Chapter 1390 - 1308: New Year, New Atmosphere (Part 2)

The majority of the officials did not react, let alone the common folk.

But there were those exceptionally keen individuals who noticed when the government officials came to record data, discovering that when the slaves’ contracts changed from death contracts to living contracts, they automatically obtained citizenship.

This means that if one day the slaves no longer wish to work, they could leave once the living contract ended, take their household registration to the government office, and receive land for cultivation based on the unassigned registration, entirely independent of their masters.

Moreover, it became easier for slaves on living contracts to redeem themselves.

Over time, to hire slaves, one must increase their monthly pay, at least no longer can they use a mere 100 cents a month to employ a servant.

Naturally, they could no longer beat or kill servants at will, as they have now become common citizens, and killing a slave now equates to killing a citizen.

Most servants reacted faster than their masters because the registration papers were sent directly to them, allowing them to see firsthand that they had become citizens.

Those who thought deeply and had insight shed tears, and upon returning to their rooms with the registration papers, they placed them in the direction of the Capital City and then knelt to kowtow.

He was a little more capable, serving as a manager, earning 600 cents per month, and his master hoped he would exchange his life for these 600 cents, including his son, daughter, and future grandchildren, all expected to work their lives away for it.

So how is this different from modern society, where one must sacrifice themselves for 3,000 yuan for their boss?

The third point pertains to female households,

The court does not restrict female households, granting them the same rights and responsibilities as male households.

There are many new laws and regulations, but initially, the most questioned were these three points. Even when the court passed and announced them, there remained considerable opposition within the court.

It was only because Zhao Hanzhang was forceful and advocated for change, along with major ministers agreeing, that they were compelled to pass it.

Nevertheless, the ministers were still worried, especially Ji Yuan, who told Zhao Hanzhang, "These years, Your Majesty has been busy with affairs of state and seldom reads. I interpret the New Wang reforms, and Your Majesty, would you review it for me?"

Zhao Hanzhang replied, "Sir, are you reminding me not to follow in the footsteps of the New Wang?"

Ji Yuan sighed, "Wang Mang’s new reforms failed, leading to chaos in the world. Your Majesty, you are also moving too quickly today."

Zhao Hanzhang said, "I have also had this concern, so before I ascended the throne, I took tentative steps from when I became the Regent, through my wedding, until Prince An abdicated. I observed the tolerance of court officials and the gentry and common people across the realm."

Ji Yuan: ...

Zhao Hanzhang continued, "Why do you think Wang Mang failed?"

Ji Yuan, of course, would not utter clichéd historical judgments about tyrannies or false benevolence, and instead directly said, "He failed to grab interests from the powerful and noble families of the world, so he failed."

"He failed to persevere, failed due to frequent changes in decrees, and chaotic political laws," Zhao Hanzhang said, "he should not have been so easily swayed when others opposed him, but rather have been more assertive to push forward the new policies, even with some deficiencies, without generating much resentment."

"Yet, even though his new policies failed, and the people were disappointed in him, while living, most of the common folk still supported him, including the ordinary families and the humble gentry, why?"

Ji Yuan did not speak.

Ming Yu stepped forward from the back and said, "Because only Wang Mang could break the constraints imposed by the powerful and wealthy at the time, they only saw hope in Wang Mang."

Zhao Hanzhang’s lips curled up, "Exactly, and today they also can only see hope in Me, the majority of the population remains commoners, modest gentry, and slaves, while women constitute half of the populace, Mr. Ji, how many oppose Me compared to those who support Me?"

"Even if they are dissatisfied, before the will of the people and the court’s resolve, they must submit, and what we must do is to avoid the mistakes of hasty reforms and constant decree changes during Wang Mang’s times."

Ming Yu interjected before Ji Yuan, "Your Majesty is wise!"

Even Zhao Ming said, "Having taken action, there is no way to retreat or regretless abandonment, or else only disaster awaits."

Zu Ti was all in support, actively proposing to lead with Jizhou, with new policies first implemented there, slowly spreading to other provinces, using Jizhou as an example.

Zhao Hanzhang was overjoyed, saying, "Then let us begin primarily with Si Province and Jizhou, gradually implementing in other provinces."

As long as Si Province and Jizhou succeed, the other provinces would then quickly follow suit.

Zu Ti immediately requested to return to Jizhou.

He served as both the Minister of War and the Jizhou Governor, but at this time, there weren’t many matters in the Ministry of War, and with radio stations, urgent matters could be communicated through them. Non-urgent matters could be sent by letter to Jizhou, all in time to handle.