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"Your Majesty, the Jiangnan region has experienced favorable weather this year, and the people are living in peace and prosperity. Tax revenue has increased by twenty percent compared to last year," Huang Jin replied respectfully.
"Oh?" The Jiajing Emperor's lips curled slightly, revealing a barely perceptible smile. "It seems that my new policies are indeed effective."
Huang Jin, observing the Emperor's demeanor, quickly added, "That is only natural. Your Majesty is wise and powerful; implementing new policies has filled the treasury and ensured the well-being of the people. It is truly a blessing for our Ming Dynasty!"
The Jiajing Emperor smiled noncommittally, but he had other plans in mind. While he promoted new policies to rectify governance and develop the economy to consolidate imperial power, more importantly, he aimed to build strength to achieve his grand ambition—to become a sage ruler, surpassing the Great Ancestor, and leave a lasting legacy in history.
"Convey my decree: tomorrow at court, I wish to discuss the issues encountered since the implementation of the new policies with all of you," the Jiajing Emperor said calmly as he set down his teacup.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Huang Jin responded and withdrew.
The next day at court, in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, civil and military officials gathered together. The Jiajing Emperor sat on the dragon throne, his gaze sweeping over those present until it finally landed on Minister of Personnel Li Mo.
"Li Qingjia, since the implementation of the new policies, have there been any issues regarding governance?" the Jiajing Emperor inquired.
Li Mo stepped forward and bowed. "Reporting to Your Majesty, there have indeed been improvements in governance since the new policies were implemented; however, there are still some stubborn forces obstructing reform and even paying lip service while deceiving their superiors."
As soon as Li Mo finished speaking, a Censor stepped forward and exclaimed loudly, "Your Majesty, I believe what Minister Li said is absolutely correct! The new policies have threatened certain interests, which is why they are trying every means to obstruct them. I implore Your Majesty to severely punish these corrupt officials as a warning to others!"
"I second that!"
"I also second that!"
In an instant, the voices of agreement filled the court. The Jiajing Emperor watched this scene with a cold smile in his heart. Everything was as he had anticipated. He had deliberately raised this topic in court to lure these ministers into his trap.
"What you all say is indeed correct," the Jiajing Emperor began slowly, but his tone grew stern. "I am implementing new policies for the Common People, for the Ming Dynasty!"
He slammed his hand on the armrest of the dragon throne and shouted angrily, "Those who dare to obstruct the new policies and harm the interests of the people will not be tolerated!"
The Emperor's fury seemed to lower the temperature in the Hall of Supreme Harmony. The ministers fell silent, not daring to breathe. They realized that the Jiajing Emperor was not a foolish and incompetent ruler, but a monarch well-versed in political strategy and ruthless in his methods.
"Convey my decree: all officials who obstruct the new policies are to be dismissed and investigated," the Jiajing Emperor's voice was cold and merciless. "Anyone who dares to shield them will be punished equally!"
"Yes, Your Majesty," the guards responded, taking away those officials who had been named one by one.
The Jiajing Emperor watched as those officials were led away, showing no trace of pity—only endless cruelty. He knew that only through thunderous measures could he intimidate these court officials and truly take control of state affairs.
After the morning court session ended, the ministers left the Hall of Supreme Harmony one after another. Their faces no longer bore the ease of before; instead, they were marked by deep fear and unease.
This move by the Jiajing Emperor had thoroughly intimidated everyone in court and beyond. From then on, no one dared to question his authority or obstruct his new policies. The Jiajing Emperor's power reached its peak. He intended to firmly grasp this dynasty in his hands.
The Jiajing Emperor's gaze returned from the backs of those officials being taken away, a cold smile curling at the corners of his mouth. He stood up and slowly descended from the imperial steps, each step seeming to tread upon their hearts, sending chills down their spines.
"Do you all truly believe that my new policies are merely for the sake of rectifying the administration?" The Jiajing Emperor scanned the room, his gaze sharp as a blade. "What I desire is a brand new, powerful Ming Dynasty!"
The ministers exchanged uneasy glances, their hearts filled with apprehension. They understood that the Jiajing Emperor's words were not mere rhetoric.
"I intend to implement the Single Whip Law, consolidating land taxes, corvée labor, and miscellaneous taxes into one, allowing payment in silver to alleviate the burdens on the common people!" The Jiajing Emperor's voice echoed in the vast hall. "I will also reform the salt administration and lift the maritime ban, allowing the wealth of the Ming Dynasty to flow in like a mighty river!"
His declaration struck like thunder in a clear sky, causing a stir among the court. The ministers began to murmur among themselves, their expressions varied.
"Your Majesty! The Single Whip Law touches upon the very foundation of our dynasty; it cannot be taken lightly!" Minister of Revenue Xia Yan was the first to stand against him, his voice trembling slightly, clearly summoning all his courage.
"Indeed, Your Majesty, the salt administration is of great importance. If we lift the maritime ban, chaos will surely ensue along the coast!" another elder minister chimed in.
More officials rose to voice their opposition; some were motivated by self-interest while others genuinely feared the risks of reform. In no time, dissent filled the grand hall, and it seemed that the Jiajing Emperor's reform plans would be drowned by this wave of opposition.
"Enough!" The Jiajing Emperor shouted angrily, interrupting the discussions. He swept his sleeve dramatically, his face pale with fury. "Do you not realize that the Ming Dynasty is now riddled with wounds and cannot recover? If we do not reform, the Ming Dynasty will inevitably perish at your hands, these corrupt Confucian scholars!"
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