Chapter Forty-Three: The Beginning of the New Policy
The side hall of Daqing Hall, usually used for rest or small meetings, looked quite different today. The heavy, carved wooden doors were open, and the interior layout had been rearranged, removing superfluous decorations and ornate screens, making it spacious and bright. Several rows of tables and seats made of black jade were neatly arranged inside, exuding an atmosphere of solemnity and rigor.
Above the palace gate, a new plaque has been hung, bearing three large characters written in vigorous magical script: "Hall for Recruiting Talents".
This is the first major measure taken by Jiuya in implementing its new policies.
The Demon Realm is riddled with long-standing problems, and cannot be revitalized simply through military suppression and power restructuring. While the deeply entrenched old aristocratic system possesses resources and experience, it is also rife with inertia, conservatism, and the stubbornness of vested interests. To truly break the deadlock and inject vitality, new blood must be introduced, and different voices must be heard.
Today marks the first time the Recruitment Hall has opened its doors to talent, and it is also a consultation meeting personally convened by Jiu Ya.
The news had been released several days prior through channels managed by Moro and Xing Yuan, stating that regardless of social status, whether one was a demon, a half-blood, or from another race with special talents, anyone who believed they possessed worldly wisdom, governance skills, or a unique expertise was welcome to give it a try. At the same time, several renowned scholars from the Demon Capital, leaders of artisan guilds, reputable merchants, and grassroots representatives from the border army were specially invited.
This move caused quite a stir among the upper echelons of Shanghai.
Some conservative old nobles privately scoffed at it, their words filled with disdain when they gathered to drink.
"Hmph, a talent recruitment hall? That sounds nice! Aren't the talents of the Demon Realm all in the various families? Are we supposed to search for talents in the streets and alleys? That's simply disrespectful!"
"Isn't that right? To associate with those money-grubbing merchants and carving knives, and discuss politics? What kind of decorum is this! Your Majesty's move is a bit too... hasty."
"Let's wait and see. It's nothing more than a move to win people's hearts. It won't amount to anything. In the end, governing the country and ensuring its stability still depends on the foundation of our aristocratic families."
However, the younger generation of officials, led by Xing Yuan, and many scholars under Moro's tutelage greatly agreed with this. Xing Yuan even personally recommended several talented but unsuccessful young men from humble backgrounds whom he had met during his travels in the Demon Realm.
Jiuya was fully aware of the criticism behind her back, but she remained steadfast. Coming from an era of information overload and an emphasis on talent and innovation, she knew that astonishing wisdom and strength often resided at the grassroots level. She overruled the objections, persisted in her plan, and decided to personally participate in the first meeting to demonstrate its importance.
When the appointed time arrived, the invitees and those who came to apply began to enter the venue one after another.
Their attire varied greatly: there were young scholars dressed smartly and with elegant manners; there were craftsmen in coarse cloth jackets with rough fingers but bright eyes; there were merchants in silk and satin with shrewdness on their faces; there were also soldiers who were travel-worn and whose faces bore the marks of the frontier; and there were also many ordinary demon youths dressed simply, even somewhat poorly, but whose eyes were full of longing and trepidation.
They looked around the solemn palace and the guards standing around with curiosity and caution. Following the guidance, they sat down behind the tables and chairs. They rarely spoke to each other, and the atmosphere was somewhat tense and reserved.
When Jiu Ya appeared at the head of the table, everyone immediately stood up and bowed respectfully, their eyes filled with awe and curiosity. For many of them, this was the first time they had seen the legendary new Demon Lord so closely.
Today, Jiu Ya was dressed in a relatively simple turquoise casual outfit, with only dark gold demon lord patterns embroidered on the lapels and cuffs, making her appear capable and dignified. She raised her hand to gesture for everyone to take their seats, her gaze sweeping calmly across the entire room.
“I have summoned you all here today not for court discussions or for a dialogue between the emperor and his ministers,” Jiu Ya began. “The purpose of establishing this hall and convening this meeting is solely for one thing: to seek out talented individuals and to accept their advice.”
