It should be noted that the thing that emperors throughout history have been most wary of is officials forming cliques and engaging in corrupt practices. Moreover, one of them was a regent who held immense power, and the other was the eldest princess who wielded military power.
If these two are indeed secretly colluding, it would be a very precarious situation for the person on the dragon throne.
"Your Excellency the Prime Minister is truly adept at smearing people. I admire you! But I apologize, although it is common knowledge that I unilaterally admire Princess, this has nothing to do with what I just said."
Upon hearing this, Feng Beichuan wasn't annoyed at all. He simply explained in a nonchalant manner, displaying the magnanimity of a true gentleman. This, on the contrary, made Bai Yuanshan appear petty and narrow-minded.
After hearing Feng Beichuan's words, Li Chang'an suddenly felt a surge of emotions.
For a dignified regent to say such things in front of civil and military officials is truly disrespectful to him.
But he left himself a way out.
Thinking about this, Li Chang'an couldn't help but ponder whether he had gone too far in his past treatment of that person.
However, before she could think about these things any further, Feng Beichuan said, "The reason why I think reducing taxes is feasible is because since His Majesty intends to focus on civil affairs and de-emphasize military affairs to develop the economy in order to benefit the common people, why not add a policy to reduce the tax burden on the people? Wouldn't it be better to take two measures at the same time?"
At this moment, Emperor Xingchang only wanted to swear.
Good my ass!
This does reduce the burden on the people, but what will he do then? And what will happen to all the money that the national treasury loses each year?
However, he couldn't voice these thoughts, and Emperor Xingchang felt that he was being driven crazy by these people.
Someday.
One day he will uproot these two thorns in his side!
After listening to Feng Beichuan's words, Li Chang'an couldn't help but agree, saying, "What the Regent said is very true. Your subject also feels that if the tax burden on the people can be reduced accordingly, it will also play a certain auxiliary role in the economic development of our Shengnan Kingdom. Moreover, the national treasury has also saved some expenses due to the transfer of military funds. Even if the source of tax revenue is reduced by a bit, it will not be a big deal."
Although he was burning with anxiety, Emperor Xingchang was now at a loss for how to find a reason to refuse.
After much deliberation, he still couldn't bear to part with the real gold and silver collected from the national treasury every year. So, he simply resorted to shamelessness, waving his hand impatiently and saying, "You don't need to say anything more. I will never agree to this matter. I might consider other things, but taxation is a matter of great importance. How can it be changed according to your wishes?"
Li Chang'an really didn't expect Emperor Xingchang to refuse so confidently. Just when she felt she had run out of ideas, Feng Beichuan suddenly seized the opportunity and said, "Since that's the case, I happen to have a request that Your Majesty will grant."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Xingchang suddenly felt as if he had shot himself in the foot, but since he had already spoken up, he couldn't go back on his word now. He could only look at Feng Beichuan with annoyance and ask, "What is it now?"
Upon hearing this, Feng Beichuan paused, a sly glint flashing in his eyes. He then said, "You must have just witnessed the conflict between our civil and military officials. In order to better reconcile the relationship between them, I hope you can grant me and Her Highness the Princess a marriage."
These words immediately sparked a flurry of discussion among the court officials.
Li Chang'an also felt somewhat confused. They were just talking about reducing taxes, so how did they get back to that topic now?
"Hmph, this is utter nonsense! Regent, you don't need to portray your selfish desires as so selfless!"
Before Emperor Xingchang could find a reason to refuse, Bai Yuanshan stood up and objected as if facing a formidable enemy.
While Feng Beichuan's request was indeed based on his own selfish motives to some extent, Bai Yuanshan was more concerned with his own hidden agenda, which is why he was so eager to refute it.
After all, if Feng Beichuan's wish comes true, what will happen to his precious daughter?
But then Bai Yuanshan thought again that he was overthinking it. After all, Li Chang'an had rejected Feng Beichuan's marriage proposal in front of so many people last time, and besides, Emperor Xingchang would never agree to this matter.
This kind of thing can't be decided by Feng Beichuan alone.
Bai Yuanshan then put his mind at ease and began to observe Li Chang'an's expression discreetly, already calculating in his mind that the man would definitely refuse the matter soon.
Emperor Xingchang's thoughts coincided with Bai Yuanshan's, so he slowly asked, "Oh, then what is Chang'an's opinion on this?"
Although he maintained a calm and composed demeanor, he was secretly watching the show and effectively passed the buck to Li Chang'an.
As Emperor Xingchang finished speaking, everyone's gaze turned towards Li Chang'an.
They had witnessed firsthand the conflict that arose between Li Chang'an and Feng Beichuan over this matter last time, so most of them felt that this time, the matter was bound to fail.
After all, last time, Li Chang'an expressed in front of all the civil and military officials that he only wanted to serve the country.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Li Chang'an slowly raised his eyes to look at Emperor Xingchang, and then said in a nonchalant tone, "If, as the Regent says, this move can resolve the conflict between the civil officials and military generals of our dynasty, then it is not necessarily a bad thing. In any case, my three-year mourning period has now ended, as long as the Regent does not mind that I have been married before, that is fine."
These words truly shocked everyone present.
Emperor Xingchang was so shocked that he almost fell off his dragon throne, and Bai Yuanshan, who was standing next to him, also almost lost his balance upon hearing this.
They could hardly believe their ears, but seeing Li Chang'an smiling and exchanging glances with Feng Beichuan, they had no choice but to believe what they had just heard.
"Chang An, you... how could you..."
Emperor Xingchang felt as if he had almost lost his breath. He looked at Li Chang'an in utter astonishment, still finding it hard to believe.
Li Chang'an only responded with a faint smile, and then said, "Your subject has now come to understand. After all, there is no country without a family. If we can form a lifelong alliance with the Regent, it would be a wonderful thing."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
