Chapter Eight: Living Bodhisattva

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Luodu, Prime Minister’s Residence.

“Sir, what’s going on? We just finished praising His Majesty, and now he suddenly changes the court meeting time to the hour of Si. Isn’t this nonsense?”

Ouyang Yu was polishing his dragon-headed cane.

“The new emperor has just ascended the throne and has many affairs to handle. Changing the time of the court meeting is nothing to be overly concerned about.”

“But...”

Ouyang Yu slowly raised his head; his piercing gaze was intimidating.

“Everything has its process. As long as His Majesty doesn’t make major mistakes, we can rest easy. By the way, have the memorials we asked you to write been completed?”

“All ready.”

Ouyang Yu nodded.

“Good. I believe that once His Majesty reads the memorials from us ministers, he will surely reconsider his plan for large-scale construction projects...”

...

Meanwhile, at Mirror Water Tower.

“Miss Li’s painting skills are exquisite, and her passion for art sincere. The top prize, Yue, is truly undeserved; it should be awarded to Miss Li... and even more so.”

As Yue Yao finished speaking, a maid beside her tugged at her sleeve with a furrowed brow.

“Miss... you...”

“No need for further words, let’s go.”

Before Old Wu could speak, Yue Yao turned and left.

By the time Li Chen reacted and pushed through the crowd, Yue Yao’s figure was nowhere to be seen.

Alas... could such a beauty really be missed just like that?

...

Just then, a group of soldiers suddenly flooded in through the entrance.

The noisy atmosphere instantly fell silent.

What’s happening? Could there be a criminal here?

Li Chen smiled instead of being alarmed.

Ah? That’s right!

Lucky you, boy. As long as it’s not a heinous crime, I’ll definitely help you get a government position in the palace!

“Shopkeeper!”

As the officers shouted, a middle-aged man came forward with a smile.

“Officer.”

“Is the tax silver ready?”

The shopkeeper waved his hand, and several waiters immediately ran to the back room and brought out a box.

“One hundred taels, all inside. If you don’t trust it, please count it.”

He bent down to open the money chest on the ground.

“No need. How could there be any omission in the Prince Dai family’s estate? Since it’s ready, we won’t bother you further. Farewell.”

With that, the lead tax officer took the box and left.

Li Chen watched from the side, feeling a bit disappointed.

After all that, it was just a tax collection.

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Wait... one hundred taels!?

Are the taxes in the Great Zhou really that high? This is astronomical!

Hmm? If I heard correctly, that tax officer just mentioned... Prince Dai? Damn! So this is the estate of the vassal prince’s family.

Then... this shop must be the property of Li Shuyi’s family?

Let’s not think about her for now...

Since it’s a vassal prince’s estate, why is the tax so high? Does that mean the common people are taxed even more?

Good grief...

I have such a bunch of corrupt and law-breaking treasures under me?

No, no!

If that were true, why didn’t anyone else react?

If you don’t understand, just ask.

“Miss, are taxes really this high in Great Zhou?”

The woman smiled.

“Haha, of course not! If every family paid like this, how would the common people survive?”

“It’s by our Great Zhou’s law that all estates of vassal princes and nobility must pay ten times the usual tax.”

Damn! Ten times!

It feels like my ancestors were even more reckless than I am. Playing like this, aren’t they afraid that the vassal princes and nobles will rebel?

“Thank you, but I still don’t understand. With such high taxes, don’t the princes and nobles complain at all?”

The woman smiled again.

“Not at all! Because this law was actually proposed by the vassal princes and nobles themselves.”

Li Chen was stunned.

Many people don’t like to suffer losses.

But seeing someone eager to be the scapegoat is a first.

No wonder the vassal princes and nobles have such a good reputation. If they’re willing to be the sacrificial lambs, who can say no?

Seeing Li Chen dazed, the woman continued.

“Not only that, the vassal princes and nobles of Great Zhou pay the most taxes. When it comes to disaster relief or war efforts, they contribute the most funds as well.”

“Moreover, whenever the country faces a major war, the vassal princes and nobles’ heirs are always the first to be conscripted.”

Another woman nearby nodded in agreement.

“Heh, that’s just one aspect. Our Great Zhou’s imperial examination system, the criteria for military enlistment, and the arrangements for discharged veterans are all thanks to the vassal princes.”

“To put it simply, without the vassal princes and nobles, commoners would have no chance of advancement. Some families are poor and don’t meet the standards; they wouldn’t even qualify for military service.”

“As for discharged veterans, back when the country was founded, the compensation was only one tael per month. Now? Five taels. And most of that money comes from the vassal princes and nobles.”

After hearing the two women speak, Li Chen couldn’t help but sigh.

With such loyal and devoted vassal princes and nobles, it’s no surprise the country is strong.

They contribute money and effort... and selflessly work for the welfare of the people...

What the heck is this?

Isn’t this just like living bodhisattvas?!

I can’t wait... I must hurry back to the palace.

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...

Just as Li Chen was about to leave...

Li Shuyi bowed to Old Wu, greeted everyone, and headed to the back room.

Upon stepping over the threshold, she picked up the top prize flower bouquet, glanced at it, and sneered.

“Hmph, a small family dares to compete with me?”

With that, she threw the bouquet onto the grass in the backyard...

...

“Your Majesty, you’re back! I was so worried!”

Wan’er came running over, her steps quick and light.

Though the young girl looked small in age, she was quite capable.

Li Chen affectionately pinched Wan’er’s cheek.

“By the way, Wan’er, let me ask you something. Are the vassal princes and nobles in our country really that good?”

Wan’er blinked her bright eyes and replied without hesitation.

“Of course! Though I don’t understand state affairs, I know that without these vassal princes and nobles, our country would be doomed!”

Li Chen nodded.

“Hmm, that’s reasonable. You speak well. I understand.”

...

The next day, morning court.

“Long live the Emperor...”

Changing the court time was a great decision. Look at these ministers—all are full of vigor.

Feeling pleased, Li Chen crossed his legs unconsciously.

“Alright, no need for formalities. The reason I summoned all of you today is to announce something.”

The hall fell silent. The ministers exchanged glances, reading each other’s minds.

Could it be that His Majesty read our memorials yesterday and changed his mind, deciding to abandon the Great Wall construction?

Hmm... surely it must be this, otherwise, what could be more significant?

With this thought, the ministers exhaled deeply...

Heaven above! Our painstaking efforts were not in vain! The new emperor has finally returned to the right path.

...

Among the ministers’ gazes, Ouyang Yu was the first to stand and bow.

“May I ask, Your Majesty, what is this important matter?”

Everyone lowered their heads, quietly waiting for Li Chen to repeal the grand construction decree.

But Li Chen chuckled.

“It’s not anything particularly big; it’s quite simple.”

“I am going to reduce the power of the vassal princes!”