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

Chapter 391 With righteousness in hand, everything is for the court

Shen Ye wanted this attitude from Tong Guowei!

Upon hearing Tong Huli's words, he immediately put on a face full of concern for the country and its people, and said with utmost solemnity, "Prime Minister Tong, you are His Majesty's maternal uncle, and the hereditary Duke of Fengguo!"

"You certainly don't want to see the court collapse."

"Once the imperial court collapses, it will be a catastrophe for both the Tong family and the imperial court."

"To use an inappropriate analogy, this isn't just bankruptcy liquidation, it's practically being wiped out completely!"

Although Tong Guowei didn't want to admit it, these words were both hurtful and true.

Their family has been following the founding emperor since he started his career, and they are considered "original shareholders" of the imperial court.

Once Emperor Qianxi ascended the throne, their family's fortunes soared.

Two dukes from one family, what an impressive sight!

Back then, only the Suo'etu family could be compared to them. Now, with the decline of the Suo family, the Tong family has become the most prestigious and powerful family.

If the imperial court is gone, let alone whether wealth and status can be preserved, even the prestigious "Tong Mansion" signboard will have to be replaced with Tong Family Farmhouse!

Thinking of this, Tong Guowei's face turned righteous and awe-inspiring: "Your Highness, rest assured, our Tong family swears to live and die with the imperial court!"

"Through fire and water, no matter what!"

Shen Ye chuckled inwardly, thinking, "That's exactly what I wanted to hear!"

A way out? There isn't one!

Then the lobbying mode was activated:
"The reason why the previous dynasty collapsed so suddenly was simply because it died of poverty!"

"Now the imperial court's tax revenue is decreasing, while the places where it needs to spend money are increasing."

"So poor that they have to rely on crowdfunding to repair a road."

"If this continues, we'll end up like the previous dynasty!"

"But what about the wealthy people in Jiangnan? They just changed dynasties and still lived a carefree life, and it didn't stop them from continuing to bully others."

"But what about us?"

"We are bound to the imperial court, sharing the same breath and the same fate! So, Prime Minister Tong, we have no choice but to take real action!"

"At tomorrow's imperial audience, Zhen Yanhui will once again propose that officials, gentry, and commoners pay taxes together. As the Grand Secretary, you must take the lead in supporting him!"

Shen Ye's words were so artful that Tong Guowei couldn't help but applaud in admiration!

The Crown Prince instructed him to support Zhen Yan, rather than supporting himself.

By doing this, as the Crown Prince Regent, he can maintain his role as "referee" instead of personally getting involved in the infighting!

Tong Guowei was so pressured by Emperor Qianxi's decree that he dared not move, and now he was cornered by the Crown Prince. He had no way to express his bitterness.

Paying a little more tax would simply mean the Tong family would buy two fewer antiques.

But if they refused, they would not only offend the Crown Prince, but also the Qianxi Emperor.

He certainly wouldn't do a deal that would lose him money.

Moreover, he was well aware of his family's relationship with the imperial court, just as the crown prince had said.

As long as the imperial court exists, the Tong family prospers; when the imperial court collapses, the Tong family's livelihood crumbles.

So Tong Guowei said sincerely, "Your Highness, I will naturally support such a beneficial thing for the country and the people."

Shen Ye thought to himself, "He's a cunning old fox after all. He doesn't say everything he wants, but it's enough for me!"
Tong Guowei was forced to this point, and he absolutely could not oppose Zhen Yan's proposal during tomorrow's imperial audience.

They even had to say a few nice words to impress themselves and Emperor Qianxi.

This has actually achieved Shen Ye's goal.

Shen Ye continued to increase his bets:

"Prime Minister Tong, you are the Emperor's maternal uncle, and also the maternal uncle of us younger generation. I believe that family members will not let each other down!"

Tong Guowei gave a wry smile.

The word "uncle" weighed on him like a mountain, making it hard for him to breathe.

