If you die, I will be able to inherit your cultivation.

Zhou Ming's response not only accurately pointed out the fundamental flaws of the old system of the Great Xia Dynasty.

It further outlined a blueprint for a powerful nation with abundant national strength and all nations paying tribute to it, for all the civil and military officials in the court.

Even some centrist officials who had initially adopted a wait-and-see attitude were now slightly moved.

If things could really go as Zhou Ming said, with everyone having the opportunity to make contributions and be promoted, then the world might truly fall into the hands of the Ming Dynasty.

Just then, an aged and cold voice came from the front of the civil officials' line:

"Lord Zhou, since ancient times, wise rulers have governed the country by maintaining laws rather than changing them, and by preserving customs rather than altering them!"

"As times change and people's hearts become fickle, easily altering ancestral systems and old laws will inevitably lead to the loss of popular support and turmoil in both the government and the public!"

"To lightly discuss reform is truly an ominous sign for the nation!"

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw that it was Zheng Yaoming, the head of the Zheng family, who was speaking.

This man was over sixty years old, with white hair and beard, and could be considered an elder in the imperial court.

A few days ago, Zhou Ming threw his second son, Zheng Zhigan, out of the Minister's residence, making Zheng Zhigan the laughing stock of the entire Yongning City.

His old face had been slapped hard by Zhou Ming in public, and today he finally had the chance to retaliate.

Zhou Ming immediately retorted loudly, "Lord Zheng's statement is utterly wrong!"

"Innovators are ever-growing, while conservatives gradually decline; this is the unchanging trend of the world!"

"May I ask, Lord Zheng, has the Great Xia Dynasty adhered to the ancestral system of Liu Jun for hundreds of years? Is it because of following the old system that the country has become strong?"

"Is it by adhering to the old system that the treasury is full? Or is it by adhering to the old system that internal strife within the court and among the people, private feuds, and the destruction of the nation by sectarian cults?"

When confronted with a pointed question, Zheng Yaoming did not give a direct answer.

He couldn't answer either, because everyone knew the answer in their hearts:

The Great Xia Dynasty did not become stronger because of its adherence to the old ways; on the contrary, it perished because of it.

He avoided Zhou Ming's sharp edge and instead revealed his trump card, his voice hoarse but full of energy:

"With the new Ming Dynasty now established, only by carrying on the legacy of the Great Xia and restoring its former glory can we achieve lasting peace and stability!"

"But Lord Zhou's proposed new laws today are intended to completely abandon the laws of the previous dynasty, establish new regulations, and overturn the imperial order!"

He paused, looked around, and raised his voice a few decibels.

"Although the Ming Dynasty is currently in dire need of reconstruction, its desire for reform and strengthening, and for revitalizing the court, is understandable and forgivable!"

"But reform must be carried out in a proper way, and change must be carried out with moderation! It is feasible to emulate the old policies of the previous dynasty, remedy current malpractices, steadily strengthen the nation, and restore the hegemony of our Great Ming!"

"Completely abandoning the foundations of the previous dynasty, ambitiously starting anew and overthrowing the very basis of the nation—this is absolutely unacceptable!"

"Yes, yes, yes! Your Majesty, you absolutely mustn't!"

Seven or eight old ministers shouted at the same time, and knelt down in a row, their white heads bobbing up and down on the gold brick floor.

Zheng Yaoming's words instantly stirred up all the conservative old ministers and aristocratic families.

They bound everyone firmly to the old ways, intending to use their numerical advantage to completely block Zhou Ming's path to new laws.

Zhou Ming looked at Zheng Yaoming, and a half-smile suddenly appeared on his face.

He shook his head slightly, his tone tinged with sarcasm:

"The legacy of the Great Xia? To revive the glory of the Great Xia? Lord Zheng, your body is in the Ming Dynasty, but your heart is in the Great Xia."

These words caused an uproar throughout the hall.

My body is in the Ming Dynasty, but my heart is in the Xia Dynasty.

Isn't this just saying that Zheng Yaoming was disloyal to the Ming Dynasty?

This is a very heavy label.

Zheng Yaoming's face instantly turned a deep purplish-red, his lips trembled violently, and he pointed at Zhou Ming, but was too angry to speak.

Before Zheng Yaoming could speak, Gongsun Gu jumped out first.

He pointed at Zhou Ming and shouted sternly, "You little brat, how dare you spout such nonsense!"

