Volume 1: Cultivation in the Human Realm Chapter 7 The Peak of Power
7.1 Yunxuan was not happy
Bidding farewell to the King of the Deep Sea, Jiaojiao began to hurry towards the land, what is the current village? Are the people in the family okay? Is Yunxuan okay?
At this time, Emperor Yunxuan, who was far away in Kyoto, was reviewing the chapters like a mountain, people often said that when you are an official, you should be an official in charge, and you can't be an official in charge, so when there is only one person in charge of officials today, that is the emperor Yunxuan, who is in the ninety-five honor, but his heart is not really happy, and the reasons include the following aspects:
1. Infighting in the court: As emperor, Yun Xuan had to deal with various political struggles in the court. The ministers had their own agendas, intrigued with each other, and the struggle for power was often accompanied by intrigue and betrayal, which brought great psychological pressure to the emperor. He must always be vigilant in case he is usurped by others or loses control of the court.
2. Corruption in the bureaucracy: Corruption in the bureaucracy is widespread, the people are complaining, and the state is running inefficiently. As the emperor, Yun Xuan shouldered the responsibility of governing the country, and the corrupt behavior of officials would undoubtedly increase his troubles and difficulties in governance.
3. Economic burden: The balance between revenue and expenditure of the treasury is the key to maintaining the stability of the country. The country's poor economic situation, reduced tax revenues, crop failures, and frequent natural disasters led to a tight state finances, which brought heavy financial pressure to the emperor and disgruntled popular sentiment.
4. Military threats: Military threats from abroad are a problem that the leaders of any country must face. If the frontier is uneasy and foreign enemies invade, the emperor needs to organize national defense and command operations, which not only consumes huge national resources, but also brings huge mental pressure to the emperor. Although the war in the east caused the Aurora Dynasty to cede land, pay reparations, and apologize, the Houtu Dynasty in the north, after calming down for a while, began to repeatedly violate the border and constantly create conflicts.
5. Implementation and feedback of decrees: The emperor's laws and policies need to be effectively communicated and enforced, but the information transmission here is not smooth, can not be properly implemented, and local implementation is often difficult to grasp. If the decree or policy is not effective, the emperor's prestige and governance will be affected.
6. Maintain the people's heart and reputation: The emperor needs to maintain his reputation and the trust of the people, but it is inevitable that there will be dissatisfied voices when dealing with national affairs and solving people's livelihood problems. How to choose and balance the interests of all parties is another major challenge that the emperor must face.
7. Sacrifice of personal feelings: The emperor often needs to sacrifice personal feelings for the sake of the general interests of the country. The relationship between family and friends is also limited by the interests of the state, and this sacrifice will also bring a lot of pain to the emperor's heart.
Overall, the above factors combined were enough to make Yun Xuan, an emperor at the peak of power, feel lonely and heavy. He hoped that Jiaojiao could come to his side to solve his difficulties, but now that he had sent people to find Jiaojiao, there was no news.
By this time, Jiaojiao had stepped out of the ocean on this ancient and chaotic continent, her gaze piercing through the glitzy façade and looking directly at the deep-seated problems within. The corruption of the court officials has reached the extreme, and they use the power in their hands for personal gain, and they have no restraint in the excesses and miscellaneous taxes of the people. Officials are mostly concerned with filling their pockets and are blind to the suffering of the people. Such acts of greed and unbridled behavior seriously undermine the country's financial health and social fairness and justice.
The tax issue is even more far-reaching. Excessive taxes crushed ordinary people, making it difficult for them to make ends meet. Many people have been forced to leave their homes and become displaced refugees because they cannot afford heavy taxes. The loss of land by peasants due to their inability to pay taxes, and the bankruptcy of merchants due to excessive tax burdens became increasingly common throughout the dynasty.
The problems of the common people are even more acute. They were both devastated by natural disasters and ruthlessly exploited by the imperial court. The resentment of the people was growing day by day, and dissatisfaction and anger against the court spread among all levels of society. Farmers, craftsmen and small traders are all struggling with misery.
