Fu Shanhe

Chapter 380 Pig teammates

The court meeting ended in unpleasantness, and Emperor Yongning fell into panic.

Although Lu Guoheng's impeachment was all nonsense, the power of the noble group was also a real problem.

Not only the noble faction grew stronger together with them, but also the more troublesome Liaodong faction.

Seeing that the emperor was distracted, the ministers and six secretaries who stayed behind also groaned inwardly.

The bad guys' schemes are all useless as the stupid guys' sudden inspiration.

It is okay to sow discord between the emperor and the nobles, but it depends on the time.

The world is not yet at peace, and people are needed to risk their lives. Doing such a thing at this time is undoubtedly self-destructive.

These civil officials' representatives were only planning to reduce the power of the nobility, not to destroy it.

Regardless of whether they are willing to admit it or not, the nobles are now the backbone of the Dayu Dynasty and are no longer the good-for-nothings as they claim.

We are all vested interests, but no one wants to overturn the table.

Lu Guoheng's public impeachment is equivalent to putting the contradiction on the surface.

At this point, the original plan to reduce power has to be suspended.

Not only must we not weaken power, but we must also find ways to appease those who have made meritorious contributions.

Any drastic measures taken at this time could potentially cause disunity between the nobles and the imperial court.

An independent Liaodong faction would drive everyone crazy, and if it also forced the noble faction to the opposing side, life would become unbearable.

"Your Majesty, Marquis Wuyang has submitted a memorial.

I hope to resign from the post of Governor-General of Guangdong and Guangxi, and recommend Han Shuihou as the Governor-General of Guangdong and Guangxi."

The Minister of Personnel Yue Mingyu stepped forward and said.

Originally, this memorial should have been discussed in the court.

However, an unexpected event at the grand court meeting put the matter on hold.

"That's right!"

Emperor Yongning said expressionlessly.

Such personnel appointments, before today, would have certainly involved a lot of fighting.

At this time, there is no need to even discuss it.

The development of the noble family cannot be separated from the support of the emperor.

If the emperor wants to maintain his throne, he also needs the support of the nobles.

Even though he felt fearful deep down in his heart, for political reasons he had to show his trust in the noble family at this time.

"Draft an imperial decree to confer the title of Special Advancement Guanglu Dafu, Zuo Zhuguo, and Taifu to Duke Chengguo.

The Marquis of Wuyang was conferred the titles of Special Advancement Guanglu Dafu, Zuo Zhuguo, and Tai Shi.

The Marquis of Zhenyuan was conferred the titles of Special Advancement of Guanglu Dafu, Right Pillar of the State, and Taibao.

Conferring the title of Marquis of Hanshui as the Prince's Junior Tutor..."

The series of titles given made a group of civil servants drool with envy.

The position of one of the Three Dukes is everyone's lifelong pursuit.

Although these were honorary positions, the officials who were able to receive the titles were all famous ministers in the Dayu Dynasty.

Under normal circumstances, it may take decades to produce one.

No one can find a reason to object.

The three people who were awarded the title not only made outstanding military achievements, but also made remarkable achievements in handling local government affairs.

"Your Majesty, wise!"

The ministers responded reluctantly.

Although I am jealous, the results they have achieved are indeed worthy of this treatment.

Using this reward to appease the nobles is undoubtedly the best option at the moment.

"okay!
I don't want to hear this nonsense.

Let's all discuss the tax system issue in the eight southeastern provinces.

Prime Minister, please tell me your opinion first."

Emperor Yongning waved his hand and said.

Half of the conflicts in the Dayu Dynasty were due to lack of money.

Naturally, he was unwilling to give up the taxes that he had collected with great difficulty.

However, opposition from the ministers is also a thorny issue.

If it is not handled properly, it will inevitably cause more problems later.

“Your Majesty, the new tax laws of the eight southeastern provinces conflict with the Dayu Law in many places.

Considering that this was an extraordinary choice made under special circumstances, it is not a big problem.

The officials below have had a lot of trouble adapting to the new tax law, and if they change it back hastily, it will easily cause trouble.

I think it would be a good idea to try it out for a while, and then consider whether to change it back when the time is right."

