The winter in the capital city is exceptionally cold. Snowflakes are falling thick and fast, covering the entire imperial city in a layer of silver.
In Li Yi's sleeping hall, the atmosphere was particularly solemn. After meticulous treatment by the quack doctor and months of attentive care by Lin Yue, Li Yi finally opened his eyes slowly half a year later. His face was still pale, but there was already a hint of sparkle in his eyes.
"Yue 'er, thanks to you..." Li Yi's voice was weak but full of gratitude. Lin Yue sat by the bedside, her eyes red but a smile on her lips. "You've finally woken up. These past six months have really worried me."
The two looked at each other and smiled. This friendship of sharing hardships together grew even deeper at this moment.
Meanwhile, within the imperial palace, the situation became increasingly tense.
The youngest prince, Li Muyang, although only 23 years old, possesses courage and wisdom far beyond those of ordinary people. He was well aware that the current imperial court was fraught with dangers and various forces were surging beneath the surface. However, he strictly followed his mother's instructions and was reluctant to show his prowess too early.
One day, Li Muyang came to Su Zhe's residence.
Su Zhe was not only his mentor but also one of the few loyal ministers in the imperial court. Su Zhe is over fifty years old. Time has left deep marks on his face. The white hair at his temples and the wrinkles on his forehead bear witness to his many years of ups and downs in the imperial court. He was slender in figure, yet his posture remained upright. His plain long robe further highlighted his refined and elegant demeanor. Her eyes reveal wisdom and gentleness. She always wears a faint smile on a daily basis, making people feel very close.
In the study, Li Muyang stepped back on both sides and said to Su Zhe with a serious expression, "Dear teacher, the situation is complicated now. The student has a plan. I don't know whether to explain it or not."
Su Zhe raised his eyebrows slightly, a trace of curiosity flashing in his eyes. He waved his hand gently, gestating for Li Muyang to sit down and said softly, "But it's fine to talk. Between you and me, master and apprentice, there's no need to be so reserved." His voice was deep and magnetic, and his tone was filled with concern and trust for Li Muyang.
Li Muyang straightened up and said slowly, "Nowadays, in the imperial court, the forces led by Prime Minister Liu Yong are on an footing with our royal family, and there are also many officials in the local areas who are secretly colluding with them. This is a major threat to the court." My strategy is to counterbalance them economically first.
Su Zhe nodded slightly, listened attentively, and from time to time gently stroked his beard. His eyes were focused and profound, revealing his deep insight into the situation.
We can establish a new commercial tax policy, moderately increase the tax amount for those commercial guilds closely associated with the power of the prime minister, and offer certain tax preferences to merchants who support the imperial court. In this way, it can not only increase the fiscal revenue of the imperial court, but also economically weaken the power of the prime minister.
Meanwhile, at the local level, we selected some loyal and reliable young officials and dispatched them to those prefectures and counties with serious problems. Under the pretext of inspecting people's livelihood, we secretly investigated the collusion between local officials and the forces of the prime minister. Once conclusive evidence is obtained, impeachment should be carried out immediately, and officials who support the imperial court should be replaced to consolidate the local foundation. Secretly investigate the collusion between local officials and the forces of the prime minister. Once conclusive evidence is obtained, impeachment should be carried out immediately, and officials who support the imperial court should be replaced to consolidate the local foundation.
Li Muyang, with a firm gaze, expounded his plan in a clear and organized manner.
Su Zhe became more and more excited as he listened. He couldn't help but jump up from his seat, his face full of admiration: "Wonderful!" Mu Yang, if this plan works out, it will surely solve the urgent problem of the imperial court!
He paced back and forth in the study excitedly, his hands behind his back. Sometimes he nodded slightly, and sometimes he muttered to himself in a low voice, fully demonstrating his high recognition of Li Muyang's strategy.
Li Muyang, however, waved his hand with a humble expression and said, "Dear teacher, please don't mention that it was the student's idea." You can raise it in the imperial court. Let's first see how it turns out. If successful, it is naturally the credit of my respected teacher. If it fails, it won't involve the students.
