“Can a strategist not ascend to the throne?”
Chapter 290: A New Era!
As Zhong Changtong pondered this, he wondered if the Grand Marshal was only interested in cultivating those loyal students from Leping Academy.
Perhaps not.
They could form a response to the talent selection from Hongwen Hall, but clearly, it wasn’t enough to shake the tradition of judging three generations.
Many were still trapped in their original classes, unaware that if they followed the signs of the times and worked hard, they could reap richer rewards, let alone leapfrogging their social class.
But with the emerging signs of change, it seemed they had a new chance to awaken.
The Leping Monthly Report made it easier to get “books,” and these books were presented with illustrations, reducing the complexity of reading.
Today, they only knew about the locusts that remained after layers of filtering, and they grasped the phrase “man can conquer nature.” Tomorrow, they might know more characters, more sentences, or even a complete article.
In such a way of mass reproduction, these newspapers could become easier to obtain and spread far and wide, leaving some people unable to even react before they had to accept the reality of countless others.
In the past, even with dedicated copiers, the Leping Monthly Report could only print a thousand copies in a day.
But now, in the Guanzhong region, there were around six to seven hundred thousand people, so most learned about the Leping Monthly Report from the literate who bought the paper.
With the Grand Marshal’s continued efforts to lead the trend, those people might choose to “generously” share the information from the newspaper with those around them. However, if one day the news printed benefited them little, would they still remain so generous?
Zhong Changtong thought not.
So, to truly confront the situation, all Qiao Yan could do was increase the circulation of the Leping Monthly Report, formally shaking up the book market and ensuring more people understood every word written therein.
This was a dangerously thrilling venture—one that could excite the masses!
Even if he didn’t know whether this change would truly enlighten the populace and make them stop blindly worshiping gods, or would instead lead those involved in the transition to either back down under pressure from noble interests or to be ground to dust, he wanted to ride this wave!
“I want to go to Chang’an to meet the Grand Marshal,” Zhong Changtong suddenly said to his friend.
Chang Lin, who was more than a decade younger than Zhong Changtong, had never dismissed his statements as youthful nonsense. Hearing him express a desire to meet the Grand Marshal did not seem like an offense to his superior.
At that moment, he clearly saw the rebellious persistence in Zhong Changtong’s eyes—one that defied fate.
Chang Lin simply asked, “And what will you do once you meet the Grand Marshal?”
Zhong Changtong responded earnestly, “I want to meet more like-minded individuals and hope to complete this rebellious work.”
Chang Lin stared at him for a long time before breaking into an honest smile. “Alright, I’ll write you a recommendation letter.”
Perhaps it was a good thing that Zhong Changtong was not part of Leping Academy.
Just like Ni Heng was not a member of the Grand Marshal’s household, and at times, that was a good thing too.
In Chang’an now, everyone knew that Ni Heng had publicly criticized Chunyu Jia for preparing against the spring drought, but after exhibiting a stance in support of Qiao Yan, he showed no intention of being loyal to her.
This guy was still as reckless as ever, even critiquing the guarding general with comments like, “Has a large appetite, not just fit for guarding the gate but could also man the kitchen.”
Initially, some thought his actions were indeed quite arrogant, to the point where many who revered the Grand Marshal contemplated giving him a beating.
But even if they did, it could easily be blamed on Chunyu Jia’s underhanded tactics.
However, recently the efficiency of the Jinwuwei had increased, and they might catch the assailants before they could even tighten the sack.
Now, as spring approached, due to the locust prevention campaign in the Leping Monthly Report, Ni Heng’s bad behavior suddenly appeared to be remarkably insightful.
Hearing that someone even left half a bag of wild vegetables at his door made Ni Heng’s hand tremble while holding the newspaper.
This simple act of expressing gratitude was a first for him and left him feeling quite uneasy.
“Even without me, the Grand Marshal wouldn’t let anyone sabotage her plans,” Ni Heng mumbled.
