Please call me Your Majesty!

Chapter 128 If you don't agree, just fight! Chu Shizhao plays with reality!

Chu Shizhao pulled himself out of the simulation.

At present, the basic foundation of the Great Zhou Dynasty is still a bureaucratic system dominated by aristocratic families. Although Chu Shizhao is reluctant to admit it, facing these people at the moment, he is like a mayfly trying to shake a tree.

Because these people have basically established a complex network of relationships in which you are in me and I am in you. There are many marriages between the two big clans. In addition to marriages between big clans, they also have a certain number of "disciples".

In the simulation, Chu Shizhao was almost strangled by these people when he was exercising his political views.

The only way to ultimately get rid of them is to kill all those who raise questions, question issues, and do not want to complete Chu Shizhao's targets.

Only after killing these people did Chu Shizhao's reforms become truly successful.

And all the reasons why Chu Shizhao could be so arrogant were based on the fact that he had obtained military power.

Obviously, Chu Shizhao does not have the basis for gaining support from these big families now. They have better choices. Moreover, the best choice in the minds of those big families will also actively support and safeguard their interests.

So why choose someone who may undermine the collective interests to take the throne?

This is the fundamental problem.

The ideal situation that the big families want is that their sons' sons can still enjoy high positions and generous salaries in the Great Zhou Dynasty.

Regardless of the quality of their abilities, or whether their character is upright or not, as long as their descendants can be wealthy and prosperous, their status will not be affected.

If Chu Shizhao didn't have the [Emperor Growth Plan], he would obviously be caught in a dilemma.

Because cultural knowledge has been monopolized by these big families, Chu Shizhao has very little room to choose talents. Even if there is someone he likes, it is difficult for Chu Shizhao to find the available person due to his position.

However, the [Emperor Growth Plan] just helped Chu Shizhao to select a group of talents, a group of talents who could definitely confront the aristocratic families.

But it’s still that simple and crude question.

There is not much time left for Chu Shizhao.

Now relying only on Yang Fang and Huan Sheng, Chu Shizhao's influence in the central court is still minimal.

The voice of the two of them is still too low. Even Huan Sheng, who is now somewhat popular, has the support of Emperor Yongjin, and there is also the important off-field factor of Huan Jie.

Otherwise, Huan Sheng would not have had any qualifications to contend with these powerful clans that were deeply rooted in the local area.

After all, no matter how powerful Huan Jie was in Liang Province, it was impossible for him to reach Chang'an in the blink of an eye.

What Chu Shizhao needs to do now is to build his own brand well.

Moreover, the last thing he could do was to favor the aristocratic families.

It's a very simple truth. His brother who lives in the Eastern Palace supports the aristocratic families, and Chu Shizhao also supports the aristocratic families, but it is obvious at a glance who is superior and inferior in terms of status.

If there is a better choice, why don't these aristocratic families support Chu Shixu, but instead support Chu Shizhao?

This is like opening a restaurant, but Chu Shizhao does not bring out his own characteristics, but instead learns the signature dishes of other restaurants. He is just asking for trouble.

It will also cause people who originally liked the company's own characteristics to run away.

Chu Shizhao simply carried out his style of recruiting poor scholars, maintaining public order and advising his father to the end.

Win over those ministers who are not on good terms with the aristocratic families or even have some disputes with the interests of the aristocratic families.

After waking up in the Wude Hall, Chu Shizhao inspected the appearance of Chang'an city early in the morning with the five-colored stick that he had customized.

Everyone creates their own character.

After the public security incident, Chu Shizhao felt comfortable cursing, and the burden on him became heavier. If he dared to speak but not to act, it was the same as saying nothing.

Only those who dare to speak and act can be called real men.

The situation in the early stage was not good. It was possible that Chu Shizhao might be besieged by the rebels, the Huns, or be killed by his brother.

If Chu Shizhao makes the wrong choice just once, he will be dead.

In that case, let's do whatever makes you happy.

Since I'm going to die anyway, I might as well die a proper death.

At this moment, Chu Shizhao really has the responsibility.

He wished he could catch an official doing evil in the street, then take out his five-colored stick and beat him up, which would not only make him feel good but also help him improve his reputation.

However, Chu Shizhao's blatant wandering around Chang'an naturally frightened the dandy young men who usually had fun in Chang'an.

I'm not stupid.

The five-colored stick was used by the Zhou Dynasty to enforce the law. It was painted with red, yellow, green, white and black. Anyone who broke the law would be beaten with the stick, no matter who it was.

Chu Shizhao submitted a memorial on public security and angrily rebuked all the ministers in the court. Now he is patrolling Chang'an with a five-colored stick. Who would dare to provoke this madman?
For seven consecutive days, Chu Shizhao wandered around Chang'an with the five-colored stick. Wherever he went, it seemed as if nothing had happened.

The public security in Chang'an was also much more stable under Chu Shizhao's patrol.

