Chapter 1796: Fan Family Chapter 1796: Fan Family Editor: Henyee Translations However, starting this year, adherence to the laws of the Great Qin Empire and the regulations of the state government became imperative.
Although the large and small family clans associated with the three major families were reluctant, they dared not defy them.
They simply followed their lead, albeit begrudgingly.
Previously, the situation had been manageable.
But with the imminent autumn harvest, it became evident that the Fan family, boasting a vast plantation spanning 150,000 acres, would face substantial tax obligations under Great Qin law.
Aware of Old Lady Fan’s formidable character and the strained relationship between the Fan family and Lord Shao and his wife, many eagerly awaited the oute of this impending tax collection.
Shao Yunduan convened a meeting with the Deputy Prefect and outlined two directives.
Firstly, they were to verify the acreage of fertile land in Anze Province, ensuring it aligned with government records.
Secondly, preparations for post-harvest tax collection were to be made.
Given the tight timeframe, it was impossible to conduct thorough investigations across all families—from the major clans to the affluent households.
In reality, as long as the three major families cooperated, the pliance of other families was assured.
However, the pivotal question remained: would the three great clans, especially the Fan Clan, cooperate?
As Shao Yunduan broached the subject, silence enveloped the room.
After a moment, he glanced at his colleagues.
“This matter concerns the stability of Anze Province and each one of us.
Does anyone have anything to add?” Taxation was essential for funding various public projects vital to the welfare of Anze Province’s residents, including infrastructure repairs, canal maintenance, and provisions for emergencies like famine or shortages.
Initially, a portion of the taxes collected across various regions was expected to be remitted to the national treasury.
However, Anze Province operated under unique circumstances.
For over a decade, it hadn’t forwarded any taxes to the Imperial Court.
Naturally, the Imperial Court wasn’t inclined to provide funds to Anze Province without justification.
The province had to rely on its own resources.
Any Prefect daring enough to request funds for food distribution risked investigation by imperial officials.
Failure to justify such requests would spell trouble for the Prefect.
It was deemed unreasonable for a region to be self-sufficient without contributing taxes.
Consequently, Prefects refrained from petitioning the Imperial Court for financial aid, preferring instead to borrow from local affluent individuals.
Given the prevailing submission, dissent was unheard of.
Yet, Anze Province defied conventional norms.
Here, strength often trumped logic.
Shao Yunduan grinned.
“In that case, let’s proceed as follows.
Deputy Prefect, you’ll oversee the land inspection.
Within ten days, we’ll scrutinize the holdings of the three major families.
Prior to the autumn harvest and tax collection, I expect all families with over three hundred mu of land to undergo examination.”
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