231: Chapter 231 Reform, Deadline

Outside the elegant chamber, footsteps approached from afar, accompanied by a few exclamations.

Upon hearing this, everyone's expression changed, and they turned to look toward the door.

They saw that, at some point, a thin man in red official robes and a tall black hat had appeared downstairs.

Surrounded by several guards, he walked straight through the main entrance of the restaurant.

Cao Yong had an ambiguous smile on his pale Face, playing with a jade-like handkerchief in his hand as he scanned the room.

"Oh, everyone is here. That saves me from having to look for you one by one."

Cao Yong's voice was high-pitched and grating, making one feel uncomfortable just listening to it.

Lin Yitian's expression darkened slightly. He stood up and cupped his hands in a salute: "Eunuch Cao, what is the meaning of this?"

After all, this was a meeting of the Lin Family, and for an outsider to barge in like this, it was somewhat of a loss of Face.

"What is this? Are you discussing something important? I hope I haven't disturbed you all, have I?"

Cao Yong walked to the table with a smile, and without waiting for an invitation, sat down directly on an empty chair.

The City Defense Army guards behind him stood on both sides with their hands on their sword hilts, their gazes cold.

The atmosphere in the room instantly dropped to freezing.

Everyone present was a person of status in the capital; when had they ever suffered such indignity?

Yet, this eunuch was backed by the Cabinet and was an expert in the Innate Realm. Even if they wanted to fight, they couldn't win, so they really didn't dare to turn against him.

"Eunuch Cao is joking. We are just old friends gathering for a cup of tea."

An elderly man with graying hair spoke up, bracing himself, his tone as calm as possible.

"Drinking tea?"

Cao Yong sneered, picked up the teacup on the table, and took a small sip.

"This tea is not bad. Spring tips from century-old trees, must cost at least a thousand taels of silver per catty, right? Tsk tsk, a Family is a Family; you really know how to enjoy yourselves."

He set the teacup on the table with a crisp clatter.

"However, I didn't come here today to drink tea."

Lin Yitian took a deep breath: "Eunuch Cao, please feel free to speak your mind."

"Straightforward."

Cao Yong gave a thumbs up, but the smile on his Face had no warmth whatsoever.

"I presume you have all heard of the Cabinet's Family tax decree, right?"

Everyone looked at each other, remaining silent.

"What? Have you all become mutes?"

After a long while, Lin Yitian slowly spoke: "Eunuch Cao, we are also discussing the matter of the Family tax, but this decree came suddenly, and we need some time..."

"Time?"

Cao Yong interrupted him, his voice suddenly rising a few notches.

"When the Wang Family was wiped out, they also said they needed time. Now that all seventy-three members of the Wang Family are resting in peace, do you think they still need time?"

Upon hearing this, everyone in the room turned pale.

Cao Yong stood up and paced slowly by the table; for every step he took, the guards behind him followed.

"I came here today to tell you all that the regulations for the Family tax have been changed."

"Changed?"

Someone couldn't help but speak up.

"Yes, changed."

Cao Yong turned around, the smile on his Face becoming even more sinister.

"Previously, it was collected at thirty percent of the Family's assets. Now, however... in addition to that thirty percent, a head tax must also be added."

"What!?"

The room immediately erupted into an uproar.

"Eunuch Cao, this is against the rules!"

"It was agreed before that it was only an asset tax, why is it suddenly..."

Everyone spoke up, their tones filled with anger and unwillingness.

Cao Yong, however, was unhurried. He waited until they had finished speaking before coldly saying:

"Rules? The rules are set by the Cabinet. The Cabinet says how it should be changed, so it is changed. If you have any objections, you can go tell the Cabinet officials."

He paused, his gaze falling on Lin Yitian.

"By the way, there is one more thing I need to tell you all. Among the Four Great Families, the Lu Family has already agreed to the new tax system, and they even sent the first installment of silver to the Cabinet yesterday."

Lin Yitian's pupils constricted.

The Lu Family actually compromised so quickly?

"So, I hope the Lin Family can also be sensible and not do anything unwise."

"Alright, I have just come to pass on the information. I won't disturb you all any further."

After saying this, Cao Yong turned and left.

When he reached the door, he stopped again and looked back at everyone.

"By the way, in three days, the new tax system will be fully implemented in the capital. At that time, I will visit each Family to collect it. I hope you all have the silver ready and don't make me waste a trip."

He smiled, and that smile appeared somewhat hair-raising on his pale Face.

"Farewell."

As his voice fell, Cao Yong left with his guards.

The elegant chamber fell into silence once again.

After a long while, someone spoke:

"A thirty percent asset tax is already heavy enough. Add a head tax on top of that—for us large Families with many members, how much silver will that be?"

"The key is that the Lu Family has already compromised. If we don't agree, I'm afraid..."

Everyone spoke one after another, the atmosphere becoming incredibly oppressive.

Lin Yitian furrowed his brows tightly, saying nothing.

He knew very well in his heart that this matter was no longer just about money.

The Cabinet was using the name of tax collection to weaken the power of the Families.

If they agreed, the Lin Family's foundation would be greatly weakened.

If they didn't agree, the outcome would likely be the same as the Wang Family's.

A dilemma.

For the Cabinet to dare to push such a decree, is it truly the eunuchs holding all the power, or is it secretly permitted by the Emperor?

If it were the former, that would be manageable; if it were the latter...

Lin Yitian's brows remained tightly locked as he fell into silence.