Chapter 42 The Emperor’s Heart Is an Ocean’s Depths

Chapter 42: The Emperor's Inscrutable Heart

Dressing in the morning, Yan Weichu noticed the marks on his neck in the mirror—so red, how could he face anyone?

Xie Xiao approached from behind, adjusting Yan Weichu’s robes in the mirror. "What are you looking at?"

Yan Weichu pointed to the reddest spot on his neck. "Wouldn't His Majesty be embarrassed if he saw this?"

Xie Xiao calmly replied, "If he sees it, he sees it. Let him look."

"..." Yan Weichu gave him a strange glance, suspecting Xie Xiao was doing this on purpose. Well, at least the fur collar would cover it.

During breakfast, Yan Weichu casually remarked, "Cousin, His Majesty will seal the imperial seal and cease official duties on the twenty-third of the year, not resuming until after the Lantern Festival. We can rest for a few days."

Xie Xiao served him some food. "The decree to establish the Qilin Guard has been issued. After the New Year, the imperial clan members who signed up should arrive in the capital. As Commander, you'll be busy. This is the only time you'll get to rest."

He was still concerned—given Yan Weichu's young age and status, could he control those imperial relatives? Would he be bullied?

Yan Weichu knew what he was thinking and smiled. "No need to worry, Cousin. His Majesty will personally oversee the Qilin Guard. Besides, most of those who signed up are distant relatives. The feudal princes are merely paying lip service to His Majesty, sending at most a few unpopular collateral or illegitimate sons. They won't cause any trouble."

Xie Xiao was somewhat irked by Yan Weichu's repeated use of "His Majesty" and cautioned, "It's good that you're aware, but you still need to be cautious. Although the New Year is approaching, these are unstable times. The court intends to increase commercial taxes, and many oppose it. There might even be unrest."

Yan Weichu casually asked, "Then do you oppose it, Cousin?"

He didn't need Xie Xiao to answer; as the emperor, he knew all too well how many interests this move affected.

Officials were forbidden from engaging in commerce, yet every civil and military official in court had wives, children, or trusted associates who owned shops or trading companies.

That was nothing. From south to north, all the major wealthy merchants and tycoons had backers—every single one of them was a pillar of his court. Increasing commercial taxes was essentially taking money directly from their pockets. It was no wonder they were unwilling.

This matter had likely united the entire court against him, the emperor. In just a few days, the memorials advising against it had piled up like a mountain on his desk.

Of course, the bloodstains in the West Market had not yet dried. Most of the influential families in the capital had been keeping a low profile recently, and even all the military officials dared not act rashly. No matter how much they cursed him in private, on the surface, they were not nearly as outspoken as the civil officials.

Xie Xiao asked, "Are you sounding me out for His Majesty?"

Yan Weichu chided, "How can you say that, Cousin? You're my husband. Of course, I'm on your side. I'm just worried that if you hold the wrong views, you might displease His Majesty and earn his resentment."

Xie Xiao's eyes flickered. "Call me that again."

Yan Weichu didn't understand. "Call you what?"

Xie Xiao asked, "What am I to you?"

Yan Weichu laughed, his voice sweet and drawn-out. "Husband."

Xie Xiao was pleased and continued serving Yan Weichu food.

"The Duke's household has extensive assets. It's normal for them to own some shops," he said calmly. "If His Majesty wants to impose commercial taxes, let him. There have been hints of this for a while."

Yan Weichu raised an eyebrow. "What gave it away, Cousin?"

Xie Xiao replied indifferently, "The shops on West Avenue are mostly owned by influential families and high-ranking court officials. After Wan Xuanju was reinstated, the Eastern Depot agents frequently went to shake them down—wasn't that on His Majesty's orders? It was already an indirect method of collecting commercial taxes. Now, it's just out in the open."

Yan Weichu thought to himself, *Are you a worm in my stomach? How can you guess everything...*

"His Majesty was forced to use such methods before."

Xie Xiao didn't appreciate the way he spoke in defense of the emperor and nodded casually. "It's nothing. If increasing commercial taxes can truly fill the national treasury and ensure military provisions are no longer delayed, I not only don't oppose it but fully support it."

Hearing this, Yan Weichu was deeply satisfied. The only one who truly understood him was his cousin.

