The Second World in Ancient Times

"Your Majesty, this is bad. The implementation of the new policy has touched many vested interests, and now voices of opposition are rising one after another. Many ministers in the court have united and want to put pressure on Your Majesty to force Your Majesty to stop the new policy." Wanqing said anxiously.

I frowned slightly. Although I had expected this, I still felt it was a difficult situation. "These people, for their own selfish interests, have disregarded the interests of the nation. Come, follow me to see His Majesty."

When he arrived at the imperial study, he saw a group of ministers kneeling on the ground, giving harsh advice.

A minister shouted, "Your Majesty, if this new policy continues, our dynasty will be in chaos. Commercial reforms disrupt market order, educational reforms violate ancestral laws, and improving people's livelihoods is a huge drain on the national treasury. I urge Your Majesty to abolish this new policy immediately and restore peace to our dynasty."

I stepped forward and whispered, "Your Excellency, you say the new policies disrupt market order, but have you seen the prosperity of commerce in places like Jiangnan, and the increase in people's income? You say educational reforms violate ancestral laws, but you don't realize that students today are more knowledgeable and can serve the country in the future. As for the cost of improving people's livelihoods, it is to provide the elderly, the weak, the sick and the disabled with support, and to demonstrate Your Majesty's benevolence."

The minister snorted coldly, "Your Majesty, you only see the short-term gains, but not the long-term harm. Commercial prosperity is only a temporary illusion, educational reforms have made students restless, and improvements in people's livelihoods have made the people lazy and no longer diligent in farming."

I smiled faintly and said, "Your Excellency, you are mistaken. The commercial prosperity has driven the development of the entire industrial chain, from the cultivation of cash crops to handicraft workshops to trade, creating countless employment opportunities. Educational reforms have exposed students to new knowledge and ideas, and they will become the source of national innovation. The people's livelihood benefits have made them grateful to Your Majesty and more supportive of the court. How could they be lazy?"

At this time, another minister stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, even so, the new policy has harmed the interests of our families. Many families hold important positions in the old business system. Now that the new policy is being implemented and new businesses are emerging, our family businesses are being impacted."

I looked at the minister and said, "Sir, I understand your concerns. However, the new policy is not intended to suppress the old families, but to make the business of the entire country more prosperous. You see, in this process of emerging business development, there are also many opportunities for cooperation. For example, if your family's traditional industries can be combined with emerging workshops to upgrade technology and expand sales channels, wouldn't it create greater benefits? This is just like modern corporate transformation and cooperation, achieving a win-win situation."

After hearing what I said, the ministers fell into deep thought, but a few of them still maintained a tough attitude.

I continued, "Your Majesty, my Lords, the fruits of the New Deal's reforms are evident to all. In Jiangnan, the silk industry has benefited from technological innovations, resulting in improved quality and a surge in sales. This has not only benefited merchants, but also enriched the people who cultivate mulberry trees and raise silkworms. In education, students have applied their knowledge to improve irrigation tools and increase farmland yields. Regarding people's livelihoods, the elderly in nursing homes are enjoying their retirement, and their children and grandchildren can work peacefully, creating more wealth for the country. These are all tangible benefits brought about by the New Deal."

His Majesty nodded and said, "The Queen is quite right. I am implementing new policies for the long-term development of the country. How can I abandon them because of a temporary obstacle?"

I continued, "Your Majesty, for those ministers who are concerned about damaging their family's interests, the court can provide certain policy support and guidance to help them transform. As for those who stubbornly oppose and disregard the interests of the country, Your Majesty should deal with them with drastic measures to serve as a warning to others."

His Majesty's eyes were stern. "I will consider it myself."

Returning to the harem, I summoned the concubines.

"Sisters, now that the New Deal is in crisis, we cannot stand idly by. You can communicate with your families, explain to them the benefits and prospects of the New Deal, and win their support," I said.

One of the concubines hesitated: "Your Majesty, my family is also an old business family. They have many complaints about the new policy. I am afraid it will be difficult to convince them."

I consoled her, "Don't be afraid, sister. Just share the success stories from places like Jiangnan with them so they understand the opportunities for collaboration and transformation. If there are intelligent people in the family, they'll see the benefits. It's like making decisions in a modern family business; you need a long-term perspective."

The concubines nodded one after another.

At court, I continued to strive for the support of the centrists. I addressed some neutral ministers, "Your Excellency, the country is now at a critical juncture of change. The success or failure of the new policies will determine its rise and fall. It would be unwise for you to remain neutral and wait and see. If the new policies succeed and the country prospers, you will be credited with your contributions. If they fail and the country falls into hardship, you will also be vulnerable."

A neutral minister said, "Your Majesty, we also want to support the new policy, but we are worried about angering those ministers who oppose it and making it difficult for us to gain a foothold in the court in the future."

I smiled and said, "Sir, you worry too much. Your Majesty is wise and wise. How could he allow a loyal minister to suffer injustice? Those who oppose are only a minority, and they have lost the support of the people because of their selfish interests. If you stand up and support the new policies now, His Majesty will surely reward you, and the people will also praise you. It's just like a modern political choice: you must stand on the side of justice and development."

