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But Yang Shen was unwilling to give up. He came from a prestigious family, had been well-versed in poetry and literature since childhood, and was deeply influenced by Confucian ideals, with integrity and a sense of responsibility flowing in his veins. He could not bear to watch the Jiajing Emperor trample on rites and laws, turning the court into a place of absolute authority.
He looked around; those who once engaged in grand discussions and pointed out the issues of the state with him now lowered their heads, silent, as if it were none of their business. A wave of sadness washed over Yang Shen. He knew that to change all this, he could not rely on others but had to depend on himself.
With this thought, Yang Shen's gaze gradually became resolute. He took a deep breath and turned to walk in the opposite direction. He intended to unite those who, like him, still held onto justice and together resist this wave of corruption, even if it cost them their lives.
Yang Shen walked heavily out of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, each step feeling like he was treading on the edge of a blade. Fifty strokes of the cane left him in excruciating pain, but he gritted his teeth and endured it. He could not fall; he could not yield. He straightened his back, his gaze fierce as he scanned the surrounding faces—some avoiding his eyes, some indifferent, and others gleeful at his misfortune.
"Lord Yang, are you alright?" A timid voice sounded beside him.
Yang Shen turned to see a young Hanlin Academy editor looking at him with concern.
"Thank you for your concern; I'm fine," Yang Shen forced a smile and patted the young man's shoulder. "You are still young; there are some things you do not understand."
The young man opened his mouth to speak but hesitated before finally lowering his head and silently stepping aside.
A mix of emotions surged within Yang Shen. He knew that his experience today had frightened these young officials. They may have once harbored ideals and wished to serve the country, but under the authoritarian rule of the Jiajing Emperor, they ultimately chose self-preservation.
Alone, dragging his battered body, Yang Shen walked step by step out of the palace. His silhouette appeared particularly lonely and desolate in the glow of the setting sun.
Meanwhile, in the Qianqing Palace, the Jiajing Emperor was sitting on the dragon throne, listening to the report from the Eunuch.
"Your Majesty, Yang Shen has been punished with fifty strokes of the cane, demoted to commoner status, and exiled to Yunnan for military service," the Eunuch said respectfully, lowering his head.
The Jiajing Emperor showed no expression on his face, simply responding with a calm "hm."
"Your Majesty, although Yang Shen deserves his punishment, he is after all the son of Yang Tinghe and has considerable connections in court. His current situation has also garnered sympathy from many officials. Perhaps..." the Eunuch cautiously probed.
"I know what you are worried about," the Jiajing Emperor interrupted him. "Although Yang Shen is detestable, he is not enough to shake my rule. As for those discontented officials, as long as they wish to keep their official hats, they will not dare to act rashly."
At this point, a glint of cold light flashed in the Jiajing Emperor's eyes. "Issue my decree: no one is to discuss the Yang Shen case any further. Those who violate this will be severely punished!"
"Yes, Your Majesty," the Eunuch quickly knelt to receive the order.
The Jiajing Emperor waved his hand, signaling for the Eunuch to withdraw. He then walked to the window and gazed at the majestic palaces in the distance, his eyes flickering with complex emotions. Yang Shen's resistance reminded him of his younger self, full of ambition and desire to achieve something. However, as time passed, he had gradually lost that sharpness and become more like a cold-hearted emperor.
He understood well that power is a double-edged sword; it can grant you supreme status but also make you suspicious, cruel, and lonely.
"Yang Shen, oh Yang Shen, do you think I truly want to treat you this way?" the Jiajing Emperor murmured to himself. "It's just that I have no way out now."
In the days that followed, the Jiajing Emperor began implementing a series of reforms in state affairs. He relied heavily on supporters like Zhang Cong and Gui E, promoting a group of young and capable officials while suppressing opposing forces. Yang Shen's fate extinguished any remaining hopes among those officials who had harbored fantasies; they all chose to submit to the authority of the Jiajing Emperor.
With a firm hand, the Jiajing Emperor quickly solidified his rule. He transformed the entire court into his stage, where officials—whether wise or cunning—were merely actors at his disposal.
The Jiajing Emperor slowly turned around and sat back on the dragon throne, casually picking up a memorial. This memorial was presented by Minister of Revenue Xia Yan, and it contained information about this year's taxation situation in the Jiangnan region. He flipped through it absentmindedly, his gaze unfocused, clearly not engaged with the document.
"Your Majesty, what do you think..." The eunuch Huang Jin, who was serving beside him, softly inquired upon noticing the Jiajing Emperor's lack of interest.
"Mm?" The Jiajing Emperor came back to his senses and set the memorial aside. "How is the taxation in Jiangnan this year?"
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