I Know You're Having a Hard Time. So Am I / Jiajing's Way of Managing People; The True Face the Upright Officials Revealed

As Jiajing received the confession, his expression grew increasingly grim. For a moment, only the sound of Jiajing turning the pages of the confession could be heard in the hall. Everyone, including those watching on screen, held their breath, as if they could feel the heavy atmosphere.

"Alas, he still fell into the trap." The new emperor of Ursus, now understanding the situation, couldn't help but feel a pang of regret upon seeing Hu Zongxian's confession, muttering to himself:

"He thought this confession could bring down the Yan Faction, but he didn't realize that Jiajing didn't want the Yan Faction to fall at all. By doing this, he fell into Jiajing's trap. In the end, not only will the Yan Faction not be eliminated, but Hu Zongxian himself will be distrusted by all three parties and become a lonely figure."

As he spoke, Emperor Ursus couldn't help but sigh, "Are all the people of Great Yan so... cunning and calculating? Even towards their own people?"

The Ursus Emperor's mutterings caused the Great Yan Emperor and Wei Yenwu, who were not far away, to twitch at the corners of their mouths, but they didn't know how to refute him, and could only say to themselves, "Likewise."

However, just when everyone thought Hu Zongxian's efforts had failed, they saw the Emperor Jiajing's face turn extremely ugly. He was so angry he was almost laughing, but he held up the confession in his hand and looked at Yan Song, who was not far away with Yan Song eyes closed, seemingly waiting for his death. He then said:

" --Lü Fang, do you know what's written in this confession?"

"This servant doesn't know," Lü Fang, played by Lee, answered honestly.

"Then I will tell you!" Jiajing's tone rose slightly. Just when everyone thought he was about to feign a fit of rage and dismiss Yan Song for Yan Song Yan Shifan's actions, he instead grinned and said:

"--It details the disrepair of the river embankment!"

In an instant, Jiajing's words stunned everyone watching from outside the screen, except for the two brothers from the Great Yan who were acting in the play. They never imagined that at such a critical moment, everything could be reversed.

Wasn't it supposed to be a statement about the breached dikes and flooded fields? How did it suddenly become a detailed account of the dike's disrepair?

While everyone was still somewhat confused, the Great Yan Emperor suddenly realized what was happening, his expression becoming rather strange, and he muttered to himself:

"The devil may be one foot tall, but the righteous are ten feet tall... I understand his intention now."

"Hu Zongxian guessed it. He knew that Jiajing also knew the truth about the breaching of the dikes and flooding of the fields, but seeing that Jiajing did not take action against Yan Faction, he knew that Jiajing did not want to bring down Yan."

"Given that the emperor already knows the truth, it would be pointless to present it to him now. By changing the confession to the disrepair of the river, Jiajing wouldn't have to compromise his principles to save face, the court wouldn't be thrown into turmoil, and Hu Zongxian's loyalty in thinking of the emperor's best interests could be confirmed."

"But... the people of Zhe City... sigh, all this fuss and trouble, the people of Zhe City have suffered for nothing."

The Emperor of Great Yan's mutterings revealed a hint of sorrow. In the drama, Hu Zongxian's move can be said to have perfectly protected himself and the Yan Faction, demonstrating his loyalty to Jiajing and expressing his stance to Yan Song, who had already become estranged from him, that he still stood with the Yan Faction.

Hu Zongxian only did this because he still cared about the people and didn't want Yan Shifan and others to force the people of Zhe City to rebel.

Hu Zongxian also expressed his opinion, saying:

"At that time, the Grand Secretary recommended me, and the Emperor valued me highly, all in the hope that I would live up to the Emperor's expectations and bring peace to the people while serving in Zhe City."

"I am currently struggling to manage affairs in Zhe City, which is truly unworthy of my post. I beg Your Majesty to dismiss me from my post."

Hu Zongxian's meaning was very clear: I can't control what's happening in Zhe City, and I can't stop the conversion of rice paddies to mulberry fields. Your Majesty wants the people of Zhe City to suffer, yet you want me to mobilize the troops of Zhe City to fight Seaborn. You want the horse to run, but you also don't want the horse to eat grass. I simply can't do it.

