The Soldier King Becomes a Useless Little Girl-Chapter 905 - 903: Tax Turmoil

Half of the taxes?

Xin Lin and Little Xinzhuo were both taken aback when they heard that.

So Longteng Country has to pay taxes to the Three Main Countries every year?

They weren’t aware of this at all.

"That’s why Young Master Tu acts so arrogantly in Longteng Country. Even Long Qingchen, as the Third Prince, doesn’t dare offend Young Master Tu. Is it the same for the other four continents?"

Xin Lin glanced at the other four regions on the continental map.

"Each of the five major regions of the mainland has natural or man-made barriers set by the Main Countries. To pass through them, you either need extraordinary strength or the approval of the monarchs of the Three Main Countries. I’ve only traveled in the Eastern Continent, so I’m not familiar with the situation in the other four. Maybe my third brother knows something; he and my father once went to the Western Continent."

Murong Ziyue spoke with half envy and half regret.

Though she was born in Fengdong, due to her background, she was different from her siblings and had limited opportunities to travel, only slightly better than Xin Lin and Little Xinzhuo.

"That’s already quite remarkable. Little Xinzhuo and I have never even left Longteng."

Xin Lin joked.

If given the chance, she would love to see all parts of the mainland.

Unfortunately, with her father’s situation unknown and bound by the Hundred Lifetimes of Evil Ghosts, she couldn’t leave Longteng for the time being.

"It’s still better not to leave, especially those Main Countries."

Murong Ziyue hesitated, glancing at Little Xinzhuo.

Ye Lingyue looked at Murong Ziyue, knowing she was hiding something, but since Murong Ziyue didn’t speak, Xin Lin didn’t press further.

"Year-end is the time for Vassal Countries to pay their taxes. This grand banquet by Emperor Longteng is not only for celebration but also because the year-end is near. The birthday banquet helps collect birthday tributes to pay taxes."

Murong Ziyue explained.

Xin Lin and Little Xinzhuo exchanged bewildered glances; they hadn’t imagined that the truth behind Emperor Longteng’s banquet could be so bittersweet.

"Isn’t Longteng Country’s taxation sufficient?"

Little Xinzhuo asked, puzzled.

"Under Emperor Longteng’s leadership, Longteng Country seems to prosper and ranks well among Vassal Countries. However, at the beginning of the year, some places suffered from droughts, causing many deaths and a significant decrease in taxes. Those places were once fertile lands, major contributors to taxes, so when disasters struck them, tax revenues naturally fell short. Such information was concealed, so it’s no surprise you didn’t know."

Murong Ziyue shook her head.

"If it was concealed, how did you know, Sister Ziyue?"

Little Xinzhuo asked curiously.

Murong Ziyue was momentarily stunned by the question, hesitating before answering.

"My family has some special connections to gather such information, which is entirely true. Originally, Emperor Longteng planned to collect more offerings during this banquet, but unfortunately, things went awry halfway, as Young Master Tu from Tuyuan Country arrived. In just ten days in Purple Cloud City, he reaped many benefits, causing Emperor Longteng’s planned taxes to fall short."

Murong Ziyue shook her head.

"This little girl is rather interesting. What special channels? It’s just as disasters and calamities multiply, there are more ghostly creatures among the populace. As a Ghost Cultivator, she knows best where many people have died, marking the occurrence of disasters."

Gui Hu sneered softly, adding coldly.