GBP Chapter 324 Court Meeting
Chapter 324 Court Meeting
Chapter 324 Court Meeting
Shi Wanxia stood on one side of the court, her clothes swaying gently in the breeze inside the hall.
The debate in the court today was fierce, with various factions clashing over the new tax policy, their words so heated they seemed to spark.
She watched all this quietly, her dark eyes revealing calmness and prudence, her thin lips slightly pursed, not in a hurry to speak.
After all, we don't know the whole story, so we dare not make any wild guesses.
This was a habit she had developed since childhood. In the unpredictable political situation at court, listening and observing more was far more prudent than speaking rashly.
Just then, a figure quietly approached.
Crown Prince Shen Yanzhou casually moved to Shi Wanxia's side. He was tall and straight, and his magnificent crown prince robe made him look imposing. At this moment, he turned slightly to the side and looked at Shi Wanxia with a gentle appreciation in his eyes.
"Miss Shi, what are your thoughts on today's court intrigue?"
Shen Yanzhou lowered his voice, trying his best not to let others notice their conversation.
Shi Wanxia bowed slightly, her demeanor elegant, and said softly, "Your Highness, I am new to the court and still have much to learn. I dare not offer any unsolicited advice."
Shen Yanzhou's lips curled up slightly, revealing an appreciative smile: "Miss Shi is too modest. I already expressed my stance to my father yesterday. With your talent, you will surely be able to contribute to the court in the future."
"I will petition my father to first recognize you as my sworn sister, or, based on your future merits, bestow upon you the title of Princess."
His eyes were full of expectation, as if he could already see Shi Wanxia shining brightly in the court.
In truth, he greatly admired Miss Shi, and he did not want her to become disgusted with him or distant from him because of his father's forced marriage.
His crown princess also said...
When I ascend the throne, you will be the eldest princess. With your gentle nature and exceptional intelligence, you will surely become a powerful ally in the court.
Shi Wanxia was startled, but she remained calm on the surface. She lowered her eyes and said in a soft but firm voice, "Your Highness's kindness is too much for me to bear."
I only wanted to do my best to do something practical for the people of this world, and I never thought I would receive such an honor.
Shen Yanzhou wanted to say something more, but at that moment, the debate in the court suddenly reached its climax.
Minister of Revenue Li stepped forward abruptly, holding the memorial in both hands, and said loudly, "Your Majesty, if this new tax policy is implemented, the burden on the people will be too heavy, and I fear it may lead to a popular uprising!"
Minister of Works Zhao immediately retorted: "Lord Li, the national treasury is empty now. If we don't increase taxes, how will we repair water conservancy projects and strengthen border defenses? Popular uprisings are certainly terrible, but foreign invasions are equally serious!"
The emperor sat on the dragon throne, his face solemn, his gaze sweeping back and forth between the two ministers.
Shi Wanxia subconsciously frowned slightly, a thoughtful look flashing in her eyes.
Shen Yanzhou noticed the change in her expression and asked softly, "Does Miss Shi have any ideas?"
Shi Wanxia hesitated for a moment, then said softly, "Your Highness, the matter of taxation concerns the people's livelihood and the foundation of the nation."
Although I am not familiar with the complex power dynamics of the court, I believe that a balance can perhaps be found between the two.
"For example, while increasing taxes, we can also introduce some policies that benefit the people, encourage agriculture and sericulture, and support merchants, so that people can have more sources of livelihood while bearing the burden of taxes."
Shen Yanzhou's eyes lit up. He hadn't expected Shi Wanxia to have such a clear idea in such a short time.
He said in a low voice, "What Miss Shi said is very true. I will advise my father later."
Just then, the emperor spoke up: "Do any of you ministers have other opinions?"
Shen Yanzhou stepped forward and said respectfully, "Father, I have something to say."
Then, he explained Shi Wanxia's thoughts in a sincere and logical manner.
After listening, the emperor's eyes showed a hint of appreciation: "Zhou'er, this idea is brilliant, it has provided me with a new perspective."
Shen Yanzhou was very humble and polite. The suggestion was made by Miss Shi, and he was just relaying it.
"Father, this method was proposed by Minister Shi, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue. I think this method is feasible. Why don't we ask Minister Shi to explain the specific method?"