Your Majesty, you might as well remove me from this matter. That way, I won't be able to get involved in the conversion of rice paddies to mulberry fields. Out of sight, out of mind, I'll at least have a reason to comfort myself.

"--You're trying to shirk your responsibilities." But Jiajing, being a man of great intelligence, immediately saw through Hu Zongxian's meaning and laughed:

"Even if you dare, I won't let you shirk your responsibilities."

"There are two things I know about you. First, you are able to see the big picture and consider the overall situation. Second, you are willing to work diligently and conscientiously."

"Zhe City Southern Zhili are both important tax-paying areas for the imperial court. Just because there are so many Seaborn there, now that you're gone, no one can keep them in check!"

A single sentence from Jiajing was like a "get-out-of-jail-free card" for Hu Zongxian. Upon hearing this, everyone knew that Hu Zongxian had successfully navigated this perilous situation; he had cleverly turned a seemingly hopeless predicament into a victorious one!

"* Victoria slang*! So difficult to please! And so frightening, one wrong step and you're dead! This Hu Zongxian is really something!"

The Duke of Windermere patted her chest, still shaken. She was sweating profusely, as if she herself had just witnessed that scene. The other state guests also showed expressions of lingering fear.

Those who understood the situation knew just how much danger was hidden within this less than ten-minute conversation. However, Talulah was completely bewildered, looking at the terrified people around her, utterly unable to comprehend what had just transpired.

How did Hu Zongxian suddenly come back to life? When did his testimony change to the claim of river channel disrepair? How did Jiajing's tone change so quickly?

"My foolish daughter, if you were working on this show, you probably wouldn't even survive one episode."

At this moment, only Koschei responded to Talulah. Koschei, too, understood the breathtaking exchange, and unusually wiped away a cold sweat, unable to help but sigh:

"I must say, this is truly worthy of the Great Yan. Such a breathtaking factional struggle... it's truly frightening."

PS: Chapter 3 today! Only 2 more chapters left to pay the bounty! (Two chapters left! Just two more! This endless sea of bounties is finally coming to an end, waaaaaah...)

Volume 1: Chapter 297: I know you are having a hard time, and so am I.

At this moment, the Emperor of Great Yan heard all the remarks of the state guests, but this was also the reason why the Emperor of Great Yan was hesitant to publicly broadcast "The Great Yan Dynasty" at the state banquet - he did not want these foreigners to think that their Great Yan Dynasty was full of intrigue and that all their intelligence and wisdom were used for internal strife.

... Well, perhaps struggle has always been part of human nature. But at least the Emperor of Great Yan didn't want these foreign rulers to think that Great Yan officials were all opportunistic, and that they might use this as a point of attack against Great Yan.

The Great Yan has always viewed foreign countries as "mysterious." This is because while foreign countries were engaged in infighting and wars, the Great Yan Dynasty, having ended its challenge to the gods, had been focusing on consolidating its territory and steadily restoring its national strength.

The Great Yan fought with Ursus for land and battled with Feranmut, which were considered "gods" by ordinary people. This is how the foreign impression of the Great Yan as powerful and prosperous was born.

The Emperor of Great Yan hoped that Great Yan would always remain mysterious in the eyes of foreigners. People are very unlikely to take the initiative to attack the "unknown power" unless they have enough confidence to challenge the unknown.

However, it is clear that with the foundation and strength of the Great Yan, unless someone unites all the Feranmut that the Great Yan has driven out, or unifies the entire western part of the Terra, they cannot truly pose a threat to the Great Yan's annihilation. At least in terms of the current situation on the Terra, no one would be foolish enough to challenge the Great Yan. And as long as the Great Yan continues to develop, Great Yan will only become stronger and stronger!

The human heart cannot withstand the test. The Emperor of Great Yan knew this, which is why he was very worried that "Great Yan Dynasty 1566" would shatter the mystery of Great Yan. This is also why he made Wei Yenwu sit in the same seat as him.

He needed the image of the "Emperor Jiajing" that everyone feared, so that these foreigners would continue to be wary and mysterious of the Great Yan, unable to discern the Great Yan's true strength, and even less daring to harbor any ambitions to spy on the Great Yan!

