King Luhuang of the Ming Dynasty: My father, Ming Taizu

Chapter 151: Establish your authority, the number one scholar arrives in person! Everyone is convinced!
"Dividing a small family into an acre?"

Hear Zhu Tan's words.

Everyone looked shocked!
In fact.

Regarding what it means to spread a small amount into an acre.

In fact, Zhu Yuanzhang had already become famous throughout the country through Di Bao a few months ago.

The so-called dividing one person into an acre is based on a very simple principle, which is to convert the head tax into the land tax.

In this way, the head tax will show that those with more land will be taxed more, those with less land will be taxed less, and those without land will be taxed no more.

In other words, the poll tax was actually abolished.

The basis for taxation was changed from population to land ownership.

This is also the basic method to realize the rights and equality between the rich and the poor.

In this way, since both the ding tax and the land tax have specific collection standards and amounts, we can continue to implement the method of dividing ding into acres.

The tax reform in Yanzhou and Qingzhou led by Zhu Tan faced numerous difficulties from the beginning.

however.

Because the fiscal revenue is too little!

No matter which one, it will be an earth-shaking change for Yanzhou and Qingzhou today!

Whatever is produced on the land will be levied. If the method of apportioning the land into acres is really implemented, the conversion method alone will be complicated, and the cost of conversion and taxation will be so high that it is simply unbearable today.

First, silver must be recognized and allowed to serve as legal currency.

Lao Zhu is an impatient but also a practical person. He has long seen the huge role of apportionment of land to restrain land annexation and alleviate social conflicts.

The other type is the Ming Dynasty Baobao issued in the eighth year of Hongwu. According to the ratio stipulated by the government, a Guanbao banknote is worth one tael of silver, a thousand copper coins are worth one tael, and a Siguan Baobao is worth one tael of gold.

Because the commercial tax rate is only maintained at a rate of 30 to 1 tax, agricultural tax is the top priority for the current court. Today, even about 90% of the court's income is agricultural tax!

If taxes were calculated based on treasure banknotes, it would obviously be a huge loss for the government.

That is, farmers must pay taxes according to the prescribed tax amount regardless of their actual income.

This policy is only for people around the world to discuss and learn from, but has not been truly implemented.

Not only are the incomes of government officials extremely low, but it is also extremely difficult to maintain the normal operation of the government.

That's simply not realistic.

Third, it is necessary to thoroughly clear the acres of land and confirm the quality of the land.

Of course, Zhu Tan also provided a solution for the implementation of dividing the land into acres.

but.

Here, there is another problem to be solved, that is, what currency is appropriate to convert it into?
In the early Ming Dynasty, there were only two types of legal tender.

If a whip law is implemented, various forms of taxes and labor will be unified into one, and all will be converted into currency for collection.

This kind of policy of light corvee and low tax will also make local officials very embarrassed!

Therefore, at present, there is no way to divide the land into an acre!

The first is that at present, Ming Dynasty’s tax collection is mainly based on physical goods.

Second, the imposition of physical taxes and actual corvee service must be stopped, and all these taxes must be converted into monetary levies.

In the early Ming Dynasty, more land was reclaimed, the population grew rapidly, and the income of most people increased every year. The implementation of fixed taxes would reduce the burden on the people to a great extent.

But if we calculate it according to Hongwu Tongbao, and because Hongwu Tongbao stopped minting as early as the 10th year of Hongwu, there are simply not that many copper coins among the people!
Therefore, if you want to get a tax discount, silver is the best and most reliable way to preserve value!
therefore.

In order to recuperate and recuperate, Zhu Yuanzhang has been implementing a policy of light corvee and low taxes, and implemented a tax system of fixed taxes on farmers.

of course.

You can't have a lot of land and send a hundred people to serve in the government, but you can't have a lot of land, right?

As for the so-called miscellaneous taxes, because local governments have a high degree of autonomy and freedom in collecting them, they will increase the burden on farmers. The local governments may even collude with local powerful people to exploit the people through the opportunity of collecting miscellaneous taxes.

One is Hongwu Tongbao, which is the official copper coin.

But it's not yet time to implement it.

But it really requires the common people to do corvee service.

In this case, the government will levy some miscellaneous taxes to deal with it.

