Protect Our Patriarch

……

Even Taishi Ankang, who had always supported Wang Shouzhe, couldn't help but twitch his eyelids. Shouzhe, oh Shouzhe, I invited you to Shangjing City to solve problems.

But as soon as you arrived, you just stayed at home. Every time I saw you, you said there was no rush, that you had plans for later.

And this is the result?

What kind of genius move is this, daring to refuse even the Emperor's summons...

"Your Majesty," Prince Dexin said energetically, stepping forward himself, "You have shown great favor to the Wang Clan, yet Wang Shouzhe not only fails to be grateful but dares to defy your decree. If he is not severely punished, where will Your Majesty's dignity be?"

"Your Majesty," Prince Deshun stepped forward to argue, "Geniuses throughout history have had their quirks. Shouzhe is an unparalleled genius; perhaps he has his reasons for not coming?"

"What reasons? Clearly, he resents Your Majesty for not approving the new reform plan for Longzuo Commandery and for not supporting him during the Three Talents Office's tax investigation," Prince Dexin accused, "Such a person, who disregards the Emperor and is narrow-minded, what use is he?"

Subsequently, Prince Dexin and Prince Deshun, two shameless old ghosts, started arguing in the Ding Qian Hall, even rolling up their sleeves, as if ready to fight outside.

Emperor Longchang felt a headache coming on. In their youth, Dexin and Deshun were both prodigies, his left and right arms during his campaigns.

Back then, their relationship was quite strong, but after some disagreements, they fell out and have been opposing each other ever since, quarreling all day long. Later, Deshun, in a fit of anger, retired to the Western Sea, no longer involving himself in court or military affairs.

Until today.

Emperor Longchang felt a nostalgic headache, as these two were the most troublesome among all the princes.

"Enough, shut up." Emperor Longchang's face was as cold as ice.

Immediately.

The Ding Qian Hall fell silent.

After all, Longchang was the Emperor, having lived for over three thousand years, having seen all kinds of storms and waves.

He immediately looked sharply at Little Xiangzi and asked, "Do you know why Wang Shouzhe defied the decree? What did he say?"

The Emperor's pressure made Little Xiangzi's face turn pale. Although he held a high position among the inner court guards, being one of the four major commanders, he still couldn't withstand the Emperor's invisible pressure: "Replying to Your Majesty, Wang Shouzhe said, 'It's all because his skin is too thin, and he really can't accept this imperial decree.'"

Too thin-skinned?

What kind of genius reason is this?

Many in the Ding Qian Hall found it baffling. Being summoned and commended by the Emperor is a rare honor, what does it have to do with being thin-skinned?

"Your Majesty, could it be that Wang Shouzhe has seen too little of the world and feels anxious about meeting the Emperor in the Ding Qian Hall?" Old Yao suggested in a low voice, "After all, he comes from a sixth-grade family in the countryside, it's normal to feel intimidated by such a grand occasion."

Emperor Longchang gave him a sideways glance, "Pah, Old Yao, how much did the Wang Clan pay you? You're working so hard to speak for them?" However, his expression eventually softened a bit, and he coldly snorted, "Aside from this, does he have any other explanation? If that's all, I will still punish him."

"Your Majesty, Wang Shouzhe also said, 'Since the founding of the Great Qian by the Ziwei Xuandu Emperor, the clans have been sheltered by the Great Qian, having a stable place to thrive.'"

"Every clan is originally a part of the Great Qian, and should assist in governing the country, maintaining peace, and defending the nation. As for paying taxes according to regulations, it is the most basic duty of privileged clans."

"If you don't pay taxes, and I don't pay taxes, when will the Great Qian become stronger?"

"Today, Your Majesty intends to summon Shouzhe at the grand court meeting to commend him as a 'model of tax-paying clans' just for the Wang Clan fulfilling their basic duty of paying taxes and maintaining local peace. Shouzhe feels unworthy of such honor and does not wish to be a laughingstock for generations, so he has no choice but to defy the decree."

Little Xiangzi relayed Wang Shouzhe's words verbatim, sweat dripping from his forehead. He knew that this time, he had unwittingly become Wang Shouzhe's pawn.

If he inadvertently angered the Emperor, he might be slapped to death.

The Ding Qian Hall was silent, with the civil and military officials each having their own reactions. Some were moved by Wang Shouzhe's words, their expressions both shocked and contemplative.

Others, however, were dismissive, with a hint of sarcasm at the corners of their mouths.

It was said that Wang Shouzhe was formidable, having supported Commandery Prince An and, in a short time, elevated him to a position comparable to Commandery Prince Kang.

He was thought to be a proud and aloof person, but unexpectedly, he turned out to be someone who seeks fame and fortune.

Have similar events happened in history?

Naturally, there are countless examples, merely using "reasonable defiance" to elevate one's reputation and prestige. The reason is so grandiose that even if the Emperor is furious, he cannot punish him for it.

Otherwise, the Emperor would be "immortalized in history."