Looking back now, both the actions of the Emperor of Great Yan and the unfathomable depths revealed in "The Great Yan Dynasty" have truly broadened the horizons of the group. Such high-level intrigue and scheming is indeed something they have never seen before.

Returning to the story, Hu Zongxian escaped danger, but Jiajing had no intention of letting him off the Hu Zongxian. Seeing that Hu Zongxian was unable to move, he turned to Yan Song beside him and asked:

"What do you say, Grand Secretary Yan?"

"--No one is wiser than the Emperor." Yan Song understood Jiajing's thoughts perfectly, otherwise he wouldn't have been eighty-one years old when the Emperor's power was gradually transferred to his son Yan Shifan before a crisis arose.

Yan Song understood that Jiajing did not want to bring him down yet; Jiajing still needed him. The conversion of rice paddies to mulberry fields had to be completed in Zhe City, and the national treasury had to be replenished. The only way to carry this out now was to remove Hu Zongxian from this chaotic situation.

"Zhe City certainly still needs Hu Zongxian, but the burden on his shoulders is indeed too heavy."

"Since His Majesty has asked me, I believe that Hu Zongxian should resign from his concurrent post as Governor of Zhe City and retain only the position of Governor-General of Zhe City. This way, he can maintain control of the overall situation and devote more of his energy to suppressing Seaborn."

"--In this way, Hu Zongxian's administrative power in Zhe City can be said to have been completely hollowed out." Theresis nodded, fully understanding Yan Song's arrangement, and murmured:

"In this way, Hu Zongxian cannot interfere with the national policy of converting rice paddies to mulberry fields. While retaining his military power, he can still continue to be in charge of suppressing Seaborn. It's a win-win situation."

However, just as Theresis was saying this, Yan Song suddenly changed the subject and continued:

"The security of the trade routes and the rear areas in Zhe City this year must be guaranteed; the deal for 500,000 bolts of silk with the Weaving Bureau must be completed. Hu Zongxian is hereby ordered to do his utmost to handle these matters."

Yan Song's words undoubtedly struck a chord with Jiajing. Jiajing's expression softened considerably, and he glanced, seemingly casually, at Prince Yu beside him, before speaking pointedly:

"--These are the words of a wise and experienced ruler."

Seizing Hu Zongxian's administrative power and preventing him from interfering with the national policy of converting rice paddies to mulberry fields was not enough. Yan Song's words caused the burden of the rice-to-mulberry conversion policy, which Hu Zongxian had been trying to get rid of, to fall back on him once again—because Hu Zongxian needed to protect the rear of Zhe City, he had no choice but to safeguard the implementation of the rice-to-mulberry conversion policy, as it was his duty!

Political maneuvers are difficult to detect, and even if they are discovered, adjustments can be made as appropriate. However, in military matters, if you dare to engage in such maneuvers, you are truly harming the country.

Even ordinary people know that military affairs are of utmost importance and cannot be taken lightly. If Hu Zongxian wanted to maintain his reputation and avoid being scorned and infamous for eternity, he would never dare to make mistakes in military matters, much less obstruct the conversion of rice paddies to mulberry fields.

So, after a lot of trouble, changing rice paddies to mulberry fields again and again, Hu Zongxian tried his best to delay the plan to change rice paddies to mulberry fields, but all his efforts were in vain.

He himself was forced to go against his conscience and continue to make the people of Zhe City suffer. This time, however, it was almost impossible for him to interfere. He had no choice but to become an accomplice in making the people suffer as well.

"As for the disaster relief in Zhejiang and the conversion of rice paddies to mulberry fields, after you go down there, let Hu Zongxian and the Grand Secretariat discuss a solution."

It's always a good thing to be able to consider both sides when faced with a dilemma.

As Jiajing spoke, he looked up at Hu Zongxian, whose face had turned pale and whose eyes were already moist. Clearly, Hu Zongxian understood the emperor's meaning and realized that his hope of finding some solace in "out of sight, out of mind" had been dashed.

"... I, my Lord, obey your order."

