Chapter 3: For the Sake of Establishing Principles for Heaven and Earth and Determining the Destiny of the People
Upon hearing about the severe drought in the southern region, Mu Yuyan immediately became alert.
This was what troubled her most at the moment!
With the decline of the country's fortune and disasters plaguing the land, troubles were indeed coming one after another.
If the drought this time was severe and the relief supplies were insufficient to make up for the shortfall, it might genuinely spark a rebellion, further worsening the plight of the citizens of Jing Nation!
…
"Great Jing's grain reserves are sufficient."
Gu Lan spoke confidently, getting straight to the heart of the matter with his first sentence. "I believe that Her Majesty is also concerned about this matter... but in reality, there's no need to worry. Despite the declining fortune of the country, the foundation is still there, more than enough to support the southern region through the drought."
Mu Yuyan, after listening, was momentarily stunned, then breathed a sigh of relief and nodded slowly.
It would be good if they could safely overcome this crisis...
At this moment, she completely believed in Gu Lan's words, listening attentively as if taking a serious lecture from a teacher.
However, the next plain sentence from Gu Lan startled her!
"However, who could have expected that a significant rebellion will occur in the southern region after the distribution of relief supplies half a month later..."
"Why?"
Mu Yuyan's delicate face turned pale, and she asked subconsciously.
At this point, she had completely overlooked why Gu Lan could foresee the future.
She just wanted to know what went wrong with the relief efforts!
"Because of natural disasters... and man-made calamities!"
Gu Lan spoke each word deliberately, then added after a moment of recollection, "There are many capable officials in the court, but there are also corrupt ones, including those feudal lords who have been given titles..."
"These corrupt officials include some who are dissatisfied with the Female Emperor, and others who are purely greedy."
"All of them are contributing factors to the decline of the country."
"Our Female Emperor has been busy trying to reverse the decline of the country's fortune but has overlooked these small details. It can only be said... to be a bit blind."
With these words, Gu Lan shook his head lightly.
This was not to ridicule the female Emperor; what Gu Lan thought actually went wrong was the head of that unfinished novel’s author.
To become the Female Emperor was proof of Jiaqing's exceptional intelligence, but to make such a mistake was simply absurd!
It could only be said that a wise person may have a thousand plans, but there was always one mistake, or perhaps the protagonist's halo was too overpowering, making even the Female Emperor seem intellectually lacking...
In fact, the Female Emperor later realized these issues and attempted to clean up the court to eliminate the deep-rooted problems.
However, by that time, it was already too late!
The old officials rebelled, loyal ministers were slaughtered, and with the interference of the developing protagonist and various antagonists, she was helpless.
In the end, she faced a fate of desolation and disappointment!
Mu Yuyan shivered after hearing this.
Her mind was struck like thunder!
At this moment, she suddenly remembered that in the past few years, the relief funds she allocated were always double the planned amount, fearing it might not be enough for the people!
However, even with such efforts, the submitted reports always claimed that it was just enough!
So that's it!
Treacherous officials are daring to undermine the fortune of Great Jing right under my nose... Mu Yuyan was filled with a mix of shock and anger, and the terrifying aura of a sword cultivator was on the verge of breaking out!
" Ahem!"
Fortunately, Liu Yexi regained her composure and quickly coughed as a reminder.
"Yexi, drink more water if your throat feels uncomfortable."
Gu Lan poured a cup of hot tea for her.
Liu Yexi felt a bit embarrassed, "Thank you, young master, for your concern."
After taking a few sips, she glanced at the Female Emperor and found that she had already concealed her aura, returning to her usual state.
Naturally covering up the shock and anger, the beautiful peach blossom eyes gradually overflowed with admiration for her husband.
"Master Gu is truly knowledgeable, as expected of a scholar!"
Her Majesty is indeed a master of acting... Liu Yexi silently praised, continuing to drink her tea in silence.
"If you enjoy my story, that's good."
Gu Lan, full of indulgence and tenderness, lightly brushed the Female Emperor's silky hair with his fingertips.
"I really enjoy it."