Before heading out, Xie Xiao personally helped him into the fox fur cloak, fastened the ties, and lightly touched his face.

"Go on, work hard."

Yan Weichu got into the carriage, and Xie Xiao mounted his horse, ready to head to the capital garrison. Yan Weichu pushed open the window and called out, "Cousin."

Xie Xiao turned around.

Yan Weichu smiled from the carriage. "Till later."

Xie Xiao looked at him and nodded lightly. "See you later."

*

In a good mood, Yan Weichu whistled a tune all the way to Yaotai Palace until he saw the huge crowd gathered outside his bedchamber.

The Grand Secretariat, the Six Ministries' ministers and vice-ministers, along with censors from the Six Offices of Scrutiny and the Censorate—all were present. Such a grand assembly clearly meant no good.

He couldn't be bothered with them and remained in his heated palanquin, entering directly without stepping down.

Liu Zhu was also in the crowd. A nearby grand secretary nudged him and asked curiously, "Lord Liu, why did His Majesty return from outside so early in the morning? We thought he hadn't risen yet..."

Liu Zhu looked up at the sky. "How should I know about His Majesty's affairs?"

Once inside, Yan Weichu changed into everyday imperial robes, the collar trimmed with luxurious black fox fur, perfectly covering the marks on his neck.

As the emperor, he still had some dignity to maintain.

He had no interest in dealing with the people outside. After having some tea and snacks, he began attending to state matters and instructed Zhao Anfu, "Tell everyone outside to leave. If they have matters, they can return in the afternoon."

Having been toyed with and left waiting for half a day, the officials were unwilling but had no choice but to disperse for now. They would return in the afternoon.

At the hour of the Goat, Yan Weichu rose from his nap and, hearing that the officials had returned, casually gestured, "Summon them inside."

The ministers streamed in, and the vast imperial study soon filled to capacity. Yan Weichu leaned back behind the desk, looking through petitions, and casually asked, "Tomorrow is Little New Year. Have you all come to offer early New Year greetings? If so, proceed."

"..." The officials were speechless. They had already bowed upon entry, but since the young emperor had spoken, they had no choice but to bow again.

Once they finished, Yan Weichu lazily added, "If there's nothing else, you are dismissed."

"Your Majesty!" the ministers cried out urgently.

They had considered having the Ministry of Revenue remonstrate against the imperial decree, but half a month ago, the emperor had already found an excuse to replace the ministry’s reviewing official with his own man. Liu Zhu’s indifferent attitude made it clear he was in cahoots with the emperor. As the Chief Grand Secretary, his feigned ignorance left the others powerless.

The emperor’s absence from court was precisely the problem. Had it been a court session, all civil and military officials could have petitioned together, and they wouldn’t be so passive.

Faced with this unconventional young emperor, they truly were at a loss.

Lin Tongfu stepped forward, mustering his courage. "Your Majesty, increasing commercial taxes must not be done! Virtue is the root, wealth is the branch. Accumulating wealth disperses the people, dispersing wealth gathers the people—this is the sage king’s timeless teaching! To now seek to enrich the state by doubling commercial taxes is to neglect virtue and pursue wealth. This bodes ill for the nation! I implore Your Majesty to revoke the decree and cease the discussion of tax increases. Do not compete with the people for profit!"

Here we go again. Whenever these people spouted classical allusions, Yan Weichu’s face darkened. *So you’ve read more books, you’re noble, you’re virtuous, you’re remarkable, is that it?*

Lin Tongfu seemed oblivious to his displeasure and continued speaking righteously and eloquently, ultimately reiterating one point: commercial taxes must not be increased, no matter what.

The others chimed in—some claimed this would impoverish the people and shake the nation’s foundation, others said it would foster corruption and public resentment, and some even sarcastically remarked that the young emperor’s pursuit of petty gains at the expense of greater interests was unbecoming of a benevolent ruler.

They spoke with fervor, while Yan Weichu remained silent throughout, keeping his gaze lowered without uttering a word. To the crowd, this seemed like a guilty conscience, egging them on further.

