bestfiction Chapter 52 My Brother-in-Law's New Love
Chapter 52 My Brother-in-Law's New Love
"Your Highness, this..."
Guo Taiwei was somewhat unsure.
The ten new policies in the report that Li Lan gave him were truly astonishing.
First, all kinds of exorbitant taxes and levies within Anning County were exempted.
Second, all those who have lost their land shall return it within five years!
Third, the seeds were distributed by the government.
Fourth, all prisoners will have their sentences reduced, with those receiving lighter sentences allowed to return to farming.
……
Each of these measures is groundbreaking in the current state of Dali, and completely out of step with the prevailing atmosphere in the court.
The emperor was fond of Taoist alchemy and had long since plundered the land for spiritual objects, resorting to any means necessary. Officials, in turn, took this opportunity to enrich themselves, becoming extremely wicked.
But now the King of Annam is actually trying to... treat the people well?
Although a prince possesses administrative power within his fiefdom, doing so is truly contrary to the consistent practices of the court and the public.
"Go ahead and do it."
Li Yue also spoke calmly.
Guo Taiwei nodded, bowed, and withdrew, but he was still uneasy. These things... were not easy to do.
After he left, Li Lan said, "Your Highness, it's easy to recruit refugees, but how to support them and where the money will come from are still problems."
"Furthermore, if Prefect Guo is hesitant, this matter will inevitably affect the interests of the major families in the prefecture. Any reform that touches on interests will inevitably lead to fierce struggles."
Li Yue asked, "What plan do you have, teacher?"
Li Lan said, "First, Liu Ziwen will immediately take over the position of Commandant, and all the officers and soldiers, big and small, will be replaced by guards from the manor!"
Anning City is now under the control of the Le Viet government; controlling the military within the city is the fundamental principle of governance.
"Second, announce to the soldiers that, under the new policy, their families will receive an additional acre of land!"
Soldiers will only support the new policies if the military benefits from them.
"Third, fabricate charges and exterminate all large families with more than ten households in the city, confiscating their property and seizing their land!"
Li Lan spoke calmly, but Liu Ziwen and his subordinates were all shocked.
They hadn't expected Li Lan to be so determined, going so far as to wipe out so many powerful families. That was far too ruthless!
Upon hearing this, Li Yue nodded deeply. The reason why the people of Dali are in such dire straits is simply that the upper class eats too much and the lower class eats too little.
The powerful and wealthy had mountains of grain, some even rotting, while their fields stretched endlessly, leaving the poor with nothing to wear and nowhere to stand.
To save the people, it is necessary to kill the powerful and wealthy; this is an unavoidable course of action.
"The fortune brought by millions of people is always greater than the fortune brought by a few powerful families and nobles."
Li Lan said calmly.
The so-called human destiny is nothing more than the world's support for humanity.
Li Yue bowed to him and said, "This student has learned much."
"Liu Ziwen, go and do it right away."
Liu Ziwen nodded.
……
The announcement of the ten new policies caused an uproar in Anning City.
"Reducing taxes and pacifying displaced people is one thing, but to return all the landless people to their fields within five years? Ha! Our fields were all bought with real money, how are we supposed to return them?"
"What a pipe dream! I heard that this new policy was written by that Grand Scholar. I think it's one thing for him to write poems, but to govern like this will surely ruin the King of Annam!"
"We do not agree with this policy. Who can implement it? Let's not worry about it!"
The city's wealthy and powerful were all laughing; they had seen all sorts of reforms before.
But no matter who makes the changes, their interests must be taken into account. Reforms that benefit them will proceed smoothly, while those that don't agree will be useless.
Because they are the true masters of this world!
"No taxes, and they even give us seeds?"
"Really... Your Majesty, is this really a good idea?"
"It looks fake, but since we're going to die anyway, let's go check out Ning'an City!"
Many displaced people, upon hearing of the new policy, flocked to Ning'an City, hoping for the best.
……
Inside the Prince of Annam's Palace.
"As soon as the new policy was introduced, the True Dragon Technique seemed to begin to stir again!"
Li Yue felt the changes within his body and was extremely excited.
When Li Lan took her to Kyoto to provide relief to the poor, she only felt a slight reaction, but now, those true dragon inner energies that she couldn't mobilize or touch seem to be truly forming...