The folks in Chang’an did not need to think that it was because he, a madman, scared off the opposition that led them to put their tails between their legs, allowing Qiao Yan’s policies to unfold smoothly.
He didn’t hold such influence.
“You can’t say that,” Yang Xiu retorted. “For someone like Chunyu Jia who has a shot at the three dukes, you, Ni Zhengping, went all out to confront him and made him vomit blood. Who knows if the people beneath him can handle your mouth? It’s better to observe the situation first than to be deemed unworthy of one’s reputation and fail to uphold your loyalty to the ruler.”
So Ni Heng had a bit of contribution after all.
Ni Heng wanted to argue that Chunyu Jia fainting wasn’t due to his sharp tongue but rather the Grand Marshal calmly expressing a straightforward condemnation of Chunyu Jia’s stance.
Who could take that?
It was heard that due to the recent weather issues and the release of the Leping Monthly Report, Chunyu Jia had taken sick leave from the court today, which certainly wasn’t his doing.
Perhaps Chunyu Jia learned from the experience over two months ago and chose to lie low, but the Grand Marshal still had her troubles.
Ni Heng’s eyes traced the identical characters across his two copies of the monthly report, slightly raising his brow, and said to Yang Xiu, “Instead of flattering me, you might as well head to the Grand Marshal’s residence to stand up for your lord.”
Zhong Changtong could see the change represented by this newspaper and so could Ni Heng, being on the outside looking in.
This sign of transformation wasn’t as straightforward as the disaster of locusts, but certainly, clever people were picking up on it.
Now it all depended on how these people interpreted Qiao Yan’s actions.
Meanwhile, someone did visit the Grand Marshal’s residence after the court meeting.
“Wang Situ, your presence here is quite unexpected,” Qiao Yan remarked, gesturing for Wang Yun to take a seat.
It wasn’t surprising that Wang Yun sought her out first.
Qiao Yan could spot Wang Yun’s true feelings towards her.
In mid-year of the first year of Jian’an, when she appointed Zhang Yi as the Governor of Xuzhou and sent troops to Hailing, Wang Yun had reservations about her actions.
What particularly bothered him was that Zhang Yi’s subordinates had the audacity to seek out this Grand Marshal directly.
However, at that time, whether it was for the lifesaving grace Qiao Yan had provided him years ago or the need for stability, he never voiced his discontent publicly.
Now he was finally addressing her.
Though his first inquiry wasn’t about the newspaper publishing, he started by saying, “Is it a bit misguided for the Grand Marshal to ask the students of Leping Academy to study how many locusts a single nest of swallows can eat in a month and what soil moisture content is best for hatching locusts?”
“With great scholars like Zheng Gong, Xun Gong, Lu Gong, and Cai Gong present, the academy should be a place of high scholarly standards and noble pursuits—not be dominated by such trivial matters.”
The thought of Leping Academy students carefully calculating how many egg clusters of locusts lay within a square section of land was mind-boggling.
And the fact that some of their own Wang family youth from Qixian were involved made it even worse.
If learning had devolved into what was showcased in the newspaper, it would be better to let those esteemed scholars return to Chang’an and reopen the Imperial Academy. In that case, Guanzhong would surely attract more talents!
After all, Chang’an was no longer the chaotic place it used to be during Dong Zhuo’s tyranny but had been restored to order, becoming a tranquil area at the foot of the Son of Heaven.
The nearby Chiyang Medical Academy also catered to the health needs of those aging scholars.
If the transition from Leping Academy to Chang’an’s Imperial Academy could really be accomplished, it would undoubtedly weaken Qiao Yan’s power.
Yet, Wang Yun didn’t hold high hopes for that. He saw Qiao Yan scoff softly, giving him a meaningful glance. “Wang Situ, I doubt you’re here simply to discuss what the Leping Academy students are researching, right? If you have something to say, why not speak plainly?”
Wang Yun took a deep breath and asked straightforwardly, “May I ask, Grand Marshal, how was the Leping Monthly Report produced?”
Qiao Yan had long established the Leping Monthly Report, even before she pushed into Liangzhou.
