C15 The Oil of the Embassy Area

After arriving home, Gao Shaoyi activated his system panel.

Currently, he had amassed a total of 240,000 merit points.

With the incident of him slapping the envoy from the East Di Country becoming increasingly notorious, Gao Shaoyi was now raking in close to 5,000 worship points daily, which translated to 50,000 merit points. At the moment, his total worship points exceeded 13,000.

At first glance, these figures looked promising. If his goal was merely to get by in the capital city, he was set. But to get the King Protector Army off the ground, these merit points might fall short.

Outfitting a soldier required 50 merit points for a Type 81 Automatic Rifle, a full German military uniform, boots, a canteen, a shovel, and a helmet.

With the structure of three Security Teams making up one infantry regiment of the King Protector Army, that's roughly 10,000 men, which would mean an immediate need for 500,000 merit points.

These supplies weren't needed all at once, of course. Gathering 10,000 men wouldn't happen overnight, and with the current influx of worship points, Gao Shaoyi was confident he could accumulate what was necessary.

Regarding the three Security Teams, the Imperial Court offered no financial support, not even addressing back pay. Why would they compensate a force that seemed to serve foreign interests?

Once Gao Shaoyi assumed control, he planned to demand excellence and strength from his troops, necessitating a restructuring and a salary increase to 5 silver coins. Anyone who resisted the new order would be dismissed.

For now, his finances were sufficient.

Beyond the funds seized from Lee Mingshan, Gao Shaoyi had extorted 25,000 silver coins from Ryoji Otomo, putting him at a personal tally of 100,000 silver coins.

"The Security Team does have funds, Young Master, but they're not readily accessible," the old butler interjected, noticing Gao Shaoyi's concern about finances and recalling specific details about the Security Team's situation.

"Without the Imperial Court's support, where do they get their money?"

Gao Shaoyi expressed his astonishment, noting that the young man had never shown interest in such matters before. "Back in the thirty-second year of Yongde, the Imperial Court issued a decree transferring all tax collection in the Embassy Area to the Security Team. That's precisely why the guards of the embassies are so intent on controlling the Security Team. With the multitude of chambers of commerce there, the tax revenue is anything but insignificant."

After listening to the old butler, Gao Shaoyi began to recall some details. The imperialist nations had established numerous chambers of commerce within the Qian Empire, exploiting its wealth. Despite the tax rate being a mere 5% due to unfair treaties, they still resisted paying. Instead, they bribed court officials to shift tax collection responsibilities to the Security Team. Nevertheless, they managed to contribute tens of thousands of silver coins to the Imperial Court annually.

"How much could they collect in taxes if they complied fully?" Gao Shaoyi pondered, unfamiliar with the specifics of the Embassy Area.

"Our capital's most bustling commercial district is right there. Even with a 5% tax rate, it amounts to over 100,000 silver coins a month," the old butler estimated, admitting his limited knowledge due to his status.

Damn them! Gao Shaoyi cursed inwardly. The imperialist powers were outrageous, plundering wealth and not even paying the paltry 5% tax. If they could amass 100,000 silver coins a month, imagine the wealth of the army.

"Has Wang Wu returned?" Gao Shaoyi was eager to start tax collection himself.

5% tax? Bullshit! What kind of treaty dictates such terms? I refuse to recognize it.

"He's just dismounted at the mansion and should arrive shortly after changing," the old butler informed him. As he spoke, Wang Wu appeared at the entrance, bowing respectfully—a stark contrast to his previous disregard for Gao Shaoyi, who now held a revered place in his heart.

"How many men did you bring back?" Gao Shaoyi inquired urgently, relying on these troops as his core support.

"Just over two thousand nine hundred. They've been settled in the King Protector Army barracks outside the city. It's somewhat rundown, but livable after some tidying up. The only issue is that we're short on funds for their resettlement."

Wang Wu spoke with a hint of embarrassment.

"Here, take these twenty thousand silver coins. Whatever the barracks outside the city need, go buy it. Distribute the settlement funds for the An family. All the weapons are stored in the warehouse out back—get someone to transport them. How long do you think it'll take for them to get the hang of it?"

Gao Shaoyi was in dire need of people. The prospect of quickly assembling a force of three thousand had him beaming with joy.

"It's no trouble at all. They're all seasoned comrades from our King Protector Army. They'll get back into the swing of things in no more than an hour. But to regain their former proficiency with the spear, that'll take at least three to five days."

First Wang knew the capabilities of these veterans inside and out.

"So what are we waiting for? Move those supplies and check in with the brothers to see what they need. Let's make sure we address their concerns as best we can."

Gao Shaoyi hadn't expected the old brothers of the King Protector Army to be so formidable.

"Young Master, I've had a look at the new military uniforms. They're quite similar to those of the Westerners, but ours look much sharper. They really make a statement! However, do you think the Emperor will grant his approval?"

First Wang had also inspected the German-style uniforms. They were indeed imposing, particularly the officers' tall boots.

"Just distribute them. I'll handle any issues that arise."

Gao Shaoyi slapped his chest confidently, urging First Wang to get moving. He was certain the Emperor would give his nod to such a minor issue.

Armed with a three-thousand-strong force and cutting-edge weaponry, Gao Shaoyi was virtually invincible in the current age.

Unless the great empires mobilized massive armies to hunt him down, the forces in the capital city were no threat to him.

The old butler was puzzled—hadn't the warehouse been empty just last night? How come it was now brimming with weapons and ammunition? With the entire household accounted for, who could have done the work?

But the butler had no time to dwell on these mysteries. With a household of over a hundred to manage, there were more pressing matters at hand.

Once the army of three thousand was ready, Gao Shaoyi's first order of business would be to start collecting taxes.

Since the great imperialist nations abide by the rule of 'might makes right,' today they're going to experience firsthand whose fist is the hardest.

Thinking of conducting business without paying taxes? There's never been such a practice throughout history.

You'll pay this year's taxes to me, and not a penny less from the previous years...

Dare to hold out on my money? I'll beat the daylights out of you.