Now that Western countries are eyeing us with covetous intent, if our dynasty continues to be complacent and closed off, we risk repeating the same mistakes!
His words struck like a thunderbolt. The opposition gradually weakened, but some die-hards still muttered under their breath: "If Western learning flourishes, how will Confucian scholars position themselves?"
Emperor Yongzheng took everything in, and sighed, "This matter is of great importance; we will discuss it later."
He rose and flicked his sleeve, "Court adjourned!"
The ministers looked at each other in bewilderment and had no choice but to kneel and take their leave.
As they left the Qianqing Palace, the crowd gathered in small groups, arguing endlessly.
Some people are worried: "If candidates with Western learning occupy the court, won't we have no place to stand?"
Some people secretly thought, "I should hurry up and send my children or nephews to learn some Western skills; maybe they can secure a future for themselves..."
Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Emperor Yongzheng stood alone by the window, staring at the pistol in his hand, his expression uncertain.
The Thirteenth Prince, Yunxiang, quietly entered and whispered, "Your Majesty, the reforms are facing too much resistance. Perhaps..."
"Obstacles?" Yongzheng sneered. "They had the same attitude when I implemented the new policies."
He turned and stared intently at Yunxiang, his gaze piercing. "Thirteenth brother, do you know why I insist on establishing Western learning?"
After a moment of contemplation, Yunxiang replied, "For a strong military and a prosperous nation."
“Not only that.” Yongzheng shook his head and picked up the world map from the table. “It is to let the Qing Dynasty see how vast the world is! Westerners have already sailed the four seas, but our dynasty still thinks it is the center of the world. If we do not open our eyes to see the world, we will be devoured one day.”
Yun'er once said that the Qing Dynasty perished in less than three hundred years, and then suffered more than a hundred years of humiliation, and was even occupied by Japanese pirates and Western countries. This tiny place even dared to try to annex the Qing Dynasty. This is intolerable!
Yunxiang bowed solemnly and said, "Your Majesty, I am willing to share your burdens."
Yongzheng patted him on the shoulder, his tone softening: "That's exactly what I was thinking. I'll feel at ease leaving this matter to you. Let's start by imitating flintlock guns and steamships. As for the school... I have my own plans."
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