In the evening, Tina, with tears in her eyes, ran into the White Stone Building.

After a while, Woolley, who was sitting opposite Tina in the living room and listening to her story, frowned.

Seeing Wu Lai's expression, Tina couldn't help sobbing again.

"If crying can solve the problem, why would you come to me?" Wu Lai softened his heart when he saw Tina's tearful face. "Where's your uncle Quentin? He has a good relationship with Doggie."

"Uncle Quentin went to see Master Doggie, but they didn't meet. Master Doggie told his servants to tell him that there was no room for negotiation on this matter." Tina replied, "The tax collector's demand document was stamped with the seal of the governor, ordering Grindelwald Manor to pay the full amount of more than 42,000 silver coins within three days."

More than 700 gold coins, this Doggie is really ruthless. While thinking, Wu Lai asked: "Tina, as far as you know, has Greendo Manor evaded taxes? Tell the truth."

Tina hesitated for a moment and nodded gently: "But there is no manor that does not evade taxes. This is too common. My mother said that in many cases, tax collectors will find ways to help us evade taxes so that they can get benefits."

It seems that the other party's evidence is not completely forged. Wu Lai pondered. Although he had become a stranger to Lady Leah in his heart, Glyndwr Manor was after all the property of his alcoholic father. Besides, this matter was ultimately caused by himself, so it would be inappropriate to sit back and watch.

"Wu Lai, please think of a solution. Maybe the temple can provide help." Tina grabbed Wu Lai's arm and begged.

"How many gold coins can Greendo Manor produce?" asked Wu Lai.

"Mother said that my stepfather spent all his money on buying land in the last few years before his death. Now there is not even enough money in the manor to make up 200 gold coins. Even if all her jewels are added, I'm afraid there won't be enough for 300 gold coins..." Tina couldn't go on.

Wu Lai was naturally aware of his alcoholic father's purchase of land to expand the estate, but he had not imagined that Greendo Manor would be so tight on money. Of course, he had just asked casually, because he knew from the beginning that this matter could not be solved by money.

"Don't cry." Wu Lai took out a handkerchief from his arms and handed it to Tina. "Don't worry too much. There are still three days left. Things will turn around. Tell your mother when you go back that no matter what, you can't do anything that will bring shame to my father's soul, and neither can you."

Tina was slightly startled, then nodded.

"You were quite beautiful before, but now your eyes are swollen from crying." Seeing that Tina didn't take the handkerchief, Wu Lai wiped the tears from her face.

Tina felt warm in her heart, and suddenly felt that Wu Lai in front of her was particularly kind and elegant. Even his voice could wipe away her inner uneasiness.

After seeing Tina off, Wu Lai summoned Gauguin: "Hit the carriage, I want to go to the temple."

This time, Wu Lai's meeting with Mikoyan was very short, because Wu Lai did not intend to let Mikoyan interfere in the matter, and also because he knew that even if Mikoyan could help, it would be difficult.

So, Woolley actually only asked two questions. The first one was, who among the officials of Seneca City had the worst relationship with Doggie? The second one was, what kind of person was this official who had the worst relationship with Doggie?

Mikoyan's answer was quick and simple: "Tribute Aesop is upright, brave, firm in his beliefs, and has no bad habits."

"Thank you." Wu Lai said. Wu Lai already had a general idea of ​​this Aesop, who was evaluated by Mikoyan as upright and brave, and who was at odds with Doji.

"Is there anything I can do?" Mikoyan asked.

Wu Lai shook his head: "Since we have the Aesop Tribune here, there is no need to trouble the High Priest."

"Okay, if it doesn't work, you can come to me again." Mikoyan said with a smile. He had heard something about the Greendo Manor.

"I will." Wu Lai nodded. "Goodbye."

After a moment, Wu Lai's carriage rushed to somewhere.

At the same time, in Glyndore Manor, Madam Leah looked at Tina seriously: "Tina, did Wu Lai really say that?"

Tina nodded.

"What does he mean by this? Is it a reminder? Or a hint?" Madam Leah muttered to herself, but she was relieved after a whole day. At least from what Tina had reported back, Wu Lai did not give up Greendo Manor, which was undoubtedly a good thing. With Wu Lai's help, even if she had to pay the money in the end, her burden would be much lighter.

"I think that's a reminder." Tina suddenly became frustrated. "Woolley seems to care a lot about reputation."

Lady Leah nodded thoughtfully.

Shortly after nightfall, Woolley met Aesop.

Aesop's image was almost the same as Wu Lai had guessed, a thin middle-aged man with determination and courage burning in his eyes. Although he was not arrogant, he exuded a sense of majesty without even being angry.

"So it's the legendary one favored by God, Wulai Glindo." Aesop calmly responded to Wulai's greeting with these words.

"I don't deserve it." Wu Lai straightened up with a smile on his face. "I have always heard that Lord Tribune Aesop possesses seven virtues: bravery, fearlessness, loyalty, decisiveness, humility, kindness, and self-discipline. Wu Lai has admired him for a long time."

A hint of delight flashed across Aesop's eyes. Wu Lai's flattering words sounded neither abrupt nor excessive, which pleased him very much.

Woolley went on to say: "For many years, under the careful protection of Lord Aesop, the city-state of Seneca has been peaceful, the people live and work in peace, the slaves abide by their duties, and thieves have nowhere to hide. People say that Seneca is lucky to have Lord Aesop as a tribune, but they also say with regret that it would be better if Lord Aesop could be a consul, because in that case, Seneca can have peace and prosperity at the same time."

