Chapter 131 A single document spread like wildfire, threatening the imperial court.
The paper mill in Songyang County has more than doubled in size. The large water-powered stone mortars operate day and night.
Beside the newly excavated dozen or so papermaking vats, the craftsmen moved in unison, holding bamboo screens, as if performing some solemn ceremony. The drying walls stretched for dozens of feet, and the newly produced paper, still warm and moist, was peeled off one by one, shimmering with a delicate luster in the sunlight.
The smell of paper pulp permeating the air has become inextricably linked to Songyang County. The locals are already familiar with this smell.
The surge in production primarily met the needs of the military and government.
Military orders, government decrees, training outlines, supply lists, household registration documents… all transformed from cumbersome bamboo slips and wooden tablets into lightweight paper. The speed of information transmission and processing efficiency were qualitatively improved. The piles of documents on Zhuge Liang's desk grew even higher, but his vermilion brush also quickened his review speed considerably.
Du Fu became a staunch advocate of paper. He not only recorded agricultural activities but also systematically organized county government archives and compiled local chronicles.
His boldest idea was to create a county government gazette.
This idea received Zhuge Liang's approval and also gained Django's strong support.
Du Fu originally intended to post it on the notice board at the entrance of the county government office, but Jiang Ge's vision went far beyond that.
As it became fashionable for Du Fu's official gazettes to be posted at the county government office and read aloud by minor officials, Jiang Ge quietly took action. She knew that the power of paper and words should not be limited to the dissemination of government orders within a single county.
Newspapers have the power to revolutionize things.
She found the most skilled engraver in the workshop and revolutionized movable type printing once again. Copper movable type was cast in batches, the type plates arranged as neatly as an army formation. The ink formula was adjusted to be darker and dries faster, and a batch of simple wooden printing presses were produced overnight under Django's personal supervision. Soon, a new printing workshop rose up next to the papermaking workshop.
It was here that Django transformed Du Fu's "County Government Gazette" into a true newspaper.
She named it "Min Qi Lu" (民启录), meaning "to enlighten the people and bring peace."
The Minqilu was no longer limited to a few handwritten copies.
With each press of the printing press lever, the snow-white paper is instantly covered with neat text, producing thousands of copies a day.
Its content has also undergone profound changes. The front page still publishes important government orders and agricultural guidelines of Songyang County, but the subsequent large pages are the most important.
Django personally organized the manuscript, using sharp strokes to expose the corruption of the court, how taxes were embezzled at every level, how disaster relief funds ended up in the pockets of powerful and wealthy people, and how soldiers on the border suffered from hunger and cold due to logistical deductions... Each and every incident was documented with time, place, and witnesses, presented with irrefutable evidence, and was shocking.
Immediately following this, they began to clearly promote their propositions: equal distribution of land and exemption from taxes—distributing land to farmers and abolishing exorbitant taxes; and universal governance—breaking the monopoly of powerful clans and selecting the virtuous and capable.
These policies were written in simple and easy-to-understand terms, with specific implementation plans and even catchy rhyming explanations to ensure that even ordinary people could understand them.
At the end of each issue of *Min Qi Lu*, there is a manifesto dictated by Jiang Ge and polished by Du Fu. It is no longer just addressed to the people of Songyang, but directly calls upon the world:
The devastation of the land is not the fault of one person; the collapse of the empire is a tragedy of collective karma! While the rich feast on meat and wine, the poor freeze to death on the streets! Today, the people and soldiers of Songyang rise from humble beginnings, not to carve out their own territories or claim supremacy, but to usher in an era of lasting peace for the world! We will equalize land distribution, abolish taxes, appoint the virtuous and capable, and end war! How can my fellow countrymen sit idly by and await their doom? Why don't righteous armies of the world join forces in this great undertaking?
These newspapers, through post roads, caravans, messengers, and even deliberately released refugees, spread rapidly as if they had grown wings, reaching surrounding prefectures and counties, the heartland of the imperial court, and even as far as the distant Jiangnan and Guanzhong regions.
They were hidden in grain carts, stuffed into bamboo tubes, or even torn into pieces and passed around multiple times before being pieced together for reading. Although the imperial court strictly ordered their prohibition, it was utterly unable to stop this torrent of paper.
