This morning at court, something happened that shocked countless court officials.
Originally, it was just a matter of following the law: if there was something to report, the court should be dismissed; otherwise, the court should be adjourned.
Unexpectedly, halfway through the court session, the censor suddenly stood up and presented a memorial: "Your Majesty was just discussing with your old ministers a few days ago how to improve the quality of life of the people and enable them to live and work in peace and contentment. Now someone has taken the initiative to share Your Majesty's worries and solve your problems?"
When Eunuch Fu presented the memorial to Emperor Chongde, the court officials had differing opinions.
What's that old fox up to?
Emperor Chongde opened the memorial and glanced through it. He was immediately delighted: "Excellent! Excellent! This has solved my urgent problem! My dear minister, who came up with the content here?"
The imperial censor bowed respectfully, a smile on his face: "Your Majesty, this man is indeed the top scholar you have personally selected, Chi Yan."
For a moment, all sorts of gazes fell on Chi Yan, but he remained expressionless. Only when Emperor Chongde called him with a smile did he respectfully step forward a few steps: "Your humble servant is here."
Emperor Chongde nodded in satisfaction: "Explain to me what the equal-field system mentioned here means?"
The courtiers below either narrowed their eyes slightly or looked puzzled.
Chi Yan calmly cupped his hands in greeting: "Your Majesty, the so-called equal-field system is to distribute land equally among farmers according to the population of each household. With their own land, the people will surely be more attentive to farming, thereby greatly increasing grain production and promoting agricultural development."
Upon hearing this, the faces of the noble families below grew increasingly grim.
One of the most important factors that enabled aristocratic families to maintain and develop their lineage was their control and monopoly over land.
The equal-field system mentioned by Chi Yan directly and severely damaged the economic foundation of aristocratic families!
Without economic support, how can they maintain their family's status and development?
Emperor Chongde nodded repeatedly, then asked, "And what about establishing community schools?"
Chi Yan's brows relaxed, and he patiently explained: "Although the implementation of the imperial examination system has given ordinary people the opportunity to enter officialdom, due to the uneven economic development and unequal distribution of educational resources in different places, there are still many people in various places who do not have the opportunity to receive an education."
He paused, then raised his voice slightly, "Therefore, I propose that fifty households be grouped into one community, and that each community establish a school, so that even the most impoverished people may have the opportunity to receive education and change their destiny through knowledge!"
Although the imperial examination system had already impacted the monopoly of aristocratic families on culture, as he said, some backward areas simply did not have the conditions to receive education.
Culture remained firmly controlled by powerful families, and even land reform could not shake their social status.
Some officials from humble backgrounds were deeply moved and excited. Because they had climbed up from the bottom, they understood even better how difficult it was for someone without connections to get to where they were!
"Lord Chi is absolutely right! This is an excellent move, and I agree!"
Of course, there were also dissenting voices: "That's utterly outlandish! If everyone has access to books, who will cultivate the land? Who will still be willing to do the lowest of jobs?"
At Emperor Chongde's single glance, the crowd fell silent.
"Chi Yan, what is this Yi Luan Si you mentioned?"
A knowing look appeared in Chi Yan's eyes, and he lowered his head.
The so-called Yiluan Division was the predecessor of the famous Embroidered Uniform Guard. As everyone knows, the Embroidered Uniform Guard, as the emperor's henchmen, monitored the movements of aristocratic families at all times, greatly strengthening the central authority.
As an emperor, he would never refuse a knife that belongs only to him.
As expected, after Chi Yan roughly explained the purpose of establishing the Yiluan Division, a hint of joy flashed in Emperor Chongde's eyes.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
