Chapter 223: This is War
Taxes!
In a feudal society, this was almost an unending issue.
It was also the root of all conflicts.
Any reform of the taxation system could not be resolved through a debate or a single meeting.
This was war.
A war that never ceased.
The Three Financial Bureaus.
Due to the Accounting Chancellor Tang Jie still being bedridden, the emperor seemed unwilling to immediately appoint a new Accounting Chancellor. After several conflicts, the secretaries of the Three Financial Bureaus gradually took control of financial authorities.
“Another lawsuit?”
Tang Ji exclaimed agitatedly, “Why not just file lawsuits for everything? What do we need the Chamber of State Affairs for? What do we need the Three Financial Bureaus for?” Shen Huaixiao nodded, “Indeed, this time we must not yield.”
Du Xiu sighed, “But Lord Zhao and Lord Wen were also unable to contest Wang Anshi. Because Wang Anshi did not insist on collecting these taxes taxes. He merely believed that if taxes were to be exempted, there should be a legal basis. He even suggested that the imperial court could order Kaifeng Prefecture to exempt this portion of taxes, as long as a reasonable explanation was provided.”
“You believe that?”
Shen Huaixiao snorted, “If it really goes to court, who knows what will be asked? Haven’t you learned enough from the previous times?”
Du Xiu said in frustration, “It doesn’t matter if I believe it or not. The key is that Lord Zhao and Lord Wen believed it.”
Tang Ji said, “Their agreement does not represent all of us. This matter concerns not just those 108 landlords. I believe most people in the imperial court would not agree.”
Shen Huaixiao nodded, “Indeed, at this point, there is no need to hide. We must submit a memorial to stop this lawsuit.”
Cao Han, who had been silent all this time, suddenly spoke, “We cannot afford any mistakes. We need to prepare for both outcomes. What if we can’t stop it?”
Shen Huaixiao immediately asked, “What do you suggest?”
Cao Han frowned, “I don’t have a complete plan yet. But if it goes to court, evidence will be crucial. The most critical evidence is in the Three Bureau Archives. Shen, you should contact the people at the Three Military Divisions and have them watch over the relevant evidence. If it falls into the wrong hands, it will be troublesome.”
The Three Bureau Archives, an organization under the Three Financial Bureaus, managed the accounts of the empire.
Originally meant to supervise the Three Financial Bureaus, the Three Financial Bureaus gradually took control of the Archives.
However, the capital’s security was still under the control of the Three Military Divisions.
Du Xiu said, “That might not be enough. If the Kaifeng Prefectural Office considers this lawsuit a done deal, they might immediately send someone to request the recent tax records. We also need to send someone to the Kaifeng Prefectural Office to inform them that the matter is not yet decided, so they should not rush to handle the case.”
Shen Huaixiao nodded, “I will contact the Three Military Divisions. You find someone to go to Kaifeng Prefecture, but try not to approach Prefect Lu. He has close ties with Wang Anshi. Look for Vice-Prefect Li instead.”
“I know.”
At the Censorate.
“How could you agree to Wang Anshi’s demand so easily?”
Censor Li Zhan asked Wen Yanbo in confusion.
Wen Yanbo sighed, “Wang Anshi said it should be handled according to the law. I couldn’t very well say it should be handled unlawfully, could I?”
Gu Ji, the Secretary of the Imperial Treasury, said, “You must know the situation in the capital. If this really goes to court, things might get out of hand.
Those landlords had followed the imperial court’s orders. When the imperial court demanded that contract taxes be paid, they paid. As for the back tax issue, they acted according to their contracts and did not refuse to pay.
If they find out the imperial court still wants to pursue them and take them to court, it will push them to desperation. This problem will escalate. This is the capital region; we cannot act recklessly.”
Wen Yanbo glanced at Gu Ji with a hesitant expression.
The capital was filled with imperial relatives and high-ranking officials. Everyone knew they were evading taxes. Otherwise, Wang Anshi wouldn’t have found so many tax evaders in such a short time.
