Looking at the bewildered expressions of Fang Yuegong and Fan Jingwen, Emperor Chongzhen asked, "Commercial taxes are taken from merchants, collected by officials, returned to the state, and used for the people, is that not correct?"
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
"However, as far as I know, some local officials set up checkpoints along the way to exploit and extort passing merchants. The taxes they collect are not turned over to the Imperial Court; instead, they are pocketed by those corrupt officials."
Chapter 545