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“Yes, Your Imperial Majesty.”
Li San’s eyes narrowed slightly. He was utterly loyal to Xiao Ming. In his view, everything he had was given by Xiao Ming.
The two continued to talk for a while longer. Xiao Ming instructed Li San to strengthen the supervision of Qingzhou before dismissing him.
After seeing off Li San, Xiao Ming fell into contemplation. It was easy to conquer a realm, but difficult to hold it. The north was not yet unified, and troubles were appearing one after another.
First, Yu Ming opposed abolishing the four social classes of scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants. Then came this Legal Society, and it was even supported by Pang Yukun.
As a monarch, Xiao Ming trusted all his ministers, yet at the same time harbored a hint of wariness towards all of them. This contradictory psychology made him immediately experience what it meant to be a lone wolf.
He was no longer a political novice. He understood that as he ascended to this position, he and the bureaucracy formed a relationship where one’s gain came at the other’s expense.
A cruel truth was that a monarch, in order to establish his unique status, would inevitably strike at bureaucrats and powerful figures to prevent the emergence of individuals who threatened him from within this class.
At the same time, bureaucrats and powerful figures, fearing that the monarch might at any moment place a knife to their necks, would also try to find ways to limit the monarch’s power.
Thus, the result of this confrontation was the emergence of parliaments in the West, leading to constitutional monarchies where the monarch’s power was hollowed out, and ultimately, the powerful individuals triumphed.
And this contradiction in the history of the Great Yu Empire manifested as treason and rebellion.
Therefore, although he trusted Pang Yukun, he also maintained a slight reservation. Pang Yukun was a supporter of this Legal Society, and no one knew what ideology this Legal Society would ultimately propagate. He had to be on guard.
However, the establishment of the Legal Society also proved that the trend of a hundred schools of thought contending was reviving. Ideas were a double-edged sword, and he needed to guide them in a timely manner.
Because of these matters, Xiao Ming lost his enthusiasm for reviewing memorials. He stretched and headed towards the Ciren Hall, as the saying goes, “Know yourself and your enemy, and you will never be defeated.”
Always considering ancient people’s thoughts with a modern mindset was very dangerous. This disconnect was detrimental to the governance of the country, so he preferred to directly ask the Empress Dowager, because the Empress Dowager’s thoughts often reflected those of these ministers.
Only by understanding the essence of the ministers’ thoughts could he choose the methods and ways to implement reform.
As he headed towards the Ciren Hall, Qian Dafu arrived at the council hall.
Facing Yu Ming, who was still kneeling in the council hall, Qian Dafu said, “Minister of Revenue Yu Ming, receive the imperial decree!”
“This subject receives the decree!” Yu Ming’s heart skipped a beat, and he suddenly had an ominous premonition.
“Yu Ming, Minister of Revenue, neglecting government affairs and disrupting court order, his conduct and virtue are unworthy of the responsibility of the Minister of Revenue. From this day forward, he is dismissed from office and awaits further assignment. By imperial command!” Qian Dafu proclaimed loudly.
“Thank Your Imperial Majesty for your grace!” Yu Ming bowed deeply.
Qian Dafu then handed the imperial decree to Yu Ming and said earnestly, “Minister Yu, why bother? Abolishing the scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants was something His Imperial Majesty had already decided. It’s impossible for it to change just because Minister Yu kneels like this.”
Yu Ming took the imperial decree, his expression still stubborn. He said, “Abolishing scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants is shaking the foundation of the nation and indulging merchants to gain power, which will surely lead to chaos in the future. This subject is wholeheartedly devoted to the nation; how can I disregard the rise and fall of the dynasty because of personal gains and losses?”
Qian Dafu sighed. He said, “How could His Imperial Majesty not have thought of what you are thinking? Alas!”
With that, Qian Dafu turned and left.
