The Ming Dynasty started with saving the eldest grandson

Chapter 201

Zhu Biao was so angry that you even asked me to take the exam.

There is no essential difference between these two words.

Fairness and justice have similar meanings, but they are applied to different situations.

When the words came to his lips, he took them back in time.

Looking at this kid's arrogant look, it can't really be any different, right?

He studied with Chen Jingke every day, and maybe he actually made some difference.

And if you think about it carefully, the meanings of these two words are really not exactly the same.

It's just that people usually confuse them and think they mean the same thing.

But if I really asked him to tell me what the specific difference was, he really couldn't tell for a while.

No, we can't be questioned by this brat.

"Ahem, then tell me, what's the difference between fairness and justice?"

Zhu Xiongying looked like you really couldn't answer, stood up and said:

"The meanings of these two words are a bit complicated. I'm afraid it won't be easy for you to understand if I explain them directly."

"Let me give you an example. You will understand it as soon as you hear it."

Zhu Biao was so angry that he was itching his teeth. Good boy, it seems that you lacked a complete childhood.

Zhu Fan and Zhu Di also looked at each other. The eldest nephew was a little bit arrogant.

Chen Jingke couldn't help but laugh, this kid just likes to play the harp.

Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma smiled. Of course they knew Zhu Xiongying's character.

He likes to act cute in front of his close relatives, but he is still very stable in front of outsiders.

The main thing is that everything is clear in my heart and I can prioritize things.

That's why they didn't force correction.

Zhu Xiongying noticed a dangerous aura emanating from his father, and quickly pretended to be serious and explained:

"There were three people, two of them fell into the river."

"The people on the shore didn't care, leaving the two people who fell into the water to survive on their own. Life or death depended on their own abilities and luck."

"It's called fairness."

"If two people fall into a river, one can swim and the other cannot."

"The man on the shore had a bow and arrow in his hand. He used the bow and arrow to threaten the people who could swim and rescued the people who couldn't swim."

"In the end, the two people escaped from danger together."

"This is called justice."

Except for Chen Jingke, the other audience members were all stunned.

This metaphor is so vivid that after listening to it, I immediately understood the difference between fairness and justice.

But precisely because they understood, they were even more shocked.

Zhu Xiongying was very proud and continued: "On the issue Jing Ke just mentioned."

"If you pursue absolute fairness, then no matter how much land they have, people will be sent to serve in corvee according to their population."

"The family with less land, their life and death are their own business and have nothing to do with anyone else."

"If justice is pursued, then the family with more land will naturally bear more obligations."

"As a country, we cannot just pursue absolute fairness, but also pursue justice."

"If you pursue fairness too much, the weak will have no place to stand."

"If you blindly pursue justice, you will deny your personal efforts and will make people lose their enthusiasm."

"So, as a court, we must reach a balance between fairness and justice."

Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly understood and said: "The way of heaven is to make up for the deficiency when there is excess damage."

"The imperial court implements the way of heaven and must redistribute wealth."

“Let the rich and powerful take on more responsibilities so that the poor can live.”

Zhu Xiongying nodded and said, "Yes, that's what you said, Grandpa Huang."

"But the current situation is that the obligations of a family with a thousand acres of land are similar to those of a family with only ten acres of land."

"Even large households can use various means to pass on their obligations to the poor, allowing the poor to bear more obligations."

"This is the court's dereliction of duty, that's why Jing Ke said there is a problem with the two tax laws."

"If we don't change it, there will be big problems sooner or later."

After saying that, his chin almost rose to the sky.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded heavily: "This is the truth, we finally understand it."

Then he looked at Zhu Xiongying and said with satisfaction: "As expected of our good grandson, he knows more than Grandpa Huang."

Zhu Biao was also enlightened, figured out the truth contained in it, and praised:

"I see, it's fair and just. Listening to you is worth ten years of reading."

"Jing Ke is a scholar of heaven and man, no one in the world can match him."

Zhu Fan and Zhu Di were the most shocked. They couldn't believe that these words came from the eldest nephew's mouth.

Before, I only knew that he was very smart and learned a lot.

But I have never seen it with my own eyes, so I always lack intuitive understanding.

In their hearts, he is still the little child who needs their love.

I finally saw it with my own eyes today, and it was even more powerful than the legend.

Is this the future successor of Ming Dynasty?

Okay, that’s great. Ming Dynasty has a promising future.

I am also more confident about establishing a country.

The third generation of Mingjun, are you still afraid that you won't be able to acquire enough land?

At the same time, he finally began to face up to his identity as ‘grandson’.

Before I knew it, Xiongying was so old and sensible.

From now on, we can no longer be naive and treat him like a child.

As for Chen Jingke, the two brothers were completely convinced.

The eldest nephew's knowledge was definitely not taught by his parents and eldest brother.

It can only be learned from him.

