Do You Know?: Rule the World.

Chapter 160 Rong Feiyan is Jealous, Ningyuan Marquis's Residence
Then, Zhao Han handed the memorial that Wang Anshi had presented the day before to Sheng Changbai.

Sheng Changbai took the book with both hands and carefully flipped through it. Before long, his brows furrowed, and he looked incredulous.

"Nearly three million acres of hidden farmland were discovered in Gyeonggi Province alone..."

Zhao Han sighed softly, "Yes, there are still two counties where the land survey has not been completed."

During the reign of Emperor Jinzong, the recorded land area reached over five million hectares, but by the Jiayou era, it had drastically decreased to just over three million hectares.

The area around the capital was teeming with wealthy and powerful families, so the fact that so many things could be uncovered was not unexpected.

There will surely be an even bigger surprise when we find out about Northern Sixth Road in the future.

"If the land is not clearly defined, taxes will be unequal, and if taxes are unequal, the people will be uneasy. It is imperative to eliminate the old problems!"

Sheng Changbai raised his head, the shock in his eyes gradually turning into determination.

If people lose their land and cannot find a place to live, they become refugees.

As the number of refugees increased, some resorted to looting in the countryside and disrupting the city, while others gathered in the mountains and forests, causing rebellions and shaking the foundations of the regime.

“Indeed, once the land survey is completed, in addition to collecting the back taxes and hidden taxes, I intend to first implement the policy of 'integrating land tax into poll tax' in the capital region.”

"At that time, there will definitely be many officials who will pay lip service but not actually comply, and fail to implement the policies effectively."

After saying that, Zhao Han slowly unfolded a document on the table, and Sheng Changbai and Gu Tingye leaned forward to take a closer look.

“The performance evaluation system…” Gu Tingye raised his hand and scratched the back of his head.

Sheng Changbai's expression grew increasingly solemn as he stared intently at the lines of small characters on the document.

The core of the performance evaluation system is to set limits on responsibilities, hold people accountable for their tasks, and ensure that responsibilities are fulfilled effectively.

The six ministries and various state governments recorded all official business that needed to be handled in three separate ledgers, specifying the reason, the specific person in charge, and the deadline for completion.

The handwriting must be neat and legible, and the document must be stamped with the official seal of the government office to be valid. One copy should be kept in the headquarters for daily supervision and verification.

One copy was sent to the Censorate, where the censors supervised the process according to the list and conducted monthly inspections. If any item was not completed by the deadline, the censors could directly impeach and hold the responsible party accountable.

The Examination and Evaluation Office relied on the records of the Censorate to rate the performance of officials.

Another copy is sent to the Cabinet, which verifies it and then reports it to the Emperor without any delay.

"This move can not only select truly capable individuals for the court, but also eliminate long-standing malpractices in officialdom and reduce redundant officials," Sheng Changbai said to himself.

Zhao Han raised his hand and patted his shoulder, saying in a deep voice, "The Examination and Merit Bureau and the Censorate both play a crucial role in this law, and there must be no one who abuses their power for personal gain."

Upon hearing this, Sheng Changbai nodded solemnly.

"Your Majesty, rest assured, I will personally handle everything and will not allow anyone to take advantage of the situation."

Before long, Sheng Changbai and Gu Tingye left Wenhua Hall together and walked side by side toward the palace gate.

"Changbai, Changbai, it's been years since we last met. You seem to have become even more rigid and serious. Are you really planning to follow in your grandfather's footsteps?" Gu Tingye teased with a smile.

Sheng Changbai glanced at him quietly and said, "It's because you're too impulsive."

After saying that, he took out a flawless jade pendant from his sleeve, engraved with the four characters "福寿安康" (blessings, longevity, peace, and health), and placed it in Gu Tingye's hand.

“Since Chang’er was born, I, as his uncle, have not been able to visit him in person. Please give this to the child on my behalf as a token of my appreciation.”

