The struggle for the throne among nine princes—I really don't want to be the crown prince.

Chapter 190 Let's make a tax exemption announcement
Emperor Qianxi's decision to have his ministers discuss the matter was a way of stalling for time.

At this point, he hadn't completely made up his mind yet.

Regarding the Crown Prince's request, he knew that his best option was to grant it, but how to grant it was still a matter.

After all, he couldn't allow everyone to bestow all their favors upon the crown prince.

Therefore, he wanted his ministers to discuss the matter and find the most suitable answer for him from their words.

He is the emperor, and he has such power.

The first person to step forward and speak was somewhat unexpected for Emperor Qianxi.

This person was neither an official of the Ministry of Revenue nor an official of the Censorate, but the new Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture, Shi Shilun.

This person can be said to be someone in Emperor Qianxi's inner circle, and Emperor Qianxi always placed high hopes on him.

He thought this person was capable and also had a strong sense of public duty.

He paid little attention to the disputes within the court, focusing solely on doing his own job well.

He felt at ease with such subordinates.

Looking at Shi Shilun's solemn expression, Emperor Qianxi asked, "What suggestions do you have regarding the Crown Prince's memorial?"

“Your Majesty, since I entered officialdom, I have always served in the prefectures and counties. As far as I know, because of the tax on household taxes, some ordinary farmers who have no money dare not have more children in order not to increase their burden.”

"Even so, some places still resort to various means to increase the amount of Dingyin for ordinary farmers in order to meet the increase targets."

“I have read the records of a certain place. It is the same middle-class family. Ten years ago, the income per capita was only three qian of silver. But when I took office, in just fifteen years, the income per capita had increased to more than one liang.”

"But the total amount of taxes paid by the imperial court has not increased much."

"Although this 'never assigns an extra assignment' feature still has some flaws, it can be modified during implementation."

"I believe this is a great policy of good, and as long as it is implemented, the whole country will surely be grateful for Your Majesty's kindness."

Shi Shilun wasn't just spouting platitudes; he used his own experience as a county official as an example, which was undoubtedly very convincing.

The statement that ordinary people's tax burden has increased, but the total amount paid by the county has not increased much, has sparked countless speculations.

His words left some people who were prepared to say platitudes speechless for a moment.

After all, the examples Shih Shih-lun gave left them speechless for a moment.

In the silence, Emperor Qianxi asked Ma Qi, "Ma Qi, what are your opinions, Ministry of Revenue?"

Ma Qi was well-prepared for this court session.

After all, the topic of discussion at this court session was the "equalization of land tax and poll tax," and the Ministry of Revenue was the focus of this discussion.

If the Minister of Revenue were to be rendered speechless by the questioning, Ma Qi would have lost face immensely. Therefore, he was very clear about the collection of silver in recent years.

Upon hearing Emperor Qianxi's question, he replied in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, the collection of taxes has not changed much recently."

"Although the overall collection rate has increased over the past decade, the increase has been limited."

At this point, Ma Qi coughed and said, "As far as I am concerned, I agree with the Crown Prince's proposal."

“This matter not only demonstrates His Majesty’s benevolence, but will also benefit ordinary people.”

Although Ma Qi was someone valued by Emperor Qianxi, he saw himself as a virtuous minister.

Although he followed Emperor Qianxi's arrangements in many matters, he would still voice his own opinion when it was time to do so.

That's why his position is becoming more and more stable.

Emperor Qianxi was not surprised by Ma Qi's answer.

Moreover, he also gained a deeper understanding.

Although the Crown Prince proposed this, he was, after all, the Emperor.

When an imperial edict is issued, the first person the subjects should think of is themselves, the emperor. But the position of the crown prince…

The fact that the Crown Prince was the first to raise this issue shows he's not stupid.

He immediately asked, "Tong Guowei, what do you think?"

Tong Guowei was a Grand Secretary, and his views basically represented the opinions of the prime ministers.

Tong Guowei was a shrewd man. Although he knew that passing this matter would greatly benefit the Crown Prince's position, he was not unaware of the consequences.

But at this moment, he would not object.

Opposition would not only be ineffective, but could also lead to a loss of face.

Therefore, he said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince's proposal is truly a great policy."

"Your Majesty's proposal is entirely in your favor."

"However, I believe that this edict should prompt the Ministry of Revenue to consult with local authorities more thoroughly, so that the Crown Prince's proposal can be made more appropriate."

Once Tong Guowei spoke, the matter was basically settled.

After all, representatives of all parties had already spoken, and this was not a memorial that anyone could find fault with.

Emperor Qianxi nodded, and was just about to speak when he heard someone kneel on the ground and say, "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince's benevolence is truly a blessing for the world and the nation!"

"I believe that after this edict is issued, all the people of the world will be grateful for Your Majesty's kindness and the Crown Prince's virtue."

At first, Emperor Qianxi enjoyed the flattery, but gradually his expression changed.

Because those who flattered him actually ranked him alongside the crown prince.

This seems like they didn't distinguish between the two kings!

Although he was unhappy about it, he had no choice but to listen patiently.

Otherwise, if people say he's competing with the Crown Prince for this, it would show that he's really too intolerant.

He glanced at Wang Yan, who was presenting his memorial, and said directly, "Wang Yan, you may step down now. The Crown Prince has other matters to report."

Wang Yan's praise was, in effect, also a statement of his stance.

Now that he has said what needed to be said, he naturally won't be disliked.

He immediately said, "I was rash, but I really couldn't help myself!"

"Such benevolent governance is truly rare in the world!"

Seeing Wang Yan's report, Emperor Qianxi, though displeased, waved his hand and said, "I forgive you for your innocence."

Just as Wang Yan withdrew, Emperor Qianxi's gaze fell on Shen Ye again, and he said, "Crown Prince, your memorial can be implemented after the Ministry of Revenue discusses it."

"Besides this matter, is there anything else you wish to report?"

Shen Ye glanced down, then smiled and said, "Father, my second memorial may offend some people."

"But for the sake of the world, I must still speak out."

"Your second memorial is also related to taxes. Because of the Emperor's kindness, the court exempts ministers from taxes and corvée labor."

"I know the rules for how to exempt people from taxes, but I have absolutely no idea who is exempt from how much."

"In my opinion, whether it is the officials in the court or the lords below, they are all wholeheartedly for the court. Therefore, I hope that the taxes paid by the lords will be made public."

"This way, it will be clear at a glance who is exempt from how much tax."

　This is the third update tonight. It's a bit late, so please support me, everyone! Give me some votes!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)