Therefore, Chen Jingke's knowledge will only deepen, and he can indeed be called a scholar.

The key is not to hide any secrets and be willing to teach your true skills to your grandson.

No wonder dad made an exception to marry his daughter, he deserves all the courtesy.

Then the two of them thought of their sons, who also lived in Yingtian, and wondered if they had learned anything good.

No, you must ask carefully later.

However, the two of them also knew in their hearts that there were some knowledge that only Zhu Xiongying could learn.

Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma were very clear-headed. They used two kinds of education to train the prince and the vassal king.

Zhu Biao can be said to be all-powerful, and he has learned how to be a king.

The rest of the princes were either partial to literature or martial arts, and all they learned in politics were the ways of being a minister.

Zhu Fan was a little better, both civil and military.

Zhu Di was very partial to science, and all his brains were devoted to military affairs.

Of course, this was just before.

Now that we want to establish institutions and countries for the kings, we must teach them some ways to be kings.

I didn't have time to learn these, so I relied on Ji Xi (Gao Chi).

When they thought of this, the two of them were filled with expectations.

And the two brothers had an idea almost at the same time:

Dad is fighting in the front, and you are looking after the house in the back.

Perfect.

Son, study hard.

These words made everyone suddenly enlightened.

At the same time, they are full of expectations for the tax reform that Chen Jingke is about to propose.

Zhu Yuanzhang urged: "Jing Ke, please continue talking about the tax system."

The others also pricked up their ears, ready to listen to his opinion.

Chen Jingke was also a little proud. He suppressed the upturned corners of his mouth and said:

"Let's talk about justice first. We need to find ways to make people with less land bear fewer obligations, and let people with more land bear more obligations."

"But on the surface, we can't let the landowners know that they have taken on more obligations."

"Otherwise they will have complaints and it will be detrimental to the stability of the country."

“In other words, we need to make landowners pay more taxes while maintaining fairness on the surface.”

To put it bluntly, we want both fairness and justice.

That is what I just said, fairness and justice to achieve balance. Everyone was lost in thought, it was difficult, it was too difficult.

You have to ask people to pay more, and you can't let people know about it, so as to maintain fairness as much as possible.

too difficult.

Zhu Di spoke quickly and said: "How is this possible? People with more land are not fools. How could they not know that they paid more taxes?"

Zhu Fan had similar thoughts, but he was more steady and did not express his doubts.

But Zhu Yuanzhang, Empress Ma and others had a completely different attitude.

Since Chen Jingke said it, there must be a way.

So, Zhu Yuanzhang urged again: "Jing Ke, just tell me the answer directly, don't make people interested."

Chen Jingke didn't mean to titillate people, but wanted them to think about it and deepen their impression.

Seeing that the time was almost up, he said: "Convert the Ding tax and corvee into money and grain, and spread it evenly over all the land in the country."

"You pay as much tax as you have land. People who don't have land don't have to pay a penny in tax."

"In the future, if the imperial court needs to use corvees, they will no longer recruit them for free, but will pay to recruit them."

"So, on the face of it, it seems fair."

“But in fact, people with more land pay more taxes.”

“And the poor, who have less land, need to pay less taxes.”

"You can also earn a sum of money to support your family by working as a corvee..."

"I call this method, spread a small amount into an acre."

Zhu Yuanzhang slapped his thigh and said excitedly:

"Okay, it's wonderful that one person can share his land. This method captures the essence of fairness and justice."

Zhu Biao also said excitedly: "Okay, okay, this method is really wonderful."

"Jing Ke, you are indeed worthy of me. You have never let me down."

Although Queen Ma didn't say anything, her expression showed excitement.

Zhu Fan and Zhu Di were shocked again.

Although I already knew Chen Jingke's abilities, my knowledge was refreshed once again.

He is also a human being, why is his brain so easy to use?

Zhu Xiongying thought it was natural. There was nothing surprising. Isn't it normal for Jing Ke to come up with such a method?

What a fuss.

Although I think this method is feasible, major national affairs cannot be taken lightly and a certain amount of proof is still needed.

Next, Zhu Yuanzhang and others began to discuss the feasibility of sharing the land from one person to another.

"People abandon babies and drown them repeatedly because they are too poor to support them."

"With the reduction of corvee and small taxes, the pressure on the people can be greatly relieved and the occurrence of abandoned babies can be reduced."

"Contributes to population growth."

“With more people, we can cultivate more land and produce more food.”

"With more people, we can recruit more soldiers and conquer more land."

"When the kings establish their own kingdoms in the future, the vassal states will be able to migrate more people from the country."

"The more Han people there are, the faster they can civilize and transform foreign lands."

Everyone spoke to each other and said all the benefits they could think of.

The more we discuss it, the more feasible it becomes.

Dividing a small person into an acre is countless times better than the two-tax law.