As dusk deepened in Linhe Village, more than a hundred miles from Songyang County, the old scholar Zhou Shi'an finished a day of teaching at his private school and was packing up his books to go home. He was one of the few literate people in the village. He had passed the county-level imperial examination in his youth, but failed the higher-level examinations repeatedly and had no choice but to return to his hometown to open a school.
"Mr. Zhou, Mr. Zhou!" A low voice came from outside the private school.
Zhou Shi'an looked up and saw Wang Dazhu, the woodcutter from the village. He looked nervous, as if he was carrying something in his arms, and kept looking back.
"Dazhu, what brings you here so late?"
Wang Dazhu strode into the house, carefully closed the door, and then took out an oil paper package from his pocket. After opening it layer by layer, he found several sheets of paper covered with writing.
"Mr. Zhou, this was secretly given to me by a stranger when I went to the county town to sell firewood the other day. He said that what's written on it concerns the lives of us poor people... I can't read, so I'd like to ask you to take a look and tell me what's written on it?"
Zhou Shi'an took the paper, and the first thing that caught his eye was the three large characters "Min Qi Lu".
He frowned slightly, already having a guess in his mind—this must be something printed by the rebels. The imperial court had long ago decreed that anyone who privately possessed such writings would be punished the same as a traitor.
He should have burned it immediately, but seeing Wang Dazhu's expectant yet fearful eyes, he couldn't resist his curiosity. So, by the moonlight, he began to read.
At first, his brow was furrowed, but as he read on, his expression gradually changed.
He had heard of many of the corruption cases exposed in the newspapers, and some he had even experienced firsthand. Three years ago, during the flood in Linhe Village, the disaster relief funds allocated by the court amounted to only a few coins per household; last year, during the conscription, wealthy families could pay a fee to be exempted from service, while poor families had to contribute men, or else pay exorbitant exemption fees…
His hands began to tremble, not from fear, but from anger. All the long-suppressed grievances and injustices were now being confirmed on the paper.
"Sir, what does it say on it?" Wang Dazhu asked cautiously.
Zhou Shi'an took a deep breath and began to explain to Wang Dazhu. He read slowly, pausing occasionally to explain the meaning of certain words. When he read about the specific policy of equal land distribution and tax exemption, Wang Dazhu's eyes suddenly widened.
"Sir, this...this says that the land will be distributed to farmers, and rent will not be collected? Where in the world is there such a good thing?"
“It’s written in black and white, very clearly.” Zhou Shi’an pointed to the articles in the newspaper. “Look here: All those who cultivate the land should own it, and those who do not cultivate it shall not occupy it for profit.” And here: “Abolish all exorbitant taxes and levies, reduce land tax to one-tenth, and there will be no other taxes.”
Wang Dazhu stood there, stunned, his rough hands unconsciously stroking the table. His family had been tenant farmers for generations, renting land from the landlord, Master Li. Every year, 60% of their harvest had to be paid in rent, and the rest had to be used to pay various taxes. In the end, they didn't even have enough food to feed their family. Last winter, his youngest daughter, weak from lack of food, died from a cold.
"If it's true... if it's true..." he murmured to himself, tears welling up in his eyes.
Zhou Shi'an continued reading. The newspaper not only contained major policies and guidelines, but also specific examples: how Songyang County would improve the lives of its people.
These simple and unadorned words are more powerful to ordinary people than any fancy rhetoric.
When he read the part calling on the people to respond to the uprising, Zhou Shi'an's voice involuntarily rose. Nearly sixty years old, the long-cooled passion in his heart seemed to boil again.
"The world does not belong to one person, but to all people. If the people cannot bear their fate, then the mandate of heaven will change!" He read the sentence aloud, his fingers tapping lightly on the table, the rhythm becoming faster and faster.
That night, Zhou Shi'an's small house was brightly lit. He not only read the entire newspaper to Wang Dazhu, but also copied down the key contents at Wang Dazhu's request.
Wang Dazhu said he wanted to let more villagers know about this news.
As they parted, Wang Dazhu gripped Zhou Shi'an's hand tightly: "What happened today must not be told to outsiders."
Otherwise... the consequences would be unimaginable.
Zhou Shi'an nodded: "I understand. Dazhu, you be careful too."