Mu Yuyan seemed to have found the right way to open up the conversation. Instead of rushing to inquire about traitors in the court, she gently coaxed, "When you becomes a top scholar in the imperial examination next year, I’m sure you can hold a high position, and there will be hope for our country."
Avoiding a high-ranking position would be better. The capital is not somewhere good, full of troubles... Gu Lan thought wisely.
After a moment, he sighed and slowly said, "I don’t want to be an official."
"Really? Then what do you study for?"
Mu Yuyan was puzzled. Since ascending the throne, she had seen many scholars in the Throne Room, and who didn't aspire to pass the imperial examination and return home in glory?
Countless scholars rushed to the capital, yet Gu Lan, who was not enthusiastic about it?
As a female official, Liu Yexi was also curious. She put down her teacup and looked at him.
"For...," Gu Lan thought of a phrase that he often quoted in his previous life's essays, "For the sake of establishing principles for heaven and earth, determining the destiny of the people, inheriting the wisdom of the sages, and bringing peace to the world for generations!"
In this setting, although improvised, it was quite fitting!
He spoke with a clear and powerful tone.
The room fell silent again.
"For the sake of establishing principles for heaven and earth, determining the destiny of the people..."Mu Yuyan chewed on this timeless phrase, profoundly moved.
Since ascending the throne, the Female Emperor had been surrounded by flattery and sycophancy. When had she ever heard such wise words?
Unconsciously, tears welled up in her beautiful eyes.
Among the countless scholars, how many could speak such heartfelt words when confiding in their own wives?
This was the backbone that scholars should have!
For this phrase alone, Master Gu could be her teacher... Mu Yuyan sighed with emotion, and for the first time, an unprecedented thought arose in her mind.
He has to be an official!
She wanted Gu Lan to become an official!
And not just any official, but to rise to the pinnacle of power!
Saving the common people, not burying the talent for governing!
Of course, it would also satisfy Mu Yuyan's personal desires... Even if she were to regain her emperor status in the future, he could continue to be her bedside companion!
Mu Yuyan's thoughts settled.
Liu Yexi, who had just recovered, smiled and praised, "Indeed, young master, these words... should be spoken to all officials."
Besides being the close attendant to the Female Emperor, she also held the responsibility of overseeing the officials in the Imperial Announcements Bureau.
Therefore, upon hearing such excellent words, she was inspired.
Gu Lan, as a scholar who copied and wrote imperial decrees, waved his hand, "Even if many of them hear it, they won't be moved. Their love for Great Jing differs, and these words are meaningless to them."
"Indeed."
Mu Yuyan nodded.
At this moment, Liu Yexi asked, "Then, young master, who do you think among the courtiers would be unmoved by hearing this?"
This question was a direct attempt to gossip about who was loyal and who was treacherous.
Gu Lan directly knocked on her head, "You're just a little girl, why do you need to know so much?"
"Master Gu, I'm curious too."
Mu Yuyan leaned over.
"Cough... If my lady is also interested, then I'll simply explain."
Gu Lan cleared his throat.
Liu Yexi: "..."
"For example, the Marquis of the Southern Border... he likes to exploit the people, embezzle funds intended for disaster relief... But he doesn't have much ambition, just pure greed."
Gu Lan scratched his head, recalling the somewhat disgusting antagonist in the original work.
He was a profiteer who extorted the people's wealth.
It was fine during normal times, but when disasters struck, he continued to take advantage, even colluding with wealthy merchants to hoard grain and profit from the calamity!
How could the refugees not riot!
Gu Lan couldn't quite remember his name. After all, he was just an early antagonist in the novel, easily defeated by the protagonist later on.
However...
The Female Emperor was familiar with the person he mentioned!
"Marquis Anguo, Cai Yu!"
Mu Yuyan took a deep breath. There was only one Marquis of the Southern Border, and the title was hereditary. So she had an impression of him.
Honestly, if Gu Lan hadn't mentioned it today, Mu Yuyan wouldn't have paid attention to this troublemaker! "
“He who brings calamity, is it this Marquis Cai?"
"You’re right, it’s him." Gu Lan sipped his tea, completely unaware that he had unwittingly sentenced a marquis to death...
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone