My Realistic Simulation Game

Chapter 271 Military-First Policy
The Jianning Prefecture government office had by then been converted into a temporary headquarters for the Restoration Army.

Although the lobby was simply furnished, it was filled with a long-lost sense of exhilaration.

Most of the core civil and military officials of the Restoration Army present wore expressions of joy and relief after capturing the prefectural city.

This was the first time since they broke away from the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom and followed Wing King Shi Dakai that they had truly occupied and firmly controlled the capital of a prefecture!

Jianning Prefecture governs seven counties, and with the four counties that He Mingbiao conquered in Shaowu Prefecture, the Guangfu Army has effectively controlled eleven counties, with a population of nearly one million.

This is undoubtedly a shot in the arm.

Qin Yuan sat at the head of the table, his gaze sweeping over everyone before finally settling on Zhang Suimou, the newly appointed Chief of Staff.

Zhang Suimou is currently a "commander without troops," but he is responsible for communication and liaison among various armies and has the best access to information.

"Prime Minister," Qin Yuan began, his voice steady, "how is the progress of He Mingbiao's case in Shaowu Prefecture?"

Zhang Suimou immediately stood up and respectfully replied, "Reporting to the commander, the latest battle report is that Commander He's Third Army is making rapid progress."

"Under the guidance and assistance of the local Heaven and Earth Society righteous men in Shaowu Prefecture, our army has successively captured four counties: Shaowu, Guangze, Taining, and Jianning. The Qing army's resistance was weak, and our army can be said to be invincible wherever it goes!"

He paused, then added, "In addition, remnants of the Taiping Army and members of the Heaven and Earth Society from the neighboring Tingzhou Prefecture have also come to contact us, earnestly requesting our army to advance quickly and jointly resist the Qing demons."

Qin Yuan nodded slightly.

The situation was roughly as he had predicted.

Shaowu and Tingzhou are located on the border of Fujian and Jiangxi provinces, where the Qing government's control was relatively weak. In addition, the pressure from Zeng Guofan's Xiang Army in Jiangxi was enormous, and a large number of Taiping Army and secret society forces were active in this area.

The Restoration Army's northward march this time is more like a takeover and integration than a head-on assault.

However, Qin Yuan's gaze did not become more eager because of the success before him; instead, it became even calmer.

Currently, the toughest challenges in Fujian are Jianning Prefecture and the provincial capital, Fuzhou.

Now that Jianning Prefecture has been taken over, Qin Yuan will focus all his energy on Fuzhou Prefecture.

"Send word to He Mingbiao,"

Qin Yuan's voice was clear and firm.

"Have his troops consolidate their hold on the four counties of Shaowu, maintain contact with Tingzhou, but temporarily suspend the attack on Tingzhou Prefecture."

However, upon hearing this, many generals in the hall looked surprised.

The situation is currently very favorable, so why not press our advantage and expand our territory?

Qin Yuan looked around at everyone and explained solemnly, "Brothers, our army may seem to be expanding its territory, now possessing more than a dozen counties. But you must all be clear that our primary task is not to blindly expand our territory, but to seek a stable living space and build a solid base!"

He stood up, walked to the simple map hanging on the wall, and pointed to the Jianning and Shaowu areas:
"An army of over 100,000, every day they need to eat and feed their horses, every single expense is astronomical!"

“In the past, we conducted mobile warfare, killing wealthy households and robbing money and grain, mainly focusing on seizure and requisition, but this is not a long-term solution.”

"To achieve great things, we must have a solid base and establish our own tax system!"

"Therefore, the most important task at present is not to rush into expanding the army or waging war, but to ensure the well-being of the people and manage the finances!"

"I want the people under my Restoration Army's rule to live in peace and prosperity, to feel that there is more hope and a better future for them than under the Qing Dynasty's rule!"

"In this way, our army can obtain a continuous supply of soldiers and provisions, and its foundation can be stabilized."

Qin Yuan spoke eloquently at the meeting, but most of the attendees, except for a few, were left somewhat confused.

When they were part of the Taiping Rebellion, they never considered any tax system.

