Chapter 138 Another Push

In the palace.

Emperor Xuanyuan looked at the fifth prince.

"Why? You want to see me alone on the first day of the New Year's court? Have you made any progress in your investigation of the salt tax?"

The fifth prince spoke respectfully upon hearing this.

"Your Majesty is wise. I have indeed found some clues, but after much deliberation, I really don't know whether I should present these things to Your Majesty."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Xuanyuan looked at him and spoke.

"I have already handed this matter over to you. Now that you have found the clues, you should report it to me. Why are you still hesitating?"

The fifth prince looked at Emperor Xuanyuan with an embarrassed look on his face.

"Father, before I give you this evidence, please promise me that no matter what, you must prioritize your health and not let corrupt officials irritate you."

Emperor Xuanyuan spoke calmly after hearing this.

"Bring it up. I've been handling state affairs for so many years. Is there anything I haven't seen?"

After hearing this, the Fifth Prince took the stack of evidence from the guard and handed it to Emperor Xuanyuan.

"Father, after days of thorough investigation, I have gathered extensive evidence regarding the salt tax issue. This matter involves widespread violations, including rampant private salt smuggling and inter-regional salt transportation, as well as serious issues such as tax exemptions for privileged classes and collusion among officials. If this is allowed to continue unchecked, I'm afraid it will undermine the foundation of the nation. This must be taken seriously."

"Since Your Majesty has entrusted this matter to me, I naturally want to do my best to complete this task. However, the further I investigate, the more people are involved. I am new to the court and lack experience. I hope Your Majesty can give me some guidance. Can I continue the investigation?"

Emperor Xuanyuan flipped through the pages one by one, his brows furrowed more and more. As his hands turned the pages of evidence faster and faster, his face gradually became as gloomy as water.

"I had no idea that my kingdom was already filled with such a chaotic mess!"

Emperor Xuanyuan angrily slammed the dragon table, his voice filled with uncontrollable anger and disappointment.

The fifth prince knelt down hurriedly.

"Father, calm down."

Emperor Xuanyuan spoke in a deep voice.

"Investigate, keep investigating. No matter what you find, I'll cover it for you."

Upon hearing this, the Fifth Prince hurriedly saluted.

"Yes, with your words, I will do my best."

Emperor Xuanyuan was silent for a moment. Because the crown prince was ill, Prince Rong's faction had become increasingly powerful. If they were allowed to continue, they would probably dominate. As an emperor, he was not afraid of his subjects forming cliques, but he was afraid of one faction dominating.

"Get up."

Then he gave orders to the eunuch.

"Give the Fifth Prince a seat and serve his favorite tea."

"Ask the imperial kitchen to add more dishes. I will invite the Fifth Prince to have dinner with me."

Then he looked at Xuanyuan Su, his tone filled with concern.

"It must be very hard to handle a case for the first time!"

The fifth prince Xuanyuan Su stood up to express his gratitude, feeling a warm feeling in his heart. This was the first time his father cared about him.

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I will not be tired. As long as I can complete the task assigned by Your Majesty, I will be very happy."

Emperor Xuanyuan took the teacup handed to him by the young eunuch and spoke slowly.

"You are eighteen this year, right?"

The fifth prince spoke with a look of joy when he heard that his father actually remembered his age.

"Yes, Father!"

Emperor Xuanyuan continued to ask.

"Is there a girl you like?"

Xuanyuan Su's heart moved and he spoke carefully.

"Replying to Your Majesty, there is indeed someone in my heart, but..."

"Just what?" Emperor Xuanyuan asked curiously when he saw that he was hesitant to speak.

Xuanyuan Su spoke helplessly.

"Father, my mother is of humble status. I am eighteen and have made few achievements. I have hesitated many times to ask for your marriage, but I always feel that I am not worthy of that outstanding girl."

Emperor Xuanyuan felt even better after hearing this. What kind of person was she? She actually made the prince feel that she was not worthy of him!

"Whose daughter are you that makes you humble yourself? You are a prince. Even if your mother's status is a little lower, you are still my son. There is no girl in this world that you are not worthy of."

Xuanyuan Su spoke with some hesitation.

"It's the third young lady of the Xiao family."

"Last year, when Madam Xiao passed away, I went to pay my respects. At that time, she was dressed in mourning clothes and assisted her sister-in-law in handling the funeral. Her eyes were obviously swollen from crying, but she still thanked the guests who came to pay their respects in a polite manner. At that time, I felt that the Third Miss was so sensible that it made me feel distressed."

Emperor Xuanyuan looked as if he had suddenly understood something.

"So you're the Third Miss of the Xiao family. No wonder you argued with the Imperial Concubine at the New Year's Eve banquet. In my impression, you've never had a verbal conflict with anyone, let alone a harsh and aggressive side."

Xuanyuan Su spoke hurriedly after hearing this.

"Father, I have no intention of contradicting the Imperial Concubine. It's just that Young Master Yao is not a good match."

"I know that I am of humble status and have no special abilities, but even if I cannot marry the Third Young Lady, I hope that she can find a husband of her dreams and live a happy life."

As he spoke, his eyes became lost.

Upon seeing this, Emperor Xuanyuan spoke with a look of disappointment.

"Look at what you've accomplished."

"Isn't she the Regent Princess's sister?"

"Why are you not worthy?"

"Didn't you handle the salt tax issue very well?"

"Why do you say you are incompetent?"

"I've seen romantic princes like this before, but this is the first time I've seen one with low self-esteem."

Xuanyuan Su lowered his head after hearing this.

"Father taught me that."

Emperor Xuanyuan only felt more angry when he saw him like this.

"Prince Rong should share some of his pride with you. Look at how much you've accomplished. Well, since you like the Third Miss of the Xiao Family so much, I'll grant your wish! Otherwise, if you've been in love for so long without any response, the good girl will be snatched away by someone else."

"Come here, bring pen, ink, paper and inkstone."

Upon hearing this, Xuanyuan Su immediately knelt down and spoke excitedly.

"Thank you, Father."

Then he spoke with a worried look on his face.

"Father, I haven't made any political achievements yet, and I don't have much money... Will this be unfair to the Third Young Lady..."

Emperor Xuanyuan looked at him for a moment and frowned.

"You're not just low in self-esteem, you're also a romantic."

"I will ask the Ministry of Rites to prepare a betrothal gift for you."

Upon hearing this, Xuanyuan Su kowtowed hurriedly.

"Thank you, Father. Don't worry, it's said that starting a family is the best way to build a career. After I marry someone from Xinyi, I will definitely focus on the court. What do you want me to do? I will do it beautifully for you."

Regent's Palace.

Xuanyuan Jing and Xiao Fuguang sat together drinking tea.

"Fuguang, at this morning's court, someone from Prince Rong's faction submitted a petition to the Emperor, citing the Crown Prince's frail health as an excuse, requesting that the Emperor appoint another heir."

A calculating look flashed in Xiao Fuguang's eyes when he heard this.

"That's perfect, Your Highness. Then please ask your people to ask the Emperor to appoint Prince Rong as the crown prince."