The most biting episode of "Yes, Prime Minister"? / Bloodborne Archon: We must not try to clear away the filth, or we will fall into it

Faced with their husbands' smug look, the wives of the Shapeshifter immediately said:

"According to opinion polls, you'll know soon."

His wife's sabotage clearly helped Theresis recover somewhat. After careful consideration, Theresis tried to think about what he would do if he were an ordinary citizen facing the prospect of road widening, airport construction, or house demolition.

His final conclusion was to write a letter to the local council representative.

"Will this even work?" Talulah couldn't help but ask.

"Of course it's useless, but that's what ordinary people do." Theresis, speaking with an air of superiority and a sense of entitlement, offered a sharp critique:

Because ordinary people are all idiots.

"--That's why they chose you, right?" The wife immediately contradicted him, signaling to her husband not to go too far.

When Talulah realized that Theresis couldn't understand her line of thinking at all, Talulah went straight to the point and presented her own viewpoint, which was "returning power to the people."

"Establish multiple small constituencies, with each of the two hundred households electing its own administrative committee, effectively turning the city into villages. The person with the highest authority recognized by this administrative committee will be their representative in the local government."

"Then each town will have five hundred committee members." Theresis immediately realized that implementing this policy would be quite difficult and complicated, and quickly asked.

"That's right, and then they elect an executive committee, so the local government has Grand Secretariat and a parliament."

"Then these people are getting too involved."

"That's our goal!" Talulah pointed out this key point and immediately added, "Every member of parliament can maintain close contact with his neighbors and everyone who elected him."

"In this way, everyone's interests are aligned, and the representatives they elect can truly represent the thoughts of everyone in the area."

In this way, "they (local governments) have become us (the people)", and local governments can truly implement the people's ideas. This not only solves the problem of local government officials having too much power, but also allows the people's demands to be truly addressed.

"Phew..." Meanwhile, in Yan, the Grand Tutor Talulah had copied down the entire passage spoken by Talulah in "Yes, Prime Minister." Looking at the brief explanation of "returning power to the people" in his hand, he knew that in the coming period, they would have to work overtime to study the pros and cons and the advantages that could be used.

"I never imagined that a TV series could contain such an unprecedented proposal for governing the people..."

"Director Chen Qi is truly a genius."

In the eyes of the high-ranking officials of various countries on the Terra, "Yes, Prime Minister" has long been more than just an ordinary TV series. There is so much to learn and emulate from it, and every aspect can greatly benefit individuals and nations.

There's so much to study here... Even the Grand Tutor feels a little reluctant for the show to end...

Chapter 146: The most satirical episode of "Yes, Prime Minister"?

"Returning power to the people? That's a bold strategy, but I'm afraid His Majesty won't agree."

When Liang Xun and Miss Ning from Shangshu heard Talulah's "returning power to the people" strategy on TV, they were greatly shocked by this proposal, living in a prosperous feudal era. But after the shock, they couldn't help but think about the feasibility of this matter.

However, after thinking about it for a while, the two shook their heads, indicating that this wouldn't work.

"While this allows the public to participate in the selection process, it also adds many more departments to each region, and many more 'representatives' who are not professional and have not undergone rigorous selection."

"Although they have reflected public opinion, they do not know how to make the right choices. This kind of return of power to the people does not benefit them; it will only make things more chaotic."

"--Moreover, the officials in the imperial court probably wouldn't accept it, as it would significantly diminish their power." Miss Ning nodded in agreement; she naturally didn't think such a system could be implemented either, and said calmly:

"But isn't it quite interesting? It gives the public a sense of participation... Although it can't be applied to politics and officialdom, if it stays away from those things, allowing the public to spontaneously form representative groups is also an effective way to convey public opinion."

"... Perhaps we could advise His Majesty that this method is not entirely without merit."

Miss Ning and Liang Xun also had their own thoughts, and they found the viewpoints presented in "Yes, Prime Minister" to be quite insightful—something they had never considered before.

Fortunately, the two were still relatively young and their minds were still quite active; otherwise, some older officials with slightly more conservative thinking would probably have already begun to condemn such "treasonous" ideas.

