The Blood Crown - Chapter 54

As Yan Sikong stepped out of Minister Yan’s study, he felt somewhat dazed. The person Minister Yan had just mentioned was none other than Princess Wan Yang, the daughter of the Virtuous Consort and a cousin of Feng Ye.

In Minister Yan’s view, the Virtuous Consort was the younger sister of Prince Jing Yuan, and their family’s political power was vast. Princess Wan Yang was intelligent and clever, favored by the Emperor. If Yan Sikong could truly become a nobleman, he would undoubtedly rise swiftly through the ranks and achieve great success. No matter what storms brewed in the court in the future, no one would easily harm him.

Minister Yan had already mentioned this matter to Emperor Zhao Wu, who had neither accepted nor rejected it, deferring the decision until two years later, claiming that Princess Wan Yang was only fifteen years old. However, as long as there was no rejection, in Minister Yan’s eyes, this matter was likely to succeed.

It was only today that Yan Sikong could confirm that, after more than a year of effort, he had finally become Minister Yan’s most valued student and future successor. Therefore, preparations for his future were already underway. He should feel grateful and overjoyed.

However, as he thought about Princess Wan Yang being Feng Ye’s cousin and how Feng Ye would react, Yan Sikong couldn’t help but worry. Why was he even considering how Feng Ye would react? Perhaps Feng Ye had already married someone else long ago, perhaps he was just being impulsive in his youth, and once the novelty wore off, he wouldn’t be interested in him anymore. Regardless, becoming the Emperor’s son-in-law was a tremendous opportunity, one that would undoubtedly provide significant assistance to his future.

Yan Sikong patted his forehead to clear his mind. Why was he thinking about how Feng Ye would react? He and Feng Ye would eventually go their separate ways. This ambiguous and troublesome relationship would become a thing of the past.

Winter was already in full swing, and the various provinces and regions along the southern bank of the Yangtze River had submitted numerous petitions to the court, reporting a rare snow disaster that had struck the region. Countless people and livestock had died or suffered frostbite, and they requested financial assistance to endure the winter.

The weather that year was unusually peculiar. While the northern regions were relatively warm compared to previous years, the southern areas were experiencing severe cold and unrelenting snow. The southern populace had little to protect themselves from the cold, and when a sudden snow disaster struck, their losses were devastating.

According to the records of the “Chronicles of Celestial Meteorology,” the last time such extreme weather occurred was during the Han Dynasty, over six hundred years ago. This calamity was highly ominous, sending shockwaves through the court, and people were anxious and fearful.

During the morning court session, Emperor Zhao Wu and his ministers discussed relief efforts for the snow disaster, but the situation proved to be exceedingly challenging. Firstly, heavy snow had blocked many official roads, making it difficult to transport grain, clothing, and other necessities. Secondly, and most importantly, the year-end was approaching, and the state treasury was strained.

The morning court session, which had started from early morning until nearly noon, reportedly failed to produce a viable solution in the end.

Minister Yan returned to the Wen Yuan Pavilion, sighing frequently, his brows furrowed deeply, and the various imperial scholars dared not breathe loudly.

After some time, Minister Yan summoned Yan Sikong and Shen Hexuan into his study.

Both of them respectfully took their seats.

“You’ve both heard about the snow disaster in the south, haven’t you?”

“In the morning court session today, sigh…,” Minister Yan rubbed his forehead, “the discussion on disaster relief was in full swing.”

Yan Sikong asked, “Did His Majesty give any instructions?”

Minister Yan shook his head, looking at them. “I’ve already discussed this matter with the other ministers, and there was no consensus. It’s not your turn to consider this matter yet, but as scholars serving the Crown Prince, I’ve been grooming you to be future rulers. So, I want to hear your opinions.”

The two of them exchanged a glance, and Yan Sikong gestured to Shen Hexuan to speak.

Shen Hexuan cleared his throat. “The issue with the snow disaster lies in the state treasury being stretched thin. In recent years, due to the expenses of defending against external threats, military spending has been substantial. Now, with the year-end approaching and tax revenues nearly exhausted, I believe the most urgent matter is to raise funds.”

“That’s plainly evident,” Minister Yan said impatiently. “But how do you propose to raise these funds?”

