Chapter 31: First Steps in the Court, A Stunning Entrance

Chapter 31: First Steps in Court, a Staggering Debut

The moment Lin Shiya entered the imperial court, time seemed to freeze around her.

Within the towering palace, on the grand golden throne hall, long desks were arranged in solemn rows, and the officials stood upright. Sunlight streamed through the lofty windows, casting its light on her resolute figure, illuminating her unyielding spirit.

She took a deep breath, straightened her back, and walked calmly to her position.

A heavy, hostile atmosphere hung over the court. Gazes shot toward her like sharp arrows—some curious, others appraising, and more than a few tinged with disdain.

Though a trace of nervousness gripped her heart, anticipation outweighed all else. Today was the day she would prove herself.

“Newly appointed top scholar Lin Shiya pays her respects to the esteemed ministers.” She bowed slightly, her voice clear and steady, yet not lacking in humility.

At once, she became the focus of many.

Prime Minister Chen narrowed his eyes, stroking his beard with a barely perceptible cold smile at his lips. He spoke unhurriedly, “Lin, congratulations on winning first place in the imperial examinations. But here in court, it is not only a contest of scholarship, but also a trial of wisdom and courage. Now, I have a question for you. If you can answer well, you will surely earn everyone’s respect.”

Lin Shiya’s heart tightened; she knew the Prime Minister meant to put her on the spot.

She lifted her head, her gaze unwavering as she replied in a steady voice, “Pray instruct me, Prime Minister.”

Prime Minister Chen nodded with satisfaction, his cold smile deepening. He turned slightly, gesturing to the assembly, “Gentlemen, today let us use Lin’s arrival as an opportunity to discuss the current taxation issues of our Great Yan. In recent years, tax revenues everywhere have declined, and the national treasury grows ever more depleted. In your view, what has caused this predicament, and how should it be solved?”

A ripple of murmurs swept through the court. All eyes, sharper than before, fixed on Lin Shiya.

General Zhou’s brow furrowed.

Lin Shiya smiled faintly, composed as she looked around, her eyes clear and determined. In her mind, thoughts raced, distilling years of observation and reflection on state affairs into a single, striking statement.

“Prime Minister, esteemed ministers,” she began in a calm and forceful tone, “the root of the taxation problem lies in…”

At that moment, the great hall doors burst open. A guard rushed in, cutting Lin Shiya off. “Your Majesty, urgent military news! Immediate action is required!”

She was momentarily startled, but quickly regained her composure. Inwardly, she thought this might be another chance to display her wisdom and courage.

“Prime Minister, the nation’s security is paramount. I, Lin, am willing to serve,” she declared, her voice ringing out, eyes blazing, gaze fixed ahead.

After a brief pause, her eyes sparkled with intelligence. She looked up, surveying the hall, and spoke clearly and forcefully, “Prime Minister, esteemed ministers—the heart of the taxation issue lies in bureaucratic corruption and frequent wars. Corrupt officials run rampant, burdening the people; farmland lies abandoned, productivity stalls, and revenues naturally dwindle. Moreover, constant warfare drains national resources, leaving the treasury ever more empty.”

She paused, her tone growing firmer, “To resolve this, we must first severely punish corrupt officials and uphold a fair and just administration. Next, we must encourage agricultural production, lighten the peasants’ burden, and restore vitality to the land. Finally, we must strengthen our military and secure our borders, safeguarding our nation’s security and development.”

On the court, Lin Shiya’s words swept through the oppressive air like a cleansing breeze. Many officials began to whisper among themselves, admiration flickering in their eyes.

Prime Minister Chen’s expression darkened. He had intended to embarrass Lin Shiya, but now felt as if he had dug his own grave. Though inwardly furious, he could not deny the depth and clarity of her analysis.

Scholar Su, seeing his spotlight stolen, frowned slightly, folding his arms across his chest with a haughty glint in his eyes. He cleared his throat and spoke slowly, “Lin, your words have merit, but are these measures alone enough to resolve the taxation issue?”

Lin Shiya smiled gracefully and replied unhurriedly, “Scholar, you are right. To resolve such matters requires concrete steps. For example, we should establish a robust oversight mechanism to ensure official integrity; promote advanced agricultural techniques to boost productivity; and further, we can learn from the classics of our sages, such as the state monopoly policies on salt and iron outlined in the ‘Discourse on Salt and Iron’, to increase fiscal revenue.”

Scholar Su’s frown deepened, clearly surprised by her deft response. He was about to argue further, but Lin Shiya had already stepped forward, her eyes shining with resolve.

She drew a deep breath, her confidence unshaken, and continued, “Scholar, as the sages said, ‘To govern a state, be lenient with the people and strict with officials.’ I believe that only by severely punishing corruption and treating the people with compassion can our Great Yan regain its former glory.”

Her words rang with conviction and force, moving all present.

