The reason why the entire Jingdong East Road was able to return to peace so quickly was actually because the Tax Commissioner was the key reason. On the one hand, they severely struck the bandits in Qizhou, truly fulfilling Zhang Fei's original promise that even bandits had to pay taxes.
On the other hand, we also use force to intimidate the big landlords and local dignitaries. Even if you incite public resentment, I will collect the money. Even the Buddha cannot stop you.
As for when did Jingdong East Road slowly return to peace? It was not after the public security, procuratorial and judicial decisions, but after the government became rich, because with money in hand, any problem can be settled.
The people had no means of livelihood, so they invested money directly in building water conservancy projects and creating employment opportunities.
Look at Fan Chunren, Qian Yi and others. When they stayed out of the matter, they talked about great principles with Wang Anshi every day, but when they got involved, didn't they talk about finance all the time and never mention interest?
Whether it is the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs, or the new policies, they all essentially revolve around finance.
The world is in peace, and everyone is seeking profit.
Of course, this was only temporary. The dignitaries in Jingdong East Road were intimidated by the toughness of the Tax Commissioner. These guys only cared about money and not their lives, and their methods were despicable and shameless, which was different from other government offices.
For the time being, they can only keep a low profile, but as long as there is an opportunity, they will fight back. This is a long-term game.
And this year, Jingdong Road will also experience the ultimate baptism of the Tax Commissioner.
...
...
The last time we collected the exemption tax, it was just a small thing, not much money actually, but everyone thought that if you were allowed to collect it, you would definitely make it worse.
That's the truth.
This year, the capital region will adopt a unified tax system with six tiers, with the highest tier levying a total tax of 15%.
This is nothing new to ordinary people, but the problem is that the total tax is determined based on income, and this 15 percent only targets the rich and powerful.
There are numerous powerful people in the capital, and Zhao Xu is very much looking forward to this. Hezhong Prefecture has already created a miracle, and the capital must break the myth!
However, on the first day that the Taxation Commissioner started work, some bad news reached Zhao Xu.
"Your Majesty, news just came from Li Bao that the tax bureau found that some large landowners secretly placed their land in the name of Prince Chang."
A guard reported to Zhao Xu.
"Asshole!"
Zhao Xu immediately became angry and said, "Who asked them to investigate Prince Chang?"
To be honest, when the investigation reaches the royal family, the emperor will not talk about fairness or justice.
The guard hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, calm down. Li Bao did not investigate King Chang. They investigated those landowners and found out that they had entrusted their land to King Chang."
Because this tax reform was based on the exemption tax, which included all officials and dignitaries. But Wang Anshi did not dare to include the royal family.
Zhao Xu thought for a moment, "Can I keep it secret?"
The guard said, "Li Bao thinks this is not very safe, because those who inspect the taxes are all rewarded, not Li Bao's confidants. He can't guarantee that these people will not leak the news."
"This Prince Chang almost ruined my plans!"
Zhao Xu frowned and said, "Well, you go tell Li Bao how much they found out. If it's true, they will fine him accordingly. I will also ask Prince Chang to return the land immediately. I will make sure this matter doesn't leak out."
"As you command."
There was no way. The people in the Taxation Bureau lived on bounties. After investigating for so long, they finally found out about this huge fortune. If they found out that Prince Chang returned the land, they would definitely know that it was a secret reported by their superiors, and they would definitely not want to do that. So the bounty had to be paid, and Prince Chang had to be asked to return the land. In any case, the matter should not be brought to the imperial court.
It goes without saying that if Prince Chang takes office, all officials will punish Prince Chang to death. Just as your brother punished us, we will punish you.
Zhao Xu immediately went to find Queen Mother Cao. This matter was too serious and royal relatives should not mess around. If they were caught, they would have to bear the consequences themselves.
It's impossible that you would give up money just for the sake of face.
Han Mansion.
“Ahem!”
Han Qi sat down with the help of the old servant and asked Han Zhongyan beside him, "I heard that Zhang San's wife gave birth?"
Han Zhongyan nodded and said, "I heard that Zhang Xu and his concubine each gave birth to a baby boy yesterday. Should we send someone to congratulate them?"
Han Qi said: "Send someone to deliver a gift."
"yes."
At this time, the old man came to the door and said, "Master, there are two tax police outside. They said they are here to deliver the tax bill to our family."
