Even emperors have it tough, so don't be too picky about the entries.

"Tax evasion?"

Bai Bingbing was dumbfounded.

Chen Shao sneered:

"Concealing land ownership, hiding population, falsely reporting disasters, abusing privileges, etc., have led to a sharp decline in national tax revenue and financial difficulties."

"I have long wanted to start from this point, but I have never had the opportunity."

"Today marks the first shot in tax reform!"

Bai Bingbing didn't understand, but she was even more confused.

"You're reforming the tax system, what are you doing running around to brothels!"

Chen Shao did not answer but asked a question in return:

"I ask you, what is most abundant in the capital?"

"Although the world is going to the dogs, we should still be scholars."

"Yes, there are many scholars, and where there are many scholars, there are many brothels."

"Brothels have become a key pillar industry in the capital."

"But what pains me is that this industry is where tax evasion is most rampant!"

They report half the sales figures but secretly provide the full service and take the full amount of money.

"There are also musicians and courtesans who nominally sell their art but not their bodies, and who only pay taxes based on their performances, thus evading the flower tax."

"Some even secretly add extra time, collect cash without recording it, and their monthly turnover is more than that of first-tier cities."

"There are so many ways to evade fixed tax cards, such as splitting up operations, breaking down large businesses into smaller ones, operating on a mobile basis, and so on."

Bai Bingbing's brain completely shut down.

So there's such a big story behind brothels.

I've really learned something new.

"Your Majesty...you know so much."

"Every time I go to a brothel, I'm actually secretly investigating. How could I not understand?"

Bai Bingbing's strong sense of justice and hatred of evil made it impossible for her to turn a blind eye to these crimes.

"Your Majesty, issue the decree."

Chen Shao dismounted and waved to the Imperial Guards behind him.

"Charge in, seal the accounts, investigate taxes, and don't let a single one escape!"

The Imperial Guards kicked open the door like wolves and tigers, and chaos erupted inside.

In the lobby on the first floor, experienced guests and dancers immediately and skillfully covered their heads with their hands and huddled in a corner.

Chen Shao ignored all of this, walked straight through the hall, and led Bai Bingbing straight to the back door.

Bai Bingbing followed behind him, her hand on her knife, and asked in a low voice:

"Your Majesty, how did you know this brothel had a back door?"

...I'm lost again.

This word is going to rebel tonight.

"Which brothel like this doesn't engage in some shady business?"

"There must be a secret passage behind the back door, and there must be evidence of crimes hidden in that passage. Just follow me."

Chen Shao spoke with absolute certainty, then kicked open the back door.

Outside the back door was a narrow alley, and at the end of the alley was indeed an inconspicuous little house with its door ajar.

Without saying a word, Chen Shao kicked the door open and stepped inside.

The room was filled with steam, and a large wooden barrel was emitting hot steam, with rose petals floating on the surface.

A woman is soaking in a tub.

Her long, black hair clung wetly to her snow-white shoulders, and hot water soaked over her collarbone.

The petals perfectly concealed all the scenery below the water's surface.

She heard the door being kicked open, turned around abruptly, and met Chen Shao's gaze.

"It's you!"

"It's you!"

Chen Shao was dumbfounded. This combination of "lost" and "lying down" was something else.

She's practically born with a divine body for romantic encounters.

Inside the wooden barrel was Qin Ling Shuang, the leader of Black Wind Stronghold!

Bai Bingbing glanced at it, a complex look flashing in her eyes.

He immediately turned expressionless and was about to draw his sword.

Chen Shao quickly patted her, signaling her to wait outside.

Qin Ling Shuang, as expected of the leader of Black Wind Stronghold, had seen a lot. Although the matter was sudden, she was not nervous.

Instead, it continued to spray water on itself.

He said calmly, "Why does Your Majesty have to go to such lengths?"

"I have already told you that Black Wind Stronghold is my ancestral homeland, and it is impossible for it to be submitted to the imperial court so easily."

Chen Shao shook his head:

"Master Qin has misunderstood. I did not come here for this matter."

"You have your reasons, I understand."

A sudden inspiration struck him.

laughed:

"I've come today because I need your help, Chief."

"What is it?"

Chen Shao laid out his entire plan.

Ask her to pretend to cooperate with the retired Emperor Chen Yuan, posing as the leader of Black Wind Stronghold.

He lurked by his side, keeping an eye on Han Cao and his gang's every move.

It can even play an unexpected role at crucial moments.

Chen Yuan is now living in the Prime Minister's residence, surrounded by Han Cao's cronies.

He needs someone who doesn't belong to the imperial court, is highly skilled, and is trustworthy to infiltrate this circle.

"I can promise you that after this is accomplished, the imperial court will never wipe out Black Wind Stronghold."

Qin Ling Shuang was silent for a moment, then suddenly spoke:

"Yes, I have gone back on my word last time. Although His Majesty did not take it seriously, I, Qin Ling Shuang, still feel guilty."

"I, Qin Ling Shuang, have achieved my current status thanks to three things."

"Ruthless, loyal, and has many brothers."

"Breaking my promise to you would be disloyal, and that's not my style."

"This time, I'll make it up to you."

She changed the subject, a slight smile curving her lips.

"However, you are not required to agree to anything. Once it's done, it's all settled. From then on, officials are officials and bandits are bandits, and no one owes anyone anything."

Chen Shaochao cupped his hands in a respectful gesture:

"The leader is indeed a man of great loyalty and righteousness."

"Don't rush, let me finish."

Qin Ling Shuang slowly stood up from the wooden tub.

She was wearing only a thin undergarment that clung tightly to her body.

She has practiced martial arts for many years, is about 1.7 meters tall, and has a slender figure.

Her legs, in particular, are remarkably proportionate.

Perhaps it's because of her years of martial arts training that she looks like a little cheetah ready to pounce.

Chen Shao's heart sank. Could it be that he had unlocked the honey trap level?

Qin Ling Shuang completely ignored Chen Shao's gaze.

After standing still, he gave a light shake.

The water droplets then peeled away like a fairy scattering flowers.

"Before that, I want to fight you."

Chen Shao was naturally unwilling to fight.

He didn't have a cup in his hand, and this guy wasn't a brother.

We can't beat them.

"I have important matters to attend to today. If Chief Qin wishes to spar, let's arrange a time another day. I will gladly oblige."

"another day?"

"another day!"

Qin Ling Shuang and Chen Shao made two bets, and Qin Ling Shuang lost both times, though she was unwilling to admit defeat.

She, who was always proud, could not accept this outcome.

This has led to him being so anxious that he can neither eat nor sleep.

Even while taking a bath, my mind was still racing.

Where did I go wrong?

She carefully reviewed the two gambling battles.

We discovered a common point.

The two of them never actually exchanged a single blow.

She concluded once again: This guy is definitely up to something!

Chen Shao must have used some external force that she didn't know about!

This time, she was confident.

Qin Ling Shuang's lips curled into a sly smile.

"Let's do it today."

"To be fair"

She pointed to her almost transparent undergarment.

"You dress like this too, let's have one last fight."