UGB Chapter 10: New Policies Promulgated, Opposed by Ministers
Chapter 10: New Policies Promulgated, Opposed by Ministers
The next day, at the first light of dawn.
As the first rays of dawn pierced the clouds and shone upon the majestic palace, the deep and melodious chimes resounded throughout the entire capital.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Nine tolls of the bell signify the emperor's death.
Immediately following were twelve even more resonant drumbeats that echoed in all directions.
The twelve drumbeats heralded the new emperor's ascension to the throne.
Overnight, imperial power changed hands, and the entire Sui Dynasty was about to change.
Inside the Hall of Supreme Harmony, civil and military officials were already lined up on both sides according to their official ranks, filling the entire hall.
Each of them had a solemn expression, but if you looked closely, you could see that each of them had different thoughts hidden deep in their eyes.
There was shock, doubt, fear, hesitation, and also... anticipation.
The events that occurred in the palace last night have already been spread through various channels to varying degrees.
The third and ninth princes both perished in the struggle for the throne, and the one who ultimately sat on that throne was someone else entirely.
It's that useless prince who's been ignored by everyone all along—Lin Hanzhou!
This result exceeded everyone's expectations.
How did he do it? What kind of support did he have behind him?
After he ascended the throne, where would the Sui Dynasty go?
Countless questions lingered in the minds of every official.
In this complex and oppressive atmosphere, a eunuch's shrill voice came from outside the palace.
"The new emperor has arrived—!"
As soon as the voice fell, all the officials bowed and shouted in unison.
"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
Amidst the cheers of the officials, Lin Hanzhou, dressed in a brand-new golden dragon robe and surrounded by eunuchs, walked into the main hall.
The nine golden dragons embroidered on the dragon robe looked lifelike in the morning light, as if they were about to take flight at any moment.
His steps were steady and powerful, and his young face showed no sign of tension or unease.
As he slowly sat on the dragon throne, which symbolized supreme power, an aura of absolute authority seemed to envelop the entire hall.
All the officials who originally harbored different intentions involuntarily lowered their heads even further upon sensing this aura.
They suddenly realized that this new emperor was probably far more complex than they had imagined.
"My lords, rise."
Lin Hanzhou spoke calmly, his voice clear yet carrying an undeniable authority that resonated throughout every corner of the hall.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
The civil and military officials straightened up, but none of them dared to look directly at the figure on the dragon throne.
According to custom, after a new emperor ascends the throne, the Minister of Rites should read out the late emperor's edict, followed by a series of complicated ceremonies.
However, Lin Hanzhou did not play by the rules at all.
He spoke directly, skipping all the formalities, and uttered the first sentence that shocked the entire audience.
"Today, as I ascend the throne, I wish to promulgate three new policies and announce them to the world."
Upon hearing this, all the officials in the court were taken aback.
On the first day of his ascension to the throne, the new emperor did not first appease the people and stabilize the court.
Instead, they're going to implement new policies right away? Isn't that a bit too... hasty?
Before they could react, Lin Hanzhou's voice rang out again, like a thunderclap from a clear sky, exploding in everyone's ears.
"Firstly: From this day forward, all land under the Great Sui Dynasty shall be nationalized!"
"Then the imperial court will redistribute the land among the people according to the number of people, so that farmers will have their own land."
"Anyone who seizes, hoards, or resells land will have their entire family executed upon verification!"
boom--!
These words caused an uproar throughout the Hall of Supreme Harmony!
Land to be nationalized?!
This is going to uproot all the powerful and aristocratic families!
The Sui Dynasty was founded on the system of private land ownership, and the largest landowners were the powerful and influential families with deep-rooted connections.
This decree is tantamount to declaring war on the entire elite class of the Sui Dynasty!
"Your Majesty, you mustn't!"
An elderly minister with white hair and beard walked out of the ranks, knelt down, and wept bitterly.
"Land is the foundation of a nation, and the laws of our ancestors cannot be changed! This action will surely cause chaos throughout the land and shake the very foundation of the nation! Your Majesty, please reconsider!"
"Your Majesty, please reconsider!"
Immediately, dozens more officials knelt down, the vast majority of whom came from powerful and influential families.
Lin Hanzhou sat on the dragon throne, looking expressionlessly at the kneeling crowd below, ignoring them completely.
He then continued to announce the second decree in that cold voice.
"Secondly: In all counties and prefectures throughout the country, government schools should be widely established, and education should be provided to all regardless of social status."
"All citizens of the Great Sui Dynasty who are seven years of age or older may attend school for free, with all expenses covered by the imperial court!"
If the first decree uprooted the aristocratic families, then this second one severed their lineage.
For thousands of years, knowledge has been monopolized by a small number of powerful and wealthy people.
By controlling education, they controlled the source of talent, thereby ensuring their families' continued dominance in the government.
And now, the new emperor actually wants those peasants to study together with their children?
Is this okay?
"Absurd! Utterly absurd!"
"How can the teachings of the sages be lightly imparted to the ears of the lowly? This act is an insult to scholarship and will surely corrupt the literary style of our Great Sui Dynasty. I beg Your Majesty to rescind your decree!"
Another official jumped out and roared indignantly.
Opposition voices rose and fell, and the entire hall was in chaos, resembling a vegetable market.
However, Lin Hanzhou remained unmoved, his icy gaze sweeping across the entire room.
Then the third, and most fatal, decree was announced.
Thirdly: Reform the imperial examination system. From this day forward, abolish the old system, disregard social status and origin, and select only those with talent!
"The exam content will be personally determined by me."
The moment this third new regulation was implemented, the entire imperial court was in an uproar!
Each of these was like a sharp knife, piercing deep into the heart of powerful clans.
This is to completely sever their last path to control the bureaucratic system through the imperial examination!
"Your Majesty! I object!"
"I second that! This move is tantamount to destroying our own defenses!"
"How can the laws of our ancestors be changed so easily? Your Majesty has just ascended the throne; you must not take such a rash action!"
Opposition voices surged forth like a tidal wave.
This time, those who stood up to oppose it were not only officials from aristocratic families, but also some old ministers from humble backgrounds who held conservative views.
They believed that this young new emperor was far too radical and too crazy!
Even if such reforms are to be implemented, they must be carried out gradually and should not be rushed or sought after too quickly.
The entire Hall of Supreme Harmony was plunged into unprecedented chaos and uproar.
On the dragon throne, Lin Hanzhou coldly gazed at the excited officials below, a chilling murderous intent surfacing deep in his eyes.
This is exactly the effect he wanted.
He wants all his opponents to come out at once today.