As for Sun Jian's unwillingness to become an official, he had his own methods and means to resolve the issue, and these methods would make Sun Jian willingly become an official.

"I wonder what you think of my current situation, young friend?" the old man asked with a smile.

"Opinion? Heh, I'm just an ordinary citizen, how dare I speak ill of national policies and systems? That's a capital offense. I have no opinion."

Sun Jian gave a wry smile, picked up a chicken leg and started gnawing on it. This kind of thing wasn't something that ordinary people could easily get in those days.

"Haha, it's alright, it's alright. People all over the country discuss national policies and systems every day. We can't just arrest and kill everyone, can we?"

"Moreover, my discussion today is for friends, and there is no violation of the law. There is no one else around, so you can speak frankly without breaking any rules."

The old man put on a kind and benevolent smile, and as he spoke, he stroked his gray beard.

Sun Jian thought about it and realized that it made sense.

Moreover, it was he who brought up the topic, and he is a good friend of Governor Yao. Otherwise, he wouldn't know so much about me and would be so willing to ask for my advice. So I don't need to be afraid of any trouble.

"Old man, let's make this clear beforehand. What I say only represents my opinion and does not mean that other countries' policies are bad. Don't make a big deal out of this later."

Sun Jian continued, "I am just a commoner, while you are of noble status. If you insist on asking me, I can only make things up."

Zhou Wan'er and the others also stopped eating and listened to Sun Jian's detailed explanation.

"Who doesn't know the current national policies of our Great Gan Dynasty? Even the refugees have memorized them."

"First of all, the equal-field system was implemented, which distributed land to everyone. This policy increased the labor and productivity of the lower classes and increased tax revenue."

"Secondly, we need to reform the currency and weights and measures to develop the economy of society. We also continued the imperial examination system of the previous dynasty and reformed some policies so that students could also enter the court as officials through the imperial examination."

"The laws were revised, many cruel punishments were abolished, and the laws became more humane."

"Finally, the Fubing system was implemented, which completed the integration of soldiers and farmers and increased the country's military strength."

The old man, Wang De, and the three women nodded in agreement.

Sun Jian is right. It has been ten years since the start of the military campaign, and these policies have been in effect for ten years.

It is known to almost everyone.

"Judging from these decrees and policies, it must be said that Emperor Ganwu of our Great Gan Dynasty was indeed a great ruler who carried on the past and opened up the future."

"If this trend continues, not only will the burden on the people be reduced, but the social economy, culture and education, and even national defense will be strengthened. A prosperous and thriving society will be a foregone conclusion."

Based on his memories from his previous life, Sun Jian gave a fair assessment of Emperor Ganwu.

Upon hearing Sun Jian's words, Wang De and the others' expressions changed drastically; in fact, they could be described as somewhat delighted.

The two of them looked at the old man, but the old man was more composed.

His expression didn't change much; he didn't even lift his eyelids.

Sun Jian didn't dwell on the changes in these people's expressions, and that was indeed the case.

Emperor Ganwu, as the founding emperor, was outstanding in both civil administration and military affairs. His level of achievement and political accomplishments, if not comparable to Qin Shi Huang, the predecessor of Sun Jian, were comparable to Emperor Wu of Han, Emperor Taizong of Tang, and Emperor Wen of Sui.

"Can……"

Sun Jian paused at this point.

His "yes" immediately raised questions among the crowd.

"But some problems are beyond the ability of Emperor Qianwu of my Great Qian Dynasty to solve."

"Although he devoted his life to making so many contributions, the nine provinces are not yet unified, the four kingdoms are at war, and there is still war everywhere. The people are living in a living hell, and the border areas are full of starving corpses. Humanity has been completely lost."

"I cannot consider such a world of suffering and death to be a sign of a prosperous era."

The old man narrowed his eyes, and his gaze became deep and unfathomable.

Wang De glanced at his master, his expression awkward, and retorted, "Young friend, you are mistaken. Our Emperor is a rare and sage ruler, unparalleled in the history of dynasties. The current situation is due to the continuous natural disasters and constant invasions by enemy countries in recent years. If things were to change in a few more years..."

Before Wang De could finish speaking, Sun Jian sneered and interrupted him: "If we wait a few more years, I'm afraid a major war will lead to the downfall of our country!"

Upon hearing this, everyone's expression changed.

Although the old man was also startled, he did not show it on his face.

That young man is really brave!

It seems Governor Yao was right; this person is either a man of extraordinary talent destined for greatness, or an unforgivably arrogant individual.

At that moment, with a loud crash, Li You slammed his wine cup to the ground, furious: "Shut up! You brat, what nonsense are you spouting!"

"If you dare to spout nonsense and curse the national system again, believe me, I'll kill you on the spot right now!"

Even Wang De's face turned pale instantly, and his lips twitched with anger, but he had no right to speak.

"My husband..."

"My husband!"

Chu Qingcheng and Gu Zijian were so frightened that they stood up from their chairs, looking at the unfriendly expressions of the people around them, and were somewhat worried about Sun Jian.

You can't just say things like that!

If someone with ulterior motives were to overhear this, they might frame someone for treason, which could lead to the extermination of nine generations of their family!

Sun Jian smiled and this time did not argue with Li You. Instead, he looked at the old man who remained expressionless.

"Old man, as I said before, if you're going to make such a big deal out of this, then just pretend I didn't say anything, and you don't need to eat."

The old man gave a forced smile, his eyes fixed on Sun Jian, but he spoke first to the flustered Li You, saying, "Li You, sit down."

"Young friend, please speak freely today."

"I am also curious, why do you say that the country will perish in a few years if we make great efforts?"

Sun Jian gave a wry smile and said calmly, "Alright, then I'll speak frankly."

"The policies I mentioned earlier are all the best, but they are not suitable for the current situation."

The old man perked up at this moment, his brows furrowing: "Continue!"

"Although the land equalization system gave poor people farmland, it was a time of war, with four kingdoms divided and each claiming to be emperor, constantly fighting each other, and there was no unification."

"People living in remote corners are alright, but in other places, this system has actually caused great suffering to the people."

"Oh? There's only fighting on the border in my country; most areas haven't been affected." The old man said, somewhat puzzled.

"Even if there are natural disasters, it is because Heaven is unkind, so why blame the government?"

Sun Jian smiled wryly and said, "Old man, you only know one side of the story. What will we face once the battle begins?"

"What we're facing is conscription and taxes!"