In the end, Zhu Yuanzhang made the decision directly:

"We are going to implement this law of dividing a small family into an entire land in the Ming Dynasty. Biao'er, please perfect the details of this method as soon as possible. The sooner the better."

Zhu Biao said: "Okay, don't worry, I know what to do."

He has a team that is gradually maturing and is not as creative as Chen Jingke.

But in terms of improving the system, he is definitely the best in the world.

Chen Jingke reminded: "This matter cannot be rushed. If you want to implement the method of dividing people into acres, you must first understand the population and acres of land in the Ming Dynasty."

"Without detailed figures, the laws we enact may very well become harmful to the people."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and said: "That's the truth. It's time for the Ming Dynasty to conduct a real population and land inventory."

As he spoke, his eyes scanned Zhu Biao, Zhu Fan, and Zhu Di, and finally stopped on Zhu Fan's face:

"Third brother, you also know your eldest brother's physical condition, so you shouldn't work too hard."

"Ying'er is too young to take on this important responsibility. You can handle this matter for your elder brother."

"I will leave the Jin Yiwei to you, and you must give us an accurate number."

"If anyone dares to stop anyone who conceals a report, he should be punished or killed. Don't be merciful."

Zhu Fan stood up solemnly and said, "Yes, I promise to complete the task."

But then he said worriedly: "What will happen to the situation in Shanxi when I'm not here?"

Zhu Yuanzhang said: "Don't worry, I will send a trustworthy general to guard it."

"And Fourth Brother, don't just focus on that one-third of an acre in Peiping."

"Next year, you will be the only King of Sai in the north. You have to take into account the overall situation."

Zhu Di stood up and said, "Yes, I will definitely guard the north and prevent Bei Yuan from taking half a step south."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and said: "Originally, I planned to attack Liaodong next year. Taking Liaodong would be equivalent to breaking Beiyuan's arm."

"It can also cut off their connection with Korea."

"Now it seems that this plan will have to wait until the year after next."

Zhu Fan said thoughtfully: "Dad, I think we should attack Liaodong next year."

Zhu Yuanzhang knew his son's ability. When he heard what he said, he was surprised and said:

"Oh, why?"

Everyone else also looked over, waiting for his reason.

Chen Jingke was no exception. They all praised Zhu Fan as the strongest military ability among all Zhu Yuanzhang's sons.

Are you finally going to see it today?

Zhu Fan said: "You don't want to start a war lightly, because you are afraid that an inventory of the population and land will touch the interests of too many people, and some people will start an army and cause chaos."

"But I don't think you need to worry about that at all."

"After military reform, Ming Dynasty still has 950,000 troops, and they are all elites selected from the best."

"Only 200,000 people are needed to fight Liaodong, and the remaining 750,000 are enough to stabilize the country."

Zhu Yuanzhang shook his head and said: "It's not like we don't know what you're talking about. It's just that Ming Dynasty already has the advantage, so it should be more steady and not give others a chance."

"Liaodong is right there. We can take it at any time. There is no rush."

Others couldn't help but nod, that's the reason.

Chen Jingke also agreed with Zhu Yuanzhang's words.

If normal development continues, Ming's advantages over neighboring countries will become greater and greater.

There is absolutely no need to take this risk.

Zhu Fan said, "Listen to what I have to say. If someone really makes trouble in the country, they will definitely contact Beiyuan and attack from inside and outside first."

"At that point, we will be attacked from both sides."

"Liaodong is a place Beiyuan must save. If we attack this place, they must send troops to rescue."

"In this way, they will be unable to go south and cooperate with the rebels in the country."

"Our 200,000-strong army in Liaodong is fighting steadily. Even if Beiyuan mobilizes in full force, we will not be afraid."

"Fight if we can. If we can't, we'll have to retreat to Peiping."

"Using this period of time, we have already quelled the domestic rebellion."

"At that time, if we send troops from home to support Liaodong, we might be able to inflict heavy damage on the main force of Beiyuan."

Hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang fell into deep thought and said after a while:

"Your idea is reasonable, but we still need to discuss it with the generals before we can make a decision."

Chen Jingke couldn't help but admire him, no matter whether the final plan could be passed or not.

From this point alone, we can see that Zhu Fan's strategic vision is very high.

He actually supports Zhu Fan in his heart. With the current strength of Ming Dynasty, he is fully capable of fighting on two fronts.

It's just that he doesn't understand military affairs and dare not express opinions easily in this regard.

We can only look at the outcome of Zhu Yuanzhang's discussion.

Next, everyone's topic returned to tax reform and population and land census.

At this time, Zhu Xiongying jumped out and said, "What are you doing? Jing Ke hasn't finished speaking yet."

"Just now he only talked about issues of fairness and justice, but he hasn't talked about how to streamline the tax code."

(End of this chapter)