Daming: Spoilers about the future, Zhu Yuanzhang collapsed

After hearing Han Cheng talk about the "One Whip Method", Zhu Yuanzhang felt that the name was somewhat confusing.

He immediately looked at Han Cheng and asked, "What is this whip technique?"

Han Cheng heard this and said: "Father-in-law, this whip method is a very important process in the development history of China.

Before that, there was the two-tax system during the Sui and Tang dynasties.

After the two-tax system of the Tang Dynasty, although various courts have collected taxes over the years, there have been various changes.

But in essence, there is actually no difference.

Only minor aspects have changed.

It was not until the Single Whip Method began to appear and be implemented that a fundamental breakthrough was achieved.

After the Single Whip Law, another breakthrough was the land tax system during the Yongzheng period..."

Here Han Cheng told Zhu Yuanzhang what he knew about the Single Whip Law.

"In short, the Single Whip Law is to collect all the taxes currently being imposed by the Ming Dynasty together.

This is very convenient. To be more specific, it is to merge taxes and labor service, and collect land tax and various types of labor service together.

At the same time, part of the labor service burden was spread over the land.

The previous system of performing corvée labor according to households and adult population was changed to one based on the number of adult population and land tax.

All taxes and labor service burdens, except for rice and wheat that the government needs to collect, shall be paid in cash.

The common people and households that were required to perform labor service could pay money to do the labor service, and the labor service would be performed by people hired by the government.

The collection of taxes and labor service is handled directly by local officials.

The system of "collecting taxes and paying labor services by the people" in which the grain chief and village chief were responsible for collecting taxes and paying labor services was abolished.

It was changed to the "official collection and official release" system.

After hearing Han Cheng say this, Zhu Yuanzhang looked suddenly enlightened.

It turns out that this so-called "one whip method" is actually just a whip like this.

Now I understand.

"That's a good idea."

After thinking carefully for a while, Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Han Cheng and expressed his evaluation of the Single Whip System.

“This thing is relatively simple.

We found that the best way to do many of the following things is to keep it simple and effective.

The less unnecessary, the better.

Many local officials and others are most adept at using the court's orders to harm the people.

Using chicken feathers as a token of authority.

The more tax items there are and the more things the court asks them to do, the more illegal things they will do to harm the people.

When many people talk about themselves, they feel how miserable their lives are and how difficult their lives are.

It was as if all the suffering in the world had been consumed by him.

But in our opinion, if we really count the consequences, it is the common people who suffer the most.

They don't pursue much, most of them just want to have enough food and clothing and live a stable life.

Even this is a luxury for many people.

Those clerks below, no matter how small, can be caught by relying on the power in their hands.

They cruelly persecute the common people.

With the help of the name of the imperial court, he made things difficult for people in all kinds of ways and gained many benefits from it.

These people have no abilities and most of them are submissive. They look like weeds and can be bullied at will.

The commotion was so fierce that many people died, so someone led a rebellion..."

Zhu Yuanzhang was deeply moved when he said this.

After all, his family was at the bottom of society back then.

He climbed up step by step from the bottom of society and worked as a monk to beg for food.

He was very clear about these.

The common people at the bottom of society have to be especially cautious in dealing with clerks, or even those who are not even clerks.

Many things that are nothing to big shots are like a mountain on the heads of people like them.

The kind that is enough to destroy a family.

He particularly hated this.

And, I have wanted to solve it more than once.

"We have thought of some ways, such as using the Lijia system, which is a good idea.

Let the village head and the head of the village take turns to take the position.

Ensure that in the future every family will have someone who can serve as the head of the village or the head of the neighborhood.

Let these powers not be in the hands of one fixed person.

In this case, those who become village heads will no longer be able to bully others.

Because this year you can treat others with the power you have.

Next year, others will also be able to use this power to deal with you.

More importantly, through this set of methods, we have taken away most of the power of many gentry and clan elders.

Those bastards in the Yuan Dynasty really don’t know how to govern the world!

This beautiful world has been ruined and turned into a mess.

The tax package system is so short-sighted!

Under such crude management methods, I wonder how many ambitious and entrenched clan elders and gentry have been cultivated in the local area.

These people have great prestige, strong means and influence. Each of them is a local tyrant and is particularly difficult to discipline.

Even people from higher authorities who came to do business had to go through them.

Therefore, we implement the Lijia system in order to take the corresponding rights away from these people.

Let the people below listen to the court, not them.

At the same time, it is also to prevent officials from going to the countryside less often.

The less government intervention and the less frequent visits to the countryside, the less disturbance to the people.

So we have to leave many things to the Lijia below to do..."