"Teacher, why can the new policy help me practice the True Dragon Skill?"
Li Yue couldn't help but ask out of curiosity.
Li Lan smiled and said:
"The True Dragon Technique requires the blessing of the world's fortune."
"Li Guan has the support of high-ranking officials and major martial arts sects, and his fortune is quite prosperous. But the people of the world that he looks down on are actually where the real fortune lies."
Li Yue's expression became complicated.
In the Palace of Free Growth, everything she learned, heard, and saw from a young age told her one fact:
He who wins the hearts of his ministers wins the world; he who wins the hearts of the martial arts world becomes king.
Because ministers and warriors are the elite of the world.
No one ever told her that the vast and humble people, the lowly and poor, were a more important "source of destiny" than the officials and heroes of the court.
Perhaps it is precisely because of this that she has the opportunity to gather fortune in this way.
If the officials and martial arts geniuses hadn't blinded Li Guan, how could they have left her with such a large, unclaimed, and empty space of human destiny?
Only now do we realize that all those years of her arduous struggle with Li Guan for the support of the ministers and the emperor's favor were nothing more than the work of a frog in a well.
Compared to the endless creatures on this vast land, everything in the imperial court is truly like a puddle compared to an ocean.
"The teacher's insight is unparalleled in the world."
She couldn't help but speak.
Li Lan smiled, neither confirming nor denying, and said, "Tomorrow is the day I will marry Lin Ruobing, so I need to have someone prepare the mansion."
Li Yue nodded and sighed, "In the end, it was a bit unfair to that Miss Lin."
Just then, an urgent report arrived:
"Report! Your Highness, an urgent report from the capital: Grandmaster Lin Ruoxue went to Jinyang Palace today and was honored as a guest retainer. She has issued an order that she has severed all ties with the Lin family and will henceforth devote herself to the pursuit of immortality!"
Upon hearing this news, Li Yue was immediately shocked.
"what?"
She was shocked, and for a moment, she felt an overwhelming sense of pressure.
What kind of person is a Grandmaster? Even the imperial court and the emperor have to give him some face. But now, he has also thrown himself before Jinyang Palace for the sake of immortal techniques.
Having mastered the immortal's teachings, Li Guan is truly capable of commanding the world!
Originally, she was quite fortunate that after forming an alliance with the Lin family, she would be able to receive the help of a Grandmaster to some extent, but now it seems that it was all in vain.
Even Li Lan frowned and began to ponder.
Lin Ruoxue... would actually side with Li Guan?
Could the words "immortal path" really make her abandon her parents and sister?
"What will the Lin family's reaction be?"
Li Lan asked a question.
"Reporting to the Grand Secretary, General Lin Zheng has publicly severed ties with his daughter."
Li Lan remained silent.
He didn't know Lin Ruoxue well, so he couldn't judge what she was thinking.
"Understood, let's go down."
Li Lan said calmly, "Your Highness need not worry. The favor of immortals and the pursuit of mortals are nothing more than the True Dragon Technique. Once you master the True Dragon Technique, everything will naturally reverse."
Li Yue took a deep breath, nodded, hesitated for a moment, but still said:
"Teacher, I feel that although I can barely circulate the True Dragon Technique, it's very weak..."
Li Lan said, "We need a spiritual object."
He frowned as well; the Azure Cloud Fruit and other spiritual items were now extremely crucial.
Not only does Le Viet need it, he needs it too!
With his current martial arts skills, he could fight anyone unless a grandmaster personally intervened, but... Li Guan had obtained immortal techniques.
Those who practice martial arts can't possibly defeat those who cultivate immortality...
The True Dragon Skill is very likely a kind of immortal technique, but since his current level is still low, it still appears to be an invincible martial art.
But to upgrade... you need to have enough spirituality.
“I’ll send someone to inquire. These things are hard to buy these days.”
Li Yuedao.
Li Lan nodded.
This matter cannot be rushed. Firstly, there is no source of goods, and secondly, although Li Yue is a prince, he has just arrived in Fengcheng and has no savings.
……
Kyoto.
"The Grandmaster has descended upon the hidden palace; how fortunate is Li Guan!"
