Zui Gu🔞 ( mtl)

93

　　Maple leaves fall, autumn wind blows away.

　　The branches of the trees are gradually covered with white snow, and the cold wind blowing past makes people shiver. The cold winter swept through every corner of the palace, and the plum blossoms in the palace gradually showed buds, and the red and white plum blossoms stood proudly on the branches, adding a touch of gorgeous color to this winter.

　　In the solemn court, the emperor leaned lazily on the dragon chair. He looked down at the court officials below, and tapped the dragon table with two fingers in a rhythmic manner. "What do you think? My dear ministers still don't agree with me to increase the taxes on the people?"

　　The court officials all frowned, and then lifted their court robes and knelt down. "Your Majesty, think twice!"

　　The emperor paused with his fingertips, and the lazy look between his eyebrows was instantly restrained, and his eyes became fierce in an instant. "I have thought it over again and again!" He slammed his palm on the table, and the ministers below couldn't help but shrink and bury their heads even lower. Looking down, there was only a group of black hats. "I wanted to establish a new queen, but you obstructed me. Now I just want to increase taxes, but you are also obstructing me. Do you still have me as an emperor in your eyes!"

　　"Your Majesty, calm down..."

　　The ministers lowered their heads and looked at the people beside them carefully. Seeing the timidity flashing in their eyes, they had to give up the idea of ​​stepping forward to advise. They just knelt in silence and waited for a brave man. The

　　newly promoted civil servant standing in the last row gradually clenched his fists. His eyebrows were full of indignation, and his young and handsome face was full of anger. He looked around and saw that no one dared to speak out. Looking at the arrogant emperor sitting on the dragon throne, he had no idea of ​​the dire situation outside the palace, so he couldn't bear it anymore.

　　He stood up suddenly, bent his back, and said, "Your Majesty! I have something to say!"

　　The ministers turned their heads to see who had such courage. The colleague who was also kneeling beside the civil servant was shocked. He quietly stretched out a hand to tug at his robe and shook his head to signal him, but the other party closed his eyes tightly, with a look of determination on his face.

　　The emperor saw that this person was unfamiliar, so he glanced at the color of his court clothes. Then he couldn't help but show a mocking expression, it turned out that he was just a small ninth-rank civil servant, who dared to act wild in front of him. "Speak."

　　"Your Majesty, I think it is... unwise to increase the taxes on the people at this time." As soon as these words came out, the hall was silent, and you could hear a pin drop. "The lives of the people outside are already difficult. If we increase taxes at this time, how can the people of Dasheng survive? I hope the emperor will have mercy on you and revoke your order!"

　　"You are very brave." The emperor narrowed his eyes slightly, and a faint arc appeared at the corners of his lips. It was hard to tell whether he was happy or angry. "Go on." The

　　young civil servant had just entered the court and was not familiar with the emperor's temper. When he saw that the emperor asked him to continue, he thought that the emperor had listened to his advice and showed a little joy on his face. "Your Majesty, you may not know that the people of Dasheng are becoming increasingly poor. In order to make a profit, those merchants have been raising prices. A bag of rice used to cost only five cents, but now it has risen to thirty cents! It is difficult to eat a mouthful of rice, let alone a mouthful of meat. The people can only eat a bowl of porridge every day. If the court continues to increase taxes, the people will not be able to survive!"