Ming Dynasty: The Jingnan Rebellion has just been successful, and Zhu Yuanzhang has been resurrected

Chapter 115 I have the blood of Taizu in my body

"Your Majesty, you can't do that!" Xia Yuanji came to his senses and knelt on the ground.

"Your Majesty, the gentry do not pay grain or taxes. This is the preferential treatment that Taizu gave to scholars throughout the country. If this preferential treatment were lost, the number of scholars in the Ming Dynasty would inevitably decrease significantly."

"That's right, Your Majesty, please think twice!"

"Your Majesty, although the vacancies for lower-level officials have improved a lot now, the seeds of reading cannot be extinguished!"

Xie Jin, Hu Yi and Yang Shiqi also knelt on the ground.

It was precisely because of the preferential treatment of gentry that they did not have to pay grain or taxes that scholars in the Ming Dynasty had a high status and there was a steady stream of people studying.

If the preferential treatment of gentry that allowed them to not pay grain or taxes was abolished, it goes without saying that the number of scholars in the Ming Dynasty would decline at a terrifying rate.

As part of the intellectual community, they naturally do not want to see such a thing happen.

"Clang!" Zhu Yunheng didn't say anything. He walked to the side and slowly pulled out the long sword hanging on the wall from its scabbard.

The sword was unsheathed, emitting an icy cold light.

"What does His Majesty want to do? He's not going to kill anyone, is he?" Everyone's faces changed at the same time, and they were all a little confused.

Just talk, why are you suddenly drawing your sword?
Also, Zhu Yunhuan always behaved very gently and gave people the impression that he was very easy to talk to. No one could have imagined that he would suddenly draw his sword.

"Clang!"

Zhu Yunhuan threw his long sword in front of Xia Yuanji, Xie Jin, Hu Yi, and Yang Shiqi, and said, "Have you forgotten how I came to be the emperor?"

The gentry do not pay taxes or grain. This measure can certainly increase the number of scholars in the Ming Dynasty and improve the shortage of low-level officials in the Ming Dynasty in a very short period of time.

However, in the long run, the disadvantages outweigh the advantages.

The gentry will gradually take shape and eventually become too powerful to be eliminated.

Historically, the gentry who refused to pay grain or taxes definitely contributed to the fall of the Ming Dynasty.

This measure has been accompanied by serious flaws since its inception.

The Ming Dynasty was an agricultural dynasty.

Taxation is an extremely important source of finance for the imperial court.

The fact that the gentry do not pay taxes and levies seems to give birth to the seeds of a brilliant culture. However, behind these brilliant cultural seeds is the widening gap between the rich and the poor.

The greed of the human heart is endless.

There is never a shortage of people who try to take shortcuts and be clever in this world.

At the beginning, it may not be a big deal, but as time goes by, someone will inevitably take advantage of the preferential treatment that gentry receive from not paying taxes and levies.

Perhaps they were ordinary people, or perhaps they were members of the gentry. They would place the taxable land under the name of gentry who did not pay taxes or grain, thereby avoiding the court's requirements for paying grain and taxes.

At that time, we only need to give some benefits to the nominal gentry.

The common people and the gentry benefited, but only the imperial court suffered losses.

Once there is one, there will be two, and once there are two, there will be three. Gradually, everyone started to take shortcuts, and in the end, the tax revenue, which should have been an important source of financial resources for the court, was gone.

No thanks, everyone is free!
Gentry do not pay taxes or grain, this is the rule set by the court!

However, this is not the most terrifying thing. The most terrifying thing is that the gentry colluded with officials to seize the people's land.

The gentry are originally one of the officials. What can ordinary people use to fight against them?
At the beginning, the people placed their land under the names of gentry in order to pay less taxes and grain, but gradually, their land was directly swallowed up by the gentry.

Go to the government office to file a complaint?

Not to mention that the gentry have a better relationship with officials, let's just talk about the evidence. The land is clearly in the name of the gentry. How do you prove that it is yours?

This situation is like you are greedy for other people's interest, while others are greedy for your principal.

Over time.

The land would be transferred to the gentry bit by bit. The people who lost their land were forced to work for the gentry and were severely exploited.

At this time, the drawbacks of the gentry not paying taxes and grain were fully exposed.

Lots of land, no taxes.

A large number of people became slaves of the gentry.

Over time, it would be strange if the Ming Dynasty could be particularly prosperous.

The gentry were lying on the body of the Ming Dynasty, eating their fill, but the court had no money!

