The markets in the capital were always bustling with activity, a constant flow of people and vehicles. Ordinary people strolled through the streets, with vendors hawking their wares on both sides. Every now and then, there were restaurants and teahouses. When people got tired, thirsty, or hungry, they would stop and choose a teahouse to sit down and rest.
Some drank tea, some listened to opera, but most gathered together to chat and eat melon seeds.
Ever since the Fourth Prince wanted to implement the land reform system of merging the poll tax into the land tax, many officials and wealthy people had many complaints about him. Over time, some of these rumors spread and became distorted and exaggerated. The common people listened and talked about them, especially in gossip places like teahouses, where they talked about them with great enthusiasm.
Before the Fourth Prince even entered the court, he could hear the commotion and noise. But upon seeing the Fourth Prince arrive, everyone immediately fell silent, knelt down, bowed three times, and shouted "Long live the Emperor!"
The Fourth Prince was displeased. He glanced around at the crowd before speaking: "What are you all arguing about?"
The words had barely left his lips when everyone exchanged glances, none willing to be the first to speak out. Only one official stepped forward, bowed to the Fourth Prince, and said indignantly, "Your Majesty, I have heard that some rumors are circulating among the people recently, and all the ministers are discussing this matter extensively..."
Fourth Master's heart tightened. Seeing everyone's solemn expressions, he had a bad feeling.
What did the rumor say?
The official hesitated, glancing at the Fourth Prince before taking a deep breath and saying, "It is said that the Emperor ascended the throne by altering the imperial edict and forcing his own mother to commit suicide..."
The Fourth Prince's face turned green. He secretly gripped the dragon throne tightly with both hands, trying to keep himself from acting impulsively and forcing himself to continue listening.
"Some even say that the emperor is an unfaithful and unfilial person..."
Fourth Master couldn't help but slam his fist on the table and stand up, roaring in fury: "Enough..."
The official was so frightened that he knelt on the ground, nervously awaiting the Fourth Prince's judgment. After a long while, he heard the Fourth Prince's restrained voice say, "Please rise, Your Excellency..." Only then did he carefully stand up and step aside.
Upon hearing these words, Fourth Master felt as if a thousand-pound stone had been poured into his heart. The thing he feared most and least wanted to hear had indeed happened.
Seeing the Fourth Prince's anger, an official decisively stepped forward and advised him, "Your Majesty, please calm down. Such words are extremely detrimental to Your Majesty. If the rumors continue to circulate, there is a great calamity to befall you... This humble servant suggests that Your Majesty should immediately issue an edict to severely punish those who spread the rumors..."
Upon hearing this, another official stepped forward and reported, "Your Majesty must not act rashly in this matter. According to your suggestion, anyone who utters these words should be punished. But where are we going to arrest so many people? The common people speak without restraint; are they all to be imprisoned? This will only incite public anger and destabilize the court..."
Fourth Master remained silent, sitting coldly on top.
"Shouldn't we just ignore it? There will always be those with ulterior motives spreading these rumors, their aim being to sow discord among the people. If Your Majesty doesn't stop it in time, the rumors will only escalate, and over time, it will damage Your Majesty's authority..."
"It's easier to stop a river than to stop the people from speaking out. Everyone knows this matter can't be ignored, but how to stop it and from what angles requires careful planning. Only by finding the source can we fundamentally solve the problem..."
Immediately, the ministers began arguing amongst themselves. The Fourth Prince, feeling agitated and seeing that the argument was proving fruitless, hastily left the court session.
However, the Thirteenth Prince, Li Wei, Tian Wenjing, Zhang Tingyu, Longkodo, Ortai and others were all summoned to the Hall of Mental Cultivation by the Fourth Prince.
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