The Mafia Empire

Over time, local tax officials were either bribed by governors or mayors, reporting less than ten thousand in taxes annually, or they would withdraw to the tax office, quietly serving out their term before leaving in disgrace.

Although the tax issue has improved significantly, tax reform remains one of the key reforms strongly promoted by the new party. However, progress has been slow, with no breakthrough achievements so far.

This does not mean the empire has given up on tax matters. Quite the opposite, under the current rule of the new party, taxes are highly prioritized. If any issues are found in the accounts, the new party will undoubtedly intervene.

The reason is quite simple: the new party is poor.

The old party's funding came from layers of illicit contributions, but what funds the new party's operations? The answer: donations from socially concerned citizens, a blend of officials and businessmen, and income from the "royal merchants." Most donations from "concerned citizens" come from merchants with emerging influence, who trade financial support for political protection and backing, seeking greater benefits. Some of these merchants have even transformed into political figures, naturally using the money to showcase their unique political ambitions and decision-making capabilities.

Finally, the largest portion of revenue comes from the royal merchants. Royal merchants are the exclusive business people of the royal family, and thanks to them, the royal family maintains a certain dignity, at least allowing them to live without relying on taxes, which yield little revenue. The royal merchants themselves hold considerable influence, earning substantial profits.

Yet, this is not enough for the new party to give up on taxes.

Only by resolving the tax issue can the ruling party of the empire address its biggest dilemma: numerous reform plans but no funds for implementation.

Is the new party blind to the tax loopholes in these cities? Of course not. However, seeing the issues doesn't mean they can pinpoint them. With tax reforms stalling, expecting useful information from tax officials long since bought off is pure fantasy. When higher-ups conduct investigations, they find that all tax declarations are reasonable, with no sign of "corruption."

Without evidence, how can they leverage this opportunity to act?

So, this remains a dilemma, a significant one.

Every fortress imagines the enemy outside as immensely powerful, but they often overlook that many adversaries come from within. It may be difficult for outsiders to examine Ternell City's accounts, but for locals, is it really so hard?

Julian revealed his entire plan: he would use his influence as a senior agent to sway the state investigation bureau in Carnless, prompting them to send a formal team to escort tax officials from the tax bureau for a local audit. This would certainly divert Peter's attention away from Jon and focus it on dealing with this "troublesome" tax official. With this distraction, they would have ample time to do many things, such as finding a patron for Julian.

If Julian could secure a powerful patron, he wouldn't need to worry about being swept away by Peter, even when facing the mayor. The next step would be to gather evidence and expose the corruption in Ternell City.

It sounded reasonable. At least Julian hadn't detected any glaring flaws. He nodded in agreement, though inwardly still cautious, unwilling to fully trust anyone outside his circle.

After discussing the details, the two parted ways.

On the way back, Dave asked, "Do you trust him?" referring to Shaun.

Julian shook his head solemnly. "I don't trust him. On the surface, we're cooperating, but in reality, we must find a way to save ourselves and not place all our hopes in others' hands." Saying this, he pulled out a cigarette, handed one to Dave, and after lighting up, they continued walking. "Our immediate priority is to meet with Madame Vivian. Only by meeting her can we find the exit from this labyrinth."

Dave showed no outward reaction, knowing he wasn't as clever as Julian. He just had to play the role of executor, leaving the reasoning to others.

The next morning, two young police officers appeared at Peter's mansion gates, diligently stationed from morning till night without leaving. Returning after an evening engagement, Peter even had a pack of cigarettes and twenty dollars sent to each officer as a reward. Peter understood this was likely Pronto's way of currying favor, though he held no particular regard for Pronto; he had no prejudice against the police.

After all, for whatever reason, these two were on guard here, weren't they?

For three days, the staff at the mansion grew accustomed to the two officers at the gate. Even the servants grew fond of them, as their presence reduced the servants' workload, eliminating the need for constant patrols to prevent potential issues.

On the fourth day, the sky was overcast, and a strong wind carried a fine mist and droplets, suggesting an imminent downpour. With a stern expression, the mayor hurriedly boarded his car and sped away. That day, investigators from the state tax bureau were due to arrive in Ternell City for a week-long audit. Sometimes Peter despised the new party, knowing these actions were pointless yet continuing regardless, as if to spite him.

At 9:40 a.m., a torrential downpour suddenly erupted, as if someone had pierced the sky. The deluge blurred the world, and the butler, watching the shivering officers by the gate from the second-floor window, hesitated, then instructed a servant to invite them inside.

As the butler, his interests aligned with his master. Peter wasn't a difficult mayor to deal with; on the contrary, behind his harsh exterior, he had a charming side. He was caring and gentle. Whether this was his nature or a facade, he had crafted his public image to perfection.

The young officers, shivering under thick blankets on the porch, had rainwater trickling down into their boots, and despite the blankets, their faces remained pale, still trembling.

"Bring them two cups of hot tea and dry clothes. They've endured great hardship guarding us here, and in this weather, I doubt anyone will have the audacity to cause trouble." While saying this, the butler also instructed the mansion guards to secure all exits and prevent anyone from entering.

The two officers, profusely thankful, dried off, changed clothes, and dozed off in the servants' lounge, seemingly forgotten by everyone.