Chapter 164: The Ruthless Scheme to Exploit the People!
Great Song Dynasty—The Great Hall.
“Your Majesty, now you see… The Zhou Dynasty has always harbored wolfish ambitions. They have never missed a single opportunity to annex other nations. The Turks are now forced to ‘change their hair and clothes.’
“In a few years, they may even forget their own ancestors. If Your Majesty grows complacent… today’s Turks could be tomorrow’s Great Song.”
Yue Fei’s expression was solemn, his voice filled with conviction.
“Outrageous!” Cai Jing’s brows furrowed as he immediately rebuked, “How dare you speak to His Majesty in such a manner?”
He glared at Yue Fei. This man, emboldened by his military successes against the Liao and Jin, had grown too bold—was it truly a subject’s place to dictate the ruler’s decisions?
Zhao Ji rubbed his temples, his head buzzing. Ever since he had abandoned the north, he had shrunk into the south, ruling over what remained of his court. Yet, even here, the Liao and Jin lurked like wolves at his borders, watching, waiting.
Fortunately, he had gained a formidable general in Yue Fei, whose victories had repeatedly driven back the enemy. Though politically inept, Zhao Ji was no fool—he recognized talent and had promoted Yue Fei swiftly. Now, Yue Fei stood as one of Great Song’s most powerful generals.
But ever since Yue Fei took command, he had persistently urged resistance against the Great Zhou. Zhao Ji feared the Zhou Dynasty in his heart, yet he found Yue Fei’s constant admonitions grating.
He frowned. “Yue Fei, the Zhou people may act arrogantly, but others will deal with them. Our Great Song has suffered great losses—we must focus on recovery. The Liao and Jin aren’t enough of a threat to occupy you?”
Yue Fei felt a deep sense of frustration. This emperor… he had no will to fight, no ambition. It was maddening.
Taking a deep breath, he steadied his voice. “Your Majesty, our Great Song is economically strong, but our military remains weak. I implore you to allocate more funds to the army and expand our forces. The people in the north still wait for Your Majesty to reclaim them—”
Zhao Ji waved a hand, cutting him off.
“I’ve heard enough. You may leave.”
Yue Fei fell silent. After a long moment, he bowed and withdrew.
As soon as he was gone, Cai Jing sneered, “Your Majesty, ever since Yue Fei gained military power, he has sought to expand the army. Does he wish to strengthen Your Majesty’s forces, or his own?”
Zhao Ji’s expression darkened. “Mind your words. I can see Yue Fei’s loyalty clearly.”
“Most of the Turks have already accepted the ‘change of hair and clothes.’ Guo Jingzhi and his men have burned a vast number of Turkic texts…” Wu Zhao leaned against the dragon throne, her posture languid yet exuding an icy grace.
Yang Yi smiled. “Everything is progressing smoothly. Once this process is complete, the Turks will be nothing more than puppets draped in Turkic skin. Next, our Great Zhou should establish private academies in their lands, sending scholars to educate their children—molding them into subjects of the Great Zhou.”
Wu Zhao’s lips twitched. She rubbed her temples.
“I will issue an order encouraging scholars to go. But the Turkic lands are harsh. Will they be willing?”
Yang Yi’s smile deepened. “That’s simple. The court should issue a policy—anyone who teaches in the Turkic regions for a year will receive bonus points in the Imperial Examination or be given priority admission.”
Wu Zhao arched a brow. “You’re suggesting an incentive? But if everyone goes, wouldn’t that disrupt the fairness of the examination?”
Yang Yi chuckled. “Your Majesty need not worry. If someone is truly incompetent, no amount of extra points will make them outshine true talent. Moreover, once the policy takes effect, nearly every candidate will have served in the Turkic lands. If everyone gets a bonus, then effectively, no one does.”
Wu Zhao fell silent. It was a devious plan—subtly brilliant.
Yang Yi suddenly shifted the conversation. “Your Majesty, our Great Zhou now commands vast territory. Our commerce, strengthened by the glass industry, is flourishing. However, relying solely on copper, silver, and gold is no longer sufficient for daily transactions.”
Wu Zhao nodded, intrigued. “What are you suggesting?”
“I propose the introduction of Great Zhou banknotes—paper currency to replace heavy coinage. This will not only facilitate trade but also accelerate economic growth.”
Wu Zhao tapped her fingers against the armrest, contemplating. After a while, she nodded. “A reasonable proposal. Great Zhou is no longer a small nation; we should have our own paper currency. ‘Great Zhou Banknotes’… a fitting name.”
She cast Yang Yi a peculiar glance. “This is the first time you’ve proposed something so… harmless.”
Yang Yi’s mouth twitched. Was this how she saw him now? A schemer, through and through? He was a good man, really.
Wu Zhao smirked but then straightened. “By the way, the steel smelting technology you introduced—I’ve had the Ministry of Works construct a blast furnace. Would you care to inspect it with me?”
Yang Yi raised an eyebrow, then nodded without hesitation. “Of course.”
Wu Zhao gave a satisfied nod and gestured for Shangguan Wan’er to prepare the carriage.