Protect Our Patriarch

……

"Absurd, this is utterly absurd." Prince Dexin was furious upon hearing that old fellow Deshun trying to drag him into the mess. He was incensed, "Deshun, you're tarnishing the dignity and honor of the royal family!"

"Dexin, why are you so agitated?" Prince Deshun squinted at his old rival and sneered, "Since our ancestor, Emperor Ziwei Xuandu, founded the Great Qian, we've always upheld the principle of joint governance by the royal family and the clans. Why can the clans audit taxes, but we can't? Unless, of course, your Prince Dexin's household is indeed involved in serious tax evasion?"

In the Great Qian, all farmland and other industries must pay taxes according to regulations.

The royal family has numerous commandery prince's households and prince's households, each a massive entity with numerous high-quality farms and various industries under their name.

These industries are semi-independent, managed by the households themselves, and their output is used by the respective households. For instance, the White Cloud Tower under the Commandery Prince of Heng is such an example.

In addition, the royal family also has various royal estates.

These royal estates are clan properties, shared by the entire royal family. This part of the assets is enormous, managed and operated by the royal clan's household, and its output is mainly used for the basic support of most royal members and subsidies for outstanding descendants.

For example, the emperor's support comes not only from national taxes but also significantly from the royal clan's household.

However, whether it's the semi-independent industries of the prince's households or the clan properties controlled by the royal clan's household, according to the Great Qian's system, they still have to pay taxes, and the tax rate is the same as for other clans, with no exceptions.

This was the rule set by the founding Emperor Ziwei Xuandu, modeled after the Immortal Dynasty.

After all, if the royal family didn't need to pay taxes, countless small clans would attach their industries to the royal family, willing to offer 30% to half of the taxable amount as a return. Naturally, many cash-strapped royals would be willing to accept such attachments. Over time, wouldn't all the clan industries end up under the royal family's name?

Moreover, if the royal family didn't pay taxes, how could other clan industries compete with the royal family's industries? They couldn't even compete on cost alone. Over time, wouldn't all the industries in the world belong to the royal family?

If such a model were adopted, regardless of whether the clans would still want to play along with the royal family, if all the industries belonged to the royal family and didn't need to pay taxes, where would the tax revenue come from?

The clans might as well sell all their assets and then go to the Immortal Dynasty to buy land and live their lives.

Such a national structure wouldn't last many years before collapsing.

Therefore, the taxation of royal industries is also a crucial part of the Great Qian's tax revenue. That's why Prince Deshun was so justified in his stance.

Prince Dexin's face turned gloomy, and he felt a bit panicked.

As a prince, how could he not know the state of his own household's industries?

Relying on the fact that no one dared to investigate, his household's industries had been falsifying their tax payments for years. Although he hadn't calculated the exact numbers, he knew the loopholes were significant.

Moreover, as the saying goes, "The upper beam is not straight, the lower beam will be crooked." Prince Dexin was like this, and naturally, his descendants and the other prince's and commandery prince's households weren't any better.

If a thorough tax investigation were conducted, who knows what kind of storm it might stir up?

"Your Majesty." Prince Dexin turned to Emperor Longchang, speaking with grief and indignation, "Prince Deshun is truly resorting to any means to support Commandery Prince An's rise. At this moment, when my Dexin lineage is about to assist Commandery Prince Kang in drafting a comprehensive plan for the Southern Border campaign, he's stirring up a tax investigation, clearly intending to disrupt our plans and hinder us."

His lineage of commandery princes, along with the clans that didn't want to be audited, all chimed in, accusing Prince Deshun of disregarding national interests and sabotaging Commandery Prince Kang at a critical moment.

Even if taxes were to be audited, it could wait until Commandery Prince Kang returned victorious.

Prince Deshun sneered, "You can go ahead and draft your Southern Border campaign plan. There's no conflict or contradiction with the tax investigation. Lord Meng Yuanbai and his team have ample experience in tax matters and don't need the prince's or commandery prince's households to intervene. They can handle it clearly and transparently."

"Your Majesty." Ancestor Yinda of the Duke of Dingguo's mansion also spoke righteously, "Prince Dexin's lineage is making all sorts of excuses to avoid the tax audit. It's hard not to suspect that there are significant issues with their tax payments. Who knows, it might be rotten to the core."

