CHAPTER 231: CHAPTER 231: RESENTMENT

According to the new policy, a huge amount of taxes must be paid annually.

"Unwilling to pay taxes?" Xie Xun raised an eyebrow.

Fengyu shook her head, "I’m thinking the implementation of the new policy will be extremely difficult. With land tax reforms, business taxes will inevitably change as well. The Second Young Master probably intends to impose high taxes on the wealthy. But the wealthy won’t necessarily comply; they’ll certainly band together to resist."

"The new policy is imperative. The Cabinet has already reached a consensus: rejuvenate the nation and increase production. So, how much land do you have in your hands? You might consider selling off some of it."

Fengyu gently shook her head, "I won’t."

Xie Xun was puzzled, "Why not? I’ve heard from my father and elder brother that, in order to alleviate the tax burden, many influential families will sell large amounts of their land to the commoners."

Fengyu chuckled lightly, "Does the Little Marquis know how land tax is collected?"

"What you grow is what you pay."

Land tax means that whatever you plant in your fields, that’s what you pay. If you grow rice, you pay rice; if you plant corn, you pay corn. That’s why the specifics of land tax can vary.

"That’s exactly the flaw. I can harvest 1,000 bushels but report only 500. How much actually gets turned in? The Ministry of Revenue wouldn’t thoroughly investigate layer by layer. There are too many ways to manipulate the process; it just takes a bit of effort. Why sell the land then? As long as I own the land, I’ll always have an income. Whether I rent it out or cultivate it myself, it’s far better than selling it off in one go."

Xie Xun caught her underlying meaning, and his expression turned solemn, "You don’t have faith in the new policy?"

Fengyu nodded, "You could think of me as a family head from an influential household. If the new policy is too lenient on taxes, there will be official policies from above and countermeasures from below. I’d have my own ways to deal with it. But if it’s too rigid, it’ll provoke fierce resistance. The balance is hard to strike. If the new policy is led by the Cabinet—which is made up of sons of noble families—I think its implementation and enforcement will face major issues. So, it’s better to wait and see how it’s actually implemented before deciding. This is just my perspective, but I’m certain the other family heads of prominent households are thinking the same way."

Xie Xun understood now. No wonder his Second Brother had said, there’s no perfect solution for the new policy.

"Do you have any suggestions?" Xie Xun asked.

Fengyu laughed, "I’m just a merchant’s daughter, a weak woman. For such matters concerning the entire realm, how could I have any suggestions? I simply listen to policies and adjust my actions accordingly."

In the Capital City, the atmosphere was one of universal optimism toward the policy’s implementation. Yet Fengyu remained uneasy—the late emperor had burned to death in the palace because of new policies.

Xie Xun, if the Marquis Mansion is to spearhead the new policy, you must be cautious. Be careful, and then more careful; you cannot repeat the past mistakes.

"Forget it..." Fengyu sighed with a hint of helplessness. Speaking so negatively about policies that haven’t even been implemented yet is truly inappropriate. Besides, the late emperor’s death—no one understands it better than the Marquis.

If he insists on pushing for the new policy, he’ll surely have meticulously prepared for every scenario.

"My Second Brother is leaving the Capital in a few days. All matters regarding the new policy are handed over to the Cabinet. If you want to know the specific provisions, I’ll help you inquire." Xie Xun thought to himself, whatever Fengyu desires, he would give it to her.

"Alright!" Fengyu considered that knowing the provisions earlier would help her decide her course of action. "Why is the Second Young Master leaving the Capital?"

"There’s a divine physician in the Twelve Provinces who can treat his eyes. He’s going to seek treatment."

"Can’t the physician be invited to the Capital City?"

Xie Xun shook his head, "This physician has quite an eccentric temperament. For Second Brother to personally go, it demonstrates greater sincerity."

Fengyu also hoped the Second Young Master’s eyes could heal soon. If someone could cure his eyes, no distance would be too far. But if he went to the Twelve Provinces, would he still make it to Xie Zhang and her sister’s wedding?

"He’ll make it to the wedding!" Xie Xun chuckled. "For Big Brother’s wedding, Second Brother and I will both help escort the bride."

When the conversation turned to the wedding, the atmosphere lightened. Fengyu hadn’t expected everything to go so smoothly. Dugu Jing didn’t have the time to do anything before leaving the Capital City.