Even the annual depreciation rate is accelerating!

According to Zhu Tan, soon he won't even be able to wipe his ass with paper anymore.

however.

When the government builds roads, builds bridges, builds river embankments, transports military supplies, etc., it really requires the work and efforts of the people.

That is the famous "one whip method" in later generations!
Ming Dynasty taxes mainly include land tax, population tax and commercial tax.

At the same time, today's Ding tax is not a simple head tax, that is, just pay money.

Because Lao Zhu printed too much banknotes, the value of Ming Dynasty banknotes depreciated to a quarter of its original value within ten years.

At the same time, it will also cause shock to the court.

Of course, in addition to these difficulties, there is another important situation, which is the shortage of silver in the early Ming Dynasty and the obstruction by local gentry.

But for Zhu Tan now.

If we want to develop industry and commerce, we must implement the method of dividing every acre into an area!
First of all, this can greatly alleviate the problem of unequal power and responsibilities between the rich and the poor, ease social conflicts, and enhance social stability.

Secondly, it can free the people from the land, travel lightly, and no longer have to worry about the poll tax, providing more manpower for the subsequent development of industry and commerce.

Finally, the policy of apportioning land into acres will greatly increase the holding costs of land holders. When those landowners find that holding and purchasing land is no longer the most cost-effective financial management method, a large amount of capital will flow from the hands of the landowners to More profitable industry and commerce!
In this way, the prosperity of industry and commerce will be just around the corner, and at the same time, new interest groups will be cultivated!
Therefore, in order to carry out the reform of Yanzhou and Qingzhou, it is necessary to divide the land into an area.

But now, all the officials were silent when they heard Zhu Tan's words.

After the policy of sharing every share of land was distributed across the country through Di Bao, it attracted a lot of criticism!

Opponents probably hold several views.

First, a system like the imperial court will greatly increase the burden on farmers who are diligent in farming. On the contrary, it will make many scoundrels more indulgent, hinder land reclamation, and encourage people to live a peaceful life.

Secondly, if the system of apportionment is implemented, it will arouse the opposition of a large number of current land holders. At that time, I am afraid that the world will be in chaos.

The third method, the practice of apportioning people into acres has never been implemented since ancient times. If it were implemented, it would probably cause unpredictable turmoil. Since the land tax and corvee systems are now very stable, why make trouble over nothing?
of course.

What all the opponents dare not say is that the supporters behind them must own a lot of land!

The real psychology of these people is that they don’t want to pay more taxes!
As the vested interests of the Hongwu Dynasty, the gentry group and the officials all over the world were basically unanimously opposed to the idea of ​​sharing the land with a small family.

This sparked quite a discussion a few months ago.

In addition to the fact that the Ming Dynasty did not have the conditions to implement the idea of ​​​​sharing the land from one person to another, it was also the tsunami of opposition that prevented Zhu Yuanzhang from making up his mind to reform.

It is true that he is the emperor, and he is even the most domineering emperor in history.

Nowadays, he combines the power of the prime minister and the military power. Every word and deed is the true master of the Ming Dynasty.

But Lao Zhu knows better where his power comes from!
That is the landlord class!
Zhu Yuanzhang initially joined the Red Scarf Army to oppose the landlord class.

But as his power grew, Lao Zhu quickly betrayed the peasant class and threw himself into the arms of the landlord class to win their support.

For example, it was repeatedly emphasized that after the establishment of the Ming Dynasty, the original landowners' property rights such as land would be protected and everything would remain as before.

For example, in public occasions and official documents, derogatory terms such as "violent soldiers" and "monsters" are often used to describe the Red Turban Army, depicting it as an evil force that destroys social order and harms innocent people. He also claimed that when he was young, he mistakenly joined the Red Turban Army because of his difficult life. Later, he found that the Red Turban Army was difficult to achieve, so he left in time, established his own team, and drew a clear line with the Red Turban Army.

For example, after the establishment of the Ming Dynasty, many well-known local landlords and elders were summoned to participate in the governance of the country. Not only were they given high courtesy, but they were also given some specific powers, such as handling civil disputes, Supervise local officials, etc.

In this way, Zhu Yuanzhang stabilized the situation across the country in a very short period of time.

