Chapter 344 Shameless
Li was like an ant on a hot pan and hadn't slept well for several days. Finally, she made up her mind and dressed up early in the morning, wearing her most formal ruqun, preparing to go to Juzhou to meet Gu Huan.
Regardless of whether they are willing to use money to help Bazhou or not, we have to at least find out the truth. Otherwise, how can we explain to our husband?
But she had no presents to offer, so after thinking for a while, she said, "Let's go to Jixiangzhai first."
The food at Jixiangzhai is the most famous in Bayingol Prefecture, especially the air-dried pork sausage and bacon, which are the favorites of people in southern Xinjiang. They even put one or two pieces of steamed meat in every meal, and the steamer is filled with the aroma of meat.
Moreover, the products produced by Jixiangzhai are unconventional and only noble families can afford them.
Although this kind of thing gave Princess Yong some chills, it was still something special and a token of thoughtfulness.
The carriage stopped in front of Jixiangzhai and the maid got off to buy it.
The weather started to get hot in late July.
Li lifted the car curtain to get some fresh air and saw that there was a lively teahouse next door with a storyteller telling stories.
The storyteller's speech was very exciting, which caused bursts of applause, followed by bursts of curses.
Li was very curious and listened carefully.
It turned out to be a story about the war in southern Xinjiang, saying that the Mu family army had held southern Xinjiang for decades. If it weren't for the Mu family army, Bazhou and Gongzhou would have no peace of mind.
It also tells the stories of several generals who died bravely in battle, including the old duke and several princes.
In the Mu family, Mu Junyan was the only man left. Anyone who heard about it could not help but sigh.
Suddenly, a group of beggars appeared, jumping and running around, singing ballads.
Soldiers died on the battlefield, while Bianjing indulged in wine and meat.
There is no sign of relief, and the wife and children cry bitterly.
The god of war, King Yong, descends, and the blue sky protects the four directions.
Li stopped, fan in hand, and thinking back over the past few decades, the area in Juzhou was really the worst.
Luzhou and Gongzhou, which are adjacent to Juzhou, and Bazhou and Tongzhou to the east, were hardly affected, but these states did not lend much help. It seemed that the Mu family army took on everything, allowing them to live a peaceful life.
Li suddenly thought that asking the Mu family army to pay the taxes for Bazhou...
I really can't open my mouth.
But if she doesn't go, what should she do?
In this way, Li arrived at Prince Yong's Mansion with a heavy heart.
When the visiting card was handed over, the doorman did not make things difficult and immediately welcomed the visitor into the palace. While someone went to inform the visitor, a maid served him good tea.
Li suddenly felt a little relieved.
It seems that the people in the palace are still very polite.
In less than a quarter of an hour, a maid came out and asked her to go to the Lotus Hall.
Gu Huan was already waiting for her there. When she saw her come in, she pointed to the chair enthusiastically.
"Sister Li is here. I'm sorry for not welcoming you in person. Come over and sit down."
When Mrs. Li heard her call her Sister Li, her eyes suddenly became warm, as this was a sign of intimacy.
She hurried forward and saluted: "Your Highness greets the princess."
"Don't be polite. I just got some good tea. Please try it."
"I don't have anything to show off, but this is a specialty of Bazhou. I brought some for the princess to taste."
Li signaled to the maid to present the food box.
Gu Huan smiled and said, "Sister Li, it's great that you come here to sit and talk to me. Why are you being so polite?"
Yun'er took the food box.
Sui'er sat aside and made tea, and soon brought a cup to Li.
Gu Huan smiled and said, "It's inconvenient for me to drink tea now. Sister Li will taste it for me."
Li took the teacup and took a sip. Her eyes lit up. "Good tea. This is the imperial tribute, the top grade Maojian. I haven't had it for a long time."
"Yes, Sister Li had a good life in the past. This kind of tribute tea is not something that ordinary people can drink."
Gu Huan's words hit Li's heart.