It's outrageous that the Ming Dynasty, which had firearms, could not defeat the barbaric and backward Qing Dynasty!
The root cause was that the gentry had hollowed out the Ming Dynasty.

A bunch of termites.

The main point is that home is home and country is country, and the distinction is clear.

As a time traveler, Zhu Yunhuan knew too well the harm of gentry not paying grain and taxes.

This thing should be discarded directly without further ado.

As for whether this will cause the Ming Dynasty to lack grassroots management personnel, perhaps it will, but compared with the harm caused by the gentry not paying taxes and grain, it is not worth mentioning!
"Shhhhh!"

When everyone heard Zhu Yunhuan's words, their expressions changed.

Although Zhu Yunhuan spoke in a very calm tone, they could hear a hint of coldness in it.

The emperor's tyranny was fully demonstrated at this moment.

"We dare not!" Xia Yuanji, Xie Jin, Hu Yi and Yang Shiqi broke out in cold sweat on their faces, and they were a little panicked.

"It's not that you don't dare, but you think I'm too easy to talk to."

"When I established the position of Prime Minister, you applauded and praised my wisdom because it was good for you. Now I want to abolish the preferential treatment for gentry, and you asked me to think twice because I have affected your interests." Zhu Yunhuan said lightly.

Xia Yuanji, Xie Jin, Hu Yi, and Yang Shiqi looked pale and lowered their heads, not knowing what to say to calm Zhu Yunhuan down.

"Haha!" On the side, Zhu Gaoxu, Zhu Chun, Zhu Liang and Li Jinglong looked at the scene in front of them and felt extremely happy.

It’s no big deal to eat melons.

Anyway, the matter has nothing to do with them now, so everyone is in a relaxed mood.

"Your Majesty, if we rashly abolish the preferential treatment for gentry, it will indeed cause chaos," Fang Xiaoru said hesitantly.

Zhu Yunhuan looked at Fang Xiaoru and said, "Then put an end to the chaos. I have never been afraid of fighting!"

Fang Xiaoru was stunned when he heard this.

"Your Majesty, I am willing to be your vanguard!" Li Jinglong said.

He might not be good at fighting, but it would be easy for him to deal with some troublemakers. After all, he had been in the army for a while.

Moreover, he had already inquired about the Great Snow Dragon Cavalry and the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, and they did not rely much on the operations of the generals.

"Shhhhh!"

Fang Xiaoru, Tie Xuan, Xia Yuanji and others all changed their expressions.

They saw the firmness of Zhu Yunhuan's attitude.

Although Zhu Yunhuan called them over, he did not seem to intend to discuss with them the abolition of the preferential treatment for gentry who did not pay taxes and grain, but just wanted to tell them.

"Your Majesty, we obey your order!" Tie Xuan, Fang Xiaoru and others said respectfully.

They didn't dare to hesitate any longer.

The abolition of preferential treatment for gentry is a foregone conclusion. In this situation, if they are blind enough to try to stop it, there will only be one outcome, and that is death!
They suddenly figured out one thing.

There is not much difference between Zhu Yunhuan and Zhu Yuanzhang. In fact, his strength is even more terrifying than Zhu Yuanzhang.

It’s simple, the Great Snow Dragon Cavalry and the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry are just too powerful.

With these two terrifying armies at hand, who would dare to go against Zhu Yunhuan's wishes?
"Go!" Zhu Yunhuan said lightly.

"We will take our leave!" Tie Xuan, Xia Yuanji and others bowed and turned to leave.

"Don't forget, the blood of Taizu flows in my body!" Zhu Yunhuan said.

"Shhhhh!"

Tie Xuan, Xia Yuanji and others' expressions changed and they left with their heads lowered.

Zhu Yunhuan's words once again confirmed their guess that if they made Zhu Yunhuan angry, he might really turn the table over.

By then, it would be a disaster.

No one could bear the consequences of Zhu Yunhuan turning over the table.

That would mean a reshuffle of the current situation.

What’s even more terrifying is that even if they wanted to stop such things, they couldn’t do it.

Zhu Yunhuan waited until Fang Xiaoru, Xia Yuanji and his group left, then heaved a long sigh and rubbed his temples: "Perhaps I was too kind before."

Reform is indeed a very difficult thing to do. He encountered huge resistance as soon as he took the first step.

Fortunately, he has the system to rely on, and he also has two powerful troops, the Great Snow Dragon Cavalry and the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry.

However, this incident also made him start to reflect. As an emperor, one cannot be too soft-hearted, otherwise, those court officials would really dare to take advantage of him.

