I was compiling the daily records during the Wanli reign

Chapter 121 Henan's Pilot Program for Land Measurement! Shen Nian's Benevolent Father and Father-in-Law

The eighth day of the first lunar month.

While many officials were still discussing the debate between Shen Nian and Guang Mao regarding the Single Whip Law.

Zhang Juzheng has made another move.

"Taking the Henan Provincial Administration Commission as a pilot, we will conduct a comprehensive survey of all farmland, and complete the survey within one year, compiling a register and submitting a report."

This move was like a thunderclap in the ears of countless officials.

This surprised many people!
Measuring fields was not merely a matter of sending clerks to measure the land and record it.

This means equal distribution of taxes and corvée labor.

This means a complete overhaul of the current tax and labor service system, which will affect the interests of countless people, especially the royal family, princes, and wealthy families.

Since the Zhengde era, many officials who cared about the common people wanted to implement land surveying.

However, there are many obstacles.

Local corrupt officials dared not offend powerful clans and wealthy families. The cunning and treacherous officials in the local government and the lawless rich colluded to conceal and falsify reports and refuse to implement them.

In the sixth year of the Jiajing reign, a wave of land surveying swept through Jiangnan.

The Jiajing Emperor issued a special imperial edict emphasizing that the land survey and tax collection should be carefully considered and implemented by the Governor of Jiangnan and the Censor-in-Chief.

However, it took four years.

The result was that no one was heard to have complied with the order, one mu of uncultivated land was discovered, and one shi of tax grain that had been evaded and concealed was cleared out.

This shows how rampant the opposition was and how difficult it was to conduct a thorough land survey.

present.

Under Zhang Juzheng's authoritarian rule, the imperial court had successively measured land in Fujian, Jiangxi, and Shandong, and implemented the Single Whip Law.

The reason for choosing Fujian and Jiangxi (in a broad sense, the Jiangnan region) first was that taxes in Jiangnan were higher, the imperial treasury was empty, and this policy had to be implemented to increase land tax revenue.

Shandong was chosen because it supplies provisions to the northern army and is crucial to the safety of the northern border. Even with numerous obstacles, it was necessary to try.

Now, the pilot program in Henan has a completely different significance.

Because Henan is most likely the toughest nut to crack among the two capitals and thirteen provinces.

Due to its terrain, Henan has a large amount of farmland, with the number of hidden farmlands far exceeding that of Fujian and Jiangxi.

Using it as a pilot project is bound to be very difficult.

There is another major challenge.

There were many clans and feudal lords in Henan, and they were the largest landowners who seized land.

Someone once said: "Half of the land in the Central Plains has fallen into the hands of princes and nobles"; another said: "Only fragrant grasses remain on the road to princes and nobles, never entering the vermilion gates of the imperial family."

The Central Plains here refers to Henan.

This shows how difficult it will be.

Zhang Juzheng's intention to use Henan, the province most difficult to reform, as a pilot area was clearly deliberate.

If the land survey in Henan succeeds, it means that the imperial court will soon implement the land survey method throughout the country, and it also means that the Single Whip Law will be implemented throughout the country.

Significant.

Some officials felt that using Henan as a pilot area was too hasty and impulsive, and was not feasible at the moment, as it could easily cause unrest in the central region.

Before they could even begin drafting their memorials, the young Wanli Emperor issued an imperial edict, setting the date for the land survey in Henan to be completed within one year.

The imperial court had no intention of discussing this matter with the officials.

at the same time.

On the advice of the cabinet, the court ordered the Ministry of Personnel to issue several more edicts regarding the appointment of officials.

one.

Meng Chong, the Vice Censor-in-Chief who was in charge of inspecting Henan, was promoted to Right Vice Censor-in-Chief and continued to inspect Henan.

Second.

Zheng Yunying, the Right Provincial Administration Commissioner of Henan, was promoted to Left Provincial Administration Commissioner of Henan; An Jiashan, the Left Councilor of Shandong, was promoted to Left Councilor of Henan; and Xu Daren, the Principal of the Ministry of Personnel in Nanjing, was promoted to Left Councilor of Henan.

Third.

The Censorate appointed Zhang Jian, a veteran censor, to inspect Henan.

This series of official appointments reveals Zhang Juzheng's decisive and forceful character and his tough attitude.

