Ji Tang

Chapter 1486 Public Opinion!

"Have you heard? His Majesty and all the ministers are going to hold a grand ceremony for the emperor. I heard that all the countries in the world that can name a name will come. My goodness, how many people will it take!"

In the tavern in the West Market of Chang'an, everyone was attracted by the angry words, which made the middle-aged man who spoke quite proud. This was said by his nephew himself, and it was said that it was still kept secret.

"When did this happen? How come we didn't know about it?"

The middle-aged man sneered: "Tsk, can you tell everyone about this? After all, it is a very costly matter. The emperor was worried about the discussion in the court and the public, so he didn't make it public."

"That's what my nephew who's on duty in the palace said. Hasn't he seen countless materials being transported into the palace every day?"

At this time, someone angrily said: "Who dares to comment? Who can comment? The old emperor has worked hard for our Tang Dynasty all his life. What's wrong with holding a grand ceremony? Now that we can sit here and drink wine openly, isn't it all thanks to him?"

"The elderly are well cared for, the young are well educated, and every household has surplus food. Even ordinary people like us can eat meat every now and then. Many farmers no longer eat the grains at home, but feed them to their livestock."

"Even gods wouldn't change such a day, but who brought all this?"

"Isn't it the old emperor?"

"If you ask me, if you want to do it, then do it on a larger scale. If the court has no money, although I am not talented, my family has some savings, so I can just roll it up."

As soon as he finished speaking, someone shouted, "Yes, the emperor is considerate of us common people and does not want to disturb us. But we cannot be ungrateful. Forget it. I will go back and donate my savings. After all, so many countries have been invited to participate. If this is too petty, it will be a disgrace to our Tang Dynasty. The officials in the court don't feel ashamed, but I do. Let's go!"

After saying that, he strode away. Everyone looked at each other. Even the middle-aged man who had just spoken was a little confused. Why did he have to donate money after just saying one sentence?
But if it is donated to the emperor, it is not impossible.
Thinking of this, he suddenly came to his senses. Seeing that everyone was still confused, he immediately left quietly. It was better to deal with this matter sooner rather than later!
Boom~
There was a sudden loud noise in the tavern. This was a rare opportunity to show up, so it was too late to go.
As a result, the originally peaceful Chang'an City suddenly became like boiling water, and it was completely boiling. Word spread from one person to ten, and from ten to a hundred. In less than half a day, everyone knew the news that the emperor was holding a grand ceremony.

No one knew who was the first to run to the gate of the county government office and shout that they wanted to donate money for the emperor. Just when the county magistrates of Chang'an and Wannian were still confused, they saw countless heads rushing towards this side.
Tai Chi Hall.

"Nonsense, absolutely nonsense!"

"Who took the lead? What do you think of me? Can't I afford the money for the grand ceremony of the Emperor Emeritus? Do I need the people of Chang'an to donate money? Absolutely."

Li Chengqian was furious, and was really shocked by what was happening before his eyes. Throughout history, which emperor wanted to hold a grand ceremony and the people took the initiative to donate money?

He wouldn't believe it if there wasn't someone fanning the flames.

But the next words from Chang'an and Wannian County Magistrate made everyone silent.

"Your Majesty, we started investigating this matter as soon as it happened, but there is no way to investigate it. Such a commotion was caused in just half a day. It is simply not humanly possible."

"And those ministers have met with some of them, and it can be seen that they are all willing, and there is no one behind the scenes."

"And the donations from the people are not that much, just one copper coin, or at most one silver coin. If you are going to do it, do it in a grand manner, and don't let the foreign countries laugh at you."

"Some even said that if there are too many people and there is no place to stay, they would even sleep on the floor to ensure that the guests have no place to stay."

"They even threatened that if the ceremony was too stingy, they would not be able to afford the loss."

Li Chengqian: "."

Manchu civil and military officials: "."

