The Fallen Nation System, Turning the Tide - Chapter 95: Public Announcement

Chapter 95: Public Announcement

“Those who can protect their sovereign can also turn against them.”

The common people crowded at the palace gates, their emotions running high. The officials who emerged were startled, and upon hearing the crowd shouting “Eliminate the traitors,” they grew panicked, looking around anxiously. “Where are the traitors? Has something happened in the palace?”

The officials were unaware of the situation. If there were a palace disturbance, first, the palace gates would have been sealed, and second, they would have received some news. The people’s anger seemed genuine, suggesting something might have truly occurred in the palace.

In a flurry, the officials hurried back inside, eager to assess the situation. If it were a rebellion, the conspirators would surely target Xu Ying. If the throne were to change hands, they needed to react swiftly, switch allegiances in time, and secure their lives.

Xu Ying was about to return to Azure Wave Study to work overtime when she heard a commotion nearby. Curious, she soon saw an Imperial Guard rushing over to report, “Your Majesty, the common people have surged into the palace for some reason, shouting in unison, ‘Return our sovereign, execute the traitors!’ All the officials have been forced to retreat!”

“What?” Xu Ying was shocked.

It suddenly occurred to her that Tong Wan’s fireworks might have caused a misunderstanding. The people, unaware of what was happening in the palace, would panic at the loud noises. She quickly said, “Take me there at once. I must reassure the people.”

Xu Ying hurried over. The Imperial Guards raised torches, illuminating the night. The flickering flames mirrored the people’s fervent emotions. On the path, every face showed determination, their features shifting in the dancing shadows.

“Her Majesty approaches” a palace attendant announced.

The chaos ceased abruptly. Xu Ying emerged unharmed, standing under the torchlight, her shadow stretching long. Delight sparked in the people’s eyes as they murmured, “It truly is Her Majesty.”

Xu Ying explained, “The loud noise from the palace earlier was from fireworks developed by Tong Wan of our Great Jin Academy of Sciences. It was not a palace disturbance. I apologize for not informing you in advance, which caused this panic. It was my oversight.”

The people felt undeserving of her apology and hurriedly replied, “As long as Your Majesty is safe…”

The misunderstanding had led to a riotous entry into the palace, making it difficult to resolve. Xu Ying reassured them, “I am deeply moved by your protective hearts, but please do not act impulsively next time. Be cautious of those who might exploit such situations. If there truly were a palace upheaval, you must stay home, prioritize your own safety above all else. If any of you were to die for my sake, I could no longer bear the shame of ruling this nation.”

Xu Lang arrived with the Imperial Guards and explained the entire situation to the crowd, urging them to return home promptly.

Seeing Xu Ying safe, the people hesitated but began to leave, glancing back repeatedly. They shot fierce glares at the officials cowering in the corners, fearing that Xu Ying might be under duress, forced to pacify them.

The next day, during court, Liu Xu addressed the incident: “Your Majesty must not let this matter rest. If the people can storm the palace to protect you today, what if they grow resentful of your policies tomorrow? Could they not then enter the palace to assassinate you? We must never allow such thoughts to take root among the populace. The ringleaders from last night must be severely punished!”

Zhang Yu objected, “Last night, the people acted out of loyalty to their sovereign. Punishing them would only breed resentment.”

“Those who can protect their sovereign can also turn against them. We cannot indulge them arbitrarily. Violating the night curfew is a crime, and crimes must be punished. Without rules, there is no order; if the law is disrupted, the state will cease to be a state.”

While Zhang Yu and Liu Xu were arguing, Wu Zhaoyan, who had only attended court for a few days, spoke up: “Your Majesty, last night’s incident arose from the common people’s lack of knowledge about palace affairs, leading to misunderstandings. Their actions were indeed driven by loyalty to the throne. However, Minister Liu Xiang’s concerns are not without merit. This humble official believes the most crucial matter is to ensure the people are informed and understand palace and court affairs to reduce such misunderstandings.”

