Daming: Brother, there is no future for monks, let's rebel

Zhu Han pondered for a moment and said slowly: "Talent is the foundation of a country. We need to open up a wide range of paths to talent and not stick to one pattern. In addition to the imperial examination, we can also set up a system for recommending special talents to encourage local officials to recommend talented scholars to serve as officials. At the same time, we should strengthen the assessment and training of officials to ensure that they continue to improve their abilities."

Zhu Biao nodded, his eyes flashing with determination: "Uncle Han is right. Biao will start preparing for the relevant matters immediately. However, there are many factions in the court. How can we ensure that the reform measures can be implemented smoothly without being obstructed by various factions?"

Zhu Han smiled slightly, his eyes revealing an unquestionable firmness: "The road to reform is full of thorns. We must divide and disintegrate the various factions, win over the majority, and isolate the minority. At the same time, we must strengthen our ties with honest and upright people in the court, form a reform alliance, and jointly fight against resistance."

Zhu Biao heard this and a trace of admiration flashed in his eyes: "Uncle Han is a man of foresight. I have learned a lot from him. However, it is inevitable that we will encounter various difficulties and challenges during the reform process. Does Uncle Han have any solutions to deal with them?"

Zhu Han pondered for a moment and said slowly: "Although the road to reform is long and difficult, as long as we have the people in our hearts and policies in our hands, we will not be afraid of any challenges. In the face of difficulties, we must calmly analyze and find countermeasures; in the face of challenges, we must be brave and take on responsibilities. At the same time, we must strengthen communication and cooperation with local officials to ensure that reform measures are implemented."

Zhu Han sighed softly and looked at Zhu Biao with deep eyes: "Biao'er, the road to reform is indeed difficult, but every step must be taken firmly and wisely. The factional disputes in the court are a difficult problem left over from history and cannot be solved overnight. However, we must not shrink back because of this."

Zhu Biao nodded, his eyes flashing with determination. "Uncle Han is right. I understand. But how to gradually promote reform without exacerbating conflicts is a big challenge."

Zhu Han smiled slightly and patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder: "Biao'er, you must remember that reform cannot be achieved overnight, but must be carried out step by step. We can start with those factions that are more open-minded and willing to accept new things, gradually win their support, and then gradually expand the scope of influence."

Zhu Biao seemed to be thinking about something, his brows slightly relaxed: "Uncle Han's plan is very good. Biaoer understands that we need to use softness to overcome hardness and convince people with reason."

Zhu Han nodded with satisfaction and continued, "That's right. In addition, Biao'er, you need to improve your knowledge and abilities, and let the court officials see your determination and wisdom. Only in this way can you win the respect and trust of more people."

Zhu Biao replied solemnly: "Uncle Han's teachings will be remembered in my heart. I will study diligently and constantly improve myself to live up to the expectations of my father and uncle Han."

Zhu Han smiled slightly, his eyes full of expectation and encouragement for Zhu Biao: "Biao'er, you have this intention, which is a blessing for the Ming Dynasty. Next, we need to work more closely together to deal with the various challenges in the court."

Zhu Biao nodded, and then changed the subject: "Uncle Han, in addition to the situation in the court, Biao'er is worried about another thing. In recent years, local floods and droughts have occurred frequently, and the people are living in hardship. Although we have tried our best to provide relief, in the long run, we still need to fundamentally solve the people's livelihood problems."

Zhu Han frowned when he heard this, and after a moment's silence, he said, "Biao'er is right. People's livelihood is the foundation of the country and cannot be ignored. We can start from two aspects: first, strengthen water conservancy construction, build farmland irrigation facilities, and increase agricultural production; second, reduce the tax burden on the people, encourage farming, and allow the people to recuperate."

Zhu Biao's eyes lit up. "Uncle Han, that's a good idea. Biao will start making arrangements immediately and order the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works to work together to promote water conservancy construction. At the same time, communicate with local officials to ensure that the tax reduction policy can truly benefit the people."

Zhu Han nodded in approval: "Very good, Biaoer. You need to supervise this matter personally to ensure that every measure can be implemented and truly benefit the people's livelihood."

Zhu Biao bowed and said, "I obey your command. Uncle Han, rest assured that I will do my best and live up to your trust."

The two discussed other court affairs for a while, and only went away to rest when it was late at night.

The next morning, Zhu Han got up early and prepared to go to the Ministry of Revenue to learn about the progress of water conservancy construction. Zhu Biao was also busy in the Eastern Palace, arranging the implementation details of the tax reduction policy.

When Zhu Han entered the hall of the Ministry of Revenue, the Minister of Revenue, Mr. Zhang, had been waiting for a long time. Seeing Zhu Han coming, Mr. Zhang hurriedly stepped forward and saluted: "Your Highness Prince Han, you have come at the right time. Regarding the water conservancy construction, I have already drawn up a preliminary plan and am about to submit it to Your Highness for review."