Han Zhongyan said, "By the way, it seems that the tax commissioner will officially start collecting taxes from today. The first step is to issue tax bills, and tax payments will begin in October."
Han Qi nodded and said to the old man, "Bring me the tax bill."
The old man said, "Yes, I will get it right away."
"Didn't you take it just now?"
"Little man..."
"Go get it now."
Han Qi waved his hand and shook his head in distress, "You are already in your forties, and you still make such a mistake."
Han Zhongyan said awkwardly: "It's not his fault."
Who is so blind as to send the tax bill to the Han Mansion? Is he trying to kill himself?
Of course, the old man would first ask Han Qi about his attitude before deciding whether to take the tax bill.
Soon, the old man returned to the hall and handed an exquisite envelope to Han Zhongyan.
Han Zhongyan took the envelope and looked at it, and couldn't help but laugh: "The tax bills of this tax commissioner are getting more and more exquisite, and they are all wrapped in envelopes."
Han Qi chuckled and said, "These are filled with gold, silver and jewelry. It would be appropriate to make them more exquisite!"
"Dad is right."
Han Zhongyan handed the envelope to Han Qi again.
Han Qi waved his hand: "Take it apart."
Han Qi carefully opened the envelope, took out the tax bill, and exclaimed, "There are three of them?"
Han Qi asked, "So many?"
"Daddy, please look."
Han Zhongyan hurriedly brought it over.
Han Qi took it and looked at it from a distance. The column above had various options, which made his scalp tingle. "Does our family have so many types of income?"
Han Zhongyan also knew nothing.
Han Qi handed it to the old man and said, "Take a look."
The old man took it and looked at it carefully, "It's almost the same."
Han Qi asked: "Yes, yes, no, yes, what do you mean by almost?"
The old man said, "Our family does have this much income, but this is the first time I've seen such a detailed division, and I can't react for a while."
Han Qi chuckled and said, "This tax commissioner really lives up to his reputation!"
Zeng Mansion.
"Can anyone tell me what this reward is?"
Zeng Gongliang shook the tax bill and asked his son and the old man.
The old man hurriedly said, "I have inquired about it, and it seems to refer to the government's reward."
"How can this be possible!"
Zeng Gongliang slammed the tax bill on the table and said, "This tax commissioner is really going too far. He even doesn't let go of the government's rewards."
Although he was fair and selfless, he also valued money like his life. He would not talk about corruption or bribery, but he attached great importance to his salary. If there was a penny less, he would ask for clarification. But asking him for more money would be like asking his life for death!
His eldest son Zeng Xiaozong said: "Father, why don't you explain this to the emperor?"
Zeng Gongliang glanced at him and asked, "Who is the immediate superior of the Commissioner of Taxation?"
".!"
Zeng Xiaozong suddenly realized that the tax commissioner’s boss was the emperor.
Zeng Gongliang felt more and more distressed. "But I have to talk to the emperor. The emperor gives rewards to ministers just to show his favor, but why do they have to collect taxes in the middle? Besides, the taxes are already high enough, so why do they not even let go of this little reward?"
Qi Building.
"Take care, two tax police officers."
The owner Qi Zhen bowed to the two tax police officers.
“Excuse me!”
The two tax police officers just nodded slightly and left.
As soon as they left, Qi Zhen hurriedly opened the envelope and read it over and over again. He couldn't help but curse, "These tax policemen really want to include my dung bucket in the calculation."
When the exemption tax was first introduced, these businessmen were very supportive because it could exempt them from yamen service. But now it is calculated as a total tax, and when they look at the tax bill, their minds are filled with swear words.
Paying taxes is a painful experience for everyone.
"master!"
The shopkeeper suddenly came out and whispered, "I heard that the tax commissioner specializes in investigating powerful people. Whether in Hezhong Prefecture or Jingdong East Road, there are many small merchants who pay less secretly, and no one catches them. Those tax police live on bonuses, so they must be targeting the big fish."
After hearing this, Qi Zhen suddenly squinted at the shopkeeper and said, "Old Liu, I heard that the tax commissioner loves to bribe people like you who are in charge of accounts."
"Oh! Master, I have been with you for so many years and have always been loyal to you. How could I possibly betray you?"
"What if I give you 10,000 strings of cash?"