Zhu Yuanzhang is talking here about the Lijia system he promoted.

As of now, the Lijia system he promoted is quite effective.

It is really a great improvement over the extremely terrible situation since the end of the Yuan Dynasty.

It is very well managed. It is the area that is most difficult for the imperial power to control, but at the same time it is particularly important and cannot be ignored.

Give those local gentry and clan elders who acted like local tyrants a severe blow.

However, if we look at the many pieces of information we got from Han Cheng together.

The Lijia system has played a very important role now and has effectively reversed the chaotic situation since the end of the Yuan Dynasty.

But later on, there are still many disadvantages.

There were various problems...

Zhu Yuanzhang was naturally a little depressed about this.

But the mentality is also very different from before.

In the past, when he encountered such things, he would feel extremely angry and disappointed.

And constantly doubting myself.

How come the good idea I came up with turned out like this?

Now, Han Cheng has experienced more similar things and has also heard some corresponding truths.

He seemed much more indifferent.

Know that many of these policies are time-limited.

The situations faced in different periods are different. If the policies remain unchanged, they will not be able to adapt to the current situation.

So the method that was originally useful no longer works later on.

It may even cause many harms.

In Han Cheng's words, this is called the economic base, which determines the superstructure.

It belongs to the laws of history.

“This whip method is much simpler than before.

It looks like it is really good.

However, when it is actually implemented, various disadvantages will also appear.

Those clerks will certainly find ways to make things difficult for the people.

Through various means, the people were forced to pay much more than what they were supposed to pay according to regulations..."

After hearing what Zhu Yuanzhang said, Han Cheng couldn't help but give a thumbs up to his father-in-law.

"Father is wise, you have seen all of this?

As you said, the single whip method does have many benefits.

But there is a saying that goes, every policy from the top has a countermeasure from the bottom.

Many things start with good intentions.

But when it comes to actually being implemented, problems of one kind or another will arise.

Many blood-sucking worms want to profit from it.

Everyone wants to gain some benefits.

No matter how good a policy is, it still needs people to implement it.

Under such circumstances, even the best policies can be distorted beyond recognition.

For example, this whip method.

At that time, the imperial court began to implement new taxation methods, one of the main reasons being that the original tax law was no longer suitable for the Ming Dynasty at that time.

The court's tax revenue continued to decrease.

An important reason for this is that more and more people in the Ming Dynasty did not pay taxes, and land annexation was serious.

So we seek change.
It was finally decided to try out the one-whip system.

The Single Whip Law had actually already begun to be tried in some places during the late Jiajing period.

If the court collects taxes in this way, it will indeed receive more tax revenue than before.

Because some high-ranking officials also have to bleed to some extent.

But as you said, father-in-law.

Many people made money by collecting taxes and carrying out court orders.

Later on, when we really start to do things, many unexpected things will arise.

For example, letting the people pay taxes with silver is very feasible.

In the past, people could just pay in kind.

Although when handing over physical objects, those people also have various means to extract benefits and make things difficult for people.

The Single Whip Method has made many people's inherent means go to waste.

However, those clerks can burst out with infinite wisdom for the sake of benefits.

You can still come up with new ideas.

For example, they would make a big fuss about the people exchanging food and other things for silver.

For example, on the one hand, they forced the people to pay quickly.
On the other hand, the prices of food and other things were pushed down to extremely low levels...

In this way, the people will suffer great losses in the process of going back and forth..."

"Damn it!"

Zhu Yuanzhang had already expected this result.

But after hearing what Han Cheng said, he couldn't help but curse fiercely.
With a bang, he slapped the table in front of him.

“These borers!
Damn it, we knew this would be the result.

For example, the reforms carried out by Wang Anshi back then.

All thoughts are good.

It was initially intended to benefit the people.

For example, the Qingmiao Method.

But later on, it was ruined by those people and turned into a method of cruelty to the people!

Han Cheng, don't you think there is a good way to completely put an end to this?"

After hearing his father-in-law say this, Han Cheng felt a little heavy in his heart.

After a moment of silence, he sighed and said:

“Father, how can I explain this matter… This is about human nature.

And there are so many people involved. There are countless people who will try every possible way to profit from it.

All the court can do is to strengthen supervision as much as possible.

Various regulations are made to prohibit these things and impose severe punishments accordingly.

You can also give lessons to many officials.

Let them know what is right and what is wrong.
Instill in them many concepts such as loyalty to the emperor, patriotism, and abiding by laws and regulations.

Let them try their best to do more things and ask for less help...

But even after trying every possible means, we can only say that the situation has improved.

It cannot be completely eliminated.

This has been a major problem from ancient times to the present.