Wan Junhui said with gritted teeth.

Tax reform is a great feat that no emperor of Dayu has been able to accomplish.

The success of the eight southeastern provinces was completely an accident.

The rebels dealt a heavy blow to the gentry group, reducing the resistance to tax reform to the lowest level.

Under the threat of the rebels, countless gentry chose to compromise temporarily.

Wan Junhui doesn't have the courage to withstand the pressure and force reforms.

But now that the facts have been established, the situation is different.

The opposition from all officials in the court actually depends on the situation.

Officials from the northern provinces were opposed to spreading the reform achievements of the eight southeastern provinces to the whole country.

If it is only implemented in these eight provinces and does not harm their interests, everyone still hopes that the court's finances will improve.

Even within the eight southeastern provinces, officials hold different positions.

This tax reform has harmed the interests of the gentry, but it actually depends on the circumstances.

Not all gentry were engaged in business and trade; there were also many traditional farming and reading families.

These "conservatives" despised businessmen the most and advocated emphasizing agriculture and suppressing commerce.

They were not so resistant to the court's imposition of commercial taxes.

In addition, there were some gentry who had lost in previous competitions and were also happy to watch the joke.

After all, the tax reform initiated by the noble family did not affect the land.

If they had opposed it before the reform was promoted, they might have opposed it, but now it has become a fait accompli.

The additional taxes were mainly used for military and post-war reconstruction, and they also became beneficiaries.

Judging from the performance of the ministers before, although some people clamored for disarmament, it did not become the mainstream.

Among them, officials from the eight southeastern provinces were the most opposed to disarmament.

Only by experiencing war firsthand can one know the value of peace.

Those who oppose tax reform and disarmament are actually the same group of people, which is enough to prove that their opposition is not fierce.

Having seen through people's minds, Wan Junhui decided to take a gamble.

The court's fiscal revenue has increased significantly, and most of the current troubles can be easily solved.

Once the situation improves, he can continue to work as the Prime Minister for a few more years. There is no need to resign and return home so early.

Having enjoyed the charm of power, no one wants to give it up unless it is absolutely necessary.

"Your Majesty, what the Prime Minister said makes sense.

The situation in the eight southeastern provinces is special, and it is not advisable to start a large-scale war in a short period of time.

For the sake of the country and the people, the merchants in the eight southeastern provinces have to suffer a little.

We can set the limit to three years and discuss this issue again after the situation stabilizes.”

Gu Jiaxi followed suit.

The emperor's intention was clear; he certainly didn't want the money to slip away again.

No matter how many problems there are in the tax reform, they are not worth mentioning compared to more than 30 million taels of silver each year.

Given Emperor Yongning's personality, he would probably fight back even if his ministers opposed him.

After all, the tax reform was initiated by the nobles, so they would definitely support it.

The more than 300,000 recruits from the eight southeastern provinces were the biggest supporters of this system.

Any local backlash can be suppressed directly by force.

With these supports, the emperor had the confidence to fight against the officials.

Knowing that the emperor had bargaining chips in his hands and the prime minister had taken the lead, Gu Jiaxi immediately decided to follow.

"Master Gu, this is inappropriate!"

"The eight southeastern provinces have just been hit by war, so we should at least reduce some taxes. How can we continue to levy heavy taxes?"

Qiu Ruiyang immediately objected.

In fact, he didn't want to be the bad guy.

The tax reform harmed the interests of the gentry but benefited the court.

Being able to sit in the cabinet, one no longer has to consider issues limited to one corner of the country, but also has to take into account the whole world.

But as an official from the eight southeastern provinces, he could not betray his class at this time.

His complicated inner world made him not firm in his stance when he opposed something.

The reasons for objection found were just random and seemed more like completing a task.

Seeing this scene, the officials who were originally hesitant made their choice in an instant.

After a heated debate, the supporters gradually gained the upper hand, just when everyone thought the outcome was settled.

"My dear ministers, since you all think that the tax reform in the eight southeastern provinces is good, can it be promoted nationwide?"

Emperor Yongning's words made all the ministers furious.

No matter how much you want to reform, it takes time!