Returning to the TV series, the high-ranking officials from various countries, now filled with interest, are all curious about how Chen Qi will describe the upcoming plot, because it is obvious that such a strategy will be strongly opposed by "Humphrey," played by the Bloodborne Archon.

How will Humphrey manage to avert this crisis and change the Prime Minister's mind?

By now, almost all long-time viewers of "Yes, Prime Minister" have become aware of the show's framework: a proposal is made, Humphrey opposes it, Humphrey tries to persuade the Prime Minister to change his mind, Bernard takes sides, and finally, "Yes, Prime Minister."

Despite the familiar framework, each installment offers something new, especially the character of Humphrey, who always delivers surprising remarks, unique insights, and sharp revelations. This makes the Bloodborne Archon more popular and well-received by the audience compared to the other two main characters.

In the TV series, the current Bloodborne Archon also approaches Bernard, played by Manfred, to discuss a new policy of "returning power to the people."

However, before the Bloodborne Archon could speak, the naive Manfred blurted out without hesitation, "Yes, I think local governments need reform."

"Really, Bernard?" "Yes."

However, upon receiving Manfred's seemingly serious reply, the Bloodborne Archon immediately put down what he was doing and looked at Bernard with an utterly incredulous gaze, as if he had discovered a new species.

"... At least, I think I agree." Under the Bloodborne Archon's gaze, Manfred's confidence waned, and he spoke hesitantly.

Fortunately, the Bloodborne Archon highly values Manfred and has even begun to groom Bernard, this "promising" junior, as his successor, hoping that Manfred can provide a safety net for him when he retires in the future.

Therefore, the Bloodborne Archon spared no effort in explaining to Manfred why he opposed the policy, "Bernard, because once you've created a truly democratic local community, it won't end there."

"Think about it, once these institutions are established, they will inevitably vie for greater power. Politicians will not dare not relinquish power, and thus small regional governments will be formed."

"... Is there a problem with this?" Manfred, whose role in the show is to "raise questions for the audience," was also unaware of the problem. However, the high-ranking officials from various countries who were watching were nodding in approval, finding the Bloodborne Archon's analysis to be quite objective.

Fortunately, the Bloodborne Archon, being a very professional "teacher," knew how to explain the dangers of something in the most accessible way. After having Manfred sit down, he gave an example.

"Bernard, suppose today, there's a vacant lot in Doren County, and several proposals are vying to use it—to build a hospital, a school, or a factory? What should be done?"

"We will establish a joint committee of departments, including the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of the Environment, etc., and require them to submit reports, hold meetings, submit proposals, discuss, revise, submit reports again, and rewrite proposals."

Manfred also demonstrated his work ability, which drew frequent nods of approval from high-level officials from various countries. It was indeed a very complete process, and even if the systems were different, the process remained the same.

"Very correct, months of fruitful work." The Bloodborne Archon also said so, but most of the ordinary viewers who did not understand all this chuckled at the word "fruitful".

These tasks alone will take several months? That doesn't seem to have anything to do with being effective, does it?

The difference in perception between ordinary people and officials is evident at this moment. What ordinary people think can be resolved in a few meetings is often not so simple in reality.

The Bloodborne Archon's next words confirmed this, continuing, "Finally, a mature and responsible conclusion was reached."

"But if there's a local government, they can decide within Doren County!"

"They might decide after a few meetings; that's incredibly unprofessional!"

"... But that's their (the local people's) territory!" Manfred still seemed to miss the point, and at this moment, the Bloodborne Archon cut to the chase, continuing, "Then what about us civil servants?"

"... Workload has been significantly reduced?"

"Yes! The workload has been greatly reduced!" The Bloodborne Archon stated this word by word. "So much so that a few ministers can complete it themselves!"

"We will lose a lot of power!"

After the Bloodborne Archon pointed out this crucial point, officials of all ranks from various countries currently watching "Yes, Prime Minister" immediately realized the seriousness of this policy.

Whether it will benefit the country and its people is another matter, but it will greatly weaken the power of these individuals, which is simply unacceptable to the current rulers.

