Several days later, most of the territory of the Yunyue Kingdom knew that the imperial court truly intended to reform and strengthen the nation. Ten teams, carrying armed forces, disregarded the displeasure and dissatisfaction of the local gentry and powerful families. They thoroughly surveyed the landholdings in their homes, compiled new registers, and handed them over to the newly established Ministry of Agriculture. The Ministry of Agriculture was then responsible for collecting taxes on land produce, including autumn grain, vegetables, and cash crops.
The Empress, using the pardon of military corruption as a grace, ordered the Grand Protector General, Wei Zi, to mobilize the imperial army to cooperate with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Ministry of Revenue in implementing the reforms, providing protection for their teams.
After several days of familiarization, another team also began its operations.
In Shuangyue City, several officials from the newly established Ministry of Commerce, each leading their subordinates and hired soldiers, entered shops along the streets one by one. They personally provided invoices and explained how to pay commercial taxes.
The Yuntian Pavilion, as the largest and most luxurious restaurant in the capital city of Shuangyue, naturally had an incredibly powerful patron behind it.
Officer Wu, leading his men, stood outside the Yuntian Pavilion, looking up at the three-story building. He said with a self-deprecating laugh, "Truly extravagant. I never imagined I would enter this establishment in such a capacity one day."
Inside the Yuntian Pavilion, Manager Li was patrolling the building.
"Third Manager, something terrible has happened!"
"What is it that has you so flustered?"
Manager Li frowned as he looked at the captain of the guards.
"Some officials have arrived outside, and they're standing with a squad of soldiers. It looks like they mean trouble!"
"What? This is happening? Come, let's go and see."
Manager Li was greatly alarmed. He waved his hand and hurried with his men towards the first-floor hall.
"Hey, officers, officers, you have too many people. This will disturb the distinguished guests inside!"
At the entrance, the security captain tried his best to prevent a large number of government officials from entering, but Officer Wu paid him no mind.
He pushed the captain aside with a stern face and reprimanded, "I am here on imperial orders to explain the new laws. If you obstruct me, you will be obstructing official duties and will surely end up in the detention cells of the Five City Patrol Command!"
Upon hearing this, the guards dared not press forward. They could only cautiously stand to the sides and follow them into the Yuntian Pavilion.
The Yuntian Pavilion was comprised of three three-story buildings, arranged in a triangular formation.
The first floor of all three buildings was for dining, with a minimum consumption of one tael of silver. This was why Officer Wu had never been here before.
From the second floor upwards, there were certain status requirements. Only wealthy individuals such as financiers, landlords, gentry, merchants, and scholars were permitted entry.
The minimum consumption on the second floor was ten taels, and it featured storytellers, singing, dancing, and musical performances. Guests could also look down upon the opera performances or large-scale song and dance routines held on the triangular stage in the center during the day.
The surrounding decor was as magnificent as the private rooms in other establishments. The walls were adorned with calligraphy, paintings by famous artists, and depictions of serving maids. The pillars were carved with lifelike birds and beasts.
The tables and chairs used were made of high-quality wood, as were the chopsticks, which carried a faint fragrance. The exquisite porcelain was from the State of Chen.
Even the second floor appeared so luxurious, let alone the third floor, which was more than ten times as opulent as the second. Naturally, the minimum consumption started at one hundred taels.
There were ivory chopsticks, gold and silver bowls, and calligraphy and paintings from renowned families. Furthermore, there were over a dozen private rooms, each with a door opening towards the small stage in the center. If guests in the private rooms were interested, they could open their doors and watch seductive women in sheer clothing dance gracefully, accompanied by melancholic music played in the corner. It was the height of enjoyment.
Such luxury naturally came with a high entry fee. A minimum consumption of one hundred taels of silver for a single night could consume the entire year's rent for a country squire. To enjoy such luxury long-term, one had to be exceedingly wealthy and noble.
Yet, this place of extreme luxury was now being subjected to an inspection by a large number of government officials, which was quite unexpected.
The Yuntian Pavilion did have customers during the day, though significantly fewer than at night.
At this moment, the guests on the first floor were happily eating, drinking, and listening to the outdoor music, enjoying themselves.
Just as they were reveling, a noisy commotion arose from outside, momentarily drowning out the outdoor music and causing the guests on the first floor to frown.
As they were about to call for a waiter to inquire, they heard a gasp.
"Quick, look! Why have the constables come here?"
"Huh? It's true! Did something happen in this restaurant?"
The diners looked outside with uncertainty, losing their appetite for enjoyment, and stared intently.
"I will repeat myself, do not obstruct imperial duties, or you will be detained! Do not say I did not warn you!" Officer Wu reprimanded impatiently.
They had swarmed in, and still, they had not seen anyone in charge. Only these guards were trying to entangle them, which was extremely annoying.
If he hadn't been wary of offending the powerful backer of the Yuntian Pavilion, Officer Wu would have already ordered these bothersome guards arrested.
"Officer, please calm down. The manager received the news and is on his way. Please wait a moment, just a moment."
The security captain wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and said with a smile.
"Very well. If that is the case, I will not enter the building and disturb the guests. I will wait here."
Officer Wu compromised slightly, not leading his men to search around for the manager. After all, they were here to promote and guide, not to apprehend criminals.
Soon, the manager of the Yuntian Pavilion, accompanied by a few followers, emerged from one of the buildings. Before he even arrived, he called out with a smile, "Your esteemed presence, esteemed officials, truly illuminates our humble establishment!"
Heh heh~ Humble establishment? A restaurant that makes a fortune every day is called a humble establishment?
Officer Wu sneered inwardly, but as the saying goes, one should not strike a smiling face. He also revealed a slight smile, cupped his hands, and said, "I am an investigator from the Tax Division of the Ministry of Commerce. I am here on imperial orders to explain the new tax laws and to review the income of the Yuntian Pavilion. I hope the manager will cooperate."
"Naturally." The manager cupped his hands and bowed to the officials. He then had his attendant fetch the account books.
Afterward, he asked, "Officer Wu, may I ask what this Ministry of Commerce is?"
"It is a newly established department of the imperial court, equivalent to the former Six Ministries. The imperial court now has eight ministries, not six."
"I see. Then, what is the meaning of this explanation?"
Officer Wu drew the manager aside and whispered to him, explaining the matter to him as the latter's expression changed unpredictably.
Afterward, they commandeered an open space and publicly promoted the three new laws.