Protect Our Clan Leader
Chapter 1103 - 77: Making Waves with One Hand! Lord Meng Surrenders (Seeking Monthly Votes)_3

"As those holding the titles of Prince, Commandery Prince, and Duke, we ought to set the standard for the entire realm,"

"As for the other members of the Imperial family and Prominent Families, they may begin by conducting internal audits. If they discover any oversights, they should proceed to their local Government Office, Prefecture Mansion, or Three Talents Section to make up the tax payments."

Once Prince Dede uttered these words, every member present, except for those from the Zhao Clan and the lineage of Prince De Xin, secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Although internal auditing and repayments of taxes could potentially hit hard, it was much better than having one's misconduct exposed nakedly to the entire realm after an investigation. Moreover, since it was a self-audit, how much tax to make up would be at their discretion, which left considerable room for maneuver.

Instinctively, the audience felt a bit of fondness for Prince Dede.

However, in the next instant, their fondness had completely vanished.

All because Prince Dede added, "After each Imperial family and Prominent Family performs their self-audit, the Three Talents Section will then conduct a nationwide random check. If any Prominent Family is found to have discrepancies that were not amended, they will be subjected to a fine amounting to a hundred times the unpaid taxes. The Family Head and related accountants must take responsibility, and in severe cases, they may be sent to the Cannon Fodder Camp to atone through service."

A cold sweat broke out among all present. This was simply too ruthless. With such measures, even if other family members wanted to engage in tax fraud, neither the Family Head nor the accountants would agree.

"If someone reports tax evasion by a Prominent Family and it is verified, the reporter will receive a substantial reward." "Even if it is a false accusation, no matter, recognition will be given to the wronged Prominent Family and they will be awarded the title of 'Tax Model,' with the City Guard Mansion and Prefecture Mansion providing favorable treatment in all aspects."

Each measure, articulated by Prince Dede, seemed to have been thoroughly considered beforehand.

Even Emperor Longchang could not help goggling at Prince Dede, surprised by his clever strategies perhaps gleaned from centuries of fishing beside the Western Sea.

After a moment of contemplation, Emperor Longchang said, "The words of Dede are sensible. If that is the case, then let the investigations begin with the household of Prince De Xin, Prince Dede's mansion, the provinces under the jurisdiction of the Commandery Princes of Kang and An, along with the two great Duke's Manors."

"The rest of the Imperial family and Prominent Families should simultaneously conduct their self-audits, making up for any missed taxes from the last twenty years and registering any undisclosed, underdeclared or missing assets anew. After the self-audit, severe action shall be meted out to those who are discovered to have committed major offenses."

"Adjourn the assembly!"

The Emperor's voice resounded unstoppably within the Dingqian Hall.

His verdict was final, brooking no objection.

"May the Emperor be respectfully seen off."

The ministers, both civil and military, bowed in unison, chanting in one voice.

...

This session of the Grand Assembly stirred up significant tumult, and naturally, it triggered considerable private discussions right after its conclusion.

Emperor Longchang left the assembly but instead of heading to Zhuozheng Pavilion, he wandered into the Imperial Garden, feeding the young wolf cubs and then planning to swing by for a visit with Wang Anye and the other unruly children.

He strolled nonchalantly, his expression losing all sternness and instead adopting an air of relaxed ease.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty," Old Yao said with a smile. "With this reformation in tax affairs, the nation will eradicate the corrupt practice of tax evasion, and the national power will surely experience a significant boost."

"You old creature, I got used by Wang Shouzhe as a scapegoat, and you're still so happy about it?" Emperor Longchang scowled and said, "Tell me honestly, have you already pledged your allegiance to An Commandery Prince, hoping that I would depart this world sooner and abdicate in favor of the wise?"

"Your Majesty, you wrong me—In life I am Your Majesty's servant, and in death I will be Your Majesty's ghost," Old Yao pleaded with an air of 'fear', "I share in Your Majesty's happiness—you had long wanted to reform the tax system but just hadn't found the right pretext or opportunity. Now that Wang Shouzhe has stirred up this issue, isn't it exactly what you desired?"

"The shameless old rascal," Emperor Longchang chided with a laugh, but soon his expression turned solemn, "It's not that I lacked pretext or opportunity, but I struggled to make up my mind. To convince everyone about taxing, it must begin with the Royal family. The Royal family's reputation, this time, is likely to suffer."

"Wang Shouzhe's counterattack has finally helped me make up my mind. Whether I act or hesitate, the outcome is the same. Since this is a deep-rooted problem, the cut should be swift and ruthless, the cleaner the better."

"Though I am old, my authority and prestige still prevail, and everyone knows of my capriciousness; my temper is not to be tested. Before I die, pulling a few down with me is not beyond the possibilities. If not now, when should I resolve these issues? Should I wait for the new Emperor to struggle with them after coming into power?"

Did Emperor Longchang not know the initial state of affairs when a new Emperor ascends to the throne? At that time, surrounded by senior kinsmen and in-laws, with his own authority yet unestablished, how could he act as freely as now?

"Your Majesty is truly wise," Old Yao flattered and sighed, "It's just that through this event, the influence of Prince De Xin and the Commandery Prince of Kang will suffer."

"That is their own fault for not daring to acknowledge even a thirty percent error—doesn't that say it all?" Emperor Longchang spoke with a trace of dissatisfaction, "Especially that old rascal De Xin, his misconduct rubs off on the entire group. Chengsi wasn't like this originally, these past years it's all De Xin's bad influence."

"Incidentally, it's a good opportunity to give Wu Chengsi a stark reminder. If he wants to contend for the position of Emperor's son, he must walk the straight path. How can someone full of defects convince everyone?"

"I too hope that after this ordeal, the Commandery Prince of Kang will genuinely reflect and emerge as a capable and responsible potential Emperor," Old Yao concurred.

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