Under my persuasion, many neutral ministers began to change their attitudes and support the new policy.

As for those key figures in the opposition, I have investigated and obtained evidence of their illegal activities. I told Your Majesty, "Your Majesty, these individuals oppose the new policies not only because their interests are being compromised, but also because they are attempting to disrupt the government. I have uncovered evidence of corruption, bribery, and clique-based activities. Your Majesty, please take this opportunity to bring them to justice. This will both demonstrate your impartiality and completely remove any obstacles to the implementation of the new policies."

His Majesty was furious: "I will not let these treacherous ministers off lightly."

As the core figures of the opposition were punished and the middle forces showed support, the opposition to the new policy gradually subsided.

In the palace, I continued to ponder how to further consolidate the achievements of the New Deal and prevent similar opposition from recurring. I said to Jinshu, "Jinshu, arrange for someone to collect more successful cases of the New Deal, compile a book, and disseminate it widely within and outside the court. Let everyone clearly see the benefits of the New Deal and strengthen their confidence. This is like modern propaganda, letting facts speak for themselves."

Jinshu took the order and left.

I then addressed the minister in charge of commerce, "Your Excellency, the court should provide more technical support and market information to those old family-owned businesses willing to transform and cooperate. We could also establish specialized business consulting agencies to answer their questions and help them develop transformation strategies. This would be like a modern-day corporate service center, supporting business development."

The Minister of Commerce said, "Your Majesty, this is a good idea. I will arrange it right away."

When the New Deal faced opposition, I drew on my modern thinking, knowledge, and experience to skillfully balance the interests of all parties, showcase my achievements and prospects, successfully resolve the crisis, and ensure the continued progress of the New Deal. Whether debating with opposing ministers, winning over centrist forces, or mobilizing the imperial harem, I gave my all, solely to ensure that the country could move towards a more prosperous future under the guidance of the New Deal. On this stage of history, I continued to write my own legendary chapter, contributing my full strength to the nation's rise.

As I consolidated the achievements of the New Deal, I reflected on the crucial role of technological innovation in business transformation. I spoke to a minister skilled in mechanical engineering and other arts, saying, "Your Excellency, business transformation is inseparable from technological innovation. We can encourage businesses to invest in the research and development of new production technologies and products. For example, in the ceramics industry, we could develop new firing processes to make ceramics more refined and durable. In the papermaking industry, we could improve papermaking technology to increase paper quality and production. This is just like how modern technology drives business development and enhances corporate competitiveness."

The minister said, "Your Majesty, it's just that businesses are more focused on immediate profits and may not be investing enough in technological innovation."

I said, "Your Excellency, the court could establish a science and technology innovation subsidy fund to provide financial subsidies to businesses that demonstrate the willingness and initiative to innovate. At the same time, we could hold science and technology innovation competitions, honoring and rewarding winning businesses to stimulate their passion for innovation. This would be similar to modern science and technology support policies and innovation incentive mechanisms, promoting commercial technological advancement."

In the harem, I organized the concubines to learn some business and technology knowledge so that they could provide more valuable advice when communicating with the family. I told them, "Sisters, learning this knowledge will help the family better seize business transformation opportunities. For example, understanding technological trends, planning ahead, and gaining an advantage in market competition. This is like the strategic planning and knowledge accumulation of modern family businesses, influencing the family business from the harem."

The concubines responded one after another: "Your Majesty, we will study hard and contribute to the business development of our family and the country."

In the process of consolidating the achievements of the New Deal, I fully utilized modern thinking, knowledge and experience, and actively operated between the palace and the court. From business transformation to technological innovation, from publicity and promotion to family mobilization, I tried my best to introduce modern concepts and methods, hoping to make the foundation of the New Deal more solid and lay a solid foundation for the long-term development of the country. I will also continue to leave my own unique mark of struggle in this long river of history and contribute all my strength to the country's revival and development.

While encouraging commercial and technological innovation, I also considered the role that cultural heritage and innovation can play in enhancing national cohesion. I told the Minister in charge of cultural affairs, "Your Excellency, cultural heritage and innovation can strengthen national cohesion. We can revitalize traditional culture and arts. For example, we could adapt ancient folk dances, incorporate new elements, and promote them nationwide. We could also research traditional architectural styles, integrate them with modern living needs, and create new architectural forms. This is like the preservation and innovative development of modern cultural heritage, which can revitalize traditional culture."

The Minister of Culture said: "Your Majesty, this cultural inheritance and innovation requires a large number of cultural talents and financial support."

I said, "Your Excellency, regarding talent, we can select talented folk artists and scholars from across the country and provide them with the space and resources to create. Regarding funding, the court can allocate special funds while also encouraging private sponsorship. This would be similar to the training and funding of cultural industries today, promoting cultural inheritance and innovation."

In the harem, I also organized cultural heritage and innovation activities for the concubines. I told them, "Sisters, we can participate in the design and improvement of traditional clothing, combining modern aesthetics with ancient craftsmanship. These improved garments can not only be worn in the palace, but also be introduced to the public, leading fashion trends. This is like the fusion of modern fashion design and traditional culture, contributing to cultural innovation from the harem."