"Haha~ Short-sighted and utterly foolish," a certain self-proclaimed wise civil official sneered internally. Wang Shouzhe's move seemed clever, gaining him reputation and prestige, but it was fraught with hidden dangers. Firstly, he offended too many powerful figures.

Secondly, using the Emperor's summons and commendation to boost his reputation, the Emperor might not blame him now, but he will surely remember it and find a chance to settle the score later.

As expected.

Emperor Longchang's expression changed several times in a short period, then he laughed heartily: "Shouzhe speaks well, paying taxes is indeed a duty, and feeling unworthy of commendation is understandable."

On the surface, he appeared to understand Wang Shouzhe, but internally, he was cursing.

Good for you, Wang Shouzhe, I was beginning to forgive you, but you used my summons to boost your reputation. Hmph, just wait and see how I deal with you later.

However, Wang Shouzhe's reasoning was so grandiose that it was difficult to argue with him in the Ding Qian Hall.

The civil and military officials all echoed the Emperor, praising his wisdom.

Just when everyone thought the matter was about to be settled, a man stepped forward to report: "Your Majesty, I have something to report."

This man, wearing a fifth-grade official robe, stood among the middle and rear ranks of the court officials. However, his demeanor and aura were imposing and formidable. Even though he held a minor position, no one dared to underestimate him.

This was because the man was the Divine Realm seed of the Duke of Dingguo's mansion, known as "Little Duke of Dingguo," Wang Zhouhui.

"Oh? Zhouhui, what do you have to report? Speak," Emperor Longchang, upon seeing someone from the Duke of Dingguo's mansion, initially intended to dismiss him habitually. However, realizing it was a time to elevate the Wang Clan to counterbalance the Zhao Clan, he decided to give Wang Zhouhui face.

Moreover, Wang Zhouhui was no longer young, and it wouldn't be long before he would enter seclusion, seeking an opportunity to break through to the Divine Realm. By then, he would be a pillar of the Great Qian.

"Your Majesty, I noticed just now that some colleagues nearby had mocking expressions when Shouzhe mentioned that paying taxes according to regulations was merely a duty," Wang Zhouhui said indignantly, "Out of respect for my colleagues, I won't name names."

Upon hearing this.

The colleagues around him immediately changed their expressions, cursing Wang Zhouhui's shamelessness internally. Expressions couldn't be used as evidence... but now, they were all unwittingly implicated by him.

Emperor Longchang's expression also froze momentarily, slightly impatient: "Zhouhui, if you want to impeach, write a memorial, but you need some solid evidence."

"Indeed, Shouzhe was right, even Your Majesty doesn't care?" Wang Zhouhui appeared shocked and sighed, "No wonder all the clans in the world think tax evasion is normal. Today Zhang San evades a bit, tomorrow Li Si evades some more, and over time, the country will be ruined. Your Majesty, you cannot let this continue."

Emperor Longchang's face darkened. When did I ever say tax evasion by clans was normal? This method of putting a big hat on someone looks familiar, could it be, taught by that Wang Shouzhe?

"Wang Zhouhui, I certainly don't think tax evasion by clans is right, nor will I condone it," Emperor Longchang said with slight anger, thinking he was doing the Duke of Dingguo's mansion a favor, only to have it wasted.

"In that case, it must be Meng Yuanbai, the director of the Three Talents Office, who is negligent," Wang Zhouhui immediately pointed the finger at Meng Yuanbai.

"I ￥%*..." Meng Yuanbai, who had been silent, twitched his eyelids and quickly shouted, "Your Majesty, I'm innocent. Since taking charge of the Three Talents Office, I have always been diligent."

"If you've been diligent, then why is tax evasion by clans so rampant? To the extent that every clan thinks it's okay to evade a little as long as it's not excessive? Isn't this atmosphere the fault of your Three Talents Office?" Wang Zhouhui righteously accused, like a cannon firing at Meng Yuanbai.

Meng Yuanbai's heart skipped a beat, sensing trouble.

Wang Shouzhe had just used him to stab the An Guogong's mansion, leaving him half-dead. He was still in shock, not knowing how to face the Zhao Clan and his benefactor Zhao Hongbo in the future.

Yet, despite his miserable state, the Wang Clan wouldn't let him go? Wang Shouzhe was retaliating, blatantly retaliating for his difficulties with the Wang Clan.

"Your Majesty, I'm innocent," Meng Yuanbai quickly pleaded to Emperor Longchang, "Tax evasion by clans has been a chronic issue since ancient times, this is not due to my negligence, I hope Your Majesty will see clearly." The habit of tax evasion by clans has long been an open secret, known to all.

"Oh, Meng Daren, that's not right," Wang Zhouhui mocked, "Did you falsify the tax investigation of the Changning Wang Clan? Or did the Changning Wang Clan evade taxes, and you falsely reported their clean tax records, calling them a model of tax-paying clans? Meng Daren, this is a crime of deceiving the Emperor."

Deceiving the Emperor, my foot.

Meng Yuanbai cursed internally, sweat dripping from his forehead, feeling an ominous premonition growing stronger, but he could only plead, "Your Majesty, I'm innocent. The Changning Wang Clan indeed has no issues with their taxes, all reports and accounts are archived in the Three Talents Office, Your Majesty can send someone to check at any time."