How could such a person like Lao Zhu not know that the idea of ​​dividing a small family into an equal amount of land was obviously harming the interests of the landlord class, and if it were really implemented, it would definitely shake the nation.

Now that the political situation is relatively stable, he is unwilling to impulsively carry out reforms just for the sake of Zhu Tan's pie.

If he fails, wouldn't he become Wang Mang?
Because Zhu Yuanzhang did not mention the reform again.

The discussion among people all over the world about dividing a small family into an entire family gradually subsided.

However, all officials are highly vigilant about these four words. No matter who brings it up, they will immediately jump up and object as if they are stepping on their tail!
at this time.

Zhu Tan is doing this!

at this time.

I heard Zhu Tan say that in Qingzhou and Yanzhou, people should be divided into acres.

All the officials started talking as if a pot had exploded!

Finally, those who were brave enough looked at Zhu Tan and couldn't help but said: "Your Highness! He Zhan, the magistrate of Xiaguanteng County! This matter of clearing the land has been carried out once in the fourteenth year of Hongwu! Today, it has just been In the past four years, the land needs to be cleared again?

Doing this is a waste of time and money, and the cost is high! Is it a slow move? Or should it be based on the results of the land clearing in the 14th year of Hongwu? "

Zhu Tan said lightly: "You also know that four years have passed! No one can tell how much the land has changed during this period! Some people have lost their land, and some people have more land. And Tan Ding The amount of land held by the people will be used as the only basis for taxation!

How can we be lazy about such a big thing! This land must be cleared again! "

He Zhan smiled bitterly and said: "It's just that the cost of clearing my husband is too high."

Zhu Tan sneered.

"Don't make any excuses! How did you overcome difficulties and solve the cost problem in the 14th year of Hongwu? Let's solve it this time!"

Zhu Tan has money in his hands, but the money is not for these corrupt officials.

The so-called cost issue is just a reason for them to shirk the land clearing. If Zhu Tan really allocates the funds, they will probably drink it in exchange for wine, and then continue to shirk the high cost of land clearing!
Zhu Tan would not give them such a chance.

He Zhan, the magistrate of Teng County, sighed.

"Doing this will only waste money and food, waste people and money, and is not a blessing to the country."

Zhu Tan glanced at He Zhan.

"It's just a county magistrate! Just take care of your Teng County! It's not your turn to worry about the country's affairs! If the land is cleared and things are not going well, I can deal with you in the name of the country!"

He Zhan couldn't help but shudder when he heard Zhu Tan's harsh words.

At the same time, he was even more ashamed!

After all, Zhu Tan was right, he was just a magistrate.
However, He Zhan couldn't help but glance at Zhu Tan secretly.

His Royal Highness Prince Lu is clearly still a young man, how come he speaks and behaves in such a way that leaves no room for anything!

Young people are full of energy!
Although Zhu Tan's words were very harsh, these civil servants were not afraid.

Instead, He raised his head, and then someone asked: "Your Highness! The land clearing should be organized by the Ministry of Household Affairs, and the final results should also be recorded by the Ministry of Household Affairs. I wonder if Your Highness has informed the Ministry of Household Affairs? You are the only one who makes the decision. , is it a bit overstepping the mark?”

Zhu Tan looked at the man, suddenly smiled, and asked, "Who are you?"

The official was a little surprised.

Seeing Zhu Tan smiling all over her face, she felt happy.

Could it be that His Highness thinks that he has thought things through and wants to get to know himself?
He hurriedly said respectfully: "Your Highness, I am the magistrate of Shouguang County, Feng Xingjiang!"

Zhu Tan nodded and said: "Okay! I will remember Feng Xingjiang, the magistrate of Shouguang County!"

Feng Xingjiang couldn't help but feel excited when he heard Zhu Tan's words.

Could it be that His Highness King Lu wants to support him?
The next second Zhu Tan said calmly: "Come here! Drag Shouguang County Magistrate Feng Xingjiang down to hit twenty big boards!"

The words fell.

Everyone was stunned, and Feng Xingjiang was even more panicked!

He couldn't help but exclaimed in surprise: "Your Highness! Why do you want to demote me?"

Zhu Tan sneered and said: "This king is in charge of all government and military affairs in Yanzhou and Qingzhou. His Majesty ordered General Secretary Mingfa to report to the whole country!
Is it possible that you, Magistrate Feng, did not receive the imperial report?