Shen Hexuan pondered for a moment. “I believe that we could impose an additional sea tax on Jiangnan to alleviate the state treasury’s immediate needs.”

Minister Yan’s expression remained unchanged, but a hint of displeasure flashed in his eyes.

Yan Sikong thought to himself that Shen Hexuan was either naive or audacious to casually suggest such a thing. Minister Yan came from a powerful family in Jiangnan, a prosperous region known for its scholars and intellectuals. During imperial examinations, Jiangnan produced more scholars than all other provinces combined. As a result, many officials from Minister Yan’s faction came from this region, allowing them to compete on equal footing with the eunuch faction.

The division between politics and commerce was blurred in Jiangnan, and local officials and merchants often had close ties. Under the influence of Jiangnan’s scholar-officials, the sea tax had already been reduced significantly compared to the era of Emperor Shengning. Therefore, suggesting an increase in sea tax would not only incur the wrath of the powerful Jiangnan scholar-officials but also clash with the eunuch faction’s long-standing efforts to suppress the scholar-officials through this tax.

Shen Hexuan’s proposal made sense, as imposing heavier taxes on prosperous regions to equalize wealth and alleviate disasters was a reasonable approach. However, increasing the sea tax would alienate many Jiangnan scholar-officials, and Minister Yan would never support a policy that harmed his own political base.

Yan Sikong admired Shen Hexuan’s courage and felt anxious for him. Due to Shen Hexuan’s straightforwardness, he had often angered Minister Yan, which in turn had made Minister Yan appreciate him more. Shen Hexuan’s straightforwardness was related to his disappointment.

Minister Yan’s tone grew colder. “An additional tax would only lead to public resentment. It’s absurd.”

“In extraordinary times, there must be…”

“Silence!” Minister Yan no longer concealed his anger and turned to Yan Sikong. “Sikong, what do you suggest?”

Yan Sikong had known that the snow disaster presented an opportunity from the moment he heard about it.

According to his original plan, he intended for Prince Liang to receive the message about the “Prince Liang plotting rebellion,” which would then be relayed to Night Departure. Subsequently, rumors would spread throughout the capital, even reaching the Emperor, causing alarm. This would take at least three months, and when combined with the Emperor’s investigations in the Two Lakes region and his contemplation of countermeasures, it would likely take a year or more. Moreover, regardless of whether there was any action or news, it would probably take several years. He had devised a long-term strategy, spreading a wide net, and the current situation was merely an opportunity.

Yan Sikong replied earnestly, “Teacher, I believe that the state treasury’s difficulties stem not only from tax revenue. Expenditures in the palace, military expenses, and the spending of the imperial family are all major components of the annual budget. If we want to replenish the treasury, we should start with the biggest expenditures.”

Minister Yan nodded, his patience returning. “Your words are true. In recent years, to support the military, Minister Yang of the Ministry of Revenue has worked tirelessly. All aspects of state expenditures have been trimmed as much as possible. However, these three major expenses you mentioned are the heaviest and are difficult to reduce.”

“Maintaining the military is crucial for the defense of the country, and the palace represents the dignity of the royal family. Both are expenses that cannot be easily cut. Only…” Yan Sikong hesitated.

Minister Yan naturally understood. He fell silent once more.

The Great Sheng Dynasty had lasted for over two hundred years, and the imperial family had expanded significantly. The imperial clan enjoyed government stipends, held fiefs without paying taxes, and often took advantage of their positions to exploit the peasants’ fields. Everyone knew that the imperial family’s expenditures were a constant concern, but addressing this issue was far from easy. It couldn’t be resolved by one minister or one reign.

Minister Yan sighed. “The expenses of the imperial family… it’s difficult to reduce them.”

“When it becomes absolutely necessary, we, as loyal subjects, must rise to the challenge,” Yan Sikong said solemnly. “I should not be the first to propose reducing the allowances of the imperial family, and I fear I will not be the last.”

Minister Yan waved his hand. “There are some matters that I’ve wanted to address since I was young, but I’ve never been able to take that step. It’s not due to timidity, but because these matters are too significant and should not be taken lightly.”

Yan Sikong respectfully responded, “I understand. In our vast country, there must be better ways to deal with this crisis.”

Minister Yan sighed in frustration.

Shen Hexuan furrowed his brow deeply.