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In the early spring of the sixth year of the Longqing reign, the air in Beijing was already carrying a biting chill, but in the office of Zhang Juzheng, the second Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, the atmosphere was unusually solemn due to an in-depth discussion concerning the fate of the nation.

At this time, the power struggle between the newly appointed Grand Secretary Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng had become increasingly intense. Zhang Juzheng knew that to accomplish extraordinary things, he needed not only the support of the court, but also the strong support of the regional officials.

His gaze passed over the piles of memorials on his desk and fell upon the wealthy city of Jinling in the south, and upon Su Ning, the governor of Yingtian who had just received a "superior" rating and was enjoying unparalleled prestige.

On this day, a seemingly ordinary passenger ship quietly sailed into the Nanjing dock.

After a middle-aged scholar dressed in a blue robe and with a refined demeanor disembarked, he did not disturb any local officials. Instead, he was led directly into the heavily guarded back hall of the Yingtian Governor's Office, holding a jade plaque engraved with the words "Taiyue".

"I am here on the orders of my master, Lord Zhang of Jiangling, to pay my respects to Governor Su." The scholar bowed deeply to Su Ning, who was seated in the main seat, his demeanor exuding an extraordinary air.

You Qi was one of Zhang Juzheng's most trusted retainers, and his personal visit demonstrates the importance of this matter.

Su Ning understood, but remained outwardly composed, raising his hand in a gesture of support: "Mr. You, there's no need for such formality. May I ask what brings Master Zhang has sent you here?"

He naturally knew that Zhang Juzheng (whose courtesy name was Taiyue and who was from Jiangling) was the second-in-command at this time, but he was already the core figure who was actually promoting the reform of the government.

You Qi didn't beat around the bush. He took out a sealed document from his pocket and respectfully presented it: "Governor Su, this is my master's humble opinion on reforming the tax and labor service system, called the 'Single Whip Law'. My master said that Governor Su has a deep understanding of money, grain, officialdom, and people's livelihood in Jiangnan. I hope that you will give me your guidance on whether this law is feasible."

Suning unfolded the scroll and read it carefully.

Its core principle was to combine the land tax, corvée labor, and other miscellaneous levies of various prefectures and counties into one, collect them in silver, and pay them based on the amount per mu (unit of land area).

This move aims to simplify the tax system, increase tax revenue, and reduce opportunities for officials to exploit the system at each level during the collection process.

After a long silence, Suning put down the document and remained silent.

Seeing this, You Qi cautiously asked, "What does Governor Su think of this method?"

Su Ning raised his eyes, his gaze sharp: "Minister Zhang's plan is insightful and far-sighted. It has three advantages: First, it can save the people from the burden of transporting goods and performing labor, which is beneficial to the farming season; second, it can uncover the fields and people hidden in the corvée labor, expanding the tax base and enriching the national treasury; third, the unified collection of silver can greatly reduce the space for clerks to manipulate the system. This is a good policy."

You Qi's face lit up with joy: "Your Excellency is wise! Since that's the case..."

"However," Su Ning suddenly changed the subject, "there are three drawbacks. If not handled properly, good policies may turn into harsh policies, bringing disaster to the people!"

You Qi's expression hardened: "Please enlighten me, Governor."

Su Ning counted on his fingers: "First, there is the danger of silver being expensive and goods being cheap. If all taxes in the country are levied in silver, the price of silver will inevitably soar. Farmers' grain and cloth production will remain the same, but they will have to exchange them for more silver to pay taxes, which will increase their tax burden invisibly. This is 'invisible exploitation'."

"Secondly, there is the problem of new corruption among clerks. The consolidation of tax collection may seem to simplify things, but in reality, it concentrates more power in the hands of the clerks in charge. How to determine how much silver should be paid per acre of land? There is a lot of room for manipulation in this process. If supervision is not in place, it may become a new breeding ground for corruption."

