Frost for a Thousand Years

The emperor, having been embraced by his subjects, entered Sheng'an City.

The funeral of the late emperor is a matter of great importance to the entire nation, and a court assembly must be convened to weigh the matter carefully.

But after such a long and arduous journey, both officials and His Majesty were exhausted.

Therefore, no political activities were held today. Instead, all officials were asked to rest at home. The next day, all officials of the fourth rank and above were required to wear court robes and enter the palace to discuss matters.

This first regency of the new emperor is especially important.

However, the emperor was not worried about this, because with Song Shi'an around, everything could be left to him.

Once he entered the palace, Eunuch Zhang led him to adapt to being an emperor.

Eunuch Zhang is the chief eunuch of Wei Wusheng's palace, and is now in charge of all palace affairs, equivalent to Chen Bao at that time.

But it is clear that Song Shi'an's rise to power was aimed at de-monarchizing.

The power of the Grand Eunuch, which relied on the Emperor, would then be completely reduced to a mere steward.

In fact, to put it another way, the current emperor is very close to the monarch in a constitutional monarchy; he is more of a cultural symbol.

But our new emperor, after receiving the support of the people, was greatly satisfied by the scene of people shouting "Long live the emperor!"

"Your Majesty," Eunuch Zhang said with a smile as he accompanied him toward the Taiyuan Hall, "the entire population of Sheng'an City knows about your rebuke of the arrogant vassal king outside the city and your determination to implement the new policies."

These words made the emperor's lips twitch involuntarily, but he maintained his composure and asked, "Is that really true?"

“Your Majesty, how could this servant dare to deceive you?” said Eunuch Zhang. “Besides, there are so many eunuchs and maids in the palace, and some of them who go out to purchase goods are also able to come into contact with the people in the market. They have all heard about it.”

"Then..." the emperor paused slightly and asked, "What did they say?"

"Your Majesty, the common people in the city speak rudely, which may have offended Your Majesty. This servant dares not speak recklessly."

"Ordinary people in the marketplace are not scholars or officials; how can they speak eloquently and write beautiful essays? Plain language is the true expression of the people's sentiments," the emperor said solemnly. "Tell me the truth: how those who criticize and slander the people in the marketplace have insulted you."

Every eunuch was an expert at coaxing children.

Not to mention the older eunuchs, who were even more adept at understanding the new emperor's thoughts.

“Those people said…” So, after hesitating, he was still very frightened, “This servant dares not.”

"I pardon you, speak," the emperor said.

After making such a promise, Eunuch Zhang finally spoke up: "They all felt it was very gratifying. The princes of Dayu are used to being arrogant and treat the people like pigs and dogs. Even in the capital, princes and their brothers often hurt and kill people, and the Sheng'an government has always turned a blind eye."

If such a thing really happened, it would be normal for the Sheng'an magistrate's office to turn a blind eye.

Regardless of who it is, whether it's Song Jing or Ye Changqing, they have no law enforcement authority over the imperial clan.

The emperor was somewhat surprised: "Not to mention injuring people, there are also members of the imperial family who have committed murder?"

The emperor didn't know these things when he was the Prince of Jin.

To be precise, he didn't even focus his attention on these members of the royal family.

They have no power, so it's not worth trying to win them over, especially the branch other than the late emperor's.

This can also be considered one of the basic political systems of Dayu: the system of raising members of the royal family.

“Your Majesty, this servant dares not speak presumptuously, but…” Eunuch Zhang said, “Many people praise Your Majesty, saying you are a wise and benevolent ruler, but…”

"Most of the criticisms are against the corrupt and incompetent government of the Jia Rui Dynasty," the emperor said calmly.

Eunuch Zhang kept his head down and remained silent, tacitly acknowledging everything.

Actually, this isn't a secret.

It's obvious.

The old emperor was a good person to the nobles, allowing the people of Qinzhou to hold supreme power. He was also good at balancing power and knew how to use land, salaries, and women to treat the imperial family members well.

His 'good reputation' is naturally built on the premise of ceding preferential treatment to non-nationals.

If some people commit crimes without being punished, then there must be others who suffer as a result and cannot get justice.

Where there is resistance, there is oppression.

“Your Majesty,” Eunuch Zhang continued, “the matter of the military farms in Huai County has already spread throughout Sheng’an. The former Crown Prince and the traitor Wu Qing are, in the eyes of the people, already…unforgivable.”

"Because the people have long suffered under the influence of the powerful and wealthy."

The emperor knows everything.

But because he was being pushed around by Song Shi'an, he instinctively thought that there was no such thing as popular support or opposition; it was all just political struggle between those powerful officials.

But the fervent adoration he receives in Sheng'an City today is undeniable.

He knew that while he was rebuking Prince Qi, Song Shi'an must have been building up his own image in the city, presenting himself as a 'sage emperor' to the people, which was why he was so supported.

But this at least illustrates one point.

Song Shi'an was the popular choice.

The people love him.

A good emperor is one who obeys him in everything and trusts him completely.

