Chapter 417, All Forces Attack!

Compared to the Seven Horse Treaty, the collection of Imperial Tax is a far more sensitive matter!

Indeed, the very authority of governments at all levels of the Empire finds its roots in the Imperial Tax.

Why do they say that the Planetary Governor is a 'king of the soil,' the absolute ruler of the planet?

It's because as long as the Imperial Tax is sufficiently paid, the Planetary Governor theoretically has unlimited power within the planet to do as they please.

Naturally, in reality, due to differences in planetary strength and importance, Planetary Governors are always subject to various forms of supervision and appointments, but that's another story.