Everyone was anticipating this wedding!

The peace talks had gone well, and the palace hosted a banquet to celebrate, allowing the emperor and ministers to rejoice together.

The Feng Family was among those invited. The previous shadow of palace banquets hung over Fengyu, but this time was different—with her parents and sister all present, and Xie Xun also attending—Fengyu felt far less uneasy.

When Fengyu entered the palace, she always dressed on the simpler side. Her hair was styled into the most fashionable bun among young girls of the time. When Xie Xun saw her wearing a pomegranate flower hairpin, the corners of his lips involuntarily curved into a smile.

Always beautiful, whether in simplicity or splendor!

The palace banquet was lively. The seats for the Marquis Mansion and the Feng Family were close to one another. This time, Fang Chuning and Fang Lingjun did not accompany Mrs. Fang to the palace. Fang Lingjun mentioned that when her mother entered the palace, there seemed to have been a dispute with the Empress. As for the specifics, even Fang Lingjun didn’t know. Back when the late emperor was alive, everyone revered Mrs. Fang as a Princess Long.

When Emperor Jianming ascended the throne, Mrs. Fang was no longer allowed to be addressed as a Princess Long, and she rarely appeared in court. Not because Mrs. Fang showed any disrespect toward Emperor Jianming, but rather to avoid suspicion.

For some reason this time, she even clashed with the Empress. Not only did Fang Chuning and Fang Lingjun refrain from entering the palace, but—

Without Fang Lingjun, Fengyu found herself with much less joy, quietly relaxing and admiring the performances. Xie Xun occasionally turned to look at her and, noticing her boredom, brazenly led Fengyu from their seats. With their betrothal, a bit of intimacy was nothing untoward.

Lin Yu Yan seethed, her silver teeth grinding audibly. Half a year ago, she had been the belle of the flower-viewing banquet, surrounded by admirers. She had adored Xie Xun, even dreamed of marrying him. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine she’d end up engaged to Jiang Yang instead, while Fengyu—the woman she loathed—was promised to Xie Xun.

She’d been confined to her residence, only to hear the news of Xie Xun proposing to Fengyu during the hunt. Consumed by jealousy and hatred, she knew that with her engagement to Jiang Yang, her destiny with Xie Xun was sealed. Yet it was Fengyu—if it had been Fang Lingjun, she wouldn’t feel this envious, but why Fengyu?

She couldn’t help resenting Princess Huazhen’s incompetence. As the most noble princess in the dynasty, to be unable to deal with Fengyu—if only Fengyu could be granted the rank of Commandery Princess and sent to Beiman with Princess Huazhen as a concubine—how perfect it would be.

She glared venomously at Xie Xun and Fengyu’s departing figures.

Why hadn’t she died on Xiyanshan!

Lin Xiao also noticed Xie Xun leading Fengyu away and felt a pang of sorrow. Seeing Lin Yu Yan’s hateful gaze, he grew alarmed. "Yu Yan, don’t act recklessly!"

Princess Huaying was pregnant, and Lin Cheng stayed home to accompany her, not entering the palace. Before Lin Cheng left, he had instructed Lin Xiao to keep an eye on Lin Yu Yan and prevent her from causing trouble. Lin Cheng had initially not wanted her to enter the palace, but after pleading with Mrs. Lin and being confined for so long, Mrs. Lin had relented and brought her to the palace to relax.

"Second Brother, you care so much about Fengyu. Are you truly content with this?" Lin Yu Yan mocked.

"Enough!" Lin Xiao’s face darkened. "Don’t smear her name!"

His affection for Fengyu was one-sided. If others heard Lin Yu Yan’s remarks and began gossiping, it would only tarnish Fengyu’s already fragile reputation in the Capital. Lin Xiao didn’t want her to be caught in a storm of rumors. It was his fault for being a step too late—he had no one to blame but himself.

"She ruined my reputation, yet you cherish her as if she’s a priceless jewel. What a fine brother you are." Lin Yu Yan’s heart was breaking. "You should despise her along with me, not adore my enemy!"

"You brought this upon yourself!" Lin Xiao’s patience wore thin. "Had you not seduced Jiang Yang to break off the engagement, none of this would’ve happened!"