"Are you telling the truth?" Li Chengqian pointed at the Chang'an County Magistrate with such anger that his fingers began to tremble.

Damn, are you being looked down upon by the people of Chang'an? Who are you looking down upon?

"Who said that? Find it for me right now. I want him to see Zheng's inner treasury and see if he can be blinded. How dare you look down on me? Or are you doubting my filial piety?" Seeing the emperor's face turn black, everyone was shocked and couldn't help themselves. His Majesty, the dignified Emperor of the Tang Dynasty, was actually despised by the people of Chang'an under his rule? Who could he go to for justice?
"Your Majesty, I am incompetent. There are simply too many people and I can't find anyone at all!"

Huchi, wheeze~
Li Chengqian was so angry that he was gasping for breath. What a perfunctory response! Is there anything more perfunctory than this?
"Your Majesty, the most important thing now is not to punish the emperor, but to think about how to give an explanation to the people of Chang'an. Although the people are talking nonsense, they have no intention of offending Your Majesty. They are just showing respect and love for the emperor."

"Throughout the history of the world, from the pre-Qin dynasty to the previous dynasty, which dynasty has ever had people willing to donate money to hold a celebration for the king? This is the love of the people of our Tang Dynasty for the Tang Dynasty, and the respect of the people of the world for the emperor, Your Majesty!"

Xie Lian was about to step down, and he was not afraid of offending the emperor, so he said bluntly: "The people of Chang'an are so enthusiastic this time, and it is what the people want. Your Majesty, please go to the emperor to explain this matter immediately. The emperor should make the final decision."

Li Chengqian calmed down, glanced at Xie Lian, and said helplessly: "I understand. I will ask the emperor for instructions."

"No need, I'm here!"

Just as Li Chengqian was about to leave, Li Shimin walked in supported by Chen Shou and the Empress Dowager.

"Meet the Emperor!"

"Greetings to the Empress Dowager!"

"All the nobles, please stand up!"

Li Chengqian gave up the throne, and Li Shimin sat down without hesitation. He looked around at everyone and said with a smile, "I heard about what happened outside. I didn't expect that I was just holding a celebration, but it caused such a big commotion. I'm sorry that the emperor and you all have to suffer!"

"I dare not!" Li Chengqian said hurriedly.

"We are ashamed!" everyone bowed their heads.

"Well, since this is a kind gesture from the people, I cannot refuse it. If I refuse, wouldn't I be letting down the people of Chang'an for their hard work?"

He pondered for a moment and said, "How about this, I will only take one copper coin from each person, and no extra coins will be accepted. There will be someone on duty, and if you take an extra copper coin, I will hold you accountable!"

"I will obey your orders!"

Xie Lian wanted to say something but was stopped by Xu Jingzong, who whispered, "Why are you here? Just listen!"

"But."

Without waiting for Xie Lian to speak, Li Shimin continued, "Since the people have given gifts, I will also give you a great gift."

"There are three great gifts!"

"First, exempt the people of Chang'an from paying 10% of their taxes this year. Second, gifts should be given in return, so during the celebration, all restaurants in Chang'an will openly sell their products, and I will pay for all the expenses. Third, although the name of the new palace has been decided long ago, it has not been made public, so let's decide it today, how about calling it the Palace of the People?"

After that, he looked at the Minister of Revenue and said, "As for the less tax revenue..."

"Father, please don't say any more. If you continue, I will be too embarrassed to face myself!" Li Chengqian's face flushed red. If he asked his father to make up the money, what would become of him?

"The shortfall in taxes has been paid from my treasury. After all, taxes are national wealth and we cannot afford to be short of them!"

The Minister of Revenue, She Ran, bowed his head and said, "I am ashamed!"

Hearing the words of the Minister of Revenue, everyone laughed. This way everyone was happy, it would not harm the people, it would also reflect the harmony between the ruler and the people, and it would also show the magnanimity of the court.

(End of this chapter)