Protect Our Clan Leader

Chapter 1037: Chapter 63: Autumn Wind Rises! The Great Emperor Misses Wang Shouzhe (Seeking Monthly Votes)_5 Chapter 1037: Chapter 63: Autumn Wind Rises! The Great Emperor Misses Wang Shouzhe (Seeking Monthly Votes)_5 Moreover, as the head of the Three Talents Section, in charge of tax collection and land management, he was more aware than anyone else of just how much land the Changning Wang Clan had cleared over the years, and how considerable the taxes they paid had been.

You see, in order to acquire enough territory, prominent families would often choose to clear new land, but doing so inherently came with certain dangers. Hence, out of concern for safety, they would generally stop clearing land once there was enough for their family to establish a secure living, turning instead to manage it.

Only the Changning Wang Clan continued to clear one piece of land after another without pause, as if they intended to turn the entire outer region of the Southern Wilderness into their own backyard.

He had never seen any other prominent family more enthusiastic about land clearing than the Changning Wang Clan.

From his position as head of the Three Talents Section, he actually quite liked families like the Changning Wang Clan. After all, the land they had cleared was property of the Great Qian Land, and he could just sit back and wait for the taxes to roll in without lifting a finger—what was not to like?

This rare hesitation led him to say, “Minister, this Changning Wang Clan…”

“What, are you also intimidated by the power of An Commandery Prince and dare not investigate?” Seeing his hesitation, Zhao Hongbo put down his pen and glanced at him briefly.

Those deep and chilly eyes, even with a light glance, exuded an indescribable deterrence.

Meng Yuanbai felt a chill in his heart and sweat suddenly dripped down, “No, Elder Zhao, you misunderstand. Since there has been a report, as the head of the Three Talents Section, it is indisputably my duty. I will investigate this immediately, right away.”

With that, he bowed deeply, intending to take his leave.

However, before he could utter his farewell, he heard Zhao Hongbo’s voice, “This case involves the evasion and underpayment of taxes by a prominent family, and the amount is substantial. This is no longer just within the authority of the Three Talents Section. I have already had someone inform the Inspectorate and the Judicial Office. The Three Talents Section will lead, while the three offices work together to investigate this matter thoroughly. Yuanbai, do not disappoint me.”

The last sentence, like a heavy stone, weighed upon him, filling Meng Yuanbai with gravity, leaving no room for any wishful thinking.

He raised his hand in salute, solemnly promising, “Yes, Minister. Yuanbai understands what to do.”

He understood that the Minister was telling him that this time, he was determined to carry the investigation to the end and that he shouldn’t even think about secretly tipping off the Changning Wang Clan or trying to avoid offending both sides.

If he wished to continue holding the comfortable post of Three Talents Section Head, he had to fully stand by Zhao Ge Elder this time, and assist him in resolving this matter thoroughly.

Having held the position of Three Talents Section Head for many years, one thing Meng Yuanbai knew all too well was that there wasn’t a prominent family under the heavens that didn’t evade or underpay its taxes.

This was an open secret.

After all, every prominent family owned countless industries, and if they all conscientiously paid their taxes, the sum due would often be enormous.

Therefore, almost every family would employ some means to avoid a portion of their taxes—the only difference was the extent to which they did so.

However, as long as they didn’t overdo it, the government would turn a blind eye.

That’s why, when it came to tax evasion by the prominent families, practically every single report was accurate upon investigation.

He had no idea who penned the report this time, nor did he know who was behind the attempt to target the Changning Wang Clan—his only certainty was that Changning Wang Clan was in deep trouble this time around.

…

Several days passed.

In the main residence of the Great Qian Wang Clan, there was the Four Seasons Garden.

Though not large, this garden was meticulously cultivated and managed through formations and planting to create distinct seasons within its limited space. Ten steps would change the scene, and a hundred steps would bring a different season.

This luxurious undertaking may have been extravagant, but Wang Shouzhe found it quite comfortable.

More pleasing to him was the escape from the complex affairs of the family and the clamor of a bunch of rowdy kids. Wang Shouzhe liked children and was deeply attached to his family, but the peace of stealing half a day of leisure was truly too comfortable.

Each day, he would chat with the Family Head and the Elders of the Great Qian Wang Clan about future plans and drink Spiritual Tea in an unhurried and free manner.

His miniature Carry-on Cave Mansion was temporarily unfolded inside the room, accessible at any time.

Although it was called miniature, the actual space was not small. Upon entering, the first thing that caught the eye was a simple, rustic wooden hut that still preserved a certain charm.

From the new recruits’ barracks, he received the protective Puppet Wang Shouzu. As tall as an average person and exquisitely crafted, it was difficult to tell that he was merely a puppet. Yet, beneath this unpretentious exterior, he possessed strength comparable to the advanced stages of the Purple Abode Realm.

Furthermore, Wang Shouzu was a protective type of puppet, excellent in defense though slightly lacking in offense. Once fully activated, he could hold off a Cultivator of the Divine Power Realm for a short time.

With an additional “Protection of the Legion Commander,” even an enemy of the Divine Power Realm would likely find it difficult to gain an advantage.

This was one of the current foundations of Wang Shouzhe’s confidence, one of the family’s reserves of strength.

Only now had the Changning Wang Clan truly earned the right to stand tall amongst the many prominent families of Da Qian, free from the need to constantly walk on eggshells.

That day, Wang Shouzhe was being lazy again.

Within his Carry-on Cave Mansion, in front of the wooden hut, he lazily reclined in a Taishi Chair, eyes half-closed. Behind him, the Puppet Wang Shouzu held a cattail fan, fanning him. Regardless of whether it was hot or not, it was all about the atmosphere.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by novlove.com