The most important thing now is to preserve the fruits of reform rather than rush to promote them nationwide.

The eight southeastern provinces were able to succeed because they had an army of more than 300,000 soldiers pressing on them.

All the gentry who dared to express their opposition were physically eliminated.

In other places, even if the imperial court issued a reform order, the decree could not leave the government office.

No matter how good a policy is, if no one implements it, it will end up in a mess.

Apart from damaging the prestige of the emperor and the court, there are no substantial benefits.

"Your Majesty, this is absolutely unacceptable!"

"Oranges grown in the south of the Huai River are oranges, while those grown in the north of the Huai River are bitter oranges." "Take tariffs as an example. If you want to collect them, you must first have overseas trade.

Our dynasty's maritime trade is concentrated in the south, so we are able to levy huge taxes.

If it were the northern provinces, I'm afraid they wouldn't even be enough to cover the cost of collecting taxes, and setting up a government office would be a waste.

Local governance should be tailored to local conditions and should not be generalized! "

Wan Junhui quickly refuted.

The emperor's sudden inspiration was truly fatal.

He dared to bet that once today's events were spread, it would cause an uproar in the court.

Officials from northern provinces who could have been won over would also be pushed to the opposite side.

If you really want to reform, just do it quietly. Why say it out loud?

Apart from anything else, the current situation in Shu is suitable for promoting reform.

As long as a secret order is given to Marquis Zhenyuan, the reform results of the eight southeastern provinces can be directly copied.

After the fait accompli was created, the court only needed to tacitly accept the results of the reform.

Similar operations can also be carried out in Shanxi.

Reform cannot be advanced by relying on civilian officials, but it can be advanced by relying on the military.

In the future, we will promote reforms in any province where rebellion occurs.

After several decades, tax reform can be extended to the whole country.

After completing this great task, everyone can achieve success and be remembered for generations.

The good situation was ruined by Yongning's words.

Deep down, Wan Junhui was so angry that he wanted to kill someone.

Without any hesitation, the ministers once again united their stance and retorted to Emperor Yongning on the spot.

……

Lianzhou Port.

As the ship's horn sounded, the eyes of the prisoners of war gradually became moist.

After this departure, it is unknown whether I will be able to return to my hometown in my lifetime.

But there was no way. Although life in Guangxi was a little better than farming at home, the political status was pitifully low.

As an exiled criminal, he would be despised wherever he went, and his family would suffer as well.

Unless necessary, they would stay in their own work areas and would never visit the military household areas.

Even if they didn't say it in their hearts, the family members were still full of envy for the military household area just across the wall.

Although they do the same labor, they cultivate the military fields of the garrisons and not only enjoy a high share of the profits.

The garrisons also provided livestock and seeds, and even provided a safety net in years of disaster.

If someone in the family joins the army to serve, there will be a financial and food subsidy.

As long as you don’t eat too much raw food, whole grain vegetable dumplings can fill you up in your daily life.

During festivals, when the food is improved, you can also have a meal of meat.

Their living standards are better than those of the rich families in their original village, and are similar to those of some small landlords.

These prisoners were miserable. Not only was the food standard even lower, but they could only eat until they were 70% to 80% full on normal days.

Fortunately, the garrison vigorously promoted high-yield vegetables, and they also benefited from it, otherwise their lives would have been even worse.

If you want to eat meat, it is a luxury unless you have made great contributions.

Even so, the family members who came with them quickly accepted the reality.

They were already living at the bottom of society, and their living standards after exile are a little better than before. What else can they expect?

The most important thing is that I don’t have to pay back the debt I’m in now.

If they had not joined the rebels and seen some of the world, I guess they would have been content with the status quo.

But precisely because they have seen the world, they are not content with the status quo.

The military households next door are the objects of their envy.

Not only is the daily standard of living high, but there is also hope for improvement.

Once you join the army and make a contribution, the fate of your entire family will change.

Now that there is a choice, even if it means risking one's life in a foreign country, countless people will still sign up.

For a crime as serious as treason, they would not be spared even if the emperor issued a general amnesty.

Entering Annan and fighting for their lives is their only chance to change their fate.

