Chapter 1102: Chapter 77: Stirring the Winds and Clouds with One Hand! Lord Meng Defects
Despite the chaos below, he remained silent without expressing any stance.
It wasn’t until Wang Yinda finished his final sentence.
Emperor Longchang finally looked toward Prince Dexin and Prince Kang, and said calmly, "Dexin, Chengsi, what do you have to say?"
On the side, Old Yao saw this and sighed deeply in his heart.
Wang Shouzhe, that fellow, is indeed ruthless, and he truly knows how to grasp people’s hearts. This strike not only hit the soft spot of the Dexin Lineage but also pierced the emperor’s weak point.
The foundation of a nation’s strength lies in its population and its tax revenue.
With abundant tax revenue, the nation can expand more rapidly, acquire more land, support more people, and thus enter a virtuous cycle where the country grows increasingly strong.
As Wang Shouzhe privately opined over drinks with Long Wuji, critiquing the Great Emperor, he wondered why confronting both Southern Qin and Western Jin, seeming majestic, yet yields no concrete outcome? Instead, the National Treasury was depleted in the process!
Ultimately, it came down to money and population.
Without enough money, how can one support more troops? How can one subsidize and cultivate more experts?
People say the Southern Border Barbarian Gu Race is hard to defeat, but if Daqian’s military strength were stronger, capable of organizing forces and logistics on par with an Immortal Dynasty, crushing them would be as easy as reaching into a bag.
Previously, when His Majesty saw how adept Wang Shouzhe was at generating wealth, demanding him to increase the tax revenue of Longzuo County by 50% within ten years seemed like making things difficult for him. However, perhaps there was a hidden intention to probe Wang Shouzhe, to see if he could truly devise a plan to enrich Daqian.
In case Wang Shouzhe had any lucrative scheme he was unwilling to reveal, this pressure might just squeeze it out.
Reform the tax system!
How could His Majesty not know that both the Imperial Family and the Noble Families engage in tax manipulations to varying degrees? If everyone paid taxes in full, the national power of Daqian would certainly escalate.
Yet, as Meng Yuanbai mentioned, this is an entrenched issue. Even if His Majesty wanted to address it, it would be akin to a dog biting a hedgehog, with no clear starting point.
And now, as His Majesty’s lifespan wanes, it is precisely the time when his influence is at its peak, making it the most opportune moment.
Coincidentally, Wang Shouzhe "unintentionally" presented a seemingly viable plan.
Observing His Majesty’s demeanor, it appeared he already had a plan in mind.
Old Yao, feeling sentimental, couldn’t help but look at Prince Kang and Prince Dexin with slight sympathy.
It’s hard to tell whether they were just unlucky or too accustomed to thinking from their own perspective. Of all strategies, why engage in tax investigation to challenge the Wang Family?
As a result, Wang Shouzhe used it to counterattack, causing them to fall into the tax investigation turmoil themselves.
With Emperor Longchang’s calm inquiry.
Both Prince Dexin and Prince Kang shuddered internally. They understood the emperor’s personality all too well. Speaking in such a tone and manner was not to solicit their opinion.
However, can their taxes withstand scrutiny? Once investigated, it’s likely to lead to major issues.
Immediately, Prince Dexin braced himself and said, "Your Majesty, please reconsider. With the impending Southern Border military campaign, we absolutely cannot..."
Before he could finish, Emperor Longchang let out a cold laugh.
The Emperor ignored him, sweeping a glance across Dingqian Hall, speaking softly yet imposing with terrifying imperial authority: "You all keep saying it’s impossible to investigate, that the bigger picture is important."
"I ask you just one question."
"Why is it that the Changning Wang Family can be investigated, the Duke Dingguo’s Mansion can be investigated, the Prince Anjun’s Mansion can be investigated, but investigating yours would ruin the bigger picture?"
Emperor Lingxu’s intangible anger was as palpable as a crushing force that made everyone bow their heads, cold sweat dripping from their foreheads. This was not just about imperial power but also about the crushing superiority in Life Level and strength.
"Meng Yuanbai," Emperor Longchang said coldly.
"I am present," Meng Yuanbai bowed in response.
His face was pale, drenched in sweat. He realized he was completely immersed in a major event, and any misstep could lead him into a colossal abyss.
"I know your ’proficiency in work,’ and you’re known for being ’incorruptible,’" Emperor Longchang’s tone softened slightly, "I bestow upon you the [Azure Dragon Sword Order] to oversee this tax investigation. Any non-compliance or obstruction, kill without mercy!"
The Azure Dragon Sword Order? This is an order that can temporarily mobilize the National Guardian Dao Artifact, the Azure Dragon Sword. Under this order, anyone who dares to move is guilty of treason.
The civil and military officials were all shocked upon hearing this. His Majesty was determined to investigate taxes!
The Dexin Lineage was especially terrified, sweating and anxious. What should be done about this?
"I will fulfill my duty, even if it costs my life," Meng Yuanbai, despite his innumerable reluctances, dared not defy imperial commands. Fortunately, with the Azure Dragon Sword Order, at least no one would dare to hinder once the work commenced.
This is huge trouble!
The hundreds of civil and military officials present, each have family estates, and there will be flaws in the tax arena. Should an investigation fall upon them...
Yet, who dares to oppose the Emperor’s power?
"Your Majesty, although Lord Meng is proficient in tax investigations, he ultimately has limited manpower. Thoroughly investigating all the nation’s Noble Families is utterly impossible." Today, for the first time in centuries, Prince Deshun returned to the Grand Assembly, proving exceptionally active and clear-headed, "In my opinion, we should concentrate our efforts on investigating the Prince’s Mansions of Dexin and myself, the Prince’s Mansions of Chengsi and Mingyuan, and the Dukes’ Mansions of Duke Protector of the Nation and Duke Dingguo as representatives of the tax investigation."
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