We have fought to the Arctic Circle, and you want me to inherit the throne?

The next day at noon, the sun was shining brightly.

Li Che was not wearing a dragon robe, but only a simple black casual uniform, and walked to the officers' canteen dedicated to the Fengtian Army.

It was lunchtime, and the cafeteria was bustling with people. Officers were sitting in groups of three or five, eating.

Someone first caught sight of the emperor, and a cry of "His Majesty has arrived!" instantly silenced the entire dining hall.

Then there was a noise of tables and chairs, and all the officers, regardless of their rank, immediately put down their bowls and chopsticks, stood up in unison, their eyes focused on the figure at the door.

"Hahaha!"

Li Che laughed heartily upon seeing this, suppressing the tension on the scene: "What are you all standing around for? Eat when you should, drink when you should!"

"I just came to see how the brothers were eating, not to disturb your dinner!"

As he spoke, he signaled to his attendant Qiu Bai that no special arrangements were needed.

He walked to the window where food was served and said gently to the somewhat bewildered cook, "Give me one portion too, just like everyone else."

Holding the same meal as that of ordinary officers, Li Che swept his eyes across the cafeteria, then naturally walked towards a group of middle-level officers who were sitting upright, found an empty seat and sat down.

Most of these officers were not close confidants of the emperor like Zhao Duo, and they had few opportunities to see the emperor at such a close distance. At this moment, they were so nervous that their backs were stiff and they even chewed carefully.

Li Che, however, didn't care at all. He picked up his chopsticks and ate with gusto. While eating, he commented: "Well, this braised pork is cooked well, the heat is just right."

He waved to the officers outside and said, "Come closer. Why are you so far away from me?"

All the generals said they dared not and came over one after another.

When they were almost done eating, Li Che put down his chopsticks and asked casually, "How do you feel about living in the imperial capital these days? Are you used to it?"

Upon hearing this, the generals quickly put down their bowls and chopsticks and said, "Your Majesty, everything is fine! Thank you for your concern!"

Li Che nodded and mentioned their concerns: "I know that many of our brothers are still crowded in the officers' quarters, and the conditions are a bit cramped."

"This is just a temporary measure. I have ordered the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Works to quickly plan and build several military compounds. All active-duty officers will be assigned an independent compound according to their rank."

"It will also allow the soldiers to have a stable and comfortable home after fighting."

The generals' faces immediately lit up with joy, and they all stood up to express their gratitude: "Your Majesty is wise! We are deeply grateful!"

Li Che raised his hand and asked everyone to sit down.

Changing the subject, the smile on his face faded slightly. "I'm sure everyone is already aware of the rules for conferring honors and titles. I heard there's quite a bit of discussion within the military about this..."

hum.

The slight warmth that had just risen in the cafeteria dropped to freezing point in an instant.

Everyone held their breath.

Some officers who had complained privately, such as Qian Deming, turned pale and lowered their heads, not daring to look the emperor in the eye.

My heart was filled with remorse, and I felt that disaster was about to happen, waiting for the wrath of thunder.

However, the expected reprimand did not come.

Li Che's tone remained gentle: "I know it's not easy for everyone to follow me from north to south, rolling through mountains of corpses and seas of blood."

"The reason they risked their lives fighting, besides out of loyalty to the emperor and the country, is because who wouldn't want to build a legacy for their children and grandchildren so they can live a more comfortable life in the future?"

"I understand this thought."

Li Che first tried to appease her, then showed an embarrassment:

"But everyone should also understand the court's difficulties. Let's not talk about anything else, just the word 'taxation'."

"Taxation in Daqing is a mess right now. Common people are overburdened by heavy taxes and are forced to pay excessively and recklessly. Meanwhile, the truly wealthy merchants, powerful officials, and wealthy individuals are finding ways to evade and avoid paying taxes, or even simply refuse to pay."

"That's why I said that the first priority of the new dynasty is to clarify the tax system and rectify tax collection!"

He raised his voice a little, and said without a doubt: "In the future of Daqing, only death and taxes are inevitable!"

"Not only you officers must pay taxes according to the law, but civil officials and members of the royal family must pay as well, without exception!"

"I, in consideration of your hard work and contributions, have granted you the grace of tax reduction as part of your Lordship. This is already a special consideration. Why can't you understand my sincere intentions?"

These heartfelt words made the generals blush.

Many people recalled that they had also complained about the new tax system. Now, under the emperor's sincere gaze, they felt ashamed and lowered their heads, not daring to speak.

Li Che paused and gave them a moment to digest it.

Then he continued with the next topic: "Speaking of the hereditary title, Daqing has its own rules. No one can be granted a title without military merit."

"The title you are about to receive may seem like an honor, but it is actually a reflection of your fighting skills on the battlefield and your control of military power."

"If a nobleman of Daqing, bearing the title of nobility, cannot lead troops in battle, wouldn't he be ridiculed?"

His gaze was sharp as he directly named a regimental commander. "Captain Zhang, I want to ask you, if according to the old system, your son were to inherit your title, would he be able to fight in your place and command thousands of troops?"

Captain Zhang blushed and scratched his head in embarrassment: "Your Majesty, my son is only three years old. Of course he can't do that."

Li Che turned his gaze to another person: "Captain Wang, I heard that your son is as strong as an ox. Can he lead the troops in battle?"

Captain Wang quickly shook his head, his voice trembling: "Your Majesty, please understand. My son is just a farmer. He can only use brute force. How can he lead troops..."

Finally, Li Che's gaze fell on Qian Deming, who was so anxious that he almost wanted to crawl into the ground. "Captain Qian, what about you? Is your son capable of military service?"

Qian Deming stood up, his voice trembling: "Your Majesty! Your Majesty! I... I have failed in educating my son. He is a naughty boy, illiterate, and cannot even understand the military report."

Li Che then sighed softly, his tone returning to its previous calmness, but with a more earnest tone: "Yes, it is true that you are all good generals who have survived hundreds of battles."

"But this doesn't mean your offspring are born to lead troops."

"What's more, you yourselves have emerged from a sea of ​​blood and corpses, and you know best how dangerous this road is. Why do you insist on forcing your descendants to walk it again?"

"Even if your offspring truly have a talent for military service, Daqing will establish formal military academies in the future to systematically train officers."

"Then, the children of nobles will receive extra points and preferential treatment when they apply for the exam. Let them take the exam, study, and earn their keep based on their own abilities!"

"If you are truly capable in the future, wouldn't it be even more impressive to earn a title for your family that no one can dispute?"