"Moreover, how can such an important strategic plan as the Southern Border campaign be entrusted to a grand marshal whose tax payments are full of loopholes? How can anyone believe he has the ability and qualification to oversee the Southern Border campaign? Perhaps, the plan proposed by Dexin's lineage is just an opportunity to profit from the war."

"In conclusion, I propose that both Commandery Prince Kang's and Commandery Prince An's households undergo tax audits simultaneously. If the tax discrepancy of Commandery Prince Kang's household is no more than 20%, no, 30%! As long as it's no more than 30%, I, Wang Yinda, will be the first to support Commandery Prince Kang as the grand marshal of the Southern Border campaign."

At this moment, Emperor Longchang, sitting on the imperial throne, no longer appeared impatient or casual. Instead, he frowned slightly, his expression stern, and his gaze reserved, making it almost impossible for anyone to discern his thoughts.

Despite the uproar below, he remained silent.

It wasn't until Wang Yinda finished speaking that Emperor Longchang looked at Prince Dexin and Commandery Prince Kang, his expression calm, "Dexin, Chengsi, what do you have to say?"

Old Yao, standing nearby, sighed deeply in his heart.

Wang Shouzhe was indeed ruthless, and his grasp of people's hearts was truly exceptional. This move not only struck at the soft spot of Dexin's lineage but also at the emperor's soft spot.

The foundation of a nation's strength lies in its population and tax revenue.

With abundant tax revenue, a nation can expand more quickly, acquire more land, support a larger population, and thus enter a virtuous cycle, allowing the nation to grow stronger.

As Wang Shouzhe privately discussed with Long Wuji over drinks, "criticizing the emperor," he believed that the emperor's campaigns against Southern Qin and Western Jin, though seemingly impressive, had yet to yield a decisive result. Instead, they had depleted the national treasury!

Ultimately, it all came down to population and money.

Without enough money, how could more troops be supported? How could more experts be trained and nurtured?

It's said that the Southern Barbarian Gu Clan is difficult to defeat, but if the Great Qian's military strength were stronger, capable of organizing an army and logistics comparable to the Immortal Dynasty, sweeping through the Southern Barbarian Gu Clan would be as easy as taking something out of a bag.

Previously, the emperor saw Wang Shouzhe's ability to generate wealth and tasked him with increasing Longzuo Commandery's tax revenue by 50% within ten years. It seemed like he was making things difficult for Wang Shouzhe, but perhaps he also wanted to test Wang Shouzhe's capabilities and see if he could come up with a plan to make the Great Qian prosperous.

If Wang Shouzhe had any lucrative plans he was reluctant to reveal, this pressure might just squeeze them out.

Tax reform!

How could the emperor not know that both the royal family and the clans, to varying degrees, played tricks with taxes? If everyone paid their taxes in full, the Great Qian's national strength would surely rise.

However, as Meng Yuanbai said, this was a deeply entrenched issue. Even if the emperor wanted to address it, it was like a dog biting a hedgehog, with no way to start.

Now, as the emperor's lifespan was nearing its end, it was precisely the time when his authority was at its peak, making it the most suitable moment.

Coincidentally, Wang Shouzhe had "unintentionally" provided a seemingly feasible plan.

Seeing the emperor's demeanor, it seemed he already had a plan in mind.

Old Yao, feeling a mix of emotions, couldn't help but look at Commandery Prince Kang and Prince Dexin with some sympathy.

He couldn't tell if they were just unlucky or if they were too used to judging others by their own standards. Why choose to make an issue out of tax audits to trouble the Wang Clan?

As a result, Wang Shouzhe's counterattack had instead embroiled them in a tax audit storm.

With Emperor Longchang's calm inquiry.

Both Prince Dexin and Commandery Prince Kang felt a chill in their hearts. They knew the emperor's temperament too well. When he asked in such a tone and expression, he wasn't seeking their opinion.

But could they afford to have their taxes audited? If they were, it might lead to a major scandal.

Immediately, Prince Dexin braced himself and said, "Your Majesty, please reconsider. With the Southern Border campaign imminent, we cannot..."

Before he could finish, Emperor Longchang chuckled coldly.

The emperor ignored him, sweeping his gaze across the entire Ding Qian Hall, his voice not loud but filled with the terrifying pressure of an emperor, "You all keep saying that a tax audit can't be done, that the bigger picture must be considered."