"Thirdly, the implementation in Jiangnan is difficult. The land register in Jiangnan has been chaotic for a long time, with official land, private land, and land owned by nobles being entangled in a mess. There are also long-standing problems such as 'donation' and 'deceptive registration'. Land surveying is a prerequisite for implementing the 'Single Whip Law'. This matter involves a wide range of issues and can easily trigger major changes. It cannot be done lightly without overwhelming force and meticulous planning."

After hearing this, You Qi broke out in a cold sweat.

Suning's criticisms were incisive and hit the nail on the head.

He took a deep breath and asked, "In your opinion, Governor, this method... is not feasible?"

“No,” Su Ning said decisively. “While the drawbacks exist, they are not insurmountable. This method is an inevitable trend and must be implemented. The key lies in how to implement it and where to implement it first.”

He stood up, walked to the map of Southern Zhili, and pointed heavily at it: "If Minister Zhang trusts me, Su Ning, I am willing to make Southern Zhili a pilot area for the 'Single Whip Law'!"

You Qi's eyes flashed with a sharp light: "Is the governor's statement true?"

“Of course it is true.” Su Ning’s tone was resolute. “But I have three conditions, and I ask Mr. You to be sure to convey them to Master Zhang.”

"Please speak, Your Excellency!"

"First, I request imperial authorization. I ask that Minister Zhang urge the court to grant me full authority to handle the tax and labor reform in Southern Zhili. If there are any obstacles, I may act first and report later, and the court must provide support!"

"Secondly, the power of land survey. To implement this law, the land must first be surveyed. Please allow me to form a 'land survey team' to remeasure the land of all officials, commoners, and nobles. Anyone who dares to conceal or disobey orders will be severely punished!"

"Third, postpone it in other provinces. Before significant results are seen in Southern Zhili, please ask Minister Zhang to postpone its nationwide implementation to avoid unforeseen circumstances and unnecessary chaos."

These three conditions are outrageous, especially the land survey, which is tantamount to uprooting the local bullies in Jiangnan.

You Qi knew the weight of this matter and solemnly promised to convey the exact words to him.

……

After seeing You Qi off, Zhou Zhengjie emerged from behind the screen, saying worriedly, "Anbang, supporting Zhang Juzheng is tantamount to openly making an enemy of Gao Gong. Moreover, the land survey is a plan that will offend the entire gentry of Jiangnan and lead to their extinction. The risk is too great!"

Su Ning's gaze was deep as he slowly said, "Cousin, some things have to be done by someone. Gao Gong may be capable, but his ambition lies in power politics; Zhang Juzheng may be harsh, but his ambition lies in reform. I wish to pursue my own ambitions, and leveraging Zhang Juzheng's influence is the best way. As for offending people..."

He snorted coldly, a glint of fierceness flashing in his eyes: "I control the supply and marketing cooperatives to manage trade routes, I own the ironworks to control powerful weapons, and I have the old subordinates of Grand Secretary Xu behind me. Now I have also passed the imperial examination with top honors, and the Emperor's favor is at its peak. If not now, when? A land survey will not only allow me to implement the new laws, but also give me control of the most fundamental land resource data in Jiangnan! If this succeeds, Jiangnan will be entirely under my control, and I can then implement deeper reforms with ease!"

……

Several days later, Zhang Juzheng was in his room in the capital.

You Qi relayed Su Ning's conditions and exact words back to him.

After listening, Zhang Juzheng remained silent for a long time, his fingers lightly tapping the table.

Finally, he sighed deeply: "What a man Su Ning! His vision is profound, and his courage is astonishing! He is not negotiating with me; he is seeking the safest path for the Ming Dynasty and for the 'Single Whip Law' to be implemented. He sees things more clearly than many officials in the court!"

He stood up, his gaze resolute: "Agree to his terms! All conditions will be granted! I will immediately submit a memorial to His Majesty, requesting special approval. The success or failure of this 'Single Whip Law' hinges on Yingtian in this first battle!"

A political alliance between the Second Grand Secretary and the First Governor of a Province was quietly formed.

One side needs the other side's policies to be implemented and its outstanding achievements to support the power struggle in the court, while the other side needs the other side's top-level authorization and political protection to promote deep-seated reforms.