However, after Wang Dazhu left, Zhou Shi'an couldn't fall asleep for a long time. He reopened the "Record of the People's Enlightenment" and read it repeatedly. As a scholar, he understood the profound meaning behind these words better than Wang Dazhu.
This is not just about rent and tax reduction, but about a transformation of the entire world.
The next day, Zhou Shi'an noticed some unfamiliar faces quietly appearing in his private school. They were all farmers from nearby villages, who, under the pretense of sending their children to school, actually wanted to inquire about the matter on the paper from Mr. Zhou.
Zhou Shi'an was cautious and only secretly took out the copied content after confirming that the other party was trustworthy.
One evening, seven or eight villagers gathered at Zhou Shi'an's house. The dim light of the oil lamp illuminated their weathered yet hopeful faces. Zhou Shi'an read aloud from the "Records of the People's Enlightenment" and answered their questions.
"Mr. Zhou, does this mean that Songyang County will really distribute the land to the people?" a middle-aged farmer asked, his hands so calloused that he could barely hold the newspaper Zhou Shi'an handed him.
"That's what it says in the newspaper," Zhou Shi'an said, pointing to the relevant report in the newspaper.
"Can we do that here too?" another young man asked eagerly.
Zhou Shi'an was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "The newspapers say that we need the whole country to respond. If no one responds, it will be difficult for Songyang County to succeed."
Silence fell over the room, broken only by the crackling of the oil lamp and the chirping of crickets outside.
"If someone takes the lead, I'll be the first to follow!" Suddenly, Wang Dazhu stood up, his voice low but firm. "I've had enough of Master Li's exploitation, enough of the government's oppression! Even if I fail, it's just death anyway, and living like this is no different from being dead!"
His words seemed to open a floodgate, and the villagers echoed similar sentiments. It was only then that Zhou Shi'an realized the immense anger hidden within the usually silent villagers.
After that night, Zhou Shi'an began to collect and disseminate the contents of "Min Qi Lu" more systematically. He even risked keeping every issue of the newspaper and hiding it under the floorboards of the private school.
Sometimes, he would appropriately incorporate content from newspapers into his lessons. When explaining that oppressive government is more ferocious than a tiger, he would cite specific examples from newspapers; when teaching about historical changes, he would explore the relationship between popular support and the alteration of the Mandate of Heaven. The young students might not fully understand, but the seeds of thought had already been sown.
Master Li, the landlord of Linhe Village, found it particularly difficult to collect rent this year. The farmers remained respectful, but the fear in their eyes had lessened, replaced by an unspoken determination. He heard that rent resistance had occurred in some places, and he couldn't help but feel uneasy.
One day, Master Li bumped into Wang Dazhu in the village and deliberately provoked him, saying, "Dazhu, I heard you're inquiring about the rebels in Songyang? That's a capital offense!"
Wang Dazhu stopped what he was doing, looked up and stared directly at Master Li: "Master, all I know is that people need to eat and children need to live. As for what constitutes a rebel and what doesn't, the people have their own judgment."
Master Li felt uneasy under Wang Dazhu's gaze and muttered as he walked away.
A single document spread like wildfire, and the whole world responded.
Inside the main hall, the floor was covered in gold bricks, so shiny they reflected the image of the nobles and officials on either side, who stood with their heads bowed and holding their breath. On the throne, the young emperor's face was ashen, and his fingers, gripping the urgent military report delivered from eight hundred li away, were white at the knuckles from excessive force.
Silence, a deathly silence.
Only the clanging of the iron horse-drawn carriages on the eaves outside the palace was clear and jarring.
"Thirty thousand people..."
The emperor's voice, dry and hoarse, as if forced from his throat, broke the suffocating silence. "A full thirty thousand elite imperial guards! And... Lu Zhiyun!" He abruptly raised his head, his gaze like a poisoned knife, sweeping over every minister in the hall. "Who can tell me! What exactly happened?! Lu Zhiyun has been favored by the country for generations. I entrusted him with the important task of suppressing the bandits, and he dared... dared to defect to the enemy! A disgrace! He has utterly disgraced my reputation and the dignity of the court!"
He grew angrier and angrier as he spoke, until finally he was almost roaring as he slammed the sweat-stained and dusty military report onto the imperial desk! The scroll struck the wooden table with a sharp "crack," startling all the ministers, who immediately knelt down.