The ministers in the court began to whisper among themselves, some with thoughtful expressions, seemingly weighing the pros and cons of the suggestion.
Shi Wanxia stood aside, watching all of this, and couldn't help but feel emotional.
In this imperial court, every word and every suggestion can affect the lives of the people.
She is but a small piece in this grand game, yet she hopes to add a unique touch to the game with her wisdom.
His Highness the Crown Prince actually said that it was she who suggested it, and his words of praise were reassuring.
Shen Yuxi's gaze swept over the assembled officials below, and he slowly spoke: "My beloved ministers, our Great Chu is currently beset by internal and external troubles. There are hidden worries about people's livelihood, military affairs, and economy. I wonder if any of you have any good solutions?"
After he finished speaking, the hall fell silent. The ministers looked at each other, none daring to break the deadlock.
Shi Wanxia stood tall and composed as she stepped forward.
Although she was a woman, she was in no way inferior among the many civil and military officials in the court. Her eyes were clear, revealing wisdom and courage.
Shen Yuxi's lips curled up slightly, and a hint of a smile flashed in his eyes. He had already guessed that Shi Wanxia would be the one to speak at this moment.
This woman has always had a unique way of thinking and can always come up with solutions that others cannot. Just as he expected, she stepped forward at this crucial moment.
Following the Crown Prince's words, he said gently, "Minister Shi, you can speak freely in court discussions. I greatly approve of your abilities."
Shi Wanxia was a little embarrassed by the praise, and quickly bowed, her demeanor dignified: "Thank you, Your Majesty, and Your Highness the Crown Prince for your kindness. Then, this humble subject will speak."
She paused, took a deep breath, and began to explain clearly: "Your Majesty, whether it is people's livelihood, military affairs, or the economy..."
"The most important thing is to get money circulating so that it can stimulate consumption and motivate people."
These words immediately sparked a flurry of discussion in the hall. Some ministers looked puzzled, while others nodded slightly, seemingly pondering the deeper meaning of these words.
Shi Wanxia paid no attention to the reactions of others and continued to speak methodically: "Therefore, what our court needs to do is take the first step: open the market. We should provide good support and encouragement to merchants who are engaged in business."
"Minister Shi, how exactly should this market opening be implemented?" Shen Yuxi asked, his eyes full of anticipation.
Shi Wanxia remained calm and explained in detail: "Your Majesty, firstly, we can establish special markets in the capital and major towns to regulate trading venues, formulate fair and just trading rules, and protect the rights and interests of both buyers and sellers."
"Secondly, reduce commercial taxes to ease the burden on merchants and make it profitable for them, which will naturally encourage them to actively engage in commercial activities. Furthermore, establish chambers of commerce to allow merchants to exchange ideas, cooperate, and develop together."
"The imperial court can also appoint officials to supervise the chambers of commerce to ensure that their operations are in line with the national interest."
Her voice was clear and melodious, yet resonant and powerful, echoing throughout the spacious hall.
The ministers listened intently, and their initial doubts were gradually dispelled by her clear thinking and practical plan.
However, not everyone agrees with her proposal.
The Minister of Rites stepped forward, his brows furrowed and his face full of worry: "Lord Shi, since ancient times, prioritizing agriculture and suppressing commerce has been the foundation of governing a country."
"Now you want to vigorously support commerce, which may shake the foundation of the country, make the people restless, only seek profit, and neglect agriculture."
Shi Wanxia smiled slightly and replied neither humbly nor arrogantly, "What you say makes sense. But times have changed, and Cangling is facing many difficulties. If we stick to the old ways, we may not be able to break through the deadlock."
"Agriculture is certainly important, as it is the foundation of a nation, but commerce can also bring enormous wealth to a country."
"When commerce prospers, it can provide more material and technical support for agriculture. The two complement each other and are not contradictory."
"Moreover, our encouragement of commerce does not mean neglecting agriculture. On the contrary, the development of commerce can drive the progress of agriculture, such as introducing new farming tools and seeds, and improving irrigation facilities."
The Minister of Rites was speechless for a moment. Although he still had doubts, he had to admit that Shi Wanxia's words made sense.
The other ministers also fell into deep thought, feeling that Shi Wanxia's idea indeed provided a new approach to the country's development.