Chapter 34: Discussing the National Situation
Before Xu Ning could finish his question, Xia Yun raised his hand to interrupt him. "Since we've met by chance on the road, let's not stand on ceremony with formalities. Let's just treat each other as ordinary travelers today. No need for titles."
"I wouldn't dare presume!" Xu Ning quickly cupped his hands in a respectful greeting, his mind racing.
The surname Xia, combined with the grand, armed escort and luxurious carriage—only the Da Xuan royal family could command such resources and display.
However, Xu Ning didn't know which specific prince or member of the royal family the young man was. There were several.
The young man smiled warmly and waved his hand dismissively. "Alright, outside the palace walls, we're all just ordinary people. Please, sit down first and be comfortable."
Xu Ning had no choice but to comply and sit gracefully on the offered cushion.
At this moment, the stunningly beautiful woman from before also entered the carriage and sat down next to Xia Yun, her posture elegant and refined.
Xu Ning gave her a careful, discreet look. He now understood she was a princess, and clearly someone far from ordinary, because she had recognized him instantly on the road.
Logically speaking, a local scholar like Xu Ning, even one who had passed the county examination, shouldn't attract the attention of someone of her status. Yet she had known his name and face immediately.
The fact that she could remember a local scholar from a distant township showed she was definitely not a simple, sheltered princess. She paid attention to details.
Perhaps there was another reason Xu Ning didn't yet know, but he filed the observation away for later.
"Brother Xu Ning, are you confident about this upcoming imperial examination?" Xia Yun spoke first, breaking the silence.
Xu Ning shook his head modestly. "There are countless talented scholars in the world, young master. Who among them dares to say they are truly confident about this examination? In my humble opinion, there's no need to force the outcome. I will simply do my best and leave no regrets. The rest is up to fate."
Xia Yun nodded appreciatively. "Brother Xu Ning is quite carefree and philosophical. With that kind of calm attitude, I believe you should have no problem passing the provincial examination and advancing further."
Xu Ning smiled politely. "Young master, you flatter me too much. I am merely a simple scholar."
Xia Yun didn't dwell on the topic, because at this stage it was ultimately meaningless. If Xu Ning didn't pass the imperial examination and achieve high office, the two of them might never see each other again after this chance encounter.
This was the difference in status, a very cruel and practical reality of their world.
Then, Xia Yun changed the subject, his tone becoming more serious. "Brother Xu Ning, do you have any opinions on the current state of Da Xuan? As a scholar, you must have thoughts on the nation's affairs."
Xu Ning quickly replied, his voice cautious. "I am just a commoner, young master. How can I presume to discuss matters of state? Please don't make things difficult for me. Such topics are beyond my station."
Xu Ning's real thought was, What opinions could I possibly have? A feudal society, a mortal dynasty, is just a passing cloud to me. In a few hundred years, it will all be a distant memory, dust in the wind.
As time goes on, and the world changes, who knows how many dynasties like this will rise and fall in the future? It's not my concern.
Xu Ning couldn't possibly loudly proclaim any radical reforms to restore the kingdom to some imagined former glory. He lacked the ability, the energy, and most importantly, the desire. It wasn't his goal.
After hearing Xu Ning's cautious refusal, Xia Yun waved his hand dismissively. "Brother Xu Ning, this journey has been long and tedious. Let's treat it as entertainment, casual conversation between travelers. No need to be so reserved. Speak freely."
Xu Ning nodded helplessly, realizing he couldn't easily refuse again without seeming rude. He chose his words carefully. "Well, if we are speaking casually... then one might say Da Xuan's current situation shows some signs of decline."
Upon hearing this bold statement, Xia Yun's gaze froze, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes.
The woman next to him, Xia Li, couldn't sit still any longer. Her face flushed with indignation. "What do you mean by that? I originally thought that since you could pass the provincial examination with top honors, you must have some real talent and insight. Who knew you would say such outrageous, disrespectful things!"
Seeing her anxiety, Xia Yun quickly raised his hand to stop her from saying more. He then looked back at Xu Ning, his expression calm but intense. "I said speak freely, and I meant it. Consider it a joke among friends if you will. But I am curious. Brother Xu Ning, please continue."
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Xu Ning had originally just wanted to test Xia Yun's composure and true character, which is why he had said such a deliberately surprising thing. Now, seeing the other party's calm restraint in the face of criticism of his own dynasty, Xu Ning thought more highly of him. This one has potential.
Xu Ning continued, his voice steady. "Da Xuan has faced relentless external threats for over twenty years now. To the south lies the powerful Cangming Empire, constantly probing and pressuring the borders. To the north, nomadic tribes conduct constant raids, depleting military resources and national strength bit by bit."
"Logically, in such a situation, Da Xuan should stabilize its internal problems first. It should accumulate strength, reform governance, and strengthen its core. That would make it easier to eventually resolve the external threats."
"However, that hasn't happened. Internal problems are worsening by the day. Corruption among officials is rampant at all levels. Da Xuan's national strength is being rapidly depleted from within, like water leaking from a cracked pot."
"Once the common people become destitute and unable to survive, they will have no choice but to rise up in rebellion. When that happens, internal revolts and external invasions will erupt simultaneously. At that point, Da Xuan will be truly doomed."
