Chapter 77: Making the Storm Happen with Just One Hand! Mr. Meng Surrenders (Please Vote)

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"Absurd, this matter is really ridiculous." Prince Dexin heard that the old man Deshun actually dragged him into the water, and immediately his heart agitated, and he became furious and said, "Deshun, you are tarnishing the royal family. majesty and honor!"

"Dexin, what are you dancing for?" Prince Deshun squinted, glanced at his old rival, and sneered, "Since our ancestor Ziwei Xuandu opened the Great Qian, we have always upheld the principle that the royal family and the aristocratic family rule the world together. Concept. Why can the aristocratic family check taxes, but our royal family cannot? Could it be that your Prince Dexin Mansion really has extremely serious tax evasion? "

In Daqian, all farmland or other industries must pay taxes according to regulations.

The royal family has many county palaces and prince's palaces, each of which is a behemoth. Each palace has a large number of high-quality farms and various industries under its name.

This part of the industry is a semi-independent industry of each palace. It is operated by them themselves, and its output is also used by each palace. For example, the Baiyun Tower under the name of Prince Heng falls into this category.

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

These imperial mansions are family property and are shared by the entire royal family. This part of the assets is very large and is under the unified jurisdiction and operation of the royal family. Its output is mainly used for the basic support of most of the royal family, as well as subsidies for outstanding children of the royal family, etc.

For example, in addition to the national tax support, a considerable part of His Majesty's support is provided by the royal family.

However, regardless of whether it is a semi-independent property of the royal family or a family property controlled by the royal clan, taxes are still required according to the Daqian system, and the tax rate paid is exactly the same as that of other aristocratic families, with no exceptions.

This was also the rule set by the founding emperor Ziwei Xuandu in the early days of the founding of the country, imitating the Immortal Dynasty.

After all, if the royal family does not need to pay taxes, there will be countless small aristocratic families that will link their properties to the royal family. As long as they are willing to give 30% to half of the tax payable in return, there will naturally be many royal families who are short of money willing to accept the affiliation. Over time, wouldn't all the family's properties be attached to the name of the royal family?

In addition, if the royal family does not pay taxes, how can the properties of other aristocratic families compete with the royal family's properties? In terms of cost alone, they simply cannot compete. Over time, wouldn’t this world become the royal family’s property?

If this is the model, let’s not talk about whether the family is willing to continue playing with your royal family. If the whole world is the property of the royal family and there is no need to pay taxes, where will the taxes come from?

It would be better for the aristocratic family to sell all their possessions and then go to the Immortal Dynasty to buy properties to live.

This kind of national structure may not last for many years before it will be destroyed.

Therefore, royal property taxation is also an extremely important part of Daqian taxation. It is also because of this that Prince Deshun dances with great confidence.

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

As a prince, how could he not know the virtues of his own princely estate?

Since no one dares to investigate, our own property has been committing a lot of fraud in tax payments in recent years. Although he has not calculated the specific figures in detail, he knows that the loopholes are definitely huge.

Moreover, as the saying goes, "the upper beam is not straight and the lower beam is crooked", Prince Dexin is like this, and the situation of his descendants, princes, counties and princes is naturally not much better.

If there is really a thorough investigation of taxation, it might be possible to cause quite a disturbance.

"Your Majesty." Prince Dexin turned to look at Emperor Longchang and said with grief and anger, "Prince Deshun really did everything possible to support Prince An to ascend to the throne. At this moment, our Dexin lineage is about to assist When King Kang was drawing up a complete plan to conquer southern Xinjiang, he was instigating a tax inspection, which was clearly intended to disrupt our plan and was suspected of holding us back."

The princes of his lineage, as well as those aristocratic families who did not want to be audited, all agreed and accused Prince Deshun of ignoring the national plan and actually stumbling Prince Kang at a critical moment.

Even if there is a tax inspection, it will not be too late to wait until Prince Kang returns from victory.

Prince Deshun sneered: "If you want to draw up a plan to conquer southern Xinjiang, just go and draw it up yourself. There is no contradiction or conflict between tax inspection and this matter. Lord Meng Yuanbai and his team have sufficient tax resources." With experience, you don’t need to bother the Prince’s Mansion or the County Prince’s Mansion to come forward, you can check it out clearly by yourself.”

"Your Majesty." The Patriarch of Dingguo Gong Yinda also spoke sternly, "Prince Dexin and his family are so evasive and find excuses to avoid tax inspections. It is really difficult for me not to doubt whether they have huge obstacles to taxation matters." Question. Maybe it’s really rotten to the core.”