When her mother was still alive, she was raised in luxury, and her food, clothing and other expenses were no worse than those of her elder sister who entered the palace as a concubine.
It’s really sad to think about it.
Gu Huan took in her sad expression, but pretended not to know. She said enthusiastically, "I asked yesterday, and it will take another half month to make the tapestry hanging picture of the Queen Mother's birthday celebration. But it will definitely be ready in time for your mother's birthday. The tapestry skirt I'm sending you is being altered to your size, and it will be delivered to your house when the time comes."
Li didn't know what to say and couldn't open her mouth.
Seeing that she was hesitant to speak, Gu Huan said, "Sister Li, is there anything you want to say? We are neighbors, and we should help each other. If you have anything, just tell me and I will see if I can help you."
Li quickly followed up on her words and said, "I heard my husband talking about taxes. I wonder if the princess has heard about this?"
Gu Huan tilted her head and thought for a while: "I have never asked about the affairs of the court. The taxes of the three states under the prince's jurisdiction are all handed over to the Juzhou Prefecture Government, and there has been no change. What's the matter? Is there any problem with the taxes in Bazhou?"
Li thought to herself, "That's great! Gu Huan said it herself, so she tried to speak.
"I do have something to ask of you, but it is difficult to ask. However, my husband is so worried about this that he cannot sleep or eat. I want to share his worries."
Gu Huan pursed her lips and smiled: "Please speak."
Li coughed twice and said, "The court wants to restore taxes and demand half of the taxes that were exempted for ten years to be paid. How can the people pay? My husband, as a parent official, is so anxious that his hair has turned white."
Gu Huan looked at her, waiting for her next words.
Li made up her mind and said, "I dare to ask, Princess, can you help the prince borrow money to pay taxes for Bazhou?"
The smile on Gu Huan's face didn't change at all, but she really wanted to kick her to wake her up.
She thought this woman was really stupid.
Seeing that she didn't respond, Li didn't know what to do for a moment.
After a while, Gu Huan asked slowly, "How much silver will it cost?"
Li was delighted: "I estimate it to be three million taels."
Gu Huan was surprised: "So many?"
She sneered in her heart. Fortunately, Mu Junyan had done the math for her. The amount that Bazhou had to pay in arrears for ten years was 2.5 million taels, but Li asked for 3 million taels. Could it be that she wanted the extra money to balance her pocket?
She knows how to please her husband, but is the money enough to please her?
Li hesitated: "It's okay to have less, two million taels, let Bazhou take his time, okay?"
Her eyes turned red. "Although there is no war in Bazhou, the people have suffered a lot in recent years because of the war in southern Xinjiang. The prince and princess have compassion for the world, and they will not bear to see them go hungry and clothed, right?"
Gu Huan laughed angrily.
She regretted giving her the expensive brocade dress and painting. It was simply...
I don’t know what words to use to describe it.
When Li saw her face change and she smiled strangely, she felt a chill in her heart and immediately shut up.
Gu Huan lowered her head and stroked her armor, taking a deep breath and suppressing her anger.
She needs to discuss with Mu Junyan first on how to deal with this, she can't act on impulse.
After two breaths, Gu Huan calmed down and raised her head to regain her gentle expression: "We in Juzhou can't come up with such a large sum of money. Moreover, Juzhou has suffered the most from the war for so many years. Now that the people have finally been able to recuperate, how can we squeeze out money to help other prefectures?"
Li was immediately disappointed.
"However, I also understand your difficulties. For the sake of Lord Li, I have to think of a solution for you."
Li became happy again: "It was I who was rude."
Gu Huan waved her hand: "Can I discuss this with my husband first and then tell Madam?"
She called madam.
Li knew that Gu Huan was angry, and she quickly stood up with a red face.
"Then I'll trouble you, Princess. I won't bother you any more. I'll take my leave first."
"Sui'er, please see Madam Qian off for me."
"yes."
Sui'er made a gesture of invitation, and Li lowered her head and ran away.
Gu Huan's smile faded, and she looked at Li's back with cold eyes.
How shameless!
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