Golden Dragon: Six Thousand Years of Empire-Chapter 55: Taking You to Collect Servants

"Is this your idea?"

Standing atop the towering tower, overlooking the increasingly prosperous city below, Selena slightly turned her head and looked at her offspring who had just suggested the plan and explained it.

"It’s Noah’s idea."

Facing his mother’s gaze, Tidel, who came alone, lowered his eyes, not daring to meet her gaze,

"He didn’t want to come with me."

"Hmm, a very good suggestion. I will talk to your father about it and have him bring it up at the next family council."

"Are you willing to adopt and implement the ten percent land tax?"

The young man lifted his head in surprise. If his father were to raise the issue, it would be set in stone, and no one would oppose it.

"You’ve already mentioned that relying on slaves to replenish the population shouldn’t be a long-term policy."

Selena slowly turned around and looked at her only offspring, who was extremely mediocre, and gently sighed,

"From today onward, this idea will be proposed jointly by you and Noah."

"Mother, these were all proposed by Noah. I merely conveyed them; it has nothing to do with me!"

The young man widened his eyes, as if humiliated, and said loudly.

"Foolish, you think reducing taxes will only bring praise?"

Seeing her offspring in such a state, Selena furrowed her brows and scolded him, causing the young man to calm down immediately,

"Why didn’t Noah come with you? Have you thought about it?"

"He said he didn’t want to repeat the same thing a second time."

Tidel answered honestly.

"And you believed him?"

The Duchess sneered,

"Once the ten percent tax is implemented, the family’s land tax revenue will sharply decrease. Your father and I won’t mind the reduced taxes, but the family won’t share our sentiment. Hence, this decree must be announced and implemented by your father; no one will defy his will."

"Mother, are you suggesting that the family’s elders, they..."

The young man’s words trailed off, and an unimaginable expression filled his eyes, a state of incomprehension,

"Wouldn’t they dare?"

"You only heard the praise from the farmers in the fields, but you neglected the resentment in the eyes of those whose interests are harmed."

Selena shook her head,

"As for whether they have the courage, haha, don’t overestimate them, and never underestimate those blinded by greed and profits. They will do foolish things beyond your imagination for temporary gains."

"How could that be? If they dare to harm Noah..."

The young man’s hand unconsciously fell to the sword at his waist, and a hint of almost tangible killing intent appeared on his valiant face.

"If Noah were harmed, what would you do?"

Seeing the young man’s instinctive reaction, a satisfied expression finally appeared on the woman’s face, and she asked.

"The family needs a cleansing, and foolish members should be stripped of the family name, no longer bearing the Augustus name. They only hinder the heritage and continuation of the family, tainting the family’s glory with indelible stains."

Tidel answered without any hesitation.

"You are right. At the next family council, carefully observe the reactions of those old guys. The family needs a cleansing, and the ignorant and decaying elders should not hinder the family’s progress."

Selena no longer concealed the coldness in her eyes. With her companion ascending to legend, certain individuals in the Augustus family also had their egos inflated, becoming increasingly arrogant and wanton.

Some people think there’s no need to revere the Golden Dragon, treating it as a mere family pet, and some don’t even hold her in regard. Such laughably foolish remarks made her consider cleansing the family.

But she ultimately bore not the Augustus surname. However, her offspring could shoulder this responsibility, seizing this opportunity to establish the prestige of the sole heir in the hearts of the family and the commoners in the territory.

"Yes."

Tidel gripped the sword hilt in his hand firmly, no longer letting go.

The farmers working in the fields were unaware of the passage of time; only in a trance did the joyous news, like a mountain crying out and a sea roaring, suddenly sweep over, making everyone who heard it feel dizzy, as if they were in a dream.

The wise and valiant Duke officially issued a new tax decree in the name of Augustus. From the date of the new decree’s issuance, land-owning farmers only need to pay ten percent of their land’s yield as tax per year.

Although there are still other taxes to be paid, the promulgation of the new tax law made every farmer unable to resist shouting Augustus’s name, though many also praised the Holy Dragon.

It is said that the original ten percent tax was proposed by the Holy Dragon, who transformed into a golden cat. Although there is no conclusive evidence, only a few slaves vowed to have seen the Holy Dragon, but who cares?

The Holy Dragon’s mercy and grace are worth every farmer’s remembrance; he should indeed be revered and worshipped.

While the farmers in the Duke Territory were cheering for the new tax law, in Elisium City, in certain hidden corners, commoners and minor nobles watched as the once high and mighty Augustus members fell into pools of blood one by one, their eyes filled with disbelief.

"I am your uncle, Tidel. How dare you commit patricide..."

"There is no memory of your face in mine. Who gave you the courage? To dare disrespect my mother and promise dragon blood to others, who do you think you are?"

"You!"

"You are unworthy of the Augustus name!" free𝑤ebnovel.com

The sword blade traced a silver arc, and a fountain of blood spurted out. The young man, expressionless, flicked his sword, sheathing it,

"Next!"

The scent of blood dispersed in unnoticed corners, but once the stench dissipates, the entire city will, unknowingly, take on a new look, displaying more vitality than ever before.

The Golden Dragon gazed down at the city beneath the mountains, unaware of the changes happening in Elisium City, though Tidel hadn’t visited him for some time.

"Uncle!"

The moment the black-haired youth stepped into the flower garden, all the Little Flower Spirits quieted down involuntarily. Noah looked at his adoptive father, a mix of surprise and wonder,

"How do you have the time to visit me?"

"I’m planning to go out for a break and came to ask if you’re interested in joining me."

Casius answered; it was a suggestion from the lady. According to historical tradition, during such times, as the family head, he should avoid involvement.

"Of course, I’m interested, but uncle, where are you planning to go?"

"Selena has gathered some information about the Cloud Giants. I’m taking you to have a look. If the information is accurate, you can try and see if you can form a pact with them."

"Ah?"

Upon hearing the man’s casual revelation, Noah was momentarily stunned.