426 Writing History (1/2)
Despite Yu Zhen's great suggestion about sealing the deal, there were more pressing issues at hand. Li Xueyue knew they were too indulgent. A small kiss would turn into a heated one. It would not take long for the things on his desk to be pushed aside, and lovemaking to follow right there and then.
”Back to Duke Han,” she said, much to Yu Zhen's dismay. He grumbled under his breath.
Li Xueyue smiled at this. He was always so solemn in front of others, surely no one would believe there was actually this side to him.
”What about that senile man?” Yu Zhen grunted, irritated that she had rejected him so many times. What could possibly go wrong from having a bit of fun during serious talks?
Yu Zhen did not think his patience would be tested to such an extent. Li Xueyue was tempting, even when she argued against him. Somehow, it enticed him further…especially seeing her pursed lips and concentrated expression.
”For Duke Han, he will likely make the same argument that this would be a waste of resources and money,” she said.
Yu Zhen nodded in response. This was the tricky part. Duke Han was old and conservative. He wasn't inclined to listen to the voices of youngsters, especially women.
”Yes, you mentioned building schools and increasing funding for the orphanages will better the lives of the commoners,” he stated. ”But how will it benefit us, aristocrats? For self-centered people like Duke Han, you must find a way to please his greedy needs.”
Li Xueyue pressed her lips together. She had already made the argument that his servants would be more competent, but that did not entice him. Then, what would?
”Do we need everyone to agree with an idea for it to be passed?”
”No.”
”In that case, it would be fine if it is only Duke Han who disagrees,” Li Xueyue said.
Yu Zhen shook his head in disagreement. ”He is an influential man whose opinion is often valued. The other people in the room might have the same thoughts as him. How will building schools for the commoners help them?”
Li Xueyue could not run away from this problem. It must be faced head-on. She couldn't just ignore Duke Han.
Suddenly, an idea came to mind. ”Hanjian has always been progressive in terms of its treatment towards the commoners. To improve their lives, we went as far as lowering their taxes.”
Yu Zhen slowly nodded. He was even more intrigued than before. ”Go on.”
”Why don't we set an example for our allies?” Li Xueyue suggested. ”Hanjian could become history makers. We would be the first country to build schools for commoners, and if this brings us benefits in the form of more loyal subjects, then undoubtedly, other countries will follow suit.”
Yu Zhen hummed. This was indeed a great idea, but he needed to continue playing devil's advocate [1], so that she would be more prepared.
”What could go wrong in providing education for commoners?” she demanded. ”If they protest and revolt, then it means the Imperial Family havd failed to meet their needs. A country is nothing without its loyal subjects.”
”The current method of instilling fear in your subjects has worked for decades.
”But too much fear will spark a desire for change. People will no longer want to be oppressed by an absolute power.”
She was correct, of course.
”The oppressed can only take so much. Soon, they would harbor hatred from maltreatments, and many would rise against the Kingdom.” Li Xueyue added on.
She gauged his reaction. He was deep in thought and so she continued.
”Of course, Hanjian could handle the protests, but what if the soldiers turn against us and defend their fellow countrymen? Soldiers are mostly commoners and the middle-class.”
Yu Zhen hummed. ”Go on.”