Zhu Han nodded and asked Lord Zhang to present the plan, and then he reviewed it carefully. The plan was detailed and thorough, taking into account the actual conditions and needs of various places. Zhu Han could not help but nod in approval: "Lord Zhang is very capable, and this plan is very much to my liking. You should immediately arrange for its implementation and ensure the quality and progress of the project."

Lord Zhang bowed and responded, "As you command, Your Highness. I will do my best to live up to Your Highness's high expectations."

Zhu Han gave a few more instructions and left the Ministry of Revenue. Water conservancy construction is related to people's livelihood, and he must personally supervise it to feel at ease.

After Zhu Han left the Ministry of Revenue, he was pleased with the progress of water conservancy construction, but he knew that this was only the first step in a long journey. He returned to the palace and immediately summoned several trusted staff members to discuss the next layout.

In the study, the candlelight flickered, reflecting the solemn faces of everyone. Zhu Han looked around and said in a deep voice: "Everyone, the water conservancy construction has taken shape, but this is only a small step in improving people's livelihood. Next, we need to further promote the implementation of tax reduction policies to ensure that the people really benefit."

An aide bowed and said, "Your Highness is right, but tax reductions may affect the treasury's revenue. How to balance revenue and expenditure is a big problem."

Zhu Han nodded slightly, his eyes deep: "That's true, but people's livelihood is the foundation, and we can't ignore it. We can start with the rich areas as a pilot, and gradually expand it to the whole country. At the same time, we should strengthen tax supervision to prevent officials from embezzling money."

Another aide added: "Your Highness, perhaps a special fund could be set up to subsidize the reduction in treasury revenue due to tax reductions and exemptions to ensure the normal operation of the state machinery."

Zhu Han heard this and a hint of approval flashed in his eyes: "This plan is very good. It not only protects people's livelihood, but also does not shake the foundation of the country. Everyone should start preparations immediately and make sure that the policy is implemented smoothly."

After the discussion was over, everyone dispersed. Zhu Han sat alone in the study, but he was still thinking about longer-term plans in his mind.

The next morning, Zhu Han decided to go to the Eastern Palace in person to discuss the details of the tax reduction policy with Zhu Biao. When he entered the Eastern Palace, Zhu Biao was buried in a pile of memorials and looked quite exhausted.

"Uncle Han, why are you here?" Zhu Biao looked up and saw that it was Zhu Han, and quickly stood up to greet him.

Zhu Han smiled slightly and motioned Zhu Biao to sit down: "Biao'er, I'm here to discuss tax reduction policies with you. Water conservancy construction has achieved initial results, but more efforts are needed to improve people's livelihood." Zhu Biao nodded in agreement: "Uncle Han is right. Tax reduction is indeed an urgent task. However, how to implement it specifically still needs careful planning."

Zhu Han informed Zhu Biao of the results of his discussions with his staff last night. The two discussed in depth the specific implementation plan of the policy, including the selection of pilot areas, the establishment of special funds, and the strengthening of tax supervision.

"Uncle Han, your suggestion is very thoughtful and has benefited Biaoer a lot." Zhu Biao said gratefully, "However, there are always some ministers in the court who oppose this and believe that this move will weaken the country's financial resources."

Zhu Han pondered for a moment and said slowly: "Biao'er, the road to reform is never smooth. There will always be people who hinder it because their interests are damaged. But we must be firm in our beliefs and put the people first, so that we can win the hearts of the people."

Zhu Biao nodded to show his understanding: "Uncle Han taught me, and I will definitely remember it in my heart. However, it will take some effort to convince those ministers who hold opposing opinions."

Zhu Han smiled slightly, his eyes sparkling with wisdom. "The way to persuade is to convince people with reason. You can order people to collect examples of various places that benefited from tax reductions and exemptions, and make them public so that the court officials can witness the benefits of the policy with their own eyes."

Zhu Biao's eyes lit up when he heard this: "Uncle Han is right. Biao will make arrangements immediately."

After the discussion, Zhu Han stood up and prepared to leave. Before leaving, he patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder and said earnestly: "Biao, the road to reform is long and difficult, but as long as you and I work together, we will be able to overcome all difficulties. Remember, no matter what challenges you encounter, you must remain calm and firm."

Zhu Han's words were like a spring breeze, which made Zhu Biao's worries disappear. He nodded heavily, with a firm light in his eyes: "Uncle Han's teachings will always be remembered by Biao. Biao will live up to your trust and devote himself to the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Han nodded with satisfaction and turned to leave, but he seemed to remember something, so he stopped and turned to Zhu Biao and said, "Biao'er, there is one more thing you need to pay attention to. Although the court seems calm recently, there are actually undercurrents. You need to strengthen communication with the ministers of various ministries, especially those who are neutral or on the sidelines, and win their support to stabilize the situation in the court."

