Chapter 1055

“Brother Ren, please speak.”

Sitting down in the main hall, Ge Yiren personally poured some tea for Ren He, looking as if he were all ears.

Gently stroking his beard, Ren He said, “After such a long period of research, I have found that New Confucianism, compared to the former Confucianism, is nothing more than the removal of some dogmas from the three cardinal guides and five constant virtues. In addition, it also rejects the supernatural beliefs that are in opposition to science. Overall, the main purpose of this New Confucianism is to make the people of the Empire accept science, popularize technology, and at the same time, no longer be bound by Confucian dogma. From now on, they can do whatever they want within the confines of the Empire’s laws.”

Ge Yiren nodded. Ren He’s analysis was not bad.

“However, Xiao Ming personally overthrew Confucianism and denied the supernatural, which is tantamount to denying the divine right of the emperor. In this way, he, the emperor, is no longer the Son of Heaven. In that case, everyone, from the Son of Heaven to the common people, is the same. Why should he be the only one to have the final say in this world?”

“That’s right. Since he is not the Son of Heaven, why should this Empire revere him as a god?” Ge Yiren’s eyes narrowed.

However, remembering something, he said dejectedly, “But so what? Even if he is not the Son of Heaven, isn’t the power of this Empire still in his hands? Who can oppose him?”

“Hahahaha…” Ren He’s smile was a little mysterious. He stood up and walked a few steps back and forth, and said contemplatively, “That’s right. For now, no one can oppose him. The reason for this is that everyone fears the supreme power in his hands. The nobles only dare to be angry and not speak out. But this has definitely planted resentment in their hearts. Once the time is ripe, this resentment will erupt.”

After a pause, he continued, “From my observation, in addition to the nobles, many of the great merchants are also quite dissatisfied with Xiao Ming. Although industry and commerce in the Empire have been booming over the years, most of the profits from the markets gained through war have been taken by the Qingzhou Chamber of Commerce. The merchants can only follow behind the Chamber of Commerce and eat the scraps. You and I both know that merchants are inherently profit-seeking. They would do anything for profit. If we promise them that they can freely divide the market in the future, do you think they will support our action to restrict the imperial power?”

“Of course, they would be happy to.” Ge Yiren said without hesitation, “The Emperor himself said that with three times the profit, merchants will take risks and do anything. Moreover, this profit is more than three times. If we promise them a few seats on the council that restricts the imperial power, they will probably be even more eager.”

Ren He clapped his hands. “It seems Brother Ge has seen the light. That’s the principle. But these are just our ideas. They can’t be realized yet. After all, Xiao Ming’s power is too great, and no one has the guts to do it.”

“That’s right. I guess the matter of the Merchant Parliament has made many people have this idea, but Xiao Ming’s position is too stable. These ideas can only be hidden in their hearts. To act on these ideas, we’ll probably have to wait until the next monarch ascends the throne.”

“That’s not necessarily true. All you need to do, Elder Ge, is to fully promote New Confucianism and let the people of the Empire fully accept the ideas of New Confucianism so that their minds are opened. Maybe we still have a chance. After all, the common people of this world are very easy to fool. We just need to add some of our own private content to this New Confucianism.”

“What private content?” Ge Yiren asked.

“Naturally, it is ‘freedom,’ ‘equality,’ and ‘humanistic spirit.’ Doesn’t Xiao Ming want scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants to be on an equal footing? We will use this point to instill these ideas into the common people. At that time, even if we are discovered, we will only be acting according to his ideas, just taking it a step too far. He cannot hold us accountable.” Ren He said with a wicked smile. “And once the common people widely accept these ideas, we can then incite the nobles and merchants to fight under these righteous banners, and then use the common people who have believed in this ideology. In this way, our goal can be achieved.”

“Hmm, not bad, not bad.” Ge Yiren suddenly understood. “Guns and cannons are indeed in Xiao Ming’s hands, but as former great Confucian scholars, our influence among the people is still strong. Since he, Xiao Ming, is not benevolent, don’t blame us for not being righteous.”

“Elder Ge’s words are too serious. We are not trying to rebel, but only for the long-term peace and stability of the Empire. Although the Emperor is a talented and ambitious man, he will sometimes make mistakes. All we want is the right to stop him from making mistakes when he does.”

Ge Yiren slowly nodded. “Listening to your words is better than reading for ten years. In that case, I will now submit a memorial to the Emperor to admit my mistake. If there are no surprises, I will be able to regain my official position.”

“Brother Ge is indeed wise. As the saying goes, ‘dripping water wears away a stone,’ and ‘many hands make light work.’ To achieve our goal, we must take it slow.” Ren He said.

Ge Yiren’s brows relaxed. At this time, he called for the butler and took out a brush and ink. He immediately wrote a memorial and submitted it.

…

Imperial Study, Li San was reporting to Xiao Ming on the reactions of the nobles in Qingzhou City after the newspaper was released.

“Our people say that Princess Pingyang does not seem to have much of a reaction to this government decree, as if it were an ordinary decree. Duke Song, on the other hand, had some complaints, but he did not fiercely oppose it. Duke Tang was scolded by the Emperor again for participating in the matter of the private school, and he dares not have any objections. Among the three, the Prince of Huainan, the Prince of Yong, and the Prince of Ruyang, the Prince of Huainan is said to have laughed for a long time after reading it, while the Prince of Yong and the Prince of Ruyang also had some complaints…”

The reactions of the nobles were reported back to Xiao Ming one by one. He now had a plan in mind. Wang Xuan was responsible for the overseas intelligence system, while Li San was responsible for the domestic intelligence system.

Like the emperors of all dynasties, Xiao Ming could not be one hundred percent at ease with his ministers, after all, the hearts of men are made of flesh, and everyone had their own ideas, especially now that various ideologies were flourishing in the Empire.

Therefore, to see the world clearly, he needed a pair of eyes and ears in the Empire. Li San’s responsibility was precisely this. Otherwise, what his empire was like would only be reflected in memorials, and he would not be able to see the whole picture.

“It seems that most of them are dissatisfied.” After listening to Li San, Xiao Ming frowned. The secret guards’ resources were limited, and he could not monitor all the nobles, but only some important ones. The people Li San was reporting on now were all influential.

“Although that is the case, complaints are just complaints. In the end, they still accepted it. This shows that they do not dare to confront the Emperor on this matter,” Li San said with a smile.

Then his expression changed, and he suddenly said, “But now, it seems that more and more people are becoming aware of the existence of the secret guards. They are also being more cautious in their actions. Many times, the secret guards cannot even spy on what they are doing. For example, this morning, Ge Yiren dismissed all his servants, which left us with no way to know his reaction.”

No sooner had he finished speaking than Qian Dafu walked in and handed a memorial to Xiao Ming.

Picking up the memorial and looking at it, Xiao Ming’s expression was strange. “This Ge Yiren changes his mind quickly. Now he is fully supporting me.”