After Qian Dafu had walked far away, the ministers who had followed Yu Ming immediately panicked. Yu Ming, the Minister of Revenue, was dismissed just like that. If they continued to cause trouble, their fate might be even more tragic than Yu Ming’s.
They helped Yu Ming up from the ground. An official said, “Minister Yu, it seems His Imperial Majesty is determined. It’s better not to go against His Imperial Majesty on this matter anymore.”
Yu Ming’s face was sorrowful. He looked at the startled officials. His Imperial Majesty’s move was truly ruthless, instantly dissolving his efforts of many days.
For these officials, their official robes were naturally more important than these classes of scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants.
Sighing, Yu Ming stood up and walked shakily out of the council hall. At this moment, he felt disheartened. His proposal had been rejected, and he had lost his official position. The excitement of coming to Qingzhou from Chang’an had vanished.
Meanwhile, Qian Dafu quickly returned to the traveling palace. After inquiring, he went directly to the Ciren Hall.
“Your Imperial Majesty, the imperial decree has been proclaimed. Seeing the apprehension on the faces of the other officials, after Yu Ming’s dismissal, no one will likely oppose Your Imperial Majesty anymore.”
Upon seeing Xiao Ming in the Ciren Hall, Qian Dafu spoke directly.
“Dismissed, then let him be dismissed. These ministers are simply outrageous. His Imperial Majesty has only just ascended the throne for a few days, and they are already trying to coerce him as they did the late emperor.” Now that Imperial Concubine Zhen was the Grand Empress Dowager, her tone carried more authority.
Xiao Ming had naturally discussed this matter with the Empress Dowager. He said, “When the late emperor was alive, this Yu Ming was one of the few incorruptible officials in Chang’an, and even Elder Fiji praised him highly. I have always thought highly of him and even intended to have him join the cabinet. It’s just that Yu Ming has a stubborn personality and likes to be obstinate. He won’t do without some tempering.”
The Empress Dowager nodded, “Your Imperial Majesty is absolutely right. Let this Yu Ming live as a commoner in Qingzhou for a period. He will naturally understand the pros and cons of scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants. If he understands, then let him return. If he doesn’t, then there’s no need to keep him.”
Xiao Ming nodded. Indeed, the Empress Dowager understood him best.
Qian Dafu flattered, “What the Empress Dowager said is truly insightful.”
The Empress Dowager put down the Buddhist scripture in her hand. She said, “I don’t bother myself with these court matters. What I am most concerned about is the Emperor’s continuation of the lineage. Your Imperial Majesty, Cui Xue’er has been in Qingzhou for some time now. It’s time for her to enter the palace.”
Unlike the Empress, who was formally married, the Emperor taking a consort required no elaborate ceremony. As long as the Empress Dowager and the eunuchs presided, the consort could be sent into the palace.
And on the second day of the consort’s entry into the palace, the eunuchs would have the Emperor “turn the tablet.” If the Emperor was interested in the consort, he would turn her tablet. If not, he might never turn it in his lifetime.
“Imperial Mother can decide this matter.” Like Fei Yu’er, Cui Xue’er was also the result of a political marriage. This kind of marriage was more about mutual respect, and the emotional foundation was even less than that of Lu Luo and Ziyuan.
Xiao Ming maintained a composed demeanor. The Empress Dowager said, “Since Cui Xue’er is entering the palace, some matters should be handled together. Lu Luo and Ziyuan have also been with you for a long time. It’s truly unsuitable for them to remain mere maids. Moreover, they are, after all, your people, so it’s even more inappropriate for them to leave the palace. In that case, let’s confer titles upon them together this time. However, these two girls’ status is ultimately a bit low, so perhaps a title of ‘Guiren’ (Noble Lady) would suffice.”
Xiao Ming had always wanted to discuss this with Imperial Concubine Zhen. Since both the Empress and the Imperial Noble Consort were political marriages, it seemed not too much to bestow the title of Guiren upon the two maids. After all, Guiren was already the lowest rank among concubines.