“It was indeed improper for the people to rashly enter the palace last night, but mere punishment is not the solution. We should instruct them on how to respond in such situations, clearly explain the reasons, and emphasize the dangers of reckless intrusion into the palace. Then, if such circumstances occur again, the people will know how to react properly.”

Xu Ying nodded. “You’re right. Continue.”

Wu Zhaoyan said, “This official proposes establishing public bulletins. Current events and planned activities for the coming days could be compiled into bulletins using simple, accessible language. Special officials could be assigned to read these bulletins daily at various locations, ensuring information spreads widely without burdening the people’s time.”

At this point, Song Jinzhu stepped forward excitedly. “Moreover, we could print these in large quantities for sale. Many wealthy households and noble mansions would likely purchase them. This would generate revenue for the national treasury, covering the bulletin expenses.”

Though discussing money seemed vulgar, it was an unavoidable topic. When Wu Zhaoyan proposed the bulletins, some had wondered about funding sources, as annual budgets were strictly allocated. Song Jinzhu’s sales strategy resolved this issue.

The ministers exchanged nods of approval, considering the plan feasible.

Seeing no objections, Xu Ying declared, “Very well. Wu Zhaoyan and Song Jinzhu, this matter is entrusted to you two. Wu Zhaoyan, you will oversee content editing. Song Jinzhu, handle sales-related matters. Zhang Yu, assign someone from the Ministry of Revenue to review finances. Report any additional staffing needs.”

After the Winter Examination concluded, Xu Ying had reviewed all candidates’ backgrounds. Wu Zhaoyan demonstrated exceptional talent, while Song Jinzhu came from a merchant family. Having traveled extensively with her father since childhood, she was well-versed in trade. Moreover, she operated several printing workshops herself, which could be utilized for bulletin production.

Wu Zhaoyan and Song Jinzhu bowed to accept their assignments.

When Wu Zhaoyan lifted her head, Xu Ying noticed a faint smile gracing her features and couldn’t help reflecting on Wu Zhaoyan’s original destiny: the imperial harem.

After Xu Long ascended the throne, Wu Zhaoyan was selected through the grand selection to become a Talented One in the palace. Her gentle temperament endeared her to Xu Long, and she maintained good relations with Empress Gao Yun. Within years, she rose to the position of Virtuous Consort.

Notably, Wu Zhaoyan ultimately gained fame for compiling 《Women’s Virtues》, which later generations used as a model to restrict women to conventional virtues.

Initially, Xu Ying had assumed Wu Zhaoyan possessed the rigid temperament of a pedantic scholar. However, when the Winter Examination results were published and she saw Wu Zhaoyan’s name topping the list, she specifically reviewed her examination answers and was truly astonished.

Far from being rigid, Wu Zhaoyan demonstrated agile thinking and meticulous observation. She answered every multiple-choice question correctly, proving her success wasn’t mere luck. Xu Ying mused that if Wu Zhaoyan were transported to modern times to take civil service exams, she would undoubtedly pass with ease. Such terrifying talent had truly been wasted in her previous life.

Now that Wu Zhaoyan had embarked on a different path in this lifetime, Xu Ying wondered who would eventually write that influential 《Women’s Virtues》.

While Xu Ying was lost in her thoughts, the matters regarding the official gazette had already been settled below, and the topic shifted to Sun Wanyun. Zhang Yu said, “There is no one in the Grand Secretariat responsible for handling urgent memorials. We should select another person to enter the Grand Secretariat and take over the duties of Drafter Sun.”

Liu Xu recommended a proofreader, while Zhang Yu suggested selecting someone from the Hall of Gathered Talents. He was more inclined to curry favor with Xu Ying, and he surmised that Xu Ying wanted to establish female officials firmly in the court and was unwilling to hand over the empire to the Xu clan. Therefore, while everyone was still struggling to gain a foothold in Youzhou, she had boldly eliminated many powerful families.

The rise of a female ruler was an inevitable trend, and Zhang Yu saw it clearly. By following the trend and seizing the opportunity to benefit himself, he believed that the wealth and status Xu Ying had promised him would not be lacking.