"One hundred thousand strings of cash."
The shopkeeper shuddered all over.
"I knew you guys couldn't believe it."
Qi Zhen snorted angrily, turned around and left.
The shopkeeper looked aggrieved, "Our shop is not even worth 10,000 strings of cash. Who would offer 10,000 strings of cash to bribe me? It's really a case of good intentions not being rewarded."
Zhang family.
Two tax police officers stood in front of the door, looking inside and then looking at each other, looking very nervous.
After a while, Li Si came out and asked, "What can I do for you, two tax officers?"
One of the tax police said, "Brother Four, I'm so sorry. We didn't know there was a happy event in your house today, and the higher-ups asked us to deliver the tax bill to your house. Look here..."
As he spoke, he handed over a tax bill tremblingly. These tax police were fearless except for Zhang San. After all, the tax commissioner needed to rely on the procuratorate to prosecute.
"It's okay. It's okay."
Li Si took the tax bill and said, "Don't leave yet, my third brother is having a double celebration today. Everyone who comes to our house will receive wedding money and gifts."
"Oh! We don't dare to do that. We don't dare."
The two tax policemen kept waving their hands, but their legs did not move at all.
"We must take the wedding money today to make our third brother happy."
Soon, Li Si called a servant and brought two portions of wedding money to baptize.
"Not much, just for the celebration."
"Thank you very much! Thank you very much!"
The two tax policemen weighed the money in their hands, and it was at least a hundred coins. They just came to deliver a tax bill, and they would be scolded if they went to other people's houses, but they could get money here, which was really great.
Yesterday afternoon and evening, Xu Zhiqian and Gao Wenyin gave birth to a son for Zhang Fei respectively, which made Zhang Fei very happy. The son was secondary. The most important thing was that both wives were safe and sound.
You have to know that Zhang Fei has no confidence in the ancient way of delivering children. He was so anxious yesterday that he almost wet his pants, especially when Gao Wenyin gave birth, which took a full hour.
It's really torture.
Today, Zhang Fei directly took out 10,000 strings of cash and went to various temples and Taoist temples in the capital. He didn't believe in these things at all, but he could only pray to the gods yesterday and fulfill his wish.
When everyone heard the news, they rushed here immediately. Now everyone knows that Zhang Fei is the new upstart in the court, and this relationship must be maintained!
At this time, the courtyard was full of guests and friends, and it was very lively.
Of course, Sima Guang and Wang Anshi appeared at the Zhang family at the same time as usual.
What a bad fate.
At this time, the two were sitting in the inner hall talking with Xu Zun and Zhang Fei.
"You two have been very kind to Zhang San. This kid is where he is today, all thanks to your support. Why don't you give my two little grandchildren one?"
Xu Zun told Sima Guang and Wang Anshi.
Zhang Fei nodded repeatedly and said, "Yes! The two scholars also know that my education is basically at the level of Zhang San."
Sima Guang chuckled, "Do you know that you haven't made any progress yet?"
“I don’t have the talent.”
"I don't think you're that diligent."
“This is one of the few times I agree with him.”
Wang Anshi chuckled.
Sima Guang glared at him, and then said to Xu Zun: "With Zhongtu here, it is not our turn to name it."
Xu Zun said hurriedly: "I have a selfish motive. I just want my two precious grandchildren to have a touch of your nobleness. I hope you can give them names!"
"OK."
Wang Anshi was not as slow as Sima Guang. After a moment's hesitation, he said, "How about calling this young man Zhang Xing?"
Zhang Fei thought to himself, Damn! You are too casual. Is there any difference between Zhang Xing and Zhang San? I can choose one too! He couldn't help but ask, "Master Wang, is there any particularity in this?"
Wang Anshi said: "Your son was born when the country was prosperous, so the single name "Xing" is very appropriate."
Xu Zun laughed and said, "Good, good, good! I'm excited, excited, what an exciting thing! The truth is that simplicity is the best way."
Xing? Xin? Zhang Fei immediately realized that you really know how to name something, and nodded, "Okay, let's call him Zhang Xing."
After saying that, Zhang Fei looked at Sima Guang again.
Sima Guang could hear the hidden meaning of Wang Anshi's words. Moreover, Wang Anshi also emphasized Da Lang, so he could only name him Er Lang to suppress him. He stroked his beard and said, "Why not call Er Lang Bu Zhi?"