When Gai Xun, the Prefect of Wudu, brought Jiang Jiao to Bingzhou seeking help, what he encountered was none other than the first issue of the Leping Monthly Report.
It’s been over four years now since it started.
In the first two years of operation, even after Wang Yun saw the Leping Monthly Report in Chang’an, he thought it was just a tool for the higher-ups to relay orders to the masses.
Moreover, due to the construction of the road to Chang’an, she had simultaneously launched solicitations for poetry and literary submissions alongside painting submissions, and with all the excuses tied to the Medical College’s establishment, Wang Yun didn’t see any issues, especially regarding the optimization of the report’s content.
But when all these seemingly normal elements came together, they transformed into a strangely unsettling presence.
Was this a sudden invention, or was Qiao Yan plotting from the start?
Wang Yun couldn’t draw a conclusion on his own, and he didn’t dare to delay any further; he decisively chose to ask Qiao Yan for clarification.
Qiao Yan studied his expression and replied, “Minister Wang should know how currency is created; this new issue of the report is pretty much the same.”
She had no need to hide this; otherwise, Wang Yun would come to inquire today, and someone else would come tomorrow.
But her response made Wang Yun’s expression shift.
Even though he had suspected this before visiting Qiao Yan, a tiny part of him still clung to unrealistic hope until he heard Qiao Yan confirm it.
Now, she had given a very clear answer—one Wang Yun didn’t want to hear—
Currency is produced in a similar way to the Leping Monthly Report!
Implying that currency could be endlessly replicated due to its existence, it was clear that the newspaper could do the same.
What a terrifying thought!
If the newspaper could, could other books not do the same?
Before bamboo paper, which Qiao Yan labeled as cheap paper, came into existence, maybe this method of replication would have been somewhat limited, but now it only boded a frightening future.
Bamboo paper, the art academy, the coin mint, and the Leping Monthly Report…
All these elements were inexplicably tied together in Qiao Yan’s hands, leaving no room for people to pause and think.
Wang Yun immediately asked calmly, “Does the Grand Marshal know what this action truly signifies?”
This was merely the first issue of the Leping Monthly Report; what comes next?
The impact on the noble class would be nearly devastating.
In the standoff between the Eastern and Western courts, introducing something like this would only make unifying the realm more difficult! The officials in Ye City would surely oppose this, compelling them to rally even closer around Yuan Shao.
Yet faced with Wang Yun’s unvarnished criticism, Qiao Yan’s gaze remained unshaken.
She simply replied, “I want Minister Wang to see a few things with his own eyes.”
Wang Yun followed her from the reception hall to the study, where he saw a transparent box.
Inside this box, crafted from several pieces of white crystal, was a slice model of soil.
The polished white crystal was clear enough to make out the scene inside the box, especially obvious was the angular tunnel left by a locust after laying eggs, cut along the length.
Even knowing the box had a lid and was sealed, Wang Yun felt a chill from Qiao Yan’s act of placing such a thing in her study.
Qiao Yan tapped the lid with her finger, not turning to look at Wang Yun, then said, “Minister Wang shouldn’t be so dimwitted as to ask why people don’t eat meat when the common folks are starving from locust plagues. You should know how many of these tunnels filled with locust eggs accumulate in fields during drought years!”
“True, they won’t spontaneously break through the ground, but during last year’s locust plague, even if only the plague in the He Commandery was recorded due to the Emperor’s proximity, it was surely a calamity for the world.”
Her grave tone pressed down like a weight.
Suddenly, Wang Yun heard her exhale.
“Minister Wang… I’ve lived through this as well, just like during the seventh year of Guanghe. Had I not shown signs of a suspected infection, I would have found myself in a position where people were literally consuming each other out of starvation.”
“If we can do anything to mitigate the impacts of droughts and locust plagues, what’s wrong with making some actions that might be criticized or openly opposed?”
She walked a couple of steps back and forth, pulling a neatly organized volume from the shelves, handing it to Wang Yun, “In fact, the idea of mass-producing the Monthly Report and other books wasn’t conceived just during this edition.”