"Besides, what an important strategic plan is the conquest of Southern Xinjiang? If the grand marshal of the conquest is full of loopholes even in the taxes he pays, how can people believe that he is capable and qualified to preside over the overall situation of the conquest of Southern Xinjiang? Maybe, De Xin Yimai came up with this plan just to take advantage of this opportunity to make a huge fortune from the war."

"To sum up, the old minister proposed that Kangjun Prince's Palace and Anjun Prince's Palace can conduct tax inspections at the same time. If the error in the tax payable by Kangjun Prince's Palace is not more than 20%, no, 30%! As long as it is not more than 30%, I, Wang Yinda, will be the first to do so. Prince Tingkang became the generalissimo of the expedition to southern Xinjiang."

At this time, Emperor Longchang, who was sitting on the emperor's chair, lost his impetuousness and casualness at the beginning. Instead, he frowned slightly, with a stern face and introverted eyes. Almost no one could see his thoughts.

Despite the commotion below, he didn't even say anything.

Until Wang Yinda finished the last sentence.

Emperor Longchang then looked at Prince Dexin and Prince Kang, and said calmly: "Dexin, Chengsi, what do you say?"

Old Yao on the side sighed deeply when he saw this.

That guy Wang Shouzhe is really ruthless, and he has a really good grasp of people's hearts. His blow not only hit the weakness of Dexin's lineage, but also hit the weakness of His Majesty.

The foundation of a country's strong national strength is firstly its population and secondly its tax revenue.

With sufficient tax revenue, a country can expand faster, own more land, and feed a larger population. Only by entering a virtuous circle can the country become stronger.

Just as Wang Shouzhe "discussed the emperor" when he was drinking with Long Wuji in private, he believed that His Majesty conquered the Southern Qin Dynasty and conquered the Western Jin Dynasty. It seemed majestic and majestic to fight one against two, but why has there been no real result until now? Instead, they kept fighting and depleted the national treasury!

In the final analysis, it comes down to population and money.

How can we feed more troops without enough money? How can we provide subsidies to cultivate more masters?

It is said that the barbarian Gu tribe in southern Xinjiang is difficult to defeat, but if Daqian has a stronger military force and can organize an army and logistics comparable to that of the Immortal Dynasty, sweeping the barbarian Gu tribe in southern Xinjiang is like picking something out of a bag.

Previously, His Majesty saw that Wang Shouzhe was extremely profitable and asked him to increase Longzuo County's tax revenue by 50% within ten years. It seemed that he was putting small shoes on Wang Shouzhe's shoes and deliberately making things difficult for him. But among them, there may not be the idea of ​​exploring Wang Shouzhe's background to see if he can really come up with a plan to make a fortune for Daqian.

If Wang Shouzhe had any plans to make a fortune that he was reluctant to take out, this squeeze might just squeeze it out.

Fix taxes!

How could Your Majesty not know that whether it is the royal family or aristocratic families, they will make a fuss about taxation to some extent. If everyone can pay taxes in full, the national strength will definitely increase.

But as Meng Yuanbai said, this is a chronic disease that is difficult to recover from. In the face of this stubborn disease, even if His Majesty is determined to rectify it, it is like a dog biting a hedgehog.

But now, His Majesty is coming to the end of his life, which is the most powerful and the most appropriate time.

It just so happened that Wang Shouzhe "accidentally" came up with a plan that seemed feasible.

Looking at His Majesty's appearance, it seems that he already has a suspicion in mind.

While Lao Yao was feeling emotional, he couldn't help but look at Prince Kang and Prince Dexin with some sympathy.

I really don’t know if they are just unlucky, or if they are used to judging others by themselves. Why can’t they come up with some plan? Why do they have to make a fuss about the tax audit to embarrass the Wang family?

As a result, Wang Shouzhe used this to fight back, which caused them to fall into a tax audit storm.

Following Emperor Longchang's calm question.

Prince Dexin and Prince Kang both trembled in their hearts. They knew His Majesty's personality very well. Asking questions with this tone and expression is definitely not asking for their opinion.

But, can their taxes be checked? If we investigate further, I'm afraid something big is going to happen.

Immediately, Prince Dexin said bravely: "Your Majesty, please think twice. Now that we are about to conquer southern Xinjiang, we must not..."

Before he finished speaking, Emperor Longchang sneered.

The Emperor stopped paying attention to him, and looked across the entire Dingqian Hall. His voice was not loud, but it was full of the Emperor's terrifying coercion: "You all keep saying that you can't investigate, and you must put the overall situation first."

