Emperor Zhao Ji fell ill, probably because he was frightened, and lay in bed sick.
I was forced to wear the dragon robe, and even if Zhao Huan knew, he would not forgive me.
In the face of imperial power, even the closest relatives can be killed.
"The Emperor has arrived!"
"Father, I'm here to see you." Zhao Huan rushed in with Cao Dongsheng.
"Huan'er, is it Huan'er?" Zhao Ji sat up with a deep look on his face. He wanted to play the family card.
"Father, are you feeling well enough to write?" Zhao Huan asked with concern.
Poof, Zhao Ji, who had originally climbed up, lay down again with a groan.
"Father, please rest assured and recuperate. If there is anything, please send someone to tell me. I'm leaving first." Zhao Huan said and stood up to leave.
Zhao Ji was startled and sat up from the bed again: "Huan'er, it's not father who wants to rule, it's that Zhang Bangchang..."
Finally, they got to the point. As soon as Zhao Huan came in, he pretended to be confused. He was waiting for Zhao Ji to speak.
Zhao Huan turned around and said with a grin, "Your Majesty, what are you talking about? The Great Song Dynasty belongs to us, father and son. At that time, my son's life or death was uncertain, and Your Majesty was willing to step forward to preside over the government. It was for the sake of the Great Song Dynasty."
Zhao Ji was in a state of shock and doubt: "Huan'er, father really doesn't want to be the emperor anymore. You are a hundred times better than father in every way. With the country in your hands, father can be said to have done his duty to our ancestors."
Zhao Huan was delighted, but his expression remained calm. "Father, rest and recuperate. If you get bored in Yanfu Palace, send someone to tell me and I'll send someone to escort you out to play."
This is a double entendre. You can leave Yeonbokgung Palace, but I will send someone to monitor you.
Zhao Ji was overjoyed when he heard this: "Huan'er, do you agree to let your father leave the palace?"
Zhao Huan nodded: "I promise you."
Zhao Ji still couldn't believe it: "Well, then I don't have anywhere I want to go. I just want to see Li Shishi in Zuixinglou."
It is true that like father, like son, or like son, like father. Zhao Ji could not even forget Li Shishi.
"Someone come here!" Zhao Huan shouted.
The guards outside walked in: "Your Majesty!"
"Go to Zuixinglou and invite Miss Li Shishi over."
"As you wish!"
"I'll take my leave." Zhao Huan stood up and left.
When they reached the door, Zhao Ji's voice came: "That Zhang Bangchang..."
Zhao Huan said coldly without even turning his head: "I will kill you, confiscate your property, and send you into exile!"
Zhao Ji understood that his followers had been completely wiped out by Zhao Huan. After the incident with Zhang Bangchang, even if Zhao Huan died, he would not pose any threat to him.
Because I am afraid that no one in the court will support me anymore, those old ministers will be killed or demoted. But this may be a good thing, it can be considered as freedom.
As soon as Zhao Huan left, Zhao Ji immediately got up from the bed and said, "Someone, change your clothes!" The disease miraculously healed itself.
At the moment, at least, the Song Dynasty seemed impregnable, and a peaceful and prosperous era was just around the corner. No need for expeditions, no need to waste people's money, and the government seemed to be relatively clear and honest.
In Wende Hall, Zhao Huan summoned Li Gang, He Li, Meng Gurao and the Minister of Revenue Duan Xiaorong.
"Duan Xiaorong, Zhang Bangchang has been executed. You will temporarily take over the position of Regent. You will be removed from the morning court and no longer need to attend court every day. The four of you will make all the decisions on government affairs."
Li Gang and the others were startled. Li Gang said, "Your Majesty, we are trembling with fear, fearing that we might make a mistake and harm the affairs of state. However, Your Majesty has returned from the expedition and is now shouldering the heavy responsibility of the country. Isn't it too hasty to cancel the morning court?"
Zhao Huan smiled and said, "I have read all the memorials. Over the past year or so, you have managed the affairs of state very well. Frankly, you are better than me. Right now, there is peace and no war. The people need to rest and recuperate, and taxes in the four regions need to be reduced."
Duan Xiaorong was shocked: "Exempt? Your Majesty, if you reduce taxes any further, the court will probably not be able to make ends meet."
Zhao Huan frowned. "Then continue to reduce them. I cannot allow the people to continue to suffer such a heavy burden. Especially the salt tax. I have heard that many people cannot afford the official salt because the salt tax is so high, which has led to the rampant smuggling of salt."
"Your Majesty, salt tax is the foundation of national taxation. Reducing the salt tax will probably deplete the national treasury." Duan Xiaorong continued to persuade him.
"I don't care. I didn't hire you to eat for free. Duan Xiaorong, you have a lot of ideas, so why are you clueless now?"
Duan Xiaorong sighed: "A good cook cannot cook without rice. I really have no other solution."
Zhao Huan looked at him and said, "I can raise the commercial tax, especially on the wealthy merchants."
"This may be met with resistance. Once these wealthy businessmen unite to resist, it will be quite difficult." He Li said.
Zhao Huan frowned slightly: "How can they fight back?"
Duan Xiaorong said, "Your Majesty, they will hoard goods. For example, they will monopolize the market for grain, hemp, cotton, and oil. Once they unite, they will drive up prices. Their reason is very good. The imperial court's taxes are too high, so they have no choice but to do so."
Zhao Huan was furious: "I have ordered the Imperial Dragon Guard to assist you. Anyone who dares to hoard goods will be severely punished!"
Duan Xiaorong, He Li and the others looked at each other in bewilderment. When the emperor was smart, he was as intelligent as a demon. When he was foolish, he was really like a fool.
"Your Majesty, this is disrupting market rules. If merchants are not allowed to stockpile goods, where will the profits come from? If this is done, the country's business may collapse." Duan Xiaorong said.
Zhao Huan was shocked, realizing that he really knew nothing about economics.
Meng Gu Rao suddenly said, "Your Majesty, tax reduction is not something that can be done overnight. It should be done step by step, which is the way to govern the country."
Everyone nodded. Duan Xiaorong said, "Lord Meng is right. Your Majesty, we can start with tax cuts in the poorer and weaker regions. For wealthy areas like Jiangsu and Zhejiang, not only should taxes not be exempted, but taxes should be increased."
"Increase taxes?" Zhao Huan was quite surprised.
My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
