How can one be Emperor Chongzhen without money?

Chapter 220 After the victory against external enemies, it's time to unleash a powerful force internally!

The 18th day of the seventh month of the third year of the Chongzhen reign.

Inside the Hall of Supreme Harmony, before dawn, the candlelight illuminated excited faces.

The faint, intermittent sound of firecrackers from Beijing stirred the hearts of the people even more. A great victory, a truly great victory! It had been so many years since we'd felt this exhilarated.

Grand Secretary Huang Lijie stood at the forefront of the civil officials, his face composed, yet a slight upturn at the corners of his mouth betrayed his true feelings. Second Grand Secretary Shi Laifeng stroked his beard, his eyes darting towards the young emperor on the throne. Grand Secretary Sun Chengzong, his back ramrod straight, his old face glowing, was a military strategist and knew all too well how exhilarating the victory at Baliqiao had been.

Behind Jin He, Yang Sichang, the Vice Minister of War, exchanged a quiet glance, both seeing relief on each other's faces. Bi Ziyan, the Minister of Revenue, also breathed a sigh of relief, but the thought of the subsequent rewards and provisions caused his brow to furrow again, as was his habit. Behind Lai Zongdao, the Minister of Rites, stood Vice Ministers Qian Qianyi and Xu Guangqi. Qian Qianyi looked pleased with himself, while Xu Guangqi's gaze was deep, lost in thought.

Among the ranks of nobles, the Duke of Dingguo nodded slightly, appearing utterly composed. Marquis Wuqing, Li Chengming, who also served as the Vice Minister of the Imperial Clan Court, beamed with joy. Standing beside him was Prince Qin, Zhu Cunshu, now the Director of the Imperial Clan Court, whose plump face was also radiant.

Wei Zhongxian, the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial who has recently become "loyal and virtuous," is also beaming with joy—now that the Emperor is secure, he is secure too!

Duke Yansheng, Kong Yinzhi, stood in the front position. He was also currently serving as the head of the Likin Bureau in Beizhili, and he was thinking that the Likin tax seemed to be a real way to make money.

"Your Majesty, please ascend the throne!" the eunuch exclaimed.

Emperor Chongzhen, dressed in court robes, walked up the steps and sat down. His gaze calmly swept over the dark mass of people below him.

"Your Majesty is divinely mighty! You have swept away the evil spirits."

Because they had just won a battle, the words used by the people below to cheer were different.

"Everyone is safe."

His voice was clear and bright, revealing little emotion.

After the customary formalities, before Emperor Chongzhen could even speak, some officials from the Censorate and the Imperial Academy eagerly jumped forward, knelt down with a thud, and their voices trembled with excitement:

"Your Majesty! The great victory at Baliqiao has crushed the enemy, and the Jurchens have fled north in disarray. This is a blessing from Heaven and a testament to Your Majesty's wisdom! I believe that we should seize this opportunity to order Lu Xiangshan and Sun Zushou to pursue the enemy, cross the border to recover Liaoshen, and wipe them out completely. Now is the time to do so!"

This was like stirring up a hornet's nest.

"I second the proposal!"

"Your Majesty, this is an opportunity not to be missed!"

"We should order Mao Wenlong of Dongjiang Town and Guan Ning Army to advance together and encircle the enemy from three directions, which will surely lead to a complete victory!"

The calls for battle grew louder and louder, each person's face flushed and neck bulging, as if Huang Taiji's head was already in their grasp. Even some ministers nodded slightly, feeling that it was time to press on with one decisive move.

Sun Chengzong and Wang Zaijin exchanged a glance. Although they had always disliked each other, they both cared for the Ming Dynasty and were aware of the Ming army's fighting capabilities. Relying on fortifications and a steady stream of supplies, it seemed they could win a field battle against the Tartars.

However, if they travel all the way to the Jurchen territory, they might suffer another defeat like the one at Sarhu.

The mature and prudent Sun Chengzong stepped forward:
"Your Majesty, the soldiers fought bravely and achieved this great victory, which is truly gratifying. However, our army is also exhausted and needs to rest. Although the Jurchens have been defeated, their main force still exists. If we rashly leave the pass, the transportation of grain and supplies will be difficult. We need to plan this carefully."

Wang Zaijin quickly echoed, "What Grand Secretary Sun said is absolutely right. Taking a steady and pragmatic approach is the best strategy."

Bi Ziyan's lips moved, as if he wanted to talk about the difficulties of the Ministry of Revenue, but seeing the enthusiasm of the court, he swallowed his words and his brows furrowed even more.

Emperor Chongzhen listened quietly, even with a faint smile on his face. Only after the noise subsided did he raise his hand.

The hall immediately fell silent. Everyone looked at him, waiting for his final decision, presumably to appoint troops for the expedition and sweep across the north within a set timeframe.

Chongzhen's gaze slowly swept over the crowd, the smile on his face vanished, and he spoke in a steady voice:
"I am very pleased that my officials are so eager to make progress, want to share my worries and eliminate harm to the country."

