Protect Our Clan Leader
Chapter 1099 - 76: Shou Zhe Overturns the Grand Assembly (Seeking Subscription, Seeking Monthly Tickets)_2

Secondly, using His Majesty's summoning and commendation to boost one's reputation like this, His Majesty wouldn't blame him to his face since he has been put on the pedestal, but he will surely remember this and look for an opportunity to settle the score with interest.

Indeed, it turned out to be so.

Emperor Longchang's complexion changed unpredictably in a short span of time, and then he burst into laughter, "Shouzhe spoke well, it is the duty of the Prominent Families to pay their taxes, and even feeling honored by the commendation is justifiable."

His face portrayed an expression of utmost understanding towards Wang Shouzhe, yet inside he was cursing continuously.

You, Wang Shouzhe, His Majesty had already forgiven you a bit, yet unexpectedly, you used his summoning to enhance your own reputation. Hmph, wait and see how I will deal with you.

But Wang Shouzhe's reasons were honorable and justifiable, and it was not appropriate to argue with him in the Dingqian Hall.

The civil and military officials all chimed in with their praises for the emperor's wisdom.

Just when people thought this issue was about to be glossed over, a man stepped forward and reported, "Your Majesty, I have a matter to report."

This person was dressed in the uniform of a Fifth Grade official, standing amidst the crowd of courtiers. Yet, his appearance and demeanor were noble and imposing, instilling awe, such that no one dared to underestimate him despite his minor official status.

This was because the man was none other than Wang Zouhui, known as the "Little Ding Duke," a Divine Power Seed of the Ding Duke's Mansion.

"Oh? Zouhui, what have you got to report? Let us hear it." Upon seeing someone from the Ding Duke's Mansion, Emperor Longchang was about to give his usual rebuke. However, realizing that this was the time to elevate the Wang family to curb the Zhao Clan, he naturally wanted to give face to Wang Zouhui.

Moreover, Wang Zouhui was not young anymore and was expected to soon enter seclusion in search for an opportunity to break through to the Divine Power Territory. By then, he would be considered one of the pillars of the Great Qian Land.

"Your Majesty, I just saw several colleagues nearby scoffing when Shouzhe mentioned that paying taxes according to the law is the bare minimum for the Prominent Families," said Wang Zouhui with a face full of righteous indignation, "Out of respect for my colleagues, I shall not name names."

Upon these words.

The faces of the colleagues around him turned pale, and they cursed Wang Zouhui in their hearts for his shamelessness. Facial expressions could not be used as evidence... but now, all of them seemed to be implicated by his words.

Emperor Longchang's expression faltered slightly, showing a bit of impatience, "Zouhui, if you wish to bring an accusation, write a formal petition, but make sure it contains solid evidence."

"Exactly, what Shouzhe said is right, does even Your Majesty take no issue with it?" Wang Zouhui adopted a shocked and lamenting pose, "No wonder the many Prominent Families in the world think evading and avoiding taxes is so normal. Today Zhang San skips some, tomorrow Li Si steals a bit, and if this goes on, how shall the state continue to function, Your Majesty? You can't allow this to continue."

Emperor Longchang's face darkened, when did I ever say that it's normal for the Prominent Families to evade taxes? This cap you're trying to put on me feels familiar, could it be that this is another trick taught by that Wang Shouzhe?

"Wang Zouhui, I, of course, do not believe it is right for the Prominent Families to evade or dodge their taxes, nor would I condone it," Emperor Longchang said with some annoyance, having wanted to support the Ding Duke's Mansion but finding his kindness going unrewarded.

"In that case, it would seem that Meng Yuanbai, the Three Talents Chief, has neglected his duties," Wang Zouhui quickly shifted the blame to Meng Yuanbai.

"I %$#*..." Meng Yuanbai, who had not uttered a word until now, his eyelids flickering as he urgently called out, "Your Majesty, I've been wronged. Ever since I took charge of the Three Talents Section, I've always performed my duties to the fullest."

"If you've performed your duties to the fullest, then why is the tax evasion and avoidance among the Prominent Families so severe? So severe that every family thinks it's okay to skim a little here and there, as long as they don't overdo it? Isn't this culture the mistake of your Three Talents Section?" Wang Zouhui accused him staunchly, like a cannon directly aiming at Meng Yuanbai.

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

Wang Shouzhe had just forced him to stab the An Duke's Mansion halfway to death using his hand; he was still apprehensive and afraid, unsure of how to face the Zhao Clan and his benefactor Zhao Hongbo in the future.

Yet unexpectedly, despite being in such a dire situation, the Wang family was still unwilling to let him go. Was Wang Shouzhe retaliating? Retaliating openly, as revenge for him making things difficult for the Wang family.

"Your Majesty, I am wronged," Meng Yuanbai repeated urgently to Emperor Longchang, "The evasion and dodging of taxes by the Prominent Families is an age-old problem, not due to my dereliction of duty, I hope for Your Majesty's discernment." The longstanding habit of the Prominent Families to evade taxes was an unspoken understanding, wasn't it?

"Oh, Sir Meng, that's not right," Wang Zouhui mocked, "Are you saying that the previous tax investigation on the Changning Wang Clan was a sham? Or are you implying that despite tax evasion by the Changning Wang Clan, you falsely reported their taxes as clean and exemplary of a Prominent Family paying its dues? Sir Meng, this would be a crime of deceiving the emperor."

Deceiving the emperor my ass.

Meng Yuanbai cursed inwardly non-stop, sweat beading on his forehead as a ominous premonition loomed over him, yet he could only reassert his innocence, "Your Majesty, I have been falsely accused. There is no issue with Changning Wang Clan's taxation, all the reports and financial records are on file in the Three Talents Section, and Your Majesty is free to have them checked at any time."

"My apologies, Sir Meng, I must have wronged you," Wang Zouhui hastily bowed and apologized, "Indeed, Sir Meng's investigative skills are second to none in Da Qian, capable of quickly resolving the cases of 'Tax Evasion by Changning Wang Clan' and 'Treason and Smuggling by the An Duke's Mansion' both efficiently and effectively, showcasing exceptional talents."

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