Don't say it's because he is the Second Prince's uncle; after all, Wan Xue Nian is the Third Prince's grandfather! The Emperor didn't show any leniency either.
So, this matter not only eased the crisis in the National Treasury but also benefited their Ministry of Revenue. More importantly, during future court sessions, the Emperor would no longer curse at him fiercely.
No matter if the Emperor scolded him a couple of times now, after being berated for so long, he's already developed thick skin. Once the tea tax issue is resolved, he can then consider the salt permits, and no longer fear the ridicule from his colleagues behind his back.
That's why he initially wanted Gu Chengyu to go to the Ministry of Revenue, but unfortunately, the Emperor disagreed.
Even the Minister of Revenue had no objections, so the other officials wouldn't meddle unnecessarily.