"I just want to ask you a question."

"Why is it that the Changning Wang family is investigated, the Dingguo Duke's Palace is investigated, the Anjun Prince's Palace is investigated, but you are investigated, it ruins the overall situation?"

Emperor Lingxu's invisible anger was as strong as the substance, causing everyone to lower their heads, and cold sweat kept falling on their foreheads. This is not only the power of an emperor, but also the crushing of life level and strength.

"Meng Yuanbai." Emperor Longchang said indifferently.

"I'm here." Meng Yuanbai bowed in response.

His face was pale and his whole body was wet with sweat. He understood that he was completely involved in a major event, and if he made one mistake, he might step into an abyss.

"I know that you are 'exquisite in business' and have always been 'selfless'." Emperor Longchang's tone softened slightly, "I will give you the [Canglong Sword Order] to preside over this tax inspection. If there is any disobedience or obstruction, , Kill without mercy!"

Canglong Sword Order? This is a sword order that can temporarily mobilize the national weapon [Canglong Sword]. Under this sword order, anyone who dares to act rashly will be guilty of conspiracy.

All the civil and military ministers were shocked when they heard this. Your Majesty is determined to conduct a tax inspection!

Prince Dexin was so horrified that he was sweating profusely and panicked. What should I do about this matter?

"I will not give up even if I die." Even though Meng Yuanbai had ten thousand reluctances in his heart, he did not dare to resist the order. Fortunately, with the Canglong Sword Order, at least no one would dare to interfere with the work.

Big trouble!

There are hundreds of civil and military ministers present, all of them have family businesses, and there are more or less loopholes in taxation. Once they are traced...

But who dares to disobey the power of the emperor?

"Your Majesty, although Mr. Meng is excellent at tax inspection, he still has limited manpower. It is impossible to thoroughly investigate all the families in the country." Today's Prince Deshun returned to the Great Court for the first time in hundreds of years, but he seemed particularly active. With a clear mind, "In my opinion, it is better to focus on investigating the two princes' palaces of me and Dexin, the two county princes' palaces Chengsi and Mingyuan, and the two princes' palaces Anguogong and Dingguogong, as representatives of tax inspections." .”

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

"As for other royal families and aristocratic families, they can conduct internal self-examination and self-correction first. If any omissions are found, they can go to the local government, county government, or Sancai Division to make up for the taxes."

As soon as Prince Deshun said this, all the members present except the Dexin family and the Zhao family secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Although self-examination and tax payment are very likely to break their muscles and bones, it is better than being punished. It would be nice to announce it to the world nakedly after finding out. Moreover, since it is a self-examination, it is up to you to decide how much tax to pay, and there is a lot of room for maneuver.

Instinctively and subconsciously, everyone had a good impression of Prince Deshun.

However, in the next moment, their goodwill was completely lost.

Just because Prince Deshun added: "After each royal family and aristocratic family self-examination and self-correction, the Sancai Division can conduct random inspections across the country. If any aristocratic family with omissions that have not been repaired is found, they will not only be fined a hundred times the tax. The head of the family and the The relevant accountant must bear the responsibility, and if the circumstances are serious, he can be sent to the cannon fodder camp to atone for his crimes."

Everyone suddenly broke into a cold sweat. This is too cruel. In this way, even if other family members want to cheat on taxes, the head of the family and the accountant will not do it.

"If someone reports a family for tax evasion, once verified, the reporter can be given a huge reward." "If it is an unjust accusation, it doesn't matter. The wronged family can be commended and awarded the title of 'Tax Model'. Preferential treatment will be given in every aspect.”

Measures came out of Prince Deshun's mouth one after another, as if they had been carefully considered.

Even Emperor Longchang looked at Prince Deshun with suspicion. This old guy has been fishing on the banks of the West Sea for hundreds of years, and he has made quite a lot of progress.

Emperor Longchang thought for a while and then said: "What Deshun said makes sense. In that case, let's start the investigation from Dexin, Prince Deshun's Mansion, Kang and An County Prince's Mansion, and the two major Dukes' Mansion."

"The rest of the royal family will conduct self-examination and self-correction at the same time, make up for any tax evasion within twenty years, and re-register the properties that were concealed, underrepresented, or omitted. Those who find major faults after self-examination will be severely punished."

"Retreat!"

The emperor's voice rumbled and echoed endlessly in Dingqian Hall.

The final word cannot be refuted by anyone.