Xia Yun pondered this grim assessment for a long moment. Then he couldn't help but ask, his voice tinged with hope, "What if the external threats could be resolved first? Through diplomacy or force?"
Xu Ning shook his head firmly. "Judging from the current situation, they cannot be resolved through appeasement. The Cangming Empire is powerful and already intends to provoke war regardless. Even if Da Xuan cedes territory and pays tribute to appease them temporarily, they won't give up their ultimate goal of conquest."
"The logic is actually quite simple and cruel. If you were the emperor of the Cangming Empire, and you saw a neighboring country weak and divided, would you let them go unpunished? Would you not take advantage?"
It was the same old story, Xu Ning thought. The strong always pick on the weakest link. And the more they squeeze, the more juice they extract, until there's nothing left.
Xia Yun's gaze turned serious upon hearing this. He couldn't help but glance at the woman beside him, his sister Xia Li.
Currently, the Da Xuan court was actively discussing using Princess Xia Li, who sat beside him, for a political marriage alliance. They were also considering ceding several northern prefectures to appease the Cangming Empire and buy time.
But hearing Xu Ning's words now, it seemed that this desperate approach wouldn't be very effective in the long run. It would only delay the inevitable.
Xia Li, who had already resigned herself to her fate as a sacrificial pawn, suddenly brightened up. Her eyes gleamed with a new light, as if she had suddenly seen a glimmer of hope for the first time.
Xia Yun immediately leaned forward, his voice intense. "Brother Xu Ning, do you have a solution? A way out of this trap?"
Xu Ning nodded calmly. "Yes, there is a path. Reduce agricultural taxes significantly. Vigorously support and subsidize agriculture to increase production and let the people prosper. Accumulate real strength at the foundation."
Xia Yun was puzzled again. "But then where will the military funds and supplies come from? If we reduce taxes, the treasury will be empty. Without military funding, how can we resist external threats? It's a paradox."
Xu Ning smiled, a knowing glint in his eye. "Young Master, if you only focus on one source of benefit while ignoring a much larger one, your vision is too limited. There are other wells to draw water from."
"Let me put it this way. If agricultural taxes are reduced, the people will have surplus. But what if someone—corrupt officials, powerful landlords—manipulates things to hoard wealth and exploit the people? What then?"
Xia Yun was startled by the implication. He blurted out instinctively, "Confiscate their ill-gotten property? Punish them according to law?"
Xu Ning asked another question. "To resolve internal troubles and unrest, how about a campaign to suppress bandits and pacify the countryside, making it safe for all?"
Xia Yun's eyes gradually brightened as he followed the logic. "Seize the bandits' stolen wealth... and also gather evidence of any local officials colluding with those same bandits for profit. Punish them both!"
Xu Ning asked again, painting the picture. "What if the people live in peace and prosperity as a result, and merchants' businesses thrive across the land?"
Xia Yun replied, the pieces clicking into place. "Increase merchants' taxes slightly. They can afford it, and it won't harm the economy."
Xu Ning asked a final question. "What if the people become wealthy enough to afford imported luxury goods and resources from other lands?"
Xia Yun's eyes shone with understanding. "Increase import and export duties on non-essential goods. Let foreign traders pay for the privilege of selling to our prosperous people!"
Hearing this, Xia Yun's eyes lit up with excitement!
If they did as Xu Ning strategically suggested, Da Xuan's national strength would be consolidated and increased in just a few years. The people would be loyal because they were prosperous. The treasury would be full from multiple sources. And the external threats would eventually resolve themselves.
After all, external threats originate from perceived weakness. When you are demonstrably strong, others dare not provoke you, and naturally, there will be no war. Strength is the ultimate deterrent.
Princess Xia Li, standing beside him, also understood the profound implications. She was somewhat excited, seeing a potential future for herself and her country that didn't involve being a sacrificial bride.
"If I were to come to power in the future," Xia Yun couldn't help but say, his voice filled with newfound ambition, "I would certainly utilize your grand strategy for governing the country. You have a remarkable mind, Brother Xu Ning."
Xu Ning smiled politely and remained silent, not endorsing or denying the hypothetical.
Of course, he couldn't and dared not offer his opinion on such sensitive matters of succession. That would be crossing a line.
Later, as the journey continued, Xia Yun seemed to have fully accepted Xu Ning's position as a trusted advisor. He began continuously explaining the complex internal situation of the Da Xuan royal family to him, while also repeatedly asking Xu Ning what he should do in various scenarios.
It was through Xia Yun's detailed explanation that Xu Ning gained a general understanding of the current dire situation of the Da Xuan royal family.
The old Emperor was currently bedridden and near death. The eight princes had all urgently traveled to the capital to visit him and be present at the end.
While ostensibly visiting their dying father, they all had ulterior motives. Each was maneuvering for position, building alliances, preparing for the inevitable succession crisis.
Apart from the Crown Prince, who was the official heir, and the First Prince, who had his own powerful faction, the other six princes were all granted the title of king and sent to govern distant provinces. They were now rushing back.
Xia Yun, standing before him, was the Fifth Prince, governing the southern Nanling region.
Faced with Xia Yun's persistent, pointed questioning about strategy and alliances, Xu Ning could only keep smiling politely and making vague, non-committal excuses, unwilling to be drawn into a succession struggle that was none of his business.