Chapter 10: Mount RenoChapter 1651: The Empress Arrives

Zhaoxuanji's proposal to restore the cabinet is a concrete matter of state affairs.

Given their previous encounter, Su Jinping was indeed unable to bring this matter up again.

Otherwise, it will confirm the charge of meddling in politics.

And that imperial edict, once used, could not be used a second time unless one was prepared to completely sever ties.

But Su Jinpa knew in his heart that this face, he couldn't tear it apart.

And Su ZhenTing seemed to know about all these things. He didn't let Su JinPa face Zhao XuanJi alone again and stepped forward.

“The reform of the three provincial system was a labor of love for Your Highness. It has been implemented for over half a year now, and the facts prove that after the division into three provinces, government affairs run smoothly and efficiently, far better than during the cabinet system before. At this time, we absolutely cannot easily restore the cabinet system, otherwise it would be a regression of the Qin political system!”

Zhao Xuanji seemed to have anticipated Su Zhendong's words as if they were expected. He said calmly, "In times of crisis, extraordinary measures must be taken. I do not deny that the Three Provinces system has its merits, but now there is no one who can make a final decision. Officials within the court are distrustful of each other, and departments are constantly pulling each other down. With the Liao army invading soon, where is the time to let officials and departments fight for power and profit"

"Therefore, the cabinet system, where decisions can be made swiftly and decisively, is the most suitable for the current situation!"

These words resonated with many people.

Even some neutral officials nodded unconsciously.

Setting aside political stances and personal ambitions, during a period of chaos, the cabinet system is indeed more efficient than the three-province system.

Because the San-Provincial system disperses power among three ministries, which are interconnected and mutually restrained, it is an excellent tool for upholding imperial authority during times of peace and prosperity. However, when times are turbulent, a department with the authority to make final decisions is needed to implement the court's will and policies.

To put it simply, when Li Chen created the Three Provincial System, he probably never imagined that one day Beijing would face such a situation where there was no clear ruler. As long as either the emperor or himself remained, the possibility of the cabinet system resurfacing would be completely eliminated.

But man proposes, God disposes. This unforeseen omission still occurred.

Su Zhen'ting let out a cold snort and said resolutely: "Political reform is not something that can be decided in a few words. It is a major matter, and it is not something that a subject can decide on his own. Lord Zhao is so eager, his intentions are questionable. Not to mention that I will not agree, even all the soldiers of the Qin Empire would not agree!"

This statement carries a threatening undertone.

Zhao Xuanji sneered: "General Su, are you threatening this official with military power"

Su Zhen Ting arrogantly said: "All the soldiers of the Great Qin Empire are eternally loyal to the imperial court, loyal to the Li royal family, and loyal to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, but there's no place for you, Zhao official, in here."

Zhao Xuanji said coldly, "Military officers should not meddle in matters concerning civil officials."

"Must I get involved in this, then" Su Zhen Ting retorted, unyielding.

Zhaoxuanji's expression was grim, but inwardly, he didn't care.

I had anticipated he would threaten with military power to deal with me.

Zhao Xuanji said calmly, “General Su is merely the Grand General of the Marshal’s Mansion. Although he oversees the military affairs of the entire nation, he has no authority to move troops without an imperial decree. Since General Su is so loyal, he would certainly not make a move to mobilize troops without authorization, would he”

Zhao Xuanji's words caused Su Zhen'ting to fall into a state of utter despair.

As both sides were on the verge of a brawl, with tempers flaring and about to break out into open conflict, another booming call rang out from outside the palace walls.

The Empress has arrived!!!

Many officials' hearts skipped a beat, today's meeting was lively., his eyes flustered and revealing his true nature. After much deliberation, he stammered, "But if we add the cost of repairing and building houses, with grain prices already soaring, then... it would...