At Jinyang Palace, Li Guan, along with Mr. Zhu and everyone else, respectfully welcomed Lin Ruoxue!
Lin Ruoxue's defection greatly excited him!
Originally, the addition of a Grandmaster to Li Yue's side was a serious threat to him. After all, Lin Ruoxue's influence and appeal in the martial arts world were unparalleled. With her unwavering support for Li Yue, no one under his command could rival her.
Her defection not only eliminates the threat, but the whole world will know that she has won the hearts of the people and is invincible!
"From this day forward, Master Lin will be a guest minister of my Jinyang Palace. He need not bow or address me as a subject!"
Li Guan bestowed upon Lin Ruoxue the highest honor.
"Official positions are none of your concern, Third Prince. I have come only to observe your immortal techniques."
Lin Ruoxue spoke calmly, "I heard that the Third Prince is cultivating the True Dragon Technique and is at a critical moment. This is a Xuan Yin Bone Jade, which should be of some use to you as an exchange for the immortal technique."
Even in Jinyang Palace, she remained extremely domineering, and showed no sign of needing anything from others.
In fact, she did not come to submit to the emperor.
The value of even a fraction of the Profound Yin Bone Jade is absolutely no less than that of those immortal techniques.
Sure enough, upon hearing this, Li Guan's eyes lit up!
Zuo Tianlong had mentioned the Xuan Yin Bone Jade to him before. It was said to be the jade bone of a cultivator buried underground, extremely precious. The Taiyi Sect had searched everywhere for it, but ultimately failed to find it.
Unexpectedly, Lin Ruoxue actually had it.
"it is good!"
Li Guan did not refuse and agreed immediately.
As for the meaning behind Lin Ruoxue's words, he naturally understood: this was a deal.
But it doesn't matter. Lin Ruoxue came today and entered Jinyang Palace. That is already an attitude!
Enough to impact the entire martial arts world!
"Master Lin, how about I show you everything at the Dharma transmission ceremony tomorrow?"
Tomorrow is Li Yue's wedding day. He is holding this Dharma transmission conference to let the world know who is the true Mandate of Heaven!
……
The matter was hotly debated both within and outside the imperial court.
"I never expected that Lin Zheng's daughter would sever all ties with him!"
"Truly unexpected. Alas, the word 'immortal' has caused the Emperor to abandon the world and a Grandmaster to leave his parents behind... Is cultivating to become an immortal truly worthwhile?"
"Of course it's worth it! For figures like His Majesty and Grandmasters, who have already reached the pinnacle of the world, the only thing they truly desire is the path to immortality!"
It has become a hot topic of discussion.
This move caused a sensation in the martial arts world, and for a time, the whole world was shaken.
……
The next day.
Lin House.
The place was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, creating a very festive atmosphere.
However, compared to the last time Lin Ruoxue and Li Lan got married, there were very few guests today. Most people just sent gifts and went through the motions—this was already out of respect for Emperor Xianxian.
After all, this marriage was bestowed by the Emperor Xianxian himself, and even the Empress and the Emperor bestowed a congratulatory gift. Who would dare not give him face?
But naturally, they wouldn't come in person. The situation is so obvious that everyone can tell who the big and small kings are.
Therefore, even on joyous occasions, the door is deserted.
Only Zhao Tanyue came; she was ordered to escort Lin Ruoxue out of the capital.
"Father, mother..."
Today, Lin Ruobing is wearing a bright red wedding robe, which is the second time she has worn this outfit, but she seems reluctant to leave.
Last time, I was just standing in for my sister's wedding; this time, it's really me.
"Take good care of yourself over there!"
Lin Zheng watched his daughter get on the float, and his old eyes also became slightly moist.
The time has come, and the floats are setting off.
Amidst the music and fanfare, they had already left the capital. Once outside the capital, Li Lan personally led a group to fetch the bride.
After a series of formalities and a reward ceremony for the bride, Li Lan and Zhao Tanyue escorted Lin Ruobing to Ning'an.
"Thank you for your trouble, Lord Zhao."
On the way, Li Lan and Zhao Tanyue rode side by side, and Li Lan spoke.
Zhao Tanyue said, "I am acting on imperial orders, how can I express my gratitude?"