In the end, Hu Zongxian still had no choice but to bow to Jiajing. He knew that in the current situation, even if he didn't do it, someone else would. By staying there, he could at least provide some help and support. If it were someone else... the suffering of the people of Zhe City would only be greater.

Seeing Hu Zongxian like this, perhaps a rare feeling of guilt and compassion welled up in Jiajing's heart, Jiajing couldn't help but smile bitterly as he spoke:

"I know you are having a hard time... I am having a hard time too!"

"Let's all make do. Let's each do our own thing—go do what you're supposed to do."

With Jiajing's stance in mind, a thrilling meeting, in which everyone narrowly escaped death but ultimately nothing changed, finally came to an end.

The Yan Faction did not fall, and the suffering of the people of Zhejiang did not end... Just like the Great Yan in the drama, everyone understood where the problem lay, but no one could change everything—not even Jiajing.

Apart from Talulah and Chen Qi, everyone in high positions in the main hall felt a complex mix of emotions after Jiajing's remarks, as they had all experienced similar feelings.

In the drama, the problems of the Great Yan are no longer something that Jiajing alone can solve. Even if he treats his officials as servants and manipulates them at will, there are still many things that he cannot do at will. Otherwise, the Great Yan, which is now riddled with problems, will lose its balance and collapse.

How similar this is to the feelings of rulers like Theresis, the new king of Ursus, and the Madam Sicily, who tread on thin ice while governing their countries! Maintaining a nation is truly a difficult task...

However, Talulah, who was beside Chen Qi, disagreed. Although she hadn't understood the earlier parts, she understood Jiajing's remark. But precisely because she knew of Jiajing's extravagant spending, Talulah said disdainfully:

"What's so difficult for him? Is it because he hasn't built enough palaces or doesn't have enough elixirs? He has the nerve to say he's having a hard time, but what about all those ordinary people? He's quite good at self-pity."

However, Talulah's muttered remark caused everyone present who had been silent because of Jiajing's remark to turn their surprised gazes towards Talulah.

At that moment, Talulah belatedly realized that she might have said something wrong, but Chen Qi pinched her cheek beside her, causing her to blush immediately. She whispered:

"What are you doing? There are so many people here. Don't do that in public!"

"It's nothing, I just feel that sometimes Talulah, your straightforwardness really helps you see the essence of a problem."

To be honest, if Chen Qi hadn't already decided that the drama could only use Yan for the various roles, Chen Qi would have considered having Talulah play Hai Rui. Talulah even more straightforward Chen Huijie and has no scruples. Having been by Chen Qi's side for so long, Talulah's personality can be said to be completely unrestrained.

"Hahaha! Talulah is right. I must put the people first. Only by sharing their joys and sorrows can I dare to say that I am suffering."

The Emperor of Great Yan was quite pleased. No matter how intelligent Jiajing was, he was still just a foolish ruler. The Emperor of Great Yan did not want Great Yan to have such an emperor—even though foreign dignitaries were wary of such a monarch.

"No matter what, Jiajing was not a wise ruler. Our Great Yan would rather have a weak but wise ruler than a foolish one who acts like a 'god'. Only when the people of Great Yan are strong can Great Yan be strong. All the emperors of Great Yan throughout history have done a better job Jiajing!"

A single sentence from the Emperor of Great Yan made many who already considered Jiajing to be terrifying feel ashamed, and they were even more wary of the Emperor's statement that "all the emperors of Great Yan history have done better than Jiajing."

The political machine of Jiajing was already terrifying enough for them. But all the previous emperors of the Great Yan Dynasty were stronger than Jiajing. Just how powerful was the Great Yan? None of them knew.

Especially Theresis, Kazdel is not far from the Great Yan. He was originally somewhat unhappy because of Wei Yenwu's previous "threat", but now he has to re-evaluate the support that Kazdel needs for its restoration and the attitude of the Great Yan.

"Fortunately, Chen Qi has been very kind to our Sarkaz clan, and now he is valued by the Great Yan. If we can use Chen Qi as a bridge to maintain friendly relations between Kazdel and the Great Yan..."

As Theresis pondered this, looking at Talulah of Princess by Chen Qi's side, and thinking of his younger sister in Victoria, who was now recovering well... he felt it was necessary for him to sound out Chen Qi's opinion.