Aesop sighed in his heart, but waved his hand calmly: "Wuliglindo, the reason why I agreed to meet you is that besides your identity as the 'God's Blessed One' that makes me curious, you are also a child. I have always believed that only children can preserve the pure qualities of nobility. If you continue to imitate the flattering tone of those boring people, I will drive you out."

Hey? Are you still being aloof? You are amazing. Wu Lai thought about it and bowed slightly, saying, "Lord Aesop, I agree with your point of view. Your statement is exactly the same as that of High Priest Mikoyan. He once asserted that I must have qualities that Amon admires, so I can receive the favor of the god. He also said that Amon is watching my every word and action."

Aesop was startled, and subconsciously sat up straighter: "Sit down and talk."

"Thank you, Lord Aesop. I'd better stand and talk because I don't think I am qualified to sit with you now." Wu Lai said respectfully.

Aesop was amused by Wu Lai's serious look: "You are an independent noble, you are fully qualified to sit with me, sit down."

Wu Lai shook his head: "Please forgive me for not being able to obey your command. Although I am a person favored by God and an independent noble, these are nothing compared to you who possesses seven virtues at the same time. Besides, I have something to report."

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Aesop nodded happily: "Then tell me."

“Today, all the tax collectors in Seneca went to Corinthian Manor, but the one leading them was a commoner named Bosao.

As Wu Lai spoke, he secretly paid attention to Aesop's reaction. Seeing that he frowned slightly, he continued, "According to Lady Leah and Miss Tina of Glyndwr Manor and some people present, this Bosao does not look like a commoner, but more like an official, because those tax collectors actually act according to his wishes. Lord Aesop, this is very abnormal, right? Logically, the treasurer should lead the team, right?"

Aesop nodded slightly, his lips tightly pursed. At this point, he certainly understood Wu Lai's intention.

The treasurer Benny and the peace officer Doji were birds of a feather, and they actually let a civilian steward command the tax collectors to do their work. This was too much. A trace of anger flashed in Aesop's eyes.

A puzzled expression appeared on Wu Lai's face. "I didn't understand this. Later, I found out that this Boshao was actually the second steward of the peace officer Doji. This is even more strange. Could it be that the status of the steward of the peace officer is so high that he is on par with the treasurer, and can even act as the treasurer's job?"

Aesop's right hand, which was originally resting on the armrest, slowly clenched.

There's a chance. Wu Lai's heart moved, and he continued, "I checked the law code for this. It is the power of the treasurer to collect taxes and punish those who default on paying taxes. The law code clearly states that any citizen or civilian has the right to report the phenomenon of unpaid taxes, and once the facts are verified, they can get a reward of 10% to 30% of the collection and penalty amount. Am I right, Lord Aesop?"

"It is indeed recorded in the Taxation Chapter of the Code," Aesop replied.

"Lord Aesop, the law code also clearly states that the main duties of the tribune are to maintain security and protect the people and to combat crime. I think that evading taxes is also a kind of sin because it is a manifestation of the insatiable desire for money. It is one of the original sins set by the god Amon. Lord Aesop, can I understand it this way?" Wu Lai asked again.

Aesop nodded again, his eyes shining even brighter.

"As far as I know, Greendo Manor is not the only one that owes taxes, pays less or even does not pay. To combat these crimes, only Lord Aesop can do it and do it well in Seneca City right now." A smile appeared on Wu Lai's face. "Seneca needs Lord Aesop to do this, even urgently."

Aesop pondered for a long time, and looked at Wu Lai with a hint of appreciation in his eyes: "God's Favored One Wu Lai, you make me more and more curious."

"If possible, I beg Lord Aesop to allow me to consult you frequently, because among the nobles of Seneca City, you are the only one who is perfect." Wu Lai bowed and said.

Aesop nodded slightly, and a smile exactly like Wu Lai's appeared on the corner of his mouth.

On the second day, Aesop submitted an application to combat crime to the consul. After his fiery speech, the consul signed the order with a wry smile and stamped it with his own seal, agreeing to Aesop's application which seemed to be beyond his authority.

At noon, all of Seneca's estates received an ultimatum delivered by the tribune's messengers - they had to go to the tribune's residence to report their tax payments within two days.

When the treasurer Benny, who had come upon hearing the news, protested to Aesop, Aesop showed the consul's fire seal and ordered: "Benny, I have to thank you and Doggie. It is you who reminded me that Seneca's sins are far from being eliminated."

"Tribute Aesop, this will cause panic among the citizens!" Bunny said with a frown.

"I am acting in accordance with the guidance of the code." Aesop took back the order and said rather coldly, "And I think that letting a civilian command tax collectors to harass citizens, or to attack citizens in a targeted manner, will cause panic among citizens."

"You..." Boonie was speechless.

"Please convey my greetings to Doji, and by the way, tell him that a citizen has already filed a complaint that his second steward, Boshao, has humiliated the citizens. I hope he can send this guy who doesn't know how to respect others to me as soon as possible. For his sake, I only intend to impose a flogging. Believe me, this is the maximum I can strive for." After saying this, Aesop turned around and walked towards another room. "Please go slowly. I am still very busy. Very busy."