Protect Our Clan Leader
Chapter 1106 - 78: Drain the Firewood from Under the Pot! Flip the Table_2

Jiang Zhuyi spoke with ease and confidence, his every movement exuding self-assurance. This was a common demeanor among the elites of the Immortal Dynasty. In terms of economy, education level, and overall strength, the Immortal Dynasty far surpassed Da Qian. People from the Immortal Dynasty had seen more since childhood, and their mindset was often higher.

However, as a direct descendant of outstanding lineage, Jiang Zhuyi too had ambitions to branch out and start his own family line. Assisting the Kang Commandery Prince to ascend to the throne of the Great Emperor of Da Qian was undoubtedly the best shortcut.

"Hmm," the Kang Commandery Prince slightly furrowed his brows and responded noncommittally with a grunt, "GongYang, my respected younger brother, has always been arrogant and willful in his actions. Let it be, with his strength, he won't suffer any disadvantages."

After a pause, he asked again, "What about Elder Xin, any news?"

If Elder Xin had succeeded, they could use this to secretly suppress Wang Shouzhe. It was even possible for Wang Shouzhe to end up working for them instead.

At this statement, Jiang Zhuyi's expression turned grave, "There is news, but the situation is very bad."

"We heard that Elder Xin and the Wu brothers had very bad luck when carrying out their tasks. They ran into Tianhe, the Enlightened One, who was guest residing at the Purple Abode's Academic Palace of Longzuo, and was at the Wang family by chance... As a result, all three were mistaken for evil cultivators and killed on the spot!"

"What!? Elder Xin was killed too?" The Kang Commandery Prince stood up abruptly, his complexion change dramatically, "And that old fellow Tianhe, why was he at the Changning Wang Clan?"

"I've already found out from the Government Office reports that all three were killed. Thankfully, before Elder Xin was captured and killed, he chose to 'self-destruct' and did not reveal his identity." Jiang Zhuyi said, lowering his head, "I heard that the Enlightened One Tianhe was hired by the Wang family to use his Divine Skills to draw upon Spirit Veins, laying the foundation for the family to build the Spirit Gathering Array."

"This must be a coincidence. Both the Wang family and the Enlightened One Tianhe only took them for fugitives from our dynasty. Otherwise, if they had captured 'Elder Xin', they would have used the opportunity to strike against us."

Jiang Zhuyi's analysis was "very reasonable," but unfortunately, he did not truly understand Wang Shouzhe's real mindset.

Whether it was Elder Xin or the Wu brothers, while they indeed belonged to the Kang Commandery Prince, even if they were captured, it would not be easy to pin this matter on the Kang Commandery Prince immediately; they had plenty of ways to shirk responsibility.

Moreover, revealing this would expose the true strength of the Wang family, making them an easy target for even more powerful enemies. It would be better to pin this on the Enlightened One Tianhe, making him reluctantly bear the blame.

"Elder Xin!" The Kang Commandery Prince's eyes were faintly red, and a wave of anger and hatred welled up in his heart, "Wang family, Tianhe, I, the Commandery Prince, will be at odds with you!"

Unlike others, Wu Zhongxin had followed the Kang Commandery Prince for a long time, protecting him as he grew up.

Even if he was unappreciative, the Kang Commandery Prince was still human, still capable of emotion.

"Your Highness, please calm your anger," said Jiang Zhuyi bowing, "Anger is futile at this point. What we need to do now is figure out how to get through this tax investigation crisis, and at least minimize the losses. Only if you win the Emperor's son's title in the end, can we avenge Elder Xin."

"Huff, huff~"

The Kang Commandery Prince took several deep breaths before reluctantly restraining his emotions, his gaze filled with a fierce light as he looked to the other side, "Mr. Yude, when I sent my attendant back earlier, I asked you to sort out the accounts. How is that coming along?"

Mr. Yude was the head of all accountants at the Commandery Prince's Residence, overseeing dozens of accountants under him. He came from a fallen branch of the Imperial Household, full-named Wu Yude, whose ancestors had all managed accounts for the De Xin lineage.

"Your Highness," Mr. Yude said, "The accounts of the Commandery Prince's Residence are incredibly intricate, and in such a short time…"

"Enough, I'll just ask you," the Kang Commandery Prince interrupted, "If we compare our actual tax liability to what we've paid, what's the difference? Is it less than fifty percent..." The Commandery Prince always oversaw the big picture, clearly aware of the household income and expenditures, but not the exact extent of tax evasion. Such things did not normally require his attention.

"This…" Mr. Yude's forehead glistened with sweat as he said through gritted teeth, "Your Highness, you're being too conservative. It's, it's at least eighty percent…"

The Kang Commandery Prince was taken aback, nearly collapsing in shock.

Outraged, he roared, "How is that possible? The audacity of you people, such grand audacity! Eighty percent, how could you do it?"

"Your Highness, it's an injustice," Mr. Yude said sadly, "Initially, the Commandery Prince's Residence would understate taxes by about fifty percent as per the usual custom. But over the last century, as Your Highness has been striving for the Emperor's son's position, the finances have become increasingly tight. Without increasing tax evasion efforts, many of the operations would likely be untenable."

Moreover, he didn't have the nerve to decide such matters on his own, so before implementing them, he had already consulted with Your Highness, who probably forgot he had given his consent.

"Can't the accounts be doctored to break even?" The Kang Commandery Prince massaged his temples, headache pounding.

Mr. Yude almost choked, barely resisting an outburst. Come on, here are the books; let's see you balance them.

But if he dared to say that out loud, he would probably be beaten to death.

With no other choice, he said dryly, "Your Highness, when it comes to financial accounts, everything is interconnected. Even though we've been careful, for anyone's household engaging in substantial tax evasion, once a thorough and detailed investigation is conducted, irregularities will surely be found."