As Scholar Su prepared to challenge her again, Lin Shiya met his gaze, her own unwavering and confident, a gentle smile on her lips as if victory was already within her grasp.

Just then, a faint commotion arose outside the hall, hinting at something important unfolding.

Lin Shiya remained unflustered, a trace of confidence playing about her mouth. She surveyed the assembly with piercing eyes that seemed to see straight through to the heart.

“Scholar, as men of letters, we both know the principle of ‘unity of knowledge and action.’ Empty theorizing is useless; the art of governance must be put into practice. The salt and iron monopolies, for example, are not about squeezing the people, but about pooling resources for state construction and the benefit of all.”

She paused, then continued, “During Emperor Wu of Han’s reign, the salt and iron policies were controversial, yet they provided a strong economic foundation for the nation’s power. We can adopt their strengths, avoid their pitfalls, and adapt them to our times to overcome our difficulties.”

Her erudite analysis, drawing from history and the classics, left Scholar Su momentarily speechless. His face colored with embarrassment, while the other officials, seeing his predicament, nodded in agreement. Those who had sought to see Lin Shiya falter now looked at her with new respect, awed by her talent and courage.

General Zhou, who had always looked askance at scholars, couldn’t help but feel a surge of admiration as he watched Lin Shiya speak so eloquently. His thick brows rose, and a gleam of appreciation shone in his eyes. This newly appointed top scholar was, indeed, a most intriguing figure!

He burst out with a hearty laugh, his voice booming through the hall, “Ha! Lin, you are truly remarkable. Your insights have opened my eyes!” His laughter shattered the tense mood, creating an atmosphere far friendlier to Lin Shiya.

At that moment, Censor Li, who had remained silent, showed the faintest hint of wavering in his stern gaze. The tight line of his lips relaxed, and an almost imperceptible note of appreciation flickered across his usually severe face. He said nothing, only watched Lin Shiya, his eyes glinting with complex emotion, as if weighing something deeply.

Suddenly, Censor Li looked up, his eyes blazing as he fixed them on Lin Shiya. It was as if he had reached a decision; he took a single, resolute step toward her.

Though this step was light, it thundered through the court. His expression shifted from scrutiny to a trace of approval, like an iceberg melting to reveal hidden warmth.

Lin Shiya noticed this subtle change, and relief washed through her. She knew this was no easy feat; Censor Li’s uprightness was legendary. To alter his opinion meant she had gained her first foothold in the court.

In this moment, Lin Shiya was like a proud plum blossom blooming amidst ice and snow, revealing her unyielding spirit and haunting beauty in the bitter wind.

Her every movement now drew the gaze of all present. She was no longer an unknown newcomer, but the focal point of the assembly. She was a sword drawn from its scabbard, her brilliance undeniable, forcing those who had once looked down on her to reassess her abilities.

“Lin,” Censor Li’s voice was still deep but softened, “your insights are quite commendable.” This brief evaluation struck Prime Minister Chen like a heavy blow.

Prime Minister Chen’s face was grim, dark as a thundercloud. Anger flashed in his shrewd eyes, but he had no choice but to swallow it. For now, Lin Shiya was no longer someone he could easily control.

Lin Shiya smiled humbly, “You flatter me, sir. I have only done what little I can.” Her voice was as clear and refreshing as a mountain spring, yet tinged with an elusive aloofness.

She understood that now was not the time for arrogance or carelessness. The court was a place of unfathomable intrigue—one misstep could spell eternal ruin.

She looked around, meeting each gaze in turn. Those who had once regarded her with skepticism or contempt now looked at her with respect and admiration.

She knew that today’s victory was only the beginning. The road ahead was long, and she would have to be ever more cautious and diligent to secure her place in this treacherous arena.

Yet she was also keenly aware that this fleeting triumph could not conceal the challenges she faced. The Prime Minister’s cunning, Scholar Su’s arrogance, and the ambitions of other factions all pressed upon her.

And the injustice that had befallen her family still hung over her like a shroud of mist, obscuring the truth. She needed more information, greater strength, to cut through the fog and clear her family’s name.

She drew a long, steadying breath, trying to calm the turmoil within. She knew that every step from now on would be critical. She must tread carefully, lest she betray her own hopes and the trust of her family.

“Let us conclude today’s session,” Prime Minister Chen said darkly, breaking the silence. With a flick of his sleeves, he turned and left the throne hall. The other officials rose in turn and filed out.

Watching their retreating figures, fatigue washed over Lin Shiya. She felt a chill creep up from her feet, a stark reminder that the struggles within this court were far crueler than she had imagined.

She closed her eyes briefly, trying to suppress her anxiety.

Then, a voice broke the quiet: “Lin, the imperial gardens are beautiful today. Would you care to join me for a stroll?”

The voice was deep and magnetic, carrying a note of subtle invitation.

She slowly opened her eyes, a complex light flickering within them, and turned to look at the speaker.