We Do Things This Way

"On the Sect Master's orders, we will reform the major Aristocratic Clans in Qingzhou, Qingzhou, and Chongzhou!"

Wu Xin's voice was as still as an ancient well, as if he had not seen Du Ming's pallid face.

"Each major Aristocratic Clan must first pay a Wonder Tax based on the size of its assets. By the rules, the Du Family must pay three hundred thousand spirit stones, though various spirit materials, spirit rice, and spirit fields may be used as deductions.

In addition, the Du Family owns more than two thousand mu of spirit fields. Under the New Pact's progressive taxation, the more spirit fields you have, the more taxes you pay. The taxes may be paid in spirit rice or spirit stones.

The same applies to mines everywhere. Different tax rates will be imposed according to the grade of each spirit mine.

There is also the poll tax. Taxes will be levied according to the population of the Noble Families and Powerful Clans. Every family's bloodline members must pay their taxes on time and in full. It isn't much—twenty spirit stones per person per year.

The descendants of the Aristocratic Clans must also submit to Ghost Ridge Palace's corvée labor, participating in wonder construction, spirit-field maintenance, spirit-vein dredging, the elimination of demonic-beast hazards, and other activities.

At the same time, every business operated by the Du Family must pay taxes to Ghost Ridge Palace according to its income. These are called value-added tax, surcharges, and corporate income tax."

With every item Wu Xin listed, Du Ming's face grew paler. His body had already begun to tremble, though no one knew whether it was from fear or excitement.

Behind him, the Du Family disciples erupted in an uproar when they heard Wu Xin's words, furious and shocked beyond measure.

"What