Dark Sand: My Players Are All Actors
Chapter 309 - 221: Another Use for the Refugee Map (10,000-Word Update, Asking for Monthly Pass)_4

Chapter 309: Chapter 221: Another Use for the Refugee Map (10,000-Word Update, Asking for Monthly Pass)_4

Chuge spoke candidly, "Your Majesty, I am naturally aware of the severe drought in Da Ming Prefecture, as I am charged with the duty of governance."

The Emperor hit the armrest of his dragon throne in anger, "Then let me ask you, if the new law is causing widespread suffering among the people, why do you still claim that such a situation does not exist?"

Chuge did not answer directly but instead produced a scroll of painting.

"This is a scroll painted based on the refugees I saw outside the capital city, for Your Majesty to review," Chuge said.

The eunuch fetched the painting of the refugees for the Emperor and presented it to him.

Upon unrolling the scroll, the Emperor was immediately shocked and appalled.

Next, he questioned in shock and anger, "Prime Minister Wang! You knew about the refugees sprawled outside the capital, you even had such a painting made! Yet, how dare you claim that such a situation does not exist?

"Are you trying to deceive Your Majesty?"

With an indifferent smile and a justified and firm air, Chuge countered, "Your Majesty, I did not claim there were no refugees outside the capital city, but rather, I claimed that the new law causing the people’s suffering does not exist.

"Please consider carefully, Your Majesty, does the severe drought in Da Ming Prefecture necessarily relate to the new law?"

The Emperor was stunned for a moment, clearly taking some time to wrap his head around this notion.

Chuge’s expression turned serious, revealing his hidden intent, "Your Majesty, Da Ming Prefecture and its surrounding counties have not implemented the new law at all!

"These areas have continued to operate under the old law.

"And yet, the severe drought has occurred specifically in the vicinity of Da Ming Prefecture, coinciding with the areas where the old law is implemented!

"Wen Jun adamantly attacks the new law, claiming it leads to barren lands and widespread resentment. Then I must ask Wen Jun, if it’s indeed the fault of the new law, why did the drought only occur in places where the new law has not been implemented?

"Are there such refugees in areas where the new law has been executed?

"On the contrary, it is the continued implementation of the old law that has led to barren lands and widespread suffering! This shows that the new law follows the will of heaven, whereas the old party, obstinate and stagnant, has already stirred the wrath of heaven and the resentment of the people, causing the refugees to rise!

"Thus, I have made this painting of refugees to show Your Majesty the dire consequences of Wen Jun and others stubbornly continuing with the old law and acting contrary to the people’s needs!

"Not only that, but I also wish to impeach Wen Jun and those who, for the sake of party conflict, disregard the well-being of the world and use the lives of refugees as pawns for their political struggles!"

The Emperor was completely wrapped up in Chuge’s arguments, having been initially alarmed but not expecting the explosive follow-up.

He inquired urgently, "Prime Minister Wang, what do you mean by this?"

Chuge took on a grand and impassioned stance, with the integrity of a scholar shining through.

"Your Majesty, several months ago, I, as a chief minister, already ordered places like Da Ming Prefecture to actively store grain in preparation for the potential severe drought this year.

"At that time, Wen Jun and others had their complaints and were insincerely cooperative. It was only after I insisted that the Changping Warehouse in Da Ming Prefecture and other locations managed to store enough grain.

"Wen Jun and others often say that using the grain from the Changping Warehouse for the green seed loans was profiting at the expense of the people. Then, how did they utilize the grain in the Changping Warehouse they control?

"As soon as the drought began, refugees began to emerge. However, the Changping Warehouse in Da Ming Prefecture dispersed only a few months’ supply of grain and then drove all these refugees out, pushing them southward to the capital!

"May I ask Your Majesty, plenty of grain still remains in the Changping Warehouse of Da Ming Prefecture, yet this grain was not used for famine relief. Instead, these starving people were expelled to the capital. What could the intentions of Wen Jun and his followers be in doing this?

"Apparently, in their eyes, overturning me, Wang Wenchuan, and abolishing the new law is worth sacrificing the lives of tens of thousands of refugees.

"My statements are based on evidence that can be examined; I beseech Your Majesty to make a just decision!"

His words were conclusive and powerful, leaving the Emperor speechless.

Considering the concept of cosmic sympathy... it seemed that what Wang Wenchuan said made more sense.

The Emperor was skeptical and wondered, "Could it truly be as Prime Minister Wang says, that the new law will not cause heaven’s wrath and the people’s resentment, but rather that continuing with the old law, being obstinate and stagnant, would incite heaven’s rage and bring down punishment?

"Otherwise, why would only Da Ming Prefecture and its surrounding regions suffer from drought, while other places remain unharmed?"

Chuge fell silent because he knew that it was time for others to perform.

Indeed, officials from the new party quickly realized that this was a rare opportunity to attack the old party.

How could they miss it!

"Your Majesty, what Prime Minister Wang has said is very true, showing that the old law has reached a point of heaven’s wrath and the people’s resentment, and can no longer be sustained. It must be abolished completely in favor of implementing the new law!"

"Your Majesty, I second the motion!"

"I too second the motion!"

In the court, officials from the new party came forward one after another, creating an overwhelming momentum.

If these new party officials had forcefully interjected before, it would only have reinforced the impression in the Emperor’s mind that they were engaged in party conflict, which would not only be unhelpful but could also backfire.

But now, as the Emperor was leaning toward the new party, these speeches became a heavy burden on the Emperor’s heart, making him deeply convinced of Wang Wenchuan’s argument.

Chuge knew that it was time to set the matter straight.

"Your Majesty, I dare say that the severe drought in Da Ming Prefecture is due to the failure to implement the new law.

"As soon as Da Ming Prefecture implements the new law, rain will surely fall within ten days! If there is no rain, please dismiss me from the position of Prime Minister!"

The Emperor and the officials were all left speechless by his bold declaration.

Was he really risking it all?

Several new party officials made furtive glances at Chuge, signaling that there was no need for him to take such a drastic stance.

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