20demayo Chapter 947 Don’t you know how to give me a way out?
Chapter 947 Don’t you know how to give me a way out?
The root cause is that times have changed, and the identity, situation and things that each of them carries are completely different from when they first started the uprising and started their business.
This is the inevitable entanglement of human nature and self-interest in the evolving power structure. With the establishment and consolidation of the dynasty, these founding fathers were no longer the "lone warriors" who could follow Gao Yao across the world without worrying about their lives. In the new power structure, they now possessed prominent positions, extensive families, and intricate networks of relationships. Every statement and every position they made was not merely a reflection of their personal will; it also affected the interests and safety of the entire group behind them.
Take the great General Han Xin, for example. Back when Gao Yao found him in the marketplace, he was a destitute young man, living in his sister-in-law's home, facing cold stares and ridicule. He had no money, no connections, and a wealth of military strategy but nowhere to display it. It was Gao Yao who gave him the platform and the trust he trusted, allowing him to unleash his talents to their full potential, becoming the legendary undefeated military master. But what about Han Xin today?
He was already a high-ranking general, his mansions teeming with mansions and servants. He had three sons, two daughters, and no fewer than six or seven wives and concubines. His eldest son was already nine years old, reaching the age where he needed to consult a renowned scholar and plan his future career. His brothers-in-law and in-laws were often officials in the court or prominent local families. Every word he spoke at court could be interpreted by the outside world as a political signal, affecting the vital interests of his vast network of connections.
The same was true for Xiao He, Cao Shen, and others. Xiao He was in charge of government affairs, with his students and former officials spread across government offices at all levels; Cao Shen was in charge of criminal law, with intricate connections to local powerful individuals and the judicial system. If the initial uprising against Qin was driven by passion and ideals to transform the world, now their plans and considerations were no longer solely for the sake of a single, abstract empire; they also inevitably weighed the interests of their families, factions, and former students and acquaintances.
Would suggesting postponing the imperial examination offend those poor students eager to advance through new channels and the forces behind them? Would supporting its immediate implementation lead to deeper conflicts between the old counties and the new ones, affecting the balance of power among his officials?
Although Gao Yao was acutely aware of this change, he showed no concern or anger. He viewed it as normal human nature, the inevitable dynamics of power. He even believed that if a minister acted completely "selfless," completely disregarding the interests of himself and those around him, and holding himself and his actions to a near-saintly standard, he would be hesitant to promote them. This violation of basic human nature often concealed greater ambitions or ulterior motives, and at critical moments, they might act in an unpredictable and destructive manner.
Therefore, Xiao He, Han Xin, and their colleagues weren't blind to the problem. Rather, after weighing the pros and cons, they concluded that directly throwing cold water on the king's ambitious first major decree was too risky and the benefits unclear. A mere verbal reprimand would be enough, but if it engendered deep distrust within the king, that would be truly disastrous. After all, while Gao Yao was now merely a king, his authority was essentially no different from that of an emperor. The lessons of past dynasties had taught them that the so-called unity between ruler and minister, the unity of purpose, was often merely a beautiful ideal once power was consolidated.
This is the cruel logic of imperial politics. When you're on friendly terms with the monarch and don't know how to restrain yourself, you're often the first to be punished after internal and external troubles are resolved. Similarly, even if the emperor is magnanimous and lets it go unpunished, even if he's currently magnanimous and lets it go unpunished, who can guarantee that once the world is completely pacified and peace enters the "post-entrepreneurship era," when praise is the only thing needed, the monarch won't remember your disobedience and exact a vengeance? History is filled with countless examples of this.
Such is human nature, especially in the face of absolute imperial power, which is virtually unchangeable. No emperor could truly and unconditionally tolerate repeated offenses and challenges to his authority from his subjects for an extended period of time, even if those offenses were motivated by loyalty. Majesty is the foundation of imperial power, and it cannot tolerate the slightest slack or erosion.
Thus, in the main hall of Weiyang Palace, there appeared such a highly symbolic picture: Wu She prostrated himself on the ground, revealing the bloody reality as a lone minister; while important ministers such as Xiao He and Han Xin stood aside, silent. Their silence was not due to ignorance, but carried too much complex weight of power, interests and human nature; and Gao Yao sat high on the throne, examining all this calmly. He had to judge the pros and cons of the decree itself, and more importantly, weigh the changes in power in the court and the people's support reflected behind this statement.
At this moment, the discussion was no longer simply about whether and when the imperial examination system should be implemented; it was also a silent contest of power, loyalty, humanity, and political wisdom. Gao Yao's ultimate decision would not only determine the fate of an institution but also set the initial tone for the relationship between the ruler and his subjects, as well as the political culture, of his nascent dynasty.
Just as Wu She prostrated himself to apologize, Gao Yao observed in silence, and the atmosphere within the hallway felt so heavy it threatened to drip with water, a figure stirred. Prime Minister Xiao He, who had remained silent until then, seemed to be suddenly awakened from deep contemplation. He keenly perceived a subtle glimmer of anticipation behind the seemingly calm gaze of the figure on the throne. He realized that breaking the current impasse would require an opportunity, a clever turn that would both maintain the emperor's absolute authority, protect his loyal ministers, and put state affairs on the right track.
"Your Majesty," Xiao He stepped forward, lifted his official robe, and knelt solemnly beside Wu She. His voice was calm and earnest. "Lord Wu She's words just now were indeed fierce, and perhaps even offensive to the majesty of Heaven. However, I am willing to guarantee with my life that his original intention was not selfish, but sincere, and he was committed to the eternal foundation of the Great Qin! His concern for national affairs is sincere, and heaven and earth can bear witness to it. I implore Your Majesty to consider his unwavering dedication to the public good and, although his actions were inappropriate, his actions are sympathetic. Please forgive his punishment and demonstrate your generosity and tolerance for criticism!"
Xiao He's kneeling and pleading were like dropping a crucial stone into a calm lake, instantly setting off a chain reaction. He was not only the head of all officials but also Gao Yao's most trusted aide. His attitude, to some extent, represented the collective will and direction of the court's important officials. Zhang Liang, known as the "Sage of Strategy," saw a glint in his eyes as he immediately grasped the profound meaning of Xiao He's gesture. Without hesitation, he followed suit, kneeling as well, his voice clear and persuasive: