Chapter 741: Chapter 740 Ah Jiu Showing Off
Wufu left the Hundred Treasures Silver Building and returned to the inn where they were staying, heading straight for Ah Jiuâs room.
"Youâre back? I was just about to come get you so we could go have dinner together," Ah Jiu said, clearly delighted to see her.
"No rush, I just heard some news from Shopkeeper Lin. Guess what itâs about?" Wufu asked as she naturally took a sip of tea he had handed her.
"Oh? What is it?"
"Shopkeeper Lin said this year is Empress Dowager of Nanyueâs sixtieth birthday, and the imperial court even dispatched an imperial envoy from the Ministry of Rites to seek out rare treasures for the Empress Dowagerâs celebration. Did you know about this?" Wufuâs eyes sparkled with excitement.
Ah Jiu asked, "What, does Wufu also wish to take part and see for yourself?"
"Iâm just curious. Is this really happening?" Wufu asked.
Ah Jiu nodded, "Indeed, it is. But the Emperor of Nanyueâs actions in this regard arenât very commendable."
"How so?"
"Last year a severe drought broke out within the Nanyue Region, leaving the people destitute and the national treasury empty. Itâs only been half a year, the time for recovery and rebuilding, yet now thereâs this news. Tell me, what kind of days will the common people have? And what will they think in their hearts?"
Wufuâs brow furrowed.
"These so-called rare treasures are hidden among the wealth of commoners. To please the imperial envoy and win favor from the Emperor of Nanyue and the Empress Dowager, what do you think the local officials will do?" Ah Jiu continued to instruct.
Wufuâs expression changed slightly, her lips tensed, "Exacting heavy levies from the people."
Ah Jiu nodded in approval, "Thatâs why I said the actions of the Emperor of Nanyue are not wise. I think his obsession with alchemy has muddled his mind. With the imperial envoyâs presence, I fear wrongful and unjust cases will only increase."
Officials who exact heavy levies from the people naturally face resistance, but powerless commoners canât overcome the officials, so one can foresee many injustices and tragedies being concealed beneath this display of prosperity.
Wufu wasnât foolish; she had also come to this conclusion, and she sighed, "Thatâs the advantage of power and influence. No wonder everyone is so determined to pursue the imperial examinations. Once youâre successful and in a position of authority, the benefits that come with power donât need to be spelled out."
"But if one encounters a corrupt official, such power becomes the calamity of the people," Ah Jiu added.
Wufu glanced at him side-eyed, "It seems Ninth Master is also among the nobles and powerful people. No, youâre even a royal descendant. So, is Ninth Master calling the kettle black?"
Ah Jiu coughed, "Does Wufu think Iâm that kind of person?"
Wufu humphed lightly.
Ah Jiu laughed softly, "Wufu, I wonât claim to be a good person, but to exact heavy levies on the peopleâI, the prince, am above that!"
"Thatâs natural, the prince just needs to give a sign, and there will be people falling over each other to offer you treasures; you naturally donât need to do it yourself!" Wufu didnât let up, continuing her sardonic tone.
Ah Jiu wasnât offended, only leaned in closer, batting his eyelashes, "It seems Wufu is quite dissatisfied. What to do about it? Status and background arenât things that can be changed. Or perhaps, Wufu would like to strike me to let off some steam?"
Yuan Ye glanced over at these words, the prince had no bottom line when trying to amuse a beauty.
Wufu looked at him playfully and scoffed, "Why should I hit you, would my hand not hurt? Itâs not about being dissatisfied with you, itâs just... forget it, itâs not something I can change. Thatâs the way of the world; nobles and powerful people dominate, and commoners are like ants, the same in any era."
"But you still care," Ah Jiu said with a smile, "Wufu has a kind heart." It was genuine concern for the common people that made her care so much.
So pretentious!
Wufu stood up, "Letâs go have dinner, Iâm hungry!"