Just as he said, the day after Lu Jingze was released from confinement, he couldn't wait to go see Lu Nancheng.
Lu Jingze clearly came prepared this time, and had no time to beat around the bush; he got straight to the point as soon as they met.
“Your Majesty, I know you do not wish to go to war. The reason is that you are worried about the military expenses. I may have a way to solve this problem.”
"What method?"
"Throughout the capital, none have accumulated more wealth than the imperial family and relatives of the emperor. Since they are supported by the common people, they should contribute to the country in times of crisis!"
Hearing this, Lu Nancheng frowned slightly and pressed, "What exactly do you mean by that?"
"Your Majesty, I believe that the bad practice of not investigating the crimes of noble children should be abolished. At the same time, the Court of Judicial Review should be ordered to reopen the investigation into the illegal and disorderly conduct of the children of the imperial relatives and nobles, and to severely punish them according to the law!"
Since the founding of the Great Khanate, imperial relatives and nobles have enjoyed various privileges due to their special status.
Even if the good-for-nothing offspring of the family cause great trouble outside, they are usually let off lightly, and few people dare to investigate the matter thoroughly.
The current pro-peace faction in the court consists mostly of old aristocrats.
Lu Jingze's actions were, in effect, a blatant extortion of money from them.
As long as Lu Nancheng nods, the deal can be made.
The paper that Lu Jingze handed over clearly listed all the charges in black and white.
Lu Nancheng knew that this brat wouldn't just sit quietly in solitary confinement, but he never expected that he would secretly plan such a grand scheme.
The charges were clearly listed on the paper. If they did not obediently hand over the money to ransom the people, then these people involved would have no choice but to be sent to Lizhou to be punished.
Lu Nancheng frowned, and after a long silence, he finally asked, "Do you know what this action really means?"
Lu Jingze nodded solemnly, “Your Majesty, I know that although this plan can quickly raise a large amount of military funds, it will also offend almost all the major clans in the capital. As a result, Your Majesty will be in a disadvantageous position in the court.”
Upon hearing this, Lu Nancheng's eyes widened in anger. "Since you know the truth, how dare you speak such arrogant words!"
“Brother, our ancestors relied on the clans for their efforts in establishing the nation, and thus they were richly rewarded and granted titles. However, they also suffered greatly from this. Since you ascended the throne, you have been hindered by the clans at every turn. Our great nation has a vast territory, so why is the national treasury empty and unable to produce any money? It is because the most fertile lands are not in the hands of the common people, but are firmly held by those powerful clans and gentry. They do not pay taxes and enslave the people below them, just to fatten themselves up!”
At this moment, the atmosphere in the solemn and dignified imperial study was as heavy as death.
After a long silence, Lu Nancheng slowly said, "The problems of clans have been long-standing, and eradicating them will not be achieved overnight."
"We cannot build something new without destroying it. If we don't try, we will never be able to remove them from the court. Your Majesty, the matter of Lizhou is the best breakthrough!"
After that day, the emperor ordered the Dali Temple to investigate all cases of misconduct committed by members of clans that it had handled within the past ten years.
This decree immediately caused a great uproar among the various clans, drawing complaints and grievances from everyone.
But no matter how many complaints they had, they had no choice but to pay the fines one by one.
However, there were still a few unruly and uncontrollable clans among them.
Despite being fully aware of the emperor's pro-war stance, in order to maintain the dignity and face of his family, he openly opposed the emperor.
They would rather hand over some of their people than pay the fine and agree to war with the North as Lu Nancheng instructed.
At this moment, Lu Nancheng acted with exceptional decisiveness.
He immediately issued an order to quickly assemble a large force and prepare to send them to Lizhou to prepare for peace talks.
As is well known, Lizhou is a strategically important location with a complex and ever-changing situation.
The young men from prominent families who were the first to be recruited were all successors carefully cultivated by their respective families over decades.
Sending them to the perilous northern border, on the surface, seems to indicate that Lu Nancheng has high hopes for them, entrusts them with important tasks, and wants to take this opportunity to hone and train them.
But in reality, his true intentions are as clear as day.
To protect their elite troops, the powerful families ultimately had no choice but to bow their heads, pay the fines, and agree to the northern expedition.
At this point, Lu Jingze was appointed to an important position and participated in the work of procuring grain for the national war.
It was at that time that Lu Jingze met Mingxuan in Peizhou.
Despite the utter dissent of the world, the Su family, knowing that Lu Jingze was procuring grain in Peizhou, allowed Mingxuan to come and see him.
Upon seeing Mingxuan, Lu Jingze immediately frowned.
Without saying a word, Mingxuan knelt down in front of Lu Jingze.
"I beg Prince Jing to take me back to the capital!"
Upon seeing this, Lu Jingze couldn't help but sigh.
"General Mingxuan, the Emperor is already preparing for the national war. You can rest assured that we will definitely avenge the Ming family and the people of Lizhou! This battle will be difficult. The Ming family is already in such a state. We must not let the Ming family be cut off."
Mingxuan shook his head. "I cannot stand aside from national and family feuds. The Ming family still has Minglang to carry on the family tradition. I hope that His Highness Prince Jing can help me return to the capital to meet His Majesty."
After saying this, Mingxuan knelt down on the ground and remained there for a long time.
"I will be returning to the capital the day after tomorrow after this grain requisition. You can reconsider during this time. If you are determined to do so, I will agree."
"Thank you, Your Highness!"
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