Duan Jun didn't give Xu Pingyan a chance to speak. He continued, "With just this simple statement of yours, Lord Xu, you want to increase the tax by 30%. Although the common people have solved the problem of food and clothing, they will struggle to make a living after the tax increase.
"So, Lord Xu, how can they pay the tax? Do you want them to sell their children and wives and break up their families?"
"You!"
Facing Duan Jun's relentless attack, Xu Pingyan was so angry that the veins on his face bulged. Then he came to his senses and pleaded guilty to Emperor Dongling on the dragon throne above, "Your Majesty, I didn't mean that. I just wanted to share your worries."
Emperor Dongling looked at him and said in a lukewarm tone, "Lord Xu, you really didn't think this through this time! Increasing the tax is a major national event, not a trifle. So, I'll fine you three months' salary and order you to reflect at home for three days!"
With just a few words, Emperor Dongling punished Xu Pingyan, which made the minds of these ministers stir.
Although Xu Pingyan still felt aggrieved, seeing the constant winks from his father, Marquis Xuanping, he could only silently return to the queue.
"I wonder what you think about the empty state treasury, Lord Duan?"
"I think it's better to cut expenses than to increase revenue! After observing all aspects, I think the imperial feasts cost a great deal. If they can be simplified, a considerable amount of money can be saved."
As soon as he finished speaking, many people opposed him. After all the ministers had expressed their opinions, they were waiting for the emperor above to speak. But they saw Emperor Xiao Huaishi of Dongling just sitting silently on the dragon throne. His complexion was not very good, and it was hard to tell whether his expression was happy or sad.
"The empty state treasury is of great importance, Lord Duan. First, come up with a specific plan to cut expenses! After I discuss it with all the ministers, we'll make a decision."
"Court is adjourned!"
After the court was adjourned, Emperor Dongling leaned forward slightly in the imperial sedan chair, looking a bit tired, and let out a faint sigh.
At this time, Concubine Chen was already waiting in the emperor's palace, completely unaware of what had happened in the court that morning.
"Your humble servant pays homage to Your Majesty. May Your Majesty live long!" As soon as Concubine Chen saw Emperor Dongling's figure appear at the palace door, she immediately stepped forward to pay her respects.
Eunuch Li followed Emperor Dongling into the palace and then signaled the little eunuch to close the palace door. At this time, there were only Emperor Dongling, Concubine Chen, and Eunuch Li in the palace.
Xiao Huaishi, Emperor Dongling, supported Concubine Chen's hand and asked, "Have you been waiting for a long time?"
Concubine Chen gave a charming smile and said, "Your humble servant just arrived!"
Hearing this, Emperor Dongling smiled but didn't expose her. "I called you here today to talk about the marriage of the fourth prince."
Hearing this, Concubine Chen just lowered her head and listened without saying a word. Emperor Dongling supported Concubine Chen's hand and sat down on the chair. "Last time, I asked you to think about a way to choose a concubine for the fourth prince. Have you come up with any ideas?"
Only then did Concubine Chen smile and say, "Even if Your Majesty didn't ask me, I was going to discuss it with you."
"Do you have any new ideas?" Emperor Dongling asked with a hint of a smile in his eyes.
"I can't really call it a new idea. It's just an old method. I thought it's better to meet in person than just hear about them. Since it's not too hot these days, we can hold a banquet and invite the young ladies from various families to enjoy the flowers and listen to operas. This is also a good opportunity to see what kind of people they are."
"Appearance is one thing, but character is also very important. I can just take this opportunity to evaluate them."
"Hehe! It seems I overestimated you. I thought you could come up with something new." Emperor Dongling said with a faint smile. "This banquet is also good, but I've thought of a different kind of banquet for you."
"I still remember that you were very good at horse - racing when you were young. I haven't seen you ride a horse for many years. I wonder if your skills have declined?"
Concubine Chen was only slightly stunned before she reacted. "Your Majesty wants to hold a horse - racing competition?"
"Yes! I haven't had a good workout for a while. Just take this opportunity to choose concubines for the fourth prince and the others. Let's go to the imperial hunting ground and ride horses this time!"
"Sure! Your humble servant will do as Your Majesty says." Concubine Chen smiled.
"The fourth prince is a calm and considerate person. I will never treat him unfairly in choosing his concubine." Emperor Dongling put one arm around Concubine Chen's shoulder and patted the back of her hand with the other.
"I think Lord Duan, the minister of the Ministry of Revenue, is a capable person. He is cautious and meticulous. The upbringing in such a family must be good. Then, you can see what kind of character his daughter has and whether she is a good match for the fourth prince?"
Concubine Chen rolled her eyes and immediately understood what Emperor Dongling meant. It seemed that he had already set his eyes on the young lady from the Duan family. "Your Majesty, don't worry. Your humble servant will definitely take a good look."
In the afternoon, Emperor Dongling issued an imperial decree. Half a month later, all officials above the sixth rank in the court, princes, and marquises were required to bring their families to the imperial hunting ground.
When the imperial decree was passed on, everyone understood that this imperial decree was clearly a disguised way for the emperor to choose concubines for the princes.
It was indeed a case of some being happy while others were sad. Families with unmarried daughters naturally hoped that their daughters would be selected. Especially after the emperor admonished Uncle Xu in the court that morning and then decided to choose concubines for the princes after the court was adjourned. It was obvious that the emperor intended to belittle the second prince and promote the other princes.
On the other hand, Uncle Xu, Xu Pingyan, who was scolded by the emperor in the court that morning, was not happy at all when he heard this news.
"Father, I think the emperor deliberately embarrassed me this morning!" Uncle Xu said angrily to Marquis Xuanping sitting in the upper seat.
"Silence!" Marquis Xuanping shouted angrily with a grim face. "The emperor makes his own decisions. You made a mistake. Just reflect at home these days!"
"Father!" Uncle Xu was still indignant. "What mistake did I make? The emperor asked me to give suggestions, and I did. But now I'm still punished. Is Duan Jun really a capable person? What useful suggestions did he give? Cutting expenses. If we cut expenses, how can we maintain the dignity of the royal family?"
"I think no matter what I say, I'll be scolded by the emperor. The emperor just wants to..."
"Silence!" Before Xu Pingyan could finish his words, he was interrupted by Marquis Xuanping. "If the emperor says you're wrong, you're wrong! If you say any more disrespectful words and they reach the ears of those with ulterior motives, it won't be as simple as just being scolded a few times!"
Hearing Marquis Xuanping's words, Xu Pingyan endured the grievance in his heart.
At this time, the second prince, who had been sitting silently, suddenly spoke up. "Grandfather, Uncle, what happened in the court this morning is really not good for us! Now that the emperor's attitude is uncertain, the court officials will naturally also consider this. So, we should be more cautious in our words and deeds from now on!"