AWB Chapter 1029 "Yunmeng Dialogue" (Part 2)
Chapter 1029 "Yunmeng Dialogue" (Part 2)
At this moment, Li Che realized that Xu Jiezi was more talented than he had imagined.
This set of theories is of extremely high importance, and may even be enough to ensure that the border of Daqing will not have any problems for hundreds of years!
Li Che was somewhat excited at this moment. Why was China, which had been powerful since ancient times, constantly at war?
Isn't it just that we failed to manage our relations with neighboring countries well?
Why do we not occupy the land of countries we can defeat, nor enslave their people or plunder their wealth, but instead provide them with assistance?
Countries that cannot be defeated either fight to the death or send more money to avoid disaster, creating a vicious cycle.
Between nations, it's a dog-eat-dog world. Exploitation is necessary; if you don't exploit them, they'll turn around and bully you when they gain power.
Seeing that Li Che had understood, Xu Jiezi smiled and stroked his long, snow-white beard: "Your Majesty, if we follow this strategy and gradually manage things so that our Daqing vassal state is stable and tributes come in an endless stream, then the border can be secure and foreign conflicts can be quelled."
"Furthermore, there is a continuous influx of tribute, commercial taxes, and even strategic resources to enrich our dynasty's treasury."
"With fuller wallets, we can stand taller and have the confidence to push forward many domestic reforms that were previously hesitant to undertake due to financial constraints."
These words struck a chord with Li Che, and his eyes shone brightly.
These days, when discussing state affairs with court officials and bringing up domestic reforms, most senior officials start by talking about educating the people and cultivating their moral character.
Although these things are important, they always seemed vague and unreal to Li Che.
Only Xu Jiezi pointed out the real key point: the economic foundation.
This idea may seem somewhat mercenary, but it is absolutely true.
Li Che, coming from the modern era, is all too aware of the role money plays in driving social change.
Without sufficient financial support, building a strong military, infrastructure, education, scientific research, welfare... is all just empty talk.
Great Confucian scholars despise "money-grubbing things," but throughout history, what great event that benefits the country and its people can be separated from it?
Money, as a tool, has no inherent attributes; its value lies solely in who controls it and how it is used.
"Sir, your insights are truly profound and resonate deeply with my thoughts!" Li Che exclaimed, his tone becoming even more sincere. "Since we have come to the topic of domestic affairs, I do indeed have a major problem that is like a fishbone stuck in my throat, which I ponder day and night."
Xu Jiezi couldn't help but laugh and said, "Your Majesty, please don't speak yet. I know what Your Majesty is thinking. Why don't we take pen and ink, write it on our palms, and then look at it together?"
Li Che shook his head with a helpless smile. Xu Jiezi was, after all, an ancient scholar who liked this kind of thing.
However, this was just a minor matter, and Li Che naturally wouldn't be disappointed.
Xu Jiezi immediately asked Lin Qingyuan to fetch a pen and ink. The two turned their heads away and wrote a character in their palms.
He clenched his fists together, then slowly opened them, revealing two '世' characters.
Li Che and Xu Jiezi exchanged a glance and burst into laughter: "Indeed!"
Hearing the laughter, Hu Qiang, who was standing guard nearby, turned around and looked at the two men with concern.
After laughing for a while, Li Che said, "The powerful clans have been deeply entrenched for hundreds of years. Although I have dealt them several blows, they are still too powerful to be controlled."
"I wish to completely eliminate its ills, but I fear that if I push too hard, it will provoke them to fight back and turn against me, which will plunge the world into chaos again."
"Does the sir have any good advice for me?"
When Li Che asked about the core issue, Xu Jiezi also put away his smile and said seriously, "Your Majesty's concerns are very valid. The trouble caused by the powerful families is deeply rooted and cannot be eliminated overnight."
"In my observation, Your Majesty's actions in recent years have been very methodical. The imperial examination system is a clever way to 'infiltrate' the old political system. Scholars from humble backgrounds will surely be Your Majesty's greatest help in the future."
"However, if sand can be mixed into the imperial court, why can't it be mixed into the families of powerful clans?"
"Infiltrating the powerful families?" Li Che seemed to understand. "Sir, you mean... to divide and win them over?"
“That is exactly what I meant.” Xu Jiezi nodded. “So that His Majesty may know that the aristocratic families are not a monolithic entity.”
"Within aristocratic families, the treatment of legitimate sons and illegitimate sons is vastly different, and their interests are not aligned."
"The direct descendants inherit the ancestral line and occupy the vast majority of resources and political influence; although the illegitimate sons may also receive some money and land, they can hardly match the direct descendants in terms of family status and career prospects."
“If this continues, wealth and power will become increasingly concentrated in the hands of a few direct descendants. With each generation, the inheritance will accumulate, and how can the powerful families not become stronger and more difficult to control?”
He paused, a glint of cunning in his eyes: "Why doesn't Your Majesty legislate to intervene in the inheritance of their family property?"
"For example, the 'Inheritance Division Decree' could be promulgated, stipulating that after the death of the head of a family, his sons would all have a legal share of his land, houses, shops, and other assets, with particular emphasis on giving extra consideration to those who have achieved academic success."
"At the same time, we strongly encourage and commend the sons of noble families who are not sons of noble families to participate in the imperial examinations and enter the court as officials, and we make it clear that their promotion will not be hindered by whether they are sons of noble or illegitimate families, but will be based solely on their talents."
Upon hearing this, Li Che felt a sudden sense of enlightenment and almost wanted to applaud in admiration.
Isn't this just a replica of Emperor Wu of Han's "Decree of Grace"?