Zhang Yu recommended, “Last year, Gao Yun assisted the Ministry of Works in managing miscellaneous affairs, overseeing conscripted women, and presiding over the Female Medical Academy. She also contributed to resisting the Western Rong by dispatching military doctors. Her outstanding performance makes her fully qualified to succeed Drafter Sun and assume the position of Imperial Secretariat Drafter in the Grand Secretariat.”

Liu Xu objected, “Gao Yun’s qualifications are too shallow to enter the Secretariat. Moreover, she is already handling affairs at the Female Medical Academy and may not have the capacity to take on additional responsibilities.”

Zhang Yu countered, “Wasn’t Drafter Sun also lacking in qualifications initially? Besides, the Female Medical Academy has been established for some time now. We can select outstanding individuals from within to assist Gao Yun or recruit additional staff from outside. It shouldn’t be so overwhelming that she cannot manage both roles.”

Sun Wanyun had been appointed to the Secretariat by Xu Ying herself. By bringing up the issue of qualifications, Liu Xu was not only challenging Zhang Yu but also indirectly slighting Xu Ying.

Liu Xu immediately glanced at Xu Ying’s expressionhe was genuinely afraid of her now.

Xu Ying was indifferent; anyone would do. If she were displeased, even the five existing Imperial Secretariat Drafters in the Secretariat could be replaced. What mattered to her was Gao Yun’s own willingness.

“Gao Yun, what do you think? Can you handle it?” Xu Ying asked.

“Your servant will surely live up to everyone’s expectations,” Gao Yun replied firmly.

Even if there was no time, she would make time. Opportunities were rare and fleetingGao Yun was unwilling to let this one slip away.

“Good. Then you shall enter the Secretariat to handle urgent memorials. Your other duties will remain the same, including the five-fold judgment system. This will allow you to retain time for the Female Medical Academy. As Zhang Yu said, if you find yourself overwhelmed, you may recruit additional staff for the academy.”

“Yes, thank you for your consideration, Your Majesty.”

Regarding Sun Wanyun and the matter of stabilizing taxes in Zhenping, the Ministry of Revenue had submitted several tax proposals. After discussion, it was decided to negotiate with the countries beyond the frontier. Merchant caravans passing through Zhenping would receive partial exemption from transit taxes. Those conducting fixed trade in Zhenping would enjoy a three-year tax exemption, and those establishing businesses or constructing shops there could apply for subsidies. Any objections from the foreign states could be further negotiated.

The same policies would apply to Anchang and Chuiyun. Additionally, a portion of the uninhabited land north of Zhenping was designated as a new county, Chengping, which would also serve as a pilot area.

Sending a diplomatic mission was necessary for negotiations, but obstacles such as language barriers and the dangers of the journey posed significant challenges. At this point, someone suggested Zhang Keqian: “Your Majesty, Zhang Keqian is currently in the Western Regions. Why not appoint him as an envoy to visit various countries and discuss trade relations?”

Everyone nodded in agreement. With no other suitable candidates available, Xu Ying had no choice but to assign the role to Zhang Keqian, granting him the additional title of envoy.

Furthermore, while Sun Wanyun served as the magistrate of Zhenping, the other three regions still lacked officials. Xu Ying asked, “Who is willing to go to Chengping, Anchang, and Chuiyun?”

The officials remained silent. First, they were uncertain whether negotiations for cooperation with various nations would succeed, and they held little faith in those foreigners. Second, prosperity in a city could not be achieved overnight. If the plan failed, it would not only waste time but might also cost them their official positions.

Most importantly, the area was a desolate wasteland, comparable to a place of exile, with no semblance of potential for development. The population consisted solely of women temporarily relocated therebrothel workers and discarded concubines or mistresses who had ended up on the streets. Without any able-bodied men, how could anything be accomplished by these frail women? The ministers shook their heads in unison; going there would be equivalent to cutting short their own careers.

“Your Majesty, this humble subject wishes to go.”

A clear, melodious female voice rang out.