"I'll ask you just one question."

"Why can the Changning Wang Clan be audited, the Duke of Dingguo's mansion be audited, and the Commandery Prince An's household be audited, but auditing you would disrupt the bigger picture?"

The invisible anger of the Lingxu Emperor was so palpable that everyone bowed their heads, cold sweat dripping from their foreheads. This wasn't just imperial authority; it was also a crushing force from a higher level of life and power.

"Meng Yuanbai." Emperor Longchang said coldly.

"Your servant is here." Meng Yuanbai bowed in response.

His face was pale, his body drenched in sweat. He understood that he had been thoroughly drawn into a major event, and any misstep could lead to a disastrous outcome.

"I know you are 'skilled in your duties' and have always been 'impartial and incorruptible.'" Emperor Longchang's tone softened slightly, "I grant you the [Canglong Sword Order] to oversee this tax audit. If anyone disobeys or obstructs, execute them without mercy!"

The Canglong Sword Order? This was an order that allowed temporary control of the national treasure, the [Canglong Sword]. Under this order, anyone who dared to act recklessly would be guilty of treason.

The civil and military officials were all shocked. The emperor was determined to conduct the tax audit!

Prince Dexin's lineage was even more terrified, sweating profusely and panicking. What should they do about this?

"I will not fail, even at the cost of my life." Despite his reluctance, Meng Yuanbai dared not defy the order. Fortunately, with the Canglong Sword Order, no one would dare to interfere with his work.

This was a big problem!

Among the hundreds of civil and military officials present, each had family industries, and there would inevitably be some loopholes in their tax payments. Once the audit reached them...

But who dared to defy the emperor's authority?

"Your Majesty, although Lord Meng is skilled in tax audits, he is ultimately limited in manpower. A thorough audit of all the clans nationwide is impossible." Today, Prince Deshun, returning to the grand court meeting for the first time in hundreds of years, was particularly active and clear-headed, "In my opinion, we should focus on auditing my and Prince Dexin's households, Commandery Prince Chengsi's and Commandery Prince Mingyuan's households, as well as An Guogong's and Ding Guogong's mansions as representatives of the tax audit."

"As princes, commandery princes, and dukes, we should set an example for the world."

"As for the other royal members and clans, they can conduct internal self-audits first. If any discrepancies are found, they can voluntarily go to the local government, commandery government, or the Three Talents Office to make up the taxes."

Prince Deshun's words brought a sigh of relief to everyone present, except for those from Dexin's and Zhao's lineages. Although self-auditing and making up taxes might be painful, it was better than having it publicly exposed to the world. Moreover, since it was self-auditing, they could decide how much tax to make up, leaving room for manipulation.

Instinctively, many people felt a bit of goodwill towards Prince Deshun.

However, in the next moment, their goodwill vanished.

Because Prince Deshun added, "After the royal members and clans have conducted their self-audits, the Three Talents Office can conduct random audits nationwide. If any discrepancies are found that were not corrected, not only will they be fined a hundred times the tax amount, but the head of the family and the relevant accounting officers will be held accountable. In severe cases, they may be sent to the cannon fodder camp to atone for their crimes."

Everyone broke out in cold sweat. This was too ruthless. With such measures, even if other family members wanted to falsify tax records, the head of the family and the accounting officers wouldn't agree.

"If anyone reports a clan for tax evasion, and it is verified, the whistleblower will receive a substantial reward. If it turns out to be a false accusation, the wronged clan will be commended and awarded the title of 'Model Taxpayer,' with preferential treatment from the city guard office and commandery governor's office in various aspects."

One measure after another came from Prince Deshun's mouth, as if he had thought it through long ago.

Even Emperor Longchang couldn't help but look at Prince Deshun with admiration. This old fellow had indeed made progress after fishing by the Western Sea for hundreds of years.

After a brief consideration, Emperor Longchang said, "Deshun's words make sense. In that case, let's start with the audits of Dexin's and Deshun's households, Commandery Prince Kang's and Commandery Prince An's households, as well as the two dukes' mansions."

"The other royal members and clans should conduct self-audits and corrections simultaneously, making up for any tax evasion within the past twenty years, re-registering any concealed or underreported industries. If significant errors are found after the self-audit, they will be severely punished."

"Dismissed!"

