Chapter 908 - 92: Steadfast Like Diaoyutai, New Era Reforms

The hall was so quiet that the faint sound of a candle wick occasionally bursting could be heard.

Gu Hui did not indulge in superfluous pleasantries. As soon as the officials finished their salutes, he picked up a document that had been prepared in advance from the table. His voice was clear and steady, yet as impactful as a heavy stone thrown into a deep pond: "Though the Jin invaders have retreated, devastation is everywhere."

"The world longs for stability, yet this stability must not be one of complacency and makeshift solutions. It must be one that breaks the old to establish the new, ensuring enduring peace and stability."

"The reason for summoning all here today is to discuss and establish several fundamental policies as the foundation for the new governance."

He unfolded the document, his gaze sweeping across the assembly.

"First, we must manage finances and commerce, strengthening our foundations and origins."

"From this day forth, establish the ’Cao Sea General Control Department’ to oversee all matters of national grain transport and maritime trade."

"Integrate the old harbor and transport offices, eliminating past practices of layered exploitation and multi-departmental governance."

"In terms of grain transport, we will dredge old waterways, open new routes, and set up standardized warehouses along the way, directly supervised by the General Control Department or appointed officials. This is to ensure the smooth transfer of grain and supplies between the Capital and various regions, with losses clearly recorded and corruption strictly investigated."

"In terms of maritime trade, restrictions on civilian sea voyages will be relaxed, encouraging shipbuilding and trade."

"In Mingzhou State, Quanzhou State, Guangzhou State, Dengzhou, and other places, port facilities will be expanded. Establish a ’Maritime Affairs Institute’ specifically for piloting, taxing, escorting, and negotiations with foreign countries."

"All merchant ships going to sea must handle documentation and pay customs duties according to the newly established ’Maritime Regulations.’ The General Control Department will provide protection upon verification."

"Half of the revenue from customs duties and government-run maritime trade profits will go to the national treasury, thirty percent to local water conservancy and road construction, and twenty percent specifically for the construction and maintenance of naval ships."

There was a slight commotion in the hall, especially among those officials from Jiangnan, whose eyes frequently exchanged glances.

Grain transport and maritime trade are the lifeblood of Jiangnan. The establishment of this Department effectively transfers these two major sources of wealth from the control of local aristocrats and the old bureaucratic system directly to the Central Hub. The regulations are clear, and the division of interests is explicit, cutting off countless gray income from intermediary layers.

However, Gu Hui’s tone was indisputable, and the momentum for "breaking the old to establish the new" was already set. No one dared to stand up and oppose at this moment; they could only be secretly alarmed and plan how their families could adapt to the new regulations in the future.

Of course, though afraid, in the past, handling matters involving their own interests would have required some effort to get them to surrender directly.

But now things are different.

With the new monarch’s position yet undecided, these people would only strive desperately to show themselves.

After a brief silence, a Langzhong from the Ministry of Revenue, dressed in crimson robes and hailing from a prestigious Jiangnan clan but who had early turned to the Northern Border, stepped forward.

He took a deep breath, breaking the stagnant air, his voice carrying the right mix of fervor and submission: "Grand Tutor, your vision is far-reaching!"

"Grain transport and maritime trade are indeed the lifelines of the nation. Previous corrupt practices allowed parasites to fill their pockets, depriving not only national resources but also harming merchants and citizens deeply."

"Now with the establishment of the General Control Department, integrating powers, defining regulations, increasing revenue and cutting expenses, this is truly a fundamental plan beneficial to both the country and the people!"

"Though humble in my Jiangnan background, I fully realize this is an opportunity for rejuvenation."

"The scholars and people of Jiangnan eagerly await the Royal Army and long for peace and prosperity."

"If the canals are unobstructed and sea ships gather, the wealth and taxes of the southeast will continuously flow to the Capital, so how can we worry about lacking national strength?"

"Such a beneficial law should indeed be implemented resolutely. I, along with the insightful individuals of Jiangnan, will resolutely support it, erad una tenacious weeds of the past to repay the Grand Tutor’s ambition for reform!"

Although he did not directly mention any royal clans, phrases like "the scholars and people of Jiangnan eagerly await" and "southeast wealth and taxes" subtly tied Jiangnan’s "expectations" with support for the new policies, hinting that if Jiangnan is cared for, the people will naturally respond with united loyalty. And in their view, this "care" could best be embodied by a "benevolent and virtuous" royal member who understands Jiangnan.

And as he began to speak,

the entire Chuigong Hall instantly became noisy.

Voices of support quickly surged forth; some implied subtly like the previous speaker, while others directly mentioned the corresponding royal clans.

For a moment, the Chuigong Hall displayed a vibrant scene of "united will" and "collective effort," making it seem as if the previous undercurrents of royal disputes and interests had vanished before this "greater good."

Gu Hui was naturally well aware of these people’s motives.

And this time, he did not choose to remain silent. Facing the voices of the officials, he even occasionally expressed agreement, praising some royal clans.

This, undoubtedly, drove those individuals further into a frenzy.

This is what it means to be in a stable position to fish!

On the foundation of an already established dominance, he holds onto interests all desire, using this to force them to continually compromise, ultimately achieving his own goals!

The entire Chuigong Hall was in an uproar!

Only after a long time did the officials quiet down, and Gu Hui spoke again: "Second, pacifying the people and stopping violence, healing the injuries."

"With the conflict just subsiding, local areas remain unsettled. Clerks and powerful families often seize the opportunity to exploit, adding layer upon layer of oppression, making life unbearable for the people."

"Now the ’People Pacification and Territory Ordering Directive’ is issued: Each state and county must immediately survey the fields and remake the fish scale register. Severe punishment for those hiding land or shifting tax responsibilities."

"Abolish the old practices of ’house contracting’ and ’tax contracting.’ All tax collection will be handled by government clerks directly according to the register, publicly announced, allowing the people to inspect."

"Beyond this, establish Investigation Envoys, composed by trustworthy gentry recommended by the Imperial Censorate, Ministry of Revenue, and locales, touring the various circuits."

"They shall be responsible for investigating local officials and aristocrats, determining if they oppress the good, concoct pretexts, or embezzle relief."

"Investigation Envoys have the right to report directly to the Imperial Censorate and relevant officials. All verified cases, regardless of official position or background, will be dealt with according to the New Law."

"Civilians with grievances may also submit complaints to the Investigation Envoys."