Liannan Prefecture, comprising six counties, had three bordering the Northern Frontier. The Northern Frontier was guarded by the Zhao and Yan kingdoms, though these two nations did not exclusively border Yunyue, their territories also touching other states, and each had their own adversaries.
However, a prefecture with three counties simultaneously facing two northern barbarian kingdoms presented a heavy burden.
Since the implementation of the New Laws, with thirty thousand troops, hundreds and thousands of officials, and countless constables working diligently, the land of Shuangyue Prefecture was surveyed and the taxes on shops were publicized within just one month.
Leveraging this, Shuangyue Prefecture, which had popularized the New Three Laws, instead became a catalyst for reform. A large number of officials and constables within the prefecture, and even the soldiers of the counties, were mobilized to serve this cause, radiating outwards to surrounding prefectures.
Numerous corrupt officials were apprehended by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and a few stubborn gentry and powerful families who dared to resist had their entire clans confiscated and exiled. The power of Yunyue's reform and change gradually expanded.
Yet, in Pingliang County, Weibei Commandery, everything remained as it was, as if completely unaffected by the reforms.
Within the pavilion in the衙门's backyard, the County Magistrate of Pingliang, with his bulging belly, devoured meat and guzzled wine, leisurely inquiring, "Advisor, how much has the衙门's income been this month?"
"Your Honor, the衙门's income this month is more than double that of last month. As per your instructions, we have selected merchants with no significant backing and landlords with small families and businesses, and have levied the New Three Laws taxes upon them," the advisor replied cautiously, sitting to the side.
"Hahaha, more than double? This is truly excellent!"
Upon hearing this, the County Magistrate laughed heartily and drank a few more cups.
"Eh? Such good news, why aren't you happy? Eat, drink!"
"Yes, yes."
The advisor's scalp tingled. He lightly moved his chopsticks and took a sip of wine.
However, this did not satisfy the County Magistrate, who directly poured him a full cup and clinked glasses, saying, "Come, drink this full cup. Don't put on a pretense."
"Thank you, Your Honor."
The advisor had no choice but to drink with him.
After finishing the drink, the advisor cautiously asked, "Your Honor, there is something I wish to say, though I know not if I should."
"Speak your mind. You pedantic scholars always have too much to say," the County Magistrate rebuked impatiently.
"Ah~" the advisor responded, his spirits immediately lifting. He glanced around cautiously.
Only the two of them were in the pavilion, not even a maid present. The advisor then spoke with confidence, "Your Honor, we are using the court's New Three Laws in this manner, yet we are not remitting a single cent. Is this not improper?"
"Improper? How is it improper? Isn't it very proper?"
The County Magistrate unhappily put down his wine cup and pointed at himself, "Before the New Three Laws even arrived, I, this official, directly responded to the court's call and took the lead in implementing reforms according to the system. It's just that my capabilities are limited, and I couldn't cover everything. Where is the impropriety?"
"Oh, I understand now. You're talking about this."
The County Magistrate seemed to have a realization and pointed at himself again, laughing, "I have profited greatly, and you."
He then pointed at the advisor, "You have also profited greatly. And the officials around here have also profited greatly."
The County Magistrate spread his arms, with a hint of drunkenness, "Look, this county has responded to the court's reforms, some taxes have been collected, everyone has profited handsomely, and everyone is living comfortably. What is improper about that?"
"..."
The advisor was utterly speechless. Didn't he understand what was improper? The taxes he collected under the guise of the New Three Laws, had even a single copper coin been remitted to the court? No, let alone silver, not even a single copper coin had been remitted.
All the taxes collected under the pretext of the New Three Laws, the money obtained through increased levies, all went into their pockets. Was this not improper?
"Your, Your Honor, if we don't pay a single copper coin like this, and the higher-ups find out, I fear... it will be difficult to resolve!"
The advisor had no choice but to brace himself and state the matter plainly.
"Hahaha, there's no need to worry about this matter."
To his surprise, the County Magistrate laughed heartily and uttered these words, which the advisor could not quite comprehend.
"Does Your Honor have any clever stratagems to deal with this?" the advisor asked curiously.
"Isn't this simple?" the County Magistrate said proudly. "A few months before the court's envoys arrive, we will first extort them heavily. Then, a month before their arrival, we will immediately double the tax collection, and then double it again. We will impose more miscellaneous taxes, all under the name of the New Three Laws."
"Tell me, when the court's envoys arrive here and investigate this matter, intending to implement the New Three Laws, what will happen?"
"This, I fear the people will be enraged, and there might be unrest." The advisor's mouth twitched. He forced a smile and flattered, "Your Honor's plan is truly brilliant!"
"Hahaha, naturally."
The County Magistrate was extremely pleased. In the past, he would always ask the advisor for advice. Who knew that there would be a day when the advisor couldn't see through his schemes? This contrast was truly satisfying!
"But Your Honor, there are also informants from the Embroidered Uniform Guard in the county. If the Embroidered Uniform Guard reports this matter upwards."
The advisor asked again.
"That is also simple. This Liannan Prefecture is a border prefecture, and Weibei Commandery is right next to the Northern Frontier. Tell me, in the dead of winter, if those northern barbarians are short of food and clothing and come south to raid, and they happen to run into the court's envoys, what will happen?"
"... I have nothing more to say. Your Honor is infinitely wise!"
This fat County Magistrate was truly ruthless! However, such a matter was too serious!
The advisor feigned agreement, his heart filled with terror.
Embezzling some random taxes and implementing policies with doubled rates might at most lead to confiscation and exile. But intercepting court envoys was a crime punishable by clan extermination. How could he continue to court death with this fat man?
No, he had to find an opportunity to escape! This fat man, facing imminent death, was still smug. Even the Lianshan County aristocratic families, with the Marquis of Chengguan as their backer, would face disaster in such a situation. How much more so for this fat man who had no great backing?
Wait for death!
Subsequently, the advisor maintained a normal expression and chatted with the County Magistrate about various interesting anecdotes. After a meal and drinks, the County Magistrate was very happy and satisfied.
However, the next morning, the advisor fell ill and could not come to the衙门 for work.
At first, the County Magistrate paid it no mind. But after sending someone to inquire about him with no success, the County Magistrate finally realized something was amiss.
It was only when he dispatched a large number of constables to personally visit his residence that he discovered the damned advisor had fled with his entire family at the crack of dawn.
The person sent to inquire had fallen into an ambush upon entering their home and died, which was why no news had been sent back.
The advisor's escape enraged the County Magistrate, but his heart was also filled with trepidation.
It was only then that he realized the gravity of the situation and hurriedly sought help from his backstage patron.
Of course, the County Magistrate did not forget to send people to pursue the advisor's family. Unfortunately, they did not catch them, and had no idea where they had gone.
The aristocratic families and powerful nobles were terrified of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and feared the imperial army, thus not daring to openly resist. However, their covert actions were numerous, and this was not limited to just one county or region.