Before the arrival of the Commissioner of Taxation, the officials had already heard of his reputation, but they still had expectations for him. As the ancients said, "Don't look at the monk's face, look at the Buddha's face." After all, we are all from the same bureaucratic class and we all work in this field, so we have to give him some face.
But the greater the expectations, the greater the disappointment!
Chen Ming's attitude was just like his expressionless face, without any emotion. In his eyes, it seemed that there was only taxation, and he cared about nothing else. He didn't care about the human relationships or who was on the other side. He didn't act like an official at all, but more like a fool. He didn't care about other people's feelings when he said anything, as if everyone was an enemy.
This is not the way of officialdom.
Even if the iron-faced and impartial Bao Gong were alive, he would not be as cold-blooded and ruthless as him.
Of course, Bao Zheng actually had a very high emotional intelligence, and he cared very much about the ways of the world. Wang Anshi and Sima Guang had both worked with him. Bao Zheng's emotional intelligence was so high that he could use the ways of the world to be impartial and just.
But Chen Ming didn't care about it at all.
This is the tax commissioner.
They were cold-blooded from the very beginning. No matter whether it was Li He or Chen Ming, they were not officials of the outer court. They were all accountants and warehouse managers of the inner court. None of them had entered the officialdom through the imperial examination. One of the reasons why Zhao Xu chose them was because they had no connection with the outer court.
Because the tax commissioner's job is to collect their taxes, and he cannot be concerned with human relationships.
Therefore, Chen Ming did not need to try to please them deliberately, and he did not even need to make any compromises like Zhang Fei. He just collected taxes, and those who did not pay taxes were all enemies of the tax commissioner.
It's that simple.
At this moment, Chen Ming immediately replaced Zhang Fei and became the most hated person in the officials' hearts, no doubt about it.
After Chen Ming left, the officials immediately vented their dissatisfaction with Chen Ming on Yuan Jiang, because the Commissioner of Taxation was hired by Yuan Jiang. By hiring such a guy, are you taking revenge on those gentry or on us
They are all lost in the lake now.
"I admit that I was a little impulsive at first."
Faced with public outrage, Yuan Jiang still had to admit his fault first, but immediately defended himself: "But judging from the whole process, even if I didn't ask the court to send the tax commissioner, the court would still do so, because the court has decided to implement the exemption law in Hezhong Prefecture. If the exemption law is implemented, the tax commissioner will definitely come."
"So what can we do now?"
He Chunlin said depressedly: "When the tax commissioner comes, he will deprive the heads of households and village heads of their power, and turn two taxes into one tax. This will definitely attract a lot of opposition and even cause unrest."
He certainly would not say that he evaded taxes, but there was a very realistic problem, that is, those gentry and landlords were all trying to evade taxes. It was certainly easier to deal with them before when they were involved in this part of power, but Chen Ming made it very clear that from now on, only one department would have the power to collect taxes, and that was the Commissioner of Taxation, and those tax collectors could stay at home.
Yuan Jiang immediately said, "Any disturbance caused is none of our business. The tax collector just said very clearly that how taxes are collected has nothing to do with us. It is the responsibility of their tax department."
Cao Yi snorted, "Do they have such great ability?"
Yuan Jiang said: "I am not sure about this either, let's wait and see what they are going to do."
The officials exchanged glances for a moment.
Since Yuan Jiang said so, they knew what to do. Since ancient times, it has been extremely difficult for the imperial court to collect taxes from these big landowners and gentry.
They quickly spread the news and added some extra spice to it.
It means that the government will completely lose all rights to collect taxes. No one except the tax commissioner will have the right to collect taxes. Apart from that, everyone must pay taxes, including officials, generals, soldiers, Taoists, monks, female households, and so on.
As soon as this news came out, it immediately caused an uproar.
From military generals and literati, from monks to soldiers, everyone is against the Commissioner of Taxation. Tax exemption is our privilege, are you going to deprive us of it
The most powerful force in Hezhong Prefecture is the military. Zhang Fei had to put in a lot of effort to tie the interests of the military with the judicial power of the imperial court. Simply put, he used judicial power to safeguard the interests of the soldiers.
Therefore, when dealing with the imperial court before, the military always seemed to be relatively silent. Although captains like Fan Meng were very unhappy with the imperial court, he was unable to use the power of the military.
