st of the funds came from his friends in the capital who pooled their resources together. As an old official, my annual salary is only a few thousand taels. Without such support, how could I have affo...Chapter 437: Viewing the Sea Platform

Li Chen was a little surprised to hear this.

He didn't expect Zheng Baorong to still have the idea of taxing the rich and the poor differently in this day and age. The principle is simple, but it's not easy to implement.

Because the wealthy have access to far more social resources than the poor, any official who tries to crack down on them will inevitably face immense pressure.

On the other hand, those poor people can't do anything but cry and complain.

"Those wealthy households in Wehaiwei, are they just ripe for the taking" Li Chen asked.

Zheng Baorong broke into a smile and said, "As for my own family, we were the first to pay taxes, and we paid the most. They have nothing to say about that. Even if there are a few who are unhappy about it, so what"

"As a magistrate, I have no skeletons in my closet. The only accusation against me is that of exorbitant taxes. However, the money I collect is used to develop Weihaiwei and strengthen its defenses. The wealthy landowners who own vast tracts of farmland are the biggest beneficiaries. If you oust me and replace me with someone else, they may pay less in taxes. But they will also have to spend more on bribes and favors for the next magistrate. Without my leadership, the coastal defense would be weakened, fisheries would suffer, business would decline, and their profits would shrink. Even a businessman can see that this is not a wise decision."

"Most importantly, I have kept a careful balance. I haven't left them with nothing to eat. For example, this year I had them pay one thousand taels of silver in taxes. Next year, I will find a way for them to earn one thousand and one hundred taels. This way, they will still have some surplus and won't be losing money. Then everyone can bear it and tolerate it."

Li Chen heard this and a smile appeared in his eyes.

Just now, I thought Zheng Bao Rong had lost a lot of his charm, but now I think he's regained two times the amount.

Based on these statements, if they are true, Zheng Baorong is not just a management talent but also a great person.

"This palace understands."

Li Chen nodded, understanding the general idea. However, making a decision naturally wasn't just about believing Zheng Baorong's one-sided words.

"Three Treasures."

Li Chen shouted, waiting for Sandaobao to come forward. He then said: "You take Zheng Bao Rong down and investigate in Weihai City according to what he said. If it is true, bring the person back, if not..."

Li Chen glanced at Zheng Bao Rong and said calmly, "Punish him for the crime of deceiving the monarch."

The crime of treason against the monarch, its punishment shall be to exterminate three generations.

Li Chen is still the Crown Prince, not qualified to be treated with disrespect by others because of his position, for Li Chen is not yet the ruler. But here, no one would object to this.

The Three Treasures respectfully accepted the order and led Zheng Baorong away.

When Zheng Baorong was leaving, he was still quite confident, saying something like, "Go ahead and investigate. If you find any problems, consider me defeated."

"This person is truly lacking in intelligence and cunning." Su Jinpa sighed.

His happiness was clearly visible on his face, not subtle or reserved. One could tell what he was feeling just by looking at him.

Such a person is indeed not suited to survival in the officialdom.

"Perhaps it's a case of seeming foolish but actually being wise."

At this time, Li Chen actually said something nice to Zheng Baorong.

Sighing, Li Chen said again, "There's really a shortage of talent."

This statement, on the surface, is directed at Zheng Baorong, but in reality, it's a message intended for Mr. Mirror.

Mr. Mirror chuckled lightly, pretending not to understand, and raised his hand: "It's already noon now, Your Highness must be tired from your journey. Why don't you follow the old man to the Viewing Sea Pavilion in the back garden to enjoy the sea view and have some plain tea and rice"

Li Chen nodded and said, "Sir's invitation, I dare not refuse, please."lit, the Northern and Southern Shaolin sects have not been on good terms. While they may not be outright enemies, they certainly don't see eye to eye. Due to their differing philosophies and ideologi...