Iron Dynasty Chapter 1053

Imperial Study.

Lu Fei and Cui Shang’an showed contrasting expressions. They had only just reviewed the decree that Xiao Ming intended to proclaim the next day.

“Your Majesty, this decree is truly brilliant. It evokes the spirit of the great clans of the six prefectures that Your Majesty and I once wiped out. I didn’t feel much of this when I was stationed abroad, but now, after returning to Qingzhou, I’ve discovered how rampant these overbearing nobles are. Now it’s time to deal with them.”

Xiao Ming burst into hearty laughter. Lu Fei remained the person he trusted most in the military; the pair had collaborated for more than ten years, after all.

Cui Shang’an stayed quiet for a bit before speaking. “Your Majesty, this decree will anger all the nobles. Without their secure positions, they’re bound to stir up trouble.”

“Creation! Humph. Let them first ask if the gun in my hand, Lu Fei, agrees.” Lu Fei shot a fierce glare.

Cui Shang’an questioned, “Don’t you want your son to smoothly join the army and claim a post?”

“If that bastard possesses talent, he can simply take the exam and enter. If not, he can return home to farm. I, Lu Fei, refuse to squander resources on useless soldiers in the army.”

Lu Fei’s firm declaration stunned Cui Shang’an. Glancing over to find Xiao Ming with a displeased look, he cautiously clarified, “Your Majesty, I’m not begging mercy for those nobles. I fear Your Majesty has provoked too many foes, sparking unrest across the empire. As for me, Cui Shang’an, I stand fully behind Your Majesty.”

“Don’t act so two-faced. I know this will offend many, and you, Cui Shang’an, clearly hesitate to relinquish these perks. But heed my warning: cling to petty gains today, and you might forfeit your life tomorrow.”

After pausing briefly, he went on, “I summoned you here precisely for this reason. Upon returning, issue commands to every major military district, ordering them to stay primed for any crises. Lu Fei, commanding the Central Army and guarding the six states’ security, heighten your vigilance, bolster defenses, and watch your personal safety closely.”

“Your Majesty, is the situation that grave?”

Xiao Ming’s statement made Lu Fei sense the gravity of the issue.

“It’s uncertain for now. Once tomorrow’s decree drops, reactions could range from mild to explosive. Ideally, nobles swallow it quietly. Worst case, agitators ignite chaos. Everyone knows you’re my closest ally. They can’t reach me directly, but they’ll surely target you to send a message.”

Cui Shang’an nodded in agreement. Having once been Huainan Kingdom’s crown prince, he drew from ample experience. “A decade back, as my father geared up for the emperor’s Western Expedition, not every Huainan noble backed it. Desperate to halt it, they resorted to every trick, even scheming rebellion together. During one banquet, a singing girl, planted by a noble house, tried to assassinate my father. Had he not been a martial expert, Huainan Kingdom might never have joined the emperor.”

Lu Fei’s face grew somber. “These vile schemers—if they dare strike at the emperor, I, Lu Fei, will wipe out their whole clans.”

Xiao Ming dismissed it with a wave. “Too soon for such talk. Prepare upon your return.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” both replied together.

As they turned to depart, Qian Dafu rushed into the imperial study and blurted, “Your Majesty, an incident occurred. Wang Chengye is dead.”

“What!” Xiao Ming showed mild shock.

Qian Dafu confirmed with a nod: “Secret guards report Wang Chengye took his own life after going home. Word has spread, and numerous officials now flock to his residence.”

Lu Fei and Cui Shang’an were already aware of Wang Chengye’s dismissal and the Ministry of Rites’ dissolution.

Exchanging looks, Cui Shang’an remarked, “Your Majesty, Wang Chengye retains sway among officials. His demise could undermine Your Majesty’s reforms.”

Cui Shang’an voiced Xiao Ming’s exact concerns. Wang Chengye’s passing wasn’t catastrophic alone, but exploitation by schemers could spell disaster.

Memorials would soon accuse the new policies of driving Wang Chengye to death.

“Wang Chengye’s end feels suspicious. Plenty of dismissed officials exist—why choose such desperate resentment?” Lu Fei furrowed his brow.

Xiao Ming shared the doubt. Though pedantic, Wang Chengye had no cause for suicide.

In today’s empire, prosperity awaited the diligent, and the Wang family owned vast lands.

“Regardless of Wang Chengye’s death, the decree proceeds unchanged. Back down now, and it might only pass amid nationwide revolt.” Xiao Ming’s gaze burned with resolve, his past leniency vanished.

Wang Chengye’s death was regrettable, yet it mustn’t derail state affairs.

The following day, reports of Fei Tong’s offenses, the stripping of noble privileges, and the merit-based official selection exploded across the newspapers.

This sparked massive uproar among the public.

In the machinery factory, Lin Wentao grinned while scanning the paper. He told nearby technicians, “See, the emperor remains our emperor. This round, those eunuch clans and noble houses will wail. Their offspring lose all grounds for arrogance.”

The group crowded in, buzzing with thrill upon reading the news. “The emperor’s pulled off something huge this time. Official posts demand diplomas from proper imperial academies. Noble kids now grind through primary school to graduation just like us—no more flaunting private tutors.”

“Exactly. Before, they greased wheels for their heirs’ placements. No more. Us common-born strivers who hit the books can now climb official ranks. Soon, bureaucracy falls to us humble folk.”

“True. Plus, the emperor bans noble perks everywhere, insisting law treats all equal. Nobles will fade away entirely.” Lab chatter intensified. Lin Wentao cleared his throat then. “The emperor cherishes his subjects and us—why not push harder on research to roll out the internal combustion engine sooner?”

Technicians roared with genuine laughter. Back in school, nobles loomed superior.

With this decree, nobles seemed ordinary. For a brilliant imperial future, only personal merit counts.

Fueled by this mindset, motivation surged—they sensed a brighter era dawning.