Zhang Buzhi? Isn't this too confusing? You two are teasing me on purpose. Zhang Fei felt dizzy.
Sima Guang said: "The way of heaven is like drawing a bow. The high is suppressed, and the low is raised. The excess is reduced, and the deficiency is supplemented. The most difficult thing in this world is to reduce the excess and supplement the deficiency. This is because the way of man is to reduce the deficiency to serve the excess."
Having said this, he glanced at Wang Anshi out of the corner of his eye.
Zhang Fei knew these words, which came from the Tao Te Ching. It was precisely because of these words that he admired Lao Tzu very much. It was incredible that he could say these words at that time.
The law of nature is like drawing a bow and shooting an arrow. If the string is pulled high, lower it a little; if it is low, raise it a little; if it is pulled too full, loosen it a little; if it is not pulled enough, add some. The law of nature is to reduce the surplus to supplement the shortage. But the law of society is not like this. It is to reduce the shortage to give to those who have more.
It is really concise and to the point, and it is a truly earth-shattering existence. In Zhang Fei's opinion, it is better than all the philosophies in the world, because this point has never changed for thousands of years, both in ancient and modern times, in China and abroad.
Lao Tzu's view on saints is to govern the country according to the way of heaven.
Fortunately, this sentence has not become the standard of a saint, otherwise, there would be no saints.
Obviously, Sima Guang was satirizing Wang Anshi's new policy, which was nothing more than the way of man, taking from the poor to support the rich. In plain words, it was to harm the people and collect money for the country.
Wang Anshi was immediately filled with anger, but he did not dare to say that he was following the way of heaven. He believed that he was robbing the rich to help the country, not the poor. However, his philosophy was not to rob the poor to help the rich.
It's just a name, but you have to make use of it.
This is too much!
Sima Guang thought, wasn't it you who started it? He added, "And his father's legal system is only to protect the legitimate rights and interests of individuals, which is insufficient protection, but not supplementation. Besides, his brother's name is Xing, which means the prosperity of the country. The younger brother assists the older brother, and the supplement will prosper."
After this deception, Zhang Fei actually believed it.
But Wang Anshi was very unhappy. You are forcing my new policy with your bare hands! He said, "Junshi, how come one of these brothers has a single name and the other has a double name?"
In ancient times, people either used single names or double names.
Sima Guang said: "You can change it to a double name."
Wang Anshi snorted angrily, "Why should I change it? I took it first, so you should follow me, and I should follow you, my brother."
"You don't understand that elders come first."
Sima Guang hinted that he was two years older than Wang Anshi, but you were competing to help Dalang name him.
Wang Anshi snorted, "The competent ones are at the top."
Sima Guang retorted: "Virtue comes first."
"You are doing it for your own personal virtues, and I am doing it for the world?"
"If you don't have personal morality, how can you talk about the world?"
"You two, please stop arguing."
Xu Zun was sweating profusely, regretting that they had come to name him, and hurriedly persuaded them: "One odd and one even, that's not bad either, there's no shortage of odd and even numbers, it's auspicious, really auspicious."
Given their tempers, it is impossible for either of them to give in, and they can only accept it all.
Zhang Fei also nodded repeatedly, feeling very aggrieved. You are using my son to make trouble for me. You are really bad elders!
Wang Anshi said, "No, he said that if we make up for it, it will flourish. He really wants to suppress me."
Sima Guang said, "You spoke first, don't you want to suppress me?"
Wang Anshi was so angry that he blew his beard and glared: "It's like this again. In the court, he dithered on judicial reform, but he complained that I was too fast. There is no way to reason with you."
"This concerns the whole world. What's wrong with being a step slower?" Sima Guang said with confidence, waving his sleeves.
"You mean slow? You mean you don't allow others to be faster than you."
"Before the judicial reform, didn't I advise you to think twice before you act? You just wouldn't listen."
"You sound like you're listening to advice?"
"Why wouldn't I listen? Whenever I encounter a problem, I humbly ask Zhang San for advice."
"I asked for advice, too."
Wang Anshi pointed at Zhang Fei and said, "Zhang San, you come and judge this matter."
Sima Guang said, "Zhang San, just speak your mind, and speak fairly and impartially."
"I!"
