Three years later, in Dunyang City, at the Fu'an Teahouse.
In a corner of the lobby on the first floor, a simply dressed, resolute-faced student from a poor family, his eyes gleaming with hope, excitedly said, "Do you know? Our Imperial Consort truly cares about us poor students. He changed the rules of the imperial examinations, saying that he wanted to give those of us from humble backgrounds, who are learned, a chance to compete with the sons of powerful families."
He even created a special category called the "Humble Scholar Examination," which warmed people's hearts just by hearing it. Doesn't this mean that those of us who crawled out of the mud could also have the opportunity to stand in the high halls of the court and contribute to the country?
What's even more encouraging is that the imperial examination questions are no longer so rigid; they no longer just test the same old things from ancient texts. His Majesty the Emperor encourages us to use our brains, come up with new ideas, and devise new solutions. In this way, those who are truly capable and have innovative ideas can stand out and do something practical for the country, no longer afraid of being buried in books!
“Hey, you’re right, but that’s not all.” A farmer in a patched coarse cloth shirt, his hands calloused, chimed in, his face showing a mixture of gratitude and awe. “Our Imperial Consort is very perceptive. He knows exactly how those powerful families have been using their land grabbing to oppress us, which has been a real hardship for us peasants. He kindly suggested to His Majesty that a ‘land equalization system’ be implemented to stop those wealthy families from endlessly seizing the best land, and to distribute some land to those of us who have no land or little land.”
This boosted our morale, improved our lives, and naturally led to a stronger nation and greater social stability. Although this matter displeased the wealthy families, His Majesty listened, and with the Imperial Consort's resourcefulness, they managed to get it done!
The atmosphere in the private room on the second floor was unusually heavy.
Looking at the bustling scene outside the window, Zhao Rui, the Vice Minister of Revenue, felt as if a huge boulder was pressing on his heart. He sighed and said to his colleagues, "You all heard it, didn't you? The heated discussions in the lobby on the first floor, and all sorts of rumors circulating in the shops."
In the past three years, although the Emperor and His Majesty have not borne any children, the Crown Princess's exclusive favor has placed the positions of our aristocratic families in grave danger. Our foundations are on the verge of being shaken; can you all stand idly by? Aren't you even a little worried?"
Although the Emperor and His Majesty have not had any children in the past three years, and His Majesty only has the Crown Princess as his heir, the vast foundations of our powerful clans are now on the verge of being uprooted. Aren't you all worried?"
Everyone remained silent, their faces showing anxiety.
At this moment, Zhang Zhao, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, couldn't help but complain: "Not anxious? How could we not be anxious! But what's the use of being anxious? Tell me, what can we do?" As he spoke, he shook his head and sighed, clearly feeling helpless about the current situation.
Just then, everyone turned their attention to Lin Qin, and one of them said, "Minister, the Imperial Consort is one of your men! He started by targeting your Lin family! Why haven't you made a statement in court?"
Sitting in the corner, Lin Qin was called upon. He awkwardly stroked his graying beard and slowly explained, "Gentlemen, consider this: if His Majesty hadn't authorized this, and the Imperial Noble Consort hadn't tacitly approved it, could this new policy have been implemented? Tell me, how should this old minister express his opinion? Should he smash his head against a pillar to prove his innocence with his life? Or should he resign his post and return to his hometown in court?"
The tea room fell silent for a moment.
Minister Lin is right! If it weren't for His Majesty's authorization and the Imperial Noble Consort's tacit approval, it would be too strange that Lin Muhan has been assassinated so many times over the past three years for implementing the new policies, yet he has always escaped unscathed.
Seeing everyone fall silent, Lin Qin slowly stood up, bowed to them, and then said unhurriedly, "My lords, this matter needs further consideration. Please listen to what I have to say: the Imperial Consort has a close relationship with His Majesty. If it weren't for the tacit approval of His Majesty and the Imperial Noble Consort, how could this new policy have been implemented so smoothly?"
At this point, Lin Qin paused, looked around, and continued, "I am well aware that you all have some dissatisfaction with the new policies, but now that the overall situation is settled, we should go with the flow rather than resist. As for me, I will naturally prioritize the court and obey His Majesty's orders in everything."
After hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement, secretly admiring Lin Qin's composure and experience.
However, they also understood that while Lin Qin's words made sense, the implementation of the new policy still needed to be approached with caution. After all, it involved the interests and future development of many families.
Seeing this, Lin Qin smiled slightly and continued, "My lords, I believe that the most important task at present is to stabilize the situation and prevent social unrest caused by the new policies from affecting the peace of the country. Under this premise, we can gradually explore reform plans and seek a balanced approach that can meet the needs of the court while taking into account the interests of various families."
Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement, expressing their willingness to discuss countermeasures with Lin Qin.
In the Zichen Palace, the candlelight flickered, illuminating four slightly weary faces.
They were none other than Empress Zhao Zhi, Imperial Consort Lin Muhan, Imperial Noble Jun Yunzhang, and Phoenix Lord Li Jing.
Four heads huddled together, their gazes fixed on the long map on the table. This was a new map drawn by Li Jing, who had spent three years traveling throughout the entire Yun Dynasty.
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