Chapter 1236 - 1146: The Female Chancellor 84
After witnessing the dire situation of the common people, the Emperor lost all interest in enjoying the snow or observing the plum blossoms. Instead, he directly led Yin Shuangshuang and General An back to the Hot Spring Palace.
During the winter, the Emperor stayed in the Hot Spring Palace to manage the court affairs, and the palace had everything needed, including the Imperial Study Room where the Emperor handled state business.
Currently, the Emperor was pacing back and forth in the Imperial Study Room of the Hot Spring Palace, loudly condemning the repeated wrongdoings committed by the aristocratic families, from the disastrous actions by the previous dynasty’s aristocracy to the threatening deeds of today’s noble families.
Yin Shuangshuang and General An stood side by side, waiting for the Emperor, who was incensed by today’s events, to calm down.
Luckily, the Emperor didn’t indulge in his emotions for long and soon calmed down, taking a seat on the dragon throne before gesturing for Yin Shuangshuang and General An to sit as well.
"Yin Aiqing, share your views on political reform!"
Once he regained his composure, the Emperor first asked Yin Shuangshuang, recalling her critique of his reform efforts during their last visit to the Thousand Eyes Bodhi Temple.
"If Your Majesty wishes to reform, you must first understand that the previous attempt at reform has already alerted the aristocratic families.
Now, they are very concerned about Your Majesty’s every move. If you wish to reform again, it will take much more time, and Your Majesty must have enough patience."
Instead of immediately offering strategic advice to the Emperor, Yin Shuangshuang highlighted the most crucial aspect of reform — patience.
The Emperor took a deep breath: "I have already considered this. The previous failure has taught me enough lessons; I cannot afford another failure."
Seeing that the Emperor truly seemed unlikely to act impulsively again, Yin Shuangshuang was reassured as she had long contemplated the reform issue.
The current situation seemed deadlocked, and after much thought, Yin Shuangshuang felt that if reform were to continue, they would have to embark on an unconventional path.
Historically, successful reforms are rare while failures are common because reforms often implicate the interests of nobles and face universal opposition, making them difficult to succeed.
"I once discussed the matter of reform with Mr. Nameless. His initial method was quite solid, but now, it cannot be used.
Nonetheless, the key to reform remains cultivating enough talent. The greatest threat from the aristocratic families is their numerous members in official positions within the court.
Most aristocratic families intermarry, forming interconnected branches that cover up each other’s misdeeds while in office, deceive the Emperor’s ears, and oppress the common people below.
Wherever aristocratic offspring hold official positions, the area becomes directly controlled by their family. They usually withhold the majority of collected taxes, reporting only a fraction. This is why much of the nation’s tax revenue ends up with the aristocracy.
The extensive network of aristocratic families leaves the oppressed common people with no avenues for appeal. They don’t understand the harm of the aristocracy and ultimately direct their resentment towards the court, which is naturally disadvantageous to governance over time.
Hence, to eliminate the aristocratic threat, the first step is to thoroughly remove their officials and replace them with Your Majesty’s own talents.
Once they are stripped of power, Your Majesty can manipulate the aristocratic families without private soldiers as you please.
However, the nobles will certainly disparage the Emperor. Thus, once Your Majesty acts, there can be no room for leniency; you must use iron-blooded measures to deprive the aristocracy of even the chance to speak, though such action may earn Your Majesty the reputation of a ruthless ruler."
At this point, Yin Shuangshuang hesitated slightly, as historically rulers have valued their reputation. Many kings in their later years have sought to acquire the image of a benevolent ruler, even showing leniency towards corrupt officials, thus leaving behind a legacy of chaos.
Noting Yin Shuangshuang’s hesitation, the Emperor understood her concerns and directly stated: "I am not an Emperor who pursues a good reputation; I will not weaken at the final moment for the name of benevolence.
Back then, Grand Ancestor employed iron-blooded measures to deal with the aristocratic families and was heavily criticized, but he didn’t care about the elaborate historical records. I do not dare compare myself to Grand Ancestor, but I consider myself the Emperor most akin to him.
Rest assured and speak boldly; tell me how I can evade the aristocracy’s watchful eyes and cultivate my own talents."
"In the current circumstances, establishing academies to nurture talent is unfeasible. Instead, we must build bridges in plain sight and maneuver secretly, establishing miscellaneous schools. The aristocracy is proud and has always looked down on miscellaneous studies, so this move won’t likely arouse their suspicion.
If Your Majesty decrees the founding of miscellaneous academies, claiming it is to provide the common people with practical skills, even if the aristocratic families oppose it, their resistance will not be particularly vehement. As long as Your Majesty persists, this matter can succeed.
While these academies ostensibly teach miscellaneous knowledge, they can secretly select academically gifted students and, in hidden locations, establish concealed colleges where secluded scholars can teach these students essential statecraft.
Once they are trained, they can be sent to various government offices starting as clerks or aides. The aristocratic sons traditionally disdain these associated positions but, in reality, it is these roles that truly implement work and hone skills.
During this period, Your Majesty need not solely suppress the aristocratic families. They are interconnected yet not monolithic.
The noble families have been rampant for too long and are already beginning to decay. Those with longstanding heritage often look down upon families with shorter histories, which is now commonplace.
Some newer aristocrats resent being marginalized by the established nobility, and unlike the entrenched families, they possess fewer deep-rooted corrupt ideologies.
If Your Majesty is willing to offer titles, these newer families might agree to ally themselves with you.
At that time, let the new nobility contend with the established families, aiding Your Majesty in diverting the old aristocracy’s attention, making the talent cultivation plan easier and more inconspicuous.
Once Your Majesty successfully cultivates enough talents to replace the aristocratic officials, it will be the perfect moment for Your Majesty to eliminate the aristocracy."
After Yin Shuangshuang shared her thoughts, the Emperor and General An exchanged glances and found the plan feasible, though the Emperor was troubled by one issue.
"Though this strategy is viable, where can I find these secluded scholars?"
As he spoke, the Emperor’s gaze settled on Yin Shuangshuang, knowing that despite her being a woman, her talents rivaled those of any secluded scholars. If tasked with this mission, he would be utterly confident.
Perceiving the Emperor’s intent, Yin Shuangshuang directly declared: "Your Majesty, this task is beyond me. While I consider myself no less talented than those scholars, this matter cannot be accomplished by a single person’s effort.
I do not know many skilled secluded scholars. If I were to handle this, it would be twice the effort for half the result."
"So where should I find someone to handle this matter?"
The Emperor felt frustrated, having a strategy but unable to implement it due to the lack of personnel, which was quite vexing.
Yet Yin Shuangshuang merely smiled gently and said: "Your Majesty, you’ve overlooked someone. There is someone who is the perfect candidate for this task."