It is impossible to completely eliminate it, and no one can do it."

After hearing what Han Cheng said, Zhu Yuanzhang was silent for a while and did not ask any more questions.

I can only sigh...

"But no matter what, this Single Whip Law, after its implementation, has indeed injected new vitality into the Ming Dynasty.

This brought great improvements to the Ming Dynasty, whose financial funds were on the verge of collapse.

The Single Whip Method was combined with the opening of the sea during the Longqing period.

Under such circumstances, the Ming Dynasty's tax revenue increased a lot.

Let the Ming Dynasty last for many more years..."

After hearing what Han Cheng said, Zhu Yuanzhang sighed:
“We’ve figured it out.

Don't try to achieve perfection in many things, such as governing a country.

It simply can't be done!

We can only pursue a rough difference.

In fact, people who can achieve almost the same results in many major matters are all extraordinary saints and wise rulers.

The imperial court is just a tattered ship.

The longer the voyage, the more damaged it becomes.

During this process, some talented people will emerge and use their superb skills to mend it.

Let this shabby ship continue to sail as far as possible..."

Han Cheng nodded. He agreed with what his father-in-law said.

"During the Longqing period, in addition to the trial implementation of the Single Whip Law, a land survey was also carried out.

In fact, this practice had already been implemented during the Jiajing period.

It’s just that it’s only being promoted in certain places.

After Longqing ascended the throne, these two things were still going on.

Moreover, during the Jiajing period, they went even further based on the foundation established.

Achieved a phased victory.

There have been certain results.

The most important places for surveying land were Su, Song, Chang and Zhen areas where the uneven distribution of taxes and labor service was most serious.

Although there are various troubles in the process of clearing accounts.

The work of clearing accounts will definitely not be so smooth.

The results won’t be that good.

It is impossible to be fair everywhere.

But overall, the results are pretty good..."

After hearing Han Cheng's story, Zhu Yuanzhang nodded.

He was not surprised by this result.

Having been emperor for so many years, he knew all this very well.

Besides, it was only a few years ago that the Ming Dynasty had measured the land and established the Yellow Book.

He was very familiar with all the doors and windows inside.

"In addition to these, sea transportation was also carried out during the Longqing period...

For reasons such as defense against Japanese pirates, grain transport relied on river transportation.

During the Jiajing period, Wang Yizhan, the right assistant minister of the Ministry of War, Fang Yuan, the right counselor of the Huguang Provincial Administration Commissioner's Office, and others,

It has been repeatedly suggested that while dredging the river, sea transport should also be opened.

But each time it was rejected by Jiajing.

After Zhu Zaigui ascended the throne, he accepted the advice of Song Liangzuo, the Imperial Censor.

First, resume sea transportation for the short distance from Zhayangzong to Jizhou.

Then the route will be gradually restored from Jianghuai to Beijing Tongzhou and then to Liaodong.

Afterwards, Zhu Zaigui, at the request of Gao Gong, resumed sea transportation, built sea vessels, and formed a fleet.

Equipped with officers and sailors, it sets sail regularly.

As a result, many goods such as grain could be transported directly to Peking.

Both sea and river transport are used.

It provided basic guarantees for the capital storage for nearly a hundred years from Wanli to Chongzhen, and met the most necessary material needs of the Ming Dynasty..."

After hearing what Han Cheng said, Zhu Yuanzhang nodded.

Under the circumstances that the Ming Dynasty decided to use Beiping as its capital.

Sea transportation is indeed much more convenient than river transportation.

In terms of carrying capacity, river transport cannot catch up with sea transport.

Moreover, when it comes to river transportation, we also need to pay attention to many things such as the flood season and river cleaning.

Relatively speaking, sea transportation has far fewer restrictions.

At least there is enough water in the sea...

"In addition to these, a lot of water conservancy projects were built during the Longqing period.

This has two main purposes: one is to alleviate the floods that have plagued us for many years.

Second, to solve the serious congestion problem of transporting grain from the south to the north.

In terms of flood relief, when Hai Rui was the governor of Yingtian, the most important project was to dredge the Wusong River and Baimao River and divert water into the sea.

When building water conservancy projects, he combined relief with water conservancy construction.

It has played a good role in stabilizing the social order in the southeast region..."

After hearing what Han Cheng said, Zhu Yuanzhang nodded again and said:

"This Hai Rui is actually a good official.

Be willing to use your brain when doing things. "

After hearing Zhu Yuanzhang's words, Han Cheng immediately nodded vigorously.

"Father, you are absolutely right about this!

Hai Rui truly deserves this evaluation.

Not only that, he has a very tough temper, and the name Haigang Peak is not for nothing!"

