Sean cordially received Gregory Baker in his office.
After hearing Baker's reason for coming and "telling off", Sean's expression was very rich.
The slick guy in front of me is trying hard to get ahead and achieve something, but he is afraid of offending himself. He wants to please both sides.
"Thank you Mr. Baker for your explanation. In fact, I have no problem with paying taxes in accordance with the law. Every citizen should pay taxes commensurate with his income. Otherwise, the country will not have the financial resources to provide protection for every citizen." Sean said, "But
Just asking me to pay taxes based on an order from the Chancellor of the Exchequer obviously doesn't work.
Is there any convincing basis? As far as I know, the tax contract signed between the tax company and the cabinet is signed every five years. Obviously, the contract that is being implemented does not include the tea tax. If a new tax is arbitrarily introduced
"This is not a good start and it shows that authority can be abused."
"Viscount, having said that, according to my observation, Mr. Cohen is determined to collect taxes." Baker said, "For him, this not only means a generous bonus, but also appreciation from the Holy City. He has always
I want to be a 'financial man'."
Back then, Baker and Sean sailed south on the "Swan" merchant ship, so they got to know Sean. But compared to that time, Sean was already a big shot that he looked up to. Although Sean showed a friendly attitude,
Baker didn't dare to do anything disrespectful.
Therefore, Baker instinctively pushed the responsibility to Cohen to show his goodwill. But he was also very troubled because he had just been appointed as the tea tax commissioner. If he completed the task by then, he might not get any good results.
Of course, Sean accepted this with a smile. He exchanged views with Baker cordially, and before leaving, he gave Baker a can of the best tea, promising that he would not disappoint his friend and would definitely find a way to get the best of both worlds.
This made Baker feel that it was a clever move for him to take the initiative to meet Sean.
After seeing Baker off, Sean sat in his office, pondered for a long time, then left the University of Poitou and returned to the Rose Garden.
To be honest, the government's tax on tea was all within his expectations. Once tea spreads to thousands of households, it will be an important tax comparable to salt and iron. Unless every official in the empire is blind as to when and how to collect it,
It's just a matter of time.
It's just that the expedition is starting now and it's a little impatient, which is intriguing. Sean smells a conspiracy.
Once back in the Rose Garden, he summoned his three supervisors: Albert Pierre, Paul Fitch and Tommy Wesley.
To Sean's surprise, Wesley listened to Sean's narrative and immediately provided an important piece of information:
The wife of Cohen, a tax collector in Poitou, and the Countess of Coval are cousins.
"Viscount, you know, I am a frequent visitor to the salons in Poitou." Wesley explained, "Cohen's wife is very snobbish, and her reputation is not good in the circle of noble ladies. The reason why people tolerate her is because she
Her husband, the more important reason is that she is a relative of the Koval family."
Sean has never been afraid to speculate on people's hearts with the worst malice. It seems that this is most likely Countess Koval's revenge on him.
The fight between the lady and the church in the newspapers, although no one mentioned whether she had directed or acted in the attempted assassination, had in fact greatly damaged the family's reputation.
Obviously, this lady already knew who was behind the "Le Genoese". This was not a secret. Although she did not know what role Sean played against her in this controversy, Sean acquiesced.
The publication of the controversial article had successfully aroused her dissatisfaction.
"Viscount, although it is only a matter of time before the empire imposes a tea tax, we cannot remain silent, not to mention that this is completely against the rules," Pierre said.
Finance director Fitch also said: "This is an abuse of power. Besides, we in Genoa are a region of the Estates-General. Even if the tea tax is paid, it will be levied by us Genoese ourselves. Taking a step back, even if it is collected by the tax-contracting company, it will not be levied by the tax collectors.
We have to wait until a new round of taxation contracts is signed in 1834 to add the tea tax, otherwise it will be illegal! We must protest strongly."
Sean nodded and said: "Instead of letting the tax collectors collect it, it is better for our province to collect and pay it ourselves. This will at least increase the province's fiscal revenue."
Wesley is Sean's secretary, which is actually equivalent to the role of assistant to the president and director of the office. He is also responsible for external public relations and liaison.
This once down-and-out literary man has become more and more outstanding in his work in the past two years. I don’t know if it’s because Sean gave him a big stage, or because as his income and social status increase, his self-confidence also increases.
The reason. Wesley said:
"Viscount, we must launch a public opinion war. You must know that now we are not only planting tea, but now tea gardens are being built everywhere in Genoa. A large number of wealthy people are buying up suitable mountains and hills with gold coins, but no matter how much financial resources they have, they must
Count on us.”
"Like?" Sean asked.