What's more, in addition to the imperial court report, I also ordered the royal palace chief Shi Yinshao to send documents from the Lu palace to various prefectures, prefectures, and counties, telling everyone that I am now in charge of Yanzhou and Qingzhou!
Now, do I want the land in Yanzhou Prefecture and Qingzhou Prefecture to be managed by the Ministry of Household Affairs of the imperial court?

As a county magistrate, you are asking questions here knowing everything you know!
Are you unaware of this matter, or are you deliberately provoking me?
If you don't know anything about this, you are just a mediocre official!

He didn’t even read the imperial court’s newspapers and documents from the palace!
Or are you just a weak official who can't even read documents and newspapers?
Or maybe you are provoking me!

No matter which one, it is not unfair for me to beat you! "

talking.

Zhu Tan said sternly: "Drag him down! Beat him!"

The words fell.

Two royal guards had already come in, picked up the Shouguang County magistrate and dragged him out!

The Shouguang County Magistrate was in a panic and couldn't help but scream: "Your Highness, I am an official of the imperial court and a supervisor of the Imperial College! How can you treat me like this?" Zhu Tan snorted.

"If you were a scoundrel, I would have asked Old Chen to kill the chicken and lay the eggs for you! You bastard!"

Hear this.

The expressions of many officials present changed.

The reputation of Prince Lu's palace for killing chickens to obtain eggs was spread by those castrated scoundrels and was still very loud in Yanzhou.

It wasn't until this moment that everyone looked at Zhu Tan carefully.

Although he is only a young man, his killing and decisive momentum is no weaker than anyone else!

Even more powerful than the chief ministers and other court officials they had seen!
As expected of the feudal lord!
For a time, everyone was extremely cautious about Zhu Tan and did not dare to look down upon him in the slightest.

at this time.

Not far from the door, Magistrate Feng's screams could be heard.

Everyone listened and looked very embarrassed.

Zhu Tan looked at everyone coldly and asked: "Now I want to clear the land under my jurisdiction! Are there any other questions?"

Everyone present suddenly fell silent!

The last person with the problem had already been dragged down to deal with the problem, what else could I say?
An inexplicable sadness arose in the hearts of all the officials.

Not to mention that the emperor has now handed over the management of Yanzhou and Qingzhou to His Royal Highness King Lu. He already has the power of life and death over the officials in these two places.

Even if these places were not handed over to the vassal kings before, the power of the vassal kings stationed in various places in the Ming Dynasty is also boundless!
The more cruel ones are like the King of Qin, the King of Jin, the King of Qi, the King of Tan, etc.

Many local officials were killed!

No matter the prefect or the county magistrate!

As long as they make them unhappy, they will be killed without any pressure.

There are not a few officials in various places who died tragically for this!
But the emperor did not take any action other than issuing decrees to these vassal kings.

Sometimes, even the warnings are waived!

To kill is to kill.

If you die, you will die in vain!
Of course, everyone slowly discovered that like son, like father.

Lao Zhu was even more ruthless in killing people in the court. The various ministers and ministers were like a revolving door, and it was normal for them to change every year!
Accompanying you like a tiger is no longer an exaggerated metaphor.

But the real reality!
Seeing how the old Zhu family treated officials all over the world.

What else do these people dare to say?
at this time.

Seeing everyone's silence, Zhu Tan chuckled and said, "In that case, I will give you two months to complete the clearing of all the land!

Including the number of acres of fields and land quality!
Hiding or transferring property is strictly prohibited!
If he can't finish it, I will cut off his head and replace him with someone else! "

Zhu Tan also saw through it.

Being nice and approachable has no effect at all on these cutthroat officials.

It's better to be like Lao Zhu and keep whipping them with a whip, but they will be more effective at doing things.

When all the officials heard this, they all felt bitter on their faces.

Two months is really too short, but since His Highness King Lu requested so, they did not dare to have any objections.

However, they all disagreed with Zhu Tan's last request!

In the third year of Hongwu and the fourteenth year of Hongwu, the imperial court carried out clearing of land across the country.

None of these officials know that no matter which time the court clears land, there will always be situations where local powerful people and large households hide their property!

