"Eldest Princess, no one avoids paying taxes, it’s just that these noble families have vast estates and supporting a large household isn’t easy, so they truly have little extra money."
Wen Ziheng blatantly lied, providing excuses for the noble families.
The Cui Family is also among the noble families and is one of the most powerful. For hundreds of years, their family has known nothing about paying taxes.
"No extra money? If I recall when the Ghost Ridge Palace ca to visit, your noble families seed quite wealthy. The unreported lands in Qingzhou alone could increase several tis. These lands are indeed under the na of your noble families.
So I would like Vice Minister Wen to explain to why our Royal Family cannot collect the taxes, but the Ghost Ridge Palace can?
Do you think our Royal Family’s blades are not sharp enough, or ruthless enough?"
Wei Yushuang’s gaze was cold, her eyes like an ancient frozen lake, causing Wen Ziheng’s expression to change suddenly.
The civil and military officials in the court, upon hearing this, also exclaid in surprise.
"Eldest Princess, do not wrongfully accuse people."
"Where is the etiquette, where are the rules? Eldest Princess, how can you, as a Purple Mansion Cultivator, speak so recklessly?"
"The Royal Family is the Common Lord of all under heavens. Eldest Princess, if you do not watch your words, you will only bring disgrace to the Royal Family. Please speak with caution."
The civil and military officials present were agitated, as if they wanted to prove their innocence by crashing their heads against the ground in the Jinluan Hall.
Wen Ziheng’s eyes were dark, and he said sinisterly, "Eldest Princess, water can carry a boat, but it can also overturn it. The noble families are supporters of the Royal Family.
My Qingzhou Cui Family, Lianzhou Li Family, Lanzhou Song Family, Anzhou Gao Family, and Fengzhou Lu Family, the Five Great Families, have served Emperor Tianwu since the founding of the country, never showing any neglect. Our loyalty to the Da Li Royal Family is evident to both sun and moon.
What is the intention behind the Eldest Princess’s words? Are you doubting our unwavering loyalty, and planning to destroy the bridge after crossing the river with us Five Great Families?"
The entire court fell silent. The Five Great Families had always been closely united, and Wen Ziheng’s questioning was practically a threat, openly defying the authority of the Royal Family.
Wei Yushuang’s eyes turned cold, her delicate hand clenched into a fist, about to speak, when suddenly Wei Cheng’s voice rang out.
"Enough, stop this argunt. I have never doubted the patriotic hearts of all my loyal ministers.
Yushuang, you should also restrain yourself and show respect for the officials present. So words should be considered before speaking.
Today’s court session is over. Dismissed."
Wei Cheng could not allow the dispute between the two to continue. He worried that his daughter might get carried away and smash Wen Ziheng into pieces, an outco that would be irreparable.
Hearing this, Wei Yushuang reluctantly suppressed her anger. She understood the foundations of the Five Great Families and realized that she was only newly promoted to Purple Mansion. If she were to turn against the Five Great Families, the Royal Family in its current state would not be able to cope.
Consequently, Wei Yushuang beca even more eager for power.
If she could also achieve a realm of Three Purple Mansions with the power to suppress everything, she wouldn’t have to act so cautiously.
"The Five Great Families, I rember the Cui Family’s ancestral land is in Qing Province. Vice Minister Wen, you’d better hope that the Ghost Ridge Palace will be as reasonable as I am."
After giving Wen Ziheng a long look and leaving this remark, Wei Yushuang turned and left.
Upon hearing this, Wen Ziheng sneered disdainfully, saying, "My Cui Family has been through countless ups and downs. Unless Su Jie is truly mad, the Ghost Ridge Palace wouldn’t dare move against us."
As a mber of the Five Great Families, Wen Ziheng was confident, not believing that the Ghost Ridge Palace would dare to act against the Cui Family.
The Five Great Families, with their thousand-year heritage, have survived nurous dynastic changes. This is rely another period of turmoil, and when a new dynasty rises, they only need to continue their support. Why would they fear a Demon Sect?
Back then, even Emperor Tianwu, who reached the Cave Void Realm and dominated his era, ultimately could not move against the Five Great Families.
How dare Su Jie risk the wrath of the world and act against the Cui Family, one of the Five Great Families? This is completely different from acting against other noble families."
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