Wang Yun opened the book to find it was a suggestion from two or three years ago.
The paper and ink didn’t seem freshly produced.
It was a formal report from Zhaoji suggesting that Qiao Yan expand the newspaper’s circulation in this manner.
The report also mentioned that if possible, the teaching texts from Leping Academy could be printed this way, which would reduce manpower expenditures for producing textbooks and create conditions for expansion.
Wang Yun didn’t have the energy to ponder whether Qiao Yan had deceived even Emperor Ling back then; his focus was on what Qiao Yan said next, “In Minister Wang’s view, in the current situation, what method could allow people to better understand how to deal with locust plagues and droughts?”
Wang Yun instinctively shook his head.
If he could offer such a solution, he would have stated it at the very first moment of questioning Qiao Yan, rather than waiting for her to ask him like this.
Qiao Yan continued to press, giving no respite: “If we can preserve our strength as much as possible from such natural disasters, might we not be able to conquer Ji Province, Qingzhou, and Youzhou without shedding blood in two or three years? Isn’t that worth the risk?”
Wang Yun fell silent.
From Chunyu Jia’s behavior earlier this year, it could be argued that Qiao Yan’s inactivity last year had drawn some criticism; on the surface, it seemed he lost consciousness from stunned disbelief, forced to retreat, but in reality, the pressure faced by Qiao Yan was likely significant.
The longer the standoff between the two courts lasted, the more necessary it became to break this balance!
This decision to preserve surviving strength during the locust plague was indeed compelling.
But…
He always felt there was still some unsettling element lurking beneath this.
How could Qiao Yan possibly be “forced” to act? It didn’t quite mesh with her typical demeanor.
Yet as Wang Yun was somewhat dazedly being led out of the Grand Marshal’s residence, he encountered Yang Xiu right at the entrance.
This young man from the Hongnong Yang clan should, by all accounts, have stood on the same side as him, considering his ancestors also held the position of San Gong for generations, and should have been more concerned about their family’s foundations being disrupted.
But he didn’t see any sign of doubt about Qiao Yan’s actions on Yang Xiu’s face; after greeting him, he entered the Grand Marshal’s residence calmly.
This left Wang Yun somewhat puzzled—was he perhaps overthinking this?
What he didn’t know was that when Yang Xiu stepped into the study, he asked Qiao Yan, “Did you manage to deceive Wang Yun?”
Qiao Yan casually stirred her water bowl and paper boat, replying nonchalantly, “There are certainly others as sharp as him, but right now the situation favors me; before I could even present a third item, Wang Yun left on his own.”
The people’s lives, the opportunity to unify the realm, and the interests of the noble families were all laid out at the same table for contention. With Wang Yun misconstruing Qiao Yan’s stance, he easily drew a flawed conclusion.
But who said that just because she was from the Qiao family in Yanzhou and had established the Leping Qiao family with Liu Yu’s support meant she had to be aligned with the nobility?
This reform, forged over ten years, was audaciously initiated, leaving no opportunity for history’s wheel to roll back!
However…
Qiao Yan looked up at Yang Xiu and asked, “Aren’t you afraid?”
Didn’t he share the same worries as Wang Yun?
Qiao Yan’s ranks didn’t consist solely of Yang Xiu; after all, in the current context, most who could access knowledge and become talents were either noble or of humble origins.
Real bottom-feeders remained trapped in their life’s struggles, daring not to dream of leaping from carp to dragon.
In response to Qiao Yan’s question, Yang Xiu smiled, “You underestimate the confidence of the Hongnong Yang family.”
Absolutely too little faith in his own assurance.
There would always be those who weren’t worried about losing their means of living due to the existence of printing technology; they’d be thankful for it, as it allowed their ink to reach thousands of homes.
With decades and even hundreds of years of foundation, if they still couldn’t use the tailwind to soar, and instead allowed such hidden fears to hinder their progress, then—
They wouldn’t have any reason to exist.
