The third year of spring arrived.
The various factions within the imperial court held one another in check, creating a temporary state of equilibrium. Although they continued to compete in secret, the facade of civility was maintained. This was precisely the effect Emperor Deming desired; if all his officials were to unite as one, his own throne might well become the object of their covetous gaze.
As time passed, Zhao Yan’s influence within the Cabinet grew. Over the years, his series of proposals—reforming the tax system, cultivating high-yield crops, promoting education, and the like—had been met with skepticism from the start. It was one thing to be constantly maligned, but certain radical officials went so far as to submit formal memorials impeaching him. Yet, Emperor Deming possessed a malicious streak: no matter who was impeached, the memorials would eventually appear, in their entirety, before the very person being attacked.
Chapter 652