"Your Majesty, please calm your anger! Take care of your health!"
The old ministers offered their words of comfort with fear, their voices weak and feeble in the empty hall.
"Calm down? How can you expect me to calm down!"
The emperor abruptly stood up, his chest heaving violently, his bright yellow dragon robe trembling slightly with excitement. "Songyang County! A tiny place! A bunch of peasants, and a Jiang Ge who sprang from who-knows-where! With them, they actually annihilated my 30,000-strong army and even caused my commander to defect on the battlefield! This is an unprecedented joke! You have completely disgraced me!" His finger almost touched the noses of the high-ranking officials kneeling at the front.
"Your Majesty!" Prime Minister Qin Zhengming raised his head with a forced smile. He was a veteran minister who had been in and out of power for decades. Although surprised, he remained calm and composed. "Lu Zhiyun has lost the army and disgraced the country by betraying his country. His crimes are unforgivable! He should be stripped of all his official titles and ranks immediately, and his family in the capital should be imprisoned. He should be publicly executed as a warning to others! The most urgent task is to decide how to deal with the chaos in Songyang. We must not allow the rebels' power to spread."
"Family? If they were thinking of their families, how could they possibly surrender?!"
Minister Wang of the Ministry of War said in a shrill voice, with a hint of barely perceptible evasion in his tone, "Your Majesty, Lu Zhiyun has always been arrogant and disdainful of others. I thought from the beginning that he was not a suitable candidate to suppress the bandits..."
"Minister Wang, you are mistaken!" Wu Shan snorted coldly. He had held military power for many years, and his voice was like a bell. "Lu Zhiyun's defection to the enemy is indeed a crime deserving of death, but has Minister Wang forgotten that it was you who strongly opposed the majority opinion and recommended him to be the commander-in-chief? Now that something has happened, do you want to just shirk responsibility?"
Minister Wang blushed and retorted defiantly, “When he was recommended, who could have predicted he would be so incompetent? Besides, the Ministry of War did its utmost to procure all the military equipment and provisions. Thirty thousand men, fully armed and with ample supplies—even if those rioters had ten thousand pigs, they wouldn’t have been able to catch them all in three days! How did it come to the point of total annihilation and the commander-in-chief defecting to the enemy? There must be something fishy going on! Could it be that Lu Zhiyun had been secretly colluding with the bandits and did this on purpose?”
"Strange? What strangeness is there!" A hoarse yet clear voice rang out, and everyone looked to see Bai Dahai, an old minister who rarely spoke in court. His hair and beard were all white, but his eyes were as sharp as an eagle's. "The military report clearly states! Lu Zhiyun underestimated the enemy and advanced recklessly, eager for quick success, plunging headlong into the ambush set by the bandits. The bandits used the terrain to their advantage, breaking through our army's formation with water and fire attacks! Moreover...moreover, Jiang Ge, Zhuge Liang, and others are exceptionally cunning in their military tactics, far from ordinary bandits! Lu Zhiyun was defeated and surrounded, with no hope of breaking out, so he cowardly surrendered to the enemy! In my opinion, not only is Lu Zhiyun guilty, but our entire court has underestimated this enemy from beginning to end!"
Bai Dahai's words were like a stone thrown into stagnant water, creating ripples. A buzz of discussion immediately filled the court.
"You're boosting the enemy's morale while diminishing your own!" Minister Wang scoffed. "Water attack? Fire attack? These are nothing but petty tricks of country bumpkins! Lu Zhiyun is incompetent, which is why he fell for it! Our army, a righteous and honorable force, would we really be afraid of such things?"
"A petty trick?" Bai Dahai's voice rose sharply, his white beard trembling slightly with excitement. "Minister Wang! It was these petty tricks that cost us 30,000 elite troops! It was these petty tricks that made Lu Zhiyun willing to bear eternal infamy to surrender! The military report is right here, in black and white! How long are you going to deceive yourself? Those people in Songyang County are no ordinary famine rebels! That Jiang Ge can train troops, manufacture weapons, and win the hearts of the people! That Zhuge Liang is skilled in troop deployment and full of cunning! And that Du Fu, I heard he's running some kind of newspaper there, inciting the people! They occupy a county, yet their orders are effective, the people are loyal, and they've even... even started to distribute land equally and exempt taxes to win people's hearts! This is no longer just an ordinary banditry, this is a major threat!"