"This dynasty is in dire need of rectification and reform. It is necessary to fundamentally reform the tax system, reduce the burden on the people, restore agricultural production, and promote commercial development. At the same time, strict supervision and punishment were imposed on officials, so as to purify the imperial court and restore the credibility of the imperial court. It was only through these deep-seated reforms that the dynasty could return to prosperity and harmony. Jiaojiao thought silently as she walked.
Jiaojiao had already learned from everyone that more than two years had passed since she entered Cuiping Mountain to cultivate and when she came back from the sea, and Yun Xuan had become the emperor of this dynasty, which made her feel very gratified. "I'm going to Kyoto to meet Yunxuan," Jiaojiao thought.
On the streets of Kyoto, Jiaojiao walks in a hurry. The sunlight shone through the dense willow trees, dappled and dappled on her body. The purpose of her trip was to get a glimpse of the city's prosperity, but she had no idea that what she saw and heard along the way would profoundly change her perception of Kyoto and change the lives of countless people.
"Miss, look here!" A ragged vendor beckons to Jiaojiao. Jiaojiao approached and saw some delicate handicrafts on display at his stall.
"I made it myself, look at this...", the vendor was about to introduce when a group of imposing officials suddenly appeared and rudely pushed away the crowd.
"You want to sell something here without paying protection money? Take it for me! The leader of the officials shouted.
Jiaojiao was shocked, she didn't expect Kyoto to be so unfair. She tried to step forward to relieve the siege, but was pushed out of the crowd.
Jiaojiao came to a temple and saw several monks explaining the scriptures to the believers. However, when she listened closely, she realized that these so-called "scriptures" were actually meant to encourage believers to donate more money.
"Everyone do more good deeds, accumulate virtue and do good deeds, and good fortune will come naturally." A monk's words made Jiaojiao shudder. She saw that the believers were giving away their savings with devotion on their faces, while the eyes of the monks revealed greed.
On the quaint streets of Kyoto, Jiaojiao overhears the whispers of passers-by about a high-ranking official's corruption scandal. This high-ranking official, known as the "Tiger of Kyoto", was seen by outsiders as a gentleman with good manners and good manners, but in private, he was a greedy monster.
It is said that the high-ranking official used the power in his hands for his own personal gain. Accepting huge bribes. Most infuriatingly, he used his power to influence decision-making on many public projects, resulting in a lot of money that should have been used to improve people's livelihoods flowing into his private pocket. These actions seriously undermine the public interest and undermine the quality of life of ordinary people. However, due to the strong support of forces behind him, ordinary people can only whisper behind his back and dare not openly confront. Jiaojiao immediately decided to visit the mansion of this high-ranking official at night.
Late at night, the moonlight shines on the door of the mansion, reflecting a mysterious atmosphere. Jiaojiao turned into a gust of wind and drifted into the mansion, ready to look for evidence of corruption.
She walked through the ornate doorways to a richly decorated study. The study room is full of precious ancient books and cultural relics, and the walls are hung with famous calligraphy and paintings. However, behind these treasures lies a secret that cannot be heard.
Jiaojiao searched carefully with her mind and soon found a secret room. She carefully pushed the door open, shocked by what she saw. The chamber was filled with jewels, gold, and precious works of art, all of which had been exchanged for the proceeds of embezzlement. However, what shocked her the most was that she suddenly found a thick ledger on her desk. She opened the ledger, which recorded a large amount of bribes and the flow of funds. These summons come from a variety of sectors, including businesses, businessmen, and other government officials. This high-ranking official took advantage of his power and accepted bribes through various means in exchange for personal gain.
In addition to the bribe money, Jiaojiao also found a contract document. The contract documents show that the senior official sold public resources to his cronies and partners at low prices, making huge profits from them. These public resources were supposed to be used to improve people's livelihoods, but they were appropriated by him, depriving them of their welfare.
Jiaojiao first took out a land transfer contract. According to the terms of the contract, the high-ranking official sold a valuable piece of land in the center of Kyoto City to his cronies for well below the market price. The land was originally used for public facilities and housing, but is now the private property of his cronies. This means that land resources that should be used to improve people's livelihoods are converted into personal benefits, while people are not able to enjoy the corresponding benefits.
