Which option is better in Chapter 419?
Zhu Junning's analysis was clear and logical, and her words even revealed a sincere concern for the greater good. But how could the Prince of Lingnan not see that she harbored her own selfish motives?
The matter of privately printing banknotes was handled entirely by the eldest son, Zhu Huai'an. Now that things have gone wrong, he should be the one to take the blame, which would be most reasonable. However, Zhu Junning insisted that the second son, Zhu Huaiming, should take responsibility. Ironically, this daughter and the eldest son are full siblings, while Zhu Huaiming is the son of a concubine.
He used to dote on Huaiming's birth mother, and the siblings and Huaiming had never gotten along well. Now that there was an opportunity to get rid of this potential "hidden danger," she and Zhu Huai'an were naturally happy to see it happen.
The Prince of Lingnan gazed intently at his daughter, Zhu Junning, who met his gaze calmly without flinching. Instead, she spoke up, saying, "I know Father loves Second Brother, but the greater good is at stake right now, and there is no room for personal feelings."
The Prince of Lingnan withdrew his gaze, casually waved his hand, and waited for Zhu Junning to sit down before speaking slowly, "We'll discuss who should take the blame later." He picked up the tea on the table, which had long since gone cold, took a sip, frowned slightly, and looked up to ask again, "What benefits do you think we need to concede to satisfy the Emperor?"
Zhu Junning lowered her eyes and looked at her pale pink nails. After a moment of thought, she said, "What the emperor wants is nothing more than money and control over Lingnan."
The Prince of Lingnan nodded in agreement, his earlier displeasure stemming from her selfishness largely dissipating. He leaned back in his chair, adopting a relaxed posture, and gestured for her to continue.
Zhu Junning remained respectful and serious, and continued, "For the emperor, no matter how much gold and silver we offer as tribute, it will never satisfy his insatiable greed. The only thing that can truly satisfy him is tax revenue. Only by voluntarily relinquishing a portion of the tax revenue rights of Lingnan will he relent."
Upon hearing this, the King of Lingnan clenched his fist tightly, his eyes narrowed, and a cold light flashed in his eyes: "Go on."
Zhu Junning nodded, his tone still calm: "If we are unwilling to relinquish the right to collect taxes, we can only take a step back and relinquish some control over Lingnan, such as allowing the court to increase the number of troops stationed there."
This time, the King of Lingnan sat there motionless, yet the sharp aura emanating from him seemed to freeze the air in the entire room. The candlelight on the table trembled, and even the steam rising from the teacups seemed to freeze. It was so quiet that you could hear each other breathing, yet this silence was heavy and oppressive.
After an unknown amount of time, the King of Lingnan finally spoke: "Which of these two concessions do you think is better?"
Zhu Junning clenched his fist, but his voice remained calm: "Have the imperial court increase the number of troops stationed here."
The Prince of Lingnan looked up at her: "Why?"
"Taxation is the foundation of our control over Lingnan." Zhu Junning loosened his grip, but his tone became more serious. "The taxes paid by the people and the silver paid by the merchants not only support the royal palace and the army, but also give us the confidence to establish our authority in front of the local officials."
Once some tax collection power is relinquished, the imperial court will inevitably seize the opportunity to send officials to intervene. They will audit accounts, set rules, and even interfere in people's livelihoods. Over time, local officials will listen to the imperial court more than to us, effectively undermining the foundation of Lingnan. Trying to regain power afterward will be as difficult as climbing to heaven.
She paused, her gaze sweeping over the map of Lingnan spread out on the table, and then said, "But the garrison is different. The imperial court already has camps in Lingnan, and they have kept to themselves all these years. We know their garrisons, their food supplies, and their military discipline very well."
The King of Lingnan nodded in agreement, signaling her to continue.
"The power to mobilize troops belongs to the imperial court, and we've known that for a long time. Even if we send more troops, it won't change that fundamental principle." Zhu Junning's fingertips lightly brushed the rim of his cup, his tone steady and without the slightest fluctuation.
"The key lies in the practicalities—their provisions must be transported from the prefectures and counties of Lingnan, and the military supplies and civilian manpower coordination around their garrison area are still in our hands. Even if they have more people, without our cooperation, they will find it difficult to operate freely in Lingnan. At most, they will have more eyes watching us and some daily constraints, but they will never be able to shake our fundamental control over the people's livelihood and governance in Lingnan."
"Hahaha..." The King of Lingnan suddenly laughed, his laughter shedding the previous somber mood and adding a touch of genuine warmth.
Over the years, he had focused on cultivating his eldest son, hoping that he could take over the responsibilities of Lingnan, but he had never felt this in him—the shrewdness, the ability to make choices, the capacity to help him overcome difficulties, and the solid sense of accomplishment that came with bearing pressure.
"Very good, your analysis is very accurate." The King of Lingnan looked at Zhu Junning with undisguised satisfaction. "Go back and think carefully about how to handle this matter and come up with a plan."
"Yes." Zhu Junning responded with a very faint smile, which conveyed both utmost respect and a hint of almost imperceptible pride.
"Alright, it's getting late, you should go back and rest." The King of Lingnan smiled slightly. Although Lingnan was facing an unprecedented crisis, his daughter's excellence gave him some comfort and hope.
"Yes." Zhu Junning stood up, his voice gentle. "Father, you should rest early too. Lingnan still needs your support."
"Alright." The King of Lingnan responded with a smile. Zhu Junning bowed to him before turning and leaving.
The June night breeze carried a touch of damp heat, brushing past the pomegranate branches under the eaves, carrying with it the sporadic chirping of cicadas. Zhu Junning walked along the corridor, the warm touch of the white jade cup still lingering on her fingertips.
Although her father had always doted on her, he had never allowed her to get involved in the affairs of Lingnan. The little bit of planning she had for the current situation and her insights into practical matters were like sparks trapped in a box, full of ambition but with nowhere to be put to use. Now, she was able to use her own insights to help her father break through the predicament and even gain his approval. She suddenly felt that her talent was not necessarily any less than that of the Duke of Chu in the capital.
She walked briskly to her courtyard. As soon as she reached the gate, her personal maidservant hurried up to greet her, bowed, and whispered, "The young master has arrived and is waiting for you in the small flower hall."
Zhu Junning was taken aback: "When did you arrive, brother?"
As she asked the question, she walked inside, and the maidservant followed beside her, carefully replying, "It's been a while, about a quarter of an hour."
Zhu Junning responded with an "Mm" and quickly walked to the entrance of the small flower hall. The maid lifted the curtain, and she stepped inside. Seeing Zhu Huai'an sitting there with his head down, she softly called out, "Brother."
Zhu Huai'an, who was lost in his own thoughts, heard the sound, looked up, clenched his fist before standing up, his expression full of complex emotions.
Seeing this, Zhu Junning sighed softly and walked over to sit down to his right. Her personal maid immediately stepped forward to serve tea. Once both of them had teacups filled with the fragrant aroma placed beside them, Zhu Junning gestured for the servants in the room to leave before turning to Zhu Huai'an and asking, "Brother, are you resentful towards me?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