"Farewell to Your Majesty."

All the civil and military ministers saluted and drank together.

…

This time the court will be extremely volatile, and as soon as the court comes, it will naturally trigger a lot of private discussions.

Emperor Longchang went to court, but did not go to the Humble Administrator's Pavilion. Instead, he went for a walk in the Imperial Garden, fed the cubs, and then planned to visit Wang Anye and several other cubs.

He was walking carelessly, his expression no longer majestic, but rather relaxed.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty." Lao Yao said with a smile, "After this tax rectification, the unhealthy tendencies of tax evasion and tax evasion in the whole country will be eliminated, and the national strength will be greatly improved."

"You old thing, you are so happy that I was used as a weapon by Wang Shouzhe?" Emperor Longchang glared angrily and said, "Honestly, have you surrendered to Prince An a long time ago and just hope that I will die soon?" , abdicated in favor of a worthy person?"

"Your Majesty is wronged~~ This old slave is your Majesty's servant in life, and your Majesty's ghost in death." Old Yao said with a "fearful" look on his face, "Old slave, I am happy for your Majesty~ You have long wanted to rectify the tax, but I haven't been able to find a suitable reason or opportunity. Isn't Wang Shouzhe's trouble now playing into your own hands? "

"You shameless old guy." After the Emperor Longchang laughed and cursed, his face gradually became solemn and he said, "I have no reason or opportunity. I just can't make up my mind. If you want to convince the public about the tax inspection, you must first start with The royal family begins. The royal family’s face is going to fall apart this time.”

"Wang Shouzhe's counterattack this time has made me determined. It's a knife when you extend your head, and it's a knife when you shrink your head. Since it's a stubborn disease, naturally the faster the knife is, the more ruthless the attack will be, and the cleaner it will be."

"Although I am old, my prestige and prestige are still there, and everyone knows that I am moody now and have a bad temper. It is still unclear how many people I will be buried with before I die. It is up to me to prevent them from messing around. No. Let’s take advantage of this opportunity to cure this stubborn disease, is it possible that we are still waiting for the new emperor to come to power and toss this matter?”

Could Emperor Longchang not know what the new emperor was like when he came to power? At that time, he had a lot of elders, a lot of relatives around him, and his own prestige was not yet established. How could he want to do something as easy as it is now?

"Your Majesty is wise." Old Yao flattered him and sighed, "It is this time that the prestige of Prince Dexin and Prince Kang will be lost."

"Then it's their own fault. They don't even dare to admit a 30% error. Isn't this enough to explain the problem?" Emperor Longchang said with a slightly dissatisfied expression, "Especially that old guy Dexin, whose own injustice has affected the entire nest. Cheng That child was not like this originally, but Dexin taught him bad things over the years."

"I just took the opportunity to hammer Wu Chengsi and make him understand that if he still wants to compete for the position of emperor's son, he must act upright and sit upright. How can he convince the public when he is covered with sieves?"

"I also hope that Prince Kang can learn from this experience and truly become a capable and responsible quasi-emperor." Old Yao agreed.

"It depends on whether he can really achieve rebirth when facing difficulties. If not, he will have to be eliminated." Emperor Longchang said calmly, "There is no room for carelessness in the battle between emperors and sons. This is about my career. The destiny of the country for thousands of years.”

"Your Majesty, Wang Shouzhe's man cannot come this time because he is carrying great righteousness to resist the decree. Do you want me to go meet him in person and then escort him to see Your Majesty?"

"Hmph! That's not necessary. Who am I? Is it possible that he can see me whenever he wants and not see me if he doesn't want to? Leave it alone, sooner or later he will beg me."

Master and slave, you say something to me, and gradually go away.

…

Almost at the same time.

After leaving the court, Meng Yuanbai immediately summoned several cronies of the Sancai Division and rushed to the Dingguo Palace in the name of tax inspection.

As soon as he entered the Duke Dingguo's mansion.

Meng Yuanbai sent his cronies out, and then grabbed Wang Yuchang, the head of the Wang family who was responsible for entertaining him: "Master Yuchang, is Wang Shouzhe still in the Wang family? Please take me to see him immediately."

"Master Meng, please be patient." Wang Yuchang calmly pulled him away, "At this hour, Shouzhe is probably still taking a nap. Don't be in a hurry, let's drink some tea and chat first."

Nap?

Meng Yuanbai's expression froze. He simply couldn't believe that Wang Shouzhe had turned Dingqian Palace upside down and implicated the whole world.

He actually still had time to take a nap?