Zhu Biao's expression froze when he heard this, and he nodded seriously: "Uncle Han is right, Biao will do it right away."

Zhu Han smiled slightly and patted Zhu Biao's shoulder gently. His tone was gentle but full of strength: "Very good. I feel relieved to have you here. Remember, to govern a country, you need to be both firm and flexible. You need to use thundering means to deter villains, and you need to influence the people with benevolence."

Zhu Biao bowed and watched Zhu Han leave, then he immediately summoned several trusted ministers and began to implement Zhu Han's suggestions. Every step must be cautious and thorough, without any mistakes.

At the same time, Zhu Han was not idle. After returning to the palace, he immediately summoned his trusted staff to discuss how to further promote the reform. In the study, the candles were bright, and everyone sat together, the atmosphere was solemn and warm.

"Everyone, although the situation in the court has improved recently, there is still a long way to go on the road of reform." Zhu Han said in a deep voice, "We need to strike while the iron is hot and continue to deepen various reform measures to ensure the stability of the Ming Dynasty."

An aide bowed and said, "Your Highness is right, but there are still many stubborn forces in the court that are obstructing reform. How should we deal with it?"

Zhu Han smiled slightly, his eyes gleaming with wisdom. "The way to deal with it is to divide and disintegrate. We can start with those more open-minded officials and gradually expand the reform camp. At the same time, we should strengthen intelligence gathering, closely monitor those who obstruct reform, and once the time is right, we will give them a fatal blow."

Another aide added: "Your Highness, we can also use the power of public opinion to intensify propaganda, let the people know the benefits of reform, and thus win the hearts of the people."

Zhu Han nodded in agreement: "This is a great plan. Reforms can only be implemented smoothly if the people support it. You should start making arrangements immediately and make sure the voice of reform spreads to every corner of Ming Dynasty."

After the discussion, everyone took the order and left. Zhu Han sat alone in the study, looking out the window at the dark night, his heart full of expectations for the future.

The next morning, Zhu Han got up early and prepared to go to the Ministry of Revenue to learn about the implementation of the tax reduction policy. This policy concerns people's livelihood, and he must personally supervise it to feel at ease.

In the hall of the Ministry of Revenue, the Minister of Revenue, Lord Zhang, had been waiting for a long time. Seeing Zhu Han coming, he hurriedly stepped forward and saluted: "Your Highness Prince Han, you have come at the right time. Regarding the tax reduction policy, I have followed your instructions and started a pilot in several wealthy places. So far, it seems that the effect is quite significant, and the people have responded enthusiastically."

Zhu Han was delighted when he heard this and nodded, "Lord Zhang is doing a good job. I am very pleased. You need to continue to pay close attention to the pilot situation, summarize the experience and lessons in a timely manner, and prepare for subsequent promotion."

Lord Zhang bowed and responded, "As you command, Your Highness. I will do my best to live up to Your Highness's high expectations."

Zhu Han nodded with satisfaction, a hint of approval in his eyes: "Master Zhang, I have seen your efforts and achievements. Next, we need to further refine this policy to ensure that it can benefit more people."

Upon hearing this, Lord Zhang looked even more respectful: "Don't worry, Your Highness. I will do my best to live up to Your Highness's high expectations. However, although tax reduction is good, the reduction in treasury revenue may have an impact on the court's expenses. I wonder if Your Highness has any good ideas?"

Zhu Han smiled slightly, his eyes sparkling with wisdom. "Mr. Zhang is right. Tax reduction and exemption will indeed put some pressure on the national treasury. But people's livelihood is the foundation, and we must not lose sight of the big picture. I think we can solve it from two aspects: first, strengthen tax supervision, prevent tax evasion, and ensure that every penny of tax is collected; second, encourage commercial development and make up for the reduction of agricultural taxes by increasing commercial taxes."

Lord Zhang's eyes lit up, and he cupped his hands and said, "Your Highness, I admire your wise words. But the increase in commercial taxes may cause dissatisfaction among merchants, so we need to act with caution."

Zhu Han nodded, his tone firm: "Indeed, we need to be cautious when increasing commercial taxes. We can start with large merchants and give them certain policy preferences, such as reducing or exempting some miscellaneous taxes, to balance their burden. In addition, we need to strengthen market management, crack down on illegal merchants, and maintain market order."

Upon hearing this, Lord Zhang suddenly became enlightened and bowed, saying, "Your Highness is wise. I will immediately take care of this matter and ensure the smooth implementation of the tax reduction policy."

After discussing the Ministry of Revenue, Zhu Han decided to go to the Eastern Palace to further discuss the situation in the court and reform strategies with Zhu Biao. (End of this chapter)