Since you've collected shop tax, land tax, and corvée labor tax, why haven't you recorded it clearly in this book? And you still say this is deceiving your superiors and concealing the truth?

Magistrate Li had forgotten this point and suddenly became flustered, unsure how to defend himself.

Zhu Yunwen then continued to ask:

"Even if you have already implemented part of the old policy and there is no way to implement a new policy, you can only continue with the existing policy to the end."

So all these taxes collected should be clearly recorded and reported to the court, but you are filling them out according to the new regulations.

And what happened to all that extra tax revenue? You pocketed it yourself, didn't you?"

Magistrate Li's forehead was already sweating. The loophole was indeed huge, and he couldn't think of any words to defend himself.

Zhu Yunwen, however, had no patience to wait any longer and slammed his hand on the table, shouting:

"I'm asking you a question, answer quickly, what are you waiting for?"

The magistrate, Li, was so frightened that he trembled and hurriedly said:

"Your Highness...I...I know I was wrong...I...deserve to die...Please...Your Highness, forgive my sins..."

Your Majesty... does indeed intend to take advantage of this transition between the old and new policies to gain some benefit... and wants to implement the court's new policies during the next tax collection period...

Fortunately, this time, I took advantage of this loophole to make a fortune... I was blinded by greed... I deeply regret my actions and beg Your Highness, please show leniency..."

Zhu Yunwen gritted his teeth and roared:

"You scoundrel, how dare you use tax revenue to deceive your superiors and line your own pockets? You have some nerve!"

Who gave you the courage to deceive the imperial court like this? Who gave you the audacity to deceive the people of this region in such a way?

Magistrate Li was trembling all over. Seeing Zhu Yunwen's anger, he was terrified and could only keep kowtowing and begging for mercy.

Zhu Yunwen clearly could not tolerate such a thing.

He then directly rebuked:

"Guards, drag him out and behead him in the street, and announce the truth to the people of Baicheng."

As soon as Zhu Yunwen finished speaking, Imperial Guards immediately stepped forward to drag Magistrate Li away.

However, at that moment, in a moment of urgency, Magistrate Li suddenly spoke up:

"Your Highness... wait a moment... I have something extremely important to report to you... I only beg you to spare my life..."

Zhu Yunwen frowned and scolded:

"What is it? Tell me first."

Magistrate Li breathed a sigh of relief and looked at Zhu Yunwen, saying:

"Your Highness, Zhu Yunwen has allied with Goryeo and Dongdao to prepare to attack the Ming Dynasty during this period."