The emperor's voice echoed thunderously in the Ding Qian Hall, leaving no room for rebuttal.

"Farewell, Your Majesty."

The civil and military officials all bowed and saluted in unison.

……

This grand court meeting caused significant ripples, and as soon as it was over, it naturally sparked numerous private discussions.

After the court session, Emperor Longchang did not go to Zhuozheng Pavilion but instead took a stroll in the Imperial Garden, feeding the wolf cubs and preparing to visit Wang Anye and a few other mischievous children.

He strolled leisurely, his demeanor no longer stern but rather relaxed and carefree.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty." Old Yao smiled and said, "After this tax reform, the unhealthy trend of tax evasion across the country will surely be curbed, and the national strength will be significantly enhanced."

"You old rascal, I've been used by Wang Shouzhe, and you're still so happy?" Emperor Longchang glared at him, "Be honest, have you already sided with Commandery Prince An, hoping for my early demise and abdication?"

"Your Majesty, you've wronged me~~ This old servant was born to serve Your Majesty and will die as Your Majesty's ghost." Old Yao feigned "fear" and pleaded, "This old servant is just happy for Your Majesty~ You've long wanted to reform the tax system but couldn't find the right opportunity. Now that Wang Shouzhe has stirred things up, isn't it just what you wanted?"

"You shameless old thing." Emperor Longchang laughed and scolded, then gradually became solemn, "It's not that I didn't have the opportunity, but I couldn't make up my mind. To convince everyone of the tax audit, it must start with the royal family. The royal family's face, this time, is going to take a hit."

"Wang Shouzhe's counterattack this time has made me determined. Whether I stick my neck out or shrink back, it's a knife either way. Since it's a chronic illness, the quicker the knife, the more ruthless the action, the cleaner the result."

"Although I'm old, my prestige and authority remain, and everyone knows I'm unpredictable and have a bad temper. Before I die, I might take a few with me. If I don't take this opportunity to address this chronic illness, should I wait for the new emperor to take the throne and deal with it?"

Emperor Longchang knew all too well the situation when a new emperor ascends the throne. At that time, there would be a bunch of elders above, a bunch of in-laws around, and the new emperor's prestige would not yet be established. How could he accomplish anything as easily as now?

"Your Majesty is wise." Old Yao flattered, sighing, "But this time, the prestige of Prince Dexin and Commandery Prince Kang's lineage will be damaged."

"They brought it upon themselves. If they can't even promise a 30% discrepancy, doesn't that already indicate a problem?" Emperor Longchang said with some dissatisfaction, "Especially that old fellow Dexin, his own conduct is improper, affecting the whole lot. Chengsi wasn't like this originally; he's been corrupted by Dexin over the years."

"It's a good opportunity to knock some sense into Wu Chengsi, to make him understand that if he wants to compete for the position of Imperial Heir, he must conduct himself properly. If he's full of holes, how can he convince the public?"

"This old servant also hopes that after this ordeal, Commandery Prince Kang can truly become a capable and responsible quasi-Imperial Heir." Old Yao echoed.

"That depends on whether he can truly rise from the ashes when facing adversity. If not, he'll have to be eliminated." Emperor Longchang said calmly, "The competition for the Imperial Heir is not to be taken lightly; it concerns the Great Qian's fortune for ten thousand years."

"Your Majesty, should I personally visit Wang Shouzhe, who defied the imperial order under the guise of righteousness, and bring him to see you?"

"Hmph! There's no need for that. Who am I? Can he see me whenever he wants or not see me whenever he doesn't? Let him be. He'll come to me eventually."

The master and servant, exchanging words, gradually walked away.

……

Almost simultaneously.

After the court session, Meng Yuanbai immediately gathered a few trusted members of the Three Talents Office and rushed to the Duke of Dingguo's mansion under the pretext of a tax audit.

Upon entering the Duke of Dingguo's mansion.

Meng Yuanbai sent his trusted aides away and then grabbed Wang Yuchang, the head of the Wang family responsible for receiving him, "Head Yuchang, is Wang Shouzhe still at the Wang Clan? Please take me to see him immediately."

"Lord Meng, please be patient." Wang Yuchang calmly pushed him away, "At this hour, Shouzhe is probably still taking a nap. No rush, no rush, let's have some tea and chat first."

A nap?