When Zhu Yuanzhang heard Han Cheng's words, he suddenly became interested.

"So, this Hai Rui is really an extraordinary person?
What has he done to deserve such an evaluation from you?"

Han Cheng said: “Father, Hai Rui was another famous minister and honest official in the middle and late Ming Dynasty.

Known as Hai Qingtian!
Moreover, the bones are very hard.

Not afraid of the powerful, able to persist in the struggle..."

After hearing what Han Cheng said, Zhu Yuanzhang became even more curious about Hai Rui.

Even his sitting posture has straightened up a lot.

He understood that the reason why his Ming Dynasty had been able to be passed down for so many years was not only due to its various systems and his descendants who became emperors.

What is even more important is these capable ministers that have emerged!
These people are the pillars of his Ming Dynasty!

Such a person deserves his serious treatment!
"When Hai Rui was studying, Wang Shouren's theory was popular.

The main points of Mr. Yangming's doctrine, in addition to idealism as the main aspect, also include the positive aspects of advocating the unity of knowledge and action, and the consistency of theory and action.

Mr. Yangming advocated "being sincere".

Oppose the hypocritical and "hypocritical" style.

These had a great influence on Hai Rui's later personality.

In the 28th year of Jiajing's reign, Hai Rui took part in the provincial examination and passed it.

But later on, he took part in the imperial examinations and failed twice in a row.

So he decided to give up the imperial examination.

In the intercalary March of the same year, the Guangdong Provincial Administration appointed Hai Rui to serve as a teacher in Nanping County, Yanping Prefecture, Fujian.

Hai Rui taught his students that morality and writing are inseparable.

Advocate that scholars should respect their own identity.

You shouldn't kneel down to your superiors casually.

During his teaching period, an imperial censor from the court came to inspect the county school.

The other teachers all knelt on the ground and announced their names.

Only Hai Rui bowed and said, "When you go to the yamen where the censor is, you should behave like a subordinate. This school is a place where teachers teach students, so you shouldn't bow and salute..."

"Okay, that's right! Hai Rui does have a tough temper.

Wang Yangming was indeed a man of great talent, both literary and martial.

Many of his ideas are really good..."

Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't help but praise out loud.

Of course, the reason why he praised him so much was because he knew from Han Cheng in advance that Hai Rui was a famous honest official with a very tough character.

Only a loyal minister of the Ming Dynasty would make such an evaluation.

Zhu Yuanzhang also looked down upon those scholars who had no ability but acted aloof.

Otherwise, the scientific examination would not have been suspended until now...

"In the 37th year of Jiajing, Hai Rui was appointed as the magistrate of Chun'an.

He saw many "inequalities" here: "the rich enjoyed three or four hundred acres of production, but their households did not have to pay a cent of tax, while the poor households did not have a single grain of income, but had to pay a tax difference of a hundred or so acres in vain."

Therefore, it was decided to re-survey the land and determine the tax burden.

In this way, the burden on the people of Chun'an was alleviated, and many fleeing households returned to their hometown.

In addition to measuring the land and equalizing taxes and labor service.

In Chun'an, Hai Rui also implemented the baojia system, resolved difficult cases clearly, and established community schools.

Hai Rui lived a frugal life. He wore cloth robes and ate coarse grains and brown rice.

Let the old servant grow vegetables for his own support.

Hu Zongxian, the governor of Zhejiang, once told others the rumor that Hai Rui bought two catties of meat for his mother's birthday..."

"This Hai Rui is really capable!"

Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't help but praise him again.

At this point, he was already certain that Hai Rui was not only courageous but also a man of integrity.

And there are ways to do things.

He knew clearly how offensive things like measuring land were.

How much resistance will there be if we do it?

This is cutting the flesh from those powerful gentry and landlords!
How could those people agree?
How could there not be fierce resistance?
He was just a county magistrate, but he was able to get this done.

You can imagine how powerful he is!

You know, when he first started to implement the Imperial Book and survey the land.

The resistance was so great that even Liu Lian, the son of Liu Bowen who led the movement, was killed by someone in the local area...

"But Hai Rui soon encountered a fatal incident.

Hu Zongxian's son passed by Chun'an County and became angry with the postman, so he hung him upside down.

Things got very difficult to resolve.

This news soon reached Hai Rui, who was asked to make the decision..."

After hearing Han Cheng say this, Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly felt embarrassed for Hai Rui.

This is not an easy matter to handle!
What is Hu Zongxian's identity? What is Hai Rui's identity?
The status difference is too great.

If handled improperly, it will cause big problems.

He immediately asked Han Cheng how Hai Rui handled this matter... (End of this chapter)