Chapter 9: Public opinion is reputation

Extra! Extra! The Chang'an Evening News has released its first issue! The truth behind the Qi Prince's rebellion is exposed!

Sell papers! Sell papers! The Chang'an Evening News has released its first issue, exposing the Qi Prince's rebellion plot!

The newsboys' clear, loud cries instantly shattered the dull tranquility, echoing throughout every corner of Chang'an.

Pedestrians on the street were drawn to this fresh cry, their steps involuntarily stopping.

Soon, the newsboys were surrounded by a tightly packed crowd.

Thus, the entire Chang'an instantly boiled over, as crowds gathered and rushed to buy this fresh-off-the-press newspaper.

They gathered in twos and threes on street corners, or passed the newspaper around in teahouses and taverns.

The Chang'an Evening News first proclaimed that Crown Prince Liu Ju upholds objectivity and fairness, seeks truth from facts, aiming to maintain the court's clarity and stability, with the principle of delivering true and reliable information to the people of the Great Han, thereby establishing Han Media.

To settle the world and pacify the people.

Moreover, with sharp words and solid evidence, it exposed the secret collusion between Qi Prince Liu Hong and Liu Qu, who, after the emperor's demise, actually plotted to conceal the mourning and meticulously schemed a shocking conspiracy to usurp the throne.

Their ambitions were blatant, and their actions seriously threatened the stability of the Great Han's realm and the peace of all under heaven.

At the same time, Han Media will steadfastly uphold its position, once again solemnly declaring its mission and responsibility to the world.

In this ever-changing situation, Han Media will surely uphold the spirit of fairness, objectivity, and fearlessness, delving into the truth behind every event, not swayed by power, not blinded by conspiracy.

Whether it be open and covert struggles in the court or the myriad aspects of livelihood in the market streets, all will be presented in its reporting.

It will also continue with sharp pen and detailed reporting, letting hidden facts be made public, letting the light of truth, like a sword, pierce through the layers of conspiracy's gloom and illuminate every inch of the Great Han's land.

Becoming a bastion of public opinion trusted by the people and feared by the court, contributing strength to the stability and development of the Great Han.

The Chang'an Evening News, voicing across the ages, overturned everyone's perception of this era.

Upon seeing this report, the people immediately began to discuss it heatedly.

"How dare the Qi Prince act so recklessly, plotting rebellion—this is sheer treason!"

An old man shook his head and sighed, his face full of anguish and anger.

"Jiang Chong, a follower of the Qi Prince, is actually a wanted criminal of Zhao State, fleeing to Chang'an and changing his name to deceive the sovereign! The King of Zhao is also wronged!"

"Liu Qu and the Qi Prince conspired to forge an edict and conceal the mourning, attempting to harm the Great Han's Crown Prince—everyone deserves to punish them!"

"Who would have thought that Han Media, which speaks for the people, was actually founded single-handedly by His Highness the Crown Prince!"

"This Han Media truly speaks for us commoners and backs us up—it's splendid!"

"Treacherous ministers and villainous sons, dare not frame the Crown Prince!"

"Protect our Crown Prince!"

Some young people, filled with righteous indignation, shouted angrily in the street:

"We must severely punish the Qi Prince, this treacherous minister, and restore peace to our Great Han!"

At this moment, people had already spontaneously gathered before Weiyang Palace to denounce the Qi Prince's faction and speak up for the Crown Prince.

The crowd surged like a wave, yet remained orderly, every face filled with anger and resolve.

The people shouted slogans like "Severely punish the Qi Prince's rebels!" and "The Crown Prince is wise, protect our Great Han!"—their voices rose and fell, venting their resentment toward traitors over the past few days.

Chang'an, inside a secluded villa.

Emperor Wu of Han Liuche, looking at the newspaper's detailed exposure of the Qi Prince's rebellion, instantly turned ashen-faced, his eyes blazing with fury.

He slammed his teacup to the ground and roared, "Unfilial son! I have not treated him poorly, yet he dares to defy and betray his superior!"

Years of imperial dignity caused him to emanate a chilling aura, as he paced back and forth in his study.

