Sunlight streamed through the windows of the Hall of Mental Cultivation, making it bright and clean. The Fourth Prince and the Thirteenth Prince sat facing each other, each lost in thought. What was originally just a simple lotus-viewing gathering had been arranged by the Fourth Prince in such a grand manner.
Thirteenth Prince remained silent, while Fourth Prince seemed to be deep in thought, saying softly, "Their thoughts have been buried in their hearts for so long, but they haven't put them into action. This time, with such a good opportunity, I'm afraid they won't give up easily."
Upon hearing this, the Thirteenth Prince frowned and looked at the Fourth Prince nervously, saying, "But Your Majesty, isn't this far too dangerous?"
The Fourth Prince, however, did not take it seriously. He knew it was dangerous, but only in this way could he test the truth. He said calmly, "So this time, I have also asked the Seventeenth Prince to arrange all the guards."
Although the Thirteenth Prince was worried, he didn't say anything more. However, he understood what the Fourth Prince meant, so he spoke his mind, "Actually, the most important thing about the Emperor holding this Lotus Festival is to test the thoughts of the Eighth and Ninth Princes."
The Fourth Prince glanced at him and nodded calmly. "Indeed, I know they harbor resentment towards me, which is why I used this lotus appreciation gathering to find out just how dissatisfied they are with me and how they've been doing lately."
The two people who were most dissatisfied with him were the Fourteenth Prince. As for his sudden disappearance, no one knew who had hidden him, which is why they couldn't find him now.
After pondering for a moment, the Thirteenth Prince said, "Since the Eighth Prince went to the Ministry of Works, he has been conscientious and self-disciplined in doing his job. As for his former associates, he no longer associates with them."
"Ninth Prince, he's been quite diligent in his duties at the Bureau of Affairs. I haven't observed any improper behavior from him, nor have I seen him contacting any other people with ill intentions. They both seem to be behaving themselves." The Thirteenth Prince said this after much observation. However, even with the Thirteenth Prince's assessment, the Fourth Prince remained uneasy. He never let his guard down, and he certainly didn't believe they were truly behaving themselves.
"Whether they have truly settled down or not cannot be determined from these superficial matters. Some people keep their thoughts buried deep inside. How can you see into their hearts with just a slight observation? I naturally know what they are really like." He said casually, and did not bring up the matter again. Thirteen did not say anything more.
After chatting for a while, Fourth Master suddenly asked, "By the way, how's the implementation of the land tax reform going?"
The Fourth Prince and the officials of the Ministry of Revenue worked for a long time to refine the various policies of merging the poll tax into the land tax, and then ordered the Thirteenth Prince to implement them.
Your humble servant has already implemented it in various places, and it is progressing smoothly so far. However, some problems have been encountered occasionally along the way, but your humble servant has been able to resolve these problems for the time being. "Thirteen said.
The Fourth Prince nodded and said with satisfaction, "If there is anything wrong with it, remember to write down all the problems and tell me."
"Yes, Your Majesty, I obey your decree. However, the problems we are currently facing are not major issues. After some time, Your Majesty will see the results," Thirteen said, bowing.
Fourth Master learned that the policy of merging land tax and poll tax had been implemented at the local level and was quite effective. He was finally relieved and his worries disappeared. He then began to chat with Thirteenth Master about everyday matters.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
