Extra four
Although Emperor Yan did not intend to intervene, news of Yan Shujin's actions continued to reach his ears.
In truth, Yan Shujin had no intention of hiding it from Emperor Yan. Under such circumstances, it would be the most foolish thing to do to hide it from him, as it would only strain their relationship and make it easier for others to find fault with them.
So even if there were some inappropriate things, Yan Shujin did them all in a very generous manner.
Emperor Yan saw all this and felt a pang of regret. He could tell that Yan Shujin didn't intend to wipe out all these powerful families, but judging from her attitude in offending those people, it didn't seem like she wanted to leave any future troubles behind.
This left Emperor Yan somewhat confused.
Yan Shujin did not intend to kill everyone, but she also did not intend to let them live as before.
Emperor Yan didn't understand, but Yan Shujin wouldn't remain silent.
In the imperial study, Emperor Yan said, "Your Majesty, regarding the handling of those aristocratic families, I am thinking of taking this opportunity to directly weaken their power. I am not talking about anything else, but about the number of weapons and guards."
Emperor Yan nodded and said, "Alright."
Yan Shujin stated bluntly: "Their ancestral lands and family property will be returned in their original form, but all their books will be copied and returned to the imperial court."
Emperor Yan frowned slightly and said, "Since you've offended someone, why leave any room for maneuver?"
According to Emperor Yan's orders, even half of the property of those aristocratic families was confiscated.
Yan Shujin said, "Many of the properties owned by those aristocratic families are not registered in their own names. Moreover, apart from Yintian and others, those properties are their family assets. I think the most valuable ones are those books."
Emperor Yan listened and asked, "Do you think they will thank you if you return these things?"
"Of course not," Yan Shujin said matter-of-factly. "I don't need their thanks. In the end, I'm doing this for the world to see."
Emperor Yan raised an eyebrow and looked at Yan Shujin.
Yan Shujin said, "Let others know that the imperial court will not touch their legal private property."
Emperor Yan said, "Then let's do it."
Yan Shujin paused for a moment, then said, "I'm afraid we're making an example of someone."
After all, no one is stupid. It's likely that these aristocratic families would rather give up half of their family fortune than relinquish their collection of books, even if it's just for copying.
Emperor Yan simply asked, "Do you think you made the wrong decision?"
“No.” Yan Shujin said without hesitation: “Books should not be controlled by aristocratic families. Moreover, because the price of books is too high, the cost of writing materials such as pen, ink and paper is also very high, which is too heavy a burden for ordinary people. In addition, it is not only difficult to find a suitable teacher, but also impossible to find one. If more people read books, it will not be obvious in the short term, but in the long run, there will be more people willing to teach or take on students.”
Emperor Yan had not thought about these things, but upon listening, he understood Yan Shujin's meaning. The imperial examination was a way out for scholars, but not the only way out. Many people could not pass the examination at all. Those who failed and whose families were better off would continue to study at home, while many others would choose to teach students while preparing for the imperial examination again, or some would simply give up on the path of the imperial examination and instead take on disciples to train and cultivate future generations.
In this way, with more people becoming educated, those who want to study will at least have access to teachers, which will greatly benefit children's early education.
Yan Shujin's idea is to first provide these people with an opportunity to learn and read, and then benefit future generations.
Emperor Yan agreed, even though the cost would be very high. He knew that even if the effects weren't visible in five years, what about in ten or twenty years?
When there are more educated and knowledgeable people, the world will be more peaceful, and at least there will be no foolish people who think that using people for sacrifice is the right thing to do.
Yan Shujin said, "If we directly take their assets this time, not by confiscating their property, and not because those assets are illegal, will the merchants also worry that such a day will come? Will some officials also feel that the court has set a precedent and do the same thing? If that happens, how can we protect those people's property?"
Although the current dynasty is not like the previous dynasty, which regarded merchants as scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants, it does not treat merchants harshly, but it also does not provide them with much protection.
Yan Shujin said, "It's like if we were in their shoes. If I felt that I earned a lot of money, but others could find an excuse to take away the money I earned, or even take my life, then why would I still want to earn money? As long as I can survive, that would be fine. That would be very bad for the development of our country."
That's true.
Emperor Yan understood this as well. It was like farming; if you harvest too much, others will take it away, so you often become unwilling to work so hard.
Yan Shujin looked at Emperor Yan. In fact, these things should have been ordered by Emperor Yan to be legitimate.
Emperor Yan said, "Go and do it. If anyone tries to stop you, leave it to me. Make an example of them. Whoever is willing to be the chicken, or whoever you think is suitable to be the chicken, just do it."
Yan Shujin replied respectfully, "Yes."
Emperor Yan looked at Yan Shujin and suddenly said, "Sister Bao, I'm entrusting this empire to you from now on. You have two years left. If you can't handle it, then you can focus on assisting Brother Gui."
Yan Shujin pursed her lips, bowed, and said, "Yes."
Author's Note: Thank you to all the little angels who voted for me or watered my plants!
Thank you to the little angel who threw the [landmine]: 1;
Thank you to the little angel who watered the [nutrient solution]:
10 bottles of Ancient Capital Fox; 5 bottles of Statue of Liberty; ? ? 1 bottle;
Thank you so much for your support! I will continue to work hard!
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