Su Jinli also quietly supported Siyan from behind. She meticulously prepared a variety of nourishing meals every day to keep Siyan energetic. She also frequently encouraged Siyan not to be afraid of difficulties and to believe in his own abilities. In Su Jinli's heart, Siyan was her pride, and she firmly believed that her son would carve out a place for himself in the court.
Meanwhile, the situation at court grew increasingly delicate. Officials wooed by the Right Vice Minister began to smear Siyan on various occasions, attempting to undermine the emperor's favor. They slandered him before the emperor, claiming that Siyan was young and impulsive, lacking prudent judgment, and that the low commercial tax calculations were merely a coincidence.
However, the emperor was no fool. He knew Siyan's performance in this spot check was no accident. Through his knowledge of Siyan's past work at the Ministry of Revenue, the emperor recognized his talent and hard work. Therefore, he didn't give credence to the slanderous remarks.
But Si Yan felt the pressure from all sides. He knew that he had to act more cautiously, prove his ability with practical actions, and silence those who doubted him.
During a court meeting, the Right Vice Minister once again raised eyebrows. He proposed a proposal for financial reform that, while seemingly sound, was actually fraught with hidden dangers. If implemented, it would have a significant negative impact on the national finances, while allowing him and his accomplices to profit immensely.
Si Yan keenly sensed the flaws in the proposal. He stood up and fearlessly retorted, "Right Minister, this proposal appears to be for the benefit of the state's finances, but in reality, it's riddled with loopholes. If implemented, it would not only increase the burden on the people but also lead to a loss of state tax revenue, with disastrous consequences."
The Right Vice Minister's face changed. He hadn't expected Si Yan to defy him again. He argued, "Sir Jiang, you're making groundless assumptions. This proposal has been carefully considered and is intended to optimize the nation's finances. How could it be as you claim?"
Si Yan was well prepared. He produced a detailed analysis, detailing the potential drawbacks of the proposal and supporting it with precise calculations and real-world examples. He said, "Right Minister, facts speak louder than words. This is the conclusion I have reached after many days of research. I hope Your Majesty will examine it."
The emperor took the report and read it carefully, his face becoming grave. He was angry at the Right Vice Minister's behavior, but also admired Si Yan's ability even more. The emperor severely reprimanded the Right Vice Minister and rejected his proposal.
After this incident, Siyan's reputation in the court was further solidified. Officials who had once doubted him were forced to look upon him with new eyes. Meanwhile, the Right Vice Minister was neglected by the Emperor, and his scheme failed once again.
But Siyan knows this struggle is far from over. The Right Vice Minister will surely seek new opportunities to deal with him. However, with the support of his family and his own efforts, Siyan is full of confidence. He will continue to write his own legend in this court with his wisdom and courage. And the Jiang family will always remain true to their original aspirations in this ever-changing court struggle, contributing their strength to the country and its people. The road ahead may still be full of hardships, but Siyan believes that as long as the family works together, nothing can stop them from moving forward.
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