You prohibit yours, they hide theirs.

When clearing land, there are always methods such as bribing the officials who clear the land, undercounting the number of acres when clearing land, or classifying the upper-class fields as lower-class fields.

For another example, those wealthy families will register their fields in the names of other people.

As a result, he controlled less land.

When tax time comes, the tax burden he can spread will also be reduced.

These methods of evading land tax are simple and crude, but very effective.

Since ancient times, every attempt has proven successful.

All along, the court had no good solution.

So when everyone heard Zhu Tan talk about banning these things, they all thought that he was just young and energetic and didn't understand these twists and turns. They would know when they hit a wall.

Seeing that no one said anything else, Zhu Tan smiled slightly and said: "This time, I have invited two people to take charge of the affairs of the Qingzhou and Yanzhou fields! Temporarily appoint them as the Qingzhang envoys and deputy envoys of the Tianzhang Division of Prince Lu's Mansion!
In terms of grade, it is above the prefect!
Everyone must obey their orders and see them as if they were seeing me! "

When everyone heard this, they were immediately curious!
They were not surprised that Zhu Tan wanted to send his confidants to manage Qingzhang's fields.

Who could these two people be?

Prince Palace Chief Shi Yinshao?

Are there other people in the palace?

Or.
A eunuch in the palace?

In short, only these people are closest to His Highness King Lu, and King Lu must be the most at ease.

however.

Two people suddenly walked out of the screen behind Zhu Tan, which made all the officials curious!

These were clearly two young men. Although they were wearing Confucian shirts, they looked strong and strong.

It gives people a strange feeling, as if two soldiers have become scholars!
Zhu Tan smiled and said: "You may not know each other yet. These two, headed by Xu Zengshou, the number one scholar in the Jin Dynasty! The fourth son of Wei Guogong! They are also the field clearing envoys appointed by this king!

The guy behind him is named Lan Bin! He is the second best in this subject! The second son of Marquis Yongchang! He is the deputy envoy of Tiandi Qingzhang."

Everyone was shocked when they heard these two names!
It turned out to be them!
Hengzhong Academy became famous in the imperial examination in the eighteenth year of Hongwu. Scholars all over the world were saddened by the examination, and countless pretentious imperial examination masters hated the examination room!

Xu Zengshou and Lan Bin are the two most dazzling among them.

Regardless of their identity and background, they all now belong to the scholar camp.

And they are two of the best scholars.

However, the officials felt a little uncomfortable looking at these two strong men.

Scholars have seen too much.

This is the first time for them to meet the scholar Lian Kuai Er!

No matter Xu Zengshou or Lan Bin, even if they wear loose Confucian robes, they still can't completely hide the looming muscle lines on their bodies!
God!
When did scholars become heroes with arms that could race a horse and kill a cow with one punch?

But this one won the first prize and became a literary star in the Ming Dynasty!
Zhu Tan smiled and said: "Zengshou, Lan Bin, say hello to everyone! We will be colleagues from now on, but we must cooperate with you and handle this mission well!"

Xu Zengshou nodded.

He cupped his fists and cupped his hands in front of everyone and said: "Everyone! I am Xu Zengshou! Thank you to His Highness King Lu for your favor! Brother, I am the envoy to clear the fields of Qingzhou and Yanzhou this time!

Since everyone is running errands for this matter, then everyone will be like grasshoppers in the same boat!
Brother, I act vigorously and resolutely, without hesitation! I also hope you will cooperate sincerely!

If anyone dares to play tricks, collude with local powerful people, violate court laws, and affect the fairness and accuracy of this land clearing, I will be the first to depose him! "

The words fell.

Xu Zengshou struck down with one palm.

Zhu Tan was not far away.

A small table cracked with a bang!

Xu Zengshou said sternly: "Whoever dares to let me discover the problem! I will let him have such a table without anyone else taking action!"

The words fell.

Behind Xu Zengshou.

Lan Bin, who was wearing a Confucian shirt, applauded and said: "Okay! Brother, that's right!"

Xu Zengshou held his hands in all directions with a proud face.

Zhu Tan looked at Xu Zengshou, his eyes a little straight.

I have never seen this kid so excited in Yingtian Mansion before!

