Chapter 601: MysteryChapter 436: Feeling wronged

During the Three Kingdoms period, the imperial court technically still existed, but no one took it seriously. Regional warlords held control over tax and military power, so they didn't need to pay any attention to the weak imperial court.

These two powers are the instruments for the central government to control the provinces, the foundation of the state, and absolutely cannot be allowed to be touched by local authorities.

Zheng Bao Rong's level is not enough, he can't see so many things, but Li Chen will not tolerate it.

The same goes for Master of the Mirror.

He frowned slightly and remained silent on the side.

Having established Guanhaishuyuan in Weihaiwei for many years, Mr. Jing also interacted with Zheng Baorong on numerous occasions. He knew that Zheng Baorong was not a corrupt official but rather a dedicated and hardworking official who wholeheartedly devoted himself to the construction and development of his region. Therefore, among the three hidden residences of the academy, Mr. Jing chose one here.

Under the current circumstances, he couldn't possibly speak up.

For those in power, many times they don't care if their subordinates are treacherous or loyal, but rather whether they are useful advisors.

"Your servant, your humble servant..."

Zheng Baorong hesitated for a long time, but still couldn't say the following words.

He felt neither like begging for mercy nor refusing it. He was suddenly both anxious and afraid, and a sheen of sweat broke out on his already plump face in the cold winter, making him look even greasier.

Li Chen frowned, his impression of Zheng Bao Rong dropping even further.

This man, while capable in management, was by no means a qualified politician. He never knew what to say and when to say it.

However, Li Chen didn't expect a person who relied on buying an official position and had only been a local magistrate since taking office to have any political experience.

If you rise from the grassroots, it's different. You must have the skill to speak human language to humans and ghost language to ghosts, being able to stand out from the vastness of the grassroots.

Even Su Jinpa, standing beside him, couldn't bear to look at this scene.

"Haven't you apologized to the prince yet" Su Jinpa said.

Zheng Bao Rong then suddenly understood. The prince didn't immediately order punishment, which meant there was still room for maneuver. If he didn't speak up again, it would be too late.

"Your Highness, the humble servant knows his fault and awaits your punishment."

Looking at Zheng Baorong bowing his head like pounding garlic, Li Chen's tightly clenched face finally relaxed a little. However, Li Chen didn't mention punishment, but instead asked: "Since you have also contributed to governing Weihaiwei, why are the local people complaining about you Don't you hear these complaints"

"Managing a region and building cities, the most fundamental purpose is still to serve the people. Otherwise, what's the point of strengthening coastal defenses and making Weihai City neat and beautiful"

Zheng Bao Rong wore a tragic expression and said, "Your Highness, the common people's vision is always limited. They only know that I have taken some things from them, but few see what they have received."

To be frank, my family in Weihaiwei is considered one of the wealthiest. We have considerable wealth. When I collect taxes, ordinary people only contribute a small portion, while the wealthy pay more. Every year, my family is the top taxpayer in Weihaiwei, accounting for 10% of the total tax revenue collected from commerce alone.

Zheng Bao Rong grew increasingly aggrieved as he spoke. He knelt on the ground, yet unconsciously straightened his spine and said, "It is precisely because of this that over these years, while I served as the magistrate of Weihaiwei, though taxes were increased, the lives of the common people improved greatly compared to before. On the contrary, businesses expanded in scale. Those original wealthy households remained much like they were before because most of the extra wealth they gained was taken away by the tax revenue."

Let me know if you have any other text you'd like me to translate!Chapter 980 The Deep-Laying Plan