Rebirth: Find a General as Your Backer

Chapter 287 His Majesty Bestows Food

It was freezing cold, and snowflakes were falling thick and fast.

Seeing the Empress approaching from afar, Eunuch Lu hurried forward and respectfully said, "Your Majesty, it's so cold, why have you come in person? Just let me know if you need anything." As he spoke, Eunuch Lu glanced at the swirling snowflakes.

The Empress smiled slightly and replied softly, "It's alright. I haven't been very active lately, so I thought I'd take a walk. Is Your Majesty busy right now?"

Eunuch Lu quickly replied, "His Majesty has been reviewing memorials. I will go in and report to him immediately."

The Empress waved her hand and said gently, "No need. I'm not in a hurry. Let's wait until His Majesty is finished with his work."

As the empress, knowing how to be considerate of the emperor was fundamental. However, their conversation was overheard by the emperor in the inner room. The emperor said, "Please invite the empress in."

Upon hearing this, the Empress gracefully entered the room and knelt down, saying, "Greetings to Your Majesty."

The emperor quickly said, "Empress, there's no need for such formalities. Please rise."

Then, he asked with concern, "What brings the Empress here today? The snow is so heavy outside; please take care of yourself."

The emperor was somewhat puzzled. Recently, the empress had been saying that she was not feeling well and often turned him away, but today she came on her own initiative. She must have something important to discuss.

The Empress said softly, "It's nothing serious. I just suddenly remembered that Prince Rui is holding a banquet at his residence today. A few days ago, Princess Rui even came to ask me for advice." The Empress paused briefly, then added, "I didn't expect His Majesty to be so busy. I'm sorry to have disturbed His Majesty."

The emperor rubbed his temples and said, "It's alright, there are always endless affairs of state to attend to. I only remembered it after you reminded me."

However, after the Empress mentioned it, he remembered that this was the first time Chu Mohan had held such a grand banquet in the capital, and as his father, he should express his support.

Thinking this, the emperor couldn't help but glare at Eunuch Lu.

Upon seeing this, Eunuch Lu immediately knelt down and begged for forgiveness: "This servant saw that His Majesty has been working too hard lately, so I did not dare to report these trivial matters."

The emperor said helplessly, "Get up. If anything like this happens again, you must report it to me immediately."

"Yes." Eunuch Lu agreed on the surface, but in reality he deliberately did not report the matter to the emperor, because Chu Mohan had his own plan, and it would be more appropriate for the empress to bring it up.

After a moment's thought, the emperor instructed, "Send someone to deliver some food to Prince Rui's residence."

"Yes." Eunuch Lu accepted the order and withdrew.

For a banquet attended by scholars from humble backgrounds, the presence of the princes already added considerable prestige, but to gain the emperor's attention would be an unparalleled honor for these young men. While everyone was still discussing the arrival of the eldest prince of the Canglang Kingdom...

At the lively banquet, when the atmosphere was at its peak, the steward rushed in with a hurried expression and excited voice, and loudly reported to Chu Mohan: "Your Highness, His Majesty has bestowed food upon the residence!"

Upon hearing this, Chu Mohan's eyes lit up instantly, and he announced loudly to everyone present, "Everyone, His Majesty has bestowed food upon us!"

Upon hearing this, the previously lively conversation instantly fell silent, followed by an uncontrollable burst of joy. Everyone stood up, quickly straightened their clothes, and then respectfully knelt down in unison towards the door.

Today, it was Eunuch Lu who personally came to deliver the imperial decree. This detail undoubtedly demonstrates the Emperor's special importance to this banquet and to all the students present.

Seeing that everyone was kneeling neatly, Eunuch Lu cleared his throat and loudly proclaimed the imperial decree: "By His Majesty's decree, I have prepared wine and meat for all of you students. Please enjoy."

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone shouted in unison, "Thank you for your great favor, Your Majesty!" The voices were clear and loud, echoing for a long time in the courtyard of Prince Rui's residence.

The students present were extremely excited. Being able to eat food bestowed by the emperor was an experience worth bragging about to those around them in the future.

Seeing the lively atmosphere at the banquet, Chu Mohan instructed his servants, "Bring everyone a glass of wine so we can all raise our glasses to thank His Majesty."

Before they knew it, everyone was a little tipsy; today had been truly enjoyable.

Chen Yu gradually relaxed his reserved nature. He was overjoyed and a strong sense of motivation welled up inside him. He was determined to follow His Highness Prince Rui from now on.

During his conversation with Xue Heng, the top scholar in the imperial examination, Chen Yu gained a completely new understanding of the students from aristocratic families.

He couldn't help but sigh that Xue Heng's talent was indeed superior to his own, and his many insights were unique and profound, from which he had benefited greatly. He was indeed worthy of being someone who had received personal guidance from Li Daru.

As Chen Yu and Xue Heng were engrossed in their conversation, the topic unknowingly shifted to policies for governing the country and improving people's livelihoods.

Chen Yu had previously spoken passionately, lamenting the heavy burden of taxes borne by the people.

So now that the two of them were together, Xue Heng couldn't help but bring up what he had just said. With a serious and solemn expression, he slowly said, "Brother Chen just mentioned the importance of taxation, which is indeed a major issue concerning people's livelihood that urgently needs improvement."

Ultimately, the key to the implementation and enforcement of tax policies lies with officials. The imperial court must be extremely cautious in appointing and dismissing officials, ensuring that those chosen truly understand the people's sentiments.

Only in this way can we formulate tax policies that meet the needs of the people and are reasonable and fair, instead of letting the heavy tax burden become a boulder weighing on the shoulders of the people.

Upon hearing this, Chen Yu felt a surge of emotions, and couldn't help but recall the many chaotic situations that had arisen.

In many places, when new officials take office, their so-called "three fires" are merely a means to establish their authority. They make a big show of it but have no real substance and do not actually solve any problems for the people.

Even worse, some officials are only thinking about using their time in office to amass wealth by any means necessary, paving the way for their future careers or luxurious lives. There are quite a few officials like this.

They completely disregarded the lives of ordinary people, causing public resentment to boil over, yet the people had no way to voice their grievances.

Thinking about all this, Chen Yu felt more and more that Xue Heng's remarks hit the nail on the head and directly addressed the root causes of the problems in officialdom.

His admiration was overwhelming, and without hesitation, Chen Yu solemnly bowed to Xue Heng.

This sudden action caught Xue Heng off guard. He quickly stepped forward to help Chen Yu up, asking with a mixture of confusion and concern, "Brother Chen, what are you doing? Please get up!"

After being helped up, Chen Yu said sincerely and earnestly, "Brother Xue, your insights on the appointment and removal of officials are truly thought-provoking. For a long time, everyone has only seen the benefits. Officials are scrambling to get into places where there is money to be made, while everyone avoids places where there is no money to be made."

This resulted in the people's demands being completely ignored, leaving them with no opportunity to speak out. Now, Brother Xue has taken the initiative to raise this crucial issue; such foresight and concern for the people are truly worthy of my deepest respect, Chen Yu!