"Besides, if anyone should be thanking someone, it's me who should be thanking you. Otherwise, I would be dead by now."
As she spoke, she suddenly took out a booklet from her bosom and said, "This is the Yin-Yang Harmony Technique of the Taiyi Sect. It can be used to cultivate martial arts through dual cultivation. Even if you have no talent or ability, you may still gain something."
Li Lan took it and was taken aback.
Back in the Drunken Moon Pavilion, Fairy Snow Moon used this skill to tempt Li Lan, but Li Lan refused at the time.
He knew just how precious this cultivation manual was. Even among the Taiyi Sect, only the core members could access it. He wondered what price Zhao Tanyue had paid to obtain it from Zuiyue Tower.
Clearly, she was repaying a favor to Li Lan.
Since things had come to this point, it wouldn't be good to say that the item was useless to him or to refuse it, so he accepted it and said, "Thank you."
"However, this dual cultivation method requires a woman with high martial arts skills and excellent physique to be your companion. Does Lord Li have a suitable candidate?"
Behind Zhao Tanyue, happy Xia suddenly spoke up with a grin.
Li Lan laughed and said, "There's nowhere to find it."
Xi Xia said, "Ah, why don't you ask my master for help?"
A hint of annoyance flashed across Zhao Tanyue's usually cold and beautiful face as she glared at Xixia. Xixia, however, made a face and said, "Master, I meant that you have a wide circle of friends and could help Lord Li find a partner... Why are you blushing, Master?"
"I'll go ahead and scout ahead first."
Helpless, Zhao Tanyue turned and spurred her horse forward. Xi Xia and Yan Qiu hurriedly followed. Before leaving, Xi Xia said to Li Lan, "My master won't mind that you've been married before. Good luck, Lord Li!"
Li Lan stood there stunned, and couldn't help but smile.
Zhao Tanyue?
To be honest, the other party was a famous beauty in Kyoto, cold and aloof, no less than Lin Ruoxue, but Li Lan really had no such thoughts about her.
He wouldn't assume that Zhao Tanyue had any feelings for him based on happy Xia's few words.
In his view, Zhao Tanyue was a woman who clearly distinguished between gratitude and resentment, and their cooperation was pleasant and respectful, nothing more.
Inside the float, Lin Ruobing kept an eye on Li Lan's direction, intentionally or unintentionally. As a martial artist, she was naturally sharp-witted, so even amidst the sounds of gongs and drums, she could still clearly hear the conversation between Xi Xia, Li Lan, and the others.
She couldn't help but puff out her cheeks, feeling inexplicably annoyed!
"No, what does his desire to find someone for dual cultivation have to do with me? Why am I bothered by it..."
Suddenly, she felt something was wrong; her face inexplicably flushed, her heart started pounding, and she quickly muttered to herself:
"Yes, he's so fickle! He just divorced my sister and he's already falling for someone else! It's all his fault!"
……
The carriage continued its journey, and by evening, it had finally arrived at Ning'an City. Guo Taiwei and other officials were already prepared to welcome them, and Li Yue, dressed in wedding attire, also arrived.
After picking up the bride, the motorcade merged into one and entered Ning'an City.
Upon entering the Annam Prince's Palace, happy Xia and Yan Qiu glanced around and couldn't help but have slightly complicated expressions. This so-called "prince's palace" was far inferior to the palaces in the capital.
"The true aura of an emperor."
However, Zhao Tanyue offered a word of praise, because her gaze was not on the furnishings of the Prince's mansion, but rather on the poor elders sitting at the banquet in the mansion, as well as the porridge distribution points set up in the streets and alleys outside the mansion, and the refugees queuing up.
Compared to the capital city, where Prince Li Guan is holding his Dharma transmission ceremony today, this place is extremely shabby, but...
But she saw something different!
at the same time.
Among the visiting guests, an elderly man walked in. He was hunched over, and his clothes were covered in patches. As he approached the table, there was a complex look in his eyes.
But he quickly composed himself, slipped down, and sat down, remarking, "Li Lan truly deserves to be called a hero of our time..."
He murmured something, but only sighed, then his gaze quietly fell on the bride, Lin Ruobing.
……