Sun Chengzong looked worried, but he secretly winked at the others. Relying on his age, seniority, and status as the emperor's teacher, he suppressed everyone's doubts and spoke.
"Your Majesty, you are wise. Preparing for a rainy day is the best way to deal with a major disaster." Sun Chengzong bowed and said, "I will discuss this matter when we return and draw up a plan to present to Your Majesty."
Zhu Youxiao smiled and nodded slightly, feeling very satisfied.
After all the ministers stood up and left, Zhu Youxiao sat in the hall, feeling quite good. He felt that today's talk with his trusted ministers had been very effective.
It’s time to go see the kittens. They are really a great psychological healer. They are so cute and adorable that they make you feel more relaxed.
Zhu Youxiao had just stretched himself and stood up from the throne when a palace maid came to report that the Minister of War, Sun Chengzong, was waiting to see him outside.
Huh? Didn't we just finish the audience? Did you remember something important?
Zhu Youxiao was a little confused, so he sat back down and called Sun Chengzong into the hall.
After Sun Chengzong came in, he bowed as required and was given a seat.
This is not an embroidered cushion, but a chair with a backrest designed and made by Zhu Youxiao. Only two teachers and Xu Guangqi are qualified to sit on it.
Sun Chengzong thanked him again before sitting down respectfully.
"Master Sun, do you have anything important to report?" Zhu Youxiao waved his hand and ordered the palace servants to serve tea, then asked with a smile.
Sun Chengzong hesitated for a moment, then bowed and said tactfully, "Since ascending the throne, Your Majesty has diligently governed the country and boldly embraced innovation. He has defeated the Eastern Tartars abroad and suppressed the rebellion of the barbarians within. He has also cared for the people, reduced taxes, increased salaries, and ensured the stability of officials. In terms of wisdom, he is comparable to Emperor Taizong of Tang."
Really? I’m so awesome that I’m as good as Li Er?
Zhu Youxiao blinked his eyes, feeling somewhat proud, but then he thought about it and felt that something was not right. This was not like Master Sun's style.
Seeing the emperor's face light up with joy, but then quickly calm down and look at him, Sun Chengzong felt relieved. The emperor was already a young man, much more mature and steady.
Seeing the emperor's expression, Sun Chengzong asked tentatively, "Your Majesty, are you aware that in the second year of the Zhenguan era, Shandong and Henan suffered a severe drought. The people suffered from both drought and locusts, and their livelihood was extremely difficult..."
Zhu Youxiao slapped his thigh and said, "I know, I know. Li Ersheng eats locusts!"
After a pause, the emperor smiled and said, "Master Sun, that's a good idea. When there's a locust plague, we can have everyone eat locusts. Locusts are actually very nutritious, and they taste really good when fried!"
Sun Chengzong was stroking his beard with great pleasure, thinking that his student had taught him well and that he remembered everything clearly. But as he began to eat, his hand began to shake and he nearly pulled out a few strands of his beard.
Teacher Sun stroked his forehead with a look of confusion and said, "Your Majesty! In addition to eating locusts, Emperor Taizong of Tang also issued a self-blame edict, attributing the disasters to his own poor governance."
A natural disaster? Bad governance? Wasn't it because some people were saying that Li Er killed his brothers and forced his father to abdicate, which triggered the natural disaster and forced him to eat the locusts?
A natural disaster warning, a confession of guilt?!
Zhu Youxiao's eyes flashed, and he began to understand why Sun Chengzong came back and spoke so tactfully.
In ancient China, it was not uncommon to blame abnormal weather and natural disasters on the emperor's misconduct, and it was not uncommon for emperors of all dynasties to issue edicts of self-criticism for such events.
Of course, some emperors were just pretending or taking the opportunity to show off.
For example, Emperor Li II once issued a self-criticism edict: "If the harvest is good and the world is at peace, I can shift the disaster from myself and save all nations. This is my wish, and I will do it with all my heart."
As long as the weather is good and the people have enough food to eat, I will have no regrets even if God brings all the disasters upon me.
Doesn’t it sound very touching? Isn’t an emperor who is so compassionate and caring towards the people a wise ruler, selfless and great?
Well, that’s getting off topic.
What alerted Zhu Youxiao was not these things, but the possible impact that linking natural disasters with government policies might have on him.
Improper governance? Zhu Youxiao would certainly not admit it, as he was leading the Ming Dynasty to revive itself!
Change the system? That's even more impossible. The reform promoted by Zhu Youxiao has just begun and has not yet been further developed!
So, why would he issue a self-criticism edict, which would add obstacles to his path of reform and revitalization?
What the hell does a natural disaster have to do with the emperor? It's just a natural phenomenon, and you can blame it on me? This, this should be considered a scam, right?
Zhu Youxiao was very depressed. He frowned and fell into deep thought, speechless for a long time.
Sun Chengzong smiled bitterly, and was not sure what to say to comfort him. He could only wait for the emperor to come up with a result.
In his opinion, the emperor was not polite enough to some civil servants, and some of his tactics were not acceptable. But judging by the results, the government improved, the war situation stabilized, and many ordinary people benefited.
If we say that the emperor's administration was inappropriate, it should be the complaints and attacks of those whose interests were harmed; students, gentry, officials, businessmen, and nobles, these people may take advantage of natural disasters to cause trouble and achieve their goals by inciting the people.
Zhu Youxiao pondered for a long time and came up with a solution. Although it was not yet mature and perfect, he was no longer too worried.
"Master Sun, I understand." Zhu Youxiao sat up straight, smiled, and said, "If there is nothing else, Master Sun, you may leave first. I have a proposal."
Sun Chengzong felt relieved and stood up to leave.
If the emperor really has a solution, that would be great; if he doesn't, he and several trusted ministers will think hard and share the emperor's worries.
After Sun Chengzong took his leave, Zhu Youxiao thought for a while before ordering the palace servants to summon Ni Wenhuan to see him.
Zhu Youxiao stood up and walked out of the hall. He was still doing chest expansion exercises. His previous depression had mostly dissipated. He was going to see the cute and adorable little kitten.
………………
Zhu Youxiao wanted to wait for Mao Wenlong and Gou Zhenhuai to bring further news from Korea, and then discuss it in the court to make the final decision.
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