This is a mutually beneficial collaboration, and also a partnership that will profoundly impact the fate of the Ming Dynasty.

The Jiangnan region is about to experience a land storm that is more intense and fundamental than commercial changes.

...In early spring, a cold wind carrying a damp chill swept through Nanjing.

Inside the study of the Yingtian Governor's Office, the charcoal fire burned brightly, yet it could not dispel the solemnity between Su Ning's brows.

Several months had passed since You Qi's secret talks in the south, and he knew that Zhang Juzheng's push for the "Single Whip Law" in the court would be fraught with difficulties.

Those vested interest groups that have been entrenched in the old tax and labor system and sucking its blood will never sit idly by and watch their privileges be easily taken away.

“The Single Whip Method… is still too small and too gentle.” Su Ning said to Zhou Zhengjie, who had come to discuss the matter, his fingers unconsciously tapping the table, making a dull sound. “It’s like trying to open a small window in a completely dark room. The people inside will find the light too bright and the wind too strong and cold, and they will definitely rise up in opposition.”

Zhou Zhengjie asked in confusion, "Then what should we do according to Anbang's opinion?"

A sharp glint flashed in Su Ning's eyes, and a cold smile curled at the corner of his lips: "As the saying goes, 'Scholars are always inclined to compromise and moderation. For example, if you say, "This room is too dark, we need to open a window here," everyone will certainly object. But if you advocate tearing down the roof, they will compromise and agree to open a window.'"

Zhou Zhengjie gasped: "Anbang, what are you trying to do..."

“Excellent!” Su Ning stood up abruptly, walked to the desk, and spread out a blank memorial. “Since opening the window is difficult, let’s just tear down the roof! I want to submit a memorial that not only supports the ‘Single Whip Law,’ but also proposes three more thorough and fundamental reforms on this basis: ‘integrating the poll tax into the land tax, abolition of the fire tax, and requiring gentry to perform their duties and pay taxes as a whole’!”

Zhou Zhengjie turned pale upon hearing this. Although he did not directly participate in politics, he understood that each of these three points was a sharp blade aimed at the heart of the existing order!

"The 'equalization of poll tax and land tax' means incorporating the poll tax (head tax) into the land tax, completely abolishing the poll tax that has been in place for thousands of years, and levying taxes only based on the amount of land owned!" Su Ning said in a deep voice. "This measure was first proposed by Gui E in the ninth year of Jiajing (1530), but it was shelved. Now it is being brought up again, with the intention of completely shifting the tax burden to wealthy households and gentry who own large amounts of land, so that the poor who have no land or little land can breathe a sigh of relief. This is a policy of reducing the rich to help the poor!"

"The 'fire loss' is the loss incurred when the common people pay loose silver coins, which are then melted down to be cast into official silver. Currently, this 'fire loss' is entirely embezzled by local officials, becoming a bottomless pit for exploiting the people. I advocate clearly stipulating the additional percentage for the fire loss, with all the silver collected being turned over to the national treasury and then returned to officials as 'anti-corruption allowances'! This will cut off the source of their corruption and increase the country's revenue!"

"The principle of requiring all gentry and officials to perform their duties and pay taxes on the same level means abolishing all privileges and exemptions for gentry, officials, nobles, and members of the imperial family in terms of corvée labor and taxes! All those who own land, whether princes, officials, or commoners, must be treated the same as ordinary people, paying taxes and performing their duties! This is the fundamental solution to break the centuries-old system of 'imperial power not extending to the county level' and the gentry's monopoly on local interests!"

Zhou Zhengjie was already drenched in sweat: "Anbang... this... this is no longer reform, this is turning the world upside down! Especially the last point, you are going to make enemies of all the scholars, all the nobles and imperial relatives! They will devour you alive!"

Su Ning sneered, his eyes blazing: "I'm going to make them all jump out! When my memorial to 'tear down the roof' is submitted, the court and the public will be shaken, and all the criticism will be directed at me, this 'arrogant fool.' At that time, Zhang Juzheng's relatively mild 'single whip method' (opening windows) will seem much more pleasing to the eye, and the resistance will naturally be much less. I'll draw the fire for him, and he'll be able to implement his new policies much more smoothly. This is... sacrificing the pawn to save the king, a feint to the east while attacking the west!"

