Ming Dynasty: Pick up attributes from the battlefield to create the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 325 The Imperial Court Meeting: The Foundation for Implementing National Policies! Zhu Yuanzhang Reaffirms Zhu Ying's Authority!
Today's events!

The agreement has been reached here.

The poll tax was incorporated into the land tax.

It has become a national policy.

Moreover, the implementation of numerous national policies at tomorrow's court meeting will undoubtedly shake the court and the entire nation.

After Zhu Ying left Wenyuan Pavilion.

"Eliminating the poll tax into the land tax."

"I never expected that Xiong Ying could come up with such a beneficial policy for the country and its people."

"Once it's announced tomorrow, we can already imagine the expressions on the faces of everyone in the court."

Zhu Yuanzhang said with great emotion, and also with a sense of anticipation.

"This policy is indeed a groundbreaking national policy with great significance."

"Thank goodness U.A. is still around."

“Otherwise, how could the Ming Dynasty, which has only been established for a little over twenty years, have so many hidden dangers, and we haven’t even discovered them?” Zhu Biao echoed with a smile.

But then the voice came back.

"Biao'er."

"You must practice the moves that Xiong Ying just taught you very well. You must demonstrate them for us at least once a day, no, at least five times."

"Although Xiong Ying is upright, he won't speak carelessly."

"There's definitely something wrong with your health," Zhu Yuanzhang said very seriously.

Hear this.

Zhu Biao smiled and nodded: "Don't worry, Dad. Now that Xiong Ying is back, I'll definitely live a long time to help him properly."

"after all……"

Zhu Biao's gaze fell on the huge map in the main hall, filled with longing: "His goal is to unify the entire world!"

"How can a father not help him?"

……

The next day!

Fengtian Palace!
The meeting is held every three days.

Today's court meeting.

It looks the same as before, with no change.

but.

The implementation of today's national policy will bring about a true upheaval across the world.

"The Emperor has arrived."

Yun Qi let out a scream.

Followed.

"Your Majesty, we pay our respects and wish Your Majesty a long life!"

The entire court respectfully paid homage and chanted slogans.

Under the watchful eyes of the entire court.

Zhu Yuanzhang, dressed in a dragon robe, sat upright on the dragon throne.

After he glanced down and surveyed the court,

He raised his hand and said, "Gentlemen, you may dispense with the formalities."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" the officials shouted.

They are divided into civil and military categories.

Zhu Biao stood on the steps.

And today.

Zhu Ying, who had not attended court for many days, also arrived and stood at the head of the military officials.

Many court officials were quite surprised to see Zhu Ying arrive today.

After all, the eldest grandson of the emperor had not attended court for more than a month.

"If you have something to report, then speak; if not, then leave the court," Yun Qi shouted.

The sound faded.

Zhao Mian immediately stepped forward: "Your Majesty, more than a month ago, I was ordered to compile statistics on the registered land area of ​​our Great Ming Dynasty and the land ownership of the people. The statistics have now been completed and submitted to the Wenyuan Pavilion."

The words fell.

Many ministers in the court were filled with trepidation at this moment.

During the Ministry of Revenue's statistics.

This caused quite a stir.

Some people cooperated, while others tried every means to obstruct them.

only.

After all the fierce generals of Huaixi honestly reported the situation of the land they controlled, many ministers also heard the news and dared not hide anything anymore.

After all, Huaixi is now a prominent family in the imperial court, and their status has risen even higher since Zhu Ying returned.

The people from Huaixi all reported this so honestly.

This shows how serious this matter is.

but.

Many people still harbored a sense of luck, after all, their land was obtained through legal means in accordance with the imperial laws, and they had not violated the imperial laws.

"Tell me directly, tell all the officials, what is the current state of the land in our Great Ming Dynasty?" Zhu Yuanzhang said calmly.

"Return to the Emperor."

"Our Great Ming Dynasty has only been established for twenty-four years since His Majesty established the reign title."

"The officials and clerks of the Ministry of Revenue compiled the statistics."

“Today, those people in the world who still own registered land account for less than 60% of the land recorded in our Great Ming Dynasty. The rest… the rest are all people who have been granted titles, official positions, or are listed as Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations), etc.” Zhao Mian said somewhat nervously.

Hear this.

The expressions of all the officials in the court changed.

"Your Majesty."

"Did you understand this number?"

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at the court with a half-smile, but those who knew him well knew that his rage was about to erupt.

When Zhu Yuanzhang finished speaking, the entire court fell silent.

Because of land annexation, almost all the ministers standing in the court were involved, with only a very small number of upright officials not participating.

of course.

Their annexation of so much land did not violate the laws of the imperial court; everything was done within the bounds of the rules.

In modern terms, that means making good use of the rules.

In this day and age, farmland is the lifeblood and the true wealth.

"The Ming Dynasty lasted only twenty-four years."

"But land consolidation has reached such a point."

"The Yuan Dynasty lasted for a hundred years before it fell and was driven out of the Central Plains by us."

