After my rebirth, my Martial Sect will surely sweep the martial world in blood.

117. Draft

The first rays of morning sunlight streamed through the window and fell on Lin Mo's desk. He rubbed his throbbing temples; the Xuan paper spread out in front of him was densely covered with his ideas for the new policies.

Last night's meeting with Wang Shouren and others further solidified his resolve to reform. However, formulating a new policy draft that could both weaken the power of aristocratic families and the Imperial Guard and gain support from all sides proved to be a thorny issue.

"Young Master, Lord Wang has arrived," came the servant's announcement from outside the door.

Lin Mo quickly stood up to greet him. Wang Shouren was dressed casually today, but his expression was even more solemn than yesterday.

"Young Master Lin, after we parted last night, I received some bad news," Wang Shouren said bluntly. "The Imperial Guards seem to have noticed our movements; there were spies loitering outside the manor last night."

Lin Mo's heart skipped a beat: "It seems our actions have alerted them."

"Exactly." Wang Shouren nodded. "Therefore, the draft of the new policy must be formulated as soon as possible. We must make full preparations before the Internal Security Bureau takes action."

The two approached the desk, and Lin Mo handed Wang Shouren a portion of the draft he had already written for his review.

"These are the initial areas I've outlined: rectifying official corruption, reforming the tax system, strengthening the military and preparing for war, and encouraging industry and commerce."

Wang Shouren read carefully, sometimes nodding, sometimes frowning.

"The measure of rectifying official corruption will likely affect the interests of too many people," he said, pointing to the draft. "Currently, nine out of ten officials in the court have connections with powerful families. If strict assessments are implemented, it will probably provoke a strong backlash."

Lin Mo pondered for a moment and said, "This is indeed the most difficult point, but it is also the core of the new policy. Without rectifying official corruption, other reforms will be difficult to implement."

"How about we proceed in stages?" Wang Shouren suggested. "Let's start by reforming the lower-level officials, and then extend the reforms to higher-ranking officials after we've gained experience."

"That's a good idea," Lin Mo nodded. "We can start by evaluating local officials and establishing new assessment standards."

The two discussed the reform of the bureaucracy for half an hour and finally settled on a gradual approach.

Next came tax reform. Lin Mo proposed reducing taxes for farmers, increasing commercial taxes, and introducing an inheritance tax to weaken the wealth accumulation of powerful families.

"The inheritance tax will likely face strong opposition from prominent families," Wang Shouren said with concern.

"Therefore, we need the military's support," Lin Mo said. "Yesterday, Minister Zhao stated that the Ministry of War would stand by our side. With the military as our backing, the powerful families wouldn't dare to act rashly."

"Even so, we must proceed with caution," Wang Shouren cautioned. "Powerful clans are deeply entrenched and should not be underestimated."

When discussing strengthening the military and preparing for war, Lin Mo appeared particularly focused. He proposed establishing new-style military academies to train young generals; improving weaponry to enhance the army's combat effectiveness; and strengthening border defenses to prevent invasions by foreign tribes.

"I can personally oversee this part," Lin Mo said. "While I was at the border, I discussed many strategies for strengthening the army with General Li Jing, and we have a preliminary implementation plan."

Wang Shouren nodded with satisfaction: "With you in charge of military reforms, I can rest assured."

Finally, there was the section on encouraging commerce and industry. Lin Mo proposed raising the status of merchants, abolishing some old regulations that restricted commercial development, and establishing government-run workshops to develop the manufacturing industry.

"Shen Wansan and his men will certainly give their full support to this," Wang Shouren said with a smile. "However, those old scholars in the court will probably object."

"Reform will always encounter resistance," Lin Mo said firmly, "but as long as it benefits the country and its people, we should persevere."

After noon, other members of the New Policies Council arrived one after another. Zhao Mingcheng brought the Ministry of War's support for military system reform; Shen Wansan and others put forward many specific suggestions on commercial reform.

The group sat around the table and engaged in a heated discussion about every detail of the draft.

"I believe tax reform should be more radical," the young censor Li Gang declared eloquently. "Powerful families own vast amounts of land yet do not pay taxes; this is extremely unfair!"

Zhou Jin, the Vice Minister of Rites, held a conservative view: "Reform should not be too radical, otherwise it will easily cause unrest. In my opinion, tax reform should be carried out gradually."

Unable to reach an agreement, both sides eventually turned their attention to Lin Mo.

Lin Mo pondered for a moment and said, "Both of you have valid points. I suggest a compromise: first implement a more moderate tax reform, and then gradually deepen it when the time is right."

He turned to Zhou Jin: "Lord Zhou, you are an official of the Ministry of Rites and are familiar with the established systems and regulations. Could you please take charge of formulating a specific tax reform plan? It should reduce the burden on the people without causing too much unrest."

Seeing how much Lin Mo valued his opinion, Zhou Jin's expression softened slightly: "This humble official will certainly do his best."

Next, the group discussed other clauses. Sometimes they argued heatedly, and sometimes they reached an agreement. In this process, the draft of the new policy was gradually improved.

By evening, a relatively complete draft of the new policy had finally been completed.

Wang Shouren stroked the draft document, which embodied the hard work of everyone involved, and exclaimed, "If this policy can be implemented, there is hope for the revival of the Song Dynasty!"

"This is just the first step," Lin cautioned. "Next, we need to consider how to implement these reforms."

Zhao Mingcheng suggested, "Why not start with a pilot program in the Ministry of War? Military system reform will face relatively less resistance, and if it proves successful, it can set an example for other reforms."

"That's a good idea," Shen Wansan agreed. "We merchants can first try out the new commercial policy in the capital, and if it works well, then we can extend it nationwide."

The group then discussed the specific steps for implementing the new policy until the moon was high in the sky.

After the meeting, Lin Mo remained alone in his study. He reviewed the draft again, his brow furrowed slightly.

"Does the young master still have any concerns?" Before anyone knew it, Wang Shouren had returned.

Lin Mo looked up: "Lord Wang, don't you think our draft is missing something?"

"Oh? What does young master mean?"

"All our reforms are aimed at addressing existing problems," Lin Mo said slowly, "but is it possible that there are deeper reasons behind these problems?"

Wang Shouren's expression shifted: "What does the young master mean...?"

"I'm wondering if there's any connection between the emperor's drastic change in temperament, the expansion of the inner guard's power, and the corruption of the court."

Wang Shouren was silent for a moment, then lowered his voice: "Does the young master suspect that someone is manipulating all of this?"

"It's more than just suspicion." Lin Mo's gaze was deep. "I have a feeling that we're about to face more than just political enemies in court."

Outside the window, a bright moon hung high in the sky. The cool moonlight shone on their faces, reflecting the same solemn expressions.

"The new policies must be implemented no matter what," Wang Shouren said firmly. "No matter what kind of enemy we face, we cannot back down."

Lin Mo nodded and carefully put the draft away: "I will begin preparations for the pilot program tomorrow. I will personally oversee the matters concerning the Ministry of War and the new military academy."

Wang Shouren rose to take his leave: "Then I will go and contact other officials to prepare for the implementation of the new policies."

After seeing Wang Shouren off, Lin Mo stood by the window, gazing at the bright moon in the night sky. Memories of her past life flooded back like a tide, those unsolved mysteries and those unresolved hatreds intertwined with the responsibilities of this life.

He knew that the road to implementing the new policies would not be smooth. The Imperial Guard, powerful families, and even those enemies lurking in the shadows would try every means to obstruct him.

But he was ready. For his ideals and for all living beings, he would forge ahead.