Chapter 211

On the second day of Liuju's implementation of the Cabinet System, all newspapers under Great Han Media fully reported the new policy.

"Long Peace Daily" published in bold, eye-catching font on its front-page headline: "Earth-shaking reform! Your Majesty has instituted the Cabinet System, a brand-new court layout initially emerging."

The report elaborated in detail on the structure and operation of the Cabinet System, emphasizing Liuju's appointment of Suwu as Premier, Huoguang as Vice Premier, and the decision for Weixiang, Xuwei, Jinfu, and Liuxiaojun to jointly join the Cabinet.

The commentary said: "Your Majesty's move is truly far-sighted. The new Cabinet gathers talents from all sides; Suwu's mission to the Xiongnu, his integrity admired by the world; Huoguang is shrewd and capable, with rich experience in governance; Weixiang is steady, Xuwei decisive, Jinfu loyal. Particularly noteworthy is that Commandery Princess Liuxiaojun, as the first woman of our Great Han to enter court and administer state affairs, joins the Cabinet to participate in governance, breaking the traditional court's barriers, setting an example for Great Han women; this will surely facilitate the smooth implementation of the Cabinet System and open a new chapter in the prosperous age of Great Han."

"Long Peace Evening News" reported under the title "Court Reform, Cabinet Sets Sail".

The article not only analyzed the potential effect of the Cabinet System on improving the efficiency of Great Han's governmental affairs, but also conducted an in-depth analysis of the advantages of each Cabinet member.

When discussing Liuxiaojun, it wrote: "Princess Liuxiaojun is well-read and erudite, with extraordinary vision and outstanding achievements. Although a woman, she harbors ambitions for the world. Her entry into the Cabinet is not only an acknowledgment of women's talent, but also foretells that our Great Han women will play an important role in court affairs, offering suggestions for national development and displaying the heroic bearing of women."

"Great Han Women's Daily" furthermore used Liuxiaojun's entry into the Cabinet as an opportunity, giving extensive coverage to this event.

"Women's Participation in Governance, Court Renewed—Commandery Princess Liuxiaojun Honorably Enters the Cabinet" as the headline was especially eye-catching.

The report was filled with praise and expectations for Liuxiaojun.

The text exclaimed: "Today, Commandery Princess Liuxiaojun has taken a historic step; this is the pride of our Great Han women. Believing under her leadership, more women will engage in state affairs, heroines not yielding to heroes, jointly promoting the prosperity and flourishing of Great Han."

Once the news spread, the populace of Long Peace City engaged in heated discussion.

On the streets and marketplaces, people gathered together to discuss the changes of the Cabinet System.

An old man stroked his beard and sighed: "The appointees of this new Cabinet are all genuine talent and learning. Premier Suwu's integrity is beyond doubt; he will surely lead the Cabinet to achieve great undertakings. However, allowing women to enter the Cabinet is utterly unprecedented."

The person beside him interjected: "Don't underestimate Commandery Princess Liuxiaojun; I hear she is extremely learned, her achievements are abundant, and her vision is broad. Women participating in governance might bring a different perspective to the court, possibly governing the state better."

The women of the household were not to be outdone, heatedly discussing this matter within the inner chambers and courtyards.

"Commandery Princess Liuxiaojun is truly amazing; she can enter court to administer state affairs, giving our women hope for the future. Perhaps we too can contribute to the nation."

"This is truly unprecedented; from now on we ought to read more, perhaps one day we could display our talents just like the Princess."

For a time, the women of Long Peace City felt their enthusiasm for learning and literacy rise; they all hoped that one day, like Liuxiaojun, they could manifest their value in a broader expanse of heaven and earth.

Within the palace of Mojietuo Kingdom, the gilded candelabra illuminated the hall brightly.

Emperor Wu of Han Liuche was holding a scroll to study; upon close inspection, it turned out to be the "Great Han Son of Heaven Theoretical Thought Summary", indeed the compendium of words and deeds previously compiled by Dongzhongshu.

At this moment, a messenger drenched in sweat knelt on one knee and presented a sealed letter.

Liuche set down the bamboo slips, unfolded the sealed letter; in the flickering candlelight, his countenance grew increasingly solemn.

"Has Ju actually abolished the Chancellor System and instituted the Cabinet System?" Liuche frowned, murmuring to himself, his eyes full of surprise, whispering: "Although he has formed his own opinion, this is nevertheless too hasty."

However, when the messenger spoke of recent events at court, Liuche could not help but nod, praising Liuju's ability to endure silently and ultimately achieve success in one fell swoop, completely abolishing the Chancellor System through the affair of Tianqianqiu and Chenwenjin.

Thereupon Liuche rose, hands behind his back, pacing back and forth in the great hall; his footsteps echoed in the empty hall.

At that moment, Dongzhongshu, Liguang, and Huoqubing happened to come for an audience.

Liuche handed the sealed letter to them and asked: "What are your views on this matter?"

Dongzhongshu received the sealed letter with both hands, read it carefully, then cupped his hands and said: "Your Majesty, the Chancellor System was established since the founding by Emperor Gaozu, having been passed down through generations; it has long been deeply rooted, maintaining the stability of court and state. Abolishing it rashly may provoke turmoil in the court and shake the foundations of the state—"

But he could not help thinking that Liuju had never spoken without basis; upon further reflection on the Cabinet System, Dongzhongshu's eyes involuntarily brightened.

He lifted his gaze to meet Liuche's; in that instant, the other also looked at him with mutual understanding.

Li Guang frowned slightly, clasped his fists and said, "What Lord Dong says is quite right. Nowadays the Han border often sees warfare; the Chancellor can effectively coordinate resources from all sides and guarantee logistical supply. If the cabinet system is implemented, disagreements among members could lead to sluggish decision‑making, possibly delaying military opportunities and harming frontier warfare."

Huo Qubing said, "Your Majesty, I actually feel that this move of the Son of Heaven is quite far‑sighted. The cabinet system gathers talents from all quarters, each voicing their views, which can make decisions more thorough. On the battlefield, an extra perspective brings an extra chance of victory. Court reform might also bring new opportunities."

Liuche fell silent for a moment, paced slowly, his eyes deep, sunk into contemplation.

"What General Huo says also makes some sense."

Liuche stopped pacing, his expression softened, and said, "If the cabinet system can be properly implemented, widely drawing in virtuous talents and pooling collective wisdom, perhaps it could break the old pattern, inject new vigor into the court, and drive Han toward a new golden age."

"Your Majesty! Grave news! The vanguard forces of the western expedition against the Parthian Empire have been checked and suffered defeat!"

Suddenly, a guard rushed into the hall with a panicked expression, his steps staggering, dropped to one knee, his voice trembling.

As these words were spoken, the hall fell instantly silent; everyone froze, their faces filled with shock.

Liuche sprang to his feet, clenched his fists, his dragon robe swaying violently with the motion, and demanded in a stern voice, "What exactly happened? How could the front‑line commanders be so derelict in duty!"

His eyes widened, brimming with anger and disbelief.

Li Guang gripped the hilt of his sword at his waist tightly, his joints whitening from the force, and said in a low voice, "Your Majesty, this defeat not only reduces our troops, but may also embolden the Parthian Empire, leaving the frontier without peace."

Huo Qubing said urgently, "Your Majesty, the pressing task now is to reallocate forces and devise a new battle plan."

Liuche paced back and forth in the hall, his steps hurried and heavy.

After a moment, he stopped pacing, his expression solemn, and said, "General Huo makes sense; I had previously underestimated this Parthian Empire, and it seems we must plan for the long term."