The turmoil surrounding the salt tax reform in the southern border was like cold water thrown into a pot of oil, instantly causing a huge uproar!
However, an urgent report from the southern border was delivered to Xi Linghao's desk at breakneck speed. The report stated that Xi Lingyuan's new laws were too radical and had touched the fundamental interests of local powerful families and some officials, which had triggered a large-scale mutiny by salt workers and merchants in several counties!
The rioters stormed the Salt Transport Office, burned down the salt warehouses, and even killed two high-ranking officials in the chaos! The report was filled with veiled grievances, blaming the chaos in the southern border on Princess Xilingyuan, who was in charge of the new laws. It described Xilingyuan as "eager for quick success and instant benefits," "indifferent to the people's plight," and "inappropriate in her measures"! Every word seemed to be directed at the reform itself, and was also aimed at Xilingyuan herself.
The news spread quickly, causing widespread panic and shock throughout the entire Western Ling Kingdom!
Conservative ministers, already critical of Ah Yuan's involvement in politics as a woman, were like sharks smelling blood, submitting impeachments one after another. Their words were vehement, with some even alluding to Ah Yuan's actions as "a hen crowing at dawn," disrupting the court!
In the Golden Palace, Xi Linghao trembled with rage as he looked at the mountain of impeachment memorials and urgent reports of chaos in the Southern Territory.
He had already exhausted himself in Lianxing's gentle embrace, and this sudden blow left him reeling! He slammed the report onto the imperial desk, pointed at Xi Lingyuan standing below with his head bowed, his voice hoarse and trembling with rage:
"Xi Lingyuan! Look at the mess you've made! I trusted you so much, entrusting you with the salt tax reform! Is this how you repay me? Impatient for quick success and instant benefits! Disregarding the people's plight! Causing such a disaster! I... I am so disappointed in you!" A violent cough interrupted his angry rebuke. His face was flushed, and his body swayed precariously.
"Father, please calm your anger! Take care of your health!" Xi Lingyuan immediately knelt on the ground, his voice filled with fear and self-reproach, "Your subject... Your subject is indeed responsible for oversight! I beg Your Majesty to give your subject a chance to atone for your sins and personally go to the Southern Border to quell the unrest..."
"Enough!" Xi Linghao interrupted her rudely, his eyes filled with undisguised disappointment and annoyance. "Seduce? What do you have to seduce? Isn't it chaotic enough? This matter... is to be handled entirely by the Minister of Revenue! You... go back to Qiwu Palace and reflect on your actions! Without my decree, you are not to concern yourself with state affairs again!" He waved his hand wearily, as if even looking at her annoyed him.
"Your Majesty, please calm down! It is important to take care of your health!" Lianxing seized the opportunity to serve ginseng tea and gently comforted him. Her beautiful eyes looked at Xi Lingyuan with "worry" before quickly lowering them, but a hint of pleasure flashed deep in her eyes.
Although Empress Lin was not present, the news had already reached Kunning Palace. She stroked her swollen belly with both hands, but a long-lost, truly joyful smile appeared on her face: "Xi Lingyuan, Xi Lingyuan, the higher you climb, the harder you fall! You must know this principle! The fire in the Southern Border has come at just the right time!" She immediately sent someone to deliver a carefully prepared calming soup to Xi Linghao, along with a heartfelt letter of greeting.
The letter only showed concern for His Majesty's health, without mentioning the affairs of the court or Xi Lingyuan's "mistakes." It only subtly expressed the wish for the safety of the unborn child, which made it all the more "virtuous and magnanimous."
As expected, after receiving the letter, Xi Linghao's sense of estrangement from Empress Lin caused by Lianxing faded somewhat, and he was filled with anticipation for the "child" in Empress Lin's womb.
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