Although the Wude Division led by Guo Qian had the duties of maintaining public security and patrolling Chang'an, when they encountered people with strong backgrounds and family backgrounds, Guo Qian would just come forward to "criticize" and "persuade" them, but there was no actual punishment.

Under the feet of the emperor, anyone you randomly capture might be a relative of some high-ranking official. Unless you are a well-mannered person like Guo Qian, ordinary people really cannot take on this job.

But no matter how much Guo Qian understands the ways of the world, he doesn't like dealing with the children of wealthy families every day.

He knew very well where his status and power came from, but what should he do once Emperor Yongjin passed away?

Therefore, Guo Qian hated those children of wealthy families who committed crimes. He did not dare to punish them severely if they were caught, but if he punished them he was afraid that they would settle accounts with him in the future.

Chu Shizhao patrolled Chang'an with a five-colored stick, which undoubtedly made Guo Qian very happy.

However, the children of the big families in Chang'an were all suffocated by Chu Shizhao.

These people are not saying that the people there are incompetent, but the atmosphere of the Great Zhou Dynasty has become increasingly extravagant since the reign of Emperor Yongjin.

The trend of comparing with each other is becoming more and more serious, and there is also the phenomenon of competing for wealth.

If the elders in their family had not urged them to keep a low profile during these days, they would probably have given up long ago.

Emperor Yongjin killed a minister like Wang Ruizhen with this strike of the sword, which had a very strong deterrent effect on the other ministers.

Chu Shizhao held the five-colored stick, but failed to find the big family. However, Chu Shizhao was not idle either. He also studied the secret recipe of making fine salt.

Looking back, Chu Shizhao planned to "smuggle" some fine salt and play the role of a salt merchant.

There was no way. Chu Shizhao had no relatives by marriage, his mother died early, and there were no relatives who could help Chu Shizhao. This led to Chu Shizhao being very short of funds.

The weapons and equipment of the Beiwei Army were all obtained by Huan Sheng, and even the funds for many things were provided by Huan Sheng.

But Chu Shizhao couldn't rely solely on Huan Sheng, so he had to find a way to make money, and in those days, the value of salt was very high.

Chu Shizhao started to think about salt.

The eighth day's inspection of Chang'an was still fruitless. Chu Shizhao failed to find someone to improve his reputation, which made him return to Wude Hall in disappointment. Fortunately, Chu Shizhao had other plans. He decided to take the initiative and test the waters.

When Chu Shizhao returned to Wude Hall this time, he saw an unexpected person. He saw that Chu Shixu, the eldest son of Emperor Yongjin and the crown prince who had moved into the East Palace, who had once forced Chu Shizhao to death and was killed by Huan Sheng, a counselor under Chu Shizhao, was sitting in the center of Wude Hall, waiting for Chu Shizhao to come back from outside the palace.

Emperor Yongjin was a person who attached great importance to etiquette, so his sons were all very particular about etiquette. Even Chu Shizhao, who hated etiquette the most, was very good at saving face.

"Brother." Chu Shizhao bowed respectfully and asked, "What are you doing?"

In front of him, the slightly plump and amiable Crown Prince Chu Shixu nodded slightly and said, "Fourth brother, what you have done these days really impresses me."

"These days, I heard that you were running around Chang'an with the five-colored stick, which brought peace to Chang'an. This is something that only ordinary people can achieve."

Donggong said lightly.

Chu Shizhao didn't think that his brother from the East Palace came here to flatter him, "Brother, just say what you want to say."

Faced with such a quick statement, Dong Gong was slightly speechless, but soon recovered and said: "Brother, I heard that you trained a new army of 3,000 people in the Northern Army."

"I have a talented general here. I wonder if you can introduce him to me."

Chu Shizhao's greatest asset now is the 3,000-man Northern Army, and his elder brother's intention is obviously to intervene in this new army and put his people in it.

"This is a mission sent by our father. If you want to recommend talented people, you should also tell our father." Chu Shizhao did not even raise his eyes, and said, "If you want these 3,000 new soldiers, I can give them to you as well."

"I only ask my brother to let me stay outside the border."

At this point, Chu Shizhao sighed, "I have no second thoughts."

Donggong was quite surprised by Chu Shizhao's words. In his opinion, his father was obviously biased and too fond of Chu Shizhao.

Whether it is the second prince Chu Shiren or the third prince Chu Shiyu, they are not qualified to live in the palace.

But Chu Shizhao now lives in the Wude Hall.

How could one not have some thoughts when such an act was carried out, especially since the emperor's father not only let Chu Shizhao live in Wude Hall, but also let him command the Northern Army, giving him military power that his other brothers did not have.

Chu Shixu was even more surprised when he heard that Chu Shizhao wanted to become a vassal. Wouldn't this mean that his advantages would be wiped out and he might even be handed over to someone else?

