Chapter 1043 - 1043 64 The Wind Rises in Shangjing Shou Zhes

Chapter 1043: Chapter 64: The Wind Rises in Shangjing! Shou Zhe’s Certain Death (Seeking Monthly Tickets)_5 Chapter 1043: Chapter 64: The Wind Rises in Shangjing! Shou Zhe’s Certain Death (Seeking Monthly Tickets)_5 The Wang family had been clearing land for cultivation for decades, and employing this method was almost too easy for them.

“Under such circumstances, the investigation becomes relatively troublesome,” the senior tax official said. “It requires detailed inquiries and inspections. We must also appraise the maturity of the land. However, once we take action, flaws are bound to emerge. As long as the inquiry is thorough, we can always find evidence.”

“The third area is the most difficult to investigate: the tax on Spirit Fields. This is also where the Prominent Families evade the bulk of their taxes.” The old tax officer spoke of the Spirit Field tax with a headache, “The Spirit Fields developed by Prominent Families often contain many secrets. They are either located in extremely hidden places, or they are guarded by Formations, and they certainly don’t allow outsiders to enter, making them very difficult to investigate. Nevertheless, if we must investigate, there are ways. After all, cultivating Spirit Materials and Spiritual Medicines can’t be completely traceless. For example, the Purple Leaf Dioscorea requires monthly irrigation with Spiritual Spring water rich in Yimu Spiritual Energy. Other kinds of Spiritual Medicines and Materials also have a lot of cultivation requirements, which mostly need to be transported into the Spirit Fields. We can infer the types of Spirit Plants grown in the fields based on this information.”

“I see. That does sound like an effective method,” the young tax officer nodded in agreement. “The purpose of these Prominent Families in cultivating Spirit Plants is twofold; either for personal use, turning them into Dan medicine, or for selling to exchange for the resources they need. If we keep an eye on their sales channels, we should be able to make some discoveries. With both pieces of evidence, we can limit the margin of error.”

“Good, a student worthy of teaching.” The old tax officer stroked his beard and nodded pleasingly, clearly satisfied with his disciple’s ability to deduce further from one instance. “However, this method has its inaccuracies. Unless absolutely necessary, it’s best to avoid using it. Our mission is a covert visit, to measure the land in secret, and to conduct undercover inspections. Everything should prioritize our own safety, and we must act discreetly to avoid startling the snake.”

“Once we have the evidence, report it immediately.”

“As for the follow-up investigation, that’s for higher-ups to worry about. Don’t be rash in seeking credit.”

The most taboo thing in their line of work was to seek credit rashly; many tax officers who went undercover for inspections had fallen because of it.

The old tax official warned the young man repeatedly, fearing that his youthful vigor might lead to recklessness and endanger his life.

In the midst of their conversation, another carriage approached from the opposite direction.

The master and his disciple immediately disguised themselves as ordinary peddlers, hiding their true identities effortlessly.

Before long, the teacher and student duo had successfully “blended in” with Ping’an Town and began their secret investigation, trying to find evidence of the Wang family’s tax evasion. Regrettably, they had underestimated the Wang family’s defensive measures and the importance they placed on intelligence work.

If the Wangs had not intentionally let them in, they would have been intercepted and captured at the government ferry in Changning.

…

At the same time.

In the Imperial Garden at the Imperial Palace, “Wangxian Pavilion.”

This pavilion, constructed entirely out of Spirit Wood Material, rises dozens of feet high, allowing one to look down upon most of the garden’s scenery from a vantage point.

With many rooms in Wangxian Pavilion and eunuchs and palace maids to tend to them, it was a very comfortable place for the children to stay.

The most important aspect was that Wangxian Pavilion was one of the several places within the Imperial Palace where the concentration of Spiritual Energy was the richest, which was extremely beneficial to the children’s growth.

Atop Wangxian Pavilion.

Decorated with carved beams and painted rafters, with a clear view on all sides, it was the spot in the entire pavilion with the best view. Whether it was to drink and be merry, recite poetry, paint, or even host a barbecue party, it was an excellent place for such activities.

This wasn’t just talk; there was a real barbecue happening.

The chefs from the imperial kitchen were called over, grilling a variety of exotic and delicious foods on the spot.

Emperor Longchang was engaged in a game of chess, and his opponent was Wang Anye, no, more precisely, it was Wang Anye’s Master, Ji Wuchen.

Among those present, aside from Wu Zhixing and Wu Xuening, who were somewhat interested in watching the game, people like Wang Lilong and Wang Ying Xuan, along with five little wolf cubs, were eagerly eyeing the roast meat, practically drooling.

