Early Ming Dynasty: Turning Clouds and Rains into New Learning Saints

Chapter 194 Reinvention of Household Registration

"Have you heard? It is said that in the future, foreigners can register as residents in Xiangshan County as long as they have lived in Xiangshan County for one year?"

"How can that be done? Now we have many people living in Xiangshan County for almost a year, right? They have all become our Xiangshan people, so how many grain fields can we still have?"

"That's right. Originally, the grain fields would be much less in this second distribution. If we include them, how much more grain fields can be distributed?"

"No, it is said that this kind of household registration in Xiangshan County will be a special household registration. It seems that it is a non-agricultural household in the civil registration, and it is not divided into grain fields."

"Really? If you want this, then it's okay!"

"What kind of job are you doing? Apart from not dividing the grain fields, they are just like us Xiangshan people. We can join the army, go to banks for loans, etc., and we can all enjoy the benefits that only belong to us!"

"Hey, that's true when you say that! That's not good. Isn't this taking advantage of our Xiangshan?"

"I don't know if this is true or not?"

"..."

In the spring of the 11th year of Hongwu's reign, there was a lot of talk about household registration in Xiangshan County. Many people even inquired about it from the county government, and some even came to Zhang Yifan.

Needless to say, for people with household registration in Xiangshan County, they actually do not want to add more people with household registration in Xiangshan County;

However, for those who are not registered in Xiangshan County, they have long admired the benefits of becoming Xiangshan County residents. Even if they feel regretful about not dividing the grain fields, they are very willing to become Xiangshan residents.

After Zhang Yifan saw that the discussion was almost heated, he officially posted a government notice announcing another reform of the household registration system.

First, the household registration in Xiangshan County is divided into farmers and non-farmers, that is, whether they can participate in the distribution of grain fields is the difference.The meaning is very clear: farmers are allocated grain fields, while non-farmer households are not allocated grain fields.This distinction refers to household registration in Xiangshan County, including official registration, civilian registration, and ordinary registration.

Second, if a farmer does not cultivate his own farmland after being allocated farmland twice in a row (a period of four years), whether it is sublet or deserted, the nature of the household registration will be changed and converted to a non-farmer household.On the other hand, non-farmers who rent farmland will not become farmers.

Third, people who have lived in Xiangshan County for more than one year cannot be visiting relatives and friends, but have registered with the government. That is, those who live in government rental housing can register in Xiangshan County and become a citizen of Xiangshan County. of non-farmer households.The naturalization address is the centralized household registration of the government.

Fourth, by purchasing a house built by the Xiangshan County government, you can also register as a non-farmer household in Xiangshan County. The naturalization address is your residence address.

Fifth, for those who do business in Xiangshan County, have inherent assets, and pay continuous tax amounts of [-] Guan per year or more, they can give the quota to two non-agricultural households with household registration in Xiangshan County, which can be arranged by the owner.

Sixth, Xiangshan County government-run workshops and factories are recruiting manpower. Under the same conditions, priority will be given to non-farmer households registered in Xiangshan County.

The reason why Zhang Yifan wants to carry out this kind of innovation is because the population of Xiangshan County is increasing rapidly, and it is expected that the population will definitely expand further in the near future.

As a result, with the level of agricultural farming in this era, it is impossible to ensure that everyone is allocated enough grain fields to eat.

In addition, if this household registration reform is promoted all over the world by Zhu Yuanzhang, then there will be a bigger problem.Xiangshan County didn't know that a place like Nanjing must have a population of one million, and the area around Nanjing would not be enough in any case.

Moreover, it is foreseeable that with the stability and economic development of the Ming Dynasty, the population will inevitably concentrate in cities and towns.

Therefore, it is necessary to distinguish between those who work in agriculture and those who do not.

Those who work in agriculture will be allocated grain fields; those who do not work in agriculture will be given priority in ensuring job opportunities. This is one direction of this household registration reform.

Although people in this era probably still value grain fields.However, based on the experience of later generations, Zhang Yifan estimated that when the economy of the Ming Dynasty developed and those with non-agricultural household registration could live better, people in the Ming Dynasty would probably change their minds.