Gu Tingye glanced down at the jade pendant; it was warm to the touch and quite valuable.

He laughed and said, "Okay, when Changge is a little older, I'll have him kowtow to you a few more times."

Sheng Changbai pointed at him, his tone tinged with a mixture of resignation and helplessness.

"Not serious."

A few days later, during the regular court session, civil and military officials lined up neatly inside the Chui Gong Hall.

To serve as a warning to others, officials, nobles, and local gentry were made to obediently pay back taxes.

Zhao Han punished several officials on the spot, dismissing them from their posts and handing them over to the Imperial City Guard for a thorough investigation.

The titles of the Duke of Lingguo, the Marquis of Jinyang, the Marquis of Jinxiang, and the Earl of Changxing were conferred by Emperor Taizu and Emperor Taizong, but they have long since lost their power.

They now rely solely on their ancestors' achievements to survive, yet they still do not know how to restrain themselves.

Not only did he secretly seize the people's fertile land, but he also concealed huge amounts of land rent and taxes. He has now been stripped of his title, his family property has been confiscated, and all the seized land has been returned to the people.

-

Baoci Palace, this was the residence of Consort Rong.

Rong Feiyan, having nothing better to do, came to pay her respects today. She was seen leaning against a soft couch, her eyebrows slightly furrowed, casually waving a round fan in her hand.

There was still a hint of resentment in her voice.

Consort Rong turned to look at her, slowly picked up her cup, and took a small sip of tea.

"You entered the palace as a Xiuyuan and held a position as a palace master. That is already excellent. Why do you have to come to me and complain?"

Upon hearing this, Rong Feiyan immediately put down her fan, let out a soft snort, and spoke with a hint of grievance and resentment.

"But the Emperor only dotes on Consort Xian and Consort Sheng. He only comes to my palace once every ten days or half a month, let alone every three or five days."

Consort Rong looked calm and composed, her well-maintained, still fair and delicate hands gently resting on her shoulders.

"Back when I entered the palace, I endured three years of hardship before finally gaining the Emperor's favor. I remained a lowly concubine for another three years until I became pregnant, at which point I was granted the title of Consort."

"It was only because the late emperor felt sorry for me after losing my children several times that I was granted the title of imperial concubine, and his kindness extended to my family."

"The Emperor is currently favoring Consort Xian and Consort Sheng, but that's just because the novelty hasn't worn off yet. What's the rush?"

Rong Feiyan muttered, "I'm just a little resentful. We all serve the Emperor, so why do they get to enjoy his favor every day?"

"The Virtuous Consort has the Yu family behind her, and Consort Sheng is outstanding in appearance and has the Empress's support. Your entry into the palace this time can be attributed to the Emperor keeping in mind the late Emperor's dying wish."

"The Consort Gao, whom the Empress Dowager sent, is in a similar situation to you."

"If you ask me, you should calm down and not try to win the emperor's favor. If the emperor comes to your palace, serve him with consideration."

"In the harem, favor is all fake; only giving birth to a prince is real."

"Even if the prince doesn't inherit the throne in the future, he can still be granted the title of Prince, and your and our Rong family's wealth and honor can continue for another hundred years," Consort Rong comforted her softly.

Rong Feiyan looked at her and nodded thoughtfully.

Her family background was inferior to Yanran's, and even more so to Zhang Guifen's. In terms of appearance, she couldn't compare to Minglan either. She really shouldn't be too hasty.

She gathered her thoughts and asked, "How has Father been feeling lately?"

Consort Rong shook her head and sighed softly.

"This is not good. He is depleted of both essence and blood. His elder brother doesn't even try to advise him, and just lets him frolic with a group of concubines in the backyard."

Since being granted the title of Earl of Fuchang, Ronggui has begun to live a life of unbridled freedom.

Although no new concubines have been taken in recent years, there are still at least eight or nine concubines in the Rong Mansion's backyard, excluding the maids who serve as concubines.