This extinguished any remaining hope among officials who had initially thought the policy was feasible after watching "Yes, Prime Minister," once the Bloodborne Archon exposed it. They might not have much power, but who can easily relinquish power once they hold it?

However, Manfred in the show seems oblivious to this, even uttering a remarkably absurd statement for someone in power:

"But I'm not sure if I want power."

" --Bernard! Do you know what will happen if those who should be in power don't take power?" The Bloodborne Archon stated the most straightforward warning with unwavering certainty, answering his own question:

"Those who shouldn't be in power have taken power!"

"Politicians! Committee members! Ordinary voters!"

However, the more the Bloodborne Archon spoke in this way, the more he revealed the true reason, the more nervous the leaders of various countries became, because they all realized that it was not a good thing to release these words to the people under their rule.

Although it is basically the same in all countries, ordinary people have very few ways to access power. They know that they are under the rule of the ruling class and it is unlikely that they will have access to power. However, knowing this and exposing it are two completely different things.

As long as there is no official confirmation, the balance can continue to be maintained. But once this veil is lifted, the problems could become much bigger.

Meanwhile, in Londinium, Theresia and her group were all intently focused on the message conveyed in "Yes, Prime Minister." Although they had acted it out once, watching it again from a third-person perspective revealed that the impact of many of the lines was even greater than they had imagined.

Theresis and Theresia felt that the line resonated with them, and they both nodded in agreement.

Yes, if those in power don't hold power, then those who shouldn't hold power will. This is a statement that both siblings deeply understand.

If Kazdel hadn't stood up for them, would it have suffered the same fate of destruction as countless times before? Now, watching Kazdel being rebuilt and the Sarkaz clan reviving, the brother and sister know all too well how hard-won all of this is.

What if the Sarkaz weren't led by them, but rather Wang Zhi of the Royal Court? What would Sarkaz future hold?

Sometimes, who is in power is really important, but not just anyone can be in power.

"... But isn't this a given under a democratic system?"

"We are Victoria democracy! Bernard!" The Bloodborne Archon practically shouted these words, and facing the bewildered Manfred, the Bloodborne Archon laid it all out, saying:

"Victoria democracy believes that we need a system to protect the things that are important in life and ensure they don't fall into the hands of outcasts!"

The term "outsiders" is really too sharp, filled with the utterly natural arrogance of the Victoria upper class. Most people born in Victoria held a disdainful attitude towards people from other countries, thinking that people from other countries were all country bumpkins, and there were quite a few of them.

Now, the "outsiders" referred to by the ruling class, such as the Bloodborne Archon, can be said to include a large number of commoners in Victoria. The strong sense of superiority of the elite class is palpable.

"For example, opera," the Bloodborne Archon slowly rose and gave an example. "Londinium Radio 3 (which specializes in broadcasting interviews with politicians or civil servants, covering politics, and has fewer listeners)."

"Victorian countryside, law, and universities—both (originally referring to Oxford and Cambridge, here referring to the Royal Public Universities and the Royal Guard College)."

"We operate a civilized, aristocratic government machine, occasionally regulated by universal suffrage."

"But since parliamentary reform, we have gradually excluded ordinary voters from government institutions!"

"Now that we've reached the point where they only have to hold elections every five years, there are still some clowns using this as a means to interfere with our policies."

"And yet you're quite willing to abandon all of this?"

As the Bloodborne Archon spoke more and more, revealing more and more things, the nerves of the high-ranking officials of various countries began to be stimulated, but they were powerless to stop the Bloodborne Archon on television.

Without a doubt, the Bloodborne Archon's words were a soul-searching revelation to almost every nation on the Terra.

Vina, who was taking notes, paused slightly, lost in thought as she looked at the records in her hands.

Liang Xun and Miss Ning, who were far away in Shangshu, responded with silence, unsure of how to refute him.

Without a doubt, this episode of "Yes, Prime Minister" is even more explosive than the previous season and a half, because it exposes the structure of the government to all the people of Terra, revealing in one go the real reason why the government, which is an ironclad entity, can operate smoothly.

"Every word is like a knife to the heart..."