He paused, then abruptly changed the subject:
"However, to achieve a complete victory in the Northern Expedition and wipe out the enemy's stronghold, it is not just about the victory or defeat on the battlefield, but also about the strength of the nation and the stability of its foundation."

All the officials were taken aback, not expecting the emperor to say such a thing.

Emperor Chongzhen's voice was not loud, but it carried clearly to every corner: "Recently, I have received several secret reports from Southern Zhili, and I am very uneasy about them."

Southern Zhili? Secretly revealed?

Many officials, especially those from the Jiangnan region, felt a chill run down their spines. Qian Qianyi's eyelids twitched.

Chongzhen's gaze sharpened, as if searching for something within the palace: "This secret report was submitted by members of the imperial clan who had migrated from the former Dai state to Southern Zhili, such as some generals and lieutenants. I am considerate of my relatives and have settled them in Southern Zhili, granting them official land to cultivate. My intention is to enable them to support themselves and share the burdens of the country."

His tone gradually turned cold: "However, their reports indicate that much of the land they received does not match the official registers! It has either been secretly seized by local powerful families or embezzled by corrupt officials, leaving them impoverished and with no recourse!"

The hall was completely silent. Many people lowered their heads.

Emperor Chongzhen's voice was icy: "I cannot help but ask, given the court's dire straits, and the fact that some of the imperial clan's stipends have been reduced to alleviate national expenses, why can't the cleared official lands be actually distributed to my relatives? Who is behind this? If this is the case in Southern Zhili, how much more official land and tax land in other provinces of the empire has been secretly seized?!"

These words were like a thunderclap, echoing throughout the Hall of Supreme Harmony. The fervent atmosphere of volunteering for battle vanished instantly.

Qingtian? His Majesty actually brought up Qingtian at this time! And starting with the most difficult region, Southern Zhili? This is going to affect the very lives of so many people!
Emperor Chongzhen paused for a moment, allowing the pressure to fully dissipate, before slowly saying, "I have already entrusted this matter to the Eastern Depot and the Embroidered Uniform Guard for a secret investigation. I mention it today so that all of you may know that if I wish to revive the Ming Dynasty, I must first eradicate the accumulated evils and cleanse the realm! I must ensure the national treasury is full and the laws are enforced smoothly!" His gaze swept across the entire room like lightning: "Anyone who harms the country and its people, embezzles national funds, or conceals land, regardless of their position or place of origin, I... will show absolutely no leniency!"

The four words "absolutely no leniency" struck many people like a hammer blow.

In this deathly silence, when everyone was on edge, Chongzhen's gaze fell on the imperial clan—or rather, the prince of Qin, Zhu Cunshu.

He was "brought" to Beijing by Wei Zhongxian, and everyone thought he was going to be in trouble, but to everyone's surprise, his life became more and more comfortable. Not long ago, he was even granted the title of Zongzheng by Emperor Chongzhen.

Prince Zhu Cunshu of Qin seemed to have been prepared, immediately stepping forward with a look of "sincerity" and "excitement" on his plump face. He bowed and said:

"Your Majesty's wisdom is profound! As the Minister of the Imperial Clan, I am deeply ashamed to hear of Your Majesty's worries! As Your Majesty has said, to achieve complete victory, substantial financial resources are indispensable. Now that the royal army has won a new victory and the enemy chieftain has fled north, it is precisely the time for the whole country to unite as one and jointly alleviate the national crisis!"

His voice rose a few decibels, carrying an air of "duty not to be ignored": "All the princes of the realm are descendants of Emperor Taizu Gao, and have enjoyed the emperor's favor for over two hundred years. At this critical juncture, how can we sit idly by? I dare to suggest that Your Majesty issue an edict summoning the princes from all regions to the capital to discuss the grand plan of raising funds to quell the enemy!"

This statement surprised everyone again. Summoning a prince to the capital?

The King of Qin continued, “Although the princes do not directly command troops, they still have savings in their royal palaces. Now is a time when the country needs military strength and money, and the princes will surely be willing to serve. They only ask that Your Majesty grant them an opportunity to come to the capital to express their gratitude.”

What a fine expression of "willingness to serve the country"! What a fine expression of "going to the capital to express gratitude"!
Everyone understood that the emperor was summoning all the vassal kings to Beijing to "force them to donate"!

Emperor Chongzhen smiled with satisfaction and looked approvingly at Prince Qin: "Prince Qin's suggestion is a wise and prudent one! I and the princes are of the same lineage. In this time of national crisis, we need our relatives to set an example, which will also show the people of the world that the Zhu family is united as one!"

He suddenly raised his voice: "Gentlemen, does anyone have any objections?"

"objection"?
I wouldn't dare!

The emperor's defeat of the Jurchen army was not achieved from hiding in a castle, but was a true victory in open battle!
At this critical juncture, who would dare to object?

Moreover, Kiyota had already raised his knife high!
This tactic was used before when collecting likin in Shuntian and Yongping.

Anyone who disagrees will be found guilty of illegally occupying government land – an investigation will confirm it!

