Chapter 325: The Matter of Tax Reduction
Chapter 325: Chapter 325: The Matter of Tax Reduction
It was true that Eldest Master Mu was in charge of the Mu household, but he, Second Master Mu, would never believe that if the Mu household prospered, their Second Branch would prosper alongside it. That nonsense about “shared glory, shared ruin” was just talk. Did he not know what kind of life their Second Branch had endured in the Mu household all these years? The Eldest Branch had never shown any fraternal affection, only ever stepping on them. Did they think only the Eldest Branch could bring glory to the Mu household? Couldn’t the Second Branch do it? He, Second Master Mu, had struggled and learned in the officialdom; he was no longer that naive Second Master Mu of the past. He was merely keeping silent. Trying to use him? Not a chance.
When Elder Mu heard Second Master Mu’s words, his heart sank. He had thought Second Master, like before, would be someone they could manipulate. Unexpectedly, after a few years in the officialdom, he had grown wiser. However, what did it matter? In the Mu household, he was still the one in charge.
He was a little annoyed and said, “Second Brother, why do you say it’s too early? No matter what, our sister-in-law is indeed the Empress Dowager’s cousin. The Empress Dowager has no maternal family to rely on anymore. So, shouldn’t we seize the opportunity?”
Second Master Mu sneered, “Seize what opportunity? Don’t tell me Elder Brother believes that just by relying on our words, we can get everything we want, and the Mu household can become glorious and prosperous?” Considering the Mu household’s current finances and its members, they had neither money nor capable people. Did he really think they could get an official post just by asking? And as for people, who in the household possessed great talent? They were all mediocre. With such a family background, why would anyone support you? Who do you think you are? The Capital City isn’t lacking in money or talent. To put it bluntly, even if you were given a high official position, you wouldn’t be able to handle it. It’s better to conscientiously do your current job well, get noticed by your superiors, and get promoted if possible. He was currently in the Ministry of Revenue. A few days ago, the Minister had issued several orders, said to be directly from the Emperor. He had looked at them—were those tasks an ordinary person could accomplish? Although he had never met the current Emperor, judging by his style of doing things, he was completely different from Chu Xiong. Chu Xiong had amassed power as soon as he took the throne, but this new Emperor began his reign by doing things that benefited the country and its people. How could such a person be mediocre? Furthermore, their Ministry of Revenue controlled the Daqian Kingdom’s granaries and treasury. Even someone as capable as the Minister didn’t dare oppose the current Emperor, doing whatever was asked. He certainly wouldn’t stick his neck out at this juncture and become cannon fodder for the Mu household.
These words stumped Elder Mu. He gazed deeply at his second brother. He’d never expected Second Brother to be someone who hid his capabilities so well; it truly made him see him in a new light. It seemed that he would have to change his previous plans.
Third Master Mu, upon hearing Second Master Mu’s words, also examined him with a scrutinizing gaze. He hadn’t expected him to have become somewhat smarter after all these years. No longer willing to be a stepping stone for the Eldest Branch. He playfully glanced at Elder Mu, who sat in the main position. There would be some exciting drama to watch in the future, as this Second Brother was no longer the easily fooled person he had been in the past. As the third son of the Mu family, no good fortune ever fell to him. He was delighted to see the Eldest and Second Branches clashing like this; perhaps he could even profit from their conflict. HEH HEH HEH, Third Master Mu cackled inwardly.
Seeing that they wouldn’t reach the outcome he desired tonight, Elder Mu could only say, “Then let’s wait until Second Brother’s wife and our niece return before discussing it further.”
Second Master Mu nodded, “That’s fine. When the time comes, I’ll let you know the situation then, Elder Brother. If there’s nothing else to discuss, I’ll take my leave first.” He had a lot of work tomorrow. Those directives from the Emperor had to be implemented nationwide before the spring plowing. If they failed, everyone in the Ministry of Revenue, from top to bottom, would be held accountable. This was a strict order from the Emperor.
Elder Mu waved him away.
Second Master Mu immediately left the study.
Third Master Mu followed suit and left with Second Master Mu.
After Second Master Mu and Third Master Mu departed, Elder Mu was fuming as he walked into Old Madam Mu’s courtyard. Old Madam Mu was still awake; she couldn’t sleep, waiting for her eldest son to report to her.
Old Master Mu had passed away, so Old Madam Mu was now the actual head of the household.
“How did it go, Eldest?” Old Madam Mu asked anxiously.
Eldest Master Mu plopped down into a chair, glanced at Old Madam Mu, and said with a dark expression, “I just sounded out Second Brother. In these few years, he’s changed quite a bit.”
“What do you mean? I asked you about Second Brother’s intentions, why are you talking about how he has changed? What’s wrong with him?”
“Second Brother just said that his wife and our niece haven’t returned yet, and we don’t know the situation. So, isn’t it too early to be making such plans?” Eldest Master Mu relayed what Second Master Mu had said.
“Oh? Second Brother actually said that?” Old Madam Mu was somewhat surprised. Given Second Brother’s usual reticence, a man from whom one could hardly pry a word, it was unexpected that he could articulate such thoughts. It seemed sending him to the Ministry of Revenue wasn’t a mistake; he had certainly been tempered and matured somewhat.
“So what should we do next? Second Brother clearly doesn’t have the Mu household’s future at heart,” Eldest Master Mu said, trying to subtly turn her against him.
“Then let’s do as your Second Brother says and wait for his wife and Wan’er to come back before saying anything more.”
How could she not know what Eldest was scheming? Ever since the old man passed away, her thoughts had all been on Eldest, prioritizing him in everything. Yet, after all these years, he had only managed to secure a minor fifth-rank official position. They say you shouldn’t put all your eggs in one basket. Since Second Brother was no longer as naively docile as before, she would consider him. Eldest, Second, and Third were all her legitimate sons. Whichever one of them became successful, it would bring honor to the Mu household’s name. She couldn’t use her second daughter-in-law’s connections to pave the way for Eldest if Second Brother gained no tangible benefits. Currently, Second Brother’s eldest son still held no official rank; Second Brother wouldn’t agree to such an arrangement if his son gained nothing. No one was a fool when it comes to their own interests.
“Very well then, let’s do as Mother says. It’s getting late, Mother, please rest early. Your son takes his leave.”
Eldest Master Mu’s expression turned sour; from his mother’s tone, it was clear she wouldn’t be strongly supporting him.
「Meanwhile, in the Imperial Palace.」
Xiao Yuxian and Mu Wan’er lay on the large, soft bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep.
Xiao Yuxian was pondering how to use her connection with Xiao Yuling to improve the fortunes of their Second Branch. After spending half a day together, Xiao Yuling still treated her, her older cousin, as warmly as ever. She had to seize the opportunity and find a way to broach the subject with Xiao Yuling.
Mu Wan’er, on the other hand, was thinking about how she would make the most of this opportunity tomorrow to perform well before her cousin, the Emperor, and then become his concubine. To her, everything in this palace was paradise.
「The next morning, at court.」
Xiao Yunjing brought up the matter of tax reduction, asking everyone to discuss it and reach a conclusion.
“Your Majesty, this humble servant believes a three-year reduction would be acceptable,” a minister stepped forward and said.
“No, no, that’s not appropriate,” Minister of Revenue, Lord Ming, immediately stepped out to object.
“How is it not appropriate, Lord Ming? Please explain,” Xiao Yunjing said.