Why did you split my table this time?
Is the table messing with you?
Zhu Tan couldn't help but said angrily: "Zengshou! You have to pay for this table! Just say what you say. Why are you splitting the table? If it doesn't work, go and split the tables of these magistrates! Why are you splitting my own?"

Xu Zengshou's face was full of resentment.

Before coming to Yanzhou, he also listened to a lot of stories, especially when he heard about Bao Zheng's punishment of corruption in the previous dynasty, he was even more excited!
This is what he did on the spot.

Who would have thought that His Highness King Lu would be so stingy?
He couldn't bear to part with a mere table, but he even scolded himself, which made him feel discouraged all of a sudden.

Zhu Tan said angrily: "This table is worth ten taels of silver! Deduct it from your salary!"

the other side.

Many civil servants present had expressions of disgust on their faces!
this.
Is this the new champion?

Is this Wenquxing coming to earth?
What a pity!

Throughout the past dynasties, which new champion would salute everyone with clasped fists and hands, and call themselves "brother" and "laozi" one by one.
I feel like the bandits are more polite than him.
Who said reading makes sense?
Xu Zengshou, at least he didn’t understand it!
However, I didn’t understand, how did he get the top prize?
And behind him.
This is the second best named Lan Bin
Pooh!
What is this called second place? If Xu Zengshou is the top boss in the village, then Lan Bin is the second boss!

When all the officials thought that from now on, they would have to work under such two brothers, they felt infinite sadness in their hearts.

Are you sure you're not working for the bandit leader?
Zhu Tan watched the two of them finish talking and felt a little embarrassed.

Originally, he felt that these officials would inevitably emphasize their status as scholars and despise the people they sent.

Therefore, he went to take Xu Zengshou and Lan Bin out of the Hanlin Academy and asked them to take charge of the affairs of Qingzhang Field.

We are all scholars, and the scholars I sent were the top or second-ranked scholars. You officials can’t help but accept it!

According to Zhu Yuanzhang's regulations.

If you are ranked number one or number two, you must be selected to become a Shujishi.

Normally, Shujishi would enter the Hanlin Academy and take up civil posts such as editors.

After keeping a low profile, observing politics and studying history, he was released to serve as an official.

Xu Zengshou and Lan Bin are naturally no exception.

Unfortunately, both of these men have been in the military for some time.

I simply can’t stand the atmosphere of those corrupt scholars in the Hanlin Academy!
They had only been in devil training at Hengzhong Academy for half a year, but they had not learned anything about reading to understand reason and studying to clarify aspirations.

They are clearly two examination machines for the Ming Dynasty imperial examination-oriented education!

Therefore, after entering the Hanlin Academy, not only did I have nothing in common with my colleagues.

On the contrary, I often can't stand these rotten scholars talking eloquently, and they often get into fights!
The most terrifying thing is that this time, Hengzhong Academy got into the top 40 of the Jinshi list!

The identities, backgrounds and habits of these people are similar to those of Xu Zengshou and Lan Bin!

Soon, these people formed a gang and became the largest evil force in the Imperial Academy!

There were fights and even gatherings of people to drink and barbecue in the Hanlin Academy.
Turn a good scholarly place into a gathering place for heroes and military generals!
Xu Zengshou and Lan Bin are the leaders of this small gang!
Their status is of low status, their background is deep and they are untouchable. People in the Imperial Academy both hate and fear them!
Song Ne, a Hanlin scholar, wanted to resign and go home several times!
After all, he was a good and innocent scholar. Seeing that the Hanlin Academy he had worked so hard to manage had turned into a bandit stronghold, he was also worried about his future.

At this time, I heard that Zhu Tan wanted to take advantage of these two disasters to go to Yanzhou.

Song Ne agreed without saying a word!

Yanzhou.

Surabaya County.

Sishui County Government.

at this time.

Everyone, including the county magistrate, is accepting the instructions of Xu Zengshou, the land abbot of Prince Lu’s Mansion!
Xu Zengshou said calmly: "I am here to announce a few rules for clearing land! You must follow my requirements! Otherwise"

As Xu Zengshou said this, he couldn't help but roll up his arms under the sleeves of his official robe.

Revealing the knotted muscles.

Smiling evilly.

"If you don't obey me, I know how to use fists and kicks!"

(End of this chapter)