This pest disaster, if we talk about the ones suffering most severely, naturally it is those low-ranking Black Tortoise Clan families who have no means to resist the disaster. For example, the Zhao Family and the Liu Family. A rough calculation makes it clear that based on the previous example, if twenty acres of land have a seventy percent reduction in yield, there will only be 90 large copper coins in revenue. Tenant farmers will take away a guaranteed base of 30 copper coins, and then there are 40 copper coins in taxes, 10 copper coins in depreciation for plowing oxen, farming tools, and seeds, and 20 copper coins for the insecticide powder. Just these costs alone make the Zhao and Liu families not only earn nothing this season but also have to incur a deficit of 10 large copper coins per twenty acres. In the case of the Liu Family, their farms add up to over ten thousand acres of fertile land, so they won’t earn a single coin and will have to incur a deficit of 50 Qian Gold. This Qian Gold doesn’t even include expenses like the Agricultural and Sericulture Chief Steward, with the total deficit exceeding a hundred Qian Gold altogether. It may not seem like much to lose a hundred Qian Gold, but in reality, this wave will cause them to lose a fortune. Because in normal years, these ten thousand acres could bring them a pure profit of eight to nine hundred Qian Gold per season. Now, with the loss and the gain, it’s a pure profit loss of over a thousand Qian Gold. Under normal circumstances, a noble family like the Liu Family has enormous annual expenses, and managing to save five to six hundred Qian Gold a year is a testament to their capability. Just the loss of this thousand Qian Gold has already swallowed up two years’ worth of savings. "There’s another fatal piece of news that you probably don’t know, Shouzhe." Gongsun Hui continued, "Changning Guard Government Office has ordered all noble families that this year’s summer tax cannot be paid in Qian Gold but must be paid in grain." Upon hearing this, Wang Shouzhe took a deep breath; this was pushing the lower-tier Black Tortoise Clan families to their limits. In past years, they could pay in grain or money, as long as the equivalent value was paid. However, this year all noble families are already short of grain, so paying in grain would only worsen the situation for the lower-tier Black Tortoise Clan families. But this doesn’t apply to the Wang Family or some of their marriage allies because they preserved their production this time, and they can afford to pay the grain tax. The ones truly impacted are noble families like the Ping’an Liu Family and the Zhao Family. They have little grain left, and paying the grain tax would deplete their reserves. If cornered, they would naturally pass the pressure onto the lower-class civilians and even tenant farmers. "The government’s order is understandable." Wang Shouzhe said seriously, "In terms of the overall lack of grain in the Changning Guard Region, if the government doesn’t use this order to gather grain from the noble families, there is a high possibility of chaos erupting within the Guardian City." "Is Shouzhe intentionally planning to watch the show involving the Zhao and Liu families this time?" Gongsun Hui asked, "The land annexation will inevitably lead to chaos, and the Zhao and Liu families may be playing with fire with significant risks involved." Wang Shouzhe’s gaze was extremely cold, "The land of Ping’an was initially cleared and developed by Ancestor Zhou Xuan, who spent centuries building the foundation. How could I just watch it be destroyed by two wolves? Want to take advantage of the chaos to play land annexation? Not without asking me, Wang Shouzhe, first! This time, I aim to strike at the Zhao and Liu families and let them witness Wang Shouzhe’s skills." "Shouzhe, you truly have great spirit and courage; I haven’t misjudged you." Gongsun Hui’s eyes sparkled, "No matter your decision this time, your mother supports you wholeheartedly. At this critical moment, I will certainly find a way to invite Ancestor Mang to visit our Wang Family." Wang Shouzhe’s face lit up with joy, "Aunt can actually invite Ancestor Mang?" In the circles of noble families, ancestral-level figures generally do not meddle in the disputes of other noble families, lest it trigger larger-scale factional conflicts. Gongsun Hui smiled, "Have you forgotten? Our Wang Family’s fourth-generation eldest legitimate daughter, Wang Lingdie, was married to the Gongsun Family as the Lady of the House. Ancestor Mang is her biological legitimate son, with half of his bloodline coming from our Wang Family, so he is naturally close to us. Moreover, don’t forget, Ancestor Mang is my grandfather. When I returned to my natal home some time ago, I also visited him. He is very regretful about the battle of Ancestor Longyan back then, only regretting that he was only at the Ninth Layer in the Qi Refining Realm and heard the news too late." After a pause, Gongsun Hui added, "Ancestor Mang heard about your accomplishments from your maternal grandfather, and he speaks highly of you and wants to seize the opportunity to meet you. I believe just inviting him as a guest this time, given his temperament, he should not refuse." "Great, great, great! This makes it even more