However, the Edict of Grace was aimed at feudal lords, while this policy was aimed at all the powerful families and clans in the world.
Through national legislation, the assets of large families can be forcibly divided, thereby weakening their economic concentration.
At the same time, it opened up avenues for advancement for illegitimate sons who were on the fringes of the family, binding their interests to imperial power and the imperial examination system.
If this continues, the aristocratic families will inevitably split, and a large number of talented individuals born out of wedlock will be absorbed into the imperial system, thus becoming a force that restrains the legitimate line.
"Excellent! Absolutely excellent!" Li Che couldn't help but exclaim. "This is a brilliant strategy, subtly dividing and disintegrating the enemy before they even realize it!"
"But..." He then frowned again, "How could a family that has been passed down for hundreds of years not see the power involved?"
"If they unite to boycott, or outwardly comply but inwardly defy, it could trigger a fierce backlash."
Xu Jiezi had anticipated this, and smiled calmly: "Your Majesty's concerns are quite valid. Therefore, this move needs to be combined with another strategy, which is to win hearts and minds."
"Does Your Majesty know what powerful families value most? Is it money? Or official position?"
Li Che shook his head: "It's probably neither. Perhaps it's the qualification to study?"
Xu Jiezi laughed and said, "Indeed, studying is of utmost importance, but in my opinion, it is not fundamental."
"Oh?" Li Che asked curiously, "Please teach me, sir."
Xu Jiezi said, "What they care about most is the 'reputation' and 'family status' accumulated over generations, the illustrious name and moral halo left by their ancestors!"
"This thing may seem intangible, but it is actually the spiritual pillar that unites their clansmen, influences the literati, and distinguishes them from the common people!"
Li Che nodded, this was indeed an important reason why aristocratic families maintained their superior status.
When those aristocratic families went out to meet guests, they would not mention their official positions in the court, but would introduce themselves as "Zhuge of Langya" or "Yang Family of Hongnong".
Xu Jiezi continued, "If that's the case, why does Your Majesty need to take away their 'empty title'?"
"Not only will they not be confiscated, but they can be greatly honored. The court can publicly commend those families with a long history that have produced famous ministers and generals, praising their family traditions of 'passing down poetry and etiquette' and 'loyalty, righteousness, filial piety and friendship'."
“On occasions such as worshipping Confucius and celebrations, their family representatives are given special treatment; when compiling history and writing biographies, their ancestors’ achievements are highlighted.”
"In short, they elevate their ancestors to a high position and fully affirm their 'ancestral superiority' at the level of ritual."
Li Che seemed to understand somewhat: "What you mean, sir..."
Xu Jiezi said, "Turn their ancestral tablets into invisible shackles that bind them!"
"When the imperial court constantly emphasizes how a certain family was loyal to the emperor, patriotic, honest and upright, the current leader of that family will be more cautious in his actions."
“If they engage in corruption, form cliques, or oppose the imperial court, the people of the world will accuse them of ‘disgracing their family’ and ‘failing to live up to their ancestors’.”
"If the court then reprimands or punishes them, it will occupy the absolute moral high ground. In this way, the ancestral prestige they are so proud of will become a soft knife in His Majesty's hand."
"In actual governance," Xu Jiezi concluded, "Your Majesty can implement the 'Inheritance Division Decree,' promote illegitimate sons, and suppress their economic and political monopolies."
"But in terms of etiquette and reputation, their families are given high respect, that is, they are given enough face on the surface, but their foundation is slowly being eroded in reality."
"This allows those core members of aristocratic families to enjoy the satisfaction of vanity while being gradually weakened and divided."
"By the time they realize it, it will be too late to turn the tide. Even if there are a few who resist fiercely, the court can deal with them in the name of 'protecting the reputation of their ancestors,' which will reduce a lot of resistance and may even gain the support of their illegitimate sons who benefit from the situation within their families."
Li Che remained silent for a long time after hearing this.
Just gazing at the rolling clouds outside the pavilion, my heart was filled with turbulent emotions.
Xu Jiezi's combination of punches was incredibly powerful.
The analysis and integration of power struggles and human nature are so seamless that it can be said that the essence of struggle is deeply understood.
He could already imagine how those aristocratic families would be in the future, bearing the prestige of their ancestors yet remaining cautious and timid.
"After listening to your words, sir, I feel as if the clouds have parted and the sun has shone through." Li Che finally sighed and solemnly cupped his hands, "Your talent is extraordinary."
"This Yunmeng Mountain tea, when I drink it, is like drinking fine wine, and I become intoxicated without realizing it."
"I... sincerely beg you, sir, to come out of seclusion and lend me a helping hand."
"Not for my sake, but for the sake of all the people under heaven, so that they may soon be able to bask in the light of the new policies."
This time, Xu Jiezi did not answer immediately.
He remained silent for a moment, his gaze sweeping over Li Che's sincere face before turning to the rising and falling mist in the valley, as if he could see his master Wang Yuanshan's expectant eyes.
Finally, he withdrew his gaze and looked at Li Che, his double pupils already showing a decision.
He slowly rose, straightened his clothes, and bowed deeply to Li Che:
"Your Majesty did not consider me to be from a humble and uncultured place, but instead opened your heart to me and consulted me on matters of state."
"My late master also left a dying wish, instructing me to assist His Majesty in achieving great things."
"Whether for public or private reasons, and in terms of both emotion and reason, I... have no choice but to do so."
"I, Xu Jiezi of Yunmeng Mountain, am willing to follow Your Majesty out of the mountain and do my utmost to repay Your Majesty's kindness!"