In less than six months.

In Henan, a large number of officials suspected of obstructing or criticizing the court's policies will inevitably be demoted, expelled, or even imprisoned.

Reform must be forceful and tough.

Shen Nian strongly agreed with this.

Once Henan is secured, the other provincial administrations will be much easier to manage, and the nationwide unified measurement of land and the implementation of the Single Whip Law will not be far off.

……

That afternoon.

Shen Nian was summoned by Academician Shen Shixing and ordered to draft a letter to the princes of Henan on behalf of the young Wanli Emperor.

The extent to which the land survey policy in Henan could be implemented depended entirely on the cooperation of the vassal states in Henan.

The young Wanli Emperor particularly emphasized that the language must be harsh, so that those princes and vassals would feel fear.

Immediately.

Shen Nian then followed the instructions of the young Wanli Emperor and emphasized to the princes and nobles in Henan that, apart from the public lands allocated by the imperial court, all other lands must be reported to the officials, and the local governors and censors should investigate and verify them. Grain should be paid in accordance with the regulations. If anyone disobeys or obstructs, regardless of whether they are members of the imperial family, officials, soldiers, or civilians, they will all be severely punished.

If the princes continue to outwit and outmaneuver the court as before, and continue to conceal and falsify information, the court will have to take real action.

……

On the ninth day of the first lunar month, in the afternoon, inside the editorial office.

Shen Nian sipped his tea contentedly, waiting for the end of the day so that the longest holiday of the year, the ten-day Lantern Festival, would begin.

The period from the tenth day of the first lunar month to the twentieth day of the first lunar month, lasting a total of ten days, is called "Going to the Office."

at this time.

With a smile on his face, Academician Shen Shixing strode into the hall.

"Gentlemen, following the suggestions of several compilers, editors, and reviewers, and considering that this year is also the spring imperial examination, our Hanlin Academy is extremely busy. Therefore, with the approval of the Cabinet, the Hanlin Academy will shorten the Lantern Festival holiday to three days: the 14th, 15th, and 16th of the first lunar month. Does anyone have any objections?"

Editors Shen Yiguan, Huang Fengxiang, Wang Maode, Gong Jiachen, and Sheng Ne all stood up, and Shen Nian also quickly stood up.

Before Shen Nian could say anything, the five people in front of him cupped their hands and said, "This humble official has no objection."

After saying that, everyone sat down.

For Shen Yiguan and his four companions, even with holidays, they might not necessarily take a break.

Huang Fengxiang, Wang Maode, Gong Jiachen, and Sheng Ne felt that the task of compiling history was too heavy to be neglected.

Shen Yiguan, however, believed that taking holidays would hinder his career advancement.

Shen Nian swallowed hard and began to look through the memorials on the table.

He knows.

Shen Shixing's statement was not a request for everyone's consent; he was simply informing everyone.

During this kind of holiday, the three cabinet ministers are unlikely to take much rest, nor will the heads of the six ministries.

With the imperial examination approaching, most of the officials in the Hanlin Academy would be serving as examiners, so they naturally wouldn't have a ten-day break.

A satisfied smile appeared on Shen Shixing's face. He put his hands behind his back and strode away.

……

Near dusk.

Shen Nian boarded the carriage driven by Aji and, under the protection of two guards, headed home.

The streets were filled with the festive atmosphere of the New Year, and almost all the restaurants and teahouses were packed.

There are just too many wealthy people in the capital.

After a while.

As soon as Shen Nian arrived at her doorstep, she smelled the aroma of meat.

He strode into the house and saw his mother and Aunt Liu busy in the kitchen, with a copper pot placed to the side. He smiled and said, "Mother, what day is it today that we're having deer tail hot pot?"

Deer tail hot pot.

The soup is made by simmering deer tail in a copper pot over charcoal, and then consuming deer meat slices, vegetables, mushrooms, etc. in the broth.

This was a common dish in wealthy households, and those who drank loved to eat this kind of hot pot in winter. In Shen Nian's memory, his father and father-in-law loved to eat deer tail hot pot the most.

Mother Shen smiled slightly and said, "Go to the front hall and you'll see why we're having deer tail hot pot."

Shen Nian looked at Aji behind her with a puzzled expression.

Aji looked bewildered.

Shen Nian immediately strode into the front hall.

