Chapter 333 (68 words added)
Chapter 333 (68 words added)
Regent Murong Xun slowly alighted from his carriage, his black robes billowing in the wind. He stood tall and imposing, exuding a powerful aura. Attendants immediately stepped forward, respectfully waiting to stand by. At that moment, a eunuch emerged from the palace gates, his voice shrill, "Your Highness Regent, His Majesty requests your presence." Murong Xun nodded slightly and strode steadily into the palace. Upon entering, a magnificent, resplendent scene came into view. His Majesty sat regally on his dragon throne. Seeing Murong Xun enter, a complex expression appeared on his face. "Regent, how are the recent border wars?" Murong Xun bowed respectfully, his voice steady. "Your Majesty, the border wars have achieved a partial victory. Our soldiers have fought bravely, and the enemy is retreating steadily. However, we must not be complacent. The enemy is cunning and may have other plans." His Majesty frowned slightly. "Very good, but the military expenditures are enormous, and the national treasury is already somewhat strained." Murong Xun's eyes flashed. "Your Majesty," he said, "I believe we could appropriately increase taxes in some prosperous areas to alleviate the immediate crisis." Before His Majesty could respond, the Prime Minister suddenly stepped forward, speaking sarcastically, "The Regent's move will likely incite public resentment. Although the border war is urgent, we cannot act so hastily." Murong Xun coldly glanced at the Prime Minister. "What good plan does the Prime Minister have? Are you merely a theorist, disregarding the lives of the soldiers on the border?" The Prime Minister's expression changed, and he was about to retort when His Majesty raised his hand to stop him. "All of you, please step down. I will consider this matter further." Murong Xun bowed and took his leave, but he already understood that undercurrents were swirling in the court, and a struggle was likely inevitable. "?" His Majesty asked. Murong Xun cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will closely monitor the war and ensure the stability of our borders." He then bowed again and turned to leave. Just as he stepped out of the palace, a palace maid hurried over and whispered, "Regent, Her Majesty the Empress requests your presence." Murong Xun's heart skipped a beat; he wondered what the Empress wanted, but he followed the maid to her palace. Upon entering, the Empress was seated in the main seat. Seeing him enter, she rose and gave a graceful curtsy. "Regent, you have worked tirelessly for the country; I am deeply grateful." Murong Xun returned the curtsy. "Your Majesty is too kind; it is my duty." The Empress gestured for him to sit down and continued, "I have heard that there is a dispute in court regarding military expenses. I would like to hear Your Majesty's opinion." Murong Xun truthfully explained his thoughts, and the Empress nodded slightly. "Your Majesty's words are reasonable." Just then, a commotion arose outside the hall. A guard rushed in, kneeling on one knee: "Your Majesty, the Prime Minister requests an audience." The Empress and Murong Xun exchanged a glance. The Empress parted her lips slightly and said, "Let him in." The Prime Minister entered and, seeing Murong Xun present, a flicker of displeasure crossed his eyes. He bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I have important matters to discuss. I have heard that the Regent intends to increase taxes, a move that would bring disaster to the country and its people. I hope Your Majesty will dissuade His Majesty." Murong Xun sneered, "Prime Minister, you have repeatedly obstructed military affairs. Do you perhaps have some ulterior motive?" The Prime Minister, furious, glared and bristled, "You are slandering me!" Seeing this, the Empress coughed lightly, "Stop arguing, I will discern the truth." Seeing the Empress's attitude, the Prime Minister quickly added, "Your Majesty, increasing taxes is truly unacceptable. The people are already struggling; if their burden is further increased, it may lead to unforeseen circumstances."
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