"The Demon Realm has just been established, and everything needs to be rebuilt. The old laws may not all be suitable for the present time; the views of the powerful and wealthy may not be able to encompass the principles of the world. I know that the Demon Realm is vast and full of talents, many of whom are hidden among the common people and in the marketplace. Some of you are skilled in arts and crafts, some are knowledgeable about affairs, some are familiar with the people's sentiments, and some have extraordinary strategies for governing the world. Today, I hope that you will speak freely, whether it concerns agriculture, sericulture, crafts, commerce, law and education, or border defense. Any policy that is beneficial to the rebirth of the Demon Realm and the improvement of people's livelihoods can be spoken of frankly."
Her words were frank and powerful, breaking down the barriers of social hierarchy and easing the tension in many people present.
However, initial silence was unavoidable. After all, speaking freely in the face of the Demon Lord's majesty required immense courage.
Jiu Ya was not in a hurry. Her gaze fell on an old craftsman with a dark complexion, and she asked gently, "I heard that you are the chief craftsman of the Magic City Craftsmen Guild and are proficient in the repair and improvement of magical artifacts?"
The old craftsman was flattered and quickly stood up, rubbing his hands nervously: "Reporting to Your Excellency, this old man... has indeed been a craftsman for hundreds of years."
“No need to be nervous,” Jiu Ya nodded slightly. “I’ve heard that the standard-issue magic crossbows in the army sometimes jam and their range is not as expected. Do you know the reason, sir? Do you have any suggestions for improvement?”
When talking about his area of expertise, the old craftsman's eyes lit up instantly, and his nervousness subsided considerably. He began to explain in detail the defects in the magic crossbow's structure, the shortcomings in the choice of materials, and the areas where the craftsmanship could be improved. He even proposed a concept to simplify the parts and enhance its power. Although his words were simple, every sentence hit the nail on the head.
Jiuya listened very attentively, frequently asking for details and instructing the accompanying scribe to record everything in detail.
With this opening, the atmosphere gradually became more lively.
A merchant boldly stood up and stated that the inconsistent taxation at various checkpoints in the Demon Realm and the obstruction of trade routes were hindering the flow of goods. He then proposed a unified tax system and the establishment of official post roads.
A soldier from the border region reported on the hardships faced by the demon tribes on the frontier and the occasional clashes with the garrison. He argued that in addition to military deterrence, providing them with ways to make a living is essential for long-term stability.
Several young students from impoverished backgrounds criticized the current education system in the Demon Realm, arguing that serving only the nobility was too narrow and that elementary schools should be established to give more demon children the opportunity to receive education and learn knowledge, in order to fundamentally enhance the potential of the Demon Realm.
Of course, some of the speeches were too idealistic or unrealistic, but Jiu Ya did not interrupt or reprimand them. She simply listened patiently and then pointed out the difficulties in a tactful manner.
She acted as a focused listener and guide, constantly encouraging everyone and digging out the brilliant ideas in their words. When she encountered valuable suggestions, she would immediately ask Moro, Xing Yuan, or relevant officials present for their opinions and discuss their feasibility on the spot.
The meeting lasted from dawn until dusk. During this time, Jiu Ya even ordered that simple meals and tea be provided for everyone.
When the meeting ended, many people wore expressions of excitement and disbelief. Not only had they been personally received by the Demon Lord, but their voices had truly been heard, their ideas had been solemnly recorded, and they might even be transformed into policies that would change the Demon Realm.
On Jiu Ya's desk lay a thick stack of documents containing countless suggestions and ideas. Many of these viewpoints were novel and practical, things she, confined within the palace, could never have learned from memorials alone.
Although the criticisms from the conservative nobles wouldn't disappear immediately, the first opening of the Recruitment Hall was undoubtedly a success far exceeding expectations. Like a stone thrown into stagnant water, it stirred up ripples, proclaiming to the entire Demon Realm the new ruler's thirst for talent and his determination to innovate.