Jiaojiao took out another construction project contract. Under the terms of the contract, the senior official contracted a major infrastructure construction project to his partner at a low price. The project was originally set up to improve transportation, water or other public services, but now it has become a money-making tool for his partners. This means that construction projects that are supposed to improve people's livelihoods are being used for personal gain, while people are denied access to the convenience and benefits.
Jiaojiao also discovered a contract for the development of a copper mine. Under the terms of the contract, the high-ranking official awarded the copper mine development project to his cronies at a low price. This mineral resource originally belonged to the imperial court and was the country's most scarce wealth, which should be used for key protection, and sustainable development should be considered in the mining process. Now, however, it has become a personal source of income for him and his cronies.
Jiaojiao became more and more angry about this contract, and the existence of these contract documents revealed the greed and shamelessness of this high-ranking official. He used his power to convert public resources that should have been used to improve people's livelihood and social welfare into personal benefits, from which he reaped huge profits. This kind of behavior not only deprives the people of welfare, but also seriously undermines the fairness and justice of society. The angry Jiaojiao sent all these crimes and wealth into her own space, so that she could make it public in the future and return a just society to the people. Before leaving, he took away all the items in the official's house, including chairs and benches, beds, pots, bowls, scoops, basins, and all kinds of spices.
Out of this official's mansion, Jiaojiao pondered such a question: The official who can control the country's resources and be in charge of various projects is obviously a person from the Ministry of Industry, so who is the big backer behind him? Is there a connection with the head of the Ministry of Works, Jiuwang Ye Yuntang, if so, the problem is too serious. So Jiaojiao turned to the mansion of the Nine Princes again.
The mansion of the Nine Princes Yuntang is not far from the west side of the Imperial Palace in Kyoto City, Jiaojiao is standing in the shadows of the Nine Princes' bedroom, with her current strength, even if she stands in front of the Nine Princes, as long as she doesn't want people to see her, no one can see herself. At this time, the Nine Princes were saying this to his personal guards: "I heard that Xiao Bosheng transferred the newly discovered copper mining rights to his relatives? This is who gave him the guts and the right! Copper ore is the foundation of our dynasty and a strategic resource, and whoever wants to get their hands on it, I will chop off his fingers! Check, give me a closer look, I want to see who else is behind these court moths? ”
"Lord Wang, it is rumored outside that there is a big man supporting Xiao Bosheng in the back, will it be ......" The guard stretched out his hand and drew a figure of eight.
"The eighth child has been very quiet recently, but it stands to reason that with his temperament, he can't be so peaceful. The eldest brother has always thought of the brotherhood and did not touch him, if it was him, then the problem would be serious" The Nine Princes nodded and said.
At this moment, Jiaojiao showed her figure, and in the shocked expressions of him and his guards, she walked up to the Nine Princes, and Jiaojiao said, Since the Nine Princes are loyal to the dynasty, I can help you, and now we go to the palace together, I hope to get more support and cooperation.
The Ninth Prince hesitated for a moment and said, "Now that the palace has been locked, outsiders can't enter at all. Unless something big happens, breaking into the palace at night will be condemned to death and beheaded."
"It's okay, I'll take you into the palace"
Now it has entered the middle of the night, and the tall figure in the palace is still sitting on the dragon case and writing hard, everyone in Yun Xuan's diligent palace knows that the luck is not good, the form of the country is getting worse, official corruption, natural disasters and man-made disasters are all pressing on this young emperor, in addition, the decree does not leave the palace, and it is difficult for an emperor's will to be implemented outside.
Jiaojiao and the Nine Princes appeared in front of the dragon case, Yun Xuan didn't pay attention at first, thinking that it was the eunuch in the palace who came to report the affairs, and didn't look up, Jiaojiao coughed lightly, attracting Yun Xuan's attention. Yun Xuan looked up, and the sight in front of him made him unable to believe his eyes.
Yun Xuan muttered with surprise, "Jiaojiao?!" Is that you? The one I have been thinking about for a long time"!
Jiaojiao smiled and replied, "It's me, the Nine Princes and I came to see you, Your Majesty."
The Ninth Prince walked over and smiled: "Your Majesty, the minister has also come to greet you."