"Yunhuan, abolishing the preferential treatment for gentry is probably not going to be easy!" Zhu Chun and Zhu Li looked at each other and smiled bitterly.

Zhu Yunhuan waved his hands and said, "If it's difficult, then forget it. I'll just flip the table and kill him until a river of blood flows. We'll deal with it later."

"Rivers of blood?"

Li Jinglong, Zhu Chun and others' eyelids twitched when they heard this.

This is really not the case.

"Your Majesty, this is no need to be so rude."

"Your Majesty, I think Fang Xiaoru, Xia Yuanji and the others can figure it out. Please calm down for a moment."

"Your Majesty, don't be angry, because this is not worth it."

"."

Zhu Gaoxu, Zhu Chun, Zhu Jian, and Li Jinglong all spoke up.

"Let's not talk about this anymore. You've all worked hard today. Go back and have a good rest, and then come to the banquet together in the evening," said Zhu Yunheng.

"Yes!"

Li Jinglong, Zhu Chun and others saw that Zhu Yunhuan was not in a good mood, so they bowed and turned to leave.

Zhu Yunhuan shook his head and said, "I finally understand why they always say it's easy to conquer a country but hard to rule it."

Although he had just ascended the throne, he had already sensed the slightest signs of trouble.

Governing a dynasty has never been an easy task.

After a brief moment of frustration, he quickly adjusted his mindset and smiled, "But I do have a system."

Outside the palace!
Fang Xiaoru, Xia Yuanji and six others looked at each other and remained silent.

Those who were called to the palace by Zhu Yunhuan were either his confidants or had outstanding abilities.

"If Your Majesty does this, I'm afraid there will be a big mess!" said Fang Xiaoru.

Xia Yuanji, Xie Jin and others looked at Fang Xiaoru, turned around and left without saying anything more.

"Fang Xiaoru, there is something you may have made a mistake about." Tie Xuan said in a muffled voice.

Fang Xiaoru turned his head and looked at Tie Xuan with a puzzled look.

"Your Majesty is different from Emperor Jianwen. He will not be controlled by us. Moreover, he has the ability to overturn the table. You may not know the combat effectiveness of the Great Snow Dragon Cavalry and the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, but I do." Tie Xuan said.

Fang Xiaoru looked stunned.

Tie Xuan didn't say anything more, just turned and left.

Fang Xiaoru looked at Tie Xuan's back as he left, remained silent for a long time, and finally sighed deeply: "Alas"

I'm afraid that tomorrow's court will be stained with blood.

Shaking his head, he turned and walked away.

Officially!
"Drive, drive, drive!"

Zhu Di, Yao Guangxiao and others hurried on their journey.

The situation is changing too quickly. He must rush to Yingtian Prefecture as soon as possible to participate in the final negotiations. Otherwise, he will be the only one left in the end and will become very passive.

"Your Majesty!"

"Your Majesty!"

On the road, a young man waved his hands vigorously and shouted loudly.

"Whoa!" Zhu Di stopped his horse, frowned and looked at the young man, saying, "Who are you? What are you calling me for?"

"Your Highness, my name is Zhang Hai. I am General Zhang Yu's personal soldier. I am here waiting for Your Highness." The young man Zhang Hai said respectfully.

"Waiting for me on purpose? Why?" Zhu Di looked puzzled.

"Your Highness, Prince Jin, Prince Gu and others can no longer be trusted." Zhang Hai said in a deep voice.

Zhu Di was startled and frowned: "Why do you say that?"

"Not long ago, General Zhang brought the three guards of Doyan to reunite with Prince Jin, Prince Gu and other vassal kings. Before the reunion, General Zhang was cautious and asked me to wait outside. If everything goes well, he will contact me later. But now General Zhang has been inside for half a day, and there is still no trace of him." Zhang Hai said.

Zhu Di's expression gradually became solemn, and a hint of uneasiness flashed through his mind.

Zhang Yu was cautious in his work, and that was why he arranged for Zhang Yu to lead the three guards of Doyan to lead the way.

"Are you sure that General Zhang has reunited with Prince Jin, Prince Gu and others?" Yao Guangxiao asked.

"Sure, I saw them being welcomed in with my own eyes." Zhang Hai nodded.

Zhu Di and Yao Guangxiao looked at each other, their expressions extremely solemn.

"Your Highness, why don't we not go over there yet and wait and see." Yao Guangxiao said.

"Okay!" Zhu Di nodded.

Afterwards, the group found a place to stay.

