"Breaking news: This morning, the Kingdom's Upper House passed the latest 'Third Phase Kingdom Tax Act' with ninety-seven votes in favor, two against, and one abstention. The passing of this bill signifies the reactivation of the old Military Tax Bureau system, and tax inspections will soon begin nationwide. Whether this marks progress for the new era or a regression into history remains to be seen..."

It was already early March, and even the sea breeze was starting to turn gentle.

The latest news from the Kingdom was announced on the new model of radio.

Ethan had actually already known about this piece of news more than half a month ago through Palon.

But back then, it was just a rumor, and the final outcome was completely uncertain.

Now it had become a reality.

Ethan had no choice but to respond to it.

Fortunately, everything had been smooth over these days.

Since the incident with the Evans family, there had been no disturbances in Wenster's underworld.

That day, the Royal Capital's kid named Frank ultimately couldn't make it to the Evans family, and naturally, he couldn't bring anyone to disrupt Ethan's meeting.

At nine o'clock when Ethan held a meeting, he obtained the contract from the Evans family, and the Evans family was kicked out like dogs without a home.

Frank urgently moved out of the Beihai Star that morning but ultimately didn't leave Wenster. Instead, he stayed in a hotel without any Mafia background.

With the Evans family as an example, the rest dared not make any moves; they complied where they had to and submitted where they needed to.

Ethan's path of annexation was going smoothly; give him just one more year, no, maybe more than half a year, and he could completely consolidate these forces, turning the entire Wenster underworld into an impenetrable fortress.

However, this latest tax bill indeed caused trouble for Ethan.

At least in the new internal meeting, John Hott expressed his deep concern: "Ethan, this is no joke. The Military Tax Bureau is much more formidable than the Prohibition Bureau. At its peak in the past, its authority was almost equal to the Kingdom Defense Bureau. If we're caught, not even... that person could save us."

Indeed, as he said, Ned had also privately told Ethan to be mindful of tax issues. This bill came with overwhelming force, and according to his connections in the Royal Capital, the driving forces behind this tax act were influential families and powerful figures.

One cannot tell how many people wish to profit from or achieve merits in this nationwide tax inspection.

Ethan's current response was to quickly integrate his casino business.

He now controlled at least seventy percent of Wenster's casinos, and money laundering through casinos was an old Mafia tradition.

Now with Wenster having only his voice, laundering would be even easier.

But this was not enough. To minimize risk, under John Hott's suggestion, Ethan also planned to register some offshore companies.

After all, he had smuggling routes leading to the Old Continent and allies in the Corleone Clan at Feng Cui.

The conditions were indeed favorable.

Moreover, the relationship between the Kingdom and the Old Continent was currently good, with frequent trade.

The third point was the bank.

The proposal Eugene put forward earlier was brought up again.

However, founding a bank directly was certainly too late. Apart from the various procedural issues, wouldn't it be clearly inviting the tax officials to investigate?

The only option left was acquisition.

But Ethan had yet to identify the best acquisition target.

With so many matters at hand, Ethan hadn't been sleeping well recently.

"In fact, art is also a great money laundering method."

Vincent said as he listened to the news on the radio.

Ethan naturally understood and had already contacted Jackson, the art dealer in the Royal Capital.

However, first, his production wasn't that fast.

Secondly, the new bill also had clear restrictions on art transactions.

So that route wasn't going smoothly either.

"Someone needs to visit the Old Continent."

Ethan said as he mulled over recent matters.

After the incident involving the four ships, contact with the Old Continent somewhat broke off.

Even though they re-established some communication via telegram later, the elderly members of the Corleone Clan perished in that incident. Even though the Bolita family now held power, Ethan couldn't neglect Lady Talia.

Furthermore, this time he needed something from them.

"Let me go. I know them well."

Vincent volunteered once again.

But Ethan shook his head.

It wasn't that he didn't trust Vincent's abilities; he simply didn't want Vincent to take the risk.

"After all, that place is the territory of the Sun God Sect. We still don't know how they'll react to Casar's matters. You absolutely cannot go."

Regarding the incident where Vincent was captured by Casar, Vincent had finally disclosed the full details.

In his youthful exuberance, he desired to explore the outside world, thus defying Alberto's wishes by running away from home and boarding a ship to the Old Continent.

Once on the Old Continent, with nowhere to settle, he had no choice but to accept the aid of the Sun God Sect.

He had even briefly served as a disciple of the Sun God Sect.

If not for later events, he might have been a devoted believer by now.

He was later sent to Butterflan Town, where he participated in a secret experiment.

He and many other children of similar age were injected with a mysterious blood, subsequently awakening the true name of the War God.

In that small town, he endured inhumane torment.

Until one day, the entire town suddenly erupted into riots.

He could no longer recall the specifics of that day; he only remembered that many people died, and he escaped amidst the chaos.

Considering that the Sun God Sect had to send Casar to capture him, there were probably few survivors from that incident.

The Sun God Sect had a strong desire for Vincent.

Ethan couldn't let him take that risk.

"Let Virel go. He's an elder; Lady Talia will surely give him some face."

Ultimately, Ethan decided.

He was tidying his hair and changing into formal wear.

He was preparing to head out.

Today, City Hall would hold the final round of hearings, which would determine the newest municipal project, the issue of renovating the sewerage system.

Ethan had already participated twice; during those, he had invested money and planned to provide manpower as well.

To be honest, these municipal projects were eventually profitable.

Ethan intended to earn some profit, as he now had a sizable group of people to feed, many of whom from Sandro's former forces had experience in such matters.

Oswaldo had also privately assured him that this municipal project would be given solely to Ethan.

At two in the afternoon, Anya drove Ethan out.

This was March in Wenster, and a new story was about to unfold.

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