As soon as these words were spoken, he suddenly realized that his imperial brother had forbidden him to tell his imperial sister-in-law. However, this woman was too astute and had guessed it without him even responding.
In fact, they did not know that Yun Xiao had already advised that since they had implemented such a policy, there would inevitably be some pushback.
However, it should not have been too serious. Seeing Shangguan Lin's solemn expression, she wondered if a certain place had ceased its market.
"Which place has ceased its market?"
"Guangning City."
Seeing that she had guessed correctly, Shangguan Lin felt it would be difficult to conceal it further. Moreover, he was well aware of Yun Xiao's capabilities. With one more person, there would be more strength, and they could brainstorm ways to suppress it.
"The Prefect of Guangning sent an urgent letter stating that Guangning City has ceased its market for three days. The streets are in chaos with citizens, and the government officials have intervened, but the merchants completely ignore them. Not only do they disregard them, but someone even smashed the government yamen's signboard under the cover of night."
As soon as Shangguan Lin finished speaking, Yun Xiao's expression darkened. Her face was gloomy, and a cold smile played on her lips.
How dare a small chamber of commerce be so arrogant? Was the government incompetent, or were these people too audacious, or was there someone instigating them from behind?
Yun Xiao's eyes shot out a chilling light, fixing on Shangguan Lin. "What does Your Majesty plan to do?"
"His Majesty has summoned several ministers from the court to immediately discuss how to resolve the issue of the Guangning City merchant strike."
Just as Shangguan Lin finished speaking, he heard a eunuch's voice from behind, "Greetings, Your Majesty."
Shangguan Yin had actually come out and overheard Shangguan Lin's words to Yun Xiao. His face immediately darkened. Shangguan Lin saw his imperial brother's dark face and, after a moment of stammering, mumbled, "I wasn't supposed to tell her."
Yun Xiao had already waved for him to go down first and then slowly walked to Shangguan Yin's side.
Seeing the expression on her face, Shangguan Yin knew she was angry and seemed inclined to get involved in this matter. However, seeing her large belly, he was extremely reluctant and quickly spoke, "Xiao'er, don't forget you are pregnant."
"So what?"
Yun Xiao retorted, her arrogance and disdain for the world silencing Shangguan Yin, making him unable to speak the rest of his words. Yun Xiao had already walked to his side and said in a soft, tender voice, "Your Majesty, let's go. Let's go to the study to see what good ideas everyone can come up with."
Her words carried a hint of excitement, which gave Shangguan Yin a terrible headache. However, the matter of Guangning City indeed needed to be resolved.
Guangning City was not far from Yanjing, only seven to eight hundred li away, and was a crucial passage to Jin. Therefore, its economic prosperity was no less than that of the capital.
The prefect reported that the market had been closed for three days. Now, four days had passed, a total of seven to eight days.
If it were not resolved soon, the common people might revolt. Who among the common folk did not need rice and salt? If mishandled, it could lead to a riot, resulting in countless casualties.
Shangguan Yin and Yun Xiao were well aware of such matters, so they went to the study together.
Eunuch Fu Hai went to deliver the imperial edict, and soon the important ministers of the court gathered in the study.
Prime Minister Sima Qingyun, the ministers of the six ministries, Prince Yun, Prince Shangguan Lin, and General Hu Guo Yu Chi Jun all rose in unison. They looked at the Emperor and Empress walking in from outside the door, and everyone immediately bowed respectfully.
"Your subject greets Your Majesty and the Empress."
Shangguan Yin waved his hand, signaling the ministers to rise. He and Yun Xiao then sat on the dragon couch inside.
Although the Empress was present, which might be seen as interfering in state affairs, everyone present knew that the Empress of their Eastern Qin was not an ordinary person.
She had participated in many major decisions of the court, including the policy of restraining merchants and supporting agriculture, changes in criminal law, and the imperial examinations in April.
They had already acknowledged this woman's capabilities, so at this moment, they did not think anything was amiss.
Once the Emperor and Empress were seated, the others gradually sat down and looked at the Emperor uniformly, wondering what had happened as his expression was very cold. Only Shangguan Lin knew the full story.
