Chapter 26: Tax Reform

Shen Shurong felt a bitter pang in her heart. Everyone knew her feelings, but for the sake of the family, they would only push her to choose better.

“Grandmother, is Grandfather angry?”

“He can’t bear to part with you and wants to keep you around a bit longer.”

Shen Shurong’s face turned pale in an instant. She wished she could fly to his room right away. Grandfather still wanted to keep her?

The Grand Princess noticed the shock in her eyes. The thoughts of a young girl were quite easy to understand. She chuckled and poked her gently. “I was just teasing you; your grandfather has already mentioned it.”

Shen Shurong clung to her, pouting. “Grandmother, that’s not funny.”

Xie Yunzhao walked through the estate, his lips curved into a smile. He and Rongrong had grown closer.

In the main hall of the Duke of Lu’s residence, the Duchess was admiring a box of pearls. “These were originally meant as a betrothal gift for Yongjia. When your mother gave birth to you two brothers, the Empress rewarded us with these. Now, let’s give them to Wan’er.”

Xie Yunzheng felt a dull ache in his chest and remained silent. His original betrothal gift was supposed to be for Yongjia.

“Mother has said it is for the Commandery Princess, so of course, it still belongs to her.” Xie Yunzhao strode in and snatched the pearl box. “Once it’s decided who it’s for, it’s for that person. What does it matter which son marries her?”

The Duchess frowned, confused by his sudden entrance. “Don’t make a scene. I’m choosing betrothal gifts for your elder brother. Your wedding is only a month away; we don’t have time to prepare more!”

Reaching for the box, Xie Yunzhao held it high, out of her reach. “Listen, your sister-in-law is a Commandery Princess. How can a mere daughter of the Minister’s family compare to her?”

The Duchess shot a glance at her elder son. His engagement was already forced; could Yunzhao not give way? “Give it to me; I’ll prepare something better for Yongjia.”

Xie Yunzheng stood up. “Mother, give it to the Commandery Princess. My heart already belongs to Yongjia. What difference does it make whether the pearls go to Wan’er or not? As long as Yongjia is happy, I’m willing.”

Xie Yunzhao held onto the box tightly, rolling his eyes as he saw Xie Yunzheng leave. He was acting so generous when it was originally meant for Rongrong!

“Mother, you’re biased.”

The Duchess wanted to smack herself. She couldn’t please either side, and it was all her fault. “Fine, fine! But Wang’er is still the Commandery Princess; a lowly gift wouldn’t look good.”

Xie Yunzhao handed the box to Qingzhu and sat down beside his mother. “What does it matter if she’s the Commandery Princess? If we’re being honest, Yongjia is of royal blood. My father would have to pay his respects to her.”

“Then… what’s the point of sitting here? Shouldn’t you be preparing to serve her tea once she enters?”

Xie Yunzhao laughed, explaining, “No need for that. After all, she’s marrying me; she’ll be your daughter-in-law. But you can’t forget to treat her as a royal Commandery Princess just because she’s my wife.”

The Duchess was so angry her face turned green. “You’re a useless son! Hurry and get back to your courtyard; I don’t want to be bothered by you.”

If it weren’t for her interruptions, the Duke would have already arranged for their birthdays to be celebrated. After all, she was most concerned about Yunzhao.

Xie Yunzhao took a step back. “Mother, if there are any other good things, remember to give some to Yongjia. I’m leaving.”

The Duchess clutched her chest and reached for a teacup to throw.

Xie Yunzhao dashed out just in time.

“Qingzhu, put this pearl in the betrothal gift list.”

“Yes, sir.”

The next day, Xie Yunzhao and Lu Ziqian drafted a guest list for the polo match. One was the second son of the Duke of Lu, and the other was the third son of the Deputy Censor. However, he was afraid to invite them under his own name, fearing no one would come, so he used the name of the Duke of Lu’s residence instead.

Before finalizing the list, Xie Yunzhao was summoned to the Duke of Lu’s council chamber, where he only had time to remind them not to invite anyone from the palace.

Inside the room, they were discussing the Crown Prince’s military tax. “This matter is most beneficial to us; we should support the Crown Prince.”

Xie Yunzhao sat in the chair, listening. The deeper he listened, the more his brow furrowed.

“Serving in the military is a matter of pride, even a family’s pride. It’s true that they shouldn’t be exempt from taxes.”

“That’s right. The treasury is empty, and a flood is coming. We need money. If we can collect taxes from the families of soldiers, it would ease the situation a lot.”

“Heh!” Xie Yunzhao scoffed. These people had forgotten how their ancestors rose to power. Weren’t they all just soldiers in the past?

Now, holding high positions, they could disregard the lives of the lower classes. Their sons fought on the battlefield, unable to serve their families, and they still had to collect taxes from their fathers.

And if they died in battle, it was considered an honor?

It’s such an honor, why don’t you send your own sons to fight on the front lines?

Xie Yunzhao was disgusted when the room fell silent, and everyone looked at him.

He realized they were staring at him and raised his eyes, his voice sarcastic. “What are you looking at me for? What, I can’t laugh?”

“Young Master, we thought you had something to say.”

Xie Yunzhao stood up slightly, then slumped back. “I think I’ll keep quiet.”

“Young Master, you can talk about the recent plans for the treasury. We’d like to have an idea.”

Xie Yunzhao raised an eyebrow. They wanted to meddle?

“It’s still in the early stages of reform, not much progress, and no plans yet. The Junzhu said we should take it slowly, be steady.”

Everyone nodded in agreement. “Young Master, we need a reason for this military tax. The treasury is being reorganized, preparing for a breakthrough, so…”

Xie Yunzhao raised his hand to interrupt them. It was clear why they were here. “Stop with your petty schemes. The treasury is meant to make money, not to fleece the soldiers.”

Deputy Commander Pei laughed. “Who would dare to fleece the soldiers? It’s just that the tax exemptions for their families will no longer be reduced.”

Seeing that his son didn’t react, the Duke of Lu chimed in, “Don’t worry, the treasury will get a share from the extra taxes collected. I will talk to the Crown Prince about it.”

“Yes, yes, the treasury needs it.”

Xie Yunzheng watched Xie Yunzhao. Although he didn’t want him to be with the Junzhu, he was in charge of the treasury after all… and also the grandson-in-law of the Grand Princess. So, he didn’t think it was a big deal.

Xie Yunzhao remained unmoved. Perhaps these people were crazy, willing to sacrifice their lives for money.

If it was really implemented, it wouldn’t have much impact in the short term, but in the long run, it would discourage people from joining the army, and the barracks would be filled with resentment. With morale low, the army wouldn’t be able to fight effectively.

What a stupid idea from the Crown Prince! He dared to think it, and people dared to do it!

“What are you all looking at me for? I’m just a small council member of the treasury, not the boss.”

“Son, you go and gauge the reaction first. The rest, leave it to your father.”

Xie Yunzhao sighed, did his father think he was stupid?

“Alright, as a council member of the treasury, I disagree with this military tax. So, please find another way!”

“How can Young Master decide alone?”

“That’s right. The Grand Princess and the Junzhu might not agree. In that case, Young Master will have made a great contribution to the treasury.”

“The purpose of the alliance between the Duke of Lu’s residence and the Grand Princess’s residence is exactly this.”

Xie Yunzhao stopped pretending to be nonchalant. He knew they wouldn’t give up easily, but who was he referring to when he said alliance?

“I can go ask, but you need to show sincerity. What percentage will be shared, who will receive it, how much will be distributed, who will be responsible for any resulting unrest in the army, first, you need to come up with a plan for me.”