Chapter 64: Chapter 60: She Cried for Me—Her Heart Holds Me!

The Emperor looked at Wen Ranchen and Song Yan’s calm expressions, and the question he was about to ask suddenly went unspoken.

Thinking of the recent issues the ministers ceaselessly argued over, the Emperor had an idea.

“For this final question, let’s first hear your opinions on the government-run salt and iron, liquor monopoly, equal transportation, and price stabilization policies.”

Everyone perked up upon hearing the Emperor’s question, anticipating some entertainment. As for Song Yan, being a former duke’s daughter and now an ordinary official family girl, even though she had learned a few things at the National Academy, those were mere superficialities. In terms of such state affairs, she might not even understand the basic questions.

Wen Ranchen might be worth watching, but again, lacking experience, any answers she gives would likely be just empty shells.

Only Shen Jingxian showed no concern; Song Yan, after all, had lived an extra lifetime. As long as she recounted Yunyi Country’s future national policies from her memory, this question would be a breeze.

Not just a breeze, but a chance to shine brightly.

As for Wen Ranchen, she was even less worried.

Sure enough, not long after, Song Yan spoke first, “In response to the Emperor, Song Yan believes that the government should not compete for profits with the people.

Many officials act deceitfully, causing salt and iron shops to often remain closed, making it difficult for the common people to obtain the necessities for farming and daily life. The purpose of the equal transportation and price stabilization policies is to regulate and control prices. However, officials abuse their power for personal gain, unfairly requisitioning and buying cheaply, while unscrupulous merchants hoard products, causing prices to soar, and worsening the wealth disparity in Yunyi Country. Therefore, the management of salt and iron, along with the sale of alcoholic beverages, should be decentralized to the private sector.”

The Emperor nodded, greatly surprised by Song Yan’s response. To see things on this level at such a young age was no small feat.

Truly worthy of being my daughter’s friend!!!

Yi Fen’s vision is as excellent as her mother’s!

Everyone only saw the Emperor gazing at Song Yan with wise eyes, the thoughts within difficult to fathom, unaware that beneath his earnest expression lay the heart of a proud father.

A daughter with such an impressive friend, who is so outstanding, must be invited to the palace more often to play~

The Jade Chess set he recently made for Yi Fen could finally be put to use!

The Emperor, with his mind racing, nearly drifted off but quickly grounded himself. He looked at Song Runzhi with satisfaction, sparing no words of praise.

“Hmm, the Song family has raised a fine daughter; at such a young age, she already understands the people’s livelihood from this perspective. If she chooses to enter the court in the future, she will surely work for the people’s welfare.”

Song Runzhi, surprised by the Emperor’s high evaluation of Song Yan, promptly stood up to express his gratitude, “Your Majesty, you flatter us!”

The Emperor then turned his attention to Wen Ranchen, “How about your thoughts, Ranchen?”

Wen Ranchen stood up and greeted the Emperor before calmly responding, “In response, the bordering area between Yunyi Country and Ancient Moon has always been unstable. Ancient Moon’s barren lands make it covet the expansion of Yunyi Country to strengthen itself, and government-run salt and iron ensure ample grain and fodder for military expeditions against Ancient Moon.

If salt and iron are privately managed, it provides the wealthy and feudal lords with the economic foundation for rebellion, which is detrimental to the Emperor.

Conversely, if the government controls salt and iron, mass production of ironware can yield excellent benefits, and the price stabilization and equal transportation policies can ’balance all things and benefit the people.’

Historically, our nation has had the tradition of ’not sealing famous mountains and great lakes.’ Since salt and iron come from such places, they should be government-run. Moreover, state-managed salt and iron can develop mountains, forests, rivers, and lakes, enriching the supply of goods, improving people’s lives, facilitating domestic commercial circulation, and enhancing foreign trade to acquire resources and wealth from other nations, thereby weakening the enemy’s economic strength.

Therefore, Ranchen believes that salt and iron should not be privately managed.”

While Song Yan considered things from the perspective of people’s livelihood, Wen Ranchen analyzed from the standpoint of the entire nation, weighing the pros and cons.

When the Emperor asked the question, he already had an opinion in his heart, but hearing his thoughts echoed by another was a different feeling altogether.

If he had to put it into words, it would be “kindred spirit.”

Song Yan was not lacking, but regrettably, her opponent was Wen Ranchen.

Given the opportunity, the Emperor posed another question, “Then, in your opinion, how should Ancient Moon Country be handled?”

Song Yan, having helped many refugees in her previous life and personally witnessing the cruelties of war, was inherently averse to war. Thus, she said, “Ancient Moon is not weak. Engaging in war with them might lead to internal strife. Song Yan believes we should use generous gifts to negotiate peace with Ancient Moon, form kinships, and implement ritual and music education to guide them towards assimilation.”

“Hmm… that’s what Yunyi has been trying to do all along. Is that what you believe too, Ranchen?” asked the Emperor.

“Since the founding of Yunyi, friendly relations have been maintained with Ancient Moon, forming alliances. Yet this has only fueled their arrogance, and Ancient Moon has increasingly harassed our borders. It would be better to nurture our military strength, fortify the borders, develop the economy internally, ensure the people’s livelihood and logistics, and when the time is right, strike Ancient Moon decisively, potentially annihilate them, and expand our territories without issue.”

“Good! A fine son of the General; your temper is just like your father!”

“Hahaha, Yunyi truly is a land where talent flourishes. At such a young age, both have such insights; their futures are boundless. Leave it to my beloved ministers to judge this victory!”

The ministers, who had been leisurely enjoying the spectacle, were suddenly put to work on this decision.

In the end, the support numbers for Wen Ranchen and Song Yan were 35 to 28, with Wen Ranchen slightly ahead.

Among the officials, some appreciated Wen Ranchen’s thorough considerations, while others admired Song Yan’s compassionate heart.

With some preferring both and thus abstaining, the final supporter count wasn’t far apart.

Song Yan lost.

Shen Jingxian cried.

She despaired at this cursed life.

Was it because she was just a side character? That she could never get her way?

Originally, Wen Ranchen wasn’t attached to victory or defeat. Winning today was only because the Princess seemed to want him to win. When he looked down, he saw Shen Jingxian’s slightly reddened eyes and some moisture.

Wen Ranchen sighed. He really hadn’t expected the Princess to be so happy about his victory. He wondered what gift she had prepared for him to be so worried.

Wen Ranchen took out a handkerchief he carried and started wiping the Little Princess’s tears as he used to.

Though the tears were minimal, not even enough to roll down, Wen Ranchen still focused as if he were wiping a treasure.

Shen Jingxian remained still, allowing Wen Ranchen to act. After all, Wen Ranchen was blind and had difficulty moving. If she suddenly dodged and he lost his support, what if the blind fellow fell (not really).

Yet Wen Ranchen was nearly charmed by the Princess; she was just so endearing.

Feeling that he had wiped the Little Princess’s tears dry, Wen Ranchen said, “Don’t cry, Ranchen understands Your Highness’s goodwill.”

Shen Jingxian, full of questions: ? Understand what?

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