"Meng Daren, apologies, apologies, it was Zhouhui who wronged you," Wang Zhouhui quickly bowed in apology, "Meng Daren's case-handling ability is indeed top-notch in the Great Qian, quickly resolving the [Changning Wang Clan Tax Evasion] case and the [An Guogong's Mansion Smuggling and Treason] case, truly swift and decisive."

"Wang Zhouhui, watch your words," Zhao Zhizai from the Zhao Clan jumped out angrily, "It's the [Zhao Zhikun Smuggling and Treason Case], it's his personal behavior, unrelated to the An Guogong's Mansion, and it doesn't involve treason."

"Birds of a feather, cutting off an arm to survive," Wang Zhouhui sneered, "People aren't fools."

Even the former cabinet chief Zhao Hongbo frowned slightly, "Duke of Dingguo, please control your Wang Clan people, don't slander our Zhao Clan without evidence."

"Zhao Hongbo, you allow your Zhao Clan to smuggle and commit treason, but don't allow others to discuss it?" Ancestor Yinda of the Duke of Dingguo's mansion rolled his eyes, "Truly overbearing."

"You..." Zhao Hongbo's eyes turned slightly sharp.

"Enough!" Emperor Longchang frowned, interrupting the bickering between the two great dukes, looking at Wang Zhouhui, "Zhouhui, if you have something to say, say it." He sensed that Wang Zhouhui's appearance was not simple.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Since Meng Yuanbai Daren can find the Changning Wang Clan clean, he must be very capable, so he can also find other clans guilty of tax evasion." Wang Zhouhui finally revealed his true intentions, righteously saying, "But why is the Changning Wang Clan investigated, but other clans are not?"

This statement shocked everyone in the Ding Qian Hall, realizing this was a big deal.

"Could it be that the tax laws of the Great Qian, and the prestigious director of the Three Talents Office, Meng Yuanbai, have become a sword in the hands of the powerful? Investigating whoever they want, protecting whoever they want?"

Wang Zhouhui passionately swept his gaze across the hall, "I propose that since Meng Yuanbai Daren is so capable, he should conduct a thorough tax investigation from top to bottom, covering every clan, even the royal family."

"Let no good person go, and let no bad person go."

Wang Zhouhui's words were like a large stone thrown into the Ding Qian Hall, causing waves. The Daqian Wang Clan instantly offended everyone.

"Your Majesty, this must not happen, it must not happen!" "A thorough tax investigation is a major event, it must be carefully considered."

"Silence!" Ancestor Yinda of the Duke of Dingguo's mansion roared.

The might of an old Divine Realm swept across the hall like a vast ocean, even causing some princes and other Divine Realm ministers to feel a bit uneasy. It seemed Ancestor Yinda's strength had improved again.

Even Emperor Longchang was startled, Duke of Dingguo, you dare to release pressure and show off in front of me, the Emperor, do you not regard the Emperor at all? Damn it, I just appointed you as acting cabinet chief, and you're already so arrogant?

"Shouzhe said that paying taxes is the foundation of the nation, and tax evasion is undoubtedly undermining the nation's foundation. The royal family, as the first grade, should set an example for the second and third grades, and we, the upper third grade, should set an example for the middle third grade, and the middle third grade should set an example for the lower third grade."

Ancestor Yinda of the Duke of Dingguo's mansion said loudly, "This Duke believes that the tax investigation is unavoidable. It should start with the upper third grade to set an example for the world. Since our Duke of Dingguo's mansion proposed this motion, we can start with our mansion."

"Meng Yuanbai, as the acting cabinet chief, I order you to immediately lead an elite team to our Duke of Dingguo's mansion, investigate thoroughly from top to bottom, and clear the name of our Daqian Wang Clan. Let the world see that our Great Qian has no tax evasion!"

Other clans, especially the Zhao Clan and some of the royal family, almost fainted. Your Duke of Dingguo's mansion must be paying taxes according to regulations, after all, the Emperor has suppressed your family for thousands of years, always catching your Wang Clan's little faults, if you're not clean, it would be a miracle.

Amidst the chaos.

Commandery Prince An, Wu Mingyuan, stepped forward, looking furious, and said to Meng Yuanbai, "Please, Meng Daren, clear the royal family's name, our Commandery Prince An's household is willing to undergo a comprehensive tax investigation, lest the world think our royal family is a parasite sucking the blood of the people."

"Well said," Prince Deshun also agreed, "Please, Meng Daren, clear the names of our Prince Deshun's household and Prince Dexin's household. Our royal family cannot be slandered. Investigate, investigate thoroughly!"

In the Ding Qian Hall, everyone's expressions changed.

Meng Yuanbai almost collapsed, realizing this was a major event, a historical event. Wang Shouzhe's cunning and calculation were formidable.

Even without being present, he turned the Ding Qian Hall upside down.

And Meng Yuanbai became Wang Shouzhe's tool, wielded against one political enemy after another!

……