By the time he returned to the official residence, word of what had happened in the council had already spread and was racing across the city.
No one had expected the Grand Council to be convened early for a reason like this.
Then the Como Administrative Council issued a decree in accordance with His Imperial Majesty's wishes: land taxes would be waived for the entire year.
The common folk knew little of grand principles. They knew only that the emperor had returned, that they would pay less tax and perform less forced labor this year, and that they might finally enjoy a good New Year.
Why only less tax and labor, rather than none? Because their obligations came not just from the state, but also from the lords who ruled their lands.
They no longer had to pay the state's share, but they could not withhold a single coin from their lords.
So the city and its surroundings erupted in celebration.
Everyone sang the praises of Chen Cheng Two and Como XIII.
But the excitement seemed to have nothing to do with Chen Cheng. The moment he left the council, he hurried back to the official residence.
He first asked after the health of the king Anthony was impersonating. Then he went to his room, changed back into his own clothes, and sat quietly waiting.
Just as he expected, someone knocked on his door before long.
"Come in."
Rommel pushed the door open and entered. After closing it behind him, he looked at Chen Cheng, cupped his fist, and said:
"I don't know who you are, sir. You've gotten what you wanted. Please return His Majesty and the Crown Prince to us."
"Have a seat. I suspect you'd rather not know who I am, so we'll leave it at that.