Not only do we have to pay taxes, but also send a prince over there. Fuzhou is indeed being too excessive.
"If we don’t send soone, Fuzhou demands an additional twenty percent tax. This year, within Longteng Territory, things haven’t been stable; several places have suffered droughts, causing tax revenue to drop by about thirty percent compared to previous years. Even this tax is barely enough; where do we find the extra twenty percent?"
Emperor Longteng’s brow furrowed even tighter.
The Emperor had already ordered to cut this year’s New Year expenses, but it’s just a drop in the bucket.
In comparison, sending a prince over is clearly much more economical.
However, once this prince is sent over, whether he can return remains unknown.
Though there are several princes, they are all of royal lineage, so Emperor Longteng was montarily indecisive.
Moreover, the sudden appearance of the Dragon Vein aura made Emperor Longteng uneasy.
"Your Majesty, which prince do you plan to send?"
Grandmaster Jin probed.
"Not decided yet. There are still two months before the end of the year; let’s observe first. The birthday banquet has two days left. You take good care of the foreign guests; I feel a bit tired, so I won’t attend the rest of the banquet."
Emperor Longteng waved his hand.
Grandmaster Jin acknowledged with a bow and retreated.
Leaving the Imperial Study Room, Grandmaster Jin dared to straighten his back.
"Grandmaster Jin, the Empress requests your presence."
As soon as he left, a palace maid approached quietly.
Grandmaster Jin nodded.
In a secluded flower garden, Empress Feng had her eyes closed, with a palace maid massaging her temples.
"Empress."
Grandmaster Jin bowed.
"What did His Majesty say to you?"
Empress Feng asked with eyes closed.
"Reporting to the Empress, it was matters of the court... regarding the end-of-year taxation."
Grandmaster Jin dared not hide anything.
He always felt uncertain facing Empress Feng.
Empress Feng and Emperor Longteng appeared very affectionate, but what goes on privately might be known only to the two.
At least in matters of the True Dragon, Empress Feng was completely unaware.
"Just about taxes?"
Empress Feng suddenly opened her eyes, a hint of disbelief on her striking face.
Grandmaster Jin was startled.
"It truly is about taxation... except this year, aside from taxes, Fuzhou also asked for an imperial heir. His Majesty is indecisive, unsure whom to send, so he called for advice."
Despite being cunning, Grandmaster Jin was loyal to Empress Feng, but when it ca to the True Dragon and Dragon Ancient Tomb, he dared not tell her.
After all, it’s about the veins of Longteng Country, and Empress Feng is not a native of Longteng.
"Sending an imperial heir? Fuzhou’s appetite is indeed large."
Empress Feng frowned slightly.
"Rest assured, Empress, the Crown Prince aside, even the Third Prince, being the Emperor’s favorite, His Majesty definitely wouldn’t send them. As for the other princes, they’re insignificant."
Grandmaster Jin said with a smile.
"Needn’t you say, I wouldn’t let my son go to Fuzhou to die. I’m only thinking about whom to send that is more suitable, considering the long journey to Fuzhou. Most princes are pampered and wouldn’t endure such hardship. Among the princes, only the Seventh Prince seems more appropriate, as he grew up in the countryside."
Empress Feng said softly.
Grandmaster Jin paused, then imdiately understood.
"The Empress is insightful. I will definitely convey the Empress’s intentions to His Majesty."
Empress Feng and Grandmaster Jin exchanged a smile, understanding each other without words.
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