"Equal land distribution and tax exemption?" The emperor caught the word, his brows furrowing deeply. "Are they really that audacious?"
"Your Majesty, it is absolutely true!" Prime Minister Qin Zhengming kowtowed and said, "This old minister has received secret reports from some local officials that this policy has indeed been implemented in Songyang County. In the surrounding prefectures and counties... many unruly people are already stirring up trouble, and some have even fled to Songyang with their entire families! This trend must not be allowed to continue! If it is allowed to spread, it will shake the very foundation of our Great Jing Dynasty!"
Upon hearing this, even the emperor's expression turned extremely solemn. They could underestimate a group of bandits, but they could not underestimate a policy that could attract the people and compete with them for the foundation of their rule.
"Foundation? Based on them?" Minister Wang remained defiant, or rather, he had to be defiant, otherwise his responsibility for his poor recommendation and the Ministry of War's inadequate support would be even greater. "Your Majesty! This is alarmist talk! A bunch of rabble, they won a battle by chance and forgot their own limitations! Equal land distribution and tax exemption? What a joke! Without the support of powerful families and tax revenue, how will they support their army? How will they maintain themselves? It's just drinking poison to quench thirst, and they'll inevitably face internal strife sooner or later! In my opinion, Lu Zhiyun's defeat was due to underestimating the enemy and his incompetence! Our court's might is overwhelming. We only need to send one more capable general to command a large army, and with the overwhelming force of Mount Tai, we will surely crush the clowns of Songyang into dust!"
"A large army? Minister Wang makes it sound so easy!" The Minister of Revenue immediately jumped out, his face bitter. "Your Majesty, you know best that the national treasury is empty! Last year, the Yellow River flooded, and this spring we encountered a severe drought. Memorials from all over the country requesting tax reductions and the allocation of disaster relief funds are piling up! In order to raise funds for the 30,000 troops of Lu Zhiyun, the Ministry of Revenue is already stretched thin, and has even collected the autumn taxes of three prefectures ahead of schedule! Now we are going to assemble an even larger army? Where will the money and supplies come from? Are we going to levy more taxes? Your Majesty, the people's strength is exhausted. If we levy more taxes, I'm afraid... I'm afraid that before the rebels in Songyang are wiped out, other places will be engulfed in flames!" He almost cried as he shouted these words.
"Money, grain! All you do is complain about being poor!" Minister Wang roared. "Suppressing the rebels is a matter of life and death for the nation. Even if we have to sell our pots and pans, we must raise the money!"
"Sell everything you own? Minister Wang, what a boastful tone! You try running this household yourself!" the Minister of Revenue retorted sarcastically.
"Enough! All of you shut up!" The emperor, his head throbbing from the noise, slammed his hand on the imperial desk. The argument abruptly ceased.
He sat back wearily on the dragon throne, rubbing his throbbing temples. On one side were the already powerful rebels who had to be eradicated and the humiliation he had suffered; on the other side was the depleted national treasury and the potential for even greater turmoil.
He felt the dragon throne beneath him was so cold. Why didn't he feel that way when he looked at it before?
Prime Minister Qin Zhengming, who had been observing from the sidelines, slowly spoke up: "Your Majesty, what Minister Wang and Minister of Revenue said is all reasonable. The rebels in Songyang have indeed become a major threat and must be eliminated. However, the Ministry of Revenue's concerns are not unfounded. This old minister believes that perhaps... a two-pronged approach can be taken."
"Oh? What brilliant idea does the Prime Minister have?" The Emperor looked at his most trusted Prime Minister.
"On the one hand," the Prime Minister said slowly, "Your Majesty can issue an edict to strictly order the surrounding prefectures and counties to strengthen their defenses and block all roads leading to Songyang County, especially salt, iron, grain, and silk. Not a single grain of rice or a foot of cloth should be allowed to enter the enemy territory. At the same time, spies in various places can be ordered to intensify their investigations into the enemy's lair, especially the source of the newspapers. If they can be destroyed, their ability to bewitch people will be severely damaged."
