Chapter 11 The New Policy

Some were fervently in support of Chen Mu, declaring that his measures would benefit the nation and its people. Others, however, strongly opposed him. The reason was simple: they were the ones whose interests were threatened.

Chen Mu's actions were bold—he intended to levy taxes on them, confiscate their lands, and curtail their privileges. Naturally, they were not willing to sit back and accept such oppression.

According to historical precedent, if things continued as they were, it wouldn't be long before someone at court would submit a memorial to slander Chen Mu before Chen Xingtian. To forestall being accused first by those with ill intentions, Chen Mu took the initiative to present his new policies to Chen Xingtian himself. No matter how eloquent those ministers might be, they could not rival the genuine bond of father and son.

As for who had leaked the news, Chen Mu realized there was no point in pursuing the matter further; it was more practical to simply be more cautious in the future.

Chen Xingtian studied the policies Chen Mu had drafted, falling into deep contemplation. After a while, he summoned Chen Mu to his study.

"I wish to hear all of your thoughts," he said.

This time, Chen Xingtian did not address him as emperor, but stood in the role of a father, patiently listening to his son's ideas.

With this, Chen Mu was truly set in motion. He began by discussing the old system of the Xia dynasty, listing its myriad flaws and maladies. To him, the original system of Great Xia was riddled with holes; he could have spent hours pointing out just a few.

But for Chen Xingtian, each point Chen Mu raised was completely new and unanticipated. At first, he could still discuss and debate with Chen Mu, but as the conversation went on, all he could do was nod in agreement, again and again.

When Chen Mu grew tired of critiquing the old system, he turned to his own new policies. While some were indeed aimed at limiting the power of the aristocracy, most were intended to promote the development of commerce and agriculture.

This Xia dynasty, much like the ancient Hua Xia of Chen Mu’s previous life, valued agriculture as the foundation of the world and held commerce in contempt. But in Chen Mu’s hands, things were different. Having received a modern education, he understood all too well what the development of commerce could mean for a nation.

And so, Chen Mu spoke at length, eloquent and tireless, while Chen Xingtian listened in silence—his gaze evolving from approval to faint admiration.

Chen Xingtian was no foolish monarch; he, too, wished to be a sovereign remembered through the ages. But there were so many shackles, so much chaos in state affairs—throughout his decades on the throne, he had sought to reform and innovate, yet always felt as though he were untangling a hopeless knot, never able to grasp the heart of the matter.

Now, Chen Mu’s few sheets of paper were like a sharp blade, slicing through the tangled mess—suddenly, everything was clear.

Of course! What were those minor reforms of his compared to this? If reform was to be done, it should be bold and sweeping.

If the interests of the nobility hinder the country’s progress—restrict them!

If the common people suffer from the oppression of officials—suppress it!

If merchants are overlooked and commerce stagnates—support them!

Chen Mu could sense that Chen Xingtian was taking his words to heart, and this only fueled his enthusiasm. He spoke on, carried by his passion, until late into the night, finally feeling satisfied.

When Chen Mu finished, the study fell silent for a long moment.

“My son, have you considered how to deal with the opposition from the nobles and officials?” Chen Xingtian finally asked in a low voice.

“It’s very simple,” Chen Mu replied, tapping his finger on the table. “Resolve.”

“Resolve?”

“You are the emperor, above all others. As long as you are determined, there is nothing that cannot be accomplished,” Chen Mu said, his eyes unwavering.

He felt enormous gratitude for his previous life’s study of history. This was a lesson drawn from the annals of time.

Throughout Chinese history, many promising reforms failed because rulers lacked the necessary resolve; many great reformers perished because of it. Therefore, as long as Chen Xingtian was resolute and strong, no obstacle would be insurmountable.

Even if it took time, the successful implementation of the new policies would make any delays worthwhile.

Though emperor, Chen Xingtian had long struggled with the overwhelming power of local forces. This time, his eagerness to implement the new policies surpassed even Chen Mu’s expectations.

The next morning, at the imperial court, Chen Xingtian announced the new policies without hesitation, even stating that they were written by himself, with the crown prince assisting.

This was a clever move—it protected Chen Mu’s safety without completely erasing his contributions.

The word “new policies” detonated like a bomb in the hall. The opposing ministers raised their voices in protest; some declared these reforms would bring disaster to the nation, threatening to dash their brains out on the steps of the throne should the policies be enacted.

Since his ascension, Chen Xingtian had been known as a benevolent and magnanimous ruler, and relations between ruler and ministers had always been harmonious. Never before had he witnessed such weeping and wailing; flustered, he instinctively looked to Chen Mu for guidance.

Chen Mu merely sneered.

Those who swore to die were simply unwilling to surrender their privileges. If they couldn’t part with their wealth, how could they possibly part with their lives? It was nothing but theater.

With this in mind, Chen Mu stepped forward unhurriedly, stopping before the official who was wailing the loudest.

“Minister Zhang, please rise,” he said.

“No! These new policies will bring ruin to the nation! My loyalty is unwavering—how can I stand by and watch His Majesty become a tyrant because of this? If these reforms are enacted, the dynasty is doomed. I might as well dash my brains out here, spilling my blood on the golden hall—that would be my final act of loyalty to the state!”

Chen Mu nodded in feigned admiration.

“Minister Zhang, your loyalty is plain for all to see—how could I let it go to waste?”

With that, Chen Mu seized Minister Zhang by the wrist and dragged him to the pillar at the side of the hall.

“In that case, I’ll trouble you to do it yourself,” Chen Mu said with a genial smile. “Rest assured, should you lose your life for the country, we will grant you a burial befitting your rank. And as for future acts of loyalty, you need not trouble yourself any further.”

At these words, the once clamorous hall fell silent.

The officials who had been weeping and wailing all closed their mouths, exchanging uneasy glances.

What was happening? Why was the crown prince not playing by the rules?

On the dragon throne, Chen Xingtian rose, uneasy. Minister Zhang was a senior statesman; should something truly happen to him, there might be even greater outrage in the court.