Chapter 291 - 11: The Bloody Head Tax
"Head tax?" Yue Jinghua was first taken aback, then looked towards Hong Yao with an inquiring gaze.
When it came to the Empire’s taxation affairs, Hong Yao was much more informed than her, but even Hong Yao displayed a puzzled expression this time.
Hong Yao was proficient in various economic affairs; she was extremely familiar with the tax regulations issued by the Ministry of Revenue.
Although the Dragon War Empire and Shang Kingdom were different countries, both had developed tax systems, including land taxes on property transactions and excise taxes on goods transactions, as well as feast taxes and vehicle taxes on celebratory and mourning occasions. Apart from the national tax codes, certain places, especially major towns where the labor guilds were located, would also charge a certain fee to passersby. However, in any location, Hong Yao had never heard of a head tax.
"Let me explain," Teng Wu weighed his options and then abandoned the idea of remaining uninvolved.
In addition to feeling genuine admiration for Yue Jinghua’s resolute and decisive style of handling affairs, he also understood that Yue Jinghua, with the support of people like Shalman and Hong Yao, would definitely cause a significant sensation in the Dragon War Empire soon.
The declining Blood Cherry Duke Mansion might shine anew because of the young lady before them.
And Miss Yun Luo, by sticking with this group, might learn a lot and even curb her habits of luxury and extravagance. Considering this, Teng Wu smartly refrained from mentioning leaving Fengdan County again, and Yue Jinghua behaved as if the earlier incident had never happened.
That’s the advantage of collaborating with intelligent people—understanding without the need for words.
"The head tax is a special tax imposed on the people of Fengdan County. This tax is not an imperial levy but rather forcedly collected within Fengdan County by Viscount Mo’er, the lord of the neighboring Bailu County. Last year, I went there with a merchant caravan, and while resting in the villages, I heard the elderly speak of it," Teng Wu had seen this unequal tax burden during his business travels.