Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 428 Palace Reform, Reform Hindered

The new emperor decided to carry out palace reforms, and Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling offered their support and advice.

After experiencing a series of upheavals, the new emperor felt that there were many problems within the court and was determined to carry out a thorough reform.

In the imperial court, the new emperor solemnly announced: "I am determined to reform the court, eliminate long-standing abuses, and revitalize the government."

Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling immediately expressed their support: "Your Majesty is wise. This move will surely revitalize the palace and bring prosperity to the country."

However, the road to reform is fraught with difficulties and obstacles. The first challenge is the selection system for officials.

"The current selection system is outdated, which leads to mediocre people occupying high positions," Xiao Ling said bluntly.

Su Jinxiu suggested, "Your Majesty, why not establish a strict assessment mechanism to select truly talented individuals?"

The new emperor adopted their suggestions and began to formulate new evaluation standards for officials. However, this move threatened the interests of some long-established powerful figures.

"This is utterly absurd!" an aristocrat exclaimed angrily.

They began to secretly collude in an attempt to obstruct the reform process.

Xiao Ling noticed their subtle actions and intensified his surveillance of them.

"We must not allow them to sabotage the reform plan."

Su Jinxiu, meanwhile, calmed the people in the palace and explained the benefits of the reforms to everyone.

"The reforms are not aimed at any individual, but at the long-term development of the court and the well-being of everyone."

New problems arose during the reform of the fiscal system. Court expenditures were enormous and waste was rampant.

"We must cut unnecessary spending and rationally plan the fiscal budget," Xiao Ling said.

Su Jinxiu proposed specific measures to increase revenue and reduce expenditure: "We can encourage the development of private commerce to increase tax revenue."

The new emperor agreed to all requests, but encountered numerous difficulties in implementation. Some officials outwardly complied but inwardly resisted, leading to slow progress in the reforms.

"These people are truly despicable!" the new emperor roared in fury.

Xiao Ling calmly analyzed, "Your Majesty, please calm down. We need to gradually remove these officials who are hindering reform."

At the same time, the etiquette system in the palace urgently needed reform. The cumbersome etiquette not only wasted time and energy but also affected the efficiency of handling government affairs.

“Simplify the formalities and focus on practicality,” Su Jinxiu said.

But this has sparked strong opposition from some conservatives.

"Etiquette is the foundation of the court; it cannot be changed arbitrarily!"

Faced with pressure and opposition from all sides, the new emperor wavered.

"Will my reforms truly succeed?"

Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu stood firmly by the new emperor's side, encouraging him to persevere.

"Your Majesty, reform is difficult, but as long as we work together, we will surely achieve our goal."

Just as the reforms were in trouble, a sudden natural disaster struck, putting enormous pressure on the court.

"What should I do?"

The reform process encountered numerous obstacles and progressed slowly.

Despite the new emperor's unwavering resolve and the full support of Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling, the palace reforms continued to face significant obstacles. Those powerful figures whose interests were harmed by the reforms united to form a powerful opposition force.

"Hmph, this reform is practically cutting off our livelihood!" A powerful figure slammed his fist on the table in anger.

They spread rumors that reforms would bring disaster, causing people to fear and resist them.

"I heard that our lives will be even harder after the reforms!"

"Really? What should we do then?"

The people were filled with anxiety, and their confidence in the reforms began to waver.

In the imperial court, ministers who opposed the reforms took turns remonstrating with the new emperor, trying to persuade him to abandon the reforms.

"Your Majesty, the reforms are too radical and have already aroused public resentment. I urge Your Majesty to reconsider!"

The new emperor frowned, his mind filled with hesitation.

Xiao Ling stepped forward and retorted, "Ministers, reform is for the long-term development of the court and the country. How can we back down because of temporary difficulties?"

Su Jinxiu also said, "Your Majesty, if we abandon the reforms now, all our previous efforts will be in vain, and it will only embolden those with ulterior motives."

However, the opposition forces did not give up. They secretly manipulated some officials to deliberately delay the implementation of reforms, preventing various policies from being effectively implemented.

"How can the reform proceed if this order is delayed for so long?" Xiao Ling was extremely anxious.

Su Jinxiu was busy calming the public and trying to eliminate the negative impact of the rumors.

"Don't believe the rumors. The reforms are for everyone to live a better life."

But the effect was minimal, and public skepticism grew louder.

At the same time, some foreign envoys also took the opportunity to exert pressure, demanding that the new emperor stop the reforms, otherwise it would affect relations between the two countries.

"Your Majesty, the foreign envoys are taking a tough stance; this matter should not be underestimated."

The new emperor is under increasing pressure and is deeply troubled.

Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu were extremely anxious as they watched their reform efforts stalled, but they couldn't find an effective solution for the time being.

"Is the reform really going to fail?"

Just when they were feeling desperate, something unexpected happened.

An old courtier, who was originally a staunch opponent of the reforms, suddenly changed his stance and stood up to support them.

"After careful consideration, I believe that reform is an inevitable trend and will benefit the country and its people."

This gave Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu a glimmer of hope.