Chapter 56

"Oops, look at my forgetful brain, I almost forgot about you," Elder Chang said, tapping his forehead with his duster and smiling apologetically. "His Highness the Crown Prince is still busy and can't see you right now. He asked you to go back for now and discuss matters another day."

"But my wife and daughter are waiting for help. I beg you, please help me plead with His Highness the Crown Prince again."

Xiao Lingfeng clasped his hands in a bow, his face full of pleading.

It was clear that he truly loved and cared for his wife and daughter, unwilling to let them suffer even a bit.

Elder Chang was in a difficult position: "That's not quite right..."

Xiao Lingfeng steeled his resolve and knelt down: "I beg you, if His Highness the Crown Prince can save my wife and daughter, I'll do anything!"

Elder Chang quickly helped him up, hesitating for a moment before saying, "Then please wait a bit longer. I'll go in and plead for you again."

Xiao Lingfeng was immensely grateful.

Elder Chang turned and went inside.

Not long after, he came out again, first gesturing to Xiao Liangdi.

"His Highness the Crown Prince has asked you to come in."

Xiao Xixi, carrying a food box, entered with Baoqin.

Xiao Lingfeng wanted to follow, but since Elder Chang hadn't given the word, he didn't dare move, only asking anxiously.

"What did His Highness the Crown Prince say?"

Elder Chang smiled warmly. "You're quite lucky. His Highness the Crown Prince was just about to rest when Xiao Liangdi brought the soup. Seeing how considerate she is, His Highness the Crown Prince has made an exception to help you. Follow me, I'll take you to the Imperial Medical Bureau."

Xiao Lingfeng was overjoyed and immediately knelt down, bowing toward the study.

"Thank you, His Highness the Crown Prince, for saving their lives!"

Elder Chang stood beside him, smiling and sighing. "Besides thanking His Highness the Crown Prince, you should also thank Xiao Liangdi. If it weren't for her, you wouldn't have received this favor. General Xiao, you really have a wonderful daughter!"

Xiao Lingfeng stood up, his expression somewhat awkward.

Since the day Xiao Xixi was sent away, he and his wife had acted as if they had never had this daughter.

When he learned that his wife and young daughter had unfortunately fallen into the water, he even thought that they might have been affected by bad luck after seeing Xiao Xixi.

They had seen Xiao Xixi the day before yesterday, and the day after, they fell into the water. It was too much of a coincidence.

Hearing Elder Chang's words, Xiao Lingfeng felt incredibly conflicted.

Elder Chang flicked his duster. "Let's go."

The two walked to the Imperial Medical Bureau, one in front of the other.

When Xiao Xixi entered the study, she saw the Crown Prince discussing matters with someone.

Not wanting to disturb their serious conversation, Xiao Xixi quietly found a corner to wait.

The Crown Prince's Grand Tutor said seriously, "The drought in the south has lasted for almost two to three months. If it continues, this year's autumn harvest will be a total loss. I suggest that the Crown Prince petition the Emperor to reduce the taxes for the southern people."

The Crown Prince's Grand Guardian, however, said, "Last year, the south experienced flooding. The court not only significantly reduced taxes but also provided financial aid to the refugees, spending a large sum of money. The Ministry of Revenue is already in pain. If we reduce taxes for the four southern counties again this year, the people in the Ministry of Revenue will likely fight us to the death."

The Crown Prince's Grand Tutor frowned. "That's unavoidable. If we don't reduce taxes, the people will have no way out, and they will resent the court, possibly leading to riots. This has happened before."

The Crown Prince's Lesser Guardian sighed. "But the national treasury is nearly empty. The Emperor plans to tour the south this year, which will require a large sum of money. The people in the Ministry of Revenue, to please the Emperor, will definitely not agree to reduce taxes."

For many ministers, the lives of the people are far less important than the Emperor's happiness.

Everyone sighed helplessly at this point, feeling very frustrated.

Luo Qinghan finally spoke. "Let's end today's discussion here. Think about a solution and come to the palace whenever you have a good idea."

Everyone bowed in unison. "Yes, Your Highness."