Seeing that none of the ministers had any objections, Chongzhen turned to the Grand Secretariat and the Directorate of Ceremonial: "Mr. Huang, Minister Wei, the Grand Secretariat and the Directorate of Ceremonial shall immediately draft an edict, in my name, to sincerely invite the princes from all over the country to come to the capital to discuss military supplies. It must be made clear that I am considerate of the princes and will not force them; all service is based on their own willingness."

"Your old minister obeys the decree." Huang Liji bowed.

"This servant obeys the decree," Wei Zhongxian quickly replied.

Emperor Chongzhen seemed to have resolved a major issue, and his tone became more relaxed. He continued, "The land survey is a fundamental solution and a long-term plan. The princes' contributions are to raise funds for emergencies, demonstrating the unity of brothers. However, to accomplish great things, one must have a sustainable source of wealth."

His gaze turned to Bi Ziyan, the Minister of Revenue, and Kong Yinzhi, the Duke of Yansheng: "Minister Bi, Minister Kong."

Bi Ziyan and Kong Yinzhi quickly stepped forward and said, "Your subjects are here."

"The 'local militia donation' system, which was piloted in Beizhili, proved quite effective in the Battle of Baliqiao, demonstrating its feasibility. What do you two think?"

Upon hearing the emperor's question, Kong Yinzhi took a deep breath, bowed, and replied, "Your Majesty, the implementation of the likin system in Beizhili has yielded remarkable results. I believe that we should seize this opportunity to expand the system to other areas and accumulate experience. Shandong is adjacent to Beizhili, a hub for the Grand Canal, and a gathering place for merchants, and... moreover, its people are simple and honest. I dare to suggest that we first implement the system in Shandong and establish the Shandong Likin Bureau. If successful, it can then be extended to both the north and south."

His words were carefully chosen. Shandong was the heartland of the Confucius family, and his initiative to promote this in Shandong was both a show of loyalty to the emperor and a way to keep the initiative in the hands of his own people.

After all, it's better to have your own people collect it than to have someone else do it!

Upon hearing this, Emperor Chongzhen smiled approvingly: "Good! Duke Yansheng is a man of great wisdom! I grant your request! The Ministry of Revenue and the Beizhili Likin Bureau shall, together with the Governor of Shandong, establish the Shandong Likin Bureau. Duke Yansheng... you shall take great care of it and oversee the matter."

"Your Majesty, I obey! I will certainly not fail your trust!" Kong Yinzhi felt a surge of warmth in his heart and quickly bowed to accept the order. This power was considerable, and the rewards were even more substantial.

Emperor Chongzhen's gaze swept across the entire room, and his tone suddenly became calm and firm, each word clear and distinct: "The likin system in Beizhili and Shandong is a pilot program and a model. I am here to establish a rule."

He paused, making sure everyone had heard him clearly, before continuing, "From this day forward, all checkpoints established within the territory of my Great Ming will levy commercial taxes equally on all. Even my imperial estates and official estates, when merchants pass through these checkpoints, will not be exempt from paying a single penny of the required transit tax!"

These words were like a thunderclap out of nowhere, sending a chill down the spines of some nobles and imperial relatives who had been hoping for a lucky break.

Chongzhen's gaze fell on Kong Yinzhi, who had just received the order. His tone was calm but left no room for doubt: "Duke Yansheng, you are a descendant of the sage Confucius, a family that has passed down poetry and propriety, and a role model for the world. In the future, when the Confucius family's merchant caravans pass through various checkpoints, they will also be required to pay taxes according to regulations. Can you do that?"

Kong Yinzhi trembled slightly and immediately bowed deeply: "Your Majesty is wise! Your subject... the entire Kong family will certainly abide by the laws of the country, set an example, and dare not disobey!"

"Good!" Chongzhen said the word "good" heavily, his voice suddenly rising, his gaze like lightning sweeping over the Prince of Qin, the Duke of Dingguo, the Marquis of Wuqing, and all the nobles and officials. "This rule shall not only be implemented in Beijing and Shandong, but also throughout the country!"

He stood up, his voice resolute and unwavering, echoing throughout the Hall of Supreme Harmony:
"From this day forward, my rule shall be this: Under heaven, all land belongs to the king; on the shores of the earth, all people are subjects of the king! All those who eat the food of the Great Ming and receive the support of the people of the Great Ming shall pay taxes and fulfill their duties as a matter of course!"

"Whether it's a prince, a duke, or a descendant of a sage, or even Zhang Tianshi from Jiangxi! For all the land under his name, the land tax due must be paid in full, not a single penny less! For all the caravans under his name, the taxes due must be paid in full, not a single cent less!"

"This is national policy! My mind is made up, say no more!"

As soon as the words were spoken, the entire Hall of Supreme Harmony fell silent, save for the faint crackling of the candlelight. Everyone was stunned by this earth-shattering declaration.

The Emperor is determined to take drastic measures against his own people—he's starting with his own people! Princes, dukes, Confucius, and Zhang Tianshi all have to pay taxes; who else can escape?
(End of this chapter)