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

Chapter 192 A Hall Full of Gentlemen and Upright Officials
From Emperor Qianxi's subtle attitude, Shen Ye could sense that Emperor Qianxi was pleased with this tax exemption announcement.

After all, Emperor Qianxi knew exactly how much tax most of his officials were exempted from.

It was precisely because he understood this that Emperor Qianxi wanted to implement it.

However, this old man was well aware that there would be many obstacles to implementing this plan, so Emperor Qianxi's choice became to let the crown prince take the lead.

You started this whole thing, and now so many people are raising the issue. What do you suggest we do?
Faced with the criticism from the court, Shen Ye calmly cupped his hands and said, "Father, I am very surprised by the opposition from so many officials."

"In my opinion, it is understandable that my first memorial would be opposed; however, there should be no opposition to this second memorial."

"Why is this?"

"Because in our dynasty, my father's wisdom shines across the land, and he selects the most virtuous ministers from all over the country."

"In my opinion, the court at this moment is filled with virtuous gentlemen and upright officials!"

Upon hearing Shen Ye's assessment, Emperor Qianxi's lips curled into a meaningful smile.

It was a mocking smile.

A hall full of virtuous gentlemen, a court brimming with upright officials!
At first glance, these all sound like nice words, but upon closer inspection, they seem to be insults!
Doesn't the Crown Prince know that among these fellows, there are very few who can truly be called upright gentlemen?
Their minds are basically filled with petty scheming and factionalism!
Of course, they wouldn't admit these things verbally.

The ministers below all had gloomy faces.

If the Crown Prince had said this on a normal day, they would have smiled broadly and taken it as true.

But at a time like this, they really don't want to hear it.

What's more, these words sound incredibly harsh to me now.

A multitude of righteous men fill the court, haha!
Meanwhile, the eldest prince and the others were also filled with a myriad of thoughts.

They admired the Crown Prince's boldness and outspokenness, but they also vaguely felt that what he was doing seemed somewhat unwise.

But they all kept their mouths shut, afraid that such a thing would get them into trouble.

"As the saying goes, a gentleman is always at ease, while a petty person is always anxious. Since we are all gentlemen, and we conduct ourselves with integrity, and tax exemption is a regulation of the court, what is there for us to hide?"

Shen Ye seemed oblivious to the expressions on the faces of those present. He spoke with a calm and composed tone, saying, "We are doing this precisely to show those who constantly accuse us of trying to evade large amounts of taxes."

"Everyone is working for the public good, and the tax relief is really not that much!"

"My lords, I don't understand why you're all objecting!"

Shen Ye looked at Zhang Ying with a puzzled expression and said, "Lord Zhang, you have always been a man of integrity and upright character, a true gentleman. Do you think this public announcement should be opposed?"

Zhang Ying was speechless for a moment. He thought to himself, "Your Highness, I'm not saying anything, so why are you targeting me?"

He was inwardly groaning, but faced with Shen Ye's question, he still solemnly replied, "Your Highness's suggestion is not bad."

"But what you gentlemen fear is that such a proposal is of no benefit; it only wastes manpower and resources and does nothing to help the country."

"The imperial court has limited resources after all, please understand, Your Highness."

Although Zhang Ying spoke gently, he still chose his colleagues over offending the crown prince.

After all, supporting the crown prince would offend far too many people.

Even if he is a Grand Secretary, so what? He's the target of everyone's criticism, and he can't stand it.

Therefore, he still maintains a firm stance against supporting it.

Shen Ye wasn't angry about Zhang Ying's behavior. After all, everyone has relatives and friends, and when something good happens, everyone considers their friends.

He smiled and then turned to Tong Guowei, saying, "Grand Secretary Tong, you wouldn't also object to this proposal, would you?"

When Tong Guowei saw the Crown Prince questioning Zhang Ying, he secretly rejoiced that he could escape this time.

Unexpectedly, the Crown Prince has come all the way to him again!

Although he really didn't want to offend anyone, he had no choice but to speak up when the Crown Prince asked him.

He hesitated for a moment before saying, "Your Highness is right. The court is full of upright officials and gentlemen. How can we be afraid of the public announcement of taxes?" As soon as he said this, many people below cursed.

Especially Kong Meiyun, he is not just himself, he also has the Kong family behind him.

He couldn't even imagine what he would face if his family's tax exemption was made public.

He felt he was likely to be kicked out of his home.

However, it was Tong Guowei who spoke, so even if he was unhappy, he could only endure it.

Because he had absolutely no advantage when facing Tong Guowei.

However, Tong Guowei's next words brought a smile to his face.

"However, what you gentlemen say makes sense. This matter is actually a waste of manpower with no benefit."

"Whether it is permissible or not, we beseech Your Majesty to make the final decision."

Tong Guowei's words sounded grand and dignified, but in reality, they were all just a bunch of nonsense.

Since you've already asked Emperor Qianxi to make the final decision, why are you wasting your time here?

However, despite this, no one dared to underestimate Tong Guowei, after all, he was Emperor Qianxi's uncle and the chief Grand Secretary.

Upon hearing Tong Guowei's words, Shen Ye put on a helpless expression and said, "Lord Tong Guowei, although this matter consumes a bit of manpower, it can demonstrate the integrity of all of you officials."

"Why not achieve great things with minimal expenditure?"

"You are all gentlemen, I just don't understand why you are against it."

At this point, he looked intently at Kong Meiyun: "Lord Kong has always been incorruptible and honest, so I'm sure you wouldn't object, would you?"

Kong Meiyun suddenly felt like she was being tricked by the Crown Prince.

My heart is as bright as the moon!

He was honest and upright!

Your Highness, by pressing me so relentlessly, you're practically putting me on the hot seat of a furnace!
He took a deep breath and respectfully cupped his hands, saying, "Your Highness, in my heart, I should give my full support."

He then changed the subject, looking troubled, and said, "However, our dynasty has always been short of manpower. If we spend too much time on this kind of thing, it will really delay our important business!"

"For the sake of important matters of the court, I believe that such trivial matters should be set aside for the time being and discussed again another day."

At this point, he glanced around and said, "However, I believe that it is a blessing for the world and a boon for all people that the Crown Prince is so considerate of his subjects."

Emperor Qianxi chuckled inwardly as he listened to Kong Meiyun's words.

He knew about the Kong family's situation and also knew that this person was clearly lying through his teeth.

However, seeing these seemingly respectable ministers sitting on pins and needles, yet forced to feign composure, Emperor Qianxi felt quite relieved.

He even had a vague sense of anticipation!

He eagerly awaited the Crown Prince's final memorial, wondering where the secret lay.

Does the Crown Prince really oppose the conversion of land tax into poll tax?

If there is opposition, what is the meaning behind the Crown Prince's second memorial?

He practically wanted to strangle those self-proclaimed righteous ministers!

After the court fell silent, Emperor Qianxi coughed lightly and said, "I think what you ministers have said makes sense."

"Let's discuss this matter later!"

"Your Highness, don't you have a third memorial?"

"Then let's present the memorial, so as not to waste everyone's time!"

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(End of this chapter)