LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 9 - National Policy Debate
The Chu Marquis, Luo Yingci, was the second daughter of Emperor Zheng. Skilled in martial arts and straightforward in character, her appearance was no less stunning than that of Luo Jinxuan, given that they shared the same mother.
However, she wasn’t Lu Ping’s first choice.
This game was simply too realistic.
When it came to exceptional martial skills and agility, these were expected traits, right?
So, what kind of person truly embodies agility?
Luo Yingci, with her lithe and athletic physique, undoubtedly fit the bill perfectly.
She was not just a formidable warrior; she was practically aerodynamic.
Sigh!
‘If it weren’t for this, the straightforward Luo Yingci would have been much easier to win over than Luo Jinxuan!’
“Ah, what am I even thinking?”
[Start Simulation!]
The scene changed, and Lu Ping found himself at a banquet, seated at the lowest position.
In front of him were towering, muscular warriors, their physical prowess evident.
Luo Yingci, accompanied by a burly elder, was making rounds with the guests, drinking with each one.
At first, Luo Yingci wore a smile, but upon seeing Lu Ping, her expression suddenly darkened.
“What does that mean? I haven’t done anything to offend her…”
[The Chu Marquis despises scholars, believing that the decline of dynasties throughout history has always been the fault of the literati. Thus, she regards you with disdain.]
Lu Ping sneered in response.
‘If you don’t value me, then wouldn’t it be perfectly reasonable for me to defect to the Han Marquis?’
‘Luo Yingci, oh Luo Yingci, when it comes to respecting talent, you’re far behind your sister.’
[You have been in the Chu Marquis’s residence for over a year, spending your days engrossed in books, indifferent to worldly affairs. This further convinced the Chu Marquis of the uselessness of scholars. When the emperor summoned scribes, she brought you to the palace.]
“So, this is her way of indirectly firing me?”
“Fine! If this place won’t keep me, there are other places that will. Once I shake off the label of the Chu Marquis’s retainer, I’ll go join my dear Han Marquis!”
[You followed Luo Yingci to the palace gates, where you happened to encounter the Han Marquis, Luo Jinxuan, who was entering the court. Your eyes met, and a murderous intent flashed in her gaze.]
‘Wait, murderous intent? Where did that come from?’
[Luo Yingci noticed something was off and asked if the Han Marquis knew you. The Han Marquis denied it, and Luo Yingci did not suspect anything further.]
[You became a scribe but felt that your ambitions had no outlet. You decided to take the imperial examination and enter officialdom.]
[In the year 512 of the Jing Calendar, you passed the imperial examination with high marks and had an audience with the emperor.]
For the first time, Lu Ping stepped into the court and once again encountered the Han Marquis, Luo Jinxuan.
Luo Jinxuan scrutinized Lu Ping for a long time before her icy demeanor finally melted into a smile.
Lu Ping, confused, scratched his head, ready to exchange pleasantries, but then Emperor Zheng entered the court.
[Emperor Zheng announced that the imperial examination would focus on national policy debates.]
[Prepare to answer.]
“Answer…?”
In the previous simulations, whenever Lu Ping made a choice, events would automatically play out. But this time, he had to answer himself?
It was challenging, but Lu Ping liked it.
This made the experience feel more real!
Lu Ping pondered the topic: National Policy Debate.
It was a broad topic, to be sure!
But it didn’t seem too difficult?
As a transmigrator in an alternate historical setting, Lu Ping had access to a wealth of knowledge on statecraft that he could draw upon!
With a vast repository of knowledge, Lu Ping found himself spoiled for choice.
Throughout history, so many famous treatises— which one should he use to show off?
Lu Ping opened the simulation panel and reviewed the game’s background again.
Currently, Emperor Zheng was in his prime. Although some ministers harbored ulterior motives, they dared not act openly, so the political situation was relatively stable.
The national treasury was still fairly well-off, and the major flood was still five years away.
So, should he talk about the Quanrong?
Although the Quanrong had not yet invaded the Great Jing Dynasty, and even the western frontier war from the last simulation was years away, there had been frequent skirmishes between the western frontier army and the Quanrong for the past century.
