C5 Tax Money

"That's right! You're indeed my son!"

While Lu Yu was flustered, Lin Xiao received a vote of confidence from his father. Lin Yuntian said delightfully, "The son of the Lin family should have such strength of character! I'm already old, and I can't do a lot of stuff by myself. Now that I see you with such aspirations and drive, I'm so relieved to know this!"

"I swear I won't disappoint you".

Lin Xiao's heart was stirred slightly when he saw Lin Yuntian's loving gaze.

Meanwhile, Lu Yu was outraged when he saw Lin Xiao and Lin Yuntian getting along harmoniously.

After plotting against them for so many years, he finally felt that Jiangxia City would fall into his hands. But now that Lin Xiao was no longer a fool, Lin Yuntian seemed to have already made up his mind to relinquish the city to his son.

Lu Yu wouldn't just stand back and allow it to happen!

Lu Yu's accusing gaze was riveted on Lin Xiao, his eyes confronting him quietly.

Lin Xiao discerned Lu Yu's threatening gaze, but he shrugged it off. Instead, he turned Lin Yuntian and stated, "Dad, there's one more thing I've been meaning to ask. I want your consent on something."

"Sure, son. What is it?"

Lin Yuntian asked warmly.

"The wealthy Su family has not paid taxes in the last three years. I do not want such irresponsible action to continue and give them the feeling that they are entitled to do so. I propose that we make them pay their dues," Lin Xiao prodded while deliberately raising an eyebrow at Lu Yu's direction.

He knew that it was because of Lu Yu's directive why these well-to-do families were evading their taxes. A large share of their revenue often ended up in his pocket.

As expected, Lu Yu's brow wrinkled with contemptuous thoughts when he heard Lin Xiao's proposition. He quickly butted in, "Father, I can't allow him to do that! Those affluent people had created a lot of impact in Jiangxia City, and there's no shortage of Golden Core warriors among the guards in their families. If you do this, I dread that even our City Lord's Mansion wouldn't gain any favors afterward!"

"You don't have to worry about it, big brother. Not everyone is as timid and vulnerable as you,"

said Lin Xiao nonchalantly as he winked at Lu Yu. "I'll be collecting the taxes personally, and I won't need any guard from City Lord's Mansion to accompany me."

"Don't you need a guard from the City Lord's Mansion to watch your back? You're doing it alone?"

Even if Lu Yu was good at disguising, Lin Xiao kept taunting him over and over again, and he couldn't bear to hear more of it.

Lin Yuntian stared at Lin Xiao worriedly and asked, "Xiao, this isn't a trivial matter, okay? If you want to take charge in collecting taxes, I can send you a team of elite soldiers."

"No, I won't be needing it."

Lin Xiao waved his hand dismissively and added, "Don't worry, I can manage it by myself. If I didn't have any skills, how do you think was I able to kill the Young Master right in front of the Su family's Captain of the Guard?"

"If you "If you say so!"

Though Lin Yuntian was always a little anxious, he had no choice but to agree due to Lin Xiao's persistence.

Lu Yu wanted to speak some more, but it was too late.

He watched as Lin Yuntian and Lin Xiao walked away simultaneously. His face contorted with jealousy and the murderous intent flashed across his eyes. He mumbled, "Lin Xiao, you're testing my patience. No wonder I'm here because I'll finish you off!"

.....

.....

Meanwhile, Lin Xiao left the City Lord's Mansion together with Da Ji and headed straight to visit the Su family.

"Master, where are we headed now? Whose taxes are we collecting first?"

Da Ji asked, her almond-shaped eyes blinking rapidly.

"The Su family."

Lin Xiao replied nonchalantly as his face split into an unfathomable grin.

"Look! Isn't that the foolish Young City Lord?"

"Be careful when you speak. I heard that the Young City Lord is no longer dull-witted. Also, he's demanding the wealthy families to pay up their overdue taxes!"

"He's responsible for that now? And it's just the two of them going around? That can't be real!"

"That's the truth, and they're now on the way to meet up with the Su family. Are they on a suicide mission or what?!"

"I believe the Young City Lord isn't stupid anymore. He's become even more idiotic! I feel sorry for that young woman with him!"

.....

When Lin Xiao and Da Ji passed by the commoners, many started talking behind their backs.

News about the tax collection spread fast around town, and it must be Lu Yu who released the information. He wanted to see Lin Xiao make a fool of himself. Unfortunately, Lu Yu might be mistaken this time.

According to his knowledge, his father was the strongest person in Jiangxia City. His strength was apparently at Level Seven of the Golden Core Stage, followed by a few senior guards.

The Su family's Captain of the Guard was only at the Golden Core stage Level Five. No wonder he immediately collapsed at the first blow when he faced Da Ji, who was at the Golden Core Level Nine.

When the onlookers noticed Lin Xiao's relaxed demeanor, they were all speechless. This must probably be the supposed enjoyment of children with intellectual disabilities.

"The Su family seems to be in good mood today!"

Lin Xiao raised a cynical eyebrow as he walked toward the Su family's front door.

He noticed that a white mourning banner was hanging outside the mansion, and many affluent people crowded the entrance to offer their respects. When they saw Lin Xiao, they all stared at him in shock.

"That guy's Lin Xiao! How dare he show up here?"

"Even if he's the Old City Lord's son, I'm afraid nothing good will come out of his sudden visit here today. His action is only aggravating the Su family!"

"By the way, who's that woman next to him? Isn't she the one who killed Su Aotian?"

"I think so. But she's really beautiful!"

.....

Many people talked in hushed tones when they saw Lin Xiao, while some men feasted their eyes on Da Ji.

Crestfallen, Lin Xiao held Da Ji in his arms. After declaring his sovereignty, he also strode toward the Su family's courtyard.

Just before Lin Xiao could step into the house, a team of guards showed up before him. A burly, bearded man who acted as the leader arrested him and barked, "Young City Lord, please stop right there. The Su family is holding a funeral now. Since you're the main suspect for the Young Master's death, it's improper for you to offer your sympathies at this time."

"What? Do you think I'm here to offer my condolences?"

Lin Xiao put on an innocent look and answered, "I didn't come all the way here for that. I'm here hoping that the Su family will pay the taxes they owed."

Lin Xiao emphasized the last sentence audibly.

Everyone gasped when they heard this. They were horrified to find out Lin Xiao's purpose in coming.

The Su family was obviously asking them nicely to leave, but Lin Xiao ignored their silent plea. Not only did he come not to mourn, but he was there to collect payment for overdue taxes.

After Lin Xiao explained his purpose, a burst of laughter came from behind the guards.

The person who laughed was Su Aotian's father and the Su family's patriarch, Su Zhenxuan.

'After he killed my eldest son, he still dared to come to my front gate and act arrogantly? Did he think that the Su family wouldn't hurt him because the City Lord was backing him up?'

Su Zhenxuan thought, and his dark face set in a vicious expression. He gritted his teeth and demanded, "How much tax do we owe the city?"

"Your amount due is seven hundred and twenty-three gold coins, fifty-six silver coins, and seventeen copper coins. But if you convert it all into copper coins, the total is seven hundred and twenty-five thousand, six hundred and seventeen copper coins,"

Lin Xiao stated confidently.

"You really have the guts to say that to my face?!"

Su Zhenxuan was foaming at the mouth when he heard Lin Xiao's words. His body was filled with killing intent, causing his temperature to drop.