Suddenly, the emperor recalled the four-word prophecy that had circulated in the city and even led the old emperor to send Xishan to commit massacres: "A wise ruler and virtuous ministers."

Could it be that……

The wise minister refers to Song Shi'an, and the sage ruler is actually himself.

"I will not take this reform of the imperial clan lightly and then let it go easily," the emperor decided. "Tell the Imperial Clan Court that tomorrow, except for the Marquis of Yecheng (Prince of Guangling), all princes must attend court. Those who do not attend will be stripped of their princely titles."

"Yes, Your Majesty." The eunuch bowed his head in response, then asked in a low voice, "What about Prince Su? Prince Su is often ill and has not participated in court affairs since the time of the late emperor."

This is actually a very sensitive topic.

Weakening the royal family—which branch of the royal family is being targeted?
The uncles and elders want to chop, but should the brothers chop?

The vassal kings who will attend the morning court tomorrow are the ones who will be stripped of their power.

"Prince Su is also a vassal king, and my brother," the emperor declared domineeringly. "Let him hold on for a while; it will be a way to share my burden."

"Yes."

The matter concerning the imperial family has been settled.

"Your Majesty, would you like to go over the morning court proceedings beforehand?" the eunuch asked.

Directly in front is the Taiyuan Hall, a grand hall symbolizing the highest power in the land.

On his first court session, the emperor would give orders to his ministers regarding when to begin, from where to start, and how many steps to take. He had never formally experienced any of these details before.

"it is good."

Thus, with Eunuch Zhang leading the way, the new emperor ascended the steps and entered the main hall.

The nervousness I felt transformed into boundless anticipation upon seeing the dragon throne, adorned with a coiled dragon and radiating light, in the very center of the main hall.

His eyes were moistened with the light of hope.

The expression on his face also became dazed.

Unbeknownst to him, he walked step by step toward the dragon throne.

He himself didn't realize that it was already within reach.

His hand unconsciously rose, his fingertips touching the dragon whisker relief on the armrest of the dragon throne. The corners of his mouth curved upwards little by little, as if he had been possessed. How could such power not make people greedy?
When the former crown prince was overseeing the country, he was only on the fifth step of the jade steps, which symbolized the balance of power.

And he himself had already walked up to the dragon throne.

Eunuch Zhang was very sensible and knelt on the ground, prostrating himself.

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

With a loud shout, he roused the emperor from his reverie.

Upon waking, however, came an even more intense ecstasy than mere joy. For this beautiful dream was not a dream; it was reality.

The emperor sat on the dragon throne.

This was his first time in this place.

Then he was surprised to find that the perspective from this position was completely different from that of the other court officials.

It was from this height that he discovered that he could see the entire slope of the palace, gradually descending from here.

The most magnificent scenery unfolds before me.

I, Wei Yixuan, have seen the whole world.

From this day forward, I stand above the heavens!
"Summon Song Qing to the palace."

The emperor issued the first edict directly from within the palace.

He doesn't need to do any rehearsals.

Although he never became emperor, when he was a prince, he observed every day how the late emperor was an emperor.

He dreams of being the emperor... He could become the emperor right away!
"Yes."

Eunuch Zhang immediately went to do so and summoned Song Shi'an to the palace.

Not long after, he entered the Taiyuan Hall and prostrated himself before His Majesty.

"Shi An," the emperor said hastily. "I grant you the right to meet with the emperor privately without bowing. There is no need for such formalities between us."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Song Shi'an knew that he had successfully appeased him.

If a powerful minister feels tired, it must be because serving the emperor is too troublesome.

But if the emperor is completely on the same side as you, and what you think is exactly what the emperor thinks, then how can you feel tired?
What annoys powerful ministers the most is that some loyal ministers keep nagging the emperor and trying to pull some ridiculous imperial edict, insisting on returning power to the emperor.

I hate loyal ministers the most.

The Emperor spoke, “Shi’an, I believe that not only should the land and stipends of the imperial family be reduced, but also the number of concubines and palace maids within the palace, as well as unnecessary expenditures, should be addressed. I intend to issue a proclamation to the world to promote frugality and punish extravagance and waste.”

See? He's getting out of breath just because I called him fat.

"Your Majesty is wise; this is truly a blessing for the people," Song Shi'an praised, deeply moved.

Our new emperor is truly going to be a sage-king.

Regardless of what happens in the future, having this kind of mindset now is commendable.

"Your 1,500 taels of gold are meant to fulfill my filial duty. But I feel that the late emperor's will was for simplicity and frugality, so we can keep the rest and give it to the national treasury," the emperor said. "It can be used for the northern expedition to quell the rebels."

“Your Majesty, I wholeheartedly agree with your idea, but the source of this money is rather dubious and does not conform to the proper procedures. I believe it can be deposited into the Imperial Treasury,” Song Shi’an said. “Since it is a northern expedition, the soldiers must be rewarded. Your Majesty’s use of your own treasury to reward the soldiers will not only boost morale but also allow the people of the world to see your benevolence and your determination.”