PS: First chapter today!

Volume 1: Chapter 298: Jiajing's Way of Managing People, the True Faces Exposed by the Purists

In addition to their emotions, everyone's understanding of the drama "The Great Yan Dynasty" has changed somewhat through a scene that lasted only fifteen minutes. Everyone who has watched the first four episodes knows that this drama is more exciting than "Yes, Prime Minister" in a sense, but there is still a lack of understanding of the Great Yan Dynasty culture.

Now that the leaders of various countries have gathered together to interpret the meaning of a political drama, it is naturally much smoother than if one person were to ponder it alone. With Chen Qi's help, and through their interpretations, everyone gradually understood the profound meaning.

Now they all know they were wrong. They thought Chen Qi had created a Great Yan version of "Yes, Prime Minister," but this "Great Yan Dynasty," while perhaps not covering as many topics and areas, was able to present a very real and cruel officialdom to everyone.

The struggles, the emperor's political maneuvering and checks and balances, the ministers' self-preservation and pursuit of power, and even the various faces of ordinary people are all vividly depicted!

The knowledge that can be deciphered from here is so vast that almost every dynasty, from the emperor to the officials, can find a corresponding position and figure. There is so much to teach them here.

Back in the drama, Jiajing returned to his study, and Lü Fang, played by Lee, skillfully poured Jiajing hot tea. Then she took out several red pills with gold patterns on their surfaces and presented them to Jiajing.

"Your Majesty, it's time to administer the elixir."

"Um."

Jiajing silently agreed and took out a pill in front of everyone. This was the first official appearance of the pill that helped Jiajing become Feranmut within the context of the Great Yan Dynasty.

"This medicine... can really turn a person into Feranmut?"

The new emperor of Ursus couldn't help but think this way, and it wasn't just him; in fact, everyone was curious about it.

Everyone knows the background of Chen Qi's "The Great Yan Dynasty 1566" and has heard that Emperor Jiajing's enormous expenses were either used to build palaces or to refine elixirs.

But they didn't know whether Jiajing ultimately succeeded. In their view, Jiajing was such a clever emperor who spent so much money from the national treasury just to create Feranmut. So he must have found a sure-fire way to succeed. Otherwise, he wouldn't have used such a huge amount of capital to gamble on something that was unprecedented and would never be repeated.

This TV series, in particular, might be a representation of the future Great Yan... If Jiajing really accomplished the feat of creating a giant artificial Feranmut, wouldn't the future Great Yan be able to create super-powerful combat units?

Upon realizing this, everyone except Laterano Church, who remained silent and focused on eating dessert, had a hint of greed in their eyes. However, remembering that the script was written by Chen Qi, they all silently suppressed their desires.

After all, if Chen Qi could truly see the future, the fact that he's showing it off suggests he knows the secret of this elixir. But who would dare ask Chen Qi for something like that? Who would dare force Chen Qi to reveal the truth?

The Emperor of Great Yan, however, knew all of this. He took in everyone's expressions, a smile playing on his lips—he was eager to see just how interesting their expressions would be when they learned that Jiajing's elixir hadn't helped them become Feranmut.

In the drama, Jiajing takes a pill, and his whole body seems to be filled with anger, with wisps of white mist emanating from his body, making everyone feel that his ability to become Feranmut is not unfounded.

"Who exactly is this Hu Zongxian? He's managed to confuse us all."

"--No one can outwit the Emperor." At this moment, Lü Fang, played by Lee, perfectly demonstrated what it means to "put oneself in the Emperor's shoes" for all of Terra's secretaries, chief servants, and other confidants, slowly saying:

"Hu Zongxian is caught in the middle; he's torn between two options."

"Yes, he's really suffered." Jiajing couldn't help but sigh upon hearing this, and Lü Fang also offered words of comfort:

"The hard times are yet to come. Grand Secretary Yan will certainly not disown him again. Given his character, he will not side with Xu Jie, Gao Gong, or Zhang Juzheng."

"Zhe City cannot be thrown into chaos. The national policy of converting rice paddies to mulberry fields must still be implemented, but neither side is willing to comply. It's not just difficult to die, it's a cause for great anxiety."