Chapter 142: The Crown Prince’s Position

Chapter 142: The Crown Prince's Position.

Yu Lanyi was completely drenched, his clothes clinging to his body as a hand helped him remove the wet clothes.

The next morning, Zheng Shanci woke up with a throbbing headache. As he put on his official robe, he tried to recall the events of his drunkenness. Remembering what had happened, he glanced at Yu Lanyi, who was still asleep, and guiltily pulled the blankets over him.

He first went to the study to lecture the two princes. After the lesson, both princes turned in their assignments.

Zheng Shanci took them home after his duties and reviewed them carefully in his study.

Xie Cheng’s proposal was to categorize taxes into just three types—land tax, goods tax, and commercial tax—to simplify Great Yan’s tax system. Zheng Shanci nodded repeatedly as he read. In his essay, Xie Cheng also argued that some taxes, such as the cloth tax and military tax, were entirely unnecessary.

Xie Dan’s essay was more straightforward. He suggested merging all taxes into one, emphasizing that land tax was the most crucial. He also pointed out that officials were exempt from taxation, which he found unreasonable. Minister Lei had explained the tax categories to Xie Dan, only to be pressed with more questions. Minister Lei had no choice but to clarify each point, all of which were based on the Great Yan’s legal codes—verifiable with a simple check.

Without Minister Lei knowing, Xie Dan had already ordered a palace attendant to fetch a copy of the Great Yan’s legal code, intending to see what was so good about it.

Zheng Shanci’s eyebrow twitched as he read this.

He wrote comments on both essays and returned them to the two princes the following day.

When Zheng Shanci arrived home, a basket sat on the table in the main hall, filled with fresh pork, vegetables, and fruits.

Yu Lanyi explained, “They said it was sent by people from Meishan. They claimed to be of low status but mentioned how you spoke up for them, so they sent these simple gifts as thanks.”

Zheng Shanci’s eyes softened.

“I just did what I should. Their kindness makes me feel rather embarrassed.” He didn’t believe he had done anything extraordinary.

“They originally brought much more, but I only accepted this basket. If I had refused outright, they wouldn’t have left. They also said that if you ever need their help in the future, they’ll do whatever they can.”

Yu Lanyi had invited them into the residence and had servants serve them tea. Most were elderly women or impoverished men, looking worn by hardship.

Yu Lanyi welcomed them politely as always, showing no hint of disdain.

Only then did the people from Meishan relax and express their gratitude to Zheng Shanci.

“We’ll stir-fry the pork for lunch, make a soup with the vegetables, and wash the fruits to eat,” Yu Lanyi had already decided how to use the gifts.

Zheng Shanci murmured in agreement.

…

Zheng Shanci kept to his duties at the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, teaching the two princes. Two years passed in a flash. Xiao Gaoyang became an examiner for the provincial exams and, upon his return, was promoted from Reader-in-waiting to Vice Commissioner of the Office of Transmission, a fourth-rank position. Mei Huai and Jiang Lanli also advanced—Mei Huai became a fifth-rank Director of the Ministry of Works, while Jiang Lanli was appointed fifth-rank Director of the Ministry of Personnel. Du Ning, who had worked diligently in the Ministry of Punishments over the years, was promoted to Director of the Board of Rites. Meanwhile, Shi Xuan was assigned by Emperor Wuming to serve as the Prefect of Xuzhou. Cui Ziqi rose from Director of the Ministry of Punishments to a fourth-rank position as Assistant Censor-in-chief in the Censorate.

They all got the promotions they wanted—except Zheng Shanci, whose position remained unchanged. But this was not unusual. Once officials reached the fourth rank, moving up usually meant becoming a Vice Minister or Chief of a major office, such as the Court of Judicial Review.

Ye Yunchu, for instance, had recently been promoted from Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review to its Chief, a third-rank position.

With everyone else moving up, Jiang Lanli and Mei Geer got married and were now stuck together like glue. Mei Huai, having no interest in love, remained single, as did Du Ning, who had yet to find someone he was willing to marry.

He was set in his ways—unless he met someone he truly liked, he would stay single. Since he wasn’t yet thirty, he still had time to wait.

The lunch hall was where they caught up and talked, as it was the only time officials from different departments could gather.

“Brother Shi, make sure to write to us once you’re posted in the provinces,” Du Ning said.

Shi Xuan laughed. “Don’t worry, I’ll be sure to write back.”

Zheng Shanci also said, "Shi Xuan, take care of your health when you arrive at your new post. It's easy to fall ill from the change in climate."