Inside the front hall, Gu Yue'er stood to the side with a smile on her lips, while two middle-aged men dressed in brocade robes were squatting on the ground, teasing and joking with Xiao Yanche.

These two people are none other than others.

It was Shen Nian's father, Shen Yaoshan, and Shen Nian's father-in-law, Gu Dongyi.

At that moment, Shen Yaoshan and Gu Dongyi both turned their heads and saw Shen Nian.

"Greetings, Father! Greetings, Father-in-law!" Shen Nian said respectfully, cupping his hands in greeting.

Immediately, Gu Yue'er hugged Xiao Yanche in her arms.

Shen Yaoshan and Gu Dongyi stood up at the same time and looked Shen Nian up and down.

Shen Yaoshan spoke first: "Son, you've done a decent job as an official this year, keep it up!"

In front of Shen Nian, Shen Yaoshan always maintained a cold and aloof demeanor, like a strict father.

He didn't say much, nor did he praise Shen Nian to her face.

"My good son-in-law, your deeds have spread all the way to Hangzhou. This is how an official should be. You have brought honor to the Gu family!" Gu Dongyi walked quickly to Shen Nian, his face full of satisfaction.

Hear this.

Shen Yaoshan rolled his eyes and said, "Gu Dongyi, this is my son. He has brought honor to the Shen family. You are just basking in his glory."

Gu Dongyi completely ignored Shen Yaoshan and immediately pulled Shen Nian aside, saying, "My dear son-in-law, the main reason I came to the capital this time is to see my little grandson. I didn't know what to buy for Xiao Yanche, so I just picked some things randomly."

"Look, these are the gold-inlaid jade longevity lock and the silver-gilt anklet from Xu Ji in Jiangnan, as well as the jade cicada pendant to bless Xiao Yanche's safe growth, and the peach-shaped gold talisman for warding off evil and bringing blessings..."

"Although your father also bought a longevity lock and pendant, they are not as good as mine. Wear the ones I bought more often!"

“What I bought has even greater cultural significance!” Shen Yaoshan said, stroking his beard.

These two are close friends, but they often tease each other.

Shen Yaoshan often mocked Gu Dongyi for being uncultured, while Gu Dongyi often mocked Shen Yaoshan for not being as rich as him.

Shen Nian and Gu Yue'er were both amused and exasperated.

These two middle-aged men, who are grandfathers and maternal grandfathers, bicker like two eleven or twelve-year-old children.

immediately.

Gu Dongyi continued, "After seeing your residence today, I planned to move you to a larger house, but your father objected, saying that being a Hanlin official is an important and prestigious position, and one should not be too extravagant. What do you think?"

"Thank you for your kindness, Father-in-law. This house is more than enough for us right now. A large house would be too small to hold our energy!" Shen Nian replied.

"Alright, I've given the money to Yue'er. You can buy it whenever you want. Our family isn't short of money, and it's all from legitimate sources!" Gu Dongyi said with unparalleled arrogance.

……

A moment later, everyone gathered around the dining table and began to eat dinner.

Because of Xiao Yanche's presence, everyone chatted and laughed, and the conversation almost always revolved around him, making for a very lively meal.

Shen Nian poured wine for Shen Yaoshan and Gu Dongyi and recounted some recent events that had occurred in the court.

Like many businessmen today, Shen Yaoshan and Gu Dongyi were very knowledgeable about the various policies of the imperial court. They had a pleasant conversation with Shen Nian.

This dinner took almost half an hour to eat.

……

After dinner, Xiao Yanche went to sleep.

Shen Yaoshan, Gu Dongyi, and Shen Nian arrived at the tea room next to the front hall.

Gu Dongyi looked at Shen Nian with a serious expression.

“My dear son-in-law, we have another important matter to tell you.”

Shen Nian immediately looked up. Gu Dongyi rarely spoke to Shen Nian in such a serious tone.

"Your father and I plan to move our business to the north after the New Year, specifically to places like Shanxi, Shandong, Henan, and Shaanxi where commerce is not very prosperous."

"Huh?" Shen Nian was a little confused.

Gu Dongyi's business mainly involved silk, porcelain, and tea, while Shen Yaoshan's business mainly involved book printing, writing brushes, inkstones, and the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.