Yun Xuan turned his head to glance at the Ninth Prince, and said excitedly, "Jiaojiao, Ninth Brother, why are you here?" ”
At this time, Emperor Yun Xuan had already bounced up from the dragon chair, he took two steps forward, and took the delicate little hand, and the bodies of the two of them trembled with excitement at the same time, and a warm current surged into each other's hearts.
Jiaojiao: "Your Majesty, after a few years, are you okay?" We have heard that you are still sticking to the dragon case in the middle of the night and working hard for the country, and we have come to pay your respects and support to you.
Yun Xuan turned his head and looked at Jiaojiao blankly at this time, already speechless. How many days and nights, how many dreams, he was thinking about Jiaojiao. In the dead of night, he always silently missed her smile and gentle eyes. The tide of longing was surging in his heart, and he couldn't suppress it.
Jiaojiao's appearance made Yun Xuan feel extremely happy and satisfied. She was his beloved and his confidant. They have spent countless wonderful times together and shared each other's joys and sorrows. However, a twist of fate forced them to separate, and their feelings of longing can only grow silently in their hearts.
Yun Xuan had met Jiaojiao countless times in his dreams, and they relived the bits and pieces of the past in their dreams. Every time he wakes up, he feels a sense of loss and longs to be able to reunite with Jiaojiao. Now, Jiaojiao's appearance makes him feel that his dream has come true, and he can't help but feel emotional.
He gazed at Jiaojiao affectionately, his eyes full of love and longing. He wanted to tell her that he had never forgotten her, and that she was always in his heart, day or night. He wanted to tell her that he was willing to give everything for her to protect her happiness and safety.
However, at this moment, Yun Xuan was no longer able to express his inner emotions in words. He only let his eyes convey his deep thoughts and love. He hoped that Jiaojiao could feel his inner voice and understand his deep affection for her.
In this moment, time seemed to freeze. The tacit understanding and emotional blend between Yun Xuan and Jiaojiao spread in the air. Their longing was surging like a tidal wave, and it was impossible to describe it in words. They know that their hearts are already tightly connected, and their love will never change, no matter how far away.
The Ninth Prince coughed dryly: "Your Majesty, our diligence and dedication make us deeply admired. We also hope to contribute to the development of the country."
Yun Xuan finally retracted his gaze and said with a smile: "Jiaojiao, Ninth Brother, your arrival makes me feel extremely happy and satisfied. I will cherish our relationship in the past and in the future. Let's work together to create a better future for us. ”
Jiaojiao, the Nine Princes, and Yun Xuan sat down together and began to discuss the affairs of the country and its future development. Jiaojiao put forward a number of suggestions to promote the development of the country with the concept of modern reform.
First of all, Jiaojiao suggested that she use the advantages of her body to enter the Eight Kings' Mansion to investigate first. In this way, we can gain an in-depth understanding of the situation in the prefecture and provide a strong basis for subsequent reforms.
Secondly, Jiaojiao suggested adjusting the deployment of troops for the defense of Kyoto, with the Nine Princes personally in charge. In this way, it will be possible to ensure the security of Kyoto, improve its defense capability, and provide a guarantee for the stability and development of the country.
Jiaojiao also put forward the proposal of transferring the six princes to the Yunge, setting up a supervision and inspection department, and merging it with the criminal department. In this way, we can strengthen the investigation and crackdown on major and important cases of embezzlement and corruption, and safeguard social fairness and justice. If necessary, it can be cut first and then played to show zero tolerance for illegal acts.
In addition, Jiaojiao proposed the establishment of the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Agriculture to encourage the development of commerce and foreign trade, and vigorously develop agriculture. This can promote economic development and improve the people's living standards. At the same time, it is also necessary to improve agricultural production equipment and utensils, increase agricultural output, and ensure food security.
In order to strengthen the propaganda work, Jiaojiao suggested that a propaganda department be established to guide the people with public opinion and promote righteousness. In this way, the cohesion and centripetal force of the country can be enhanced, and the harmonious development of society can be promoted.
After an all-night discussion by Yun Xuan, Jiaojiao and Yun Tang, they had a clear goal for future governance. They agreed to go back and rest first, and then announce their decision to everyone in the morning. They believe that through the ideas and measures of modern reforms, the country will usher in a more prosperous and stable future.