"Your Majesty! Most common folk engage in trade merely to support their families. If the court imposes heavy taxes, it would be no different than snatching food from their mouths. If this continues, the markets will decline, grievances will rise, and I fear the state treasury may not fill, but the people's hearts will be lost, jeopardizing the realm itself!"

Lin Tongfu spoke with impassioned fervor, his chin held high with conviction. Suddenly, Yan Weichu lifted his eyelids and cast an indifferent glance his way.

The old official, carried away by the heat of the moment, knelt down and kowtowed on the spot, bluntly declaring that if the emperor insisted on his course, he would be an unprincipled tyrant, and the state would cease to be. Even if it cost him his head, he would rather die remonstrating.

Yan Weichu's face darkened, a chill emanating from him.

Amid the stalemate, a voice suddenly rang out from the back: "Master Lin, such noble courage! Are you trying to provoke His Majesty to earn yourself a court-ordered flogging and gain a false reputation? Talking about competing with the people for profit, snatching food from their mouths—I’d like to ask Master Lin, does 'the people' here refer to yourself?"

Lin Tongfu stiffened, turning angrily to glare: "Who dares speak so recklessly before His Majesty! Such audacity!"

Wan Xuanju walked in, first paying respectful homage to Yan Weichu, then turned to Lin Tongfu and the others, his expression shifting instantly. Straightening his back, he spat: "Bah! You’re the one being reckless, shouting at His Majesty like that! I could hear you from outside! You show no respect before the emperor, you’re the one with the greatest audacity!"

Being scolded so directly, Lin Tongfu’s old face flushed red instantly: "You eunuch, stop spouting nonsense here!"

Wan Xuanju’s appearance clearly provoked collective anger. The officials, already dissatisfied with him, immediately ganged up on him, hurling insults like "castrated lackey," "vile minion," and "vermin," all sorts of abusive language.

Considering themselves the upright faction, they looked down most on eunuchs like Wan Xuanju who curried favor, misled the emperor, and blinded him with flattery. If they couldn’t curse the emperor, couldn’t they curse you?

Wan Xuanju wasn’t bothered. He cursed back at whoever insulted him. As a eunuch, when it came to vulgar, offensive language, how could he be out-cussed by these scholars? Moreover, he exposed their secrets: "What did I say that was wrong? Master Lin, you keep saying His Majesty’s increase in merchant taxes is competing with the people for profit. Who doesn’t know that the largest salt merchant in Qingjiang Prefecture, Jiangnan, is from your Lin family? Just selling salt alone earns you hundreds of thousands of taels a year—more than enough to stuff you? Those underhanded schemes of colluding between officials and merchants, I couldn’t be bothered to mention before His Majesty, lest I dirty his ears."

Lin Tongfu jumped up: "Don’t you dare slander me with baseless accusations! I’ve served for twenty years, always with integrity, strictly disciplining myself and my family…"

Wan Xuanju sneered: "Enough. Every single thing you’ve done, the Eastern Depot has thoroughly investigated. How could I falsely accuse you? Why glare at me? During your years overseeing the Ministry of Revenue, how much did you embezzle? Should I list it out for you?"

"You eunuch are most skilled at concocting charges and entrapping court officials! How dare you act so arrogantly before His Majesty!" Lin Tongfu retorted, though he was already feeling guilty but forced himself not to lose face.

In his fury, he actually rolled up his sleeves and rushed forward, punching Wan Xuanju in the face, just to preemptively shut the eunuch up.

Wan Xuanju was not one to be bullied. He fought back immediately, tussling with this Junior Grand Secretary of the Grand Secretariat.

No one openly joined in, but in the chaos, taking the opportunity to kick Wan Xuanju or punch him twice was just par for the course.

They also feared the Eastern Depot might have really dug up something on them to reveal before the emperor. It would be best if Lin Tongfu could beat this eunuch to death.

Liu Zhu retreated, afraid of being caught in the fray, shouting: "Stop fighting—"

No one listened to him.

Yan Weichu hadn’t made a sound since earlier, nor did he show any intention of stopping the fight.

Civil officials in Dajing had always been notorious for physical fights; fighting in the court before the emperor was a common occurrence. It was just the first time he was seeing such a spectacle.