Su Zhe looked at the young prince before him, his heart brimming with admiration. He said with emotion, "Mu Yang, you are so young, yet so composed and considerate of the overall situation. This is truly a blessing for the imperial court." His eyes were filled with relief and anticipation, as if he could see the hope for the future of the imperial court.
A few days later, the atmosphere in the imperial court was gloomy. The ministers argued endlessly over the current crisis and refused to give in to each other.
Su Zhe stepped forward. He straightened his court dress, his expression solemn and serious. Clearing his throat, he slowly recounted Li Muyang's plan. His voice was loud and firm, reverberating in the court. For a moment, there was a flurry of discussions in the court. Some ministers looked puzzled, while others nodded slightly. Prime Minister Liu Yong was the first to raise objections: "Minister Su, this plan may seem ingenious, but how could it be easy to implement?" A slight misstep could trigger a backlash from various forces, and the situation would probably be even more difficult to handle then.
Su Zhe was well-prepared and calmly clasped his hands in response, "What Minister Liu said is absolutely right, but the situation is now critical. If we don't try, are we going to just sit and wait for our fate?" Although this plan has risks, as long as we prepare properly, it may not fail. He spoke earnestly and logically, neither servile nor overbearing, demonstrating the boldness and responsibility of a loyal minister.
Other ministers also expressed their opinions one after another. For a time, the court was in a heated argument, with faces turning red.
Emperor Li Yi sat on the dragon throne, his brows furrowed, listening quietly to the ministers' arguments. After a long while, he spoke up, "This plan of Su Aiqing can be regarded as a solution." In my opinion, it can be piloted on a small scale first. If the effect is good, it can be fully implemented. All the ministers accepted the orders one after another.
Back at the mansion, Su Zhe immediately informed Li Muyang of the situation in the court. His expression was hurried, but there was a hint of excitement in his eyes. When he saw Li Muyang, he hurriedly said, "Muyang, the court is as you expected, but His Majesty has agreed to try this plan."
Su Zhe looked at Li Muyang, his heart filled with countless emotions. The composure and wisdom of this young prince made him even more convinced that his years of teaching had not been in vain.
During the trial process, some obstacles were indeed encountered. The hostile forces sensed the intentions of the imperial court and began to secretly create obstacles. Some local officials are also skeptical about this new policy and are not proactive in its implementation.
Su Zhe was extremely anxious and came to Li Muyang's residence again. His brows were furrowed and his face was full of worry. When he saw Li Muyang, he said urgently, "Muyang, the trial has run into trouble now. What should we do?"
Li Muyang, however, remained calm and composed. After a moment of thought, he said, "Dear teacher, don't be in a hurry." This is expected. We can... He then offered a series of countermeasures, ranging from pacifying local officials to secretly investigating the petty moves of hostile forces, which were well-organized and well-considered.
After hearing this, Su Zhe's heart suddenly brightened. He patted Li Muyang on the shoulder and said with a smile, "Muyang, with you around, why worry about the court not thriving?" He followed Li Muyang's suggestions and carried them out one by one.
Sure enough, the situation was gradually brought under control and the trial effect was getting better and better. A few months later, when the emperor saw the remarkable results brought about by the trial, he was overjoyed and decided to fully implement this policy.
With the implementation of the policy, the situation in the imperial court gradually stabilized. The hostile forces were weakened to a certain extent, and the lives of the common people gradually returned to peace. Su Zhe's prestige in the imperial court was also on the rise, but he never forgot Li Muyang's contributions.
Privately, Su Zhe found Li Muyang again and said with emotion, "Muyang, this success is entirely due to your strategy." You are so intelligent that you will surely make greater contributions to the imperial court in the future.
Li Muyang smiled humbly and said, "Your respected teacher is too kind. This is our joint achievement." Moreover, although the situation has improved now, we still cannot be complacent.
Su Zhe looked at Li Muyang, his heart filled with relief. He knew that this young prince would surely write his own legend in this ever-changing court in the future.
And he will continue to serve as Li Muyang's support, contributing his own strength to the prosperity and stability of the imperial court. In this era full of challenges and opportunities, their story has just begun...