Wouldn't that mean wherever they fight, they'll find money and supplies?
Even though they did not harm the poor and needy, they killed every corrupt official and powerful Manchu.

After looting them, the treasury was never empty.

These wealthy families are incredibly rich.

Not only did they like to store grain, but they also hoarded baskets and baskets of gold, silver and jewelry.

Asking them to come up with a base area policy or a concept for establishing a tax system is really putting them in a difficult position.

Shi Zhenchang, the head of the logistics department, was particularly like this. He scratched his head and said, "Commander, we just need to make sure the local areas pay their grain on time. Our logistics department is already being assembled and can go to the countryside to collect grain at any time."

Qin Yuan remained silent, but Zhang Suimou shook his head and began to explain: "Minister Shi, is collecting grain really that simple? Do you know how many acres of land there are in various places? Who owns these acres? Are they paddy fields or dry land? How much do landlords, self-cultivating farmers, and tenants each own? And how should the amount of tax payable be determined? Without proper methods, how is this any different from robbery?"

Although Shi Zhenchang didn't understand, he humbly asked, "Lord Yuan, you are a scholar with broad knowledge. How did the Qing Dynasty collect taxes in the past?"

Zhang Suimou explained in detail: "The Qing government mainly relied on the fish-scale register to record the land area and collect 'land tax silver' (a combination of land tax and poll tax), as well as grain tribute (in-kind tax) and various miscellaneous levies."

"However, with the frequent wars, many of the maps of Fujian have been severely damaged, and powerful families have hidden their lands, causing the people to flee. In addition, the previous collection of taxes by Yang Fuqing's troops here was also chaotic, so it is probably difficult to follow the old precedent."

Shi Zhenchang was even more puzzled: "We hold the knife in our hands, and if we make those gentry and landlords hand over grain, will they dare to disobey?"

Zhang Suimou smiled wryly: "Minister Shi, this is precisely the key to the 'taxation system' that the commander-in-chief mentioned needs to establish."

“We cannot just do one-off deals and treat the gentry and wealthy families as easy prey. Instead, we need to establish a sustainable and functional set of rules so that we can last in the long run.”

At this moment, General Yu Zi'an, who came from a poor background and harbored a deep hatred for landlords and powerful families, couldn't help but speak up, "Commander, Grand Marshal, if we do nothing, or only collect taxes gently, won't the wealthy landlords in the area continue to oppress the tenant farmers and shift the tax burden onto them? In that case, how are we, the Restoration Army, any different from the Qing demons?"

Hearing this, Qin Yuan finally became interested.

Yu Zian was born in Jintian, into a poor family, and was bullied by landlords and powerful families from a young age.

This is because he put himself in the shoes of the tenant farmers in Fujian and saw the most fundamental problem—the land issue and class contradiction.

At the end of every dynasty, one of the biggest problems was the inability to collect taxes.

Or rather, taxes could not be collected from landlords and wealthy people.

These landlords and powerful families imposed all the imperial taxes onto the tenant farmers and ordinary people.

They themselves used their privileges to evade taxes, resulting in a situation where "the rich own vast tracts of land, while the poor have nowhere to stand."

As a result, the people suffered more and more towards the end of a dynasty.

When things reach a certain limit, they rebel and cause chaos.

This is the origin of the historical cycle.

And the first thing each dynasty did at the beginning was to redistribute the land equally.

However, in ancient dynasties, over time, these lands slowly returned to the hands of a few, and the cycle repeated itself.

The rise of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom was due to its "Land System of the Heavenly Kingdom," which proposed the slogan "All land under heaven shall be cultivated by all people under heaven," which precisely addressed this critical issue.

As someone from later generations, Qin Yuan deeply understood the importance of "land".

But he was well aware that in the current situation, with an unstable foothold and surrounded by powerful enemies, a radical land policy would be tantamount to cutting himself off from the gentry class, and the risk was extremely high.

His strategy was gradual improvement.

Therefore, radical land policies are not feasible, but "equalizing land tax and poll tax, with officials and gentry paying taxes together" is a viable option.

