Can’t You Be More Serious?

Her apology was good. Coupled with the fact that she was a female, the merchants’ expressions softened.

Only Ming Zhe was still unwilling to give up. “Even if you’re busy, you should’ve gotten someone to tell us or bring us stood. You can’t just let us stand here and wait.”

The hall on the first floor was very spacious, and the floor was extremely smooth. It was very comfortable to stand here.

But anyone would not be able to take it if they had to stand here for more than three hours.

Huanhuan put her hands in her sleeves and said calmly, “You’ve only been standing here for half a day, but you’re already complaining about being tired. Those beasts have to do heavy work all day under the hot sun to build houses. Aren’t they more tired than you?”

Ming Zhe frowned. “That’s two different things.”

“But in my opinion, that’s the same thing.”

Huanhuan walked out of the temple and stood on the high stairs. As far as the eye could see, she could see most of the scenery of Rock City.

“The houses you’re living in now were all built bit by bit by the beasts. They didn’t come out of nowhere, nor did they fall from the sky. They had to work hard, and naturally, we have to collect returns. Part of the taxes you pay is their wages.”

Ming Zhe’s eyes lit up as he argued, “Why weren’t taxes implemented before, then?”

“In the past, it was because Rock City had just been built. It wasn’t easy for everyone, so we didn’t ask you to pay taxes. Our Rock Wolf Tribe paid for the construction of the houses ourselves. Now that Rock City has developed and your business is on the right track, you shouldn’t continue to take advantage of us, right?”

Of course, Ming Zhe wanted to continue taking advantage of them, but he could not say it.

After all, the other party was a high priest, and her mate was the beast king.

As long as they wanted to survive in the city, they could not offend her or the beast king.

Ming Zhe moved his lips. “We pay rent when we’re doing business here. Logically speaking, the cost of building houses has nothing to do with us.”

“Now that the houses have been built, of course, we won’t ask you for money to build houses anymore. However, maintaining the order of the trading center, cleaning the streets, and repairing the public facilities in the city cost money.”

Ming Zhe did not expect her to say such a thing and was stunned.

Huanhuan gestured for them to lower their heads. “Look at the floor under your feet. These floors are so clean and tidy because someone cleans them every day. As people who enjoy these results, shouldn’t the workers be paid?”

Ming Zhe and many merchants had nothing to say.

“We collect taxes to maintain public facilities and in case of emergencies. If we encounter an enemy attack in the future, we’ll definitely need money. If we don’t prepare in advance, we’ll all be doomed. You’re all businessmen and are best at settling scores. I think you can settle this score, right?”

Initially, the merchants did not accept the implementation of taxes because they felt that they were suffering a loss. It was unfair to give others money for nothing!

Now that they had heard what the high priest had said, they understood the need to pay taxes. The unwillingness in their hearts gradually faded.

In any case, everyone had to pay. It was not just them. There was nothing unfair about it.

Huanhuan said slowly, “In the future, we’ll have someone in charge of checking and collecting taxes. I hope you guys can be honest and trustworthy businessmen. By the way, you can also supervise and report each other. If you find anyone evading taxes, you can report them. As a reward, the taxes you have to pay may be reduced or you’ll be exempted from paying.”

Hearing the last two sentences, the merchants looked thoughtful.

If the merchants who were reported were chased out of Rock City, it would be equivalent to reducing their competitors. Moreover, they could reduce their taxes. This was killing two birds with one stone!

For a moment, many sinister thoughts appeared in everyone’s hearts.

Huanhuan didn’t seem to notice the undercurrent between them. She suddenly said, “You might as well build a chamber of commerce.”

Everyone was stunned.

“Just like the Golden Leaf Chamber of Commerce in the City of 10,000 Beasts, you can also build a chamber of commerce that belongs to Rock City. As a local chamber of commerce, Rock City can give you a certain degree of convenience so that you can develop your business better than merchants from other places. What do you think?”

Her idea made the merchants’ eyes light up.

Especially Ming Zhe. He was very excited. If the new chamber of commerce was built, he might be the president of it!

The light in his eyes lit up. “Lady Huanhuan, this is a good idea, but establishing a chamber of commerce is not a small matter. We have to go back and discuss it carefully before we can give an answer.”

“Of course. You can take your time to consider it. Come to me after you’ve thought it through.”

“Thank you, Lady Huanhuan.”

Huanhuan waved her hand. “If there’s nothing else, you can go back.”

“Alright.”

Ming Zhe bowed slightly. At this moment, he had restrained his contempt. He looked at this high priest whom he thought was easy to bully in a different light.

Her words just now were reasonable and easy to understand. She also made them automatically restrain each other with a few casual words. In the end, she even made them focus on building a new chamber of commerce and forget the injustice of taxation.

Such a thoughtful high priest was much harder to deal with than Xue Hui.

…

After returning home at night, Huanhuan mentioned the idea of establishing a chamber of commerce to Shuang Yun.

Shuang Yun hugged the sweet-smelling and soft female, burying his head in her chest. He looked completely foolish. “Whatever you say. I’ll listen to you.”

Huanhuan blushed at his rubbing. “Can’t you be more serious?”

“Having sex with my mate is the most serious thing for me!”

Huanhuan was speechless.

Xue Ling had personally cooked dinner. The food was typical of him. Not only did it taste good, but it also had to look good. When the dishes were placed on the table, they were as pleasing to the eye as a work of art.

The only bad thing was that there was too little of it.

Shuang Yun, Sang Ye, Yun Hui, and Shuang Yin were not full.

Xue Ling finished the steak on his plate and wiped his lips elegantly. His gaze landed on Huanhuan’s face. “Are you full?”

Huanhuan nodded. “I’m full.”

He looked at Eggy, who was squatting on the table. “What about you?”

Eggy patted her round belly. “I’m full too!”

“Alright.” Xue Ling was very satisfied. “As long as you guys are full.”

Shuang Yun, Sang Ye, Yun Hui, and Shuang Yin all stared at him. “There’s still us! We’re not full yet!”

Xue Ling said lightly, “There’s still a lot of dried meat in the space. You can eat as much as you want.”

Then, he carried his wife and daughter upstairs.

Before leaving, he didn’t forget to remind Shuang Yun, “Remember to wash the dishes after you’re done eating.”

Shuang Yun was furious. “It’s just a meal. What’s the big deal? I can cook too. Wait here. I’ll make some food for you guys now. I guarantee that you’ll all be full!”

With that, he got up and walked toward the kitchen.

Shuang Mu, Shuang Hua, and Shuang Lin pounced on their father and hugged him in unison. They cried their hearts out.

“Father, we beg you not to enter the kitchen on account that we’re your biological sons!”