This type of business is obviously easier to develop in Jiangnan, and the two of them have already stabilized their business there. As long as nothing unexpected happens, the business will definitely grow bigger and bigger. However, if they move to the north, there will be more variables!

Gu Dongyi explained, “Ever since the imperial court began surveying land in Fujian and piloting the Single Whip Law, we have realized that the North needs commerce to revitalize itself and needs more merchants to manage and develop it. Relying solely on land policies will only turn more people into refugees. We want to develop commerce in the North, attract more merchants to the North, and also change people’s perception of merchants…”

"Now that we have made a lot of money, it's time for us to make some contributions to the people!"

Shen Nian was surprised that Gu Dongyi had such a "saving the world and helping the people" idea, and couldn't help but feel a deep respect for him, so she immediately stood up.

"Father-in-law, you are truly a Confucian and benevolent businessman who cares deeply about the people's livelihood. Please accept my bow!"

"No need to bow, this idea was your father's." Gu Dongyi said. He still admired Shen Yaoshan very much, and had to admit that Shen Yaoshan's level was higher than his.

Shen Yaoshan straightened his chest, picked up his teacup, and began to drink tea.

"Father, your realm is truly high, your son admires you!" Shen Nian bowed to Shen Yaoshan.

Shen Yaoshan was delighted to hear this, but his face remained expressionless, as if to say: Isn't this what a citizen of the Ming Dynasty should do?

Gu Dongyi continued, "Of course, we also have some selfish motives."

"Now that you've offended many officials because of the reforms, we're doing this to reduce some of the resistance to the new policies. If your career isn't going well, you can work with us. If your career goes well and you become a high-ranking official, we'll stop doing business, so that no one will say we're just using your official position to our advantage!"

The two men placed great importance on Shen Nianzhi's career.

He never mentioned Shen Nianzhi's name when doing business, and he almost never dealt with the government.

"In addition, we have set aside two sums of money: one is for our retirement, and the other is for Xiao Yanche's daily expenses until he takes the imperial examination and gets married. It's not a lot, but it's enough!"

Shen Nian was deeply moved by what she heard.

His father had always aspired to serve the emperor like Yao and Shun, but unfortunately he did not pursue an official career, so he now wanted to try a different path.

"Father, father-in-law, please do your work with peace of mind. If anyone wrongs or slanders you, I will definitely stand up for you!" Shen Nian said emotionally.

He would not use his official connections to seek personal gain for his father and father-in-law's businesses, but he would also not allow corrupt officials or wealthy families to bully them by abusing their privileges.

Both of them nodded with great satisfaction.

After a while.

Shen Yaoshan and Gu Dongyi then left the Shen residence.

Both of them stayed at an inn because they were going to see some old friends in the capital.

Living indoors is not very convenient.

At present, many businessmen who do business with them have no idea that the two are the father and father-in-law of Shen Nian, the most popular Hanlin official in the imperial court.

……

The next day.

Shen Nian continued her work at the government office and remained busy.

The affairs of the Hanlin Academy are simply endless.

Especially the compilation of the "Collected Statutes of the Ming Dynasty," even with the combined efforts of the historians, would take at least ten years.

Besides meeting with old friends, Shen Yaoshan and Gu Dongyi spent time playing with Xiao Yanche.

The adorable little Yan Che kept his two grandfathers, who together are over a hundred years old, smiling from ear to ear.

That afternoon.

Because Xiao Yanche kissed Gu Dongyi on the face, Gu Dongyi went straight to the best tailor shop in the capital and had five sets of spring and autumn shoes and clothes made for Xiao Yanche.

That evening, Xiao Yanche hugged Shen Yaoshan's face and kissed him again.

Shen Yaoshan was overjoyed and immediately sought out an old friend who ran a business selling tables, chairs, and beds, asking him to create a unique rosewood crib for Xiao Yanche.

According to etiquette, huanghuali wood was mostly used by scholars and officials, but Xiao Yanche was given a name by the royal family and used huanghuali wood as his bed, which was not considered to be overstepping the bounds of etiquette.

After learning about this, Shen's mother scolded Shen Yaoshan, and Gu Yue'er also scolded Gu Dongyi.

Otherwise, given Xiao Yanche's pace of kissing two people at least five times a day...

Even before the Lantern Festival, this courtyard is likely to be filled with all sorts of random but valuable items.

(End of this chapter)