Inside the Daqing Hall, the atmosphere differed from the open and consultative environment of the Recruitment Hall; it was now solemn and dignified. This was a core political meeting concerning the very lifeline of the Demon Realm. Participants were strictly controlled, limited to a few dukes, heads of relevant departments, and the core master craftsmen of the Qingcheng Machinery Bureau.
An invisible gunpowder seemed to permeate the air, its source being the numerous mineral vein distribution maps spread out on the massive magic crystal conference table. The maps were densely marked with mineral points, yields, and the symbols of the forces that previously belonged to them—the You Clan, the Gong Clan, Qi Mu, Ao Li, Guan Shan Yue… These names, once prominent and monopolizing nearly 70% of the high-quality magic crystal veins in the Demon Realm, have now mostly turned to dust in history.
How to redistribute this enormous pie became the most sensitive and thorny issue after the establishment of the new dynasty. Magic crystals were not only the basic resource for cultivation, but also the strategic core for driving magic puppets, maintaining magic arrays, forging magic weapons, and supporting the operation of all magic energy facilities; they were practically the lifeblood of the demon realm.
Jiuya sat upright in the main seat, her gaze calmly sweeping over each of the high-ranking officials present. If this matter was handled well, the Demon Realm would be revitalized; if handled poorly, it could sow the seeds of new turmoil. The core lifeline of the old interest groups was not so easily touched.
"One of the problems of the past was the monopoly of resources and the separatist rule of powerful clans, which hindered the circulation of magic crystals, caused prices to rise abnormally high, left small and medium-sized workshops without rice to cook, and made it difficult for the border troops to receive supplies, while the central treasury was empty." Jiu Ya got straight to the point, "The purpose of today's discussion is to completely eliminate this problem, establish new rules, and ensure that the benefits of magic crystals can benefit the entire Demon Realm, helping our Demon Realm to truly become strong."
Her words caused some officials from the old aristocratic system to lower their heads slightly, their expressions complex.
“My intention,” Jiu Ya said, lightly tapping the mineral vein map with her finger, “is that all the recovered mineral veins, as well as any new mineral veins to be explored in the future, shall belong to the central government, that is, directly under the jurisdiction of the Demon Lord, and no family or individual may privately seize them.”
Upon hearing this, a very slight gasp rippled through the audience. This was an unprecedented level of centralized power, directly challenging the bottom line of resource allocation traditions that had been established in the Demon Realm for thousands of years.
"However, it's impossible for the central government to directly manage all aspects of mining and management." Jiu Ya then changed the subject, offering a specific allocation plan, "Therefore, the new system is as follows:"
"First, 30% of the high-quality mineral veins will be directly controlled and mined by the central government. The magic crystals produced will be prioritized for the use of the Demon Palace, the operation of the central government, the consumption of the border troops and main legions under Marshal Changdong, and the needs of Marshal Liyue's guard system. This part is the foundation of the country and cannot be lost." No one disagreed with this point; it was the basis for consolidating the rule.
"Secondly, another 30% of the mineral veins will be allocated to major meritorious families and tribes based on their contributions to the previous suppression of the rebellion, the balance of power, and their level of support for the new policies," her gaze casually swept over Lian Bo, Xing Yuan, and several family representatives who had stood firm in the suppression of the rebellion, "allowing them to organize their own mining operations. However, they must pay 30% of their mineral output to the central government as taxes, and their mining and sales must be subject to strict supervision by the Bureau of Works and the Ministry of Law. They are not allowed to hoard or speculate, nor can they sell to unknown forces privately."
This was a move to appease and exchange existing powers, using some resources in exchange for their support and stability. The representatives of the families whose names were mentioned relaxed slightly. Although it wasn't as lucrative as when they had a monopoly, obtaining a stable source of minerals and operating legally was the best outcome under the new policy.