But the Commissioner of Taxation is not the royal court. Rumors are rife within the military camp, and many people are fanning the flames.
Talking about money will definitely hurt feelings.
No one wants to pay taxes.
Yongxing Army Headquarters.
A carriage slowly drove to the door. Wang Shao got out of the carriage and saw a person in front of the door. He said, "Why doesn't Guo Jinglie go in first?"
Guo Kui chuckled and said, "I am just a warrior, not good at talking, you will do the talking later."
Wang Shao said dissatisfiedly: "At this time, you have become a mere warrior."
Guo Kui hurriedly said: "Always, always."
Wang Shao sighed helplessly, "Since I came to Hezhong Prefecture, I have been doing things that offend people."
Guo Kui laughed and said, "As a subject, I should share your worries."
Having said that, what else could Wang Shao say? He extended his hand and said, "Please."
Guo Kui hurriedly said, "You go first."
Finally, the two of them came into the big tent side by side, and saw that almost all the generals of the Yongxing Army had arrived.
All the generals were looking at the two of them, because they knew that this sudden meeting was definitely aimed at the Commissioner of Taxation.
After Wang Shao sat down, he glanced around and said with great authority: "Everyone I will call out later, please stand up. Yang Chunhua."
"exist."
"Fan Meng."
"exist."
"Gu Shen."
"exist."
... ... .
He listed six or seven names in a row.
After they all stood up, Wang Shao said, "You have been laid off. Pack your bags and leave the barracks immediately today."
Everyone changed color when they heard this.
"Envoy Wang, what did we do wrong? Why did you fire us?" Fan Meng, who had been stunned for a while, suddenly asked excitedly.
"Please give us an explanation, otherwise we will not accept it."
Several generals also expressed their dissatisfaction.
This is a bit too sudden for you.
"Because you openly opposed the Commissioner of Taxation in the army." Wang Shao said simply and clearly.
"We fought for our country with our lives, but the tax commissioner still wants to collect taxes from us. Can't I say a few words if I'm dissatisfied?" When Yang Chunhua heard this, he became even more furious.
Wang Shao said: "At present, the taxation department has not yet determined how to collect taxes, and you are spreading rumors in the army and instigating the soldiers. What is your intention?"
The Taxation Department has not yet announced the specific tax laws, and Chen Ming only told the officials that they will definitely receive a tax form.
Qin Zhongshou hurriedly said, "Envoy, they were just excited for a moment and said a few words. It is understandable. Please give them another chance."
The other generals also stood up and pleaded for them.
Wang Shao, however, looked determined and shook his head, saying, "This matter is not negotiable."
"???"
The generals were stunned. Brother, are you serious
Is it just because we said a few words to the tax commissioner
The Commissioner of Taxation is your father, so is it not right
Guo Kui suddenly said, "You reckless men really don't know how to use your brains. You just believe everything you hear. You deserve to be fired. You can't blame anyone else."
Qin Zhongshou asked hurriedly, "What does Guo Jinglie mean by this?"
After all, Guo Kui was a military general, and they are on the same side!
Guo Kui did not answer but asked: "Guess who the tax collectors collect taxes for? And think about why the government sent the tax collectors to Hezhong Prefecture?"
The generals were silent for a while.
Is there any need to think about this? Isn't it just for military expenses
Gu Shen said: "But we just said a few words."
Wang Shao angrily rebuked: "But it is your nonsense in the army that has attracted the attention of the tax commissioner, who may even investigate our military's taxation and account expenditures."
A general muttered, "How many of them are there?"
Guo Kui asked with a smile: "How many people do you have?"
The general immediately lowered his head and remained silent.
Guo Kui added: "Yesterday, the tax collector Chen came to us in person and told us very clearly that the tax collector's only concern is that he can't collect taxes. He doesn't care about anything else, not even whether the army will mutiniate, because if the tax collector can't collect taxes and can't pay the soldiers, the army will definitely mutiniate."
The generals looked at each other.
I feel that the tax collector is a bit too harsh, but at the same time I feel that it makes sense.
Tax inspections may not necessarily lead to a mutiny, but if you cannot pay the soldiers, there will definitely be problems.
Wang Shao reprimanded: "If you still want yourself and your soldiers to receive full military pay every month and not be investigated by the tax department for the time being, you'd better shut up."
