to be used for disaster relief."At Li Chen's command, a tide of heads rolled.Chen Jingchuan only felt his eyes darken, he was terrified beyond measure, and rushed forward to plead for mercy, but was...Chapter 444: Accomplished

"Alright."

Waving his hand, Li Chen said: "This time it's because of your many years of hard work and dedication, but the tax issue is still hanging over your head. Don't think that this palace won't hold you accountable again."

"The capital is different from Weihaiwei. You can tell with your toes that the complexity of the capital far surpasses Weihaiwei by many times. This opportunity given to you is both a blessing and a tribulation, but what exactly it is depends on your ability."

If your virtue does not match your position, then the consequences will be yours to bear.

Zheng Baorong was still immersed in the immense joy of his promotion. He couldn't hear anything else at the moment, only saying repeatedly: "Your Highness, rest assured, your humble servant will serve you with all his heart and soul, until death."

"I hope so."

After Li Chen finished speaking, he stood up and said to Jingzhi, "Having lingered in Weihai for so long, this palace should return now."

The Mirror Master bowed and said, "Old man... old subject, I bid farewell to Your Highness."

Li Chen was pleased with his self-proclaimed title of "Mr. Mirror," and he smiled, saying: "I actually don't like these formalities. It's better to be a little freer. After I return, I will immediately issue an imperial edict. Then, we'll wait in the capital."

Mr. Jing said frankly, "The old minister will hasten to arrive as soon as possible."

Nodding, Li Chen glanced at Zheng Baorong and said: "I'll give you a few days to sort out your handover. The position of the Beijing magistrate will be vacant immediately, that position is important, it relates to everything about the lives of the people under the emperor's rule, don't delay."

In fact, Zheng Bao Rong who wished he could fly to Beijing immediately, quickly replied: "Your humble servant does not dare to delay. After packing up his family, he will immediately rush to the capital."

"That's good."

Li Chen nodded and suddenly remembered something. He said, "When I came here, I made a promise to the fishermen that I would give a statement on the tax issue. From now on, all the miscellaneous taxes you have added for ordinary people, cancel them."

Zheng Bao Rong nodded vigorously and said, "Yes, Your Majesty. I will carry out your orders immediately upon returning."

Li Chen glanced at Zheng Baorong, then decided to offer a word of advice. He said, "Your idea is good, but you also need to consider the practical situation."

"Now, the common people and fishermen already have a difficult life. Although many of your edicts are for the greater good, as you yourself said, the common people are shortsighted. They only see what is in front of them and do not think about the long term."

If that's the case, why insist on making them feel like you're watching every grain of rice in their pantry

"Sometimes, for the same policy decree, a gentler approach, not aiming for immediate perfection, like slowly boiling a frog until it becomes accustomed to the heat, can have far less negative impact. And the desired outcome you achieve won't be that much different either. Think about it carefully."

"Having said that, Li Chen waved his hand and said, "Let's go back to Beijing."

The situation in the capital city is turbulent and something that requires Li Chen to personally oversee could happen at any time. Therefore, Li Chen cannot leave the East Palace for a long period.

Whether it's Mr. Mirror or Zheng Baorong, they both need a few days to hand over their duties. This gives Li Chen time to go back and announce the news and make proper arrangements.

Leaving Guanhaishuyuan, Li Chen took Su Jinpa onto the carriage. The caravan sped towards the capital under the tight protection of the Jinyiwei.

And as soon as Li Chen left, Zheng Baorong looked at Mirror Master with a hesitant expression.

"Let me extend my congratulations to Master Zheng for his unexpected fortune. He's been promoted!" Jing Zhi said, bowing slightly.

Zheng Bao Rong hurriedly returned the salute and said, "Sir, you really shame me. This is all thanks to His Highness's appreciation... But sir, before, I heard from His Highness that you were also going to enter the court as an official" voice thundered down from the heavens, penetrating to the deepest parts of everyone's hearts.“This palace knows that some of you have thoughts in your hearts. You think that now that the cabinet has...