Sista picked up the parchment and pointed to the clauses on it, beginning to interpret them for King Steyat.
“Look, the first item is the Church Property Tax. Originally, the Church levied 12% of its believers’ income as tax. Now, Moria plans to have the Church hand over a portion of that to the Royal Family.
“It looks as though it is increasing the income of the Royal Family, but in reality, the Church has always been extremely powerful. Once we forcibly demand that they pay taxes, it is very likely to destroy the long-term cooperative relationship we have held with them.”
King Steyat frowned upon hearing this but did not immediately state his position. Sista continued.
“The second item is the Church Land Tax. The Church occupies a vast amount of land and currently enjoys tax-exempt privileges. Now, Moria proposes to cancel those privileges and levy a 3% land tax on Church land.
“Father, most of the Church’s land is used for building relief centers, monasteries, and other such places, as well as for the Church’s charitable endeavors. If we rashly levy a land tax, it will harm the interests of the Church on one hand, and on the other, it will make life even more difficult for the serfs who depend on Church land to survive, affecting production efficiency.”
King Steyat’s expression became increasingly grave. Sista did not stop and continued her analysis.
“Next is the Noble Property Tax. The movable property tax is raised to one-tenth of the assets and income of the nobles, the War Tax is levied at 10% of their income, and there is also a Transit Tax, which levies a 6% tax on merchants within noble territories.
“You must understand, Father, that the nobles hold a vast amount of land and wealth within the Kingdom of An Muer. There has always been a delicate balance of power between them and the Royal Family. If we forcibly increase their tax burden, it is very likely to trigger a collective resistance from the nobles. When that time comes, the situation in the country will be difficult to control.
“Furthermore, the spearhead of all this will be pointed at — you.”
Hearing this, King Steyat, who had been pensive until now, suddenly shuddered. His hand, which had been stroking his beard, trembled as it dropped, and his crimson eyes stared blankly at the tabletop.
‘Moria’s calculation in this step is very crafty. As long as you pass the New Tax Law, no matter how things develop, it will be in her favor.’
“T-This… how can you say that?”
Stirred by Sista’s words, King Steyat began to lose his composure.
Within the Royal Family, the person he trusted most was his second daughter. Although the two of them often had conflicting opinions, he believed that Sista would not exaggerate in a matter like this.
‘You only need to think about it carefully to know.’ Thinking of Lier’s hypocritical face, Sista let out a soft, cold sneer.
‘If the New Tax Law is successfully implemented, she can use the name of the Royal Family to amass wealth, paving the way for her own ambition.
‘If it triggers a rebellion from the nobles, you, as the King, will become the target of everyone’s scorn, bearing pressure and blame from all sides. Meanwhile, she can reap the benefits of the conflict. Not only would this further weaken your authority, but it would also allow the Kuqianke Family to further control the Royal Family.’
It was actually that serious!
After Sista’s smooth and detailed analysis, the old King deeply felt that he was getting old and somewhat useless (though he hadn’t been very useful in his youth either).
If Sista had not been by his side, he certainly would have muddle-headedly listened to the promptings of Moria and the Queen, signed the New Tax Law, and then inexplicably fallen into deep trouble.
He spread his hands and leaned back against the chair in a weak posture, exhaustion creeping onto his high-cheekboned face.
‘My all-powerful daughter, help me.’
“Then, in your opinion, what should be done?”
The King’s voice was hoarse and heavy. “The treasury is empty and war is imminent. If we don’t find some way, how can Ansels maintain itself?”
Sista lowered her head slightly, her mind also considering this problem.
Ansels was not what it used to be. Whether it was Valivadan in the south or the enemies in the north, the fighting had reached a point where there was no turning back.
The only fortunate thing was that, according to the intelligence from Ansels’ spies, the two sides had not joined forces but were acting independently. For now, they could only continue forward with the original plan and strive to achieve victory over one side first.
A moment later, the thoughts in Sista’s mind took shape. She raised her head and looked directly at her father.
“Father, I believe we cannot blindly follow Lier’s plan.
“First, regarding the Church taxes, we can negotiate with the high-ranking officials of the Church to seek a more moderate way of cooperation. For example, we could ask the Church to voluntarily donate a portion of their funds for national emergencies rather than enforcing a mandatory tax. This way, we can obtain some financial support while maintaining a good relationship with the Church.
“As for the Church Land Tax, it might be better to establish a buffer period. We can gradually guide the Church to participate in agricultural and livestock production. Once their land income increases, we can then levy an appropriate tax. The tax rate could be set at around 1.5% to ensure they do not develop too much resentment.”
King Steyat nodded slightly upon hearing this, signaling Sista to continue.
“Regarding the Noble Property Tax, you cannot increase it all at once. You can consider giving certain tax reductions or subsidies to those nobles who put in more effort and make significant contributions during the war.
“In this way, it can both encourage them to serve the country and appropriately reduce their dissatisfaction with the taxation. It can be said to kill two birds with one stone.
“Regarding the specific content of the taxes, my suggestion is that the property tax can remain as it is, the War Tax can be appropriately raised to 9%, and the Transit Tax should be controlled within 4%…”
Sista naturally knew that these measures went against the original intentions of Moria and the Kuqianke Family. These seemingly moderate methods were essentially a reduction of Moria’s interests. Once that woman found out, she would certainly not let Sista off easily.
But what did that matter?
‘Zeer, don’t think I am a pawn you can manipulate at will.
‘As long as I am in this position for one day, I won’t let you destroy this country so easily.’
“In addition, we can also increase revenue and reduce expenditure through other means. For example, reducing unnecessary expenses in the palace, cutting down on some luxurious banquets and activities, and appropriately increasing the types of commercial taxes to expand the channels of fiscal revenue…”
After listening to Sista’s suggestions, King Steyat remained silent for a long time. He knew Moria’s ambitions and methods well, and he also understood that everything Sista said was for the sake of the country.
He looked up at the young lady with the cold face and hair as black as silk. Those sharp eyes seemed to see through everything. Even though she was only a 17-year-old Blood Clan girl, she made him feel unfathomable.
“Sista,” he sighed, saying slowly, “Perhaps you are more suited to be the King of Ansels than Moria.”
Upon hearing those words, Sista merely sat there expressionlessly, no joy visible on her face.
“Do you really think so?”
King Steyat nodded earnestly.
“Yes. That day in the Conference Hall, Moria looked down on the human newspapers, but your attitude toward them was completely different. I am not ignorant of national affairs, and I have pondered on this for a long time.
“All things in the world are closely related, and all principles are linked together. The Blood Clan cannot maintain its nobility by itself. If we want long-term peace and stability, we must balance the relationships between all races and factions. The Human Race, the Former People, and the Blood Clan must also be included. It is precisely because you deeply understand the right path that you have been speaking the truth by my side.”
He took a deep breath and looked into Sista’s eyes.
“So, my daughter, have you considered… inheriting my throne?”
As his voice fell, the hall became so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.