"Prince Yan, why are you making such a fuss? The second young master follows His Majesty, and you have a good relationship with His Majesty. Besides, His Majesty's throne is already stable in the current situation. I really can't understand what you are still making a fuss about." Ping An shook his head.

"Shut up!" Zhu Di glared at Ping An fiercely.

Ping An shrugged and didn't say anything more. He was also afraid of over-stimulating Zhu Di and causing himself some unnecessary trouble.

Now all kinds of information are proving that the battle in Yingtian Prefecture is gradually coming to an end. In this case, if something happens to him, it would be too tragic.

In the small courtyard!
Zhu Yuanzhang had a complicated expression: "Yun Hu wants to abolish the preferential treatment of the gentry who do not pay taxes or grain?"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Jiang Li nodded.

"This..." Zhu Yuanzhang opened his mouth, not knowing what to say.

He was full of anticipation, waiting for Zhu Yunhuan's actions after he ascended the throne, but he didn't expect that Zhu Yunhuan would always keep an eye on him.

He abolished the prime minister system, and now Zhu Yunhuan wants to restore it.

He created preferential treatment for gentry in which they did not have to pay taxes or grain, but Zhu Yunhuan now wants to abolish it.

After a long time.

Zhu Yuanzhang calmed down and said, "I'm afraid even the civil officials under Yun Hun, let alone the court officials, won't agree to this matter, right?"

"Yes, but Emperor Yunhu's grandson's attitude is very tough." Jiang Lin said.

Having said this, he paused and said, "Your Majesty, in fact, you have always had a place in the heart of the Emperor Yunxun."

"Huh?" Zhu Yuanzhang was stunned and looked up at Jiang Li with a puzzled look on his face.

Does Zhu Yunhuan have a place for him in his heart?

Really?

"Really? Fang Xiaoru, Xia Yuanji and others opposed Your Majesty's abolition of preferential treatment for gentry. Emperor Yunhu told them that your blood is flowing in his body." Jiang Lin said.

"This..." Zhu Yuanzhang was dumbfounded and a wry smile appeared on his face. He was thinking about him, but was clearly using him to scare people!

"Yunhu's decisiveness in killing people is a bit like us. Those civil officials are very cunning. We must make them feel afraid, otherwise, they will easily take advantage of us." Zhu Yuanzhang smiled.

After a pause, he thought of something and said, "Oh, right, you said Yunxun drew his sword?"

"Yes, Emperor Yunhu drew his sword and threw it in front of Xia Yuanji, Xie Jin, Hu Yi, and Yang Shiqi, asking them to think about how Emperor Yunhu sat on the throne." Jiang Lin said.

Zhu Yuanzhang's smile grew wider, and he said, "Good boy, you have our style."

Immediately, a look of deep confusion appeared on his face, and he said, "Why does Yunxun insist on abolishing the preferential treatment for gentry? Is the preferential treatment for gentry so flawed? I think it's pretty good!"

"I don't know!" Jiang Li shook his head. He was also very confused and didn't understand why Zhu Yunhuan insisted on abolishing the preferential treatment for gentry.

However, this matter was obviously not something he could consider.

"By the way, Your Majesty, there is one more thing. Tonight, Emperor Yunhu's grandson is holding a banquet in the palace to entertain Prince Jin, Prince Gu and others." Jiang Lin said again.

Zhu Yuanzhang was stunned and said, "Holding a banquet at this time? I'm afraid it won't be a good one. Prince Jin and Prince Gu are not fools, how could they possibly go? Yunxun is taking it for granted."

"Your Majesty, the latest news is that Prince Jin, Prince Gu and others have sent people to tell Your Majesty that they will all come to the banquet and have prepared a special gift for Emperor Yunhu's grandson." Jiang Lin said.

His expression was calm and he didn't dare show any other expression for fear of displeasing Zhu Yuanzhang.

Although he did nothing but pass on the message, his words were highly suspected of being an insult to Zhu Yuanzhang.

"What?" Zhu Yuanzhang looked shocked and dumbfounded.

Zhu Gang, Zhu Tan and others not only accepted Zhu Yunhuan's invitation, but also prepared gifts. What the hell is going on?
This shouldn't happen at all!
After a moment, Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes flashed with realization, and he said, "I understand. Yunhu's strategy must have been successful. Prince Jin, Prince Gu, and the others are tempted by the possibility of conquering territory. They are about to surrender."

In the current situation, Zhu Gang, Zhu Tan and others are no match for Zhu Yunhuan.

In this situation, being able to go out and fight for a territory is already a very good result. After all, if you just keep holding on, you will only end up dead.

(End of this chapter)