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Due to significant issues with the payment of taxes in the early stages, King Zhao was greatly enraged. He ordered Plain King Zhao Sheng to personally take charge and immediately form a high-level inspection team to thoroughly investigate the matter without any mistakes. Zhao Sheng lived up to expectations, using intimidation and exemplary punishment to ensure that all overdue taxes were paid in full, even exceeding the required amount.
The method he employed was quite simple, involving just a few words. He gathered the wealthy households and asked if they had all paid their taxes in full. After receiving confirmation, he encouraged them and then informed everyone that an investigation would begin to determine how much land each person owned.
It is well known that Plain King is also one of the wealthy households. There is always a fear when it comes to dealing with one's own people; after all, only insiders know the ins and outs. Moreover, if this matter were confirmed, it would not just be about making up for the overdue taxes! This could be a grave crime! If things went poorly, it could lead to a disgraceful downfall.
Zhao Sheng had previously summoned several underperforming individuals and passionately explained a principle to them. Without taxes, the Zhao Army would face defeat due to starvation. If that happened, Zhao State might perish. The lands they were hoarding would soon be confiscated by the Qin State and redistributed to the common people. If they were willing to see such an outcome, he would not stand in their way.
It was said that some questioned Zhao Sheng at that time since everyone had something to hide. It seemed unreasonable to ask them to make up for their taxes alone. Zhao Sheng naturally did not hesitate and stated on the spot that he had already exceeded the required tax payment based on the actual amount of land owned.
The accounts are here! Anyone who does not believe can bring in experts for verification.
With Plain King setting an example first, others could no longer pretend ignorance. They earnestly participated in a patriotic campaign, expressing their support for the Army's operations as a matter of duty!
When Zhao Wang Dan saw that the additional tax payments far exceeded initial expectations, his jaw nearly dropped. Who said our Zhao State's power was declining? This was strong evidence to refute that claim! He originally intended to reward those who contributed with surplus funds but was surprised when Zhao Sheng declared he would not accept any rewards! The king's broad-mindedness and benevolence made him a model ruler of virtue in contemporary times. The ministers were already grateful for not being held accountable; how could they dare ask for further rewards!?
Hearing his uncle's sincere praise, Zhao Wang Dan felt greatly reassured. Whenever there were significant matters needing attention domestically, it was thanks to these elders stepping forward. King Zhao was certainly not someone lacking understanding; he knew very well that Plain King’s actions might have offended many friends and relatives. It seemed Plain King was clear-headed about major issues and could distinguish between public and private matters. Thus, he indicated that since this year's tax payments had been exceeded, next year's amounts could be adjusted accordingly. As long as they met the base requirement, paying slightly less as a reward would be acceptable.
In this matter, what the head of Zhao State sought was not unreasonable. Regardless of the domestic situation, it was unacceptable for the army to go hungry. You can keep your wealth; just don’t go overboard! Seeing that everything had been satisfactorily resolved, Zhao Wang Dan no longer pursued specific details within the matter. As for handling related personnel, he would leave that to his uncle's discretion!
Plain King desired this outcome and was naturally very pleased. The coordinated efforts produced results; it appeared tumultuous but only held accountable a few oblivious wealthy households on the surface. Once everyone understood that this elder genuinely cared for them, gratitude abounded without needing further elaboration. Thus, under these joyful circumstances, the tumultuous tax payment issue came to rest. This matter was considered perfectly resolved, allowing the logistics of Zhao Army to enter a positive cycle once again.
As for the underlying nature of this issue, it is important to remember that sometimes ignorance is bliss!
Plain King Zhao Sheng's efforts this time were largely due to his impulsive decision to become the leader of the pro-war faction. This decision, made without considering the overall situation and merely to vent personal grievances, directly resulted in the main force of the Zhao Army being stuck in the Shangdang Region and unable to return.
Of course, it was impossible for him to admit his mistake, but he could still do his utmost to make amends for it.
Zhao Sheng was also aware of the awkward position the Zhao Army was currently facing, and there was only one solution: increase troops! Change generals! Seek support from various Feudal States! Then drive the Qin Army, which was still lingering in the Shangdang Region, back to their homeland!
The recent Selection in Handan, which actively invited various Feudal States to participate, was actually part of his plan. On the surface, it was said to showcase that the Zhao Kingdom remained peaceful as always, but its true purpose was more ambitious. He had previously sent secret letters to his allies, Chunshen Jun Huang Xie and Xingling Jun Wei Wujie, hoping they could persuade the Monarchs and lords of their respective states to offer strong support.
When a friend asks for help, how could one stand by idly? Moreover, this was a request for assistance from the Plain King, who had built relationships based on trust and righteousness!
Just based on Zhao Sheng's willingness to risk himself to save Wei Qi, a stranger seeking refuge in his home even while trapped in the Qin State, one could see that the Plain King was indeed a person of integrity! Furthermore, even if he found himself in dire straits one day, he could still seek refuge with the Plain King in Zhao.
For both personal and public reasons, it was essential to assist the Plain King! Besides, the current aggressor, the Qin State, was a common enemy of all! If not now, when would they unite against them!?
A benevolent person will always receive heavenly assistance, and at this moment, an answer finally emerged. If heaven no longer shows mercy to good people, then there will always be others willing to step forward! Upon receiving the news, both Huang Xie and Wei Wujie naturally considered these matters. They not only sought help from friends serving in various states to persuade the Nobles and Ministers, but also personally brought substantial rewards to seek assistance from various lords. With everyone's concerted efforts, the final outcome turned out surprisingly favorable.
All those contacted expressed their willingness to lend a hand upon learning it was a matter concerning the Plain King. Helping a friend is an obligation! Most gratifyingly, even the Yan Kingdom, which had not previously taken a stance, made a complete turnaround. The envoy sent by King Yan arrived on the same day as that from Han State at the home of the Plain King, conveying that both nations would subsequently send a Beauty Team to participate in the Selection competition in Zhao's capital.
Due to a previously reached secret consensus, any state willing to attend the Selection would also agree to send troops to support Zhao! When news of each participating state reached the ears of the Plain King, he felt genuinely excited. Ever since Su Qin successfully established an Alliance and Diplomacy, no other coalition among the various Feudal States had been as united against the Qin State as they were today.
Who would have thought? Who would have thought that I, the Plain King, could accomplish what seemed like an impossible task!
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