By then, you will have to worry about whether there are enough farmers to cultivate grain fields!
As soon as this household registration reform policy was announced, it immediately caused a sensation in Xiangshan County and neighboring counties, and even the whole of Guangdong was affected.

The benefits of Xiangshan County household registration are obvious after more than a year of watching.

First, Xiangshan County is a special zone, directly under the jurisdiction of the emperor and has no local jurisdiction. This is equivalent to the capital level, which is enough to attract many people.

Secondly, it will be much easier for people with household registration in Xiangshan County, not to mention the distribution of grain fields, but also to find profitable jobs in Xiangshan County. As for those doing business, Xiangshan County is full of opportunities to make a fortune, which attracts them even more. .

Third, if you have a household registration in Xiangshan County, it will be easier to get a loan from a bank. Whether it is to do business or improve your life, the county government has a subsidized loan policy.

Others, the possibility of joining the army, entering the Armed Forces Hall, no longer having a hereditary occupation, and no longer being a lowly member like Lehu, attracts this kind of people.

For people with household registration in Xiangshan County, they are actually unwilling to undergo this household registration reform.However, among the permanent population of Xiangshan County, those with household registration account for only a small half. Even if they have opinions, they cannot criticize those who want to register as residents in Xiangshan County.The relationship between the two types of people is naturally not friendly.

Of course, more importantly, no one dared to challenge the authority of the Prince Consort.

Wasn't Marquis Yongjia powerful back then?How many people were killed during the Northern and Southern War? He was a hereditary marquis who held an iron bond. The founding fathers ranked No. 20 and seven. He went directly to the Panyu County government office and whipped the county magistrate. He dared to oppose the consort of the county magistrate. The final result Not only everyone in Xiangshan, but also everyone in Guangdong and the whole country has seen his fate.

The county magistrate, Prince Consort, could turn Yongjiahou into a traitor and restore his title in a matter of seconds.

The people of Xiangshan County, who dare to challenge the county magistrate, question and oppose the county magistrate?

In fact, only a small number of people were hiding and beeping. Most people were still grateful to the county magistrate.Without the Prince Consort, they wouldn't be where they are today, and they wouldn't have the possibility to be picky.

Most of the pirates who were originally captured were able to change their national registrations when the new household registration policy was promulgated.Among them, those farming on Qi'ao Island have become farmers, while the others are non-farmers.

With the promulgation of the policy, the Xiangshan County Government Office became lively, with people queuing up to register.

Those outsiders who work for the Xiangshan County government live in government rental houses for one year because food and lodging are provided, and they become the luckiest people and can directly register as non-farmer households in Xiangshan County.

People who do business here in Xiangshan County, especially those with long-term business plans, have basically bought cement houses built by the government before the policy was promulgated.These people also became another group of lucky people who were able to directly register as non-farmer households in Xiangshan County.

As for the others, the price is high.

Originally, the cement houses built by the government here in Xiangshan County were ordinary bungalows. The one with one bedroom, one living room and one bathroom cost about five guan; the one with two bedrooms, one living room and one bathroom cost about [-] guan. For a house with three bedrooms, two living rooms and two bathrooms, it costs about fifteen guan;
The price of a courtyard house with a side room and two entrances is up to [-] yuan.The Xiangshan County government did not build anything above a quadrangle courtyard with three entrances.

As soon as the policy of allowing people to buy a house and live in it came out, these housing prices soared rapidly.Even though the Xiangshan County government issued a notice saying that more houses will be built in the future, it still cannot stop the enthusiasm of foreigners to buy houses.

Basically, all house prices doubled in just one month, and they were finally sold out, and the construction engineering team in Xiangshan County had to start building houses.

Of course, it is inevitable that some people will sell their houses.

For example, if someone wants to live in a house, he first buys a house for [-] guan. However, the next person wants to live in the house even more, so he pays a high price. Naturally, some people will covet the money and sell it to others.

However, there is a prerequisite for this kind of sale. It must be registered with the government and the house will be recognized as a residence after paying taxes.

Zhang Yifan was a little worried at first that some people had a tendency to speculate in real estate, so he made two preparations.