If they were taken to court, it would drive them to a dead end. According to the law, the penalties for tax evasion were severe.
They would certainly fight back with all their might.
This was his greatest concern.
If you can’t handle the challenge, don’t take it on.
Li Zhan and his companions saw that Wen Yanbo was not entirely resolute, so they immediately expressed their intention to submit a memorial requesting His Majesty to rescind the order.
Wen Yanbo remained silent.
In truth, he was well aware that he couldn’t prevent such matters. Therefore, he took a tacitly approving attitude towards their request.
At the Cao Residence.
“I must trouble you with this matter, Deputy Commander.”
Shen Huaixiao stood before the gate of the Cao Residence and cupped his hands in a gesture of respect.
Cao Ping returned the gesture with a clasped fist salute. “Rest assured, Secretary Shen. I will immediately assign more personnel to watch over the Three Bureau Archives. No one will be able to mess around.”
“Thank you, Deputy Commander. I take my leave now.”
The guards of the imperial city were under the control of the Three Military Divisions, and the Cao family was the most powerful of the imperial in-laws. Cao Ping, being the nephew of Grand Empress Dowager Cao, held significant influence within the imperial guards.
This demonstrated that Grand Empress Dowager Cao still wielded considerable power, whereas Empress Dowager Gao had to stand aside.
Although Grand Empress Dowager Cao was known for her keeping a tight leash on her family, as an imperial in-law, there were inevitably some underhanded dealings in the family. So she would certainly be opposed to this lawsuit.
Thus, Shen Huaixiao immediately sought Cao Ping’s assistance.
Cao Ping readily agreed, but after sending Shen Huaixiao off, he instructed his steward, “Send Dongdong to Zhang San’s place to gauge his reaction and see what intentions Wang Anshi has.”
At the Kaifeng Prefectural Office.
“Isn’t this matter already decided?” Li Kai looked at Du Xiu with astonishment.
Du Xiu replied, “It’s not that simple. Many officials have already submitted memorials requesting His Majesty to stop the Kaifeng Prefectural Office from handling this case. They claim Wang Anshi is seeking revenge, and such a precedent cannot be set. If Vice-Prefect Li doesn’t believe me, wait a bit longer. After I leave, others will surely come to see you.”
Li Kai showed a conflicted expression. “But the order has already been issued, and Wang Anshi is watching closely. If we ignore it, how can we account for it?”
Du Xiu hurriedly said, “We only hope the Kaifeng Prefectural Office can delay proceedings. In a few days, there will be a turn of events. By then, Vice-Prefect Li can decide what to do.”
Li Kai certainly did not want to handle this case, as it would offend too many people. However, he also did not want to get involved, fearing he might lose his position. After pondering for a while, he said, “Fine, I can wait a few more days. But if no retraction order comes from above, the Kaifeng Prefectural Office will have to proceed with the case.”
Du Xiu immediately cupped his hands. “Thank you for your understanding, Vice-Prefect Li. We will make sure not to trouble you.”
Then Du Xiu asked, “If the case does go to trial, how will the Kaifeng Prefectural Office rule?”
Li Kai hesitated for a long time before quietly saying, “Prefect Lu, like Lord Wen, does not want to press the tenant farmers for taxes. He even advised Wang Anshi against it before. Without overwhelming evidence, it will likely result in a lenient sentence.”
Du Xiu cupped his hands again. “Thank you for the information, Vice-Prefect Li.”
Li Kai said, “This is all I can do to help you. Ultimately, the final decision rests with Prefect Lu.”
Du Xiu nodded. “I understand.”
In a small room outside the imperial city.
A figure appeared at the door, looked around, and quickly slipped inside.
Inside stood another man—it was Li Bao.
“Brother Bao, you truly have foresight.”
The man excitedly said to Li Bao, “Deputy Commander Cao just ordered additional personnel to guard the Three Bureau Archives”
Li Bao sneered. “The ledgers of the Three Bureau Archives are the key evidence in this case. They will not let these ledgers fall into others’ hands easily.”
