrifying power, he slaughtered all his brothers who were qualified to inherit the throne...

Force can seize the world, but it cannot govern it!

How to deal with an empress like this.

Xiao Qing and Wang Hao were confident that they were handling the situation with ease.

This is the first time that such a series of interconnected moves, a strategic retreat that leaves the cabinet ministers speechless and forced to agree to the imperial policy, has ever happened!
This is... the real power struggle!

The empress, who already possessed a natural advantage, further mastered such political maneuvering and checks and balances.

After that, will they have any room to resist?

Wang Hao pondered for a long time, and finally shook his head: "I can't think of anyone with such ability!"

He paused, then said with a grave expression, "But this person should not be underestimated!"

"Your Majesty is outwardly gentle but inwardly firm. I truly cannot imagine who could make Your Majesty change this nature, using advance as a means of retreat, so that we would unknowingly fall into your trap..."

Xiao Yuan remained silent for a long time before finally saying with a wry smile, "Actually, this is a good thing."

"If Your Majesty understands the principle that excessive rigidity leads to breakage, we ministers can rest assured."

"I fear that Your Majesty, knowing the task is futile, will still insist on going ahead and ultimately ruin the Great Wu Empire!"

Wang Hao nodded and smiled, "Lord Xiao is absolutely right."

"I am quite curious about the person who is hiding behind Your Majesty, offering you advice and strategies!"

As he spoke, he couldn't help but exclaim, "The pilot program is truly ingenious!"

"I am no match for you!"

……

Inside the Lizheng Hall, Empress Leng Liuxi was so excited that she could hardly calm down for a long time!

In the past, when I wanted to change ancestral rules, even those trivial ones, such as postponing the time of the lectures, it didn't mean I wouldn't listen to the lectures.

As a result, cabinet ministers and nobles all strongly opposed it!
Even Yang Ji and Wang Hua, who are seen as part of the imperial faction by outsiders, rarely dare to speak out on matters involving ancestral rules.

Although I could forcefully implement it using the power of a sage.

But Leng Liuxi also understood that this was not a long-term solution.

Once is acceptable, twice is acceptable, but a third time will surely cause one to become outwardly friendly but inwardly estranged from the court officials, and to go against their wishes.

Leng Liuxi was unwilling to be controlled by the monarch's power.

However, it must be admitted that governing the world cannot be accomplished by relying solely on oneself.

We still have to rely on these powerful aristocratic officials!
After all, he was not a legitimate successor to the throne and had no powerful connections in the Eastern Palace to rely on!

Unexpectedly, Su Mo's suggestion to propose a pilot program made this change of regulations go so smoothly!
Once the pilot program is successful, it will be naturally rolled out nationwide.

Not only were the cabinet ministers speechless.

Even civil and military officials found it difficult to raise objections.

Overwhelmed with excitement, the Empress longed to share her joy with someone!
or?

Should we leave the palace again?
The proposed changes to the regulations governing merchants, as well as the pilot program, were all suggested by Su Mo.

The pilot program in Tianchang County is a matter of power struggle between the monarch and his subjects; it can only succeed and cannot fail!

We need to find the culprit again and get to the bottom of this!

Who knows if that guy, because of Xue Yishu, will confide in Xue Shan and offer him all his advice?

That guy was incredibly timid and terrified of dying.

What if they choose to stay out of it for fear of getting into trouble?
I didn't go to him to share my joy.

I went there to embolden him, so that he would have no worries and would honestly work for the court!

Thinking of this, Leng Liuxi turned to look at the Chief Censor Hanxiang and said calmly, "Change into casual clothes and come with me out of the palace!"

Hanxiang froze, her pretty face turning pale, her voice trembling: "Your Majesty... are you leaving the palace again?"

If Your Majesty leaves the palace and the ministers find out, they will surely offer you advice and remonstrance.

Will they think they have bewitched His Majesty and then demand that His Majesty have them beaten to death?
Hanxiang was scared!
I got a lot of flak from the readers' comments, so I was planning to do a big update today, but something came up and I can't. But I'm not resting tonight, I'm continuing to write now and I'll definitely get a chapter out, but you'll have to wait until tomorrow morning to see it.

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(End of this chapter)