"Granted."
Zi Shou cracked a walnut for himself, ready to hear what the Marquis of Yue had to say.
Although he had just bestowed the title of King of Yue, the recipient had not been the Marquis of Yue, but some bit player. He had no fear that the marquis would fail to get angry.
The Marquis of Yue cupped his hands. "Your Majesty, I hear that you intend to implement the New Law throughout the realm today."
Zi Shou nodded.
The Marquis of Yue looked at Li Jing, suppressed his indignation, and said, "I believe that must not be done."
"Why not?"
"The Reforms at Chentang Pass have been underway for a year. Throughout that year, the people have been loud with grievances. Crop yields have fallen, leaving the masses without enough to eat. The New Law is so harsh that every offense brings punishment. Stealing a mere half dǒu of foxtail millet earned a sentence of forty strokes! The people of Chentang Pass cannot make a living. There is much amiss with Chief Commander Li's Reforms. I beseech Your Majesty to reconsider!"
The Marquis of Yue began with Chentang Pass, then turned his attack on Li Jing.
He knew that King Zhou was determined to enact the Reforms. Even before Li Jing entered Chaoge, the king had paved the way for him with a series of schemes, including buying charcoal to establish trust and the Sleeping Tiger Ground Bamboo Slips.
But everything he had said was fact, without a single fabricated lie. No one could find fault with it. Li Jing's methods were indeed radical, and many people were dissatisfied.
Moreover...
With a light glance from the Marquis of Yue, a crowd of greater and lesser feudal lords surged forward.
Taking advantage of the recent discussions about burning