"Uh……"

……

A few days later, a memorial sent with the utmost urgency, like a boulder thrown into a deep pool, stirred up a magnitude 12 political earthquake in the stagnant imperial court of the capital!

When the officials of the Office of Transmission first read it, they almost thought they were seeing things or that someone was making things up.

After it was confirmed that the memorial was indeed written by Su Ning, the governor of Yingtian, the entire Office of Transmission fell silent, then erupted into chaos.

The copies of the memorials quickly circulated among the cabinet, the six ministries, the nine ministers, and the censors.

"Outrageous! Inhuman!"

"Has that scoundrel Su Ning gone mad?!"

"The land tax system is being merged with the poll tax, competing with the people for profit! The tax surcharge is being returned to the public treasury, cutting off the livelihoods of officials! Gentry and gentry are all required to perform corvée labor and pay taxes... He... he's trying to undermine the very foundation of my Great Ming Dynasty!"

"Traitorous wretch! His heart deserves to be punished!"

The censors of the Censorate and the officials of the Six Ministries were like a hornet's nest that had been stirred up. They were indignant and submitted memorials impeaching Su Ning like snowflakes, which flew to the Grand Secretariat and the Directorate of Ceremonial, piling up on the Longqing Emperor's desk.

The language was fierce, the charges were serious...

Such actions, including "shaking the foundation of the nation," "sowing discord between the emperor and his ministers," and "bringing chaos to the world," are the worst since the Longqing era.

Those conservative officials who had vehemently opposed the "Single Whip Law" now seemed to have found a common and more hateful target. They turned their guns on Su Ning, unleashing all their anger and attacks.

In comparison, Zhang Juzheng's "Single Whip Law," which "merely" merged taxes and corvée labor and levied silver, seems... less unacceptable.

……

Inside the cabinet office, Zhang Juzheng was alone, repeatedly looking at the copy of Su Ning's earth-shattering memorial.

His fingers trembled slightly, not from anger, but from a complex mix of shock, admiration, and understanding.

"What a Suning... what a 'roof-lifting' move!" he muttered to himself, his gaze deep. "You actually went so far as to use yourself as bait, drawing all the firepower of the world upon yourself, to pave the way for my new laws. Such courage, such sacrifice... I, Zhang Taiyue, am indebted to you for this!"

He knew perfectly well that the more fiercely the criticism of Su Ning was leveled in the court, the less pressure he would face in secretly pushing forward the "Single Whip Law".

Suning created a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him through this extreme approach.

Inside the Nanjing governor's office, Su Ning remained calm and composed.

Outside the door, there was a surging uproar, and on his desk were "manifestos" from gentry from all over the country denouncing him, which Zhou Zhengjie had collected, but he seemed indifferent to it all.

"Anbang, you've become the target of everyone's criticism. How are you going to salvage this situation?" Zhou Zhengjie asked anxiously.

Su Ning took a sip of tea and said calmly, "What's there to be afraid of? My memorial was just a 'feigned attack'. His Majesty and the court will never agree to these three points at this moment. They don't have the courage or the strength to withstand the backlash from the entire ruling class. My goal has been achieved."

He walked to the window and looked north: "Now, everyone's attention is on me, this 'madman.' Minister Zhang Juzheng should be able to seize this opportunity. As for me... hehe, I'll bear the infamy, but if the 'Single Whip Law' can be implemented in Jiangnan and even the whole country because of this, then this infamy will be worth it!"

"Anbang, why bother with this?"

"Haha, as the Buddhists say, if I don't go to hell, who will?"

At this moment, although Su Ning and Zhang Juzheng could not plan face to face, they seemed to have reached a tacit understanding that transcended thousands of miles and was based on the highest level of political wisdom.

A turbulent wave surrounding tax and labor reform was propelled to an unprecedented climax by Suning's resolute leap.

The structure of the Ming Dynasty court was also subtly and profoundly changed because of this memorial.

...(End of chapter)