After her transformation and rebirth, she manipulates the innocent and ruthless to overthrow the wor

Xiao Ran looked up at the sound and saw the Fourth Prince Ruixuan slowly walking out of the hall.

Ruixuan was the fourth son of Emperor Jingyang. Because of his lively personality and the fact that his appearance was most similar to that of Emperor Jingyang, he was deeply loved by the emperor.

However, this pampering is like treating a delicate toy; it brings pleasure but has no practical use.

Therefore, although the fourth prince was handsome and had a likable personality, he was somewhat lacking in intelligence and strategy.

When Emperor Jingyang saw the Fourth Prince appear, he couldn't help but feel a headache coming on.

However, this was, after all, his most beloved son, and he had to patiently listen to him no matter what.

The fourth prince, dressed in a black python robe, stood tall and proud, his voice booming:

"Your subject humbly requests that 30,000 troops from Jingzhou be dispatched to dredge the canal, and that seven boys and seven girls be sacrificed to the river god..."

"absurd!"

The sound of a teacup shattering came from behind the dragon table, and a bright yellow sleeve was angrily waved.

"Do you think this is still the era of Emperor Gaozu? Using living people as sacrifices, the impeachment memorials from the Censorate are enough to flood my Fengtian Hall!"

Rui Xuan was startled by Emperor Jingyang's angry rebuke and trembled slightly, but a hint of resentment still appeared on his face.

"Father! This is the best solution right now," he insisted, his tone tinged with stubbornness.

Emperor Jingyang did not respond immediately, but stared coldly at Ruixuan with deep eyes, as if he was weighing something.

At this moment, another voice rang out, steady and powerful:

"Your subject believes that your fourth brother's plan is not feasible."

The speaker was none other than Crown Prince Ruiyao, who had just been betrothed to a princess.

Upon hearing this, Ruixuan's face immediately showed a mocking expression, and he sneered:

"Second brother has just been betrothed, and instead of comforting your Miss Ning, he has the mind to participate in court affairs?"

Ruiyao ignored his sarcasm, merely glancing at him indifferently before bowing and reporting to Emperor Jingyang:

“Father, the human sacrifices practiced during the reign of Emperor Gaozu were already outdated. Now that the people are suffering from drought and floods, if we were to carry out such cruel acts again, it would likely incite public anger and shake the foundations of the nation…”

"Your subject believes that it would be better to increase the grain tax by 30% and order the Ministry of Works to build another 100 official ships to transport supplies and alleviate the disaster."

However, before he could finish speaking, the Minister of Revenue hurriedly stepped forward to interrupt him:

"Your Majesty, the national treasury is empty, and the locust plague in Jiangzhou has not yet been addressed. Imposing additional grain taxes would likely further burden the people, which is not a wise policy..."

Seeing this, Ruixuan sneered and said sarcastically:

"I thought my second brother would offer some brilliant insights, but it turns out he's nothing special."

Ruiyao ignored his sarcasm, his gaze fixed on the high dragon throne, his expression solemn.

Emperor Jingyang pondered for a moment, then slowly spoke:

"While the Crown Prince's proposal has merit, the national treasury is currently tight, and it is indeed inappropriate to impose additional grain taxes. This matter requires further consideration."

The hall fell silent for a moment, except for Ruixuan, who had a faint sneer on his lips, as if he already knew the outcome of the argument.

Emperor Jingyang rubbed his temples, a look of weariness appearing on his face, his voice low and helpless:

"Let's discuss this matter after the New Year. Why must a perfectly good New Year's Eve banquet be turned into such an unpleasant affair?"

His gaze swept over everyone in the hall, his tone carrying a hint of reproach, yet also a trace of helplessness.

The atmosphere in the hall froze instantly, and everyone lowered their heads, not daring to speak again.

Ruixuan seemed to want to say something, but he knew his father's temper well; he had already given a death order...

Anyone who dares to disobey will certainly suffer a terrible fate.