Chapter 492 - 280 Cut down the vassals
However, Wang Jiayun quickly calmed down and pondered aloud, "Is this the Emperor’s intent?"
Ye Zixuan nodded slightly and sighed, "His Majesty’s ambition and grand vision reach the skies."
Upon hearing this, Wang Jiayun, his face stern, said, "It seems the Emperor wishes to emulate his predecessor, expanding territories and waging wars everywhere."
With a slight curl of her lips, Ye Zixuan spoke lightly, "It’s not about waging wars everywhere, His Majesty merely wants to build several ocean-going ships to explore the Outer Sea."
Wang Jiayun grimaced and said solemnly, "The immense cost of shipbuilding is beyond imagination."
About fifteen years ago, the Emperor suddenly implemented new policies, started recruiting soldiers, expanding the arsenal, imposing heavy taxes, and mandating corvée labor, making life miserable for the people and causing countless rebellions.
Alas, at that time, I suspected that His Majesty was planning something significant, but I never imagined it was for this."
He lamented, "For the sake of His Majesty’s personal ambitions, the Court has exhausted all means, plundering from the people and merchants, and now, finally from the Major Families."
Ye Zixuan nodded in agreement, "My master also said, His Majesty’s new policy can be summarized in eight words: weakening the Major Families and strengthening the arsenal."
Wang Jiayun laughed heartily, "What, is the Emperor afraid we might rebel?"
Ye Zixuan continued, "Once the exploration of the Outer Sea fails, the outcome will undoubtedly be a total loss, severely damaging the nation’s Primordial Qi, and dramatically increasing internal strife."