Chapter 1043: Full of confidence

Upon hearing this, the ministers whispered to each other and discussed. After a while, an elderly minister stood up, it was the Grand Tutor of the current dynasty, Li Ru. He stroked his gray beard and said slowly: "Your Majesty’s move is indeed a wise move. The Imperial Academy is the foundation of the country and a place to cultivate talents. In the past, Emperor Wu of Han established the Imperial Academy and achieved a prosperous age. Now that Your Majesty has this grand ambition, you will surely be able to create a more brilliant future."

Gu Yi nodded slightly, his gaze revealing approval. "Grand Tutor’s words are absolutely right. I want to follow the example of the sages and establish an Imperial Academy, not only to teach practical knowledge such as classics, military strategy, and farming, but also to pay attention to innovation, encourage students to bravely explore the unknown, and inject new vitality into the country."

At this time, Prime Minister Xun Yu also stood up, holding a tablet, his expression solemn. "Your Majesty, establishing an Imperial Academy requires a lot of financial and material resources, and it is necessary to select excellent teachers and compile textbooks, which is not a one-day achievement. The subordinate suggests that we can first establish a preparatory committee, which will be jointly responsible by the subordinate, the Grand Tutor, and the Minister of Rites, and submit a specific plan to Your Majesty for review as soon as possible."

Gu Yi nodded to indicate agreement. He looked at Xun Yu, his eyes filled with trust. "I am naturally at ease with Minister Xun’s handling of affairs. This matter will be fully entrusted to you, must be implemented as soon as possible, and cultivate more pillars of talent for the country."

After the morning meeting, Gu Yi returned to the harem, but his heart was still thinking about state affairs. He knew well that establishing an Imperial Academy was just the first step, and if he wanted to make the country truly powerful, he needed more reforms and innovations. He remembered the conversation with Jia Xu before and decided to summon him again to discuss deeper reform matters.

Night fell, and Jia Xu was summoned to the palace. He was wearing casual clothes, his expression was calm, as if he had long expected that Gu Yi would look for him. The two sat opposite each other, and Gu Yi spoke first: "Minister Jia, I want to carry out deeper reforms, I don’t know what good strategies you have?"

Jia Xu smiled slightly, his eyes flashing with the light of wisdom. "Your Majesty, reform needs to be steady and steady, and cannot be rushed. The subordinate thinks that the most important thing at present is to strengthen central power and weaken local forces. At the same time, implement the rule of law, severely punish corruption, and rectify the government."

Jia Xu smiled slightly, his eyes flashing with wise light, he took a sip of the hot tea on the table, and said slowly: "Your Majesty, reform needs to be steady and steady, and cannot be eager for quick success. The subordinate thinks that in addition to establishing an Imperial Academy to cultivate talents, it is also necessary to start from three aspects: military, economic, and legal, in order to comprehensively promote the development of the country."

Upon hearing this, Gu Yi leaned forward, obviously quite interested in Jia Xu’s insights. "Oh? I would like to hear the details."

Jia Xu put down the teacup and continued: "In terms of military, although our dynasty is strong, the tactics are outdated, and the training system needs to be improved. The subordinate suggests that we can send missions to countries on the border to learn their advanced tactics and training methods, and combine them with the actual situation of our country to innovate the military system and improve the overall combat effectiveness of the army. At the same time, strengthen border defense construction to ensure territorial security and create a stable external environment for domestic reform."

Gu Yi nodded, his gaze revealing deep thought. "This plan is excellent, it can both strengthen military power and promote cultural exchange, killing two birds with one stone. What about the economic aspect?"

Jia Xu pondered for a moment, then continued: "Economically, we should encourage farming, build water conservancy, increase grain production, and ensure that the people take food as the sky. At the same time, develop industry and commerce, reduce commercial taxes, encourage folk trade, promote commodity circulation, and increase national wealth. In addition, we can establish a Royal Chamber of Commerce to coordinate domestic and foreign trade, protect the rights and interests of merchants, and guide the healthy development of the market."

"As for the legal system," Jia Xu changed the subject, "it is necessary to revise the laws to make them more fair and strict, both to severely punish the evil and to protect the rights and interests of the people. At the same time, strengthen the assessment of officials, severely punish corruption, and ensure that the government is clear and the people’s hearts are directed."

After listening, Gu Yi slapped the table and cheered. "Minister Jia’s strategy is truly golden advice! I have decided to establish a reform group starting today, with you as the leader, fully responsible for the reform matters in these three aspects. You need to select a group of loyal and capable officials to promote reform together."

Jia Xu received the order, his expression more determined. "The subordinate will definitely not live up to Your Majesty’s trust, and swears to carry out the reform to the end and help Your Majesty achieve a great cause for thousands of years."

With the advancement of reform, the court and the public were boiling. In terms of military, the missions sent by Gu Yi brought back advanced tactics from border countries, the army began comprehensive training reform, the soldiers were high-spirited, and combat effectiveness was significantly improved. The border defense line was also reinforced, and the former border troubles were effectively controlled.

Gu Yi fell into deep thought upon hearing this. He knew well that strengthening central power and implementing the rule of law were sensitive topics, and any carelessness could lead to turmoil. However, he also understood that this was the only way for the country to have long-term peace and stability.

"Minister Jia’s words, I have a feeling in my heart." Gu Yi said in a deep voice, "But this matter needs to be discussed in the long run and cannot be acted upon rashly. I want to first establish a reform group, with you as the leader, responsible for research and formulating specific plans. After the plan is mature, then submit it to me for review."

Jia Xu nodded to indicate agreement. He knew well Gu Yi’s caution and wisdom, and also understood that reform needed time and patience. "Your Majesty, don’t worry, the subordinate will definitely not live up to the trust and will come up with a feasible plan as soon as possible."

In the following days, Jia Xu led the reform group to run around, investigate the situation in various places, and collect opinions and suggestions. They had in-depth exchanges with local officials, gentry, and people to understand their needs and expectations, providing a valuable basis for formulating reform plans.

A few months later, the reform plan finally came out. After careful review, Gu Yi decided to hold an enlarged meeting and invited local officials and gentry representatives to discuss together. At the meeting, Jia Xu elaborated on the content and purpose of the reform plan, which aroused heated discussions among the participants.

After a fierce debate and negotiation, the reform plan was finally passed. Gu Yi delivered a passionate speech at the meeting, emphasizing the importance and urgency of reform, and calling on all officials and people to work together to strive for the prosperity and strength of the country.

However, reform was not smooth sailing. As the reform deepened, the interests of some conservative forces were touched, and they began to obstruct in secret, and even planned rebellions.

One day, an urgent report came from the border that a rebel army had raided a border town overnight, and the situation was critical. Gu Yi immediately summoned the ministers to discuss countermeasures and decided to lead the army himself to quell the rebellion.

Before leaving, Gu Yi handed over the government affairs to Jia Xu and solemnly urged: "Minister Jia, I don’t know when I will return, I hope you will worry more about the affairs in the court. Although the rebel army is fierce, I have confidence to defeat them in one fell swoop. You just need to stabilize the court situation and wait for my triumphant return."