Zhao Anfu went out and came back in, presenting a food box before the emperor, lowering his voice: "Your Majesty, servants from the Marquis' estate just delivered this to the Martial Lecture Hall. They said the marquis ordered it, not wanting you to go hungry, so you could have something to eat first."

Yan Weichu was first surprised, then smiled. He took the food box and opened it. Inside were all his favorite pastries, indeed no worse than those in Yaotai.

Immediately in a much better mood, he picked up a piece with silver chopsticks and ate it, narrowing his eyes with satisfaction.

Below, Lin Tongfu and Wan Xuanju were still fighting without a clear outcome. The others were too preoccupied to notice the emperor had started eating, completely treating them as a clown show.

Wan Xuanju scratched Lin Tongfu’s face, losing his temper, and viciously cursed: "You old shameless, full of benevolence and morality on the mouth, but filled with thievery and debauchery inside! You curse me as a gutless eunuch, but you have that thing—you slept with your daughter-in-law and were caught in bed by your son! That thing of yours is useless anyway!"

Everyone was shocked, their eyes toward Lin Tongfu changing. *Though everyone has their indiscretions, yours was just too crude and indiscreet…*

Yan Weichu slowly swallowed the pastry in his mouth and frowned.

*This damned eunuch, couldn’t he avoid dirtying my ears?*

Lin Tongfu’s eyes nearly burst: "How dare you use such filthy language to ruin my reputation!"

"Pah!" Wan Xuanju spat a loogie right on his face, loudly proclaiming that on a certain year, month, and day, under the cover of night, this old thing sneaked into his daughter-in-law’s room. The bed shook for less than the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea before it ended—his Eastern Depot agents had been on the roof timing it!

"Ahhhhhhh, I’ll kill you!" Lin Tongfu, humiliated and enraged, went mad, choking Wan Xuanju’s neck as if ready to die together with him.

The officials silently averted their eyes. Earlier, some had wanted to teach Wan Xuanju a lesson, but now they all backed away.

*Less than the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea—how utterly embarrassing!*

With a glance from Yan Weichu, palace guards finally rushed in, pulling apart Lin Tongfu and Wan Xuanju, both already bruised and battered.

Lin Tongfu, held by two guards, was so furious he almost fainted, still cursing Wan Xuanju the eunuch.

Wan Xuanju strutted proudly: "I swear to heaven, if a single word I said is false, may I be struck by lightning! Those despicable things you did were all reported to me by your son! You embezzled military funds, depleted state coffers, built factions for selfish gains, deceived the throne—I have evidence for all of it!"

Lin Tongfu roared: "You eunuch slave, framing me—"

"Enough."

Yan Weichu’s sharp rebuke silenced them.

Lin Tongfu, panting heavily, turned to meet the emperor’s icy, displeased glare. Cold sweat broke out instantly on his back, his legs went weak, and he knelt again.

Yan Weichu ignored him, signaling to Wan Xuanju: "The evidence you mentioned, present it to me."

Wan Xuanju had clearly come prepared: his son’s confession, his subordinates’ confessions, various account books and ledgers—both testimonial and physical evidence were ready.

Yan Weichu only glanced at a couple of pages before throwing them down for Lin Tongfu to see for himself: "What more do you have to say?"

Lin Tongfu’s hands trembled as he picked up his son’s confession. After reading it quickly, he collapsed to the ground.

His son had been involved in everything he did, sparing no detail. He’d rather see them both ruined than sell out his own father.

"Your Majesty, I…"

He wanted to defend himself, but his quivering lips could hardly form a complete sentence.

By now, everyone had realized: this whole scene had been staged by His Majesty for them to see.

The Eastern Depot had evidence against Lin Tongfu. What about them? Which of them was clean?

Around the New Year holiday, Yan Weichu really had no patience for these people. He only asked Lin Tongfu: "Do you confess?"

Lin Tongfu mumbled: "I am guilty, but…"

"Fine, as long as you confess," Yan Weichu said no more, immediately issuing a verbal edict: "Remove Lin Tongfu’s official's cap. Take him out to the Meridian Gate and behead him. The entire Lin clan is to be exiled."

The officials were stunned. The emperor didn’t even hold a trial—just like that, he was going to execute the current Junior Grand Secretary.

But no one dared plead for Lin Tongfu, afraid that speaking up would brand them as conspirators in his faction.

