"County Governor, the decree exempting Longcheng County from this month's taxes has already been issued."
The next morning, County Assistant Ying Ding came before the Court Hall and reported to Su Yuan on the results of yesterday's and this morning's work.
Su Yuan nodded slightly and said:
"Besides this month's tax exemption, has the news that taxes will be halved for the next three months been announced?"
"It has all been announced."
Ying Ding answered without hesitation, then asked in some confusion:
"County Governor, I've never understood why you reduced the people's taxes so drastically all at once."
"The burden on the people's shoulders has been lightened, but the taxes that should have been paid will have to come out of your own pocket. Isn't that just making trouble for yourself?"
Ying Ding's tone was utterly sincere, and his mung-bean-sized eyes were full of confusion and a thirst for knowledge.
Su Yuan thought for a moment, then smiled.
"Everyone knows that the taxes of Longcheng County's people have already been collected a hundred years into the future. The hardships of the common people's lives are beyond your imagination."
"Within the limits of what we can do, if we treat the people a little better, many in the county will no longer have to die of hunger and disease. They will all remember your kindness."
"Although the vast majority of them are only mortals, and helping them seems to offer you no benefit, you must understand one principle: water can carry a boat, but it can also overturn it."
Ying Ding listened as if enlightenment had dawned, then immediately said:
"County Governor, your words are truly profound! After hearing them, I feel as if the force of enlightenment has poured over my head, clearing my mind and opening my eyes!"
"When