A Show of Defiance at Her Door
The scripture is good, but I'm afraid that people below will misinterpret it.
The first step in reform is implementation, which is of paramount importance.
However, my father-in-law clearly lacked this "ability"—he could manage his own small plot of land, but he was too busy to supervise many people.
At that point, it would be up to the "good son-in-law" to clean up his mess.
After listening to Gu Yuanshi's lengthy speech, the Emperor's eyes showed satisfaction. He stroked his beard and said, "I think Minister Gu's suggestion is excellent, given his concern for the country and its people. What do you all think?"
The courtiers: Let's see with our eyes.
You and Chief Grand Secretary Gu had clearly discussed this matter; you could have simply informed us here. Why go through the trouble of putting on an act?
Those who vehemently opposed the move were mostly demoted last winter.
The reason everyone's standing here listening to your nonsense is because they're obedient, isn't it?
"I have something to say," Xu Weibei stepped forward.
Everyone: Fight! Fight!
Everyone knows that the Marquis of Yingchuan and the daughter of Chief Grand Secretary Gu have just divorced, and they're probably at loggerheads right now.
The Marquis of Yingchuan has always been fearless, and he was the one who most vehemently opposed the reforms.
The emperor was naturally dissatisfied with him, but he didn't want to be accused of betraying him after using him, so he tolerated this "fish that slipped through the net" who opposed the reforms.
This is going to be interesting.
The Emperor waved his hand and said, "Let's leave it at that for today. Marquis of Yingchuan, if you have anything else to say, have someone present your memorial to me."
The implication is clear: keep your nonsense quiet in public, lest you displease me.
Chapter 179 Door-to-Door Demonstration
"Your Majesty, I believe that since we are already discussing the reform today, we should finish the discussion here. I am worried that someone might sabotage the reform and betray Chief Grand Secretary Gu's good intentions."
Everyone:???
Oh, it must be a strategy of praising before criticizing, giving the Emperor and Chief Grand Secretary Gu a sweet treat first, and then catching them off guard.
The emperor thought so too, but he did not stop Xu Weibei from speaking out.
He knew the stubborn nature of that donkey.
Even if he wasn't allowed to say it, Xu Weibei had to finish speaking, and in the end, he was the one who lost face.
Let's see what he has to say; the Emperor is on high alert.
Because he was determined to reform the laws, he was resolved not to change his mind because of a few words.
If all else fails, there's nothing wrong with demoting this Marquis of Yingchuan.
The idea of reform was something the emperor had had since his youth. Now that he finally has the power and the necessary conditions, who dares to stand in his way? He will kill anyone who stands in his way!
"Your Majesty, the reforms involve countless people, yet the local conditions are deeply entrenched. Many outwardly support the reforms but inwardly resist and oppose them, so their implementation may go awry. The reforms are good, but the outcome may not be as desired."
"So you mean we won't change the law?" The emperor was extremely annoyed.
Everyone: Let's fight! Let's fight!
Anyway, I'm not the one who's going to suffer.
"No, the Green Sprouts Law is for the benefit of the poor and needy, and I wholeheartedly agree with it. I only worry that it won't be able to be implemented, so I implore Your Majesty to consider bringing back my former subordinates and distributing them to oversee the enforcement of the Green Sprouts Law."
And the Corn seeds that Gu Wanning treasures must be properly secured; no one can tamper with them.
The person who receives the seed must witness the miracle firsthand and then remember the name Gu Wanning.
Everyone was shocked.
Has the Marquis of Yingchuan gone mad?
Can military power, once dispersed, still be called military power?
The emperor wanted to, but was too embarrassed to directly revoke the military power, so he simply resolved the matter himself?
And it was all to help Gu Yuanshi?
No, that's definitely not the case.
He probably wanted his men to cause trouble for Gu Yuanshi.
Yes, definitely.
Even so, even if the emperor knew his "sinister intentions," he might still agree to take away the military power in his hands.
Gu Yuanshi will definitely argue his case and resolutely oppose it.
This drama seems to be getting more and more exciting.
There were all sorts of speculations in everyone's mind.
The Emperor was indeed hesitant.
Gu Yuanshi indeed stepped forward.
However, he said, "The Marquis of Yingchuan's plan has just resolved my concerns. I think it is excellent, and I hope Your Majesty will grant it."
Everyone: "..."
This is insane!
Is this all to help the emperor undermine Xu Weibei's influence, even at the cost of his own reforms?
Or is the reform merely a grand scheme orchestrated by the emperor to deceive others, with the ultimate goal of forcing the Marquis of Yingchuan to relinquish his military power?
Why can't you understand?
Romantic entanglements, personal grudges, and major affairs of the imperial court—it's all incomprehensible, truly incomprehensible.
The Emperor concluded, "This matter is of great importance and requires careful consideration. We will discuss it further later."
Gu Wanning was unaware of the commotion in the imperial court.
An unexpected guest arrived at her home.
Xie Yun.
"Miss Xie, is there something you need?" Gu Wanning's attitude was distant at first, but she was very polite.
Although she felt that Xie Yun's visit to her was inexplicable.
And what right did Xie Yun have to look at him with that condescending, scrutinizing gaze?
Even if she's a "new love," shouldn't she show some respect to her "old flame"?
The world is going to the dogs; morality and social order are collapsing.
"I've come today to advise Miss Gu to take care of herself," Xie Yun said haughtily.
Gu Wanning was speechless, and said with a forced smile, "The Xie family is truly a distinguished family with a long history of learning. Miss Xie's words are so profound that I can't understand them at all."
Did I go to her house and tell her to behave herself?
It's absolutely hilarious.
"Miss Gu, there's no need to play dumb. I'm here today with good intentions to advise you. Honest advice may be hard to hear, but I hope you can restrain yourself and stop putting the Marquis in such a precarious position."