Yang Ming smiled and said, "I just want to ask you this, Your Majesty... What direction do you want things to go, and I will strive to let things go in that direction."
"Oh," the Old Emperor raised his hand and patted Yang Ming's arm, "You're still the one who understands people, Hanton. To be honest, letting the people below stir things up a bit can also uncover many issues and prevent bigger problems. For me, as an Emperor, it has no impact. I only need to step out at critical moments and make a speech to the whole nation, that's enough."
"I understand," Yang Ming nodded, "The power they hold is indeed too great."
The Old Emperor smiled but said nothing.
Yang Ming said, "Your Majesty, I have a small request."
"Just speak your mind."
"I would like a report on the Empire's slave status, the more detailed, the better. Give me some time to read this report."
