In reality, though, most of the benefits still went to the common people.
The most obvious example was that no one could simply take control of another person's life.
After explaining all the new laws, Xue Qinghe concluded, "My ministers, I know some people under your command aren't clean. But that's all right. The new laws won't be applied retroactively. Just correct your ways in time, and make sure no one catches you red-handed."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The civil and military officials answered in subdued voices, not daring to slack off in the slightest. Almost none of them had clean hands—not even the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Xue Qinghe had already shown them great consideration by making concessions. Now it was up to them whether they would comply.
Aside from making sweeping reforms to abolish slavery, he showed no mercy in other areas either.
The first target was the military. He cut away the bloated bureaucracy that had accumulated under Emperor Xue Ye, forcibly purged some old nobles from Heaven Dou's ranks, then assigned his own people as officers throughout the Heaven Dou Empire's armies.
This reform undoubtedly threatened the interests of many old military families.
Abolishing slavery had already struck them a crippling blow. Now he was going after them in other areas too. Was he trying to drive them to their deaths?
He also made extensive use of marginal factions and talented people from among the common folk, strengthening his own power as emperor!
As one decree after another bolstered imperial authority, everyone realized that this newly enthroned emperor meant to strike at the nobles' power and consolidate the throne.
It was as if he had prepared for this long ago.
However, Xue Qinghe had the support of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, as well as