This "old guy" who has been active in the officialdom of the Great Zhou Dynasty began to show his power.
The two argued for a long time, but in fact they were both doing it for the same thing, which was to help Song Chi pass the provincial examination smoothly.
"Autumn tax collection is imminent, and this year the performance evaluation criteria for local officials will be whether they can collect the full amount."
Song Shiwen said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty has issued an edict that this year's tax revenue must be increased by 30%. This tax revenue is to prepare for next year's war. It must be collected, and there is no room for negotiation."
"Officials who can't do it will be demoted and replaced with those who can."
Minister of Revenue Li Chao hesitated to speak.
Those sitting here are some of the most powerful people in the Great Zhou. Everyone knows in their hearts that this war should not be fought and cannot be fought, but no one says it out loud.
This is His Majesty's order, no one dares to disobey.
The prince wants to fight this battle to prove that he is the only heir.
Prince Qing wants to fight this war to gain military power.
Officials then had an excuse to collect more taxes and put the money into their own pockets in a legitimate way.
Thirty percent is an imaginary number.
Isn’t it up to you to decide how much to charge?
This is going to force the people to death, Li Chao thought to himself. He wanted to say something, but after so many years in officialdom, he understood one thing.
Everyone is drunk but he is sober. Isn't this seeking death?
Li Chao sighed deeply and stopped talking.
"Lord Lu, what do you think?" Song Shiwen looked at Lu Taiyuan.
"What the Prime Minister said is very true."
Lu Taiyuan said solemnly, "The Great Zhou Dynasty dominated the Central Plains, intimidating all directions. Northern Wei, Nanyue, Western Xia, and Eastern Chu were all vassal states. However, in recent years, they have stopped paying tribute, alienated foreign ties, and even the Northern Wei Dynasty has been rebellious and invaded."
"My Great Zhou will destroy the Northern Wei, enhance our national prestige, and let the surrounding vassal states know that my Great Zhou is still the overlord, and no one can shake it!"
He spoke with righteous indignation.
Song Shiwen sneered in his heart, this old guy is more hypocritical than me.
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