Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 919: Chapter 46: Duke Anyang’s Calculations

In the Imperial Study, the Emperor hummed a light tune while reviewing memorials.

Sun Kui brought in tea: "Your Majesty, please have some tea."

The Emperor put down the memorial and took the teacup, slowly sipping the tea. Just as he finished, Sun Doudou entered, announcing that Marquis Wuping and the others requested an audience.

Sun Kui thought to himself: Here comes the show.

The Emperor’s lips curled into an amused smile: "Let them in."

Shortly after, Marquis Wuping and Marquis Chiyang entered.

These were heads of noble families in the capital who strongly opposed the implementation of the three new policies, including the land tax reform.

The Emperor watched with interest to see how Marquis Wuping and the others would oppose them.

Marquis Wuping and his group didn’t immediately state their opposition to the three new policies but began by recalling the recovery of the land from the rebels alongside the late Emperor. During their recollections, they first praised the late Emperor and the current Emperor extensively and then spoke of their toil. They dared not directly claim the merits of their contributions back then but could only talk about how they had helped the late Emperor to establish the realm and what sacrifices they had made for it.

Sun Kui listened for a while, puzzled. Weren’t Marquis Wuping and the others here to oppose the implementation of the policies like unifying tax levies and others? Why were they discussing matters from the previous dynasty with the Emperor? What are these old foxes up to?

The Emperor did not speak, quietly listening to Marquis Wuping and the others recounting the hardships of the past.

Seeing the Emperor uninterested, Marquis Wuping and the others were not embarrassed and continued to speak of the late Emperor’s kindness towards them. As they spoke, these dignified men even teared up, their eyes brimming with tears.

The Emperor, hearing about the late Emperor from Marquis Wuping and the others, was not moved as they had hoped, maintaining a stoic demeanor.

Seeing no reaction from the Emperor, Marquis Wuping and the others became anxious. They stopped discussing the past and began to extol the great achievements of the late Emperor.

Sun Kui grew more confused, wondering what these gentlemen were doing. Weren’t they here to ask the Emperor to retract his decree? Why were they flattering the late Emperor? The late Emperor is no longer here; flattering him achieves nothing. Flattering the current Emperor might be a bit more fruitful.

After flattering the late Emperor, Marquis Wuping and the others finally got to the point. They argued that throughout history, taxes were not assessed according to land size. They claimed that taxing based on land size was unfair to the court ministers. Then, they cited historical references to analyze the negative impacts of implementing the land tax reform and other new policies for the Emperor. In conclusion, their words implied that if the Emperor insisted on implementing these three new policies, he would offend all the worldly noble families, powerful officials, and wealthy gentry.

They initially intended to say the Emperor would also offend the royal family with such actions, but realizing the Emperor had no royal kin, they dropped the subject.

After hearing Marquis Wuping and the others, the Emperor did not rush to speak and instead assumed a thoughtful expression.

Marquis Wuping and the others watched the Emperor’s contemplative expression in silence, feeling apprehensive.

After a moment, the Emperor finally spoke: "Your arguments hold some merit."

Upon hearing this, Marquis Wuping and the others breathed a sigh of relief inwardly. Just as smiles appeared on their faces, they froze. Because they heard the Emperor continue: "However, I believe I am more correct. The policies of land tax reform, unified tax collection, and equal taxation for officials and gentry must be enforced, and no one shall obstruct them."

"Your Majesty..."

The Emperor waved a hand to interrupt Marquis Wuping, showing a hint of impatience on his face.

"I have other matters to attend to, you may withdraw now."

"Please, Marquis," Sun Kui politely escorted Marquis Wuping and the others out of the Imperial Study.

Marquis Wuping and the others did not dare show displeasure at the entrance of the Imperial Study, but once they were some distance away, their faces immediately darkened. They left the Imperial Palace in anger and headed straight to Duke Anyang Mansion. They demanded to settle accounts with Duke Anyang; today’s account must be properly settled.

In the Prince Chu Mansion, Yang Ling listened to Prince Chu recount the events of the morning court session, stunned. After a while, he regained his composure but still wore a look of disbelief: "Your Highness, did Duke Anyang truly support the land tax reform and the other new policies?"

Prince Chu nodded: "Indeed."

"This... how is this possible?" Yang Ling could imagine the reaction of the other ministers when Duke Anyang openly supported the new policies like unified tax collection during the morning court. "Duke Anyang Mansion is currently the foremost noble family in the capital. For Duke Anyang to support the three new policies is... too shocking."