Zhang Xie readily had someone move money and grain to pay taxes, but Xiahou Yan remained motionless. Seeing Fu Tinghan's calm demeanor, he asked, "Mr. Fu, what if I just refuse to pay?"
Fu Tinghan said, "I would have no solution."
Xiahou Yan sneered, "So these laws are meant for honest people like Jingyang? If we pay, it harms our wealth, but if we don't, we aren't harmed either? I thought Lord Zhao would send troops to capture and kill those of us who refuse to pay."
Fu Tinghan replied, "Embezzling taxes on a large scale can indeed lead to execution, but considering Mr. Xiahou's current wealth, you won't reach that threshold even if you're indebted for a lifetime."
Zhang Xie also became curious, "Is there nothing the government can do about those who owe taxes?"