The man chuckled. “But they never imagined that if they didn’t tighten security, our people wouldn’t be able to get into the Three Bureau Archives.”
Li Bao asked, “Is everything arranged inside?”
The man nodded. “Everything is ready. We’ve carefully checked. Because the land registry hasn’t been updated in recent years, the discarded ledgers from a few years ago are not much different from the current ones. A thorough comparison would be required to notice the discrepancies. Once our people get inside, they can swap out all the relevant ledgers overnight.”
Li Bao nodded. “Be cautious. There’s still plenty of time. They are currently submitting memorials, requesting His Majesty to rescind the order, so they shouldn’t make any sudden moves for now.”
Bianjing Law Firm.
“Hey? Why are you two here? Haven’t seen you around lately.”
Zhang Fei looked at Cao Dongdong and Ma Xiaoyi, surprised.
Cao Dongdong squatted on a chair, peeling an orange, and said nonchalantly, “It’s too hot in the city. Little Ma and I went to the outskirts to escape the heat.”
Zhang Fei asked, “Just the two of you?”
“Of course not,” Ma Xiaoyi chuckled. “Brother Chun and the others came too. Oh, and brother hired over a dozen singing girls for entertainment.”
Damn! It’s great to have money! I want to go too!
Zhang Fei couldn’t help but sigh, then sat down and asked, “It’s the hottest time of the year. Why are you back?”
Ma Xiaoyi excitedly replied, “I heard you have another lawsuit coming up, Brother San. Last time, you promised I could help carry things.”
Zhang Fei paused, “Well, actually, I might need your help this time.”
Ma Xiaoyi eagerly nodded, “Just tell me what to do, Brother San.”
Cao Dongdong sneered at Ma Xiaoyi, “You useless guy, you can only do grunt work. Ha!”
Ma Xiaoyi glared at Cao Dongdong, “Big Brother, you promised not to say anything.”
Zhang Fei, curious, asked, “What’s this about?”
Cao Dongdong grinned, “Ask Little Ma. I promised him I wouldn’t say anything.”
Zhang Fei turned to Ma Xiaoyi.
Ma Xiaoyi blushed, “I bought a copy of the Song Code of Punishments to become a pen-in-cap, but…”
Cao Dongdong laughed, “A month went by, and he hasn’t finished the first page.”
Ma Xiaoyi glared at Cao Dongdong again.
Zhang Fei asked, “Little Ma, can’t you read?”
Ma Xiaoyi replied, “Of course I can read, but the Song Code of Punishments puts me to sleep.”
Cao Dongdong laughed heartily.
Ma Xiaoyi’s eyes darted, “Big Brother, don’t forget, we have a task.”
Cao Dongdong sat up straight, looking serious, “Zhang San, do you remember why I hired you in the first place?”
Zhang Fei paused, then replied, “Yes, to handle matters with widows or married women.”
“Ahem… We haven’t found anyone yet, so let’s not talk about that. If I say we evaded some land taxes, would you help us?”
Oh, it’s about that. His father must have sent him. Zhang Fei said, “You can rest assured. If someone accuses you, I’ll do everything I can to help you.”
Cao Dongdong excitedly slapped the table, “I knew I chose the right person.”
Ma Xiaoyi asked, “But Brother San, aren’t you currently suing those big landlords for tax evasion? Big Brother’s family… mmph!”
Before he could finish, Cao Dongdong covered his mouth, “Don’t talk nonsense.”
Zhang Fei chuckled, “Don’t worry. None of the 108 people I’m suing are my clients. If they were, I wouldn’t sue them.”
He paused briefly, then added, “But I advise you to consult with me before doing such things. We should avoid going to court if possible. Once in court, anything can happen.”
Cao Dongdong leaned closer to Zhang Fei, “So, you can help my family evade taxes?”
Zhang Fei rubbed his eyes in frustration, “I provide legal advice.”