The hall was so quiet that the faint sound of a candle wick occasionally bursting could be heard.
Gu Hui did not indulge in superfluous pleasantries. As soon as the officials finished their salutes, he picked up a document that had been prepared in advance from the table. His voice was clear and steady, yet as impactful as a heavy stone thrown into a deep pond: "Though the Jin invaders have retreated, devastation is everywhere."
"The world longs for stability, yet this stability must not be one of complacency and makeshift solutions. It must be one that breaks the old to establish the new, ensuring enduring peace and stability."
"The reason for summoning all here today is to discuss and establish several fundamental policies as the foundation for the new governance."
He unfolded the document, his gaze sweeping across the assembly.
"First, we must manage finances and commerce, strengthening our foundations and origins."