Upon witnessing this scene, even with his vast experience and composure, Chongyue was utterly astonished by Chen Qi's writing, breaking out in a cold sweat. He now understood that the realm of words far surpasses the realm of martial arts...

Chapter 147: Bloodborne Archon: We can't try to clean up the dung, or we'll fall into it.

"Presumptuous!"

However, among the high-ranking officials who were stirred by this segment of "Yes, Prime Minister," there were naturally some high-ranking officials in Yan Kingdom. But this time, the one who was shaken was the highest level of power in Yan, our Emperor Yan.

In his rage, the emperor almost unconsciously unleashed his dragon roar. In an instant, the entire palace was pierced by the Yan emperor's roar. The dragon roar, imbued with the suppressed power of the True Lung emperor's bloodline, reached the ears of everyone in the palace, causing each person to feel a shiver from the bottom of their heart.

If "Are kings and nobles born with special privileges?" is a classic slogan in Chen Qi's world, then in the Terra, it can only be said that the True Lung emperor truly has a bloodline, and an overwhelming one at that.

Almost everyone in the palace felt a tremor run through their very souls. They immediately dropped everything they were doing and knelt on one knee in awe and fear, bowing and lowering their heads before the emperor's bedchamber.

Although the suppression of bloodline was only temporary, everyone in the palace was filled with fear and trepidation, wondering what had caused their usually strict and wise ruler to be so enraged after so many years.

The last time was when I heard that my older brother had run away...

However, the others in the palace were unaware of what had happened. In the emperor's bedchamber, the Grand Tutor was already bowing respectfully to the enraged emperor, his tone unusually tense as he spoke:

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger."

"Your Majesty... please forgive me." Chongyue was also startled. He wasn't frightened by the True Lung bloodline, but by the emperor's anger, which made him realize that the content of this episode had touched a nerve, and he felt apprehensive.

Chongyue was also feeling bitter inside—Nianmei, Ximei, what are you two doing?! He was trying his best to protect his two younger sisters, to appease the emperor's sensitive nerves, and desperately trying to prove that his two younger sisters, who were so close to the current "self-propelled propaganda strategic weapon," were not actually trying to rebel.

And he was about to succeed... The dawn of victory was just around the corner, but this episode ruined everything.

Chongyue's thoughts were no longer about persuading the emperor to use Chen Qi with confidence; his primary goal now was to protect his two troublesome younger sisters. Once they were accused of "treason," given the ruthless methods of the Imperial Calendar Bureau, they could be wiped out immediately if the emperor gave the order.

However, while Chongyue was still pondering how to exonerate his two younger sisters, the Emperor of Yan immediately turned his gaze to the Grand Tutor and asked sternly:

"My dear minister, I ask you, is my Great Yan Dynasty also like this?"

"... Your Majesty, how dare this old minister presume to answer? I believe Your Majesty has already made your decision."

However, after some hesitation, the Grand Tutor also didn't know how to answer the emperor's question, so he could only continue:

"Before Your Majesty ascended the throne, the late emperor had already popularized education among the common people. Academyes and schools were set up throughout the land, and education had become a top priority for the people of Yan."

"After His Majesty ascended the throne, he placed even greater emphasis on education. This is a great undertaking that will benefit future generations, ensuring that the people of our Great Yan will no longer have to live like they did when the 'Feranmut' shrouded us and powerful clans monopolized all knowledge."

"However... even with the popularization of education, it is still impossible to avoid the fact that schools vary in quality, just as people's talents also vary in quality. Children from wealthy families have better resources, and they can develop their talents systematically through home education and resources. With the support of their families, they can certainly enter academies with better resources."

"And among the officials of the court, both high and low, those who are talented are naturally among the best of their generation... those born into powerful and wealthy families account for nearly 90%."

The Grand Tutor stopped there, knowing he couldn't find a reason to refute the Bloodborne Archon's views in the TV series. This so-called "civilized, aristocratic political machine" could only be described as something that even the Great Yan couldn't escape, even during its Great Yan.

The emperor didn't speak again, but simply sat back down, looking somewhat dejected. Chongyue breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing this... thankfully, he hadn't blamed his two younger sisters, but instead focused his attention on the teaching issue.