"But judging from the current situation, if our Great Ming continues like this, it may perish even faster than the Yuan Dynasty. When the people have no land to cultivate and the court has no taxes to collect, our Great Ming will truly perish."

this moment.

Zhu Yuanzhang roared with a chilling rage.

The words fell.

The entire court was astonished.

"Your Majesty, rest your anger."

Many ministers bowed deeply in worship, filled with immense fear.

"Speak of it."

“We are also at fault for this land annexation.”

"In the past, we bestowed favors upon the founding heroes, our descendants, and all the talented people in the world, which is why the Ming Dynasty has annexed so much land in just twenty-four years." Zhu Yuanzhang's tone changed, and he spoke with a sense of self-reproach.

The ministers in the court lowered their heads, not daring to look directly at him.

But at this moment, they were unsure what Zhu Yuanzhang was really thinking.

"If there is a mistake, it must be corrected."

Zhu Yuanzhang raised his eyes, looking down at the court, his voice carrying an unquestionable tone.

now.

No one dared to speak out, nor did anyone dare to offend Zhu Yuanzhang.

As for the suggestion of asking powerful and influential people to hand over their land, Zhao Mian, as the Minister of Revenue, did not dare to utter a word about it.

After all, this could provoke public outrage.

"We, the Crown Prince, and King Yu Huai."

A solution has been agreed upon.

"Now, let us draft an imperial edict to proclaim this to the world." Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at the Grand Secretary who was sitting to his side, taking notes.

"From today onwards."

"Abolish all tax exemption rights."

“Kingdom, holding a title, and becoming a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination).”

"No more tax exemptions will be granted."

"Taxes are the foundation of a nation! They cannot be lost!"

"All subjects of our Great Ming Dynasty must pay taxes."

"It was our fault in setting the national tax exemption policy in the past. I hereby issue an edict of self-reproach to proclaim our mistakes to the world," Zhu Yuanzhang said loudly.

These words were spoken.

The entire court was astonished.

No one expected Zhu Yuanzhang to make such a decision, let alone issue an edict of self-reproach.

For the emperor...

He is the supreme authority, the supreme law.

No law could affect the emperor in this era of absolute imperial power.

An edict of self-reproach is an admission of wrongdoing, and an admission of wrongdoing to the entire world and all its people. This is beyond doubt.

This is the greatest self-criticism an emperor can impose on himself.

The fact that Zhu Yuanzhang was able to go this far shows that he was truly furious about land annexation and angry at those powerful officials who used the favors originally given to them to wreak havoc on the foundation of the country.

this moment.

The whole morning was silent.

No one dared to speak, but perhaps every minister was in turmoil.

The right to tax exemption was taken away.

Indeed, it is sufficient to temporarily resolve the issue of land consolidation.

But the next moment.

That was Zhu Yuanzhang's real bombshell.

"Except."

"Draft another imperial edict to proclaim to the world."

"From now on, our Great Ming Dynasty shall levy taxes in accordance with this standard."

"From the date this imperial edict is proclaimed throughout the land, the original policy of levying taxes based on the number of people is abolished, and a new policy of levying taxes based on the amount of land is adopted," Zhu Yuanzhang announced loudly.

The words fell.

All the court officials' expressions changed.

After Zhu Yuanzhang abolished the titles of nobility and the tax exemption of the gentry, they would all be required to pay taxes from then on. Therefore, Zhu Yuanzhang's announcement was naturally closely related to them.

As for disobeying?
Oppose?

Who dares?
What became of the once arrogant Hu Weiyong?
How far will the repercussions be?

All of this is still vivid in my mind.

No one dared to object.

Oppose it or die.

Because Zhu Yuanzhang never considered himself a benevolent ruler and would not reason with you.

"May I ask, Your Majesty?"

"What is the policy of levying taxes based on land area?" Zhao Mian asked tentatively, somewhat apprehensively.

This question naturally reflects everyone's curiosity, and even more so, their trepidation.

Face this question.

Zhu Yuanzhang stood up directly from the dragon throne, exuding an invisible aura of power that dominated the court.

Under his gaze.

The court officials dared not look directly at the emperor's majesty.

"Eliminating the poll tax into the land tax."

Zhu Yuanzhang slowly opened his mouth and uttered four words.

Followed.

He raised his hand, pointed to Zhu Ying, who stood at the head of the military officials, and said loudly with pride and satisfaction: "This national policy was proposed by my grandson."

"This national policy will be an unchangeable policy of our Great Ming Dynasty, and it is a policy that benefits the country and its people."

"With the implementation of this national policy, all people under heaven will benefit, and our Great Ming Dynasty will also move towards true national strength and prosperity, lasting for ten thousand generations."

All the ministers looked at Zhu Ying, who stood calmly.

Under everyone's gaze.

Zhu Ying also slowly stepped forward.

Simultaneously.

He also understood Zhu Yuanzhang's deeper meaning: he wanted to once again claim the credit for this national policy that would earn the gratitude of all the people.

To further enhance his prestige and reputation among the people.