The emperor was moved by Song Shi'an.

He once thought that the other party wanted to be a ruthless minister who would interfere in everything and have complete control over him.

But he was willing to make himself financially independent and to win the emperor's heart in the name of the royal family.

This respect goes far beyond mere obligation.

"What Shi An said is absolutely right. I think it's feasible." The emperor nodded and readily agreed.

“Your Majesty, since you have summoned me today,” Song Shi’an said, “I have a suggestion I would like to discuss with you.”

"Shi An, please speak freely," the emperor said.

"Your Majesty," Song Shi'an said, "I believe that the current predicament of the Great Yu Dynasty stems from the word 'burden.' Because the problem of privileged clans clinging to grain taxes was addressed, the military-agricultural colonies were implemented. With the colonies established, the nobility was eliminated, thus increasing revenue. Your Majesty's efforts to practice frugality and reduce expenditures by the imperial clan are a form of cost-cutting. However, the consumption caused by the imperial clan only accounts for a portion. What are Your Majesty's thoughts on where money should truly be spent?"

"Redundant officials." The emperor's two words summed it all up.

This is also the crux of the problem in Dayu today.

The burdens of the imperial family were also included.

In Dayu, officials were appointed through the imperial examinations, while others held hereditary positions.

Because these two things are happening in parallel, the state apparatus has become so large that it is difficult to move.

It is true that there is a large-scale wage arrears situation for civil servants in Dayu. When asked, everyone says that being an official is not easy, but when it comes to resigning, no one is willing to do so.

Even though the government's salaries were not paid in full, these officials still existed and continued to operate. This must mean that there were other forms of exchange that provided for their livelihood.

In some ways, national finances are also being continuously and secretly drained.

Then, at the end of the year, when the accounts were settled, it turned out that the monopolistic industry was losing money every year.

Of course, I'm referring to the Great Yu Dynasty.

There is only one way to solve this situation.

"Shi'an, isn't it a bit too bold to do something like this?" the emperor asked with some concern.

“Your Majesty, these things would be impossible to do in any other dynasty. Neither in the past nor in the future Great Yu would it be possible,” Song Shi’an said firmly. “Only now is it possible.”

If we don't address the problem of redundant officials now, we'll never have another chance to solve it.

It is a historical mission that, if delayed, will never be completed.

Take advantage of the power transition, and the fact that Song Shi'an's power and prestige are at their peak, and resolve this quickly!

"Then, An, how do you decide to resolve this problem?" the emperor asked.

Song Shi'an advised: "Your Majesty, divide the central government officials into six ministries: Personnel, Revenue, Rites, War, Justice, and Works. The head of each ministry shall be a Minister, a first-rank official. Personnel and Revenue shall be the heads of the six ministries, with left and right prime ministers. All other unnecessary departments, officials over the age limit, and approximately 50% of officials and yamen offices shall be abolished and retired. Retired officials shall be granted the title of 'Doctor' at various levels, with their official rank promoted by one rank, but their salaries reduced by 60%."

That was a ruthless move.

How did the imperial court treat sinecure positions in the past?

You'll be given a position with no real power, but you'll still have a department, and your salary will be paid according to your rank.

This resulted in a large number of redundant officials in the court, holding first and second rank, but whose lives were completely unaffected by his absence.

Now, all of these officials have been dismissed.

Give them a nominal position, a higher rank, but they don't have to go to work.

The cuts in salaries are secondary; the real prize is the cessation of the financial expenditures that keep these government offices running.

For example, Song Ce's maternal grandfather is one of the people who needs to be dismissed.

It's too much for the country to support these people.

Will Song Ce's maternal grandfather agree?
Of course he will, because his son is going to become a high-ranking official!
But other officials would definitely resist and oppose it.

As the saying goes, where there is resistance, there is oppression.

Song Shi'an wanted to get rid of these barnacles as quickly and thoroughly as possible.

"Shi An, your idea is excellent, but I have a question," the Emperor asked, somewhat puzzled. "And what about those above the Six Ministries?"

Song Shi'an's method was good, but not very mature.

According to him, the Six Ministries encompass all the government agencies, with the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Revenue as the first. But what about the central government that can command them?
Previously, a system of three dukes and nine ministers was implemented, with civil and military officials separated.

Although the Three Dukes were largely honorary positions, the Secretariat, the head of the Nine Ministers, was explicitly designated to oversee all officials. As for the military, Wu Qing's position as Grand General was the highest-ranking military officer.

In other words, it has a structure.

However, if there were six ministries, it would mean that the six ministries would be the highest authority, and the branches below would only be responsible to the Minister. Even if the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Revenue were the first and had the most power, they could not interfere with the other ministries.

So who will coordinate and give orders?
The emperor was merely weak and incompetent, not brain-dead; he would have noticed that this set of official titles was missing a 'head'.

At this point, Song Shi'an gave his response:

"Your Majesty, please form a cabinet." (End of Chapter)