Meng Yuanbai was momentarily stunned, hardly believing that Wang Shouzhe, who had stirred up the Ding Qian Hall and involved the entire world, still had the leisure to take a nap.

"Head Yuchang." Meng Yuanbai suppressed the urge to curse, took a deep breath, and saluted, "This is a matter of life and death, please."

Wang Yuchang showed a troubled expression, "Shouzhe doesn't like to be disturbed during his nap."

After a pause, he nodded solemnly, "But since it's Lord Meng's request, I'll take the risk. Please follow me."

"Thank you, Head Yuchang." Meng Yuanbai expressed his gratitude again, but in his heart, he couldn't help but feel that meeting Wang Shouzhe seemed like owing a great favor.

Wang Yuchang led Meng Yuanbai to the Four Seasons Garden.

And "forcibly disturbed" Wang Shouzhe's nap.

Before long, Wang Shouzhe received Meng Yuanbai in the study, smiling as he personally brewed tea, "Lord Meng, your visit is an honor. I apologize for not greeting you sooner."

Unexpectedly.

Meng Yuanbai stood up first, his face solemn as he bowed deeply, "Master Shouzhe, I apologize for any offense earlier. Please forgive me."

"Not at all, not at all." Wang Shouzhe returned the salute, "Lord Meng is dedicated to the public good. How could I hold a grudge? Besides, it was Lord Meng who proved the Wang Clan's innocence. Lord Meng, these wild teas were an accidental find by my great-grandson. Though crude, they have a unique flavor."

The best tea he had now was the leaves of the Life Tree shaken off by Wang Lixian. However, they were too precious to share with anyone but those truly close.

"Your great-grandson, is it Anye? I've heard he's now living in the emperor's Zhuozheng Pavilion, highly favored by His Majesty." Meng Yuanbai took a sip, praising, "Good tea, good tea. Master Shouzhe, you are truly blessed with outstanding children."

"The current generation of the Meng Clan of Guilong is also full of talent." Wang Shouzhe smiled and reciprocated the compliment, "A third-grade future is within reach."

After exchanging pleasantries, they gradually became more familiar.

Only then did Meng Yuanbai reveal his true feelings, speaking bitterly, "Master Shouzhe, I've experienced your brilliance in your two counterattacks. However, you've put me, Old Meng, in a tough spot. Now, the Zhao Clan hates me to the core, and Prince Dexin's lineage sees me as a thorn in their side."

"Even in the future, clans large and small across the country will secretly curse me, Meng Yuanbai. Master Shouzhe, what should I do?"

"Congratulations, Lord Meng, you'll be remembered in history." Wang Shouzhe cupped his hands.

Remembered in history!

Who wants to be remembered in history? Meng Yuanbai's mouth twitched, "Master Shouzhe, please don't joke. I seek guidance."

"Guidance? Does Lord Meng still intend to side with Commandery Prince Kang?" Wang Shouzhe asked curiously.

"How could I? Commandery Prince Kang now hates me to the core, and he's a narrow-minded, cold-hearted person. I dare not side with him." Meng Yuanbai shook his head, his eyes full of hope, "So, for the rest of my life, I ask for Master Shouzhe's care."

"Lord Meng is too kind. It's mutual support, mutual support." Wang Shouzhe smiled and returned the salute, "After this matter is over, I'll introduce you to Commandery Prince An."

"Good, good, good~, since we're now on the same boat." Having just joined, Meng Yuanbai knew he needed to show his loyalty, rolling up his sleeves and saying enthusiastically, "This time, whatever Master Shouzhe says, we'll do. From what I've seen of your strategies, this plan isn't just about a tax audit."

"Brother Yuanbai, as expected of the head of the Three Talents Office." Wang Shouzhe smiled faintly, "Just conduct a normal tax audit, but Brother Yuanbai should pay attention to any traces of large unexplained financial inflows and outflows..."

Unexplained financial sources?

Meng Yuanbai's body trembled, looking at Wang Shouzhe in disbelief, "Master Shouzhe, do you mean..."

But in an instant, he became excited, "Master Shouzhe, you truly have excellent methods. Yuanbai is impressed. Rest assured, if they've been reckless, there will be traces. Under Yuanbai's command, there are many talented individuals with keen senses."

He hadn't expected that just after boarding the ship, he would encounter a great opportunity for merit.

……