He paused, observed the emperor's expression, and continued, "On the other hand, Your Majesty can begin selecting capable generals and deploying troops from the capital garrison and other regions to prepare for the next campaign. As for provisions, this old minister believes that we can follow the old precedent and call upon loyal and righteous gentry, wealthy merchants, and powerful figures throughout the land to donate to the campaign, promising rewards afterward based on merit, such as salt permits or noble titles. Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures."
This means that wealthy households in the private sector are going to have to bleed money. The officials all understood that while this would alleviate some of the pressure, in practice it would inevitably involve layers of exploitation, and the burden would ultimately be shifted onto the ordinary people.
"What about Lu Zhiyun's defection to the enemy?" the emperor pressed. "Are we just going to let him go unpunished, or even aid and abet the wicked?"
“Your Majesty, Lu Zhiyun’s parents are old, and his clan is still in their hometown.” A cold glint flashed in Prime Minister Qin Zhengming’s eyes. “Immediately issue an edict to imprison his parents and clan, and thoroughly investigate their suspicion of treason. At the same time, proclaim to the world Lu Zhiyun’s crimes of treason, and label him an unpardonable traitor. In this way, we can both appease the anger of the people and serve as a warning to others.”
The emperor pondered, this seemed to be the safest option at present.
However, just as he was about to speak, a clear yet somewhat arrogant voice rang out from the ranks of civil officials:
"Your Majesty, I believe that although the Prime Minister's plan is mature and prudent, it is too much of a mobilization of troops and a waste of resources and manpower."
Everyone turned to look at the source of the voice, and saw that it was the newly appointed Vice Minister of Rites. He was young, but his tone was arrogant.
"What brilliant idea does the Vice Minister have?" the Emperor asked, raising an eyebrow.
The Vice Minister stepped forward, bowed gracefully, and said, “Your Majesty, Songyang County is but a small place. Even if the bandits had taken refugees with them, how many could they possibly have? Fifty thousand? One hundred thousand? At most! Lu Zhiyun’s defeat was due to his own incompetence and falling for a trick, not a failure in battle, nor was it because the bandits truly possessed overwhelming power. If we treat the chaos in one county as if it were a major enemy, mobilizing troops everywhere, or even appealing for donations, wouldn’t that make us a laughingstock among the foreign tribes? Would it make our dynasty appear incompetent and afraid of these bandits?”
The contempt in his words was even greater than that of Minister Wang.
"Then what do you think should be done?" Prime Minister Qin Zhengming asked coldly, having never liked this opportunist.
The Vice Minister smiled slightly, confident in his plan: "Your Majesty, I have heard that among the bandit leaders of Songyang, there were also scholars like Du Fu. Zhuge Liang, too, must have read some of the classics. Their rebellion was perhaps due to temporary hardship or setbacks in their official careers, leading them to take desperate measures. Although they have won a battle by chance, they must be filled with fear! After all, how easy is it to be an enemy of the entire world? Your Majesty is the true Son of Heaven, the ruler of all under Heaven. If you could now extend your imperial grace and offer them amnesty, promising them high-ranking positions and generous rewards…"
"Recruit amnesty?"
The emperor abruptly interrupted him, his voice rising sharply, filled with unbelievable rage, "You want me to recruit a bunch of rebels? A bunch of traitors who have caused me to lose troops and face? And you want to offer them high-ranking positions and generous salaries? This is simply... utterly absurd!"
"Your Majesty, please calm down!" The Vice Minister seemed to have anticipated the Emperor's reaction and explained calmly, "This offer of amnesty is not a true offer of amnesty, but a delaying tactic, which can also be called a strategy to sow discord and mislead the enemy."
He stepped forward and spoke eloquently: "Your Majesty could send an eloquent and persuasive person with an imperial edict to Songyang. On the surface, promise Jiang Ge a military governorship, Zhuge Liang a prefectural governorship, and even Du Fu a Hanlin scholar position! Your Majesty, consider this: these bandits have suddenly gained power. Are they truly a united front? When they suddenly see the court offering such generous rewards, how many of them wouldn't be tempted? How many wouldn't be suspicious? Jiang Ge might still want to resist, but doesn't Zhuge Liang want to bring glory to his ancestors? Does Du Fu really want to bear the name of a traitor for the rest of his life?"
