The moment the Emperor heard Yu Wenzhou’s reply, his face darkened. In his mind, no matter what he wanted, these people had to find a way to get it. He didn’t care about how they completed their task. All he cared about was the result.

"As the Vice Minister of Revenue, it’s your duty to oversee the collection of taxes. Since the tax has decreased, why don’t you send people to investigate?"

Yu Wenzhou bowed again and replied, "Reporting to the Emperor, this minister has sent people to investigate. The southern areas have been facing floods for 3 years, and it has affected the yield during harvest."

"The northern areas have been attacked by the barbarians often, and they also suffered from a locust plague not long after. Recently, both the southern and northern areas suffered from a plague due to the winter disasters."

"The people are displaced, and their homes and land are destroyed. They have no way to pay their taxes. The Ministry of Revenue granted them a tax exemption for 2 years so they could rebuild their homes and recover their land."

The Emperor’s face darkened at his words, and he asked coldly, "Who gave you permission to exempt the tax?"

"Reporting to the Emperor, this minister had submitted a memorial to ask for Your Majesty’s permission, and it was granted."

Yu Wenzhou’s voice was as calm as usual, and he showed no expression at all. But his words caused the rest of the ministers to look at him and then glance at the Emperor.

Everyone knew that the Emperor was young, and after learning about the matters of the bedchamber, he had taken several beauties into his harem.

In the past 2 years, besides targeting the noble families and removing the people trusted by the previous Emperor, he spent his time in his harem. He was vigorous and eager to get an heir, so the censors closed one eye on his lustful behavior and said nothing.

Those who hoped to climb higher even sent their daughters to the harem to compete for the Emperor’s favor. Only this Vice Minister of Revenue refused to have any marriage alliance with the imperial family or the noble clans.

The Emperor thought about the memorials that were piling up in his study, and his dissatisfaction increased. After he consolidated his power, he was no longer as diligent as before.

He was finally able to enjoy the supreme position. Why should he spend all his energy and time working like a slave for others?

To have more time in his harem, he casually read the memorials and stamped them.

After all, most of the memorials were only the officials’ greetings, nothing important. He didn’t expect that among those memorials, there was an important one.

As the Emperor, he couldn’t lose his dignity. Thinking that this lowly minister dared to slap his face in front of everyone, he was enraged.

He slapped the large, sturdy desk and roared, "When the money is not enough, can’t you find a way to raise it? If Zhen has to solve everything ourselves, what is the need for all of you?!"

Hearing this, all of the officials, including Yu Wenzhou, knelt and said in unison, "Please calm your anger, Your Majesty."

"I don’t care what method you use. Finish the Summer Palace in 2 months!"

After he finished his words, the Emperor stormed out of the hall in anger.

"The court is dismissed!" the head eunuch quickly shouted while chasing after the young Emperor.

The officials knelt down and shouted in unison, "Long live the Emperor!"

After the morning court, Yu Wenzhou walked out of the Hall of Magnificent Brilliance with a solemn expression.

The dissatisfaction of the people toward the imperial court had reached a boiling point. If the Emperor still insisted on doing things his way and ignored the suffering of the people, rebellion was just a matter of time.

He had reminded the Emperor countless times in his memorial, but nothing went into his mind. It was like talking to a wall. Instead of getting any result, he earned the Emperor’s ire.

Thinking about his wife and children at home, he felt guilty toward them. But he never regretted his choice.

The reason he studied diligently to serve the imperial court was to find a way to help the commoners so they could live a better life. Even if he would lose his life to achieve this great cause, he was willing.

His only worry was the safety of his family.

Raising his head, he stared at the cloudy sky and hoped that Heaven would be merciful toward their Great Yan and grant the Emperor enlightenment.

While he was lost in his thoughts, an old man walked over and greeted him with a smile. "Vice Minister Yu."

Hearing this, Yu Wenzhou was pulled out of his thoughts. He stopped in his tracks and turned. Seeing the familiar face, he cupped his fists, bowed, and greeted the man. "Greetings, Minister Jin."

Jin Liangkai smiled at him and said, "Vice Minister Yu knows that the Emperor has a bad temper. Why do you insist on bringing trouble upon yourself?"

Yu Wenzhou remained expressionless when he heard this and didn’t comment on his rebellious words.

Seeing that he didn’t respond, Jin Liangkai continued, "My son visited the northern border before, and he said that the situation there was not as bad as reported. I think there is no need for the tax exemption."

"Now that the Emperor has already ordered us to finish the Summer Palace in 2 months, I hope Vice Minister Yu can think it through and weigh which is more important. Strangers who don’t even know you, or your family."

This time, Yu Wenzhou’s eyes darkened as he asked, "Minister Jin, are you threatening me?"

"I am only giving you a reminder. Don’t end up like the Marquis of Yongning," Jin Liangkai said in a low voice before walking away.

Yu Wenzhou stood there and stared at his back with narrowed eyes. He was loyal to the throne, but with how disappointing the Emperor was, his loyalty started to waver.

Clenching his fists, he finally continued his walk toward the Ministry of Revenue.