His heart was filled with the pain of betrayal by close kin and worry over the state of the nation.

Dong Zhongshu also exclaimed indignantly, "The Qi Prince and Liu Qu, inferiors superiors—this is outright treason!"

"Such conduct not only violates the rites of ruler and subject and human ethics, but is a serious desecration of the Great Han's realm."

Dongfang Shuo's eyes glittered as he shouted, "His Highness the Crown Prince truly harbors the world in his heart, his talent overflowing! Founding this Han Media is indeed a far-sighted endeavor!"

"In the past, information dissemination was difficult; the people were like blind travelers, unaware of court affairs and the state of the world."

"But now, Han Media is like a breeze that dispels mist, blowing truth and knowledge into every street and alley, into ordinary households."

And Liuche, who had just been furious, calmed after a moment and spoke in a low voice:

"I never expected that Han Media was actually founded by the Crown Prince—what does he intend?"

"Could it be that all these years he has been outwardly obedient but secretly scheming before me, building his own power, attempting to manipulate public opinion to achieve some ulterior goal?"

His brows knit tightly, his eyes revealing a hint of suspicion and vigilance.

Dong Zhongshu said, "Your Majesty, I believe the Crown Prince is certainly not the person you imagine."

"From childhood he has read the sages' books, upholding loyalty to the ruler and love for the country, benevolence and broad-mindedness; he would never commit defiance against his superior."

"Perhaps Han Media is merely the Crown Prince's effort to smooth communication between court and populace."

"So that Your Majesty's benevolent governance may spread throughout the world, thereby better understanding the people's conditions and sentiments, to aid Your Majesty in governing the state—this is a well-intentioned effort."

Dongfang Shuo also nodded in agreement.

Liuche coldly stared at the two until they fell silent, their faces fearful, then he said:

"Let my benevolence spread throughout the world? Hmph, this Han Media was not undertaken by my order; its intentions must be different."

"Moreover, the Embroidered Uniform Envoy reports that Huo Qubing has also come to Chang'an at this time to support the Crown Prince?"

"Have I not already stripped him of his military power and sent him home to retire?"

Liuche was furious beyond restraint, his heart full of unease that the situation was beyond his control.

After a long while, he angrily said, "Although he is the Crown Prince, my court, my realm—he cannot secretly lay plans;"

"Although they are meritorious servants of the Great Han, they cannot interfere in state affairs."

Dongfang Shuo and Dong Zhongshu had nothing to say, tacitly playing the ostrich and staying silent.

"I have already issued two secret edicts; why hasn't Li Guang led his troops to come guard the emperor?"

Liuche angrily rose to his feet, pacing within the hall, the hem of his dragon robe swaying slightly with his movements.

Sweet Spring Palace, front hall.

Upon learning that the Perpetual Peace Evening Post had been published and exposed his treason, the King of Qi, Liu Hong, was terrified beyond measure.

His face turned as pale as paper, he slumped in the chair, his hands trembling incessantly.

"How could this happen? How could all of this be discovered!"

Upon hearing this news, Liu Quchen's heart also sank sharply.

"Your Highness, King of Qi, do not panic."

Liu Quchen cleared his throat, deliberately lowered his voice, making his words sound steady and powerful, and said:

"Your Highness, this is merely a minor setback; now we have the Expect Gate Army in our hands, and in the court Tian Sheng commands the Northern Army, coordinating actions."

"What the Great Han Media of Ren Taizi Ju does is also merely a deathbed struggle."

Upon hearing these words, Liu Hong felt as if he had grasped a lifeline, he hastily lifted his head, his eyes full of hope, and said:

"Exactly, my cousin elder brother is right; we still have an army. At worst, we'll march straight into Perpetual Peace, take Crown Prince Ju's head, and appease the world." "Once I ascend the throne, I'll confer upon him the hateful title of Crown Prince; let's see who dares to oppose."

Liu Quchen nodded slightly, hands behind his back, pacing slowly in the hall, appearing confident as he said:

"Your Highness, we only need to do this..."