Lin Tongfu cried and begged for mercy, but Yan Weichu had no desire to hear it. The imperial guards quickly dragged him away.

Yan Weichu was actually annoyed too. Few of these people were clean, but he had just executed a group of military nobles. It really wasn’t the time for another purge. He could only make an example of one.

Besides, if he really wanted to kill, he’d probably have to execute the entire court. Might as well drop it.

He popped another piece of pastry into his mouth; the sweetness helped suppress his rising anger. Casting a cold glance over the officials below, he said, “Regarding the increase in commercial taxes, the guidelines I provided are crystal clear: small-scale vendors carrying their goods on shoulder poles to make a living are exempt. What I aim to target are the wealthy merchants and major business magnates. How can this be considered competing with the people for profit? Furthermore, I will soon issue an edict to shut down the imperial stores, returning the benefits to the people. There’s no need for you to worry that I might lose the people’s support.”

Wan Xuanju stood at attention to accept the order. As one of His Majesty’s most trusted enforcers, it was his duty to solve problems for the emperor—if not him, then who?

The crowd fell silent. Even if anyone had objections, who would dare speak up now? Before coming, they had been prepared to risk court beatings to persuade the emperor to change his mind. But the emperor, unpredictable as ever, had directly beheaded their leader. What else could they do? Unable to fight back, they had no choice but to hold their noses and accept it.

As the officials withdrew, Yan Weichu detained Wan Xuanju. He instructed him, “After the New Year, quickly arrange for personnel to be dispatched to the various prefectures. You yourself will lead the team to the south and ensure commercial taxes are collected—make this a standing rule. While you’re there, investigate local conditions. If any officials are corrupt or have embezzled excessively, arrest them immediately under my authority. In emergencies, I grant you permission to mobilize local troops using my secret decree. But behave yourself—don’t reach for what isn’t yours. I’ll assign Jinyiwei agents to accompany you. Understood?”

Wan Xuanju dared not refuse. The Jinyiwei were no longer under the Eastern Depot’s command and were always watching, ready to pounce. Once he went south, he would have no choice but to carry out the emperor’s orders faithfully. His real fear was that even with the emperor’s secret decree, mobilizing troops in the Jiangnan region might prove difficult.

Hesitantly, he said, “Your servant has already investigated all merchant households in the capital. Near West Street alone, the Duke of Zhenguo owns more than a dozen shops. They constantly invoke the Marquis of Dingbei’s name and show little reverence for Your Majesty’s decrees. They’ve also been secretly rallying other merchants to resist the new commercial tax law…”

Yan Weichu asked coldly, “I thought your Eastern Depot was fearsome enough. When collecting ‘donations,’ I’ve seen you act without hesitation. Why are you suddenly so timid in the face of the Duke of Zhenguo’s people?”

Wan Xuanju thought to himself: *That was then.* He had attended the wedding banquet that day and made a point of observing the ceremony closely. While others might have been blind, he’d recognized the heir of the Count of Anding at first glance—how could he dare?

The eunuch stammered, “Your servant is only concerned because the Marquis serves as Capital Garrison Commander…”

“So what?” Yan Weichu scoffed. “Fine. Then start by making an example of the Duke of Zhenguo’s estate. As soon as their shops reopen after the New Year, take your men there to collect taxes. Anyone who refuses—arrest them and throw them into the Imperial Prison.”

Wan Xuanju opened his mouth but finally replied, “Very well.”

He couldn’t resist adding quietly, “But several of those shops are registered under the Marquis of Dingbei’s estate.”

*Since you’re practically the de facto head of the Marquis’s household, even with triple his courage, he wouldn’t dare cause trouble there!*

Yan Weichu fell silent for a moment before replying darkly, “The same applies.”

Wan Xuanju had no choice but to clasp his hands and accept the order. The emperor’s heart was as inscrutable as the ocean depths.

As he was about to leave, Yan Weichu called him back again, not even lifting his eyelids. “That ointment from last time—get me more. And the special one you mentioned, too.”

Wan Xuanju: “…” Understood.

Feeling much more satisfied, Yan Weichu continued eating the pastries Xie Xiao had sent over.

Mmm, very sweet.