“Three,” Jiu Ya’s voice rose slightly as she presented the most disruptive plan, “the remaining 40% of the mines will no longer be directly allocated to any family!”
Everyone was stunned, even Xing Yuan and Qing Cheng showed surprised expressions.
“This part of the mine will be open to all merchant guilds, workshop alliances, and even cooperative groups organized by skilled craftsmen in the Demon Realm that have the qualifications and strength to mine,” Jiu Ya explained. “The ‘franchise’ for a certain period will be openly bid on through a ‘tender’ process. The winning bidder must pay a huge deposit in advance, strictly abide by all regulations set by the central government during the mining period, and pay a heavy tax of up to 50% per month based on the output! The magic crystals produced must be supplied to the official workshops or strategic reserves designated by the Bureau of Industry and Machinery at the agreed price, and the remaining part can be sold by themselves.”
The hall was silent as everyone digested this unprecedented plan.
"Your Excellency!" An official formerly of the Gong family, now transferred to the Resources Department, couldn't help but speak up, his tone anxious, "This move... this move is probably inappropriate! Magic crystals are strategic resources; how can they be entrusted to profit-driven merchants? What if they are only interested in profit, destroy the mines, or even use the magic crystals to aid the enemy..."
“Therefore, strict supervision and heavy taxes are needed!” Jiu Ya interrupted him, her gaze sharp. “The deposit and high taxes will deter them from easily violating regulations, while the supervision of the Machinery Bureau and the priority procurement rights will ensure the flow of strategic resources. More importantly, introducing competition can greatly improve mining efficiency and reduce mining costs! In the past, the mines monopolized by the major clans were inefficient and wasteful, simply because they lacked competitive pressure! Meanwhile, the private sector contains countless skilled craftsmen proficient in exploration and mining techniques, as well as chambers of commerce skilled in management. Their vitality is far beyond that of some closed-off families!”
She looked at Qingcheng: "Duke Li, can your Bureau of Machinery formulate the strictest mining technical specifications, safety standards and supervision procedures? Can you organize enough forces to conduct unscheduled inspections of every franchised mine?"
Qingcheng immediately stood up, his eyes gleaming with excitement—if this could be achieved, his Bureau of Mines would gain an unprecedentedly stable supply of resources and immense influence: "Your Majesty! I will do my utmost! The Mining Supervision Department under the Bureau of Mines has been preparing for a long time, and it can be put into operation immediately with just one order from Your Majesty! I guarantee that I will never let any mine slip out of my control!"
“Duke Fengguo,” Jiu Ya then looked at Xing Yuan, “the Ministry of Justice must immediately draft a detailed ‘Law on the Mining and Management of Magic Crystal Resources’ based on the new plan, clearly defining all the details of bidding, supervision, taxation, rewards and punishments in the form of law, so that there is a law to follow and violators will be punished!”
"Your subject obeys the decree!" Xing Yuan bowed and accepted the order, knowing that this would be a major practical test for the new laws.
"As for the potential resistance..." Jiu Ya's gaze swept across the entire room again, carrying an undeniable authority, "How can there be no resistance when implementing new policies? But if the Demon Realm wants to be reborn, it must undergo radical reform! This matter concerns the foundation of the nation, and there is no room for maneuver. Commander Chang, Commander Li."
"Your Majesty, we are here!" Changdong and Liyue replied in unison.
"The military's attitude is of paramount importance. In the early stages of the new system's implementation, if any petty individuals dare to use this to cause trouble, whether by force or by sabotage..." Jiu Ya's voice was icy, "there is no need for leniency; suppress them with thunderous force!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!" The two marshals answered decisively. The stability and support of the army were the foundation for Jiu Ya's confidence in implementing all reforms.
The meeting ended in a complex atmosphere. The old aristocracy were worried but dared not openly oppose; the new nobles and pragmatists were eager to seize the opportunity; and Qingcheng and Xingyuan felt a heavy responsibility.
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