The invasion of the abyss begins with the Laughing at the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 52: Abolition of Corvée
The moonlight was as bright as water, casting a hazy veil over the Shenjiawu Fort. At the beginning of the new year, endless blood-red enveloped the entire Yongning City.

"Brother Liang, I didn't expect things to go so smoothly?"

"We haven't even arrived yet, but Captain Ye and his men have already opened the gates and surrendered, offering all their property with both hands, just to save their lives."

From day to night, and from night to day, Shitou, who had not slept for two days, was now full of energy, with a happy smile on his face and dancing with joy.

In order to eliminate the internal hidden dangers of Yongning Guard, Shen Yuanliang personally led a thousand soldiers and horses to sweep through the five surrounding thousand households, just like autumn wind sweeping away fallen leaves, without any effort.

"Haha, two hundred years have passed, and they are no longer the same as they were at the beginning of the founding of the country. How many of the military households back then can fight now?"

"After all, they are just a bunch of honest 'farmers' who have no training at all."

Wiping the jade ring on his thumb, Shen Yuanliang lay on the armchair, his whole body loose and giving people a lazy feeling.

As a skilled archer, a good ring is essential. Made entirely of mutton-fat white jade, this crystal clear jade ring was personally presented by Captain Ye of Jingbian Fort.

As soon as he got his hands on it, Shen Yuanliang couldn't put it down. Facing the candlelight, a faint mist lingered around it, giving people a mysterious and hazy feeling.

"How can we resist the invasion of the Later Jin with these vulnerable soldiers?"

"In a few months, if the Later Jin Jiannu really invades southern Liaoning on a large scale, won't we collapse at the first sign of trouble? Will we be allowed to be bullied by the Later Jin Tartars?"

Talking about these military households who were like beggars, "skinny monkey" Chen Chongwen had a look of disdain on his face and looked down on those fat and bloated centurions and thousand-man households.

The good military households were treated like dogs by them. Not only did they have to wash clothes and cook for the officials on weekdays, but they also had to work as hard as oxen during the busy farming season.

No wonder so many military households fled, this is simply not something a human being would do!

Thinking of this, the skinny monkey clenched his rough fists and said solemnly: "My lord, we still have to recruit people, intensify training, build armor and weapons, build fortifications, and repair the city walls."

The Later Jin and Jiannu rose slowly, like a shining sun. The Ming Dynasty was declining and no longer had the former glory. Being outside the Great Wall, they could only rely on themselves.

If they cannot resist the invasion of the Later Jin Dynasty, wouldn't the current actions of Shen Yuanliang, Shouhou and others be a joke and a waste of time?

"Wan'er, how much grain, gold and silver were confiscated today?"

Hearing this, Shen Yuanliang put away his previous laziness, sat up straight, turned the jade ring in his hand, and spoke slowly.

The economic base determines the superstructure, and all problems ultimately come down to one issue: money.

As long as there is enough money and food, Shen Yuanliang can hire civilians to strengthen the city's defenses, hire craftsmen to make armor, and even recruit more soldiers.

"Brother Yuanliang, after counting, we have seized a total of 300,000 shi of grain this time, enough for everyone in Yongning City to eat for a year. Of this, nearly 30,000 shi of grain was not stored properly and needs to be dealt with urgently."

"As for the gold and silver, including what was seized from Tiger Tooth Mountain, the total is 230,000 taels of silver and 3,000 taels of gold."

After fiddling with the abacus beads in her hand and making some calculations, Li Wan'er, who was wearing a blue satin jacket and fox fur, spoke crisply.

The southern Liaoning region has a very advantageous geographical location. To the east is Korea and Japan, to the north is the rising Later Jin Jiannu, and to the west is the nearby Ming capital. Smuggling trade is very prosperous.

Almost every wealthy family in Yongning City was involved in smuggling, either selling illegal salt or ironware, and then selling the ginseng, deer antlers and priceless pearls in exchange, making a fortune.

"After the spring comes, the Later Jin Jiannu will definitely invade in large numbers, so we must prepare early." "The fort and the city defense of Yongning City must be reinforced and raised, and more trenches must be built outside the city. Stone, this matter is left to you."

Knocking on the armrest of the armchair, Shen Yuanliang thought for a moment, then looked at the honest and simple Shi Tou and gave instructions.

Regardless of the original strategy of the Later Jin Jiannu or the death of Manggurtai, one of the four great beiles, the Later Jin would definitely not let go of the southern Liaoning region, especially Yongning City.

"Brother Liang, leave it to me, don't worry!"

"Tomorrow I will post a notice to recruit all the people in Yongning City for labor service. All young and strong men must go to build the city wall, and make sure it is completed before March."

Under the candlelight as thick as an arm, Shi Tou patted his strong chest and made a solemn promise.

What is corvée? Corvée is an engineering project organized by the imperial court or local government. After the rice harvest, the imperial court would conscript people to build the Great Wall, palaces, rivers, etc.

There are hundreds of thousands of people in Yongning City, and 30,000 corvée laborers can be easily conscripted. With so many people working together, there is plenty of time.

"There is no need to conscript corvée labor. Instead of forcing them by force, it is better to lure them with benefits to increase their enthusiasm."

"Winter is the off-season for farming. We can hire the people of Yongning City to repair the city walls and dig trenches."

Shen Yuanliang hated corvee labor. Before he awakened his innate wisdom, he had also performed labor service. Not only did he have to bring his own dry food, but he also had to travel hundreds or thousands of miles away from home.

Farmers cultivate the land in spring, turn the soil and apply fertilizer in summer, and harvest crops in autumn. They only have free time in winter.

However, in order to exploit the labor force, every dynasty would conscript labor. Not only were they not paid, but they also had to bring their own food, making the people miserable, and many even lost their lives there.

Scratching his head, Shitou asked, "Then how much is a suitable monthly salary?"

"They are all from the same village. Many of them have had a hard time. Five cents of silver, please. We will also cover their food."

After hesitating for a moment, Shen Yuanliang gestured with five fingers and said.

Not only was he paid, but he could also have enough to eat. Shen Yuanliang, who claimed to be of "pure character", felt that this was good enough. As for raising his wages, he would feel that it was a matter of gratitude.

"To hire 30,000 people, with a salary of five cents per person, plus food, it would cost 30,000 taels of silver per month."

Li Wan'er raised her head while clacking the abacus beads and spoke with a slightly heavy expression.

No wonder the ancient government imposed corvée labor but was unwilling to pay wages and provide food. It was really too costly and the court could not afford it. Who would be willing to pay if they could get it for free?

If millions of people were really conscripted to work for a few months, the court's money would pour out like water. Who wouldn't feel sad when seeing this?
As for the common people, their lives are worthless, how much can they be worth? Just like leeks, after cutting one crop, there are still many crops left, so don’t feel sorry!

"From now on, corvée labor will be abolished."

"If we really want to build a large-scale project, we can use money to hire the people."

Shen Yuanliang waved his hand and gave the order without question.

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(End of this chapter)