Seeing that most officials in the great hall were suggesting the shutdown of the newspaper agency, Lu Chen revealed a faint smile. He was about to say something when Zhuge Zhongguang spoke first, "To the best of this old official's knowledge, currently, the only one capable of mass-printing paper books and documents is the North Prince Mansion."
Zhuge Zhongguang's words were not directed at Lu Chen, but were a reminder to those officials in the hall who advocated for the newspaper's closure, signaling that the newspaper could not have started without the North Prince's approval.
Upon hearing Zhuge Zhongguang's words, the officials instantly realized the implication. At this moment, Li Rui spoke up, "Prince, although it is possible that some with ulterior motives might use the newspaper to spread statements detrimental to the North Country, as long as we regulate properly, the newspaper can also become an important tool for our internal and external propaganda."
"Therefore, I believe there is no need to shut down the newspaper agency."
Seeing how quickly Li Rui changed his stance, Lu Chen chuckled and said, "Lord Li, your speed in changing faces is truly extraordinary."
With that, Lu Chen scanned the other officials in the hall and continued, "The Dongfang Family had approached this prince before creating the newspaper. Their agency was established with the permission of the North Prince. As for the disadvantages you all mentioned earlier, this prince has already considered them. However, I believe the benefits of establishing a newspaper outweigh the drawbacks."
"In addition, to avoid private newspaper agencies from leading public opinion, I intend to establish an official newspaper. From now on, any significant events in the North Country will be published in this official newspaper, and announcements from the North Prince Mansion will also be made there."
Lu Chen continued, "Aside from creating an official newspaper, I also plan to set up a culture agency. From now on, the review of books and periodicals will be the responsibility of this culture agency."
At this point, Lu Chen looked towards Zhuge Zhongguang, "Great Scholar, the establishment of the culture agency will trouble you."
Zhuge Zhongguang immediately responded, "As you command, Prince."
Lu Chen then asked, "Is there anything else for today?"
After Lu Chen's words fell, the officials in the hall looked at each other, but none spoke again.
Lu Chen said, "Since there is nothing else, I have one more matter to address. From now on, the minor court meetings will be held once every seven days."
Hearing Lu Chen's words, the officials in the hall felt very pleased. Meeting every three days for minor court sessions when there was little to discuss felt unnecessary. Unlike the Great Xia royal court, which engaged in daily court sessions where ministers would often bicker over trivial matters if there was nothing else to discuss.
In North Country's minor court meetings, there was basically no scenario of ministers constantly fighting each other. The officials were well aware that Lu Chen was a practical man who did not take kindly to hearing their pointless prattle.
Not speaking nonsense during the minor court meetings also meant that most of the time, there truly wasn't anything to discuss, so meeting every three days was indeed excessive. Shifting to every seven days was just right.
If something particularly important occurred, they could directly go to the study at the North Prince Mansion to find the North Prince.
Seeing no opposition from the officials in the hall, Lu Chen rose from his throne, waved his sleeve, and announced, "Then, let today's minor court meeting conclude thus."
After this, Lu Chen left the Hall of Political Affairs.
Once the minor court meeting was over, Lu Chen had other state affairs to handle, so he went straight to his study.
Just as he arrived at the study, Qin Yushan followed close behind.
"Prince, the Family Head of the Chu Family asked me to deliver this letter of marriage annulment to you."
Hearing Qin Yushan's words, Lu Chen glanced at the annulment letter in his hand and then accepted it, quickly looking it over.
The content of the annulment letter was quite straightforward, mainly stating that since the Wang Family had turned traitor, the Chu Family of the North Country would sever all ties with them, and the marriage between Chu Yuqin and Wang Han was accordingly nullified.
With this annulment letter, Chu Yuqin was now nominally a free woman.
Lu Chen smiled and then said, "Take this annulment letter to Dongfang Longyue, and let her publish the content on the front page of tomorrow's newspaper."
Qin Yushan took back the letter, "Yes, Prince. I will go at once."
Watching Qin Yushan's departing figure, Lu Chen thought to himself that it was time to make Chu Yuqin his bride.
Initially, Lu Chen only wanted to possess Chu Yuqin's body, but as more women came into his life, his attention became divided, and his intense desire for Chu Yuqin's body had waned. This allowed him to cool down a bit. Now, aside from desiring Chu Yuqin's body, he also wanted to give her a proper status, allowing her to rightfully bear his children, without any need for secrecy.
Chu Yuqin rose from her bed, stretching her graceful figure, when a hasty voice came from outside the door.
"Sister, there's great news!"
Before Chu Yuqin had a chance to react, the door was pushed open. Chu Qingli entered, holding a large sheet of paper, looking extremely excited.
Chu Yuqin, curious, asked, "What news has got you so delighted?"
Chu Qingli replied, "Sister, when I went out this morning, I bought a newspaper on the street, and I found that it actually had our family's annulment letter published!"
Hearing this, Chu Yuqin was slightly taken aback.
What annulment letter?
Just as Chu Yuqin was about to ask Chu Qingli what was going on, Chu Qingli approached with the newspaper and opened it up before her.