bayedsolid Chapter 34 The Changing Landscape of the Imperial Court
Chapter 34 The Changing Landscape of the Imperial Court
Heeding Murong Feng's words, Murong Xuan immediately selected several shrewd and capable secret agents, disguised themselves, and quietly went to Jiangnan to investigate the place where the bandits had once occupied.
After many days of travel, the spies returned safely, their expressions filled with surprise and relief. They respectfully reported to Murong Xuan that the area, once a den of bandits, was now a peaceful and tranquil haven, free from the chaos of rampant banditry.
Looking out, the vast fields are dotted with neatly arranged plots of farmland, like a chessboard. It's planting season, and people are in small groups, some bending over to plant rice seedlings, others driving oxen to plow the fields, their laughter echoing through the fields. On the ridges, several children play and laugh, holding homemade windmills, running happily in the breeze. The windmills whir and turn, as if playing a peaceful melody.
In the village, wisps of smoke rise from chimneys, and newly built houses are scattered in a pleasing arrangement, their white walls and gray tiles gleaming peacefully in the sunlight. At the eastern end of the village, several elderly men sit leisurely on stone benches under a large tree, discussing this year's harvest and village anecdotes, their faces beaming with contentment. The village market is bustling with activity, vendors loudly hawking their wares—fresh fruits and vegetables, exquisite handicrafts—a dazzling array of goods. People weave through the market, the sounds of bargaining rising and falling, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere full of everyday life.
After careful questioning and investigation by their spies, they learned that the bandits who had once terrorized the area had, under Lin Qianqian's influence and guidance, completely abandoned their evil ways and started anew. They laid down their weapons, picked up farming tools, and humbly learned farming techniques from the villagers, working diligently to begin a new life. Some bandits, relying on their strength and courage, helped the villagers reclaim wasteland and build irrigation systems; others, using their wilderness survival skills honed in the mountains, led the villagers to gather herbs and hunt, increasing the villagers' income.
Murong Xuan informed the ministers of this situation in the court. In an instant, the court was like a calm lake that had been disturbed by a boulder, creating ripples.
The ministers, who had initially been adamant in their opposition to the amnesty, looked astonished, their eyes filled with disbelief. One elderly minister stared wide-eyed, his mouth slightly agape, as if he wanted to say something, but hesitated for a moment. After a brief pause, he slowly cupped his hands and said, “Your Majesty, this matter has truly exceeded my expectations. I originally thought the bandits were merely feigning surrender as a temporary expedient, but I never imagined they had genuinely repented. It is truly due to Your Majesty's virtuous influence.” Although some doubt remained in his words, his attitude had clearly softened.
Those ministers who supported the amnesty could not hide their joy. A middle-aged official stepped forward excitedly, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, this is great news! It is clear that Miss Lin's actions have been remarkably effective. Now that the bandits have reformed, our dynasty can take this opportunity to incorporate them into our ranks and make them serve the court. This will demonstrate Your Majesty's benevolence and wisdom, and will surely make the Jiangnan region even more prosperous."
The neutral ministers nodded in agreement, whispering among themselves as they discussed this sudden turn of events. The atmosphere in the court shifted from a stalemate and endless debate to one of liveliness and delight. Ministers were either astonished, deep in thought, or preparing to re-examine their stance on the issue of amnesty, all adjusting their thoughts and attitudes in response to this unexpected new situation.
Murong Xuan nodded in satisfaction, a pleased smile spreading across his face like the warm spring sun piercing through the clouds and illuminating the magnificent palace. Overjoyed, he slowly surveyed the assembled ministers and proclaimed in a loud voice, "My beloved ministers, this situation is truly a blessing from Heaven upon our dynasty. The bandits have turned to good, and the people are at peace; these are all signs of harmony and prosperity. I am deeply pleased and gratified."
He gently stroked the sleeve of his dragon robe and continued, "Lin Qianqian's contributions are indispensable. With her extraordinary wisdom and decisive actions, she has brought prosperity to Jiangnan and relieved the court from its predicament. I will certainly reward her handsomely to commend her virtue. As for my beloved ministers, you must also uphold public-spiritedness and dedicate yourselves to the affairs of the nation in the future." After speaking, he sat upright on the dragon throne, his posture exuding imperial majesty and joy, as if he could already see the future of the dynasty becoming increasingly prosperous with the united support of his subjects.