Hearing this, Yang Chunhua suddenly felt that the situation was not good, and immediately cried, "Envoy Wang, General Guo, we know we were wrong, please give us another chance."
The others also begged for mercy.
You guys are too cruel. I just said a few words and I was fired directly.
this... ... !
Wang Shao said: "I'm sorry! If I keep you here, it might lead to disaster. I must consider the overall situation. Someone come here!"
"exist."
A pair of soldiers came in immediately.
Wang Shao said: "Take them away and supervise them until they leave the barracks."
"yes."
"Envoy Wang, I know I was wrong. Please forgive us this time."
“We know we were wrong.”
As their cries gradually faded away, the tent became completely silent, and every general's face was covered in sweat.
Wang Shao glanced at them and said, "I can understand that others are against the tax commissioner, but as a general, I advise you not to offend him. Even if you are dissatisfied with those who help us to collect military pay, don't talk about it in the barracks. Otherwise, don't blame me for being ruthless, no matter how great your military achievements are."
These generals were already silent and could only nod in agreement.
After making a few noises, he was fired without any mercy.
Even if you curse the Privy Councilor, you won't necessarily suffer this kind of punishment.
Can't afford to offend!
I really can't afford to offend you!
But in fact, this was not pressure from the Commissioner of Taxation, but pressure from Zhao Xu. Zhao Xu issued a secret decree to Wang Shao and Guo Kui, requiring the military camp to absolutely not target the Commissioner of Taxation, and violators would be punished.
This is why we are killing the chicken to scare the monkey.
Otherwise, Wang Shao would not have done this.
Of course, this was not enough. The morale of the army had to be stabilized. Wang Shao and Guo Kui sent their confidants to tell the soldiers that the arrival of the Tax Commissioner was to defend the previous imperial court's judgment and ensure that the soldiers could get full military pay while retaining their tax-free privileges.
When the soldiers heard what was going on, they immediately started to support the Commissioner of Taxation.
Ever since the imperial court’s verdict, the soldiers have actually been worried. Can the government pay them enough
Because they all know that the financial situation is difficult.
Now the rumors outside explain everything. Otherwise, if they were not collecting money in this way, how could they have the money to give them
The generals did not say a word about the Commissioner of Taxation. No matter what they thought in their hearts, they kept silent because they would be fired if they did.
It's that simple.
... ... .
Police station.
"Hey, you! Dongdong, it's a good thing we have you this time, otherwise Uncle Qin wouldn't be able to keep his position."
Qin Zhongshou held Cao Dongdong's hand and said with tears in his eyes.
Of course he was also unhappy, saying, "You still want to collect taxes from me." However, he went to ask Cao Dongdong in advance, and Cao Dongdong told him not to provoke the Commissioner of Taxation, because he was much more ruthless than our police station. He even wanted to join the Commissioner of Taxation.
Qin Zhongshou didn't gossip, otherwise he might have been fired.
Cao Dongdong said carelessly, "I won't lie to anyone, not Uncle Qin. When the tax commissioner collected the exemption tax in the capital, the first batch of people who reported it were all the prime ministers of the dynasty, Lord Fu, Sima Xueshi, and Wang Xueshi. My father was even sick for several months."
Qin Zhongshou asked hurriedly, "Why is General Bu sick?"
Cao Dongdong scratched his brow and said, "Because those tax police were trained by my Cao family."
"... ... ?"
Qin Zhongshou was stunned for a moment, then suddenly remembered something and asked, "The police station has elite soldiers with war horses and armor?"
Cao Dongdong said: "They are the tax police."
Qin Zhongshou immediately gasped, "Will the tax commissioner use those elite soldiers to deal with people who don't pay taxes?"
Cao Dongdong nodded.
Qin Zhongshou said excitedly: "Then the tax commissioner can do whatever he wants."
"that is not."
Cao Dongdong said hurriedly: "The tax commissioner is most afraid of us, the public security, procuratorate and courts. We are in charge of all illegal matters."
"???"
Qin Zhongshou didn't quite understand.
This whole set of new rules is really too complicated.
Cao Dongdong suddenly looked at Fu Shichun who was standing beside him, "Xiaochun, you are mute, come and talk to Uncle Qin."
Fu Shichun glared at him and explained to Qin Zhongshou, "Because tax evasion is illegal, the tax commissioner does not have judicial power, so he has to recover the tax through prosecution. The tax commissioner only has the power to investigate and arrest, but the final judgment on whether someone is guilty or not still has to be made by the imperial court."
