The Female Assistant of Wei Yuyan Shuangfei

Even those who didn't know much could understand the deep meaning of Xie Tingwen's words. Everyone was well aware of the pressure he was carrying.

Cao Shuang was about to bow down again to express his gratitude for Xie Tingwen's kindness, but just as he was about to kneel down, Xie Tingwen stepped forward and blocked his subsequent movements.

"Cao Lizheng! How can I deserve such a great gift from you?" Xie Tingwen said with a little shame.

When everyone heard this, they all said in unison: "Your Excellency has done a kind deed. For thousands of people in three townships and seven villages, it is like a rebirth. Please accept our three bows."

Xie Tingwen wanted to speak out to stop them, but was pulled back by Xie Shuting who was standing beside him. He looked at Xie Shuting with a suspicious expression, his face full of confusion.

Xie Shuting sighed helplessly and said softly, "Father! If you don't accept the courtesy, the gentry will not stop. Just sit down!"

While speaking, Xie Shuting gave Lian Xi a look, and Lian Xi immediately understood what she meant and forcibly pulled Xie Tingwen back to the first seat.

Lian Xi looked weak, but she had plenty of strength as she had practiced martial arts. Xie Tingwen also sat down reluctantly, and all the gentry immediately bowed down to him.

"On behalf of the twelve thousand people of Laigu County, we would like to express our gratitude to you, my Lord."

Of course Xie Tingwen could not bear the ceremony of three kneelings and nine kowtows. It was not allowed according to both etiquette and law, so everyone just prostrated themselves on the ground and kowtowed once.

Xie Tingwen immediately stood up, gave a helping hand and said, "Everyone, please stand up quickly. Please stand up quickly."

"Thank you, sir." Everyone touched their hands, then helped each other up and stood in the hall.

Xie Tingwen glanced at everyone with a smile and said softly, "I am well aware of the suffering of the people, but the imperial tax collection is the foundation of the country. This is all I can do."

"Your Excellency has done enough, enough."

"Yes, it is a blessing for the people of Laigu County to have you here..."

Everyone couldn't help but cover their faces in grief and talk about the hardships of the people at the bottom of society. Even Xie Tingwen was quite moved for a while.

Having lived two lives, Xie Shuting has seen more human nature than anyone else, and everything that is happening now is just a natural outcome.

"Father!"

Xie Shuting called out softly, which made Xie Tingwen, who was in grief, regain his composure. Xie Shuting gave him a look, and he understood instantly, and his sorrow subsided.

"Gentlemen, this matter has been settled. Please go to the clerk's office to collect the taxes you need to pay. As for the shopkeepers, please stay for a while."

"Yes! I'll take my leave." The crowd clapped their hands and walked out.

Watching the ten figures leave, the remaining twenty or so shopkeepers looked at each other in confusion, their hearts were in turmoil and they had many guesses.

"Please take a seat first. I've left you here alone because I have something important to discuss with you." While speaking, Xie Tingwen gestured for everyone to take a seat.

"We dare not. We will obey whatever orders you give us." Everyone hurriedly responded.

Faced with Xie Tingwen's signal, they dared not sit on the same level as the county magistrate, and could only sit halfway, a little awkwardly.

They were merchants, the lowest class in the Song Dynasty. They could not take the imperial examinations, and even if they committed a crime, they would be punished severely.

They seem to have no worries about food and clothing, but in the eyes of scholars, farmers and workers, they are inferior.

Faced with this kind of shackles where their dignity is trampled upon, they can't and won't change it and can only accept it.

Xie Tingwen naturally noticed the reservedness of the crowd, and smiled slightly and said, "Don't worry, everyone. What I said is good news for you."

Upon hearing this, everyone looked at each other in confusion, staring at Xie Tingwen with eyes as big as copper bells.

Seeing everyone's expectant expressions, Xie Tingwen smiled calmly and said, "I have decided to reform the tax system in Laigu County, so I'm keeping you here to discuss this with you."

"Reform taxes? And discuss this with you?"

While everyone was thinking secretly, huge waves had already surged in their hearts. After all, Xie Tingwen's words had a huge impact on them.

Since ancient times, the taxation of the county government has been levied by decrees issued by the household office. They have no right to participate and can only pay the money obediently.

The living room fell into an eerie silence for a moment. Xie Shuting shook her head helplessly and secretly laughed in her heart: "Father's ability to control the situation is so weak."

Immediately! She gently stroked the cup, and along with the sound of the cup rubbing against the cup, a middle-aged man understood what she meant and slowly stood up.

He bowed to Xie Tingwen and said softly, "I am Liancheng, the manager of Yuelai Inn. Nice to meet you, sir."

"Manager Lian, please get up quickly?"

"I am terrified." Liancheng hurriedly stroked his hand and asked softly, "I wonder what the 'tax reform' you just mentioned means?"

The other shopkeepers pricked up their ears and listened carefully. If it weren't for Xie Tingwen's previous tax exemption, they would have thought that the government would impose heavy taxes on them again.

Xie Tingwen naturally saw everyone's concerns, and said with a smile: "I will explain this matter to you in detail."

Upon hearing this, Xie Shuting bowed and saluted in the face of everyone's surprised gazes, and said softly, "My humble self Xie Weiyu greets you all."

"No, no, we cannot afford Miss Xie's generous gift." Everyone waved their hands hurriedly.

Xie Shuting nodded and said apologetically, "You are all well-known merchants in Laigu County. I am calling you together today to discuss 'tax reform' for your own good."

"Then please tell us in detail, Miss Xie."

"Father intends to change the commercial tax from 10% to 4%..." Xie Shuting said this and raised her eyes to glance at everyone.

It was surprising to see that the shopkeepers who originally had hopeful looks on their faces now had sad expressions on their faces.

Officials and people in the government look down on businessmen from the bottom of their hearts, so most of their taxes tend to be land taxes and miscellaneous taxes, and the business taxes are just a symbolic collection of a small amount.

Now, people are somewhat resistant to the 4% tax on 15% proposed by Xie Shuting. Not only do they have to pay more taxes, but their dignity is trampled upon again.

Seeing everyone's worried expressions, Xie Shuting did not delay any longer and said loudly, "I know your concerns. I am not talented enough, but I have already discussed a solution with my father. Would you like to listen?"

Lian Cheng received the look from Xie Shuting and leaned forward hurriedly and asked, "I wonder what Miss Xie's solution is?"

Upon hearing this, everyone calmed down and stared at Xie Shuting closely, fearing that they would miss out on crucial information.

Xie Shuting was laughing secretly in her heart at this moment. It was indeed much easier to have someone to help her than to go through the battle alone.

Seeing the puzzled looks on everyone's faces, Xie Shuting stopped playing dumb and stroked her hands and said loudly: "Let me ask you here, do you want fame or profit?"