"Stop using ordinary people as an excuse."
Xiao Yiqiong said coldly, "Aren't there plenty of scions of powerful families in the court who hold positions without doing any work?"
Lu Sui then spoke up, “Your Highness, even if the scions of noble families are not the best, they have at least received the best education. In terms of talent, most of them are still much better than ordinary people. I understand that Your Majesty wants to divide the power of the aristocratic families and weaken them. But this method is too radical and I am afraid that it will have endless consequences.”
Lu Yanzhi also said, "Those who hold high positions all come from powerful families. If ordinary people exchange fertile land for official positions, they will only become minor officials. If they are local officials, it is hard to guarantee that they will not be suppressed or co-opted by powerful families. They will naturally take back the land they have lost from the people. This precedent must not be set."
Lu Yanhe also said weakly, "If this law only applies to aristocratic families, then what is the point of the imperial examinations for commoners and those from humble backgrounds?"
If land could truly be exchanged for official positions, scions of noble families wouldn't even need to take exams, and even minor local official positions wouldn't be available to people from poor families.
Just as Lu Yanzhi said, once the land is handed over, it can be taken back from the small farmers who have been allocated the land.
The land equalization decree was rendered ineffective.
Xiao Yitang fell silent.
She was not an ignorant woman; she naturally understood that what her son and husband said made sense.
Jiang Yiqing is only sixteen years old and has only been in the Censorate for two years. It is indeed too much for him to be promoted six ranks in one go.
Although powerful families wielded excessive power, members of these families still rose through the ranks to become officials gradually.
Jiang Yiqing cannot take on the role of Imperial Censor for the time being.
“I’ll go to the Duke’s mansion tomorrow. But let me tell you, Lu Sui, my surname is Xiao, and I am a princess of the Xiao family. All my honor and wealth come from my birth. Hu Yang is my own sister. If you dare to betray the Jiang family for any future interests, our marriage is over.”
That's a very strong statement.
She turned to look at her sons and said in a deep voice, "You are the same, do you understand?"
The three brothers respectfully agreed.
The next day, Xiao Yiqiong went to the Duke of Anguo's mansion.
After hearing her purpose, Xiao Yitang smiled slightly, "Aqing has already submitted a memorial refusing the position of Imperial Censor."
Xiao Yiqiong was taken aback, then laughed and said, "Aqing is smart and naturally understands the pros and cons. It was I who was impatient."
Jiang Shumiao had a day off today and didn't have to go to the Imperial Academy. She squatted in the courtyard watching ants move their nest and overheard what her mother and aunt were saying.
The more the aristocratic families opposed it, the more dissatisfied the emperor's uncle became.
But Wen Zhixuan would definitely try to persuade him.
Second brother won't get promoted, but eldest sister should be able to keep her position as Protector-General.
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