kvmb Chapter 32 Political Discussions in the Imperial Court
Chapter 32 Political Discussions in the Imperial Court
The atmosphere in the magnificent palace was solemn and dignified. Emperor Murong Xuan sat high on his dragon throne, his majestic gaze sweeping over the assembled ministers below. He slowly spoke, "In this recent flood in Jiangnan, we were fortunate to have Prime Minister Lin's daughter, Lin Qianqian, stepping forward. This woman is straightforward, courageous, and exceptionally intelligent, possessing both bravery and resourcefulness. When she was trapped by bandits, she not only remained calm and composed but also devised a brilliant plan, persuading the bandits to participate in flood control and even reforming their ways. This is truly a great achievement. Now that the bandits are willing to be recruited, what do you, my esteemed ministers, think?"
As soon as the words were spoken, a murmur of discussion arose in the court. An elderly minister with white hair stepped forward first, stroked his beard, and after a moment of contemplation, said, “Your Majesty, I believe that the matter of granting amnesty must be handled with utmost caution. Although these bandits have participated in the flood control efforts this time, their nature is hard to change, and it is difficult to guarantee that they will not revert to their old ways in the future. If we grant them amnesty too easily, it may bring hidden dangers to the court. Moreover, the people of Jiangnan have suffered from floods and are filled with fear. If they are not properly settled, it may cause further trouble.”
A middle-aged military officer then clasped his hands and said, “Your Majesty, I have a different opinion. Since Miss Lin’s actions have already inspired the bandits to do good, if the court can properly resettle them and give them a proper path to serve the court, it will surely demonstrate Your Majesty’s benevolence and also add to the court’s strength. Moreover, the floods in Jiangnan have just been quelled, and everything is in need of reconstruction. We need manpower and resources. If these bandits can be recruited, they can participate in the reconstruction and atone for their sins.”
Another civil official stepped forward, bowed slightly, and said, “Your Majesty, I believe that surrender is feasible, but strict conditions and a monitoring mechanism must be established. We can first incorporate them into the army and disperse them to various military camps for rigorous training, so that they can gradually integrate into the imperial army. At the same time, we should send capable officials to supervise them, and punish any illegal acts immediately. Only in this way can we ensure that there will be no trouble after the surrender.”
The ministers expressed their opinions, debating endlessly. Some worried about the risks, while others were optimistic about the prospects of being granted amnesty. All of them were considering the well-being of the court, the country, and the people of Jiangnan. Murong Xuan sat on the dragon throne with a solemn expression, listening carefully to the opinions of each minister. He weighed the pros and cons in his mind and pondered the countermeasures, hoping to find the most appropriate solution that would not only live up to Lin Qianqian's efforts but also ensure the long-term stability of the court and the people.
At this moment, the Emperor glanced at Lin Zhenxuan and said, "Prime Minister Lin, what do you think of this matter? Your daughter has made great contributions in this incident, and I imagine you have many considerations regarding this matter of offering amnesty."
Lin Zhenxuan bowed slightly, took a step forward, and respectfully clasped his hands in a salute. He first expressed his gratitude, saying, "Your Majesty is too kind. My daughter has only done her bit. It is truly Your Majesty's great fortune that has relieved the flood in Jiangnan and made the mountain bandits turn to good."
Then, with a solemn yet wise expression, he said, “Your Majesty, this old minister believes that the matter of pacification can be accomplished. My daughter has dealt with the mountain bandits for many days and knows their character and demands well. Although these bandits are outlaws, they have shown courage and determination that can be used during the recent flood control efforts. If the court can use both kindness and severity, providing them with sufficient compensation and proper resettlement, and promising them a bright future, they will surely be able to serve loyally. We can first designate a special area in Jiangnan for centralized resettlement, with special personnel to educate them, and then gradually organize them into the army or arrange civil labor, with regular assessments and clear rewards and punishments. In this way, we can turn the banditry into an asset, demonstrate Your Majesty's virtuous rule, appease the people of Jiangnan, and promote its rapid recovery. This old minister is willing to do his best to assist and ensure the smooth progress of the pacification.” Lin Zhenxuan spoke earnestly, his gaze fixed firmly on the Emperor, awaiting His Majesty's decision.
The ministers argued back and forth, their voices rising and falling like a surging tide.
"Your Majesty, I believe we should not offer amnesty! The mountain bandits have committed numerous atrocities. Although they have made meritorious contributions to the flood control efforts this time, their infamy is far-reaching, and the people will certainly find it difficult to forgive them. If we forcibly offer amnesty, we may lose the hearts of the people in the Jiangnan region." A remonstrating minister, his face full of worry, spoke passionately and loudly.
“Your Excellency is mistaken!” a young official immediately retorted. “Merits and demerits should be clearly distinguished. Since the bandits have changed their ways, our dynasty should accept them with leniency. Would it be a pity to discard them because of their past crimes? Moreover, after being granted amnesty, allowing them to atone for their crimes through meritorious service will further demonstrate Your Majesty’s benevolence and magnanimity, and be praised throughout the world.”
"Hmph! It's easy for you to say. How can you be sure they've truly surrendered? What if it's just a temporary measure, and they rebel again as their power grows?" An old minister frowned, his eyes filled with doubt and worry, and the imperial tablet in his hand trembled slightly with emotion.
“Well… we could take important hostages during the process of recruiting them to keep them in check, and then impose strict military rules and discipline on them, which would reduce the risk,” the young official replied after a moment of thought.
“But the hostage system is not a long-term solution. People’s hearts are unpredictable. If they disregard the safety of the hostages and still cause trouble, wouldn’t our dynasty be put in a passive position?” Another minister raised a new concern.
The entire court resembled a giant debate arena, where various viewpoints clashed and clashed. Everyone tried to persuade others with their own insights, providing the most favorable reference for the emperor's decision. Meanwhile, Emperor Murong Xuan sat on the dragon throne, his face stern and his brows furrowed, carefully listening to this heated court debate, weighing the pros and cons of all parties in his mind, hoping to find the safest way to deal with this complex situation.