Chapter Twenty-Seven: Taking an Unorthodox Path

Within the crowd, the maidservant Xiao Die had her cheeks puffed out, her expression one of righteous indignation; clearly, she had been truly swayed by the rhetoric of these scholars.

When one student even clamored for Li Chen, the Emperor, to issue a "decree of self-reproach," she actually joined in the shouting.

However, after only a few cries, her forehead was gently tapped by someone.

"You silly girl, why are you shouting along with them? Do you truly believe they are concerned about the nation's affairs?"

Yue Yao scolded her in a low voice, then watched the unfolding spectacle with a cheerful smile.

Just as Xiao Die was about to ask what Yue Yao meant, a voice suddenly rang out from within the crowd.

"I truly cannot agree with what all of you are saying! I would like to ask you: are you concerned about the national destiny of the Great Zhou, or are you merely pained for your own prospects?"

These words were somewhat ill-timed, and as soon as they were spoken, they drew the side-glances of many.

"Ah! It’s Mr. Yan!"

Recognizing the speaker, Xiao Die cried out immediately, her expression filled with anticipation.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Yan Song walked slowly to the center and bowed to them, which made those who had intended to use force or hurl insults feel somewhat embarrassed.

The scholar who had been challenged earlier looked Yan Song up and down before retorting, "When our Great Zhou was founded, it was established as a national policy that the Emperor and the scholar-officials would govern the world together. The national legacy has endured to this day, and the Great Zhou has relied on feudal lords, nobles, and scholars like us to achieve the prosperity we see now."

"Yet today, with a mere word, the Emperor intends to abolish the imperial examinations. Have we not wasted all these years of hard work? It may be true that I care for my own future, but this is a harmful policy that destroys the national destiny and undermines the government. Do you truly believe we should not remonstrate with the Emperor?"

Hearing this, Yan Song couldn't help but chuckle.

"I dare wager that you are either someone who knows only how to study and cares nothing for state affairs, or you are blinded by greed, thinking only of your own advancement!"

The man was about to refute this, but Yan Song continued.

"You claim the Emperor’s policy is detrimental, but what is your basis? Is it merely because the Emperor abolished the imperial examinations? You mentioned that the Emperor and the scholar-officials govern the world together—that is correct—but are we scholars the only ones who qualify as scholar-officials?"

"Furthermore, you keep saying that the Emperor’s actions are ruining the country, but do you know how much the imperial court spends every year to support scholars? And of those, how many truly study with heart and intend to serve the country well later?"

"The Emperor’s plan to establish the Imperial Academy is a new path meant to cultivate talents who can apply their learning to the real world. If it succeeds, even if we scholars do not become officials, we can still contribute more to the world. Is that not right?"

Struck by Yan Song’s words, many who had been wavering began to feel that the Emperor’s actions were not entirely wrong.

However, while some changed their minds, others remained steadfast. Before the scholar who was questioned could react, another spoke up in rebuttal.

"What you say has merit, but it is one-sided. Moreover, the Emperor issued three decrees today. Even if this one makes sense, what about the others?"

"Opening establishments for vice? How scandalous and corrupting! Furthermore, in our Great Zhou, everyone except the Emperor is a woman. Is this not an insult to us? If this spreads, how will other nations view us?"

Upon hearing this, Yan Song’s stern expression shifted to one of mockery.

"The gentleman’s words seem somewhat misplaced, do they not? It is true that the locals of Great Zhou are all women, but over the years, as Great Zhou has developed trade and relations with neighboring countries, the territory is no longer inhabited solely by women."

"Moreover, even if we take a step back and admit this act is damaging to public morals, do other countries not have such industries? Do women in other lands not engage in such trades? Besides, the Emperor never said anyone would be forced into it. Such things are voluntary; if someone is truly struggling to survive, this may not be a dead end."

"More importantly, this is a means to increase the revenue of Great Zhou and attract merchants. I guarantee that after this decree is implemented, the Great Zhou will surely become even more prosperous."

He had his own private doubts, but as a supporter of Li Chen, he was determined to back him to the end.

The crowd looked at one another, their doubts still evident, but after a moment, those who had been skeptical fell silent. For a time, the voices of dissent grew quieter, and Yan Song seized the opportunity to tear apart the rest of the new decrees with sharp analysis.

...

Meanwhile, at the Prime Minister’s residence.

Ouyang Yu paced back and forth in the hall with his hands behind his back, sighing repeatedly.

"Lord Bai, you manage the Ministry of Revenue, and all matters of finance and trade are in your hands. Is there truly no way for you to resolve this?"

Bai Lian had a strange look on her face; she had just returned from the palace, having been summoned to the residence by Ouyang Yu along with several other officials.

Bai Lian had intended to report the discovery of a gold mine in the Great Zhou, but before she could speak, Ouyang Yu had preempted her with a difficult problem.

To prepare for the recent ceremony, the state treasury had stockpiled a massive quantity of velvet silk. This material was not valuable, and everyone in the country regarded it as worthless.

Now that the ceremony was over, this useless silk was taking up space in the warehouse, and since it could not be converted into cash, it was a major headache. Worse still, the imperial treasury was currently under immense strain. Although they had found a gold mine, it could not be tapped immediately. Thus, disposing of this silk had become an urgent priority.

After a moment of thought, Bai Lian explained to Ouyang Yu, "Lord Ouyang, you know the current state of our finances. It is not that I do not want to solve this, but this velvet silk is a common item. Now that it has accumulated, it is difficult to offload. If we rush, we might even end up at a loss!"

Ouyang Yu let out a cold snort, clearly dissatisfied. Just as he was about to press her further, Ge Siwang spoke up.

"Lord Ouyang, you need not be so anxious! I believe that before long, this silk will be sold out, and perhaps even in short supply."

Ouyang Yu shook his head with a bitter smile. "Elder Ge, please do not try to console me. This is a matter of great importance, not something to be joked about. Had it not been for the Emperor’s pressure, I would never have agreed to this!"

Zhang Cong, standing to the side, also wore a strange expression. "Sigh, a male Emperor is truly unreliable. Although he has made some moves that benefit the country, he is so reckless with calculations that the treasury will surely be drained before long!"

Ge Siwang frowned slightly and reminded them helplessly, "Have you all forgotten? We have just discovered a gold mine. And when has the Emperor ever made a mistake? This ceremony will surely be known across the world before long, and when that time comes..."

He did not finish his sentence, but in an instant, everyone present realized the implication.

However, as the Prime Minister, Ouyang Yu bore a heavy burden, and even having grasped some of the key points, he remained doubtful.

Just as he was about to ask further questions, a burst of hurried footsteps outside suddenly interrupted him...