Qin Zhongshou nodded and said, "So that's what happened."
... ...
On the other side, Wei Yingfang, Cao Yi and others were also shocked to learn that Fan Meng was actually laid off. The background of this tax commissioner was so strong that no one was allowed to talk about it.
its not right!
We curse every day and nothing seems to be a problem.
They soon thought of using the public security, procuratorate and courts to deal with the Tax Commissioner, so they asked Fan Meng to go to the procuratorate to file a complaint, saying that Wang Shao and Chen Ming were in collusion to eliminate dissidents.
When Su Che heard about this, he thought it was simply lawless. If it was true, it would definitely be a big case, so he immediately sent people to the military camp to investigate.
Procuratorate.
"I'm sorry, Fan Dutou, based on what we have found, we cannot appeal your dismissal."
Su Che said helplessly.
Fan Meng asked: "Why?"
Su Che said, "Yesterday, Wang Xuanfu Envoy told us frankly that the reason he fired you was indeed because of your remarks against the Commissioner of Taxation. Wang Xuanfu Envoy believed that you, as generals, not only did not set an example, but also spread rumors in the army, causing panic among the soldiers. It just so happens that they are currently laying off a group of generals, so he laid you off based on the current disarmament policy. This is their power, and we cannot appeal against it."
"???"
Fan Meng was immediately filled with swear words, you civil servants are really good at having fun!
What a fuck!
Disarmament was a decision made by the imperial court, and the right of interpretation was entirely in their hands. The principle of disarmament was survival of the fittest. Wang Shao believed that they were easily influenced by rumors and did not meet the requirements of a soldier at all, and the procuratorate did not have much to do.
... ...
Although Yang Chunhua, Gu Shen and others did not come to the procuratorate to file a complaint, they also begged everywhere for forgiveness.
They really didn't expect that they would be laid off like this and their military career would end just because of a few words.
It makes me feel depressed just thinking about it!
But it was of no use. Qin Zhongshou told them very clearly that their military status had been revoked and there was no room for maneuver.
This made Yang Chunhua and the others feel deeply desperate, so they could only get together and drink to relieve their sorrow.
While they were drinking, three uninvited guests suddenly arrived.
"who are you?"
Yang Chunhua looked at the visitor with sleepy eyes.
The leader sat down directly, "Tax Collector Chen Ming."
Yang Chunhua, Gu Shen and the other four stood up immediately. Yang Chunhua even took off his sword and held it in his hand.
This injustice has its perpetrator, and this debt has its creditor. You actually came to our door to complain. The key point is that we were drinking. You must be tired of living.
Yang Chunhua shouted angrily: "How dare you come here?"
Chen Ming looked at them fearlessly and said, "I am here to give you a chance for revenge."
Give us a chance for revenge
What's the meaning
Do you want us to kill you
Yang Chunhua was dumbfounded.
Has this tax collector become so cruel
"You were actually deceived by others and became scapegoats. The purpose of those people was that they were afraid that the tax commissioner would check their taxes. So...!"
Chen Ming placed the token on the table and said, "I will give you a chance to join the Taxation Department, which will be responsible for investigating tax evasion by generals, transport officials, and others."
Yang Chunhua and others were confused again after hearing this.
This turn is really... unexpected!
Chen Ming added: "You have completely lost your jobs. In the eyes of our tax commissioner, you are not even qualified to be investigated. But do you want to see your former colleagues take over your military finances and use the money they embezzled to eat delicious food and drink spicy drinks in restaurants?"
Upon hearing this, Yang Chunhua threw away his sword and grabbed the token, "I am willing to join the Taxation Department."
Gu Shen and others also expressed their willingness to join the Taxation Department.
This is human nature. If we don't have a good life, no one else can have an easy life either.
Chen Ming stood up and said, "Don't drink any more. Sober up and report to the Taxation Department tomorrow."
"As you command."
Several people clasped their fists together.
In fact, there is much more corruption in the military camp than in the government office, because the military camp involves water transport and military pay, and the profits are really unimaginable. But for the tax commissioner, the taxes we collected with great effort are not for you to be corrupt. Even if you must be greedy, you still have to pay the taxes!
Therefore, the Tax Commissioner must absorb the insiders in the military camp and understand the tricks in the military camp before he can collect taxes. As the saying goes, only by knowing yourself and the enemy can you win every battle.
