"That's right!"
Once the first objection was raised, the second and third followed swiftly.
By the end, nearly the entire court had turned its focus upon Ye Qing'an alone.
A hall of seasoned old foxes bore down in unison, nitpicking every detail—grasping at flaws both reasonable and unreasonable, dissecting the proposal until it seemed there was nothing left untouched.
Ye Qing'an, after all, was only one man. Even with four or five days of quiet contemplation behind him, it was inevitable that a few gaps remained.
Fortunately, for a matter as significant as revising the commercial tax system, Emperor Xuanwu had never expected an immediate resolution.
As the court session turned rowdy, he silently took note of the most forceful objections. And once court was dismissed, he summoned Ye Qing'an alone to the imperial study.
"Ye Aiqing, truly, thou art every bit the great talent We have come to value."
Hardly had they sat down before Emperor Xuanwu began to praise him without reserve.
"Yesterday, We toiled over memorials late into the night, drowsy beyond bearing. Yet when We opened the one you submitted, a jolt of clarity struck Us. All exhaustion vanished in an instant.
Had the hour not been so late, We would have summoned you immediately!"
"Your Majesty flatters me."
Ye Qing'an quickly offered a formal bow.
"In truth, it was mostly thanks to Princess Sheng An that I came to consider the matter of a new commercial tax."
"Xiao Wu?"
Emperor Xuanwu blinked, caught entirely off guard once more.
"What part did Xiao Wu have in this?"
"To answer Your Majesty, on the second day of the New Year, Princess Sheng An paid a visit to my residence..."
He then recounted the events of that day in full detail, especially Yun Shu's words to him—repeating them almost word for word.
At first, Ye Qing'an's tone was calm, merely stating the facts. But as he went on, his voice unconsciously grew softer.
Something felt… off.
Back then, his mind had been consumed by the problem of the new tax system. He hadn't noticed anything else.
But now, thinking back—just considering Princess Sheng An's demeanor that day—
Was it possible that she had already foreseen the necessity of a new commercial tax?
Her supposed confusion, her seemingly casual remarks... Could all of it have been designed to steer him toward that very idea?
Could it be?
Had he unknowingly taught a disciple of such cunning brilliance?
And if so—why hadn't she proposed it herself?
Was she wary of offending the powerful merchant clans and noble families?
Or did she, as a princess, simply wish to keep her accomplishments quiet, not seeking recognition?
Or perhaps... he was overthinking it, and everything had been pure coincidence?
While Ye Qing'an was tangled in a web of doubt and speculation, on the other side of the dragonwood desk, Emperor Xuanwu once again saw the familiar shimmer of a translucent screen:
[Simulation Life Selection System at your service.]
[Please select your next course of action:
A. Entrust Ye Qing'an with full authority to revise the commercial tax laws.
B. Assign the task to the Ministry of Revenue.
C. Summon Yun Shu to consult on the matter.]
So it was related to Xiao Wu!
Though tempted to immediately select option C, Emperor Xuanwu chose instead to examine each option in order.
[You selected A. Ye Qing'an is promoted three ranks. Within one year, the new commercial tax system spreads throughout Tian Sheng. Within three years, it is fully refined.]
A brand-new system, spread across the realm in one year and perfected within three?
An excellent result.
As expected of the talent he had placed such high hopes in.
Satisfied, Emperor Xuanwu moved on to the second option.
[You selected B. The Ministry of Revenue introduces the new commercial tax system in three years. Results are meager. The Minister of Revenue is dismissed.]
Useless!
That entire ministry was full of good-for-nothing leeches!
Had this option come first, he would've been angry, yes—but not this angry.
Most of the ministry officials came from prominent families. They disliked the new tax, dragged their feet, schemed for personal gain one day, and hesitated to offend their colleagues the next. It wasn't hard to imagine how they'd bungle the entire reform.
But the stark contrast between options A and B made his blood boil. He nearly summoned every last one of them just to scold them on the spot.
"Hmph..."
He exhaled through his nose, suppressing his fury, and turned to the third option.
[You selected C. Within one day, all opposition from the court regarding the new commercial tax is resolved.]
"!!!"
Emperor Xuanwu was genuinely thankful he happened to be seated, with nothing in his hands to drop or crush.
One day?
A Qilin girl! Hahaha! Xiao Wu truly was his Qilin girl!
Without hesitation, he summoned Li Dehai.
And so, within the study, Yun Shu—who was still dreaming sweetly—was once again dragged awake.
"...?"
Had she been an alarm clock in her past life?
Why couldn't she get a full night's sleep in this one?
Irritated at having her nap interrupted, Yun Shu followed Li Dehai out of the study.
"What does Father Emperor want with me at this hour?"
"How could a humble servant such as myself possibly know what His Majesty intends?"
Li Dehai remained as tight-lipped as ever. Realizing she wouldn't get anything out of him, Yun Shu gave up and walked in silence to the imperial study.
"Your daughter greets Father Emperor. May Your Majesty enjoy eternal peace and health."
The moment she entered and saw Ye Qing'an also present, Yun Shu's heart began to thump uneasily.
When Emperor Xuanwu explained the matter of the commercial tax and asked her opinion, her suspicions crystallized.
She knew it. Ye Qing'an had ratted her out!
She turned away with an aggrieved look and cast him a quiet, sidelong glance.
So this big-browed traitor had gone and dumped the blame right back on her!
Ye Qing'an: "..."
What did that look mean?
Could it be he had been right all along? That the new tax system had been her idea from the beginning? That she had purposely visited him on the second to nudge him toward the proposal?
Ye Qing'an was shaken. But before he could gather his thoughts, Yun Shu turned to him with an accusing tone:
"Grand Preceptor Ye, you already had ideas for resolving the land annexation issue that day. Why didn't you say a word about it to me?"
"...?"
Ye Qing'an choked, his certainty suddenly wavering again.
He hesitated, then cupped his hands.
"Your Highness, at the time, I had only formed a rough outline. Many specifics were still unclear. That is why I did not speak of it immediately. I beg Your Highness's forgiveness."
"Oh, there's no need to speak of guilt or forgiveness."
Yun Shu waved it off.
"It's just that after I returned to the palace that day, I thought Grand Preceptor Ye had no solution either. I worried about it for days and couldn't sleep properly!"
"You mean to say... you've spent these past few nights sleepless, thinking about this matter?"
===
A Kirin (or Qilin) is a mythical creature from East Asian mythology, often described as a chimeric beast with dragon-like scales, a deer-like body, ox tail, and sometimes hooves. It is known for its gentle temperament and divine presence—only appearing in peaceful times or under the rule of a wise and benevolent leader.
Symbolism of the Kirin
Auspicious Omen: Its appearance signals the coming of a great age, the birth of a sage, or the rise of a virtuous ruler. It's associated with heavenly will and divine mandate.
Gentle Power: Though mighty, it does not harm the innocent—it steps lightly to avoid crushing grass or insects. This reflects benevolence paired with power.
Rarity and Prestige: Seeing a Kirin is considered extraordinarily rare and a sign of great fortune or destiny.
The Emperor call Yun Shu with the Kirin girl implies that she:
Is a rare and precious person, like a celestial being walking among mortals.
Is destined to bring peace, prosperity, or greatness to the one who "finds" or recognizes her.
May be a muse, a guide, or a lucky star, influencing the nation's fate profoundly.