Chapter 818: Chapter 816: Relentless Pursuit

Han Yanhui listened to Jinrong’s words and couldn’t help but laugh, “The land of the barbarians has always been known for being difficult to civilize. This is not something that can be done.” Those frail scholars, facing the Northern Barbarian Tribes, would surely be like sheep entering a tiger’s den.

Jinrong said lightly, “In that case, I believe we could have some discussions with ministers about what these scholars can actually do for the world and the people. What use do they have to justify enjoying the court’s privileges while continually demanding more?

The court cannot support them while they are not only useless and ungrateful but also set numerous obstacles for the court and the Son of Heaven, insisting the entire world act according to their wishes.

For hundreds of years, the court has showered scholars with privileges, likely making them forget that just because they study, they are already far superior to others. Take the issue of state taxes alone, many scholars who have achieved fame take advantage of loopholes, pocketing the Tax Silver that should be submitted to the court.”

Han Yanhui sighed silently, yes, any scholar who attains fame, even as a simple Xiucai, is exempt from paying taxes or performing corvée labor. Many scholars not only enjoy these privileges themselves but also register the lands of relatives and friends under their own name, extracting grain and Silver Coins slightly below the national tax rate. The scholars’ tax exemption alone has taken a significant portion of the court’s revenue.

Jinrong continued, “It’s time for some people to recognize the reality. Everyone studies for their own benefit, and studying can provide them with a future. This is already a great outcome; anything else… should be left.”

Is this going to cancel the special privileges of scholars? Ye Xinyan’s eyes rolled around mischievously. Although she had always thought well of Jinrong, she hadn’t realized this guy was so remarkable, spotting this flaw so early and being so ahead of the time.

However, the next emperor, you may not know yet, if you truly do this, a tyrant’s reputation might be pinned on your head, and it would take too long for history to absolve you. Such a stain might become permanent. Bringing disgrace through the ages, as they say.

Emperor Qianqing was a typical emperor worthy of being called a restorer of the dynasty. Under the words of Jinrong and Ye Xinyan, many ideas that hadn’t occurred before suddenly flashed in his mind.

For one who emerged victorious in the struggle for imperial power and took the throne, how could he not understand that strong military force is the guarantee of national security and prosperity?

In contrast, even if the people are wealthy and the country prospers, without strong military protection, it only invites more coveting and brings greater danger.

The Central Plains Dynasty, although a great nation, is not without threats. Over two hundred years ago, the iron cavalry of multiple Northern Barbarians and Northwestern tribes swept across the Central Plains. Luckily, those Barbarians were divided among various tribes, not a unified whole, and they lacked deep-rooted foundations. Otherwise, the Han dynasty might not have survived.

These descendants of the royal family, especially those destined to be emperors, have been taught from an early age to remain vigilant in times of peace. The only difference is what dangers they envision in their vigilance. Lesser kings fear the threats from their ministers, which is why they suppress military generals in various ways.

Although Emperor Qianqing never considered military generals a threat to imperial power, he didn’t think of potential future enemies lurking hundreds of years ahead, as Ye Xinyan suggested.

But Ye Xinyan’s words alerted the emperor—indeed, none of them knew what kind of countries and people might exist on the vast lands and endless seas beyond their reach.

Moreover, being the hegemon of the world and having all nations pay homage is nearly every emperor’s dream.

The emperor looked at Han Yanhui and asked, “Prime Minister Han, do you think what Miss Ye from the Ye family said makes sense and is tenable?”

Han Yanhui shot Ye Xinyan a glance of displeasure. This young woman, though her words were harsh, showed remarkable insight, and her words were indeed reasonable. Such wisdom—a pity she is a woman, humph!

“Although Duke An’s granddaughter is a woman, her insight is profound. These words have given me a fresh perspective and are truly sensible. I will contemplate more on this and will surely advance the patent protection laws further.” Alas, Han Yanhui was helpless. The situation is stronger than the individual, so who can blame them for having real insights.

The emperor pondered for a moment and said, “There are still ministers in the court who wholeheartedly work for the country and the people. As long as Prime Minister Han explains the matters to them clearly, their support will naturally be won. The others, entangled with Aristocratic Clans, can be dealt with by pressuring the elders and industries of those clans, urging them to restrain somewhat. It’s not difficult, just requires more effort.”

Ye Xinyan saw that the bigwigs already had a plan in mind and thus said no more, idly listening while pondering whether she could continue visiting her garden.

Jinrong gave Ye Xinyan a glance, hoping she would say more. But seeing her clearly lost in her own world, he couldn’t help feeling helpless and continued by following the emperor’s words, “Imperial Father, I believe that in the end, the patent protection and industrial prosperity will benefit the court and influential families. Even if craftsmen can develop tools, they lack the ability for mass production. These patents will eventually fall into the hands of the Aristocratic Clans or the court, but with patent protection, the craftsmen’s painstaking efforts receive appropriate rewards.”

Han Yanhui immediately agreed, “What His Highness says is true, and as long as this view is widely promoted, resistance from Aristocratic Clans will reduce significantly. If they have foresight, they can completely emulate His Highness and Miss Ye, employ craftsmen to develop tools themselves, thus owning the patents.”

After the discussion, the emperor’s mood visibly improved.

“Jinrong, speaking of it, your garden is indeed unusually exquisite and beautifully scenic.” After saying this, he added somewhat regretfully, “It’s just that the scale is a bit small, lacking grandeur.”

Ye Xinyan, who was off in her own thoughts, happened to hear this sentence, and immediately turned her head towards the door.

This, she didn’t like to hear, what does it mean by small scale? What does it mean by lacking grandeur? We are just building a small garden, alright? If everyone had the ambition to encompass the world, the emperor’s throne might not sit steadily.

The emperor watched amusedly, the girl had quite a temper, “Miss Ye, do you think what I said is right?”

This isn’t letting it go, is it?

Even though she wasn’t pleased, she didn’t dare to express disagreement.

Ye Xinyan had no choice but to turn back with a smile, “Your Majesty, you are wise, with a heart embracing the world as the ruler of all, naturally possessing an unmatched breadth of vision and grandness. Although the garden is beautiful, it cannot match your grandeur and thus doesn’t catch your eye.”

Jinrong was momentarily surprised, then looked at Ye Xinyan with a smiling face, not expecting Ye Zi to flatter like this. Previously she didn’t, probably because no one was worthy of it.