Shangguan Yin spoke calmly, "An urgent letter arrived from Guangning City this morning stating that all shops, led by the chamber of commerce, have ceased their markets in protest, and they even smashed the government's signboard."
As soon as the Emperor's words fell, everyone below looked grim. They never expected such a thing to happen.
Guangning was not far from here, and if a riot broke out, it would inevitably affect the capital. Everyone listened with heavy hearts. The Minister of Revenue, an old official, stood up in panic.
"Your Majesty, your humble servant believes that we should immediately cease the policy of restraining merchants and supporting agriculture and reconsider our plans later."
As soon as the Minister of Revenue finished speaking, the Minister of Personnel on the side disagreed.
He was an official promoted and trusted by the Emperor. He was young and spirited, full of righteousness, and protested with a stern demeanor.
"Your subject disagrees with this action. How dare a small chamber of commerce challenge the imperial court? Then, if any new policies are introduced in the future, will they have to be approved by these people?"
As soon as the Minister of Personnel finished speaking, several voices of agreement arose in the study. Shangguan Lin's expression became even more unsightly.
"Your subject suggests immediately dispatching troops to suppress them. Anyone who dares to defy will be treated as a rioter. They will be arrested immediately. Kill the chicken to warn the monkeys, and let those people see if they dare to cause trouble again?"
As soon as Shangguan Lin finished speaking, three of the six ministries agreed to this course of action, while the others remained silent.
Yun Xiao scanned the study coldly, then turned to look at the Emperor. She saw that Shangguan Yin's expression was extremely grim, and he spoke in a deep, somber tone.
"This plan has already been announced to the world and cannot be changed. What is needed now is how to deal with this matter."
Yun Xiao nodded in agreement. Seeing that the Empress had also nodded, some ministers felt that they could only find ways to deal with those merchants.
The study was silent. Yun Xiao spoke unhurriedly.
"This Empress guarantees that behind this chamber of commerce incident, there must be someone hidden. He is the culprit. His purpose in doing this is not to target the policy of restraining merchants and supporting agriculture, but merely to incite chaos in Eastern Qin."
"Ah."
Everyone in the study had a change of expression. They looked at Yun Xiao in surprise and doubt. Could what the Empress said be true? That person wanted to use this incident to incite riots in Eastern Qin. Who could it be?
As this thought arose, several faces changed, and they exclaimed in unison, "Could it be the traitor Ye Jingyi?"
A cold smile played on Yun Xiao's lips, and her eyes showed understanding. It seemed the esteemed ministers were not entirely foolish. The policy of restraining merchants and supporting agriculture had been announced long ago.
It did not cause an uproar then, but now it had, clearly orchestrated by someone. This person was likely Ye Jingyi, hiding in the shadows.
The Emperor's noble demeanor remained unchanged, his eyes filled with a bloodthirsty ferocity, and a cold smile played on his lips.
"I will definitely capture him. I will not let this traitor go."
He clenched his large hand and slammed it onto the dragon desk with a bang. Everyone lowered their heads, trembling with fear. The Emperor's thunderous actions and ruthless methods were unparalleled.
If Ye Jingyi fell into his hands, he would undoubtedly suffer greatly. However, that traitor had indeed gone too far. Since he had escaped, he should have lived peacefully, yet he caused such trouble.
Yun Xiao reached out and held Shangguan Yin's other hand. The cold and merciless man's face, with its clear and refined features, was imbued with a gentle warmth.
"Since their intentions are malicious, we naturally must respond with caution."
Yun Xiao spoke, and the ministers remained silent, all looking at her. Yun Xiao continued.
"Now, spread rumors that His Majesty is prepared to withdraw this policy, and that an imperial envoy has been sent to negotiate. Then, we will catch them off guard. The president of the chamber of commerce must be colluding with Ye Jingyi."
"Empress is wise."
Everyone quickly rose and bowed their heads, awaiting orders. Yun Xiao glanced at everyone and spoke unhurriedly, "If today's matter is leaked, the nine generations of your families will be exterminated."
Her words were fierce and ominous, with a chilling sharpness.