"Third brother, why are you here too?
Didn’t we agree that you stay at home to take care of the family while I go out and fight for my life? "

Looking at the familiar face, the sallow-faced middle-aged man immediately questioned.

Influenced by clan concepts, everyone attaches great importance to the inheritance of incense.

Even if it means risking my life, I won't put all my efforts into it.

“Brother, I signed up without telling you.

Both my parents agreed.

As for the family matters, we will fight hard here, and the guards will take care of it."

The young man answered immediately.

The main reason for this exile was that they joined the rebels and caused trouble, which implicated many of their relatives.

Trouble has always been caused and needs to be resolved.

Even if everyone is not arranged together, simple logic is that you should bear the consequences of your own actions.

Even though they didn't say it, he had seen his parents crying more than once in private, saying that they were ashamed to face their ancestors.

This is his only chance, and he doesn't want to let it go.

Even if the boss comes out, he is only one person after all. How many heads can he get?
How can they go back with the face if they cannot get everyone pardoned?

"Hey!"

"You shouldn't have come!"

"If something unexpected happens, the family's incense will be cut off."

The eldest brother's sigh was not recognized by the young man.

"Brother, in our situation, even if we stay at home, the incense will still be cut off.

Who would consider us as a girl from a decent family? "

As if something resonated with them, all the prisoners on the ship shed tears.

The poor do not deserve to have offspring.

Not to mention now, even before they were exiled, they were still a group of bachelors.

The few who were married did so after joining the rebels and accumulating wealth through looting, and then getting married and having children.

It is precisely because we have nothing that we dare to risk our lives.

"Okay, wipe away all your tears.

This time I am taking you out not only to atone for my sins, but also to gain wealth and honor.

The court can promise to give us half of the looted wealth.

If you are worried about your family line, then grab a few more women and let them give birth to children for you.

The Annamites are all cowards and are easy to bully.

As long as you are willing to fight bravely, you will have military merit, land, and women!
......"

The general leading the team immediately started to lie.

The method was a bit rough, but the effect was quite good.

When people reach their lowest point, what they need most is hope.

Even if the road to success is full of risks, everyone is still willing to give it a try.

……

Zhennan Pass.

The news of the farce in the capital had not yet spread abroad, and everyone was still immersed in the joy of victory.

The end of the war in Jiangnan not only means the arrival of reinforcements, but also represents a shift in resources.

The Annan War has been going on until now and has been in a defensive state.

In addition to strategic needs, there are also resource considerations.

With the strength of Guangdong and Guangxi alone, it would not be difficult to defeat the Annamites militarily, but the difficulty lay in how to annex Annam.

“The dust has settled, and everyone can relax.

The war is progressing more smoothly than expected.

There was still some military funds left that had been raised in advance.

In addition to being used for post-war reconstruction, we also received a share.

One million and a half taels of silver and eight hundred thousand shi of grain will be transported to Guangxi within three months.

I have already coordinated, and the Governor's Office of Fujian and Zhejiang and the Governor's Office of Jiangnan have both agreed to provide us with financial support.

The specific amount of subsidy will be determined after the autumn tax collection is completed.

Now we can go all out and fight the Annanites!"

Li Mu said to everyone proudly.

Those who attended the meeting were all the team he had painstakingly built.

There is no lack of loyalty, but the vision is indeed limited.

There is no way; their living environment since childhood has limited their horizons.

Only after entering the army did I start to make up for it.

Knowledge levels can be learned, but inherent cognition is not so easy to change.

Most people were opposed to the idea of ​​governing Annan.

Living well in Dayu, no one wants to go to the remote and poor "Annan".

The strategic plan was able to be implemented thanks to Li Mu's persistence.

Even now, most people only support it openly, but secretly have no hope of governing Annan.

This is the fault of reading.

Books describe Annan as either a remote and poor place or a place full of "miasma".

Even though Li Mu repeatedly assured that the land in Annan was fertile, everyone was still unsure.

Many people were worried that it was the spies below who sent back false information and fooled their own lord.

If Annan is not wealthy enough and cannot obtain local taxes in a short period of time, the war expenses will become a heavy burden that will overwhelm the group.

(End of this chapter)