If he doesn't contribute, then the Crown Prince and the Emperor will treat him differently and won't consider him one of their own.

He had no choice but to quote Zhuge Liang's famous saying: "Your humble servant will certainly devote himself to the cause until his dying breath!"

Upon seeing that Tong Guowei had even brought up the "Memorial on Dispatching the Troops," Shen Ye laughed and said, "No, no, no, Prime Minister Tong, you can't use the word 'death.' My father and I are counting on you to take care of your health and live a long and healthy life!"

Looking at Shen Ye's smile, Tong Guowei thought to himself, "Emperor Qianxi hopes I will live to be a hundred years old, and I can still believe it."

As for you, I can only reserve my opinion!

The two exchanged pleasantries for a while before Tong Guowei took his leave.

As he walked back, he pondered the Crown Prince's words and leisurely returned to his duty room in the Southern Study!

He had just sat down when he heard someone shouting loudly in the duty room: "Grand Secretary Zhang! The Infantry Commander's Office is so disregarding of human life, it is an heinous crime!"

"If the Southern Study doesn't take action, we, the entire Hanlin Academy, will go and petition the emperor."

"I don't believe it. In this bright and clear world, with the Holy Emperor in power, there isn't a place to seek justice."

Upon hearing this voice, Tong Guowei knew that it was Xu Chunping speaking!

He was displeased to hear someone shouting loudly in the South Study, especially since the person was impeaching his own son.

Good heavens, Xu Chunping, you're so capable, are you trying to reach for the heavens?
Normally, he would never care about Zhang Ying's affairs.

But things are different now!
"Who's making such a racket?" Tong Guowei knew who it was, but he still asked coldly.

His words silenced Zhang Ying, who was about to speak.

In just half a minute, Xu Chunping and Zhang Ying walked in.

Xu Chunping respectfully addressed Tong Guowei, saying, "Xu Chunping, the Grand Academician of the Hanlin Academy, pays his respects to the Grand Secretary."

Tong Guowei glared at Xu Chunping and said, "Lord Xu, you've changed so much in just a few days!" "How dare you make a scene in the Southern Study!"

"Are you going to cause a scene at the Qianqing Palace in a couple of days?!"

"How dignified!"

A huge accusation was slapped directly on Xu Chunping's head, leaving him feeling quite depressed.

He said aggrievedly, "Lord Tong, it's not that I want to make a scene, but the Infantry Commander's Office is acting recklessly and killing officials appointed by the court at will."

"As the head scholar of the Hanlin Academy, I have no choice but to speak up."

"Otherwise, I fear I will not be able to appease my colleagues' determination to seek justice."

Tong Guowei coldly smiled and said, "I have already inquired about this matter. The Infantry Commander's Office is handling the case according to the law."

"Lu Baizhou's death was due to his poor health!"

"What, is it okay for Tian Wenjing to be sick, but not for Lü Baizhou to be in poor health?"

These words left Xu Chunping speechless.

He could only mutter helplessly, "My lord, I'm afraid your words won't stop the gossip of the world."

"How dare you speak to the Grand Secretary like that!" Zhang Ying jumped out at the opportune moment and sternly rebuked Xu Chunping:

"You lost your composure this time because of Lü Baizhou's death, but the Grand Secretary won't hold it against you."

"If this happens again, you'll be sent to the grasslands to herd sheep!"

Tong Guowei smiled as he looked at Zhang Ying, who appeared angry but was actually defending Xu Chunping, and added with a smile, "Grand Scholar Zhang, don't be angry. I still have some tolerance."

"Xu Chunping, I don't know who wrote the Memorial to the Throne."

Do you really think your petition can silence public opinion?

Xu Chunping's expression immediately stiffened.

Seeing that Xu Chunping was about to speak again, Zhang Ying said directly, "You can leave now. Give your colleagues in the Hanlin Academy a proper explanation. If anyone uses this as an excuse to cause trouble, I, Zhang Ying, will be the first to object."

