Chapter 891: Not Finished Yet? What Else?

The three of them stepped across the main gate of the Governor's Office.

The hall was bright and spotless, the floor polished to a mirror shine, the long table remained, and chairs were neatly arranged on both sides.

Xiao Ze sat in the seat of honor, Xiao Yuanhang sat to his right, and the three Xiao brothers sat in turn at the foot of their father.

When the three entered, everyone stood up.

Lin Jiang was startled; he hadn't expected that the Imperial Court had already reclaimed Taiyuan, and these people still treated him the same as before, with no difference.

Cai Tong felt a slight warmth in his heart.

He had served as an interpreter under the Red-haired Barbarians for many years, entering and exiting this hall countless times, yet never had a Relanzhecheng person stood up to greet him.

Ma Li An didn't understand these customs, but seeing everyone rise to welcome, a smile involuntarily appeared on his face.

Lin Jiang and Cai Tong knelt together: "We bow to the Seventh Prince, we bow to Prince Ning!"

Ma Li An knelt on one knee, placed his right hand over his chest, and in stiff Zhongyuan speech said: "Your Highness, Prince, good."

Xiao Ze stepped out from behind the table, bent down and helped the three to their feet: "Please rise, have a seat."

Everyone sat down.

Xiao Yuanhang said: "Attendant, bring tea!"

A soldier entered, gently placed three tea cups on the table, and pushed them before the three.

"Three gentlemen," Xiao Ningxun raised his hand and indicated, "Please enjoy the tea."

Lin Jiang lowered his head to look at the tea cups before him; these people all held high positions, yet still treated him with such courtesy, and his hands didn't know where to place themselves.

Cai Tong lifted his tea cup, took a gentle sip, set it down, and stared quietly at Xiao Ze.

Ma Li An ignored the tea, stared straight at Xiao Ze, waiting for him to speak.

Xiao Ze scanned the three, clasped his fists in salute and said: "Without the three of you standing together to assist, this recapture of Taiyuan would not have been so smooth; I thank you here."

Cai Tong and Lin Jiang hurriedly returned the salute: "Your Highness, you flatter me."

Ma Li An stared blankly, mimicking the two, and also clasped his fists.

Xiao Ze got straight to the point: "I have summoned you here today to discuss Taiyuan's future livelihood plan."

He paused, speaking earnestly: "Originally, regarding taxes and levies, I should first consult Father Emperor, and wait for the imperial decree before making a decision."

Lin Jiang and Cai Tong's hearts sank simultaneously.

It seemed the tax exemption mentioned earlier was not that simple.

No matter how well the Prince promises, it still requires approval from Jingcheng.

Ma Li An poked Cai Tong.

Cai Tong then remembered he didn't understand, lowered his voice and translated it for him.

The light in Ma Li An's eyes dimmed briefly.

Xiao Ze, seeing this, shifted his tone: "However, I know Taiyuan is different from elsewhere."

"The locals have endured the Red-haired Barbarians' oppression for a full thirty‑eight years."

His voice was firm, resonant: "If the Imperial Court's grace is delayed, when can the people's hearts be at peace? Wouldn't the Court be even more ashamed before the island's countless citizens?"

"Therefore, I have decided, no more waiting."

Cai Tong and Lin Jiang stared straight at him, their eyes flickering, wondering how the Seventh Prince would decide.

Xiao Ze smiled faintly: "My mind is set."

"Today I will settle these matters, and I will bear all consequences alone."

Lin Jiang shivered all over, and Cai Tong clenched the table edge with his hand.

Xiao Ze nodded toward Xiao Ningxun.

Xiao Ningxun understood, took out a scroll, and slowly unfurled it on the table.

Xiao Ze pointed at the document: "Taiyuan Island, from today, will officially establish a provincial government, with its office located in Relanzhecheng."

"From now on, Taiyuan will no longer be a foreign land."

"Here, the people, whether indigenous or Han, from now on are citizens of the Fierce Nation."

"The assets left by the Red-haired Barbarians have been tallied and stored overnight."

"In total, two hundred eighty thousand taels of silver."

He raised three fingers: "This silver, the Imperial Court will retain not a single cent."

He folded his fingers one by one: "All of it will be used to establish schools, so the poor youths can have books to read."

"We will build waterworks to protect sugarcane fields from drought and flood, and also open medical halls so the people can receive treatment."

Light shone in Lin Jiang and Cai Tong's eyes.

Xiao Ze continued: "Tomorrow I will post a peace proclamation, informing the people that for five years the Imperial Court will not levy any taxes upon them."

"After the five years, the provincial office will assess taxes according to the people's livelihood."

"The amount will be negotiated with you in advance; once set," he emphasized, pausing each word, "it will never be increased."

Xiao Yuanhang nodded slightly, and the three brothers also silently nodded; the Seventh Prince is truly responsible!

Lin Jiang's eyes instantly reddened.

He recalled a lifetime waiting for the Imperial Court's father, recalled the two brothers who met tragic deaths, and wondered, "Why didn't you arrive in time for such a good opportunity!"

Cai Tong was short of breath, lifted his tea cup, gulped it down with a gurgling sound, and surprisingly tasted the flavor of alcohol.

Ma Li An looked bewildered, poked him again: "Why did he say so much? What did he say?"

Cai Tong cleared his throat, coughed a few times, and translated Xiao Ze's words for him.

Ma Li An's eyes brightened instantly after listening, and he spoke a long string of indigenous words.

Xiao Ningyuan asked: "Mr. Cai, why did he say so much? What did he say?"

Cai Tong: "…"

How can you two ask so precisely, not missing a single word!

He gave a wry smile, shook his head, and said: "Elder Ma asked, does 'not collecting taxes' mean not collecting deer hides, or not collecting anything else?"

"If other things still need to be taxed, can we pay the tax with mountain vines?"

"Just cut it; no need to work hard."

Everyone: "……"

Xiao Yuanhang laughed heartily and said: "Not collecting! Nothing will be collected!"

Cai Tong quickly informed Ma Li'an.

Ma Li'an didn't say another word, lifted his leg and walked off: "I'll go tell them!"

Everyone stared, dumbfounded: how did he just leave like that?

Cai Tong laughed helplessly, quickly got up and grabbed him: "We haven't finished yet, Elder Ma—please sit down first."

"Huh? Not finished yet? What else?" Ma Li'an, feeling embarrassed, scratched the back of his head and sat down again.