Chapter 2309: 2306: The Interests Behind It

Capítulo 2309: Chapter 2306: The Interests Behind It

“Have you figured out the reason?”

“It was truly an accident; I didn’t expect my luck to be so bad. However, it seems this calamity was destined for me. Though injured, there are many good medicines in the medicine shop, so my life is not in danger. Thank you, Your Majesty, for your concern.”

“Sit down, no need to be so formal. You’ve worked hard this time,” Emperor Xuanming said kindly.

He then chatted with him about Jiangnan matters.

And Emperor Xuanming found that Jiangnan indeed lived better than other places, with many rich families. However, truly wealthy ones were few, and some previously obscure ones emerged.

“Have you investigated the background of these few families?” Emperor Xuanming pointed out some newly emerged landowners and asked.

Zhang Zhi originally intended for Emperor Xuanming to realize this point and unhesitatingly reported the backgrounds of these families.

“The Lin family is related to the Prefecture Governor’s Office’s Third Madam, the Deng family is related to the county magistrate’s family, the Wang family has matrimonial ties with the Provincial Governor…” With every family Zhang Zhi mentioned, Emperor Xuanming’s brow furrowed a bit more.

Although he had anticipated that those privy to the maritime opening information would naturally be close to the local officials, it didn’t mean he was satisfied that only these people were devouring such a large piece of fat meat.

“Have you verified their tax situation?”

The Maritime Merchants paid considerably more taxes upon return, far exceeding the merchants trading within Great Chu. Moreover, the gold, silver, and jade artifacts they brought back incurred an additional name tax, so despite the abundant silver earned by the Maritime Merchants, it wasn’t excessive.

“I’ve checked.” Zhang Zhi nodded. “Everyone was quite cooperative. Some minor details were overlooked, and taxes were unpaid. After I went, upon tax inspection, each family settled their taxes.”

Emperor Xuanming was reasonably satisfied upon hearing this: “Is that so, so obedient.”

“Your Majesty, the law stipulates detailed tax standards. These merchants naturally know what they should do and wouldn’t dare to resist. This time, the back taxes amounted to 23,045 taels.” Zhang Zhi reported the figures honestly.

“Is this the entire Jiangnan area’s back taxes?” Emperor Xuanming had already reviewed the memorials, naturally knowing the facts. His deliberate question clearly bore deeper meaning.

Zhang Zhi hesitated slightly but did not elaborate, only said: “Yes, this is the total back taxes from the Maritime Merchants across three state government offices.”

“Speaking of which, these Maritime Merchants paid approximately thirteen thousand coins of taxes in the latter half of this year, only one-twentieth of the Jiangnan area’s grain taxes.”

Upon hearing this, Zhang Zhi knew his opportunity had come.

“Your Majesty, I also think it’s too little,” Zhang Zhi said confidently, frowning with a contemplative expression. “Your Majesty, according to my investigation of several state government offices in Jiangnan, many merchants saw increased incomes this year, even the common folk experienced minor gains. Once, those working at the docks earned only 20 copper coins a day. Now it’s increased to 25 coins. Moreover, prices have risen a bit, yet the tax increase hasn’t remotely matched this rise. If allowed to continue, it won’t be beneficial for the imperial court.” Zhang Zhi, with the demeanor of a treasurer, laid out the accounts, conveying the figures to Emperor Xuanming, making him aware of the hidden discrepancies.

No matter how well they conceal it, the market changes, and the lifestyle changes of Jiangnan locals.

These are things they cannot hide.

Emperor Xuanming’s expression turned a bit grim, and after hearing Zhang Zhi’s report, he let out a cold laugh: “It seems, I’ve underestimated them.”