Shi Xuan nodded in agreement.

If he were going alone, it would be fine, but this time he was taking his wife Qing Yin with him, so he needed to be extra cautious.

When Shi Xuan departed, the sky was clear and bright. Zheng Qingyin lifted the carriage curtain and said, "Brother and Sister-in-law, Second Brother and his wife, please go back now."

"Take care of yourself in Xuzhou. Write to us as soon as you arrive to let us know you're safe," Lin Geer called out loudly.

Zheng Qingyin responded, "Don't worry, Sister-in-law."

Yu Lanyi felt a pang of melancholy watching them leave. In his eyes, Zheng Qingyin was still just a kid.

Zheng Shanci noticed his wife's low spirits and quietly reached out to hold her hand.

These past two years, he hadn’t been sitting idle either. Regarding Emperor Wuming’s tax reforms, he had weighed in with many suggestions, many of which were incorporated into the current reforms.

Emperor Wuming was taken aback when he read Zheng Shanci’s memorials. He hadn’t expected Zheng Shanci to have such unique insights on the matter. Having once served as Director of the Ministry of Revenue and having pioneered a budgeting system during his tenure, Emperor Wuming held Zheng Shanci’s advice in high regard.

After discussing with Chief Grand Secretary Wei and Vice Chief Councillor Pang, he tweaked a few details and decided to first implement the reforms in the capital to observe their effects.

They also consulted Minister Lei. Tax collection in the Great Yan Dynasty wasn’t completed every year—some regions fell behind, and getting every household to pay up was a struggle.

The tax reforms were being implemented gradually. Completing the reforms would likely take thirty years, perhaps even fifty. A gradual approach would face fewer hurdles. Drastic changes, on the other hand, could easily provoke opposition from officials. Though some still grumbled behind closed doors, compared to the reforms of previous dynasties, the current situation was downright tame.

Emperor Wuming was a man of patience. Even if he couldn’t complete the reforms himself, his sons could inherit his vision. As long as future emperors understood that institutions must adapt with the passage of time, that would be enough.

Having made his decision, Emperor Wuming sensed it was time to name his heir. There was no special reason for picking today—he simply felt the weather was nice.

"Feng De, draft the edict..."

"Announce it at tomorrow’s morning court," Emperor Wuming said as he swept out of the palace.

Feng De looked dismayed and carefully stored the edict.

With this weight off his mind, Emperor Wuming dismissed Feng De and decided to stroll alone. Having spent decades in the imperial palace, he suddenly felt the urge to venture outside. A man of action, he did as he pleased.

Returning to the Panlong Hall to prepare for an incognito excursion, Feng De’s face fell.

"Your Majesty, His Royal Highness the Eldest Prince and the Second Prince have arrived," a eunuch reported.

Emperor Wuming waved his hand. "Turn them away. I have no time for them now."

The palace attendants relayed the message to the two princes. Xie Cheng prepared to leave, but Xie Dan’s eyes lit up as he muttered, "What’s Father up to now?"

Xie Dan dragged Xie Cheng inside, where they immediately saw Emperor Wuming dressed in plain clothes.

Xie Dan pleaded, "Let us come too, Father!"

Xie Cheng hastily bowed to Emperor Wuming, but upon seeing his attire, he guessed his intentions. Having spent their lives in the palace, only visiting the Wang, Wei, and Yu households, he too longed to see other places.

Emperor Wuming: "..."

As Emperor Wuming made to leave, Xie Dan clung to his leg. "Like father, like sons!"

Emperor Wuming: "..."

With Xie Dan stubbornly clinging to his thigh, Emperor Wuming was at his wit’s end. "Fine. Feng De, get them some commoner’s garb. They can tag along."

Upon hearing this, Xie Cheng also smiled. Xie Dan was so excited he nearly jumped for joy.

Feng De acknowledged the order, his expression growing even more pained—truly, three little terrors.

Feng De had no choice but to fetch casual clothes for the two princes. Just as he was about to follow the three troublemakers out, Emperor Wuming shot him a disdainful look. "You’d better not come with me. The moment you speak, people will know you’re from the palace."

Xie Cheng and Xie Dan nodded in agreement.

Feng De withdrew his half-extended foot, aggrieved.

A faint smile played on Emperor Wuming’s lips. "Let Changxing accompany me."

Xie Dan exclaimed, "Minister Yu is protecting us!"

Xie Cheng also acknowledged Yu Changxing’s martial prowess.