Zhang Fei glanced at Wang Anshi, then at Sima Guang, with an embarrassed look on his face.
At this time, Li Si suddenly said at the door: "Third brother, there are distinguished guests at home."
"I'll be right there."
Zhang Fei was immediately as if he had been pardoned, and he said to Sima Guang and Wang Anshi: "You two, I have to go and entertain the distinguished guests first. Excuse me, excuse me."
Without waiting for their reply, Zhang Fei disappeared.
After leaving the door, Zhang Fei asked Li Si again: "Li Si, did the government send someone here?"
Li Si shook his head and said, "No, the tax commissioner sent someone to deliver the tax bill to our family. I didn't want to call you Third Brother, but I saw that Third Brother seemed to be in a difficult situation, so I said that."
"Li Si!"
Zhang Fei patted Li Si's shoulder heavily, "Of course! You have become more and more clever recently."
Li Si chuckled and said, "I learned all this from my third brother."
When he arrived at the front yard, Zhang Fei suddenly found that the atmosphere was a little strange. Whether it was wealthy businessmen or officials, they all gathered in groups of three or five, muttering to themselves.
He quietly came behind Chen Maoqian and Fan Yong and asked, "What are you guys talking about? You're talking so mysteriously."
"Sanlang is here."
Several people had different expressions.
Zhang Fei glanced at them and said with a smile: "You should be talking about the tax bill."
Chen Maoqian laughed and said, "Nothing can be hidden from Sanlang."
Fan Yong said, "Sanlang, the exemption tax didn't seem like a big deal before, but now it's the total tax, it's a lot of money!"
"Who says it's not?"
Zhang Fei picked up the tax bill and said, "This tax bureau is really blind. On my big day, they actually came to my house to give me this thing. It's really shameless!"
Fan Yong smiled awkwardly, "That's right, that's right."
I thought to myself, why are you pretending? Didn't you make all this? The only person in the world who could make a tax bill so detailed is Zhang Daye, who is known for his meticulous writing skills.
Chen Maoqian's eyes turned and he said, "Sanlang, don't blame me for not reminding you. The three tricks of the tax commissioner are well known to everyone in the capital. Many people don't keep accounts, or let their relatives do the accounting. It's not easy for the tax commissioner to check the accounts."
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "This is none of our business. We only look at the evidence. So you can rest assured. As long as you can find a way to evade taxes and the tax department can't find any evidence, I promise you won't be sued."
Chen Maoqian hurriedly said, "Oh! Sanlang, you are really exaggerating. We are all good citizens. How dare we evade taxes? Haha!"
A group of people were laughing awkwardly there.
“Third brother!”
"Zhang San!"
Suddenly, two familiar shouts were heard.
Zhang Fei looked back hastily, only to see Cao Dongdong and Ma Xiaoyi rushing in, exhausted and covered with horse whips in hand.
Then Fu Shichun walked in gracefully and calmly.
"When will you three be back?"
Zhang Fei was overjoyed and walked over excitedly.
Ma Xiaoyi said, "We just came back. We heard that you, Third Brother, gave birth to two sons in one day, so we came here to congratulate you without even going home. Congratulations, congratulations."
This sounded strange. Zhang Fei smiled and nodded, "Thank you! Thank you!" Then he wondered, "But I didn't hear that the court summoned you back?"
Cao Dongdong said: "My father asked me to come back and take charge of the police station in Beijing. But it's good this way. My father went to the northwest, and I don't want to stay there anymore."
Ma Xiaoyi said: "My father also asked me to come back and take care of the family business."
Zhang Fei was stunned for a moment, then he realized that Cao Ping must still be worried about them going through the world alone, and still hoped that they would stay with him.
Only Fu Shichun knew this, and he just nodded to Zhang Fei awkwardly.
The meaning is very clear, that is, Cao Ping does not think highly of them.
Cao Dongdong's cunning eyes suddenly looked around, "Where is my sister-in-law Gao?"
"Your sister-in-law Gao!"
As soon as the words came out, Zhang Fei frowned and said, "What do you mean?"
"Ahem, I... I want to ask about my two nephews. Can I come and take a look at them?"
"It's still small now, it's not convenient to carry it out, let's come back later."
Zhang Fei glared at him unhappily and said, "Come on, I'll go and welcome you."
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