Chapter Nineteen: A Benevolent Ruler?

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Luodu, Tingyun Academy.
“Miss, what kind of place is this?” the maid asked with curiosity.
Yue Yao smiled gently.
“This place has quite a history; it has existed since the times of turmoil among the various nations. It was once called the Hanhai Academy. Scholars from different regions liked to gather here to discuss matters of state and country.”
“After the great Zhou ended the wars, it was renamed Ting Academy, directly under the imperial Secretariat, yet it retained the tradition of discussing affairs of the realm.”
The maid nodded, half understanding.
“So, we came here to...”
“Of course, for him. The very emperor himself, yet he stoops to peddle goods, even imperial treasures from the palace, and was even escorted back by officials. Ha, this is truly fascinating.”
“Such a farce, yet I regret not seeing it with my own eyes. I merely wanted to hear how these scholars view such an absurd matter...”
With that, she led the maid inside.
...
As expected, inside the academy, the scholars were indeed discussing the matter of the emperor setting up a stall to sell imperial artifacts yesterday...
“Preposterous! What is there to defend? Throughout history, which wise ruler would do such a thing?”
“If it were a mere royal family member, that might be excusable, but he is the emperor himself. Such folly shames the great Zhou.”
A nearby scholar chimed in.
“Shame is one thing, but what does our great Zhou pride itself upon? It is the diligence and governance of every emperor, ruling with benevolence and authority. Without imperial dignity, the nation loses its prestige. Would other countries not look down upon us?”
“Ha, what worries me is that foreign powers might take this opportunity to belittle our sovereign and launch an attack. Although our armies are strong, with a foolish emperor, I fear a series of blunders that could doom the great Zhou!”
...
At these words, many nodded in agreement.
Several elder scholars declared they would immediately draft petitions to the court, hoping His Majesty would cease such foolish acts...
Some even wished the new emperor would retire behind the scenes, leaving the chancellor or other princes and ministers to govern for a time...
At that moment, suddenly a young man stood up, laughing heartily amid the clamor.
His action immediately drew the attention of those around.
One could not help but ask curiously,
“May I ask, brother, why do you laugh?”

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The youth in blue waved his hand, reluctant to answer.
The man who had asked chuckled,
“If you have no profound insight, why stir up the crowd...”
The young man in blue slowly turned around, surveying the surrounding scholars.
“In my view, you are the true performers putting on a show! One after another, you spout nonsense and babble foolishly. His Majesty’s grand design—you dare to speculate on it?”
The crowd was stunned.
“Who are you? How dare you speak so recklessly here?”
“I am but a commoner named Yan; my name is of no consequence. I had hoped Tingyun Academy housed some wise men who understood His Majesty’s intentions, thus would support and encourage him. But it seems... you are all fools.”
The word “fools” struck a nerve, igniting anger among the scholars. They blocked his path, unwilling to let Yan leave.
“Very well, since you call us fools, then speak your high reasoning. If you cannot explain yourself, please account for your words just now.”
Yan nodded calmly, returned to his seat, and took a hearty swig from his wine flask.
“Ha, fine. Since you wish to hear it, I shall tell you.”
The hall fell silent as all eyes fixed upon Yan.
Yue Yao, sitting at the back, was also filled with curiosity about Yan.
Yan began slowly...
“Ha, you say His Majesty is foolish, but that is your limited view. You see only his absurdity, not his deeper purpose.”
“Consider that since His Majesty’s ascension, it is only this month that he truly began governance, and all his actions seem incomprehensible to outsiders.”
“First, the tribute from Song; then the refugees; the mountain bandits; the construction of the Great Wall; the general amnesty; the reduction of taxes on the princes; and yesterday’s absurd act. Each event appears as the folly of a foolish ruler.”
“But is His Majesty truly foolish?”
Yan took another drink as the crowd began to ponder his words.
“Song not only did not stop tribute but even encouraged neighboring smaller states to increase offerings, drawing Qin to seek an alliance.”
“Tang not only refused to exploit refugees but also provided large sums to help us pacify them...”
“As for yesterday’s bizarre act, which emperor in history has done such a thing? Precisely because none have, it proves His Majesty’s uniqueness.”
“Do you think His Majesty acted on a whim? How much silver could he gain by selling imperial items? From what I heard, at most a few dozen taels.”
“For what purpose? To show the people that the new emperor rules with benevolence—true benevolence that cares not for nobles and princes, but for all subjects, regardless of status.”
“The emperor humbles himself as a merchant; is this not the best proof? By placing himself in the bustling market, he reassures the people of Zhou and gains firsthand understanding of their hardships.”

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“A ruler so benevolent, and you still call him foolish?”
By now, many were beginning to waver in their opinions.
“What is a wise ruler? One who sits on the dragon throne daily, exhibiting solemn authority? In my view, a true ruler is one who disregards his dignity, mingles among the people, and does all for the nation’s welfare.”
“Finally, I say this: the Moon Worship Festival is approaching. With His Majesty’s actions, can you not discern his true intent?”
Having spoken, Yan stood up.
This time, no one blocked his way.
As he descended the steps, Yue Yao immediately stood with her maid and followed.
Silence lingered for a moment.
The thoughtful crowd slowly regained composure.
“I understand now. His Majesty’s purpose is to show the people before the festival that whatever the court possesses, the people are equally entitled to. When the people prosper, so does the court.”
“Yes, I see now. His Majesty wishes to genuinely express his determination to be a benevolent ruler, thus humbling himself to mingle with the populace...”
In an instant, the crowd reversed their former criticisms and began praising the emperor.
Unbeknownst to them, such sentiments quietly began to spread throughout Luodu...
“Sir, wait!”
Walking down the street, Yan suddenly heard a voice and turned to see a young lady calling him.
“You called me?”
“Your words just now were brilliant; I deeply admire your insight. May I know your honorable name? What brings you to the Zhou Kingdom?”
“Yan said before, my name is insignificant.”
“With your talent, how can your name be insignificant? Forgive my boldness, but do you currently hold a position? Have you considered working in my Tang Kingdom?”
Yan sized up Yue Yao.
“Who are you?”
“I am Yue Yao, daughter of the Duke of Tang.”
A flicker of surprise crossed Yan’s eyes.
“My apologies, Miss Yue. I am Yan Song. It is an honor to meet you.”
“However, Miss Yue, I must decline your offer. I have already decided to seek a position under the new young emperor of Zhou...”