Chapter Twenty-Three: Three Earth-Shattering Decisions!-Imperatriz Eterna do Reino das Filhas? Não, Eu Sou uma Soberana Decadente!(A melancia está um pouco salgada.)

Chapter 23: Three Earth-Shattering Decisions!

"Miss, could it be that the Emperor of the Great Zhou is..." the maid said, pointing to her own head.

"Taking the people's money and handing it out to the vassal princes and nobles? Isn't that deliberately inviting discontent?"

Yue Yao smiled faintly.

"Xiaodie, did you forget what I told you a few days ago?"

Xiaodie thought for a moment, then looked as if she suddenly understood.

"Oh... I see. Miss, you mean he's doing this on purpose, just like before?"

"Exactly. Though it seems like the actions of a foolish ruler, in reality, the methods are profound. With a flick of the hand, he stirs up conflict between the vassal princes, nobles, and the common people. This new emperor of Great Zhou is truly remarkable."

"Miss, you really have foresight. Luckily, you warned the master long ago not to make enemies of Great Zhou. Otherwise, we would have truly fallen into the trap set by this Son of Heaven."

But Yue Yao did not respond to Xiaodie's words. Her gaze was fixed on the stage, her thoughts entirely focused on Li Chen. "What... is he about to do next?"

...

On the stage, Li Chen suddenly stood atop a movable iron box—a Maybach. In one hand he held an unfurled yellow scroll, and in the other a megaphone.

"Today, I have three announcements to make to all my subjects!"

The moment Li Chen spoke, whether commoners in the square or ministers behind the scenes, all hearts skipped a beat.

What new trick does the emperor intend to pull?

"First, I have decided to abolish the imperial examination system!"

Those words struck like thunder, exploding in everyone's ears.

What?

Abolish the imperial examinations?

This system had lasted for many years in Great Zhou. How could the emperor so casually say he would just abolish it?

The crowd instantly erupted into uproar.

"What is His Majesty saying? Such a decision would cut off the path for all scholars to advance!"

"Is this something a wise ruler would do?"

Others might endure, but Ge Siwang could not. He hurried to the emperor’s side and whispered urgently:

"Your Majesty, this must not be!"

"The imperial examination system is the cornerstone of selecting talents in Great Zhou. If abolished, how will our country find talent? How will it prosper?"

"Your Majesty, please reconsider!"

Not only the people and ministers were bewildered; Yue Yao herself was filled with doubt.

The imperial examination system is crucial for any nation.

It is the only channel for children from humble origins to rise, the hope for countless families to prosper.

If the examination system vanishes, the vassal princes and nobles would be delighted—they already have their own channels to serve in court and do not rely on exams.

But for the common scholars, their chance to break through would be lost forever.

For Great Zhou, this would be a catastrophic disaster.

Even if the intent was to curb the vassal princes and nobles, such a drastic move was unthinkable!

What exactly is he thinking!?

"Silence!" Li Chen’s piercing gaze swept across the crowd. With a sharp command, he silenced the murmuring masses.

"The imperial examination system is indeed one way Great Zhou selects talent, but it is by no means the only way!"

"I have decided that starting today, Great Zhou will establish a Royal Academy. I shall personally serve as its dean, recruiting all the world’s talented individuals to study there."

"Those who graduate with excellent results may enter the court directly as officials!"

At these words, the ministers erupted into uproar once again.

A Royal Academy?

With the emperor himself as dean?

This was utterly absurd.

"Your Majesty, this cannot be! How can a Royal Academy replace the imperial exams?"

"The examination system has lasted for centuries and is deeply rooted in people’s hearts. To abolish it rashly will surely cause unrest throughout the realm!"

Ge Siwang pleaded once more with the emperor.

It was not just him—ministers were truly terrified. Today the emperor had been making one shocking decision after another, saying things that defied all reason.

If this continued, Great Zhou would truly be doomed.

"Enough!" Li Chen roared again, eyes wide open, radiating an imposing aura without even showing anger.

"My will is final. You need not speak further!"

"As for how the Royal Academy will operate, I have my own arrangements. You will simply follow orders!"

Upon hearing this, the ministers who meant to speak fell silent with bitter expressions. They knew the emperor was resolute and could no longer be swayed.

"Hmph!"

Li Chen snorted coldly and continued, "There is a second matter I must declare to the world!"

The ministers and commoners alike tensed. What else could the emperor want? Was he not causing enough chaos already?

"I have decreed that from now on, any city in Great Zhou may establish entertainment venues!"

"All subjects of Great Zhou, as well as visitors from other lands, may freely enter and enjoy the pleasures!"

These words plunged the entire crowd into deadly silence.

Everyone stared at Li Chen in disbelief, as if looking upon a madman.

Entertainment venues?

What nonsense is this?

Great Zhou is a land of women!

If such venues were opened, then…

Everyone shuddered at the thought.

"Your Majesty, this must not be!"

"Great Zhou is a nation of rites and propriety. How can we allow such places that harm morals? Moreover, the late emperor set rules forbidding such establishments. How can Your Majesty…"

This time it was not only Ge Siwang; many ministers surged forward.

"Your Majesty, this is absolutely unacceptable!"

The ministers were genuinely terrified by Huang Sang’s words. The emperor’s decisions today were one outrageous than the last.

"Silence! I have not finished!" Li Chen shouted again.

"There is a third matter I must announce to the realm!"

"I have decided that from this day forward, I will begin selecting consorts from among the people of Great Zhou!"

"All subjects, regardless of status or wealth, may participate in the selection. Anyone who pleases me may become my consort!"

At these words, the hall fell silent once more.

Everyone looked at Li Chen with faces of disbelief, as if beholding a monster.

Selecting consorts?

Had the emperor lost his mind?

Everyone knew that the founding emperor of Great Zhou had established the rule that the Zhou emperors would not take consorts, but only drink water from the Mother-Son River to bear children.

This was to preserve the purity of the royal bloodline and uphold the traditions of the all-female Great Zhou.

Yet today, this emperor was breaking that rule and starting to select consorts?

Ouyang Yu, who had not spoken until now, disregarding his old age, ran forward.

"Your Majesty, this cannot be!"

"The founding emperor set the law clearly: Zhou emperors shall not take consorts but only drink from the Mother-Son River to conceive children. This is the ancestral law and must not be abolished!"

The ministers echoed in unison.

"We implore Your Majesty to revoke this decree. This is absolutely unacceptable!"

Meanwhile, the common people murmured among themselves, their eyes filled with anger and disappointment as they looked at the emperor.

"This emperor is truly a foolish ruler!"

"Indeed, with such absurdity and unrighteousness, Great Zhou will surely perish by his hands!"

"Alas, what misfortune for Great Zhou to have such a foolish ruler!"

Their voices reached Li Chen’s ears, causing the corner of his mouth to curve into a playful smile.

A foolish ruler?

Heh, I like that title!

Suddenly, the system notification sounded.

Li Chen’s eyes widened in surprise as he exclaimed:

"Damn! Awesome!!"

[Congratulations, Your Majesty, for acting as a foolish ruler. Great Zhou’s national fortune has decreased by 5000 points, with 3050 points remaining.]

[Based on the current decrease in national fortune, rewards are being distributed...]