secure." Wang Shouzhe was overjoyed, initially worrying that with Ancestor Longyan’s health not yet fully recovered, it was uncertain if she could deter the opposition. If Ancestor Mang is willing to come and stay for a while, how would the two ancestors of the Liu and Zhao families dare to act recklessly? After discussing further with Gongsun Hui, Wang Shouzhe took his leave. Simultaneously striking at both the Zhao and Liu families is a monumental task that requires careful calculation and planning. Otherwise, if not careful, it could have disastrous consequences. It has always been fundamental in battles between two forces. Wang Shouzhe summoned Wang Zhong over, whose strength was not very strong, only at the Fourth Layer High Tier in the Qi Refining Realm. But recently, it was gradually discovered that he had a relatively steady personality, handled matters appropriately, and was quite resourceful. "Greetings, Patriarch." Wang Zhong saluted upon entering. "No need for formalities." Wang Shouzhe said, "Before you have had a good reunion with your family, I need you to handle some tasks. My apologies." "Serving the Patriarch is no hardship at all." Wang Zhong’s essence, Qi, and spirit were very high; his eyes lit up at the prospect of handling matters. This was not merely because the Patriarch was generous but because every time the Patriarch took action, he turned the tide, and the Wang Family showed signs of great prosperity under his leadership. The relationship between a Household General and their noble family is mutually beneficial. Wang Shouzhe smiled and explained what needed to be done. Wang Zhong pondered seriously for a while and said, "Patriarch, intelligence work is not my specialty. I would recommend a Household General for this task—Wang Mei. She is only twenty-three years old, yet her cultivation has reached the Third Layer in the Qi Refining Realm. However, she is meticulous, observant, and highly skilled at disguising and infiltrating to collect clues." Wang Shouzhe neither approved nor disapproved, but he sent someone to summon Wang Mei, wanting to personally evaluate her. Soon, Household General Wang Mei arrived, bowing respectfully and with unease, "Greetings, Patriarch." Wang Shouzhe took a look at her. This girl’s appearance was unremarkable, so plain that it seemed one would forget what she looked like as soon as they turned away. However, her figure was quite good, curvy and shapely, and her legs were long and strong, indicating good power potential. Curiously, he said, "No need for formalities. Wang Zhong said you are skilled in disguise and infiltration, with a meticulous mind. Can you elaborate on this?" "Reporting to the Patriarch," Wang Mei said steadily, "I am indeed skilled in disguise and infiltration." "Oh~ You are quite confident," Wang Shouzhe said with a smile, "Can you give me a demonstration?" Wang Mei agreed but mentioned she needed to make some preparations. Wang Shouzhe was intrigued and let her prepare thoroughly. After she left, Wang Shouzhe settled his mind, beginning to deliberate on this plan. This time, the plan was not something profound; it was just a minor commercial ambush. This kind of event occurs constantly on Earth. However, Wang Shouzhe planned meticulously because this divinely granted opportunity could not be missed. One step at a time, the plan started to take shape... "Greetings, Patriarch." A deep male voice rang out. "No need..." Wang Shouzhe turned around abruptly, only to see an unfamiliar male Household General standing with cupped hands; though not tall, he was dignified, with fair skin and quite handsome, having the aura of a literate general. "Who are you?" Wang Shouzhe did not recall having such a Household General and frowned immediately. "Patriarch, I am Wang Mei." The male Household General changed to a female voice, sending shockwaves through Wang Shouzhe, causing goosebumps as he exclaimed, "This skill of yours is indeed unique, interesting, interesting." Hearing the Patriarch’s praise, Wang Mei was elated and said, "Please wait, Patriarch; I will make another change." When Wang Mei appeared once more, Wang Shouzhe was stunned, and so were Wang Zhong and Wang Gui. Before them now stood a graceful young woman, draped in a thin veil, with lotus shoes on her feet, holding an antique floral umbrella in her hand. Every step she took was graceful and enticing, with a faint fragrance filling the air. Most astonishingly, her face had transformed into one of beauty, with red lips and fair cheeks, her long hair elegantly poised, looking like a true beauty. She curtsied gracefully, her voice as soft as a wellspring, "Meimei greets the Patriarch." "Gulp." The servant Wang Gui on the side couldn’t help but swallow, staring intently. Wang Shouzhe, well-versed in experience, quickly came to his senses. Inwardly, he was amazed; her makeup skills had reached an exquisite level. It was on par with the monstrous makeup techniques seen in apps from his previous life. This Wang Mei was comparable to those makeup wizards, invigorating Wang Shouzhe’s spirit. Ping’an Town, when all was said and done, was rural. How could the children of noble families like the Liu and Zhao have witnessed such a scene? Perhaps, with Wang Mei’s subtle tactics, intelligence would soon flood in.