"Lord Zheng's original intention was to completely abandon the laws of the previous dynasty and implement new laws in a radical and innovative manner."

"A complete overhaul of the rules and regulations governing both the government and the people, along with a total restructuring of the political system, will inevitably lead to turmoil in the court, paralysis of government affairs, and unrest among the public!"

"If other warlords were to invade at this time, our Great Ming Dynasty would be beset by internal and external troubles, and we fear the collapse of the nation and the destruction of the country!"

But you, a mere child, have twisted this into accusations of harboring treacherous intentions! What are your true intentions?

Gongsun Gu's words were extremely ruthless, directly raising the issue of national crisis and linking it to the greater good of the nation's destiny, deliberately undermining Zhou Ming's vision of a powerful nation that "greatly surpasses all under heaven," and creating an atmosphere of panic about the country's demise due to reforms.

Some officials in the hall who had originally held a neutral attitude toward the new laws couldn't help but show hesitation at this moment.

Reform is certainly a good thing, but if it really triggers internal strife or foreign enemies take the opportunity to invade, then everything will be over.

But such alarmist talk was no challenge for Zhou Ming.

He stood with his hands behind his back, his posture as straight as a pine tree, his gaze firm and composed.

"Even if war breaks out or other unforeseen events occur during the implementation of the new laws."

"The new laws reward agricultural production to replenish the treasury and strengthen the foundation, while rewarding military achievements to boost morale and inspire the troops!"

"The people yearn for stability, and the soldiers yearn for glory. The new law benefits both the people and the army, and will only make the whole country more united and courageous in resisting the enemy."

"Lord Gongsun keeps saying that the new laws will lead to the downfall of the country. May I ask Lord Gongsun..."

"Was it clinging to the old system that led to the downfall of the Great Xia Dynasty, or was it implementing new laws and strengthening the nation that caused its demise?"

Gongsun Gu was speechless after being asked this question.

How did the Great Xia Dynasty perish? It was because it clung to the old system, becoming a complete mess from top to bottom, and was easily overthrown by the Sect of All Beings.

This example is right before our eyes. If he continues to say that changing the laws will lead to the downfall of the country, he is simply lying through his teeth.

Seeing that Gongsun Gu was speechless, Zheng Yaoming's face turned ashen. He snorted heavily, flicked his court robe sleeve, and spoke in a hoarse and shrill voice:

"Once the laws are changed, the world will be filled with doubt; once the people are at a loss, chaos will surely ensue! What will you use to stabilize the people's hearts?"

Zhou Ming turned around and faced Zheng Yaoming.

His gaze remained calm, but beneath that calm lay a sharp edge so intense that it was almost unbearable to look directly at him.

"Who are the 'common people' that Lord Zheng refers to? Are they retainers of aristocratic families? Sons of noble families with hereditary titles? Or commoners who farm and pay taxes?"

His voice was clear and powerful, every word precious.

"Doing something suspicious will leave you with no reputation, and doing something suspicious will bring you no success. People who take extraordinary actions are bound to be criticized."

"People with unique insights will inevitably be ridiculed."

"Fools cannot see what will happen afterward, but wise men can foresee the signs before things happen."

"The common people cannot be consulted on the beginning, but they can share in the joy of success. Those who discuss the highest virtue do not conform to popular opinion, and those who achieve great things do not consult the masses."

He looked into Zheng Yaoming's eyes and said his last sentence, word by word:

"If you only want to stick to the old rules and live a peaceful life, the Ming Dynasty will forever be confined to Youzhou, watching helplessly as warlords invade and the Ming Dynasty perishes."

These words were like a poisoned dagger, precisely piercing the deepest sore spot of all the conservative old ministers present.

No one could refute him, because everyone knew he was telling the truth.

If the Ming Dynasty does not change and strive for strength, it will be limited to the territory of Youzhou alone.

Can they withstand the ruthless armies from all over the land? Can they stop those warlords who have cultivated the Scripture of Salvation and rule over various regions? Dream on.

Meng Xi then stepped forward again, letting out a cold laugh, his tone filled with undisguised sarcasm:

"Even if Lord Zhou intends to implement new laws, what guarantees that they will necessarily strengthen the nation?"

"By emulating the ancients, at least you won't make mistakes; by following old customs, at least you won't go astray."

"What will happen to the Ming Dynasty if you mess up all those fancy things you've come up with?"