Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 479 Resistance to Reform, Overcoming Resistance

The emperor was determined to reform, and Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling did their best to assist in its implementation. However, the road to reform was full of thorns and encountered strong resistance from conservative forces.

Some of the veteran officials in the court, who enjoyed the benefits of the old system, were full of resistance to reform.

"This reform is simply a violation of the ancestral rules!" an old minister exclaimed passionately in the court.

They united and formed a powerful opposition force, attempting to persuade the emperor to abandon the reforms.

"Your Majesty, you must not easily believe those radical ideas. How can the court's long-standing traditions be broken so easily?"

Some veteran officials even deliberately slack off in their work in order to create obstacles for the reforms.

"Anyway, changing it back and forth won't do us any good, so we might as well just leave it as it is."

Not only the veteran officials, but also some palace maids and eunuchs were dissatisfied with the reforms because they were worried that their status and treatment would be affected.

"Things are probably going to be tough from now on," they whispered among themselves.

Some of the concubines in the palace also took the opportunity to whisper sweet nothings in the emperor's ear.

"Your Majesty, this reform is causing widespread panic. Perhaps we should postpone it."

At the same time, some external forces also noticed the turmoil within the palace and attempted to take advantage of the situation to interfere and seek personal gain.

"This is our chance; we must stop the reform from succeeding."

Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling faced obstacles at every turn in their efforts to advance the reforms.

Some of the reform measures they proposed were deliberately misinterpreted and delayed during implementation.

"We clearly agreed on this method, so why did you change your mind again?" Xiao Ling said angrily.

When Su Jinxiu communicated and coordinated with various parties, she also encountered ridicule and all kinds of difficulties.

"You think you can push for reform? Don't even dream about it!"

Conservative forces also spread various rumors in the palace, creating an atmosphere of panic.

"I've heard that reforms will lead to chaos in the palace, and everyone will suffer."

For a time, the court was filled with anxiety, and the reforms stalled.

Faced with such strong resistance, Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling did not back down.

On the one hand, they continued to advise the emperor, explaining the necessity and urgency of reform.

"Your Majesty, although there is resistance to the reform, it must not be abandoned halfway, otherwise the palace will never have peace."

On the other hand, they are trying to find a breakthrough and attempt to divide the conservative forces.

"If we can win over some people, the situation will improve."

However, just as they were racking their brains for a solution, an even greater crisis quietly descended.

Some important documents in the palace suddenly went missing; these documents were related to key decisions and plans for reform.

"What should we do? Without these documents, reforms will be even more difficult."

Faced with strong resistance to the palace reforms, Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling did not back down in the slightest, but instead became even more determined to overcome the difficulties.

Su Jinxiu was well aware of the core figures of the conservative forces and their interests, so she decided to adopt a strategy of defeating them one by one. She frequently communicated privately with those older officials who had a relatively moderate attitude, reasoning with them and appealing to their emotions.

“My lord, the reform is not intended to strip you of your position, but rather for the long-term development of the palace. Look at the many problems plaguing the palace today; if we do not reform, it may not be able to continue in the future. What will become of your descendants?” Su Jinxiu spoke earnestly.

Some veteran officials began to waver: "Perhaps this reform is not entirely without merit."

Xiao Ling then used ruthless methods to rectify palace discipline, severely punishing those who deliberately slacked off or sabotaged the reforms.

"The palace reform is His Majesty's decree. Anyone who dares to disobey will be punished according to military law!" Xiao Ling's imposing presence chilled everyone to the bone.

At the same time, they also actively sought the support of some young, promising officials who were eager to make a difference.

"We are willing to follow Lord Su and General Xiao and contribute to the reform!"

Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling meticulously planned and cleverly exposed the conspiracies and lies of the conservative forces in front of the emperor.

“Your Majesty, those who oppose reform are only concerned with their own selfish interests and have no regard for the future of the court.”

The emperor was furious: "My resolve is unwavering. Anyone who dares to obstruct the reforms will be severely punished!"

Thanks to the efforts of Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling, public opinion in the palace gradually began to shift in support of the reforms.

"Look, this reform is indeed for the good of the palace."

"We should trust Lord Su and General Xiao."

They seized the opportunity and accelerated the pace of reform. The streamlining of the court apparatus and the reduction of redundant personnel proceeded smoothly.

"From now on, the palace will present a completely new face."

The reform of the financial system also achieved remarkable results, with a significant reduction in court expenditures and a more rational allocation of resources.

"We can no longer afford to waste the palace's money."

However, just when they thought they were about to achieve a complete victory, new problems arose.

Some of the dismissed personnel harbored resentment and created chaos in the palace.

"We cannot be abandoned like this!"

External forces were not willing to give up so easily and continued to sabotage in secret.

"We must ensure that their reforms fail."