"Are you all curious about how the tax collection method has changed?"

"Then today."

"Then I will tell you all."

"Why change the national policy this time?"

"The root of the problem lies with you, my lords, the powerful and wealthy, and the talented. Ninety-nine percent of you have failed to live up to the Emperor's original kindness and favor, and the Emperor overestimated your greed."

"Land annexation, human greed."

"This is the root cause of the decline of the nation's fortunes."

Zhu Ying glanced at the ministers in the court and rebuked them without any politeness.

this moment.

no doubt.

Zhu Ying directly tore off the fig leaves covering their bodies.

They put their words directly into the open.

In response to Zhu Ying's words.

Almost all the court officials lowered their heads. They knew that Zhu Ying was targeting them, but many of them actually harbored resentment. Perhaps they were greedy, but if their salaries hadn't been so low, many of them wouldn't have acted this way.

"This king knows."

“Some of you still harbor resentment, feeling that the salaries of our Great Ming Dynasty are too low,” Zhu Ying spoke again.

As soon as these words fell.

This immediately caused many ministers in the court to look astonished.

It seems no one expected that Zhu Ying would directly point out this taboo that no one in the Ming Dynasty dared to mention.

once.

Indeed, some people mentioned to Zhu Yuanzhang that the salaries of Ming Dynasty officials were too low and wanted to petition Zhu Yuanzhang to raise their salaries, but in the end, they were rejected by Zhu Yuanzhang.

From then on, no one dared to mention it again.

But now.

Zhu Ying's sudden mention of the salary issue was something none of the officials had expected.

"indeed."

"Compared to the current national strength of our Great Ming, the salaries of our officials are low, and the salaries of civil officials are much lower than those of military officials," Zhu Ying said, changing the subject.

Upon hearing this.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Ying with some surprise, his eyes full of inquiry, as if asking why Zhu Ying suddenly brought up the matter of salary.

This doesn't seem to be the topic of today.

Moreover, the salary was paid by the Ming Dynasty.

Is it really that low?
In Zhu Yuanzhang's view, the salaries he was giving to his officials were not low at all; compared to ordinary people, they were already quite high.

However, Zhu Yuanzhang did not take into account the large families of officials, nor their servants.

"Therefore, after announcing this change in national taxes today, I, on behalf of the Emperor, will announce something concerning the salaries of all civil and military officials and officials throughout the land," Zhu Ying continued.

As soon as these words fell.

The officials could all understand the implied meaning in Zhu Ying's words: he was going to raise the salaries of the officials of the Ming Dynasty.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Biao with a suspicious and puzzled expression.

Zhu Biao shook his head slightly and gave him a reassuring look.

Obviously.

Zhu Biao's message was simple: trust Zhu Ying; he wouldn't make any mistakes.

"Your Majesty, we respectfully listen to the words of the Crown Prince."

All the civil and military officials in the court shouted in unison.

They naturally believed Zhu Ying's words, after all, the entire Ming Dynasty would belong to Zhu Ying in the future.

even.

At this moment, Zhu Ying's promise was fundamentally more useful than Zhu Yuanzhang's.

“U.A. is serious.”

"Are they really going to give us a raise?"

Lan Yu and the other generals from Huaixi exchanged glances, all revealing a sense of anticipation.

"Originally, our Great Ming Dynasty placed tax collection on the household registration population and levied taxes according to the population."

"This method has been used by successive dynasties, but its drawbacks are too great."

"Firstly, land consolidation."

"Many commoners who were taxed did not even have land to cultivate, and they had to rent land from landlords at a higher cost than the taxes, which was called tenancy. After paying this layer, they then paid taxes."

"Even if the taxes of our Great Ming Dynasty are low, they still end up in the pockets of landlords, and the people of the world still suffer high costs and eventually cannot survive."

"in this way."

"I just want to say one thing: On what grounds?"

At this point, a flash of anger crossed Zhu Ying's face: "Why should those people who have no land to cultivate and no fields to farm have to suffer the greatest hardship? They toil all year round, yet their livelihood is uncertain. All their hard work results in a dwindling population. Most of the grain they grow falls into the hands of landlords, and the remaining grain has to be handed over to taxes."

"Why?"

"Tell me, by what right?"

Zhu Ying surveyed the assembled officials, his gaze filled with a sense of pity for the people and dissatisfaction with the truly wealthy and ruthless landlords and powerful figures.

As soon as Zhu Ying finished speaking.

Many court officials lowered their heads, not daring to meet his gaze.

Eight or nine out of ten of them were landlords.

Zhu Yingdian had chosen them.

"On what grounds do I speak this way today?"

"The people of the world may also want to come to Yingtian City and ask the Emperor, what right do you have?"

"And today."

"I can tell you all, and tell all the people under heaven."

"This population tax, which shouldn't exist, should have been abolished long ago."

"Since you want to seize land, you'll be using trickery and force to take it from the people, right? You'll be using coercion and bribery, right?"

"Then I will grant your wish."

……

(End of this chapter)