Only those who are close to the emperor will have a better chance of obtaining imperial power.

If you are sent away, who will remember you?
Chu Shizhao didn't care what Chu Shixu thought. In his opinion, staying in Chang'an would only lead to a coup, and there would be a long rectification period to improve the administration of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

What is there to reform in this system of civil servants?

Sucks.

It is completely inferior to the vassal state in one go.

Let Chu Shizhao stay in one place and grow up slowly, and wait until the empire is in chaos. Whether it is the rebel army or the Huns that enter the country, they will purge the old bureaucrats of the Great Zhou Dynasty, and then the administration will naturally become clear.

Of course, this approach also has disadvantages. When the rebels and the Huns enter the country, war is bound to occur, and the people will inevitably suffer.

But Chu Shizhao had no choice.

A hint of hesitation flashed across Donggong's face, and he suddenly realized that there was something else behind Chu Shizhao's words.

If the emperor knew that he had placed people in the Northern Army, wouldn't that be revealing his intentions to everyone?

So Chu Shixu said again: "Then I will personally recommend talented people to the emperor when the time comes."

If he asked Chu Shizhao to keep silent about what he said today, it would be a concealment from his father, which would make him more suspicious. By saying this, he seemed to be open-minded, not forming cliques for personal gain, and was dedicated to the country.

"Apart from this matter, many people have told me about your law enforcement in Chang'an these days." Chu Shixu changed the sensitive topic and said, "Isn't your approach too harsh?"

Chu Shizhao said sternly: "The national law is like this, how can it be said to be strict."

"This is the responsibility of the Wude Division." Donggong said helplessly: "Fourth brother has exceeded his authority. Aren't you afraid that the emperor will be suspicious of you?"

"The Three Prefectures Army also has the authority to inspect Chang'an, but their main duty is to defend the capital. As the commander-in-chief of the Northern Prefecture New Army, I can also inspect Chang'an." Chu Shizhao added: "Besides, the prince can report any illegal activities in Chang'an. This is the family motto passed down by our ancestors."

Looking at Chu Shizhao's serious face, Chu Shixu was speechless. Wasn't that just something the ancestors said casually? Besides, you are a prince, you don't eat, drink and have fun. What does it mean for you to do the work of a censor and report on officials?

Are you really here?

But Chu Shixu felt relieved again. If Chu Shizhao remained like this, he would pose no threat to his throne.

With Chu Shizhao's efficiency in offending people, within a few days, all the powerful families in Chang'an would be offended by Chu Shizhao.

How can such a person inherit the throne?

Instead, he could add fuel to the fire, causing both sides to quarrel, and then act as a peacemaker.

"Good, good, good." He smiled and said, "My fourth brother has such great ambitions and the desire to rectify the administration of officials. It is a blessing for our clan."

"Brother, do you mean to support what I am doing?" Chu Shizhao's eyes lit up.

"Since this concerns the country, we should support it." Chu Shixu waved his hand.

"The Wang family has committed many illegal acts. They have taken over shops in many places in Chang'an that are not theirs. This is robbery and robbing, competing with the people for profit. I have long wanted to close down these places. With your words, I will give it a try and do it boldly."

Chu Shizhao said solemnly.

As soon as these words came out, Chu Shixu's face changed immediately. Of course, he was happy to see Chu Shizhao, this fool, offending others, but he didn't want to see Chu Shizhao kill his relatives.

Wang is Chu Shixu's in-law, and a relative on his mother's side.

If word gets out that Chu Shixu supports Chu Shizhao in sacrificing his own relatives for the sake of justice, wouldn't his mother be so angry that she will die?

"Wait a minute." Chu Shixu said immediately, "The Wang family has always been law-abiding. How could they compete with the people for profit? Fourth brother, you have listened to the slander of the treacherous and cunning. We must not harm the loyal and good people."

Ah.

Chu Shizhao had anticipated this statement, but for the past eight days, he had been waiting for an opportunity. Unfortunately, he just couldn't catch anyone.

These big clans all avoided him because they knew that he had made a five-colored stick to establish his authority.

However, the mountains cannot see me, but I see the green mountains.

You guys are avoiding me, so I can't take the initiative to find you?
Long before Chu Shixu said this, Chu Shizhao had already started to do things.

In real political struggles, there aren't so many verbal confrontations; they're all about physical action and violence.

To weaken the enemy's strength is to strengthen your own strength, especially when there is a legitimate reason to weaken the enemy's strength, then there is no need to hold back.

Chu Shizhao simulated and deduced that as an emperor who had lived for so many lifetimes, he no longer cared about life and death.

If you don't agree, do it.

Kick them if you catch them.

It just so happened that during the simulation, Chu Shizhao knew about Wang’s crimes over the years and had solid evidence.

I've been holding it in for so long without finding an opportunity, so I must take the initiative and catch something big.

(End of this chapter)