Chapter 215: Delegating Power - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

Chapter 215: Delegating Power

Feng Jinyao’s proposal shocked the Bai family’s patriarchs, who had been raised under the principle of centralizing power in the imperial court. For years, they believed that any threat to imperial authority should be suppressed, and the notion of delegating power was foreign to them.

Bai Sifu's eyes widened in disbelief at Feng Jinyao's words, which were as surprising as her previous letter. He looked at her with a mix of confusion and concern.

“Ah Yao, have you considered that if merchants become powerful and refuse to relinquish their authority, the laws of the Great Jin will be challenged? How will we rectify this situation?”

Feng Jinyao smiled lightly, “Eldest Uncle, forgive my presumption, but no dynasty remains eternally strong. The previous dynasty was overthrown, wasn’t it? Instead of exploiting the people through imperial power, isn’t it better to return power to the people and govern with minimal intervention?”

Upon hearing this, Bai Chaoran couldn’t help but open the door slightly and look around to ensure no one was nearby. He then lowered his voice, “Little girl, how can you speak so recklessly? Such words must not be spoken lightly; otherwise, our entire family will suffer.”

Though he didn’t think Feng Jinyao was wrong in principle, her remarks were dangerously rebellious in the current context. If someone labeled her a traitor, the entire family would be in jeopardy.

Seeing her uncles’ nervousness, Feng Jinyao understood how inappropriate her words were. However, with her experiences from two lifetimes, she no longer cared about conventional views.

In her past life, she had witnessed treacherous ministers, cruel emperors, and the persecution of loyal subjects. The Feng family had been victims of imperial power, and the Bai family had suffered similarly. Given this, imperial power meant little to her; she would use it as needed without hesitation.

Feng Jinyao looked at Prime Minister Bai with unwavering determination, while Bai’s reaction showed he was somewhat unnerved by this young girl’s resolve.

“I am growing old indeed. Though my sons and I together have many more years than Ah Yao, we have not come up with as thorough a plan as she has. The longer one lives, the more cautious they become, losing the purity and determination of youth.”

Prime Minister Bai did not outright approve or reject her ideas but offered her a piece of advice, “If one aspires to the clouds, they must not ridicule Huang Chao’s ambition.”

His admiration for her was clear; among the children of the Bai and Feng families, her ambition stood out.

Bai Sifu and Bai Silang exchanged glances, finding the situation somewhat absurd. Did their father just approve of Ah Yao’s ideas?

While the four in the study continued their discussion, Feng Jinyao’s words were already reaching Xiao Tingyi’s ears.

Typically, reports were made once a day, but the shocking nature of Feng Jinyao’s remarks prompted an early report.

Since the Naval Transport Command’s issues intertwined with the Bai and Feng families, Prince Ding’s spies had been monitoring both. This wasn’t due to distrust but because the situation was critical and required meticulous attention.

Strategize before acting—this was Prince Ding’s principle. After numerous experiences, he was no longer the impetuous Seventeenth Prince but a shrewd and calculating Prince Ding.

As he listened to the reports of Feng Jinyao’s words, Yang Zhao was astonished, while Prince Ding appeared indifferent, even showing a hint of amusement.

In the vast Eastern Capital, with so many influential figures, a young girl had managed to surpass them all.

The idea of shifting the grain collection burden to merchants was unconventional but potentially effective. Prince Ding pondered her suggestion several times.

Yang Zhao, observing Prince Ding’s reaction, felt that love could cloud judgment. The old Prince would have executed anyone who dared challenge imperial authority, but now, Prince Ding was considering how to implement such revolutionary ideas.

“Return and ensure no one hears these words.” he instructed.

“Yes!”

While Prince Ding took measures to keep the information secure, if others heard it, the Bai and Feng families could face severe consequences.

Feng Jinyao spent nearly an hour at the Bai residence before heading home. She checked on Bai Siruo, relieved to see her recovering and in good spirits.

“Once I’m healed, let’s go to Mingchi. It’s the most beautiful in March.”

“You should focus less on leisure. If you keep thinking about enjoyment, how will you handle life in the Prince Kang’s residence?” Bai Siruo teased, pretending to scold her.

Seeing Bai Siruo's genuine concern, Feng Jinyao playfully responded, “Good sister, spare me! I’m not thinking of marriage yet. After dealing with things in the Eastern Capital, I’ll travel around and enjoy the beauty of the land. Why confine oneself to the inner quarters and deal with gossips? What do you think?”

Bai Siruo, realizing that Feng Jinyao was serious, was momentarily at a loss. With one sister planning to become a scholar and another to travel, she found herself pressured into marriage.

“Then I won’t marry either. I’ll join you in exploring the land!”

“Don’t! What if my future husband comes after me? He’d probably come back to the capital to reclaim his bride before we even leave.”

Bai Siruo, deflated by this, muttered to herself.

Feng Jinyao smiled, chatted with her a bit more, and then headed home.

The carriage rocked her to sleep, and she had barely rested when they arrived at the Feng residence.

“Miss, we’ve arrived.”

“Hmm.”

Exhausted and planning to rest for half an hour, Feng Jinyao was met with unexpected news—something significant had happened at home!