New policies at the end of the year
On the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, the eve of the Lunar New Year, snowflakes fluttered down.
Wu Zetian, holding Princess Taiping, reviewed the Ministry of Revenue's year-end report. The little princess stretched out her chubby finger and pointed precisely to a line of numbers: "So...so..."
(Inner monologue: This child's sensitivity to numbers is simply amazing!)
Li Zhi came over upon hearing the sound, and looking at the report showing a 50% year-on-year increase in canal tax revenue, he laughed loudly and said, "Taiping is right, the national treasury is indeed full this year."
He took his daughter and seated her on the imperial desk, saying, "This is all thanks to your mother's new policies."
Holding the "Grain Transport Yearbook," Li Hong added: "Last year, over a hundred new official granaries were built, and grain prices remained stable across the country."
Holding up the newly made abacus, Li Xian exclaimed, "Your Majesty, using this new accounting method, I've discovered that it can save 30% on transportation losses!"
Even three-year-old Li Xian said in his childish voice, "Grain...full..."
Looking at her children gathered together, Wu Meiniang suddenly had a flash of inspiration: "Your Majesty, this year's taxes are already plentiful, why not reduce the grain tax for farmers by 30%?"
(Inner monologue: The long-term solution is to let the people have wealth!)
After a moment's thought, Li Zhi immediately granted the request.
Taiping seemed to understand the adults' conversation, clapping her little hands happily, the golden bell on her wrist making a crisp sound.
She suddenly pointed out the window to the cargo ships transporting New Year's goods, and murmured, "The ships... are nice..."
Three days later, an edict was issued to reduce or exempt taxes.
Wu Zetian specially had Princess Taiping affix her vermilion seal to the imperial edict, and then said to the officials, "This is Princess Taiping's New Year's gift to the people of the world."
As the year draws to a close, Wu Zetian, accompanied by Princess Taiping, inspects the West Market of Chang'an.
Seeing the bustling scene of people rushing to buy New Year's goods, she whispered in her daughter's ear, "Peace, this is the Tang Dynasty that your mother wanted."
The little princess opened her big, dark eyes and suddenly uttered clearly, "Peace..."
This was the first time she had revealed her title.
Wu Zetian's eyes welled up with tears as she hugged her daughter tightly.
On New Year's Eve, Wu Zetian held Princess Taiping in her arms as they watched the fireworks in front of the Zichen Palace.
Li Zhi, along with his three princes, lit firecrackers, filling the courtyard with laughter and joy.
"Your Majesty," Wu Meiniang gazed at the dazzling display of colors in the sky, "it's time to implement commercial tax reforms next year."
Li Zhi smiled and nodded: "I agree with the Empress. With you here, my empire will surely be peaceful and prosperous."
Taiping fell asleep sweetly in her mother's arms, her little hand still clutching a copy of the edict reducing taxes.
This year-end is destined to be recorded in history.
——
[Mini-Theater: The Princess's Gift]
(Anecdotes from the Ministry of Revenue)
Princess Taiping's New Year's gift to the people—a 30% reduction in grain tax—has sparked heated discussion in the imperial court today.
Some senior officials questioned whether the princess was too young to participate in politics.
His Majesty immediately presented the princess's report pointing out the increase in tax revenue, leaving the entire court speechless.
(It seems Her Highness has a natural talent for managing money.)
The second prince heard that his sister's congratulatory gift was very popular, so he insisted on sending one as well.
As a result, the automatic rice-making machine he delivered cracked the rice bins in people's homes.
(As expected, Her Highness the Princess understands the hardships of the common people better.)
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