As a first-hand measure, if the same household purchases three or more units, the tax will be doubled.Those who already have five sets are not allowed to purchase them again, but they can be exchanged.

The second-hand measure is to let the engineering team build more houses and continue to put them on the market.

When the spring of the 11th year of Hongwu passed and summer arrived, the entire Xiangshan County was almost as big as a pregnant woman's belly.

The household registration population of Xiangshan County doubled from the previous registration of more than 7 to around 15.Among them, more than 2 were transformed from pirate prisoners.The remaining ones are those who entered the household registration in Xiangshan County from other places during this household registration reform.

As for migrant workers, traders, etc., there are about 15 people who are not registered in Xiangshan County, and there are still outsiders pouring in every day.

Xiangshan County alone has reached the size of Guangzhou City.And it is foreseeable that in the near future, Xiangshan County will surpass Guangzhou City and become the most populous place in Guangdong.The wharf in Xiangshan County has become the first choice for outsiders coming to Xiangshan County.After all, it is most convenient to take a boat from Guangzhou, with smooth sailing and direct access.

As a result, many people on the dock side think that the Prince Consort made the dock too big at the beginning and it was a waste.As a result, at this time, it was already a bit crowded, even if there was an expansion, it was still crowded.Moreover, because of the warehouses and houses later built near the dock, there was no room for expansion.

The construction team at the county government had to find a suitable place downstream to build the second Xiangshan County Wharf.However, the old pier is still crowded with people.

The transport ship belonging to the Xiangshan County Yamen is constantly coming and going, carrying passengers from north to south, coming and going in a hurry.

No, another passenger ship docked, and then people poured out of the ship. They were a little shocked when they saw the sea of ​​people on the pier and all kinds of shouts to solicit business.

“Stay in a B&B, stay in a B&B, it’s cheap and comfortable!”

"Sir, do you want to eat? I know there is a shop. Not only the prices are cheap, but they also serve authentic Xiangshan delicacies!"

"Recruiting workers, young and strong are required, and they are hired at a high price!"

"Is there any scholar? My master has hired a private tutor, and the remuneration is generous!"

"..."

Among the crowds, there was a young couple who had just gotten off the boat. They were dressed simply and were very excited when they saw the lively scene in front of them.

Just listen to this man say: "Madam, don't worry, although I can't study well, I still have good vision. I will definitely make a difference in Xiangshan County, and I will return home with you in glorious clothes one day!"

"Well, my husband is the best!" After hearing this, the woman nodded quickly and said, "Xiangshan County also recruits female workers. I heard that they can make a lot of money, so I will work hard!"

The two of them were full of dreams for the future when they saw a man dressed as a waiter pushing over and asking with an attentive smile: "Excuse me, where are you two from? Can you give me a guide? As long as you are a decent person, I can give you some guidance. You introduce the best paying jobs for both men and women.”

When the man heard this, he asked, "Judging from your tone, are you from Xiangshan?"

"Of course." When the man heard this, he quickly replied proudly, "Otherwise, I wouldn't dare to guarantee you the best paid job. Let me tell you, my cousin works in the county government. Only then can I make this toothless money!"

After a pause, he added another sentence: "I think young master is a man who has seen the world. He is motivated at a glance, and he will definitely be able to do something in the future! So I didn't look for anyone else, just thinking if I could help Come to the young master!"

When the man heard this, he was immediately overjoyed. He quickly took out a piece of paper from his arms and said, "Thank you for your blessing, this is the road guide. Take a look!"

After the man took it, he immediately took a look and said, "Oh, Zheng Baolu, from Shaoguan..."

"Don't crowd, don't crowd!" Suddenly, the man cursed the person who bumped into him, and then said to Zheng Baolu: "There are too many people here. It's not convenient to talk. Let's go to a quieter place nearby. I'll give it to you." If you introduce a good job, the absolute price will be the highest.”

Upon hearing this, Zheng Baolu nodded quickly, held his wife's hand with hope, and left the dock.

As a result, what he never expected was that after arriving in a remote place, not only did he not get the high-paying job he wanted, but several people emerged and surrounded the couple.

