Chapter 605: Advice
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
“They didn’t dare to state it explicitly because they couldn’t formulate the antidote and were afraid of losing their heads!”
“The primary reason for transferring Su Bin back to the capital is to compel Qin
Zhenzhen to provide the antidote!”
The new emperor believed he had a justifiable cause, but the old duke responded sternly.
“Even if we bring Su Bin back to the capital, Mrs. Su won’t accompany him, considering she recently gave birth to a son!” This revelation angered the new emperor.
“So what if she won’t?!”
“Is she daring enough to defy an imperial edict and refrain from entering the palace?”
He was curious to witness Qin Zhenzhen’s postpartum state. Would it render him powerless?
“As the supreme ruler, can’t I handle a woman?!”
He asserted his authority as the emperor, refusing to tolerate any inconvenience.
In this life, he was resolute about marrying Qin Zhenzhen. If she proved obedient and charming, he would lavish his affections solely on her. However, if her demeanor changed or she became cold, he wouldn’t hesitate to eliminate her.
The emperor contemplated his desires, his thoughts almost transparent on his face.
Understanding, the old duke sighed, “Your Majesty holds the highest position in the world, and dealing with a woman should indeed be within your capacity. Yet, have you considered the potential consequences of such actions?” The new emperor inquired patiently, “What would be the consequences?”
The old duke spoke earnestly, “When the Emperor was the Crown Prince, youthful ignorance might have hindered a full understanding of state matters. However, now as the ruler, it is your responsibility to comprehend the intricacies of governance.”
“Your Majesty, are you aware of how much Su Bin and Madam Su have contributed to the national treasury in the past two years?”
The new emperor hesitated for a moment. “What percentage?”
Previously, as a non-emperor, it was not within his purview to inquire about the national treasury’s income. Although now an emperor, the timeframe had been too brief for such details.
The old duke extended his palm to display a fraction. “Two-fifths!” The new emperor displayed surprise. “Madam Su alone can contribute so much?”
The old duke affirmed, “Indeed! Their influence is significant.” “Almost half of the country’s taxes are attributed to their family.” “This is precisely why I object to any interference with Su Bin and Qin
Zhenzhen. ”
“Depriving them of this contribution would lead to an almost 50% reduction in the national treasury’s income!”
The new emperor scoffed. “Can’t we just seize their assets and replace them with our people?”
The old duke sighed once more.
“If that were possible, I wouldn’t hinder the Emperor!”
“The success of the Su and Qin families hinges on Qin Zhenzhen’s medicinal formulations and her exceptional business acumen.”
“Her business methods have become a model for enterprises across the country. Over the past two years, not only have they increased their tax payments, but other businesses have also experienced a surge in taxes.”
“Our nation’s economy has taken a significant leap forward due to their contributions. It cannot be denied that our country is gradually prospering.”
“Without Mrs. Su, what’s the use of seizing those businesses? Ultimately, they will collapse due to mismanagement.”
“Your Majesty, do not overlook the fact that Qin Zhenzhen is a harbinger of good fortune. She has the ability to bring prosperity to her family and, by extension, to the entire nation. Her past actions, including saving the entire royal family, stand as the most compelling evidence of her contributions.”
The old duke presented his arguments with eloquence and a logical analysis.
Even the Grand Empress Dowager found the old duke’s reasoning to be convincing and not merely speculative.
She reminisced about the late emperor’s words to her. He had cautioned that neglecting one’s benefactor would inevitably lead to dire consequences..