“Offering official positions and making promises will surely cause distrust and discord among the bandits. This is the first point.”
The Vice Minister grew increasingly confident as he spoke, “Secondly, sending an envoy can also allow us to investigate the rebel stronghold, ascertain their defenses, provisions, and the morale of the people, providing intelligence for our army’s future campaign. Thirdly, this action will demonstrate Your Majesty’s benevolence and virtue, and your ability to appease distant peoples. It will not only temporarily stabilize the rebels but also deceive the people and silence those who say the court is forcing good citizens to rebel. Once they lower their guard and internal strife breaks out, our army can suddenly press in, achieving twice the result with half the effort. At that time, whether to suppress or appease them will be entirely up to Your Majesty.”
The Vice Minister's words carried a strong allure. Especially the phrases "delaying tactic," "sowing discord and deceiving the enemy," and "probing the enemy's strength"—these words tempted the emperor, who had just suffered a crushing defeat and was filled with both anger and unease. Indeed, if a mere piece of paper could bring about internal strife and a respite for the enemy, why not?
This seems to be more ingenious and clever than the Prime Minister's safe but costly plan.
"Absurd! Ridiculous!"
Bai Dahai trembled with rage, pointing at the Vice Minister and shouting, "This is a treasonous argument! Vice Minister Gao! You know nothing about those bandits! They are not greedy for wealth and power! Jiang Ge proposed equal land distribution and tax exemption, and Zhuge Liang compared himself to Guan Zhong and Yue Yi. Their ambitions are far beyond mere official positions! Your actions will not only fail to sow discord among them, but will also expose the weakness and helplessness of the court! It will only embolden them and make the world laugh at the court's incompetence! This is like raising a tiger to cause future trouble! Your Majesty, you must not do this!"
"Grand Commandant, you are mistaken," the Vice Minister retorted. "I am not unaware of the bandits' ambitions. However, extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. If we can quell the unrest at the lowest possible cost, what harm is there in enduring some empty fame and temporary humiliation? It is far better than mobilizing a large army, depleting the national treasury, and perhaps even... suffering further losses, isn't it?"
"You!" The Grand Commandant was so angry he almost fainted.
The imperial court was once again engulfed in a heated argument. The pro-suppression faction and the pro-appeasement faction argued endlessly, attacking each other.
"Enough!" The emperor, annoyed by the noise, suddenly stood up, his gaze sweeping over the arguing ministers. His face was filled with exhaustion and struggle, which finally turned into a cold, decisive look.
"Prime Minister."
"Your old minister is here."
"As you say, issue an imperial edict immediately to arrest Lu Zhiyun's clan and thoroughly investigate and punish them! Proclaim this to the world and condemn their treason! Furthermore, instruct the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue to quickly devise a strategy for suppressing the bandits and raise funds for the troops! You will be in charge of coordinating the blockade of the surrounding prefectures and counties."
"Your humble servant obeys the decree!" The Prime Minister bowed and accepted the order.
The emperor then looked at the vice minister, his gaze complex: "Minister Gao."
"Your subject is present."
"Your method... is worth a try. I will give you a blank edict, appointing you to be fully in charge of this matter, and to select capable people to go to Songyang to offer amnesty. Remember, what I want is to sow discord, to use deception and deception, and to buy time! If you can subdue the enemy without succeeding, I will credit you with the greatest merit! If you botch it..." The emperor did not finish his sentence, but the cold glint in his eyes sent a chill down one's spine.
"Your Majesty, I...accept the decree! I will certainly not fail Your Majesty's trust!" The Vice Minister suppressed his inner joy and bowed as he withdrew.
"Dismiss the court!" The emperor swept away, leaving behind a group of ministers with differing thoughts.
Bai Dahai watched the emperor's departing figure, then glanced at the smug-looking vice minister and the silent prime minister, sighed deeply, hunched his back, and slowly walked out of the hall.
He knew that the imperial edict of amnesty would not bring peace, but would instead be like a drop of cold water falling into boiling oil, igniting even stronger flames of resistance in Songyang County, and making those who harbored resentment in the world see more clearly the outward strength but inner weakness of this magnificent government.
The imperial court is in grave danger.
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Author's Note: I really want to change my pen name [crying emoji][crying emoji][crying emoji] My lords, I'm a little late [let me see]
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