Although Xu Chunping was unwilling, he had no choice but to leave in the face of Zhang Ying's stern gaze.

As soon as Xu Chunping left, Zhang Ying quickly tried to smooth things over, saying, "Prime Minister Tong, the Hanlin Academy is an important place in the imperial court, and the Hanlin scholars are all proud and arrogant."

"It's normal for them to be dissatisfied with the deaths of Lü Baizhou and the others."

Tong Guowei said coldly, "Being used as a pawn without even realizing it, how laughable!"

"These people are truly despicable!"

Hearing this, Zhang Ying knew that Tong Guowei was talking about him, but he was no ordinary person, so he simply ignored the sarcastic remarks.

"Prime Minister Zhang, the Crown Prince requests your presence!"

Just as Zhang Ying was about to say something more to Tong Guowei, Zhou Bao quickly walked over and said to Zhang Ying in a deep voice.

Zhang Ying was taken aback when she heard Shen Ye looking for her.

He never expected that the Crown Prince would seek him out at such a time.

A faint smile appeared on Tong Guowei's face.

When the Crown Prince seeks out Zhang Ying, it's most likely about taxation.

If Zhang Ying disobeys the Crown Prince, then I'll be in for a good show.

"Thank you, Your Excellency. Please tell the Crown Prince that I will be there immediately."

As Zhang Ying spoke, he cupped his hands towards Tong Guowei and said, "Prime Minister Tong, I will explain the matter of the Hanlin Academy to you later."

Zhang Ying arrived at Yuqing Palace very quickly.

Shen Ye still gave Zhang Ying plenty of face. Although he didn't greet him outside the door, he still stood up and said to Zhang Ying when he came in, "Grand Scholar Zhang, there's no need for such formalities. Please take a seat."

"Thank you, Your Highness!" Although he said thank you, Zhang Ying still quickly bowed.

The saying goes that etiquette cannot be disregarded, especially since Shen Ye is his opponent. If someone were to suddenly accuse him of being disrespectful in front of the emperor, he would not be able to bear the consequences.

Although Shen Ye is not yet the emperor, the crown prince can still use this charge.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Zhang Ying, without waiting for Shen Ye to reveal the purpose of his summons, preemptively said, "Your Highness, the way the Infantry Commander's Office treats Lü Baizhou and the others will chill the hearts of scholars throughout the land."

“Prime Minister Zhang, the Infantry Commander’s Office is punishing them according to the law.”

"It's just a beating. I heard that Longkodo specifically instructed that it should be done lightly, and that Lü Baizhou and the others shouldn't be beaten like commoners who have made mistakes."

"Unfortunately, Lu Baizhou and the others are in poor health."

"If you ask me, the Hanlin Academy should definitely add some physical exercise programs in the future."

Hearing Shen Ye's words, Zhang Ying felt a sudden toothache.

Everyone knows the unspoken truth, but the Crown Prince is pretending to be oblivious, and the key is that he can't say anything else.

This made him feel quite frustrated.

But he could only endure the frustration!

"I wonder what Your Highness has summoned me for?" Zhang Ying quickly composed himself and asked Shen Ye.

Shen Ye calmly said, "Prime Minister Zhang, you have been in the Southern Study for a long time, so you should know that the court's taxes have reached a point where they must be changed."

"Making officials, gentry, and commoners pay taxes together is an imperative and crucial plan."

"I plan to issue an order to implement this matter when I hold court tomorrow."

"Father often praises you for being sensible and understanding of the big picture. I think you wouldn't object to this, would you?"

Zhang Ying was surprised that the Crown Prince would directly suggest that he support officials, gentry, and commoners paying taxes together during their private audience.

Faced with the crown prince's high praise of "understanding the big picture and prioritizing the overall situation," he quickly racked his brains, thinking about how to respond.

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(End of this chapter)