"Dad, what do you know?"
Next to him, Li Lin heard his father's words and couldn't help but say.
"Of course it's because His Majesty approved my resignation." Li Fangping glanced at his son and said.
"As you said, my position is of great importance. His Majesty cannot suddenly agree to my resignation and return."
"So, there is only one reason, and that is that Your Majesty has already known that I allowed my relatives to encroach on my land."
After saying this, Li Fang seemed to have aged ten years.
He was very cautious throughout his life. Even if he was greedy, it was only a small amount of greed and he didn't dare to do anything reckless.
But unexpectedly, they were discovered. Moreover, it was a crime that shook the nation's foundation, such as the seizure of farmland...
"This...this is impossible." Li Lin was also a little panicked. "The petition hasn't even been submitted. And just in case, I sent people to secretly keep those troublemakers in Longyang Prefecture. No news leaked out. Your Majesty lives deep in the palace, how could he know?"
Since being warned by his father last time, Li Lin also knew the seriousness of the matter, so he put a lot of effort into it.
But they didn't dare to cause any loss of life.
The purpose is just to suppress those unruly people who submit petitions and want to file complaints.
Therefore, he could be sure that the current Emperor definitely did not know.
"Well, if it's not like this."
"Then why did Your Majesty approve my resignation?"
Li Fang looked at her son with an angry face, and was certain of it.
It was definitely because of the occupation of farmland.
"Then...what should we do?" Li Lin didn't know what to say and could only ask his father.
"I can only accept my fate." Li Fang shook her head, feeling very tired. She continued, "Also, return the occupied land to its original owner, and give some compensation. Well, just do as I said last time."
"This is even worse." Li Lin became anxious when he heard that the land had to be returned. "We absolutely cannot return those lands. It was not allowed before, and it is even worse now."
"Father, you must know that you are no longer the Vice Minister of the Cabinet or the Minister of Revenue. You no longer have the power you once had."
"But our Li family, and my aunt's family, have hundreds of mouths to feed."
"If it's returned, what should we do? We can't starve to death, right?"
"With land, at least we can collect a lot of rent."
Li Lin knew that although his father was greedy, he was only a little greedy.
But that money was not enough for him to spend, let alone his relatives and servants.
He is used to spending lavishly, and if he suddenly has to tighten his belt, he will definitely say no.
But if you hold those fields in your hands, it will be completely different. Eighty thousand acres are enough for you to live a carefree life and live well anywhere.
"But how do I explain this to His Majesty?" Although Li Fang disagreed out loud, she still agreed with what her son said in her heart.
Before, he was a cabinet minister, powerful and influential, and he could get money from various channels.
But once he steps down, he is nothing.
Those ways to make money.
Naturally, it will disappear immediately.
Li Fang was the top scholar in the imperial examination and had been an official for half his life. He was accustomed to a life of luxury.
He understood the saying that it is difficult to go from extravagance to frugality. Besides, there are so many people in the Li family to support.
This is no longer just a matter for me, but for two families.
Especially after retiring and returning home, one will have to leave the capital.
You have to plan for the afterlife.
"Father, I have an idea." Li Lin's eyes suddenly lit up, as if he had thought of something. He then took out the memorial approving your resignation and continued, "You see, His Majesty only approved your resignation and didn't say anything else, and there wasn't even an imperial edict. What does this mean? It means that although His Majesty is angry with our Li family, he still condones his relatives' encroachment on our land."
"But I also know that you have worked hard for the country for half your life. Even if you have no merit, you have worked hard. So I turned a blind eye and did not punish you."
"Besides, the prefect of Longyang is your student, he will definitely give you face. We just need to do a little bit of work when the time comes."
"As long as we don't publicize this, the worst that can happen is that we'll just have to pay more taxes."
"Will this work?" Li Fang was obviously persuaded, but still a little hesitant.
After all, this is an act of deceiving superiors and subordinates.
If discovered, the consequences will be serious.
"Why not?" Li Lin continued to persuade his father, saying, "As long as we act carefully, will His Majesty send someone to investigate such a matter? Definitely not!"
He thought this was a very good idea and it could be done secretly. The Li family had other options, so there was no need to worry.
The annual rent of 80,000 acres of land is extremely staggering. It would be a pity to give it up.
Besides, the emperor is far away and there are so many things going on in the court.
Over time, His Majesty the Emperor will surely forget it.
Then the Li family would be completely fine.
"good!"
Li Fang was silent for a moment, then made the decision.
Feeling that what his son said made sense, he chose to agree.
"Father, I will write a letter to the Longyang prefect today, before the news of your resignation spreads completely."
Li Lin thought about it again and felt that he had to hurry up. His father was the second-in-command of the cabinet, so the news of His Majesty's resignation would spread quickly.
During this period, the father's influence is still there, so the chances of success will be greater.
"Well, my son is right. I will write it now."
Li Fang nodded repeatedly, looked at Li Lin, and said, "Thank goodness I have you."
After saying this, he began to write a letter to the prefect of Longyang, preparing to arrange everything.
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