Chapter 909: Steadfast Like Diaoyutai, A Cross-Era Reform

This remark silenced the entire Chuigong Hall in an instant!

Even the previously heated atmosphere seemed to freeze somewhat, and the expressions of many ministers changed dramatically at this moment.

It has arrived!

If the earlier targeting of maritime trade and canal transport was merely to make them cede some benefits,

then this time, it is like placing a knife over all their heads!

It’s not just about the farmland.

With the continuous shift of economic focus, although the land of Kyushu remains immensely important today, it has diminished considerably compared to its historical significance.

This is certain.

And the resulting impact is a shift in the attitude of noble families towards land.

Given Gu Hui’s reputation, managing farmland isn’t much of a challenge!

The real issue is the Investigation Envoy!

Simply put, this official holds too much power!

His authority is so vast that it instills fear in all of them.

And this time, there was no immediate response in the entire Chuigong Hall; silence reigned among the crowd.

Ceding a small part of the benefits for greater interest is indeed possible.

But having a knife hanging over everyone’s head clearly exceeds their tolerance range.

Yet Gu Hui still continued, seemingly unperturbed by these people’s attitudes, and without any change in expression, he said, “Thirdly, defining roles to end disputes, managing the imperial framework collectively.”

“The affairs of the world cannot be decided by one person or in a single day.”

“The flaws of the previous dynasty may lie in the dominance of power ministers or in the emperor’s biased listening.”

“To avoid repeating the same mistakes, collective wisdom must be sought, thus establishing the ‘Inner Council’.”

Immediately, the hall resounded with gasps of surprise.

“The Inner Council is not a simple replica of the old Central Secretariat and Palace Secretariat.”

“It is proposed to have five to seven council members, known as ‘Grand Councillors,’ comprising former prime ministers, core ministers of the six departments, and specially chosen individuals of integrity and talent.”

“The Inner Council will serve as a standing body for discussing state affairs; matters of military and national importance, major personnel issues, amendments to laws, and fiscal budgets, will first be deliberated by the Inner Council, who will propose draft plans or multiple options for selection.”

His gaze slowly swept across several high-ranking ministers, including military representatives like Yue Fei and Liu Qi, confidants from the Northern Border like Ji Chang, as well as newly attached civil ministers who demonstrated stability and competence during the Jiangnan recovery.

“Matters resolved by the Inner Council will form draft resolutions, attached to relevant documents, and presented before the throne.”

“Upon review, the emperor can decide using a vermilion brush or return them for further discussion.”

“For major decisions, the emperor should attend council meetings personally or summon councillors for direct consultations.”

“Routine government affairs will be coordinated by the Inner Council, with regular reports submitted to the emperor.”

“Moreover,” Gu Hui’s voice heightened slightly with indisputable determination, “establish the Ministry of Communication, responsible for receiving imperial missives and public sentiments, directly connecting the Inner Council and the throne, bypassing old convoluted procedures and potential information blockages.”

“Personnel of the Inner Council and Ministry of Communication will be elected every three years through a combination of court recommendation, investigation by the Imperial Censorate, and imperial appointment, ensuring talent fits, and loyalty to state affairs.”

The entire Chuigong Hall was engulfed in a dead silence.

Then came the sound of suppressed, slight gasps.

Everyone present were old foxes, though they had long anticipated Gu Hui’s ideas, upon hearing these words now, their hearts couldn’t help but race madly.

This Inner Council system, seemingly reviving the ancient idea of collective governance, is actually a meticulously designed mechanism that thoroughly alters the rules of power operation.

Firstly, it segments royal authority, institutionalizes and makes the decision-making process transparent; the emperor retains final decision power, but it must be built upon the Inner Council’s “draft resolutions” and discussions, greatly limiting the possibility of unilateral decisions.

Furthermore, there is the review system of council officials.

Such is the human nature.

This fundamentally reduces the likelihood of power ministers usurping governance.

Simply put, Gu Hui’s current approach targets the imperial authority and power ministers!…..

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