Rong Feiyan shook her head, "I think it's because my brother can't persuade him at all."

"Let him make a fuss. Right now, I only hope that you will conceive a royal heir soon." After saying this, Consort Rong picked up a piece of candied fruit and put it in her mouth.

On the other side, at the Ningyuan Marquis's residence.

Inside the main hall, Gu Tingye, dressed in a black brocade robe, sat upright in the main seat, squinting as he looked up and down at the two brothers, Gu Yanming and Gu Yanzhi.

"Fifth Uncle, Fifth Uncle, you never come here without a reason. Now, tell me, what brings you here today?"

Gu Yanming moved his lips and gestured to Gu Yanzhi beside him to speak.

Gu Yanzhi looked sullen. If they hadn't been desperate, they would never have turned to Gu Tingye for help.

"Since you're too ashamed to say it, let me guess." "The Emperor has ordered all families to pay back the taxes owed for their training and concealment within three months, or the Imperial City Guard will come to investigate."

"You can't raise that much silver all at once, so you have no choice but to bite the bullet and come to me for a solution?" Gu Tingye said, a slight smile playing on his lips.

Gu Yanming frowned and said, "Second Brother, both Tingyang and Tingbing died during their exile."

"We're relatives after all, please help us out."

"A few hundred taels of silver is nothing to you, not even a hair on your head. Why be so heartless to your own relatives?"

Not to mention the rewards Gu Tingye has earned in recent years, even the inheritance left to him by the Bai family would be more than he could squander in several lifetimes.

"Erlang, think about Tingdi. When he was a child, you grabbed him by the collar and pushed him into the cesspool. You almost drowned him."

“We’ve tolerated all of this, but we’re really facing a tough time right now and have no choice but to ask for your help,” Gu Yanzhi said patiently and earnestly.

"Endure?!" Gu Tingye sneered as if he had heard the biggest joke in the world. "He insulted my mother's lowly birth first. Otherwise, would I have laid a hand on him?"

"My mother lived a pure life, why should she be treated so badly by a mere child after her death?"

"When I dragged him before you to demand an explanation, did you even acknowledge me?!"

Gu Yanzhi's mind raced, and it seemed there really was such a thing.

He pursed his lips, unsure of what to say next.

Gu Yanming was anxious. If Gu Tingye didn't agree to help, they would have no way out but to sell their house.

If they lose their house, they'll probably have to beg on the streets.

“We were foolish back then and didn’t consider your feelings, but now is not the time to bring up the past.”

“You, the dignified Marquis of Ningyuan, the patriarch of our Gu clan, if you are truly heartless enough to abandon us elders and watch us go to our doom.”

"Aren't you afraid that if word gets out, people will label you as cold-hearted and heartless, and disregard your clan?"

With a pleading expression, he said that ever since he moved out of the Marquis's mansion, he had been filled with regret day and night.

Gu Tingye glanced at Shi Tou, who understood and immediately retrieved the account book that Gu Tingyu had left behind before his death.

"Let's see, Fourth Uncle and Fifth Uncle, whose reputation will be more damaged if this gets out."

Gu Yanzhi and Gu Yanming exchanged a glance, their hearts sinking, and quickly huddled together to examine the scene closely.

A moment later, the two men's faces grew increasingly grim. The ledger was filled with detailed records of every penny they had withdrawn from the Gu family's coffers over the years.

In total, it amounted to forty or fifty thousand taels.

"You... Erlang, you..." Gu Yanming's forehead veins throbbed; he hadn't expected that Erlang would have such a thing in his hand.

Gu Tingye stood up, flicked his sleeve, and said in a deep voice, "Fourth Uncle and Fifth Uncle, please go back."

"I, Gu Tingye, have always been clear about my debts and grudges, so don't waste your time on me."

"Stone, see the guests out!"

After saying that, he turned and left. Gu Yanming wanted to chase after him, but Shi Tou stepped forward and blocked his way.

