Court disputes, speaking frankly and offering advice
During the court assembly, the gilded pillars reflected the solemn figures of the officials standing in the hall, and the atmosphere suddenly became heavy due to the topic of "increasing taxes." The Minister of Revenue, holding a memorial, spoke in a loud voice: "The national treasury is empty, and the border military supplies are tight. Only by increasing taxes by 30% can we alleviate the urgent crisis!"
As soon as he finished speaking, voices of agreement rang out in the hall. Li Linfu stroked his beard, his gaze sweeping over the assembled officials, and said in a deep voice, "What the Minister says is absolutely right. The Xiongnu are now eyeing us covetously. If our supplies run out, the border will be in grave danger. Although increasing taxes will temporarily burden the people, it is a measure to protect the country and ensure its safety."
“Prime Minister, you are mistaken!” A clear voice broke the silence. Shen Qingci stepped forward and bowed, his blue robe standing straight in the morning light of the hall. “The people are already suffering from harsh labor. Spring planting was a poor harvest, and the autumn harvest was plagued by locusts. Their families have no surplus food. To increase taxes at this time is like adding insult to injury! I fear that the people’s resentment will boil over and shake the foundation of the country.”
Li Linfu's face darkened: "Scholar Shen, new to the court, is far too idealistic. Without increasing taxes, where will the army's pay come from? Where will the provisions come from? Are we to let the soldiers guard the border on empty stomachs?"
"It's not that we don't want to raise military funds, but rather that we must find a good solution!" Shen Qingci raised his eyes, looking directly at the emperor on the dragon throne, his words resounding, "First, severely punish corruption. There are many who embezzle public funds in the court; confiscating their property would be enough to fill the national treasury. Second, cut costs and increase efficiency. Eliminate redundant officials, reduce extravagant palace expenditures, and the saved silver can be used to subsidize military supplies. Third, encourage agriculture and sericulture. The court should distribute grain seeds, reduce taxes in disaster areas, and encourage people to cultivate wasteland; when the harvest is plentiful, the national treasury will naturally be full."
Before he finished speaking, several upright and senior officials nodded in agreement. Li Linfu's face grew even more grim, and he said sternly, "Shen Qingci! Are you implying that the court's officialdom is corrupt? How dare you make irresponsible remarks about palace expenditures! You have quite the nerve!"
"Your Majesty, I dare not presume to speak, but only beg Your Majesty to prioritize the people and the well-being of the nation." Shen Qingci kowtowed, "When the people are at peace, the world is at peace. If you continue to oppress them, I fear it will lead to popular uprisings. When internal and external troubles intertwine, it will be too late to regret!"
The emperor on the dragon throne frowned deeply, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest. He looked at the two arguing men below, caught between the pressing need for military supplies and the fundamental issue of winning the hearts and minds of the people, and found it difficult to make a decision.
The hall was completely silent, all the officials holding their breath awaiting the emperor's decision. After a long while, the emperor slowly spoke: "Shen Qingci's words also make sense. The matter of increasing taxes will be postponed for now. The ministers will discuss it again, and a report will be submitted in three days."
As the court session ended, Li Linfu passed by Shen Qingci and sneered, his eyes as cold as ice: "Scholar Shen, you'd better watch yourself. Don't think you can shake the court with just a few empty words."
Shen Qingci stood still, watching his departing figure. He knew in his heart that this court struggle was only the beginning of his confrontation with Li Linfu. The road ahead was long and stormy; only by staying true to himself could he go far and achieve his goals.
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