“Checkmate!” Emperor Longchang placed a piece, capturing a large dragon of Wang Anye, and laughed heartily, “Hahaha, Anye, even with the help of Preceptor Ji, you still can’t win. Who will you send next? Is it Miss Wuliang, or Seventh Sister? Or perhaps, do you have other sisters hidden away? Wahaha~”

“Hey, hey, should a Great Emperor really bully a child?” Seventh Sister from the Legion Banner couldn’t stand it and spoke out, “Is it worth it to laugh so wildly after winning against a twelve-year-old child?”

“I’m a Great Emperor about to die of old age, why can’t I be wild?” Emperor Longchang said with a proud smile, “Anye, let me teach you to be wise. This game of chess, although it includes some luck, ultimately depends on accumulation and depth. On the road of life, never let yourself become conceited just because you have had smooth sailing.”

“Thank you for Your Majesty’s instruction,” Wang Anye stood up and bowed solemnly.

“A teachable lad, much better than your great grandfather,” Emperor Longchang said as if he had met Wang Shouzhe himself.

During this time, although Emperor Longchang had been quite infuriated by them and their several adopted wolf cub-like youngsters, these cubs, though a bit bearish, were truly endearing when they tried to be.

He simply decided to hold this barbecue feast. Tying them all to his side should solve the problem, right?

As expected, under the temptation of delicious food and his direct supervision as the emperor, everyone suddenly became well-behaved.

Apart from being somewhat mischievous, these children and wolf cubs were actually not bad at all. The Yao family’s triple compensation had already been received, the true “Painting of the Divine Dynasty Twilight” had been acquired, and apart from losing half a Dao-level item… He couldn’t dwell on it; it would only lead to heartache.

At that moment,

an imperial guard came to report that Chen Jinglong of the Da Qian Chen Family requested an audience with the emperor.

Chen Jinglong was a Divine Power Seed of the Chen Clan’s generation and had reached the sixth level of the Purple Abode Realm at just three hundred years old; he was undoubtedly one of the future pillars of Great Qian Land. Even now, Chen Jinglong could be considered a pillar of talent, having performed admirably in both civil and military affairs and having earned significant merit points for Great Qian.

Such a talented individual was naturally given considerable importance by the emperor himself.

“Let him come,” Emperor Longchang said with a smile to Wu Xuening, “Xue Ning, what kind of nose does your uncle have? He must have smelled the barbecue I’ve carefully prepared.”

Wu Xuening rolled her eyes and pouted, muttering, “It must be because my mother is afraid I’ll cause trouble in the palace, so she specifically instructed my uncle to come and put a Tight Hoop Spell on me.”

There weren’t many people she feared, but Chen Jinglong was one of them.

In no time, a mature man who appeared to be “in his thirties” arrived at Wangxian Pavilion under the guidance of an eunuch.

“Jinglong pays his respects to Your Majesty,” Chen Jinglong greeted with a bow.

“Jinglong, there’s no need for excessive formalities. You’ve come at the right time, join me in a game of chess. If you win, I’ll treat you to meat,” Emperor Longchang summoned warmly with a wave of his hand, naturally very affectionate towards the young generation he valued and had always nurtured.

“Your Majesty, Jinglong is currently upset and unable to calm his mind for chess,” Chen Jinglong apologized with a bow, his expression grim as if he was suppressing towering anger.

“Oh?” Emperor Longchang sized him up, “Jinglong, you come with ill tidings. Is this… a complaint? You, a mighty Divine Power Seed in the advanced stage of the Purple Abode Realm, a pillar of talent for our country, who would dare to bully you?”

“Your Majesty,” Chen Jinglong bowed deeply, his expression ugly, “The Zhao Clan and Prince De Xin are actually discussing to betroth my niece Xue Ning to that young Zhao Yuanqing.”

“True, my Chen Clan indeed has no right to meddle with Xue Ning’s marriage. But shouldn’t they at least consult our Chen Clan or Xue Ning’s wishes beforehand? Even if Prince De Xin does not regard us highly, shouldn’t he still ask for Your Majesty’s opinion? You are so fond of Xue Ning; her marriage should at least have your consent.”

“What?” Wu Xuening, who was just about to greet her uncle, was suddenly dumbfounded.

What the hell?

During the brief time this Little Princess was out for a barbecue, she had already been promised to someone??

Her lovely face turned a bit pale, and at that moment, she instinctively stole a glance at Wang Anye. Although she didn’t know why she needed to look at Wang Anye, she still looked over instinctively.

“Heh heh~”

The warm smile on Emperor Longchang’s face gradually solidified.

…