flstandardbreds Chapter 217: Reform Storm
Chapter 217: Reform Storm
"Report! The southern state capital has begun implementing the new policy!"
"Report! The Northern Border Army has been reorganized!"
"Report! The rectification of the Western Region trade routes has been effective!"
A series of good news reached the imperial study, and the third young lady was checking with Mo Yunchen on the progress of reforms in various places.
"It seems the response is quite good," she put down the memorial in her hand, "at least it's going better than we expected."
Mo Yunchen shook his head slightly: "It's too early. The real test has just begun."
Sure enough, at this moment, the niece came hurriedly: "Third sister, something happened!"
The news she brought was shocking: resistance to the new policies was emerging in some places. Some officials pretended to comply but secretly disobeyed, while others even secretly incited the people to protest!
"These people..." Miss San frowned, "They really won't give up."
"Not surprising," Mo Yunchen sneered, "How could they possibly be willing to accept this reform if it affects their interests?"
At this time, my cousin also made a new discovery: those officials who resisted the reform were actually colluding in secret! They not only exchanged information, but also formulated countermeasures.
"Interesting," Mo Yunchen looked at the secret report, "Are they going to form a clique?"
"Not only that," my cousin added, "they seem to be contacting some businessmen and preparing to cause financial trouble."
The Third Miss immediately understood: "Are they trying to cut off the imperial court's purse strings?"
Indeed, reforms require substantial financial support, and if these people are allowed to succeed, the reforms are likely to fail halfway.
"It's okay," Mo Yunchen said confidently, "I expected this day to come."
It turned out that he had already arranged it: on the one hand, he secretly accumulated funds, and on the other hand, he won over a group of enlightened businessmen. When those people wanted to cause trouble, the court had already prepared a countermeasure.
"But still be careful," the Third Miss warned, "these people will definitely not give up."
As expected, as the reforms deepened, resistance grew. Not only did some officials pretend to comply but actually disobeyed, but unrest broke out in some places.
"Report to the Crown Princess," the spy reported, "There are riots in several prefectures in Jiangnan!"
It turned out that someone was inciting the people, saying that the new policy would increase their burden. For a time, rumors spread everywhere and people were in panic.
"These people," the Third Miss sneered, "really know how to pick the right time."
"But they miscalculated one thing," Mo Yunchen said, "The biggest beneficiaries of my new policy are the people."
Indeed, the core of the reform is to reduce the burden on the people. Those who spread rumors and stir up trouble have no basis at all.
"Go," Mo Yunchen ordered, "and have the local officials tell the people about the benefits of the new policy. Also..." He paused, "find out those who spread rumors!"
Soon, the truth came to light: those who were causing the riots were actually being orchestrated by officials who opposed the reforms.
"Catch them!" Mo Yunchen ordered, "Don't let any of them go!"
A major purge began. Officials who pretended to obey but actually disobeyed were singled out, dismissed from their posts, or exiled. For a time, the officialdom was in turmoil.
"It should be quiet now, right?" The third young lady looked at the processing list.
"That's not enough," Mo Yunchen said, "We need to let everyone know that reform is an inevitable trend and no one can stop it."
So, the court continued to implement the new policy while increasing publicity efforts to let the people know the benefits of the reform.
The effects were quickly apparent: as the benefits of the new policy gradually became apparent, public support grew, and even those who had been on the sidelines began to change their attitudes.
"Report! Jiangnan's silk industry is booming, and commercial taxes have increased significantly!"
"Report! The trade in the northern border is booming, and the border residents are living and working in peace and contentment!"
"Report! The trade routes in the Western Regions are open and trade is booming!"
Good news came one after another, allowing everyone to see the effectiveness of the reform.
"This is the right path," the Third Miss sighed. "As long as it benefits the people, no matter how great the resistance is, it can be overcome."
Mo Yunchen looked at her with relief: "You finally understand."
Indeed, the key to reform lies not in dealing with those who obstruct it, but in ensuring that the people truly benefit. As long as the people are willing, any difficulties can be overcome.
At this moment, news came from outside: When investigating those officials, bigger problems were discovered!
"what is the problem?"
"Yes..." the official who came to report lowered his voice, "We have discovered that some officials are colluding with foreign forces!"
The three of them looked at each other: I didn’t expect that while investigating, we would discover such a secret.
"Investigate!" Mo Yunchen immediately ordered, "Investigate thoroughly for me!"
Soon, more clues surfaced: these officials not only opposed the reforms, but also wanted to take advantage of the situation to stir up trouble. They colluded with foreign forces and wanted to seize power!
"These people," the Third Miss sneered, "are quite ambitious."
"That's fine," Mo Yunchen said, "We can use this opportunity to eliminate all the hidden dangers."
Thus, a larger-scale investigation began. Those spies who had been lurking for years were uncovered, and their conspiracy was completely crushed.
"It's finally over," the third young lady breathed a sigh of relief. "This was really thrilling."
"It's not over yet," Mo Yunchen said, "The reform has just begun. Next..." He looked at the third lady, "I still need you to pay more attention."
"I understand," the Third Miss said solemnly, "I will definitely live up to your highness's trust."
Looking at her serious expression, Mo Yunchen felt warm in his heart: This is his Crown Princess, a wise and responsible wife.
"By the way," Mo Yunchen suddenly said, "I think your suggestion on grassroots governance can be promoted."
"Really?" The third young lady's eyes lit up.
"Yes," Mo Yunchen nodded, "Since we want to reform, we must start from the root. The grassroots is the foundation. Once we grasp this, everything else will be easy."
The third young lady was deeply moved: this is her husband, a wise ruler who truly serves the country and the people.
"But..." Mo Yunchen changed the subject, "You should also take care of your health."
"I'm fine," the Third Miss said with a smile, "what's the big deal about this little hardship?"
Mo Yunchen said seriously: "Your status is different now. The duty of the Crown Princess is not just to assist me."
The Third Miss understood what he meant and blushed: "I know."
Thus, the reforms continued to advance. Although there were still many difficulties to overcome, with such a united spirit between the ruler and his subjects, I believed that everything would improve.
Because they know that this is not just for themselves, but for the people of the world. This is the true way to govern a country.