Feng De: "..."

Yu Changxing followed the imperial father and sons openly, while countless imperial guards lurked in the shadows. As Emperor Wuming stepped out of the Panlong Hall, he paused. "Changxing, ask Wang Fengjun if he wants to leave the palace for some leisure."

After a while, Wang Fengjun arrived in casual attire—clothes he’d worn before marrying Emperor Wuming. Even now, they suited him perfectly.

Xie Dan, ever sweet-tongued, chirped, "You look great, Father!"

Wang Fengjun coughed lightly and shot Xie Dan a glare.

Emperor Wuming nodded with a smile. "Indeed, very handsome."

The imperial family went out in plain clothes, simply to explore and enjoy the capital. Yu Changxing and the hidden imperial guards remained on high alert.

Once outside, Xie Cheng and Xie Dan walked together, the latter chattering excitedly as he spotted a vendor selling tanghulu [candied hawthorn skewers]. He moved to buy some—only to realize he had no money. In the palace, neither he nor Xie Cheng ever needed it, so stepping outside left them penniless.

Yu Changxing chuckled and handed Xie Dan three silver ingots and a string of cash, giving Xie Cheng the same amount.

Xie Dan bought two tanghulu and gave one to Xie Cheng [to Xie Dan].

The boys ate as they walked.

"So many cool things in the capital! I want to buy clothes," Xie Dan mumbled around a mouthful of tanghulu.

Hearing this, Emperor Wuming took Wang Fengjun’s hand and led him toward Brocade Garment Pavilion. "This is the finest tailor in the capital. See if anything catches your eye. Next time we sneak out, we won’t have to bring the little ones."

Wang Fengjun, finding the streets outside the palace refreshingly novel, felt happy at the implication of future outings with the emperor.

Everyone likes nice clothes, and Wang Fengjun selected several garments, hesitating over his choices. Emperor Wuming waved a hand. "Buy whatever you like. Changxing will pay."

Emperor Wuming himself carried no money—he never had to.

Wang Fengjun bought three outfits, while the princes also purchased three at Cui Ziqi’s Brocade Garment Pavilion. Emperor Wuming, however, was being ridiculously picky and bought nothing.

Outside the palace, Xie Cheng and Xie Dan acted more freely. Xie Dan smelled something tasty and dragged Xie Cheng to a street sausage vendor.

"Five coins each," Xie Dan read from the sign.

He counted out ten coins and handed them to the vendor.

"Young sirs, if you prefer it spicier, we can add some chili sauce."

Xie Dan put some chili sauce on, as did Xie Cheng. They ate the sausages quickly, still hungry, so Xie Cheng bought two more to share.

Emperor Wuming said, "Get me two skewers too—make 'em spicy."

Yu Zhangxing went to buy two street-style sausages.

Emperor Wuming handed one to Wang Fengjun. Though they had tasted every luxury under the sun, they had never tried street-style sausages before, finding the flavor quite unique.

When he noticed Zheng's Eatery, Emperor Wuming strode inside and had Yu Zhangxing reserve a private room for them.

The entire family was completely won over by the dishes at Zheng's Eatery.

They ate to their heart's content, and the eatery even served them pumpkin soup on the house.

After the meal, Emperor Wuming wandered back outside and observed the bustling streets with a smile on his lips. Xie Cheng and Xie Dan went to buy some sweet green dumplings.

"Come here, both of you."

Xie Cheng and Xie Dan approached.

Emperor Wuming ruffled their hair one by one. "No matter which of you inherits the throne in the future, you must look after the people of this land. As emperors, don't lose touch—come out often and see for yourselves how their lives depend on you."

Wang Fengjun smiled at these words.

Emperor Wuming pointed to the passersby on the road, the vendors selling snacks by the street, the white-haired elders, the young scholars, and toddlers taking their first steps.

"That is the burden on your shoulders."

Xie Cheng took it all in, feeling the weight on his shoulders, while Xie Dan also wore a solemn expression. Immersed in the hustle and bustle around them, they realized their duty was also to protect the Great Yan Dynasty, ensuring this vitality endured.

After giving his sons an earful, Emperor Wuming felt he had some potential as a teacher, and the family returned to the palace.

That night, Xie Cheng lay alone in bed, thinking that whoever their father chose as crown prince, he would accept it willingly.

The next morning, the civil and military officials stood in the Golden Hall, waiting for the day's business to wrap up first.

Feng De held an imperial edict in his hand.

Zheng Shanci's stomach dropped.