Playing the Pig and Eating the Tiger: My Funny System is Too Fierce

Chapter 218 Undercurrent

"Your Highness, please look at this." The third young lady walked quickly into the imperial study with a secret report.

Since the reforms began, similar secret reports have been coming in daily, but this one seemed particularly important, causing even the usually calm Third Young Lady to seem anxious.

"What's wrong?" Mo Yunchen put down the memorial in his hand.

"Several major clans in Jiangnan have joined forces," the Third Miss lowered her voice. "Not only do they oppose the new policies, they're also secretly colluding with other clans."

Mo Yunchen took the secret report and examined it carefully, his brows gradually furrowing: "These noble families really won't give up."

Indeed, the greatest resistance to reform comes from these deeply entrenched aristocratic families, who have operated in the local area for many years, with deeply entrenched interests and a natural reluctance to change the status quo.

At this moment, my niece came rushing over: "Another new discovery!"

The news she brought was even more shocking: these noble families not only caused trouble locally, but also sent people to infiltrate the imperial court, trying to sabotage the reforms from within!

"How dare they!" Mo Yunchen sneered, "It seems I was too polite to them."

As she was speaking, her cousin also brought a clue: "When checking the accounts, we found that someone was secretly transferring assets. These funds were ostensibly business transactions, but in fact they flowed to some suspicious places."

The three of them looked at each other: Are they preparing for a rebellion?

"Investigate!" Mo Yunchen immediately ordered, "Find out where this money went!"

Soon, the first batch of investigation results were delivered. The results were shocking: these noble families had actually stationed troops on the border! They were secretly accumulating strength under the guise of doing business.

"This is a rebellion," the Third Miss sneered. "No wonder there have been so many unrest on the border lately."

"More than that," the niece added, "they seem to be contacting alien races."

A cold light flashed in Mo Yunchen's eyes: "Well, you actually dare to collude with foreign enemies!"

At this time, there was a new discovery: when searching the house of an aristocratic family, a large number of weapons were found! These weapons were all elite equipment, obviously prepared for a long time.

"Looks like we have to take action," said the Third Miss. "We can't wait any longer."

"No rush," Mo Yunchen said, "Let them jump around for a few more days."

As the investigation deepened, more conspiracies surfaced. These aristocratic families were not only preparing for military action but were also secretly inciting rebellion among the court officials. They offered generous rewards in an attempt to win over more allies.

"Report!" The spy came hurriedly, "They are planning to take action on July 15th!"

"Oh?" Mo Yunchen raised his eyebrows. "You picked a good day."

July 15th was a crucial day for reform, when the imperial court would announce new policies. If the rebels were allowed to cause trouble at this time, it would inevitably cause great chaos.

"But..." Miss Three suddenly laughed, "They miscalculated a little."

"What?"

"They thought they were hiding well, but they didn't realize they'd already been exposed," said the Third Miss. "While we may seem inactive during this time, we've actually already set up a tight net."

Indeed, while the imperial court was superficially focused on reform, it had secretly made thorough preparations. The rebel bases had been identified, and their accomplices were targeted.

"How are the preparations going?" Mo Yunchen asked.

"Everything is ready," said the Third Miss, "We just have to wait for them to fall into our trap."

July 15th arrived as expected. Early in the morning, the rebels began their movement. They thought they could catch the enemy off guard, but they were surrounded by soldiers who had been lying in wait the moment they appeared.

"Kill!" Mo Yunchen gave the order.

The officers and soldiers, who had been preparing for a long time, immediately attacked. Although the rebels were well-equipped, they were no match for the regular army. Soon, most of the rebels were defeated.

"Report! The southern rebels have been defeated!"

"Report! The rebellion in the north has been suppressed!"

"Report! All the rebels in the Western Regions have been captured!"

Victory news came in one after another, and rebellions were quelled in various places. Those once arrogant families were now all prisoners.

"Bring him up!" Mo Yunchen said coldly.

Soon, several leaders of the noble families were brought to the front of the palace. These people were usually arrogant, but now they looked like dogs that had lost their homes.

"Tell me," Mo Yunchen looked down at them, "Who gave you the courage?"

The rebel leader trembled and said, "We..."

"Don't want to say it?" Mo Yunchen sneered, "Then let your accomplices say it."

As soon as he finished speaking, several people were brought in from outside: They were the ministers who had been instigated to rebel! These people had been captured long ago and were now betraying their accomplices.

"Sir!" the rebel leader said, his face pale. "You promised..."

The minister sneered, "What's the point of talking about promises now? I'm lucky to be able to save my life."

Thus, the rebels' conspiracy was fully exposed. It turned out that they not only opposed the reforms but also wanted to seize power. To this end, they even colluded with foreign enemies, which was simply insane.

"Is this what you had planned?" Mo Yunchen sneered, "What a good plan."

"Your Highness, please have mercy!" The rebel leader knelt down and begged for mercy. "We know we are wrong!"

"You know you're wrong?" Mo Yunchen sneered, "It's too late! Come, drag these traitors away and interrogate them strictly!"

In the following days, the imperial court launched a large-scale investigation. The noble families who participated in the rebellion were uprooted, their property confiscated, and their families exiled.

For a moment, the whole world was shaken. Those who had been waiting and watching were now all obedient.

"It's finally over," the third young lady breathed a sigh of relief. "This was really thrilling."

"It's not over yet," Mo Yunchen said, "The next step is the key."

Indeed, eliminating the rebellion was only the first step. How to fill the gap left by the fall of the aristocratic family and how to appease the people were all new challenges.

"I understand," said the Third Young Lady, "we must prevent new aristocratic families from becoming too powerful."

"More than that," Mo Yunchen said, "we must also let the people see hope."

Then, the imperial court began a new round of reforms. The land that had been exploited by the aristocratic families was redistributed, allowing the common people to have farmland. At the same time, it also supported emerging merchants to break the aristocratic families' monopoly.

The effects were immediately apparent: with the fall of the aristocratic families, local oppression eased. Common people were not only able to obtain land but also to engage in small businesses. Suddenly, there was a surge of vitality among the people.

"This is the right way," the Third Miss sighed. "Instead of relying on a few aristocratic families, it's better to mobilize millions of ordinary people."

Mo Yunchen looked at her with satisfaction: "You finally understand."

Indeed, the purpose of reform is not to overthrow anyone, but to enable more people to live a good life. Only in this way can the world be peaceful.

At this moment, cheers were heard outside. It turned out that the effectiveness of the new policy was showing, and the people were celebrating spontaneously.

"Listen," Mo Yunchen said, "this is the best reward."

The third young lady looked at the scene outside the window and was moved: this is her husband, a wise ruler who truly cares about the people.

"By the way," Mo Yunchen suddenly said, "your suggestion on grassroots governance is quite effective."

"Really?" The third young lady's eyes lit up.

"Yes," Mo Yunchen nodded, "Since we want to reform, we must start from the root. Let the grassroots people feel the care of the court. This is the long-term solution."

Seeing the prince's serious look, the third lady was deeply moved: this seemingly aloof man was actually thinking about the people all the time.

"I understand," she said solemnly, "and I will definitely live up to your trust."

Mo Yunchen looked at her gently: "I believe you."