The Empress has abandoned me? I'll support a new emperor and destroy your kingdom!

The atmosphere at the court assembly in Linde Hall became delicate once again due to a memorial to the throne.

More than a month has passed since Yun Jin presented his "Ten Memorials on Strengthening the People and Enriching the Country," and debates about its contents have been ongoing in the court, with the joint proposals from various departments failing to reach a consensus.

Emperor Yunhong's patience was repeatedly worn down by the smoke rising from the alchemy room and the empty national treasury, gradually thinning out.

At this moment, his ashen face showed obvious impatience as he listened to the Minister of Revenue and several court officials arguing endlessly about whether to conduct pilot projects first or later, and the size of the pilot projects, for the "land survey".

"Enough!" The emperor finally slammed his hand on the imperial desk, the dull thud silencing the hall. "All this fuss and noise, yet you can't come up with a single practical plan! What I need are solutions! Solutions that will bring in money and grain, and ensure border stability!"

The ministers fell silent, heads bowed.

At this moment, Princess Yun Jin, who was ranked near the front of the imperial clan, stepped forward again, knelt on the ground, and said in a clear and firm voice: "Father, please calm your anger. I listened to Your Majesty's instructions the other day and know that the affairs of the country are difficult and empty talk is useless. The 'Ten Memorials' that I presented are nothing but theoretical discussions, without any practical application, and have only caused controversy."

Your Majesty, I humbly request permission to leave the capital and personally travel to the provinces to select one or two provisions for on-site investigation and small-scale trial implementation to verify their effectiveness and silence public criticism. If successful, they can be widely adopted; if unsuccessful, I will willingly accept the blame for speaking recklessly and never again utter a word about politics!

Upon hearing this, the entire hall was stunned.

A princess leaving the capital? To try out new policies in the provinces? This is unprecedented in this dynasty! Especially for a young princess!

The eldest prince, Yun Jie, immediately stepped forward to object, his eyes flashing with a sharp light: "Father, you must not! My third sister is of noble birth and has lived in the deep palace for a long time. How could she know the complexities of the local customs and the cunning of the officials? If she leaves the capital rashly, her safety will be uncertain!"

Moreover, the implementation of this new policy is a complex undertaking with far-reaching consequences; without the assistance of experienced and prudent ministers, trouble may arise! Your Majesty, I believe that while your third sister's filial piety is commendable, this matter requires careful consideration.

His words, seemingly concerned for his sister's safety, actually pointed out that Yun Jin was "unaware of the people's situation" and "inexperienced," and implied that she might "cause trouble."

The Third Prince, Yun Huan, also stepped forward, his tone gentle yet his stance ambiguous: "Father, what my eldest brother said makes sense. My third sister's sincerity is truly moving. However, this trial run in this place... certainly requires caution."

"It would be better to first select one or two imperial estates in the capital region for a trial run. This would ensure the safety of the imperial sister and also make it easier for the court to monitor the situation at any time."

The emperor did not speak immediately, his gaze lingering on Yun Jin's calm face.

He knew that his daughter had made great progress recently, but working away from the Beijing office... the risks were indeed considerable.

But the imperial court is now like a stagnant pool, and someone needs to stir it up.

Yun Jin's suggestion, though bold, hit the nail on the head.

He wanted to see if the "new laws" were really effective, and also wanted to take the opportunity to give a warning to the increasingly disobedient local officials.

"Yun Jin," the Emperor spoke slowly, "where do you intend to test your strategies? And what measures will you implement?"

Yun Jin raised her head, her gaze clear and fearless: "Your Majesty, I have heard that 'food is the first necessity of the people, and taxes are the foundation of the nation.'"

The national treasury is now empty, and salt tax is a major source of revenue, yet there are frequent reports of "high prices and poor quality of official salt, rampant private salt trade, and loss of tax revenue."

Your subject wishes to travel to the important salt tax region of Jianghuai Circuit to inspect the salt administration and try out the provisions in the "Ten Memorials" regarding "reforming the salt and iron monopoly, eliminating long-standing abuses, and ensuring the well-being of the people."

If the official salt trade can be made to flow smoothly, tax revenue can be fully paid, and smuggled salt trade can be eliminated, then the national budget can be relieved and the people's grievances can be appeased.

I am well aware of the dangers of this journey. However, I dare not hesitate to risk my life for the sake of the nation. I humbly beseech Your Majesty to grant me the official seal of an imperial envoy and the authority to act as I see fit. I will exert all my efforts to investigate the deep-seated problems and rectify the salt administration, in order to repay Your Majesty's grace!

Jianghuai Circuit! Salt Administration!

Many officials in the hall, especially those involved in salt affairs, changed their expressions.

That's the place with the highest lucrative profits and the most intricate network of relationships! Countless people's lives, fortunes, and futures are tied to it!

This princess has some nerve, daring to stir up such a hornet's nest!

The eldest prince, Yun Jie, looked even more gloomy.

His people were deeply involved in the Jianghuai salt administration! Yun Jin's actions were clearly aimed at him! He was about to strongly object again immediately.

However, Emperor Yunhong's eyes lit up.

He was well aware of the abuses of the salt administration, but the implications were too far-reaching, and he hesitated to act rashly.

Now, his daughter, who is quite knowledgeable yet seemingly "naive," has volunteered to take on this tough challenge. Whether she succeeds or fails, it seems to have no negative impact on him.

If he succeeds, the national treasury will increase its revenue, and he will be proud; if he fails, he can use this opportunity to discipline a group of disobedient salt officials, and incidentally... see just how much this daughter is worth, and who is standing behind her.

"Good!" The emperor made the final decision, and surprisingly showed a look of approval. "It is rare to find someone with such courage and responsibility! I grant your request! Effective immediately, Princess Yun Jin is hereby appointed as the 'Imperial Salt Commissioner,' granted the royal command flag, and given control over the prefectures and counties along the Jianghuai Road, with the power to execute first and report later!"

"The Imperial Household Department and the Ministry of War are hereby ordered to dispatch fifty elite guards to serve along the route! Furthermore, I hereby bestow upon you an Imperial Sword, which, as if I were personally present, allows for the execution of anyone found guilty of corruption, abuse of power, obstruction of the new policies, or harm to the Imperial Envoy, with the authority to report only after the fact!"

"Father!" the eldest prince cried out urgently.

"Your Majesty!" Several officials involved in salt affairs also hurriedly stepped forward.

"No need for further words!" The emperor waved his hand to interrupt, his face displaying an unwavering resolve. "The salt administration is a matter of national importance, and its deep-seated problems did not arise overnight. The Third Princess's inspection of the salt fields on my behalf is a perfect demonstration of the court's determination to reform and eradicate corruption! Officials throughout the Jianghuai region must fully cooperate. Anyone who outwardly complies but inwardly defies or shirks their responsibilities will be severely punished! Court adjourned!"

The emperor rose, flicked his sleeves, and left, leaving behind a hundred officials in the hall with varying expressions.

Yun Jin kowtowed deeply: "Your subject accepts the imperial decree and expresses his gratitude! He will certainly not fail the Emperor's trust!"

She stood up and could feel countless gazes piercing her back like needles.

There was the cold resentment of the eldest prince, the deep scrutiny of the third prince, the fear and hostility of the salt officials, and the worries and hidden expectations of a few upright officials.

She knew that from the moment she accepted the royal command and the imperial sword, she had no way out.

Jianghuai Road will be her true testing ground, and also the best place Su Che chose for her to ignite the first flame.

……