"Zoyasu's concerns are precisely the key point."

Qin Yuan affirmed, "Therefore, our teams going to the countryside must be clear on two points: First, ensure that landlords do not impose taxes on tenants layer by layer; second, set an upper limit on the rent for tenants and strictly prohibit excessive exploitation."

"On the premise of ensuring these two points, we must immediately formulate a 'Rent and Interest Reduction Regulations' and make it public." Qin Yuan spoke frankly to everyone present: "Our army's greatest reliance at the moment is the military."

"Therefore, the military should be given various priorities."

"It's not just about preferential treatment within the military, but also priority in food supplies."

"The families of military personnel should also be given preferential treatment."

Qin Yuan looked at Zhang Suimou: "Prime Minister, your General Staff should formulate a set of regulations."

"I am responsible for drafting a 'Proclamation for the Restoration Army and the People's Peace.' The main contents include: 1. Announcing the abolition of some of the Qing government's exorbitant taxes; 2. Promising to reduce land taxes, with the specific amount to be determined after the land area is verified, but the general principle is that it will be lower than the Qing government's tax rate; 3. Encouraging businesses to open and providing tax breaks for a certain period; 4. Rectifying military discipline, strictly prohibiting harassment of the people, and severely punishing those who disobey!"

Zhang Suimou wrote down the characters quickly with a brush.

"Lastly, and most importantly."

Qin Yuan looked at him, paused, and said, "We need to establish close ties with the local areas, and manpower is fundamental."

"But recruitment cannot be done haphazardly; priority should be given to recruiting men from respectable families in rural areas."

“Give each village and town a certain number of places.”

"The families of soldiers who pass the physical examination can enjoy 'preferential treatment for military dependents,' including a 20% tax reduction and the ability to apply for low-interest loans from the Liberation Military Government to help with disaster relief and prevent tragedies such as selling land, children, and other family members."

At present, the Restoration Army does not have enough money and food to pay pensions, so it can only reduce or exempt some taxes and levies as a way to provide preferential treatment for military families.

The Restoration Army is now implementing a policy of prioritizing military needs.

Everything revolves around the military.

Zhang Suimou naturally understood this principle.

After listening, he put down his pen and exclaimed from the bottom of his heart, "Commander, this policy is truly benevolent! It will surely win the hearts of the people!"

Qin Yuan turned to Shi Zhenchang and said, "Zhenchang, your logistics department needs to make special 'Family of Honor' wooden plaques and distribute them to the families of every soldier who enlists, so that they can enjoy preferential treatment based on these plaques."

“Yes.” Shi Zhenchang nodded immediately.

"At the same time, your department should immediately organize personnel to thoroughly investigate the Jianning Prefecture's treasury and verify all the money and grain received from the official granaries and treasuries."

"And dispatched capable officers to various counties to conduct preliminary investigations into the situation of farmland, population, and businesses."

"I need to have a general understanding of the resources and the people's conditions under my jurisdiction in the shortest possible time."

"Yes, sir!" Shi Zhenchang immediately felt the weight of responsibility on his shoulders.

"Chen Hengrong, Lin Caixin!"

"Your subordinate is here!" The two army commanders stood up.

"Your units are currently tasked not only with garrison duty, but also with assisting the local authorities in maintaining order, suppressing small groups of bandits and fleeing soldiers, and protecting the autumn harvest in the second half of this year. At the same time, in your garrison area, you must clean up the camp and surrounding environment in accordance with the newly established sanitation regulations, setting an example for the local people."

"Order!"

Qin Yuan was well aware that establishing an effective tax system was not something that could be accomplished overnight.

In the early stages of establishing a foothold, excessive exploitation will only incite rebellion among the people.

His strategy was to "reduce taxes and levies, and allow the people to rest," first winning over the hearts of the people and restoring production, while severely cracking down on unscrupulous merchants who engaged in speculation and hoarding, to ensure military and civilian supplies.

For industry and commerce, policies of encouragement and protection should be adopted. The government could even be considered to set up some urgently needed military workshops, clothing factories, etc., to gradually establish its own economic cycle.