"You...!" Gu Yanming pointed at him in a fit of anger.

The two women stood outside the mansion with sullen faces. Not long after, Aunt Gu the Fourth and Aunt Gu the Fifth also came out, looking displeased.

"Well? Has Dalang's wife agreed to help?" Gu Yanming asked impatiently, knowing that Gu Tingyu would definitely leave them a large sum of money.

Therefore, they deliberately split into two groups today.

Aunt Gu shook her head and spread her hands, "No chance!"

"That brat Xian'er is getting smarter and smarter, repeatedly stopping her mother from speaking."

"Let's think of another way. I'm so angry! How come I never realized this girl was so eloquent!"

Gu Yanzhi looked distressed and sighed deeply, "What...what should we do?"

"Let's each think of our own way. That little rascal Gu Tingwei is avoiding us like the plague."

"I think they've conspired together!"

After leaving those words, Gu Yanming turned and left with his fourth aunt, intending to try his luck at his aunt's place again.

-

In early May of the third year of the Hongwu reign, the decree to merge the poll tax into the land tax caused a great uproar as soon as it was introduced in the capital region.

Jingji Road includes Kaifeng Prefecture and more than ten surrounding counties.

Today, in Xiangfu County, several people gathered outside the county government office.

Looking at the newly posted notice, some people looked puzzled, while others were shocked.

"What does it mean? I don't understand it."

"Yes, is there anyone who can read who can read it and can read it to us?"

“I understand it. The notice says that the poll tax in more than ten counties in our Jingji Road will be abolished and a new policy called ‘integrating poll tax into land tax’ will be implemented.”

A middle-aged man dressed in a coarse cloth long gown, looking like a scholar, began to speak.

"Abolish the poll tax?"

The middle-aged man nodded and said, "That's right. We'll convert the poll tax into the land tax, and from now on, we'll levy taxes uniformly based on the acreage of land, instead of paying poll tax separately."

"How much will the land tax increase? If it's more than it is now, then people will really have no way to survive."

The middle-aged man continued to explain, "No, no, no, it's much less than it is now."

"The total amount of poll tax in this county will be distributed to each mu of land. Even if your family has ten able-bodied men, the increased poll tax will be less than 10% of that in previous years. Those with more land pay more, those with less land pay less, and those with no land pay nothing."

"I understand, it means my wife doesn't have to hide the baby anymore!"

“That’s right, but the taxes paid by families like Master Sun in the east of the city, who own tens of thousands of acres of land, are an amount we can’t even imagine.”

"..."

Outside the county government office, a great deal of discussion arose, and more and more people gathered around.

Most people had smiles on their faces; this decree was a great thing for ordinary people.

At the same time, it directly affected the interests of wealthy landowners, nobles, and bureaucrats.

Meanwhile, inside the Fu Ning Hall of the Imperial Palace.

Hua Lan sat gracefully beside Zhao Han, wearing a dark green brocade dress, with several kingfisher feather hairpins adorning her hair. Her eyebrows and eyes were relaxed, and a gentle and dignified smile graced her lips.

Zhang Guifen's eyes darted around.

After giving Minglan a mischievous look, she stepped forward and said softly, "Your Majesty, Consort Sheng and I have something we would like to ask for your permission."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Han put down his teacup and turned his gaze to her.

As long as it doesn't violate rules and etiquette, they are treated with extra leniency towards girls like Zhang Guifen, Minglan, and Yanran.

"Tell me about it."

Zhang Guifen went around behind Zhao Han, massaging his shoulders as she spoke, "Your Majesty, I would like to hold a polo match in the rear garden. Consort Xian and Consort Sheng happen to share the same idea."

"Speaking of which, I have always wanted to have a friendly spar with Consort Sheng, but unfortunately I have never had the opportunity."

Hua Lan smiled gently, "Your Majesty, why don't you agree to their request? It's been a long time since the palace has been lively."

(End of this chapter)