Wang Shao chose Yang Chunhua and others to make an example of them and also to cooperate with the Commissioner of Taxation in recruiting soldiers. In fact, there were more than just a few of them fanning the flames in the military camp.
... ...
Outside, there were undercurrents and everyone was on the alert, but the imperial court was peaceful. Everyone was busy with law school affairs and had just completed an entrance exam.
"Wow! Is the enrollment rate so high? It's already reached 60%."
Zhang Fei put down the report card and looked at the four little golden men again, "You guys didn't do anything wrong, did you?"
Cai Bian hurriedly said: "Students don't dare."
Xu Zhiqian explained: "Law is a required subject for candidates. Anyone who wants to take the imperial examination must have memorized the Song Dynasty Criminal Code by heart. And those who come to take the exam are all scholars, so it is reasonable that many of them can pass."
Zhang Fei couldn't help but smile bitterly when he heard this, "So I'm the only one in the entire imperial court who can't recite the Song Dynasty Criminal Code by heart?"
Xu Zhiqian pursed her lips, "And Li Si."
Ye Zuqia smiled flatteringly and said, "If this is a test on the law of the system, the students think that none of them will pass it."
Zhang Fei asked with a smile: "Are you sure you can survive this?"
"Well... ..!"
Ye Zuqia's expression gradually became stiff.
Cai Bian and the others buried their heads and laughed secretly.
"alright!"
Zhang Fei did not bother them any more and said, "All these people have been recruited. You can arrange on your own how to give them lessons."
Shangguan Jun hurriedly asked: "Teacher, aren't you going to class?"
Zhang Fei said: "You teach them the concepts and ideas of the rule of law first, and then I will find time to give them a lesson."
Cai Jing suddenly said, "Teacher, there is a lot of panic outside right now. Everyone is in danger, and it may even cause some unrest."
Cai Bian and the others also immediately looked at Zhang Fei.
Zhang Fei looked at Cai Jing and asked, "So what do you think our imperial court should do?"
Cai Jing replied, "According to the tax commissioner in the capital, only the imperial court and the procuratorate can check and balance the tax commissioner, because everyone who evades taxes must be tried by the imperial court. Now everyone is terrified when talking about the tax commissioner, so I think this is a great opportunity for our imperial court to win over the hearts of the people. As long as we tell everyone that the imperial court will not let the tax commissioner do whatever he wants, they will definitely support our imperial court even more."
What is justice? It is when evil appears. Therefore, Cai Jing believes that this is an excellent opportunity for publicity. It can not only make the people more supportive of the imperial court, but also eliminate the grudges between the officials. But it cannot be missed!
“That makes sense!”
Zhang Fei nodded and asked, "Can anyone tell me what the punishment will be for tax evasion in our country?"
Shangguan Jun immediately said, "Generally, tax evasion is punished by confiscation of half of the family property, 60 to 100 years of imprisonment, and more serious cases are sentenced to one year in prison, and the head of the household and the village head will also be punished."
Cai Bian added: "But this is just general tax evasion. Once it involves liquor tax, salt tax, and tea tax, if it exceeds a certain amount, the death penalty can be imposed directly."
Ye Zuqia said: "During the Tianxi period, Emperor Zhenzong issued an imperial decree that those who privately sold alcohol would no longer be sentenced to death, but would be punished with caning, blackening the face, and exiled to a prison 500 miles away. The salt and tea taxes were also reduced accordingly, with the intention of encouraging the development of industry and commerce."
Zhang Fei nodded and said, "What we can be sure of now is that the tax bureau adopted the method of self-declaration. We are not unfamiliar with it, but for the people of Hezhong Prefecture, this is a very unfamiliar taxation method. Then the imperial court should also be understanding in terms of punishment. Cai Jing."
"The students are here."
"Write an article and publish it in the legal newspaper, informing the people that based on the self-declaration tax collection method, the imperial court has decided to exempt the first offender from punishment and only impose a fine. As for how much the fine is, the imperial court will later give a corresponding punishment according to the regulations of the tax bureau. But when you write, you must hint to the people that the tax bureau's power is only to inspect taxes, but whether or not someone is guilty is determined by our public security, procuratorate and courts. This will both appease people and win their hearts."
Cai Jing nodded and said, "Yes, I know what to do now."