He viewed the process of establishing a base as a sophisticated systems engineering project.

Medical and health services ensure combat effectiveness, military reforms enhance combat effectiveness, and stable finances and people's livelihoods are the foundation for maintaining all of this.

Every step must be taken steadily and firmly.

Standing before the map in the Commander's Mansion, Qin Yuan's gaze passed over Jianning Prefecture and turned towards the wider Fujian and even the sea.

He knew that the Qing government's encirclement and suppression would come soon, and he wouldn't have much time to sort out domestic affairs and consolidate his foundation.

He must, within this limited time, transform Jianning Prefecture and even the entire Fujian province into a solid fortress that can be both offensive and defensive, capable of supporting him in achieving his grander strategic goals.

After the generals received their orders and left, the main hall felt somewhat empty.

Qin Yuan turned around and his gaze fell on a middle-aged scholar who had been standing quietly to the side without saying a word.

This man had a lean face and three long wisps of beard. Although he wore a worn-out scholar's robe, he possessed an air of neither arrogance nor servility.

His name is Zeng Jinqian, and he is a scholar who recently came to serve the government.

Mr. Zeng,

Qin Yuan spoke, his tone calm yet scrutinizing, "I've heard you're a scholar with a degree in the imperial examinations, and very learned. In these turbulent times, why would you choose to serve under me, Shi Dakai? You should know that in the eyes of the Qing court, I am the traitorous 'Shi the Traitor'."

Upon hearing this, Zeng Jinqian bowed respectfully without being humble or arrogant, and smiled calmly: "Commander, you are wise. Although I am just a scholar, I am also aware of the general trend of the world."

"The Qing court was corrupt and the people were suffering. Only someone with great fortune and courage could save it."

"The commander-in-chief was able to escape unscathed from the Tianjing Incident, and within a month he entered Fujian from Zhejiang, conquering prefectures and counties one after another, reorganizing the military, and pacifying the people. His actions and words all showed the demeanor of a great leader."

Jinqian believed that a commander-in-chief is the one who can win the world.

"Having heard the Commander-in-Chief's profound discourse on pacifying the people and managing finances today, I feel even more fortunate that I have not chosen the wrong ruler."

Qin Yuan understood the meaning behind the seemingly flattering yet insightful reply.

In times of chaos, people with vision are looking for a way out. Zeng Guofan’s staff has gathered a lot of talented people. On our side, Zhang Suimou is one, and so is Zeng Jinqian in front of us.

However, the character and motives of a scholar who has achieved the rank of Juren (a successful candidate in the imperial examinations) who voluntarily joins the ranks of "rebels" still need to be observed.

Loyalty cannot be achieved by words alone; it needs to be honed through actions and tested in practice.

A thought struck him: a task that would allow him to both utilize his talents and test his stance and abilities.

"Mr. Zeng," Qin Yuan changed the subject, asking, "Do you know how to run a newspaper?"

"A newspaper?" Zeng Jinqian was slightly taken aback, then realized, "Is the commander talking about something like the 'Beijing Gazette'?"

The "Jingbao" (京报), also known as the "Dibao" (邸报), existed as early as the Tang Dynasty.

Later, during the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was renamed the Beijing Gazette.

“Indeed, it is an item similar to the Beijing Daily.”

Qin Yuan nodded, but then his gaze shifted and he said calmly, "However, the newspaper I'm going to run is very different from the Beijing Daily."

"The Jingbao was the official gazette of the imperial court, circulating only among officials and gentry. Its contents were nothing more than palace gate notices, imperial edicts, and memorials, intended for those in power."

"The newspaper I want to publish is for the people, for all those who can read and write, and even, through the words of those who can read, to spread among the millions of common people!"

Zeng Jinqian was startled, vaguely sensing the extraordinary significance behind this "newspaper." He cautiously inquired, "Then... what kind of content is intended to be published in this newspaper?"

Qin Yuan's eyes shone brightly as he said, word by word, "Recruit workers, recruit soldiers, recruit officials."

(End of this chapter)