Chapter 1119 - 81: Shouzhe Achieves Fame and Fortune! Joyfully Receiving a Treasure_2

"Enough, enough, I understand your difficulties, Shouzhe. I don’t blame you, it’s Wu Chengsi who’s at fault for lacking virtue," Emperor Longchang couldn’t take it anymore and stopped Wang Shouzhe from continuing.Ultimately, it was also due to his own failure to fulfill the duties of guidance and supervision.

At the same time, Emperor Longchang couldn’t help but criticize Wu Chengsi in his heart. This kid really wasn’t fated to be an emperor, having started with a great hand only to ruin it completely.

Wu Chengsi, after all, was born of the direct lineage with a strong foundation, initially holding a significant advantage. If he hadn’t been so eager for quick success and instead focused on steady development, how could the position of Emperor’s Son have slipped away?

However, Wu Chengsi’s greatest mistake was provoking Wang Shouzhe, forcing him to join the struggle of the imperial sons... In the end, it only benefitted Prince Anjun, who had little ambition.

Truly, it’s both timing and fate. As the saying goes, sometimes you win without trying, and trying too hard can ruin a great situation.

However, this is also fortunate for Daqian. After all, if Prince Kang had really ascended the throne, who knows where the great ship of the Daqian Kingdom might have sailed.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your broad-mindedness in allowing me to vent." Wang Shouzhe bowed to the emperor, sincerely thankful, "These words had been bottled up inside me for a long time, with no one to confide in. Now that I’ve said it, I feel much relieved."

"You, young as you are, have quite a temper." Emperor Longchang, at a loss for words, pushed the delicious food in front of him towards Wang Shouzhe, "Come, come, have some phoenix wings to cool down."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Wang Shouzhe immediately began eating without reservation.

Seeing his demeanor, Emperor Longchang’s earlier skepticism about him dissipated significantly, and the tentative thoughts he held also faded.

Before they met, he thought of Wang Shouzhe as a power-driven and scheming figure, yet unexpectedly, Wang Shouzhe was sharp-witted yet so candid and straightforward.

This aspect was somewhat similar to Yingji, honest to a fault, a person of true temperament. No wonder they could get along.

"Shouzhe, although you’ve stirred quite a storm in Gui Long City this time, you’ve ultimately made significant contributions. With this back tax collected, the national treasury is expected to receive tens of billions of Qian gold, and the financial situation of the counties and guards below will become much more relaxed."

Through Wang Shouzhe’s efforts, the previously empty national treasury suddenly became full, making Emperor Longchang, who had been accustomed to tight budgets, feel a sense of boldness and liberation.

"Furthermore, it’s estimated that annual tax revenues in the future will increase by an extra sixty to seventy percent compared to previous years, enhancing the nation’s power significantly."

"Shouzhe, what do you think is the best way for me to reward you?"

Wang Shouzhe pondered for a moment, "Your Majesty, an additional sixty to seventy percent in tax doesn’t mean the national power increases by the same amount. Our Daqian Kingdom’s pool is only so large. This time we are merely transferring the noble families’ resources to the official and national treasuries. Your Majesty, the additional tax we collect should not be squandered recklessly. It must supplement people’s livelihoods and support comprehensive economic development."

"Haven’t you noticed, Your Majesty, that the lower the tier of the commoners and lower-grade noble families, the less they evade taxes? Yet their lives are so tight that even one Qian gold, even a single Minor Primordial Cultivation Pill, requires careful calculation..."

"Alright, alright, I’ll keep this matter in mind."

Emperor Longchang waved his hand, slightly impatient. He had never been interested in economic development, and seeing a pile of data made his head spin.

Impossible, just thinking about it gave him a headache.

He massaged his temples, contemplating, "How about this, you and Mingyuan devise a plan yourselves. Mingyuan will be appointed as ’Emperor’s Son’ and remain by my side to learn state governance and manage affairs under my guidance. Once your plan is finalized, he will be in charge of overseeing it."

"Also, the Longzuo County development plan you submitted via Taishi An Kang, I’ve reviewed it and found no major issues. Let Mingyuan handle it as well."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Wang Shouzhe and Prince Anjun responded in unison.

Especially Prince Anjun, who had a hopeful look in his eyes.

His Majesty’s words today indicated that he would gradually begin to delegate power.

And Shouzhe’s use of the collected taxes to develop the economy and people’s livelihood, to strengthen the military, and then using the military to in turn support the economy, naturally aligned with his own state governance strategy.

Elder Brother Prince Hao, the ideal state we once discussed together, I and Shouzhe will surely realize it step by step. If your spirit watches over us from the sky, you should also find peace.

"Shouzhe, although you see flaws in me, I always keep my word. Your reward will not be withheld," Emperor Longchang generously said, "Let me know if there’s anything you lack."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Wang Shouzhe thought for a moment and said, "I heard that the Imperial Family has collected eight True Skills. Why not reward one to my Changning Wang Family."

"What?" Emperor Longchang nearly fell over, glaring at Wang Shouzhe, "Why don’t you just ask me for the ’Azure Dragon Treasure Manual’ or the ’Azure Dragon Daoist Sword’ instead?"