It might be good to deal with the Quanrong threat sooner, so that when Emperor Zheng passes away, the Han Marquis can ascend the throne without having to worry about this issue.
Finally, it was Lu Ping’s turn.
From his throne, Emperor Zheng looked down at Lu Ping.
Lu Ping instinctively glanced at Luo Jinxuan, only to find a hint of admiration in her eyes.
“Ahem!”
Lu Ping cleared his throat twice, feeling rather pleased.
‘It’s just that you know your husband has extraordinary talent; no need to admire me so openly.’
[You proposed that the Great Jing Dynasty should open the borders and establish trade with foreign tribes, shocking the entire court and inciting the officials’ wrath.]
[The emperor, displeased, stood up and questioned you.]
[Please provide an explanation.]
Luo Jinxuan looked worried and confused.
Lu Ping nodded slightly at her, signaling her to remain calm. He then raised his voice to drown out the murmurs in the court.
“May I ask, Your Majesty, why does the Quanrong disturb our borders?”
Emperor Zheng replied, “Naturally, it is because they covet the vast, prosperous lands of the Great Jing Dynasty.”
Lu Ping did not disagree because the emperor’s answer wasn’t wrong, but it wasn’t entirely correct either.
Forget the Quanrong—ask any foreign tribe, who would willingly stay in a harsh, barren land for generations?
But from what Lu Ping had learned in the previous simulation, the Quanrong’s raids were not truly motivated by a desire to invade the Great Jing.
When winter comes, they can barely find enough food to eat. Who has the energy for conquest?
Lu Ping continued, “Beyond the borders of the Great Jing, there are still vast lands. Why does Your Majesty not venture forth?”
Emperor Zheng was momentarily stunned. After a while, he replied, “As the ruler, I must prioritize the well-being of the people. Expanding the borders would burden the people. There are still subjects who cannot afford to eat. How can I ignore their suffering?”
“Exactly!”
Lu Ping slapped his thigh, thinking that Emperor Zheng was still on the same page as him.
They could talk.
“Your Majesty, you have governed diligently, and the Great Jing is now experiencing an unprecedented era of prosperity. Yet there are still people who cannot afford to eat. Do you think the Quanrong people can live without worry?”
Emperor Zheng narrowed his eyes. “Continue.”
“I believe that the Quanrong disturb our borders because the western frontier is cold and lacking in food and clothing. If we open the borders and establish trade with them, we can barter goods, exchanging their fine horses to bolster our military strength. This would also demonstrate the benevolence of a wise ruler and the magnanimity of the sovereign of all people!”
Emperor Zheng was still pondering Lu Ping’s words, but several astute ministers had already grasped Lu Ping’s meaning.
This plan was truly ingenious!
The benefits of establishing trade with the Quanrong went far beyond what Lu Ping had mentioned.
The Quanrong lived in harsh conditions, struggling to survive the winter, which was why they risked everything to raid the Great Jing.
Every time the Quanrong attacked, they fought as if their lives depended on it, naturally boosting their morale.
If the Great Jing were to follow Lu Ping’s advice and open trade, taking away the Quanrong’s warhorses would, in itself, weaken their combat strength.
After a few years of relative comfort, the Quanrong’s fighting spirit would naturally diminish.
But in Emperor Zheng’s view, those points were secondary.
The suggestion was good, no doubt, but what mattered more was that Lu Ping had called him a wise ruler and the sovereign of all people!
Even the most composed ruler couldn’t resist such flattery!
“Let it be as Minister Lu has proposed.”
After speaking, Luo Jinxuan quietly approached the throne.
[The Han Marquis requested the emperor to appoint you as the chief official of the Han residence, but the emperor, citing other responsibilities for you, refused, leaving the Han Marquis slightly disappointed.]
Luo Jinxuan’s bold move to claim him in front of the emperor warmed Lu Ping’s heart.
‘But, my dear, don’t be upset. Though Emperor Zheng turned you down, I understand your intentions!’
‘We must set our sights higher. Give me a few years to establish myself in the court, and when I help you seize control of the realm, then we can indulge in romance!’