Dead, someone is dead.

The official from this prominent family seemed bewildered.

He didn't know how to refute Lin Shen.

Just then, another official from a prominent family stood up, bowed to Emperor Li Shimin, and said, "Your Majesty, I think it's inappropriate. Establishing government-run schools to enlighten the people is a good thing... But granting official positions to teachers would be putting the cart before the horse, wouldn't it?"

"If everyone rushes to become a teacher at the schools for the sake of an official position, wouldn't that leave the court with no one to use?"

Li Shimin and Lin Shen were well-prepared for all this.

Li Shimin spoke up, "I anticipated this. The official position for teachers is at the ninth rank, merely a nominal position. Besides their monthly salary, they will not enjoy any other privileges. If they wish to enter the court as officials, they still need to pass the imperial examinations."

The official from the prominent family was rendered speechless.

He had been completely refuted by Li Shimin.

In the court, the officials from the prominent families all looked desolate.

Since the matter concerning merchants and traders had been confirmed, they could no longer refute this decision.

Everything fell into place.

They hadn't prepared for any of this.

Li Shimin, looking down upon them, softly said, "Gentlemen, any objections?"

This decision was undoubtedly Li Shimin's favorite.

Suppressing the powerful families had been his most desired action since becoming emperor.

He knew how terrifying the existence of these powerful families was for a dynasty.

Lin Shen's proposal almost allowed him to stand on the moral high ground and effortlessly dissolve this thorn in his heart.

No one voiced objections.

This decision was monumental. As long as it could solve the financial issues, it would become a historical event, unstoppable by anyone.

The court fell silent for a long time.

Li Shimin nodded gently, "Very well, then this matter will be handled by the Ministry of Rites..."

Li Xiaogong stepped forward, bowed, and responded.

He was Li Shimin's cousin, naturally unwilling to go against Li Shimin's wishes on this matter.

Li Shimin waved his hand, "Since there are no further issues, let's adjourn."

With that, he turned and left, ready to return to the Eastern Palace for a good rest.

The courtiers, except for those from humble origins, were all gloomy, standing in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, somewhat at a loss.

They didn't even notice Lin Shen leaving in such a swaggering manner...

Hou Junji was the second person to leave after Lin Shen.

The information presented in today's court session was too overwhelming for him to digest.

This was definitely bad news for him.

Hou Junji returned to his mansion and hastily summoned Zheng Qian.

In his study, Hou Junji recounted the events of the court session to Zheng Qian.

Zheng Qian's expression also changed drastically, "Is it true?"

Hou Junji nodded, "Yes, His Majesty and Prince Chu acted swiftly, leaving no room for anyone to maneuver. They directly decided on these matters."

Hou Junji asked, "What should we do?"

Zheng Qian shook his head, sighing, "Once a decision is made, it's difficult to reverse it overnight. But His Majesty repeatedly mentioned that these decisions were made in consultation with Prince Chu."

Hou Junji nodded.

Zheng Qian squinted and said, "It seems that Prince Chu has a considerable influence in this matter."

"We can't delay any longer on this matter. Let's take action directly."

Hou Junji hesitated, "Are you sure about this?"

Zheng Qian nodded resolutely, "We must act decisively. If we don't remove Prince Chu, neither you nor I will be at ease, and neither will the entire aristocracy."

Hou Junji reluctantly agreed, "Alright, I'll send someone to take care of it."

The sun in the sky soon shifted to the west.

By the afternoon, the decrees were posted all over Chang'an City. Li Shimin was urging for swift action, wanting to announce this news to the entire populace... Leaving the powerful families with no room for any reaction.

As soon as the imperial decrees were posted, crowds gathered around.

"What's this about?"

"Wow, so many words, it must be something significant."

"Is there a scholar who can come and help us understand what's written on it?"

Before long, a scholar stepped forward to interpret the contents of the imperial decree for everyone.

After he finished speaking, even he found it somewhat absurd.

To demand that merchants and traders give up half their profits to carry out tasks that should have been the responsibility of the Tang Dynasty?

Surely, this would enrage the merchants and traders.

"Is Prince Chu really proposing this, and His Majesty agreed?" a man dressed as a merchant pushed through the crowd, eagerly looking at the scholar.

The scholar nodded earnestly, "That's what it says on the imperial decree."

The merchant clapped his hands in joy, "Great! This is truly wonderful!"

The onlookers were puzzled.

"What's going on..."

"Is he out of his mind? He looks so happy even though they're asking for half of his profits."

The merchant, upon hearing this, turned around seriously and said, "No, this is a great thing! Prince Chu is from a merchant background, and he knows how to speak up for us merchants."

"You see, from now on, I won't be looked down upon as a lowly merchant!"

"I am a contributor to the Tang Dynasty. Although I may not be as great as Prince Chu, I can still do some good deeds as a humble person."

"Long live Prince Chu! Truly a great sage!"

The merchant stood proudly under the imperial decree, his face flushed with excitement.

Those who could be merchants were not simple. Most of them could see how advantageous this policy was for them.

By giving up a small portion of their profits, they could gain a good reputation!

This was a tremendous opportunity.

Apart from the merchants from foreign lands, who had worried expressions, the merchants of the Tang Dynasty were all smiling.

And the one who had ignited this spark, Lin Shen, was catching up on his sleep in the back room.

Chen San rushed in from outside, flustered.

He woke up Lin Shen cautiously and blurted out, "Your Highness, Your Highness, something terrible has happened! Someone's dead!"