The power of aristocratic families is far from being able to openly challenge imperial authority. Faced with a powerful emperor and the support of half of the court officials, they are unlikely to gain any advantage whatsoever.

"I second that proposal!"

Xun Shuang, who was ahead, pondered for a moment and finally made his decision.

Between two evils, choose the lesser. While the increase in the number of people recruited through assessment has greatly opened up the upward mobility channels they had previously controlled, it has also allowed their senior brothers and protégés to take the opportunity to enter officialdom, further expanding the family's influence.

Compared to directly confronting imperial power, going with the tide is the wisest choice.

After glancing at Xun Shuang, Yuan Feng instantly realized the key point and respectfully said, "Your subject seconds this!"

"We second that proposal!"

With Xun Shuang and Yuan Feng taking the lead, the other officials from aristocratic families stopped insisting. They weren't stupid; they could understand the stakes involved.

Everyone sighed inwardly, thinking that the most frequent phrase at this court meeting was probably "Second it!"

Seeing Yuan Feng and the others back down, Cao Song was smug, but once again he was impressed by the emperor's methods. What was originally a matter full of obstacles was easily resolved by the emperor by changing the subject and using a way to avoid the main issue.

This ability to adapt to changing circumstances is something I could never learn in a lifetime!

Seeing that both civil and military officials agreed to Li Ying's proposal, Liu Hong then said in a deep voice:

"Although you all agree that the problems in the southern states are indeed urgent, I feel that increasing the number of recruits to 50,000 is still too many! The south and the court do not need that many people right now."

"Your Majesty is wise!"

Upon hearing Liu Hong's words, the officials from aristocratic families breathed a sigh of relief, as recruiting 50,000 people at once was simply outrageous.

Cao Song quickly asked, "Then how many people does Your Majesty think are suitable?"

Liu Hong pondered for a moment, then said slowly, "Let's set it at five thousand!"

"His Majesty...."

Upon hearing that the emperor had suddenly lowered the quota so drastically, Cao Song became anxious and was about to speak when Liu Hong interrupted him.

Liu Hong looked at Cao Song and said in a deep voice, "The Grand Minister of Agriculture has no need to say more, let's do it this way!"