"I advise you to hand over your money obediently. Otherwise, if I tear up this road guide, you will become refugees. Not only will you not be able to find work, but you will also be arrested by the government and imprisoned!"

As soon as he heard this and looked at the people with malicious intentions, Zheng Baolu knew that he had been fooled.

He clutched tightly to the package on his shoulders and immediately begged for mercy, but it was in vain.

These people came forward, punched and kicked the couple, and not only took away the money, but also took away his guide.Before leaving, the man threatened fiercely: "My cousin is really working in the county government. If you dare to report to the official, you will be imprisoned!"

Shaoguan is far away from Xiangshan County, so this kind of person is the best to attack.

Without a road guide, even if you report to the official, you still have to verify your identity. You don’t know how many days will pass every time you come and go, and the resulting expenses are also quite large.

Not to mention, it is difficult to investigate this kind of case without knowing the identity or name.

Therefore, local governments generally ignore the cases of outsiders as long as they can, unless it is a serious life case that cannot be avoided.

As long as you pick the right person to attack, there is basically no chance of missing one.

Seeing these bad guys walking away, the woman cried: "What should we do, husband? What should we do?"

His dream was shattered as soon as he arrived in Xiangshan County. He was unfamiliar with the place and had no money to pay for his return trip. It was a huge blow to Zheng Baolu.

Although he was only robbed of three pieces of money, this was already the money that his family could scrape together for him.

When ordinary people encounter this kind of thing, according to their own understanding, reporting to the official is useless and they will eventually become illegal workers.

However, Zheng Baolu was different and immediately decided to report to the official.

"But...but that person said that his cousin works in the county government?"

After hearing this, Zheng Baolu comforted his wife and said: "The county magistrate here is the prince-in-law of the dynasty. He has done so many practical things, which is incomparable to the officials over there. And I believe that we are not the only victims, there must be others." Unless the prince-in-law doesn’t know, he won’t ignore these things.”

That person was really right about what he said before. Although it was Zheng Baolu's first time traveling far away, he had attended a private school for a few days. He often listened to some stories told by the private school teacher. He knew some truths and had certain insights.

Not only did he know that there were more opportunities in Xiangshan County, but he also knew the difference between the Prince Consort County Magistrate and an ordinary County Magistrate. He chose to believe that the Prince Consort County Magistrate would give him justice.

So, he took his wife and went to the county government office to inquire.

Inside the county government office, Zhang Yifan was talking to his wife when he heard the sound of drumming coming from the front office and was stunned.

Zhu Yuanzhang set up the Dengwen Drum, and naturally there is a similar drum in the local area.

But no one has ever beaten this drum here in Xiangshan County.Hearing this for the first time, Zhang Yifan was a little surprised.

Nowadays, when it comes to Xiangshan County government affairs, he always lets the officials from the Sixth Section handle it, and then hires a clerk to give his opinion on the outcome, and finally he signs and seals it.

The matter of going to court for questioning has never happened since the original Shi Ma Ruhai was overthrown.

When he heard the sound of drums, he naturally asked the question himself.

The person who plays the drum is naturally Zheng Baolu.He went to the yamen to report the crime, but the pawnbroker simply sent away the foreigners who could not find a way out or verify their identity. However, Zheng Baolu refused to accept it and finally beat the drum at the yamen door, risking being jailed and finally alerted the police. Prince Consort.

"I don't even know who he is, but I can't handle it just based on what he said." The clerk defended himself, "Now the Yamen is very busy and can't send anyone to Shaoguan to verify. What if he is... What should we do if we make false accusations and only cause trouble to the county government?"

Zheng Baolu naturally defended himself, saying it was the truth or something.

After Zhang Yifan heard this, he was shocked and immediately shouted: "Come on, put them in jail, wait until the Yamen is free and send someone to Shaoguan County to verify!"

Then, he turned around and returned to the back office.

Zheng Baolu shouted the truth, but no matter how much he shouted, it was useless. He was dragged on the spot by the yamen guards and put in jail.

This matter seems to have ended just like that.

(End of this chapter)