Iron Dynasty Chapter 1055

“Brother Ren, please speak.”

In the main hall as they sat, Ge Yiren poured tea personally for Ren He, his demeanor fully attentive and ready to listen.

With a gentle stroke of his beard, Ren He remarked, “Through extensive research over this long time, I've discovered that New Confucianism differs from traditional Confucianism merely by stripping away certain dogmas from the three cardinal guides and five constant virtues. Furthermore, it dismisses supernatural beliefs clashing with science. In essence, the core aim of New Confucianism lies in helping the Empire's people embrace science, spread technology, and escape the chains of Confucian dogma. Henceforth, they may act freely as long as they stay within the Empire’s laws.”

Ge Yiren nodded his approval. Ren He’s breakdown rang true.

“Yet, by personally toppling Confucianism and rejecting the supernatural, Xiao Ming has effectively denied the emperor's divine right. Thus, as emperor, he ceases to be the Son of Heaven. If so, from the Son of Heaven down to ordinary folk, all stand equal. Why then should he alone hold the ultimate authority over this world?”

“Exactly. If he's no longer the Son of Heaven, why does the Empire treat him like a deity?” Ge Yiren’s eyes narrowed sharply.

A sudden recollection hit him, and dejectedly he added, “But what does it matter? Even without being the Son of Heaven, the Empire's power remains firmly in his grasp. Who dares challenge him?”

“Hahahaha…” A cryptic smile played on Ren He’s lips. Rising, he paced back and forth a few steps, then mused thoughtfully, “Indeed, at present, none can stand against him. The cause? All tremble before the immense authority he wields. The nobles seethe inwardly but dare not voice their fury. Still, this has sown deep seeds of grudge in their hearts. When the moment arrives, that grudge will explode forth.”

Pausing briefly, he went on, “In my view, beyond the nobles, numerous powerful merchants harbor strong discontent toward Xiao Ming. Though the Empire's industry and trade have flourished in recent years, the bulk of war-won market profits have gone to the Qingzhou Chamber of Commerce. Other merchants trail behind, picking up mere crumbs. We both understand merchants chase profits above all. For gain, they'd stoop to anything. Should we assure them free reign to split future markets, would they back our bid to curb imperial power?”

“Of course they’d jump at it.” Ge Yiren replied instantly, “The Emperor noted himself that triple profits drive merchants to any risk. Here, the gains exceed triple. Offer them spots on the council limiting imperial power, and their enthusiasm will surge even higher.”

Ren He clapped enthusiastically. “Brother Ge, you've grasped it perfectly. That's the key. Yet these remain mere notions for now, unrealizable. Xiao Ming’s might looms too vast; none possess the courage.”

“Precisely. The Merchant Parliament affair likely sparked such thoughts in many, but Xiao Ming’s throne sits too secure. These notions linger buried in hearts. To act, we may await the next ruler’s rise.”

“Not inevitably so. Elder Ge, just zealously advance New Confucianism, letting the Empire’s masses embrace its concepts fully and broaden their minds. Opportunity may yet arise. After all, the populace here proves simple to sway. We merely infuse our own subtle elements into New Confucianism.”

“What sort of elements?” Ge Yiren inquired.

“Obviously, ‘freedom,’ ‘equality,’ and the ‘humanistic spirit.’ Xiao Ming seeks equality for scholars, farmers, artisans, merchants—doesn’t he? We'll leverage that to embed these notions deep in the common folk. Should discovery come, we're merely following his vision, perhaps overzealously. He can't punish us.” Ren He grinned slyly. “Once these ideas permeate the masses, we rally nobles and merchants beneath these noble flags, then harness the convinced populace. Thus, victory is ours.”

“Excellent, splendid.” Enlightenment dawned on Ge Yiren. “True, guns and cannons rest with Xiao Ming, but as esteemed ex-Confucian masters, our sway over the people endures. If Xiao Ming lacks benevolence, we owe no loyalty.”

“Elder Ge overstates it. We're no rebels, merely safeguarding the Empire’s enduring peace. The Emperor, brilliant and bold though he is, errs at times. We seek only authority to halt his missteps.”

Ge Yiren nodded deliberately. “Your counsel outshines a decade of study. Then, I'll draft a memorial confessing my error to the Emperor. Barring mishaps, my post returns.”

“Wise indeed, Brother Ge. 'Dripping water hollows stone,' 'many hands lighten the load.' For our aim, patience is essential.” Ren He affirmed.

Relief smoothed Ge Yiren’s brow. He summoned the butler, fetched brush and ink, penned the memorial swiftly, and dispatched it.

…

In the Imperial Study, Li San briefed Xiao Ming on Qingzhou City nobles' responses post-newspaper.

“Our agents report Princess Pingyang showed little reaction to the decree, treating it routinely. Duke Song grumbled mildly without strong resistance. Duke Tang, chided again by the Emperor over the private school issue, voices no dissent. Of the trio—Prince of Huainan, Prince of Yong, Prince of Ruyang—the Prince of Huainan reportedly chuckled long upon reading, while the others muttered complaints…”

One by one, noble reactions reached Xiao Ming, clarifying his strategy. Wang Xuan oversaw overseas intelligence, Li San the internal network.

Like past emperors, Xiao Ming trusted ministers not utterly—human hearts pulse with ambitions, ideologies now bloom wildly in the Empire.

To perceive truth, he required vigilant eyes and ears across the realm. That fell to Li San. Absent them, reality filtered solely through memorials, obscuring the full view.

“Dissatisfaction prevails among most.” Xiao Ming furrowed his brow post-report. Secret guards stretched thin, monitoring key nobles only. Li San’s list comprised the heavyweights.

“True, yet gripes stay gripes. Ultimately, they complied, proving unwillingness to defy the Emperor outright,” Li San smiled.

His face shifted abruptly as he added, “However, awareness of secret guards grows; caution rises. Often, they evade detection. This morning, Ge Yiren sent servants away, blinding our insight into his response.”

Scarcely had words left when Qian Dafu entered, presenting a memorial to Xiao Ming.

Glancing at it, Xiao Ming’s face twisted oddly. “Ge Yiren flips swiftly. Now he backs me wholeheartedly.”