"Master Yuchang." Meng Yuanbai resisted the urge to curse, took a deep breath and saluted, "Human lives matter, please."

Wang Yuchang looked embarrassed: "When Shouzhe is taking a nap, he doesn't like to be disturbed."

After a pause, he nodded solemnly and said: "But since it is Master Meng who invited me, then Wang will go all out. Sir, please come with me."

"Thank you, Master Yuchang." Meng Yuanbai saluted again gratefully, but he kept muttering in his heart. Seeing Wang Shouzhe, he felt as if he owed a favor.

Wang Yuchang led Meng Yuanbai to the Four Seasons Garden.

And "forcibly disturbed" Wang Shouzhe's nap.

Not long after, Wang Shouzhe received Meng Yuanbai in his study. He smiled and made tea himself and said, "Mr. Meng is here. Shouzhe is sorry for not being able to welcome you from afar."

Unexpectedly.

Meng Yuanbai stood up first and saluted deeply with a solemn face: "Master Shouzhe, Yuan Bai has offended me before. Please forgive me."

"How dare you, how dare you." Wang Shouzhe returned the courtesy, "Mr. Meng is dedicated to serving the public good. How could Shouzhe hold any grudge? What's more, it was you who proved Wang's innocence. Mr. Meng, these wild teas are Shouzhe's. The great-grandson’s unintentional harvest, although crude, has a special flavor.”

The best tea in his hand right now is, of course, the leaves of life that Wang Lixian shook off. It's just that it's too precious, and he's not willing to share it unless he's truly close to someone.

"Great-grandson, is that An Ye's child? I heard that he now lives in His Majesty's Wangxian Pavilion and is extremely favored by Your Majesty." Meng Yuanbai took a sip and praised repeatedly, "Good tea, good tea. , the head of the Shouzhe family is really a man with deep blessings, and the children are all outstanding."

"Guilong Meng's generation is also full of talented people." Wang Shouzhe smiled and complimented each other, "You can look forward to the third grade."

After the two exchanged business compliments, they gradually became familiar with each other.

Only then did Meng Yuanbai show his true face and said bitterly: "Master Shouzhe, I have learned how powerful you are with your two counterattacks. However, you have made me, Lao Meng, suffer. Now. , the Zhao family already hates me to the core. Prince Dexin and his family also regard me as a thorn in their flesh."

"Even in the future, all the big and small aristocratic families in the country will secretly curse me, Meng Yuanbai. Master Shouzhe, where does this leave me, Meng Yuanbai?"

"Congratulations to Mr. Meng, you are going to go down in history." Wang Shouzhe said with his hands in hand.

go down in history!

A genius wants to be remembered in history. The corners of Meng Yuanbai's mouth twitched: "Master Shouzhe, please don't say it's a joke. Please give me a clear path."

"Minglu? Does Mr. Meng still have thoughts of seeking refuge with Prince Kang?" Wang Shouzhe asked curiously.

"How is it possible? King Kang hates me to the core now. Moreover, he is a narrow-minded and cold-tempered person. I dare not take refuge in him." Meng Yuanbai shook his head and said with hope in his eyes, "So, for the rest of my life, I will still Please take care of me, Master Shouzhe."

"Mr. Meng, you are too polite. We are just supporting each other." Wang Shouzhe returned the courtesy with a smile, "After this matter is settled, I will introduce you to Prince An."

"Okay, okay, okay~, since Shouzhe and I are already on the same boat." Meng Yuanbai, who had just come over to seek refuge, knew very well that he should submit a "voucher of surrender," so he rolled up his sleeves and said excitedly, "This Once, Shouzhe, you will do whatever you say. From how many times Meng used a trick to guard Zhe's family head, I am afraid that this trick is not as simple as a tax audit."

"Brother Yuan Bai deserves to be the director of the Sancai Department." Wang Shouzhe smiled calmly and said, "Just check the taxes normally. But brother Yuan Bai should pay more attention to the traces of large amounts of money coming in and out of unknown sources..."

Unknown source of wealth?

Meng Yuanbai's body trembled and he looked at Wang Shouzhe in disbelief: "Could the head of the Shouzhe family mean..."

But in an instant, he suddenly became excited again: "Brother Shouzhe is indeed a good trick, Yuan Bai admires him. Don't worry, as long as he is bold enough to do it, there must be traces. Yuan Bai's men have a lot of sense of smell. A keen wizard.”

He didn't expect that as soon as he got on the boat, he would be greeted by a great achievement.

…