Pierre answered quickly: "Tea seedlings, planting and roasting techniques, and even marketing."
"Tommy, what suggestions do you have?" Sean ignored Wesley because of Pierre's quick answer.
"To blatantly impose heavy taxes on tea cultivation without the approval of any formal decree is a crime and an act of contempt for the emperor's authority. Any decree must be promulgated with the approval of His Majesty, otherwise it is a crime or even rebellion."
This will severely hit those new investors, and we must stir up a public opinion and guide these new investors to resist. The focus is not on resisting taxes. We are not opposed to paying taxes, but we are concerned about the seriousness of the law and the legitimacy of the procedures. Anyone who has been subject to
No well-educated person should have to pay for this kind of behavior that violates laws and normal order. This is condoning crime and contempt for the emperor." Wesley said.
Wesley's arguments made Sean feel that he was suitable to be a lawyer or a social activist.
"Yes, this is an idea, especially since we are not fighting against taxes, but about fairness and justice." Sean encouraged. His eyes turned to Pierre again.
Pierre said: "We can set up a group. I've already thought of a name. It's called the Genoa Tea Promotion Council. The purpose of this council is to promote tea cultivation and tea culture, as well as regulate the order of the tea market.
Viscount, you should become the leader of this new group. Anyone who joins this group will have priority in getting tea seedlings and training in cultivation techniques. When they encounter vicious competition, you will be the only arbiter and mediator."
"Haha, Albert, your goal is still too small, why not call it the Europa Tea Promotion Council." Finance Director Fitch interjected. This comment was so subtle that Pierre said in annoyance:
"Yes, my structure is too small, so let's call it the Europa Tea Promotion Council. Without our Lord Viscount, who would know the wonders of tea? Who knows this new way to make a fortune? The Governor should publicly thank the Viscount for his support.
Contributions to the Genoa economy, such as the production of medals weighing one ton."
Sean smiled and said: "Albert, Paul, you have forgotten one thing. This group also has another function, which is exclusivity!"
"Viscount, forgive me for being stupid, I don't quite understand what you mean?" Pierre, who considers himself the most loyal vassal, humbly asked Sean for advice. Perhaps he was just pretending not to understand, "Are we the Genoese only allowed to join?
?”
"No, since it's called Europa, everyone in the empire who is interested in this industry can join. We can't make all the money as a family, otherwise we will be jealous. I think this council is the biggest role at present.
Of course it is about promotion, but at a certain point in time, its biggest role is to set standards. How to taste the quality of tea? Some of the tea produced in a tea garden can be used as a birthday gift for His Majesty, and some can only be used as a birthday gift for His Majesty.
Making herbal tea. The level determines whether you make money or lose money. We must make this council the authority in this regard, the only authority. This is what I call exclusivity!" Sean said, "We also need to make sure.
One concept is that the Rocky Mountains are the origin of tea. This concept should be deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, women and children. When people mention the Rocky Mountains, they will know that there are precious teas there, and this place will become synonymous with top-quality tea."
Pierre suddenly realized it and flattered him: "Good advice, Viscount, I admire your foresight!"
"Okay, regarding the establishment of the Tea Council, Albert will be in charge. Paul and Tommy must pay attention to their cooperation and do this quickly." Sean automatically ignored the business director's flattery, "While those wealthy people are still here,
When you ask for help from me."
"Yes!" The three subordinates took the order.
Sean's counterattack goes beyond that.
"Le Genoese" has published articles discussing the relationship between tax payment and national prosperity and stability for several days in a row. It invited some scholars, lawyers and financial experts to conduct in-depth analysis. Each article exposed the shortcomings of the tax package system, such as the abuse of power by tax police.
Torture was used to extract confessions, and cases of bankruptcies were created one after another, such as tax collectors lining their own pockets, which seriously damaged the interests of the empire.
This quickly aroused the same hatred among all businessmen. Other newspapers also followed suit.
This sentiment reached its climax one night when the newspaper office was set on fire.
Tommy Wesley, as the owner of the newspaper, appeared at the office of the "Le Genoese" newspaper. Looking at the ruins of the newspaper where the embers were still smoking black smoke, he angrily shouted to the onlookers:
"They tried to stop us from speaking, to make us mute and slaves. They tied our legs and feet so that we could not run and cry.
This is the most obvious trampling and provocation of justice, and it is a serious provocation to the most basic morality and conscience of mankind.
Today they can set fire to a newspaper office, tomorrow they may kidnap our citizens in broad daylight, and the day after tomorrow they dare to openly ignore national laws and basic order.
This is blatant rebellion.
The murderer must be severely punished, and justice must be promoted and upheld most firmly..."