Quick Transmigration: Underdog Turns out to be Untouchable

"Forgot someone?"

The Emperor was initially puzzled by what Shuangshuang said, but after thinking it over, his eyes suddenly lit up. Looking at Shuangshuang, he said, "Are you talking about Wei Aiqing?"

Shuangshuang nodded with a smile, "Exactly, it’s Mr. Nameless. Although Mr. Nameless has distanced himself from the court, he always keeps Your Majesty, and the well-being of the common people, in mind.

Over the years, Mr. Nameless has traveled widely, befriending many hidden scholars who are equally dissatisfied with the aristocratic families that harm the country and who share the same ideals.

Aren’t these hidden scholars just the people Your Majesty needs to help cultivate talent for you?

These hidden scholars may not be unwilling to contribute to the court, and if Mr. Nameless takes charge of this matter, it will certainly be twice as effective with half the effort."

"That’s right, when Wei Aiqing was Prime Minister, he loved to associate with these hidden scholars. Now, after so many years, he must have befriended even more. I shall write a secret decree to Wei Aiqing immediately, asking him to oversee this matter."

The Emperor acted swiftly by nature and, without delay, picked up his pen to write the secret decree, which, by royal protocol, would be delivered by a special envoy.

Watching the Emperor write the decree, Shuangshuang was genuinely happy for Mr. Nameless. Although Mr. Nameless had lived freely over these years, deep down he was discontent, always thinking of the Emperor and the unfulfilled reforms. Now with a mission at hand, he would undoubtedly be pleased.

After the secret decree was delivered to Mr. Nameless, the Emperor pondered for a moment and then wrote another secret decree to Wang Zhongxuan, asking him to assist Mr. Nameless in overseeing the matter and to instruct the students in the ways of governance.

This move by the Emperor effectively reinstated Wang Zhongxuan, due to Shuangshuang’s influence.

Although Wang Zhongxuan was a former Prime Minister and undoubtedly talented, the Emperor had previously distrusted him, primarily because Wang had sided during a dispute among the Emperor’s sons, which had angered him.

The Emperor’s decision to reinstate Wang Zhongxuan wasn’t due to newfound trust in him, but because the Emperor trusted Shuangshuang, believing she wouldn’t allow Wang Zhongxuan to act against his interests.

Shuangshuang accepted the decree with both hands, thanking the Emperor on behalf of her grandfather Wang Zhongxuan, "Your servant’s daughter thanks the Emperor for his magnanimity, overlooking my grandfather’s past mistakes."

The Emperor waved his hand casually, "This is a small matter; your grandfather is indeed a talented person. It would be a waste to keep him idle."

"Rest assured, Your Majesty, your servant’s daughter will inform my grandfather, ensuring he doesn’t repeat past mistakes and focuses on serving you."

Having assured the Emperor that her grandfather would not take sides among the princes again, Shuangshuang turned the conversation back to the topic of reform.

"Your Majesty, while the issue of talent has been addressed, the influence of aristocratic families on the nation is not limited to talent but also to wealth.

Our Grand Ancestor was quite foresighted, not suppressing merchants, which is why our dynasty is more prosperous than any before it, with commercial taxes being a major source of revenue.

However, the majority of trade routes are controlled by these aristocratic families, who engage in commerce without paying taxes while also suppressing and excluding other merchants. As a result, big merchants must rely on these families to engage in business at all.

This taxation on commerce alone has made those families rich and powerful. If commerce is not controlled, when Your Majesty decisively reforms the aristocratic families, they may resort to disrupting the state through commerce, causing tremendous trouble."

Shuangshuang admired the Grand Ancestor Emperor for this. Traditionally, emperors prioritized agriculture over commerce, yet the Grand Ancestor did not look down on merchants. It is because of the flourishing trade routes that our dynasty manages to persist, even with seventy percent of tax revenues going to aristocratic families.

Since Your Majesty most resembles the Grand Ancestor, your ideology naturally aligns closely with his, likewise not underestimating merchants. In fact, owing to the Grand Ancestor, emperors of this dynasty generally have not belittled merchants.

Thus, upon mentioning this issue, Your Majesty nodded and said, "This can be easily managed; I can promote some Imperial Merchants to counterbalance the aristocratic families.

No matter what, I am still the Emperor. With my backing, those aristocratic families would not dare to act too overtly and would only resort to minor subterfuge in private.

If those private tactics of the aristocratic families are something that the merchants cannot counter, then I cannot rely on them either. One must have some capability to gain benefits; amongst the many merchants in the world, only the capable can be of service to me."

Shuangshuang fully agreed with the Emperor’s view. One must possess ability to advance; if one relies entirely on the superior to solve everything, then what are they useful for?

"In truth, the aristocratic families’ money is easily earned, having accumulated vast wealth over generations and placing great importance on appearances.

From the jewelry they wear, the clothes they don, the cosmetics and perfumes used by their ladies, to their home furnishings and objects, the more extravagant these are, the more they appreciate them. Under mutual competition, they spend money like water.

Your Majesty could recruit a group of merchants to sell these luxury goods. Jewelry, cosmetics, or perfumes, for instance, can be made popular in the harem with the Empress leading the trend.

As for furniture, décor, and certain luxurious artifacts, the Emperor and nobles could spearhead their use.

The aristocratic families love to compete; once these items become fashionable in Capital City, they will undoubtedly chase after them eagerly. These families are never short of money, and spending lavishly is merely a flicker of an eye."

Subsequently, Shuangshuang elaborated to the Emperor on how to advertise, entice consumption, and establish a brand, ensuring that when people think of these products, they associate them with authenticity and prestige.

The Emperor listened intently, and Eunuch Gao, trusted by the Emperor, called in a fast-writing little eunuch to record all of Shuangshuang’s words.

Shuangshuang, the Emperor, and nearby, virtually silent but always hitting key points when speaking, General An, discussed reform matters at length until it was time to light lamps, leaving Shuangshuang parched from the lengthy talks.

Only when Eunuch Gao reminded the Emperor about dinner did the Emperor realize how late it had gotten. Though not yet satisfied, the Emperor ordered dinner for General An and Shuangshuang to share.

Afterwards, the Emperor thoughtfully allowed the two to resolve personal matters before ordering tea and continuing discussions on reform.

Late into the night, Shuangshuang and General An finally left the Hot Spring Palace. Since Shuangshuang was in poor health, the Emperor kindly arranged for her to be escorted back to another residence and additionally dispatched two Imperial Physicians to attend to her, ensuring her well-being.

Perhaps due to high spirits, despite the day’s exertions, upon returning to the residence, Shuangshuang merely showed slight symptoms of mild fever but nothing serious.

After taking her pulse, the Imperial Physician prescribed a calming soup and brewed cold tea before departing.

Upon seeing off the physician, Shuangshuang drank the cold tea and then went to visit her grandfather Wang Zhongxuan overnight.