The Rise of Ming Dynasty 1646

Chapter 695

Changchun Palace, Xinuang Pavilion.

Seeing that Zhu Linmi hadn't eaten a bite while holding the chopsticks, Mu Zhiqing couldn't help asking softly, "Your Majesty, what's bothering you?"

"Hey," Zhu Linmi sighed, "The Northern Expedition cost a lot, and the treasury couldn't afford it, even with the income from the ocean-going caravan, but it was barely enough.

"Afterwards, millions of people in the north of the Huaihe River and in the south of Shaanxi were waiting for money and food to save their lives, but the imperial court was already stretched thin..."

At this time, he deeply felt that it is difficult to be in charge of a family, and it is even more difficult to be the biggest "family" in the world in Daming.

At noon, Mu Zhiqing had heard about Jianlu burning Yangzhou and southern Shaanxi to drive out the people, she frowned slightly at that moment, nodded and said: "The millions of disaster victims must be relieved, otherwise civil unrest is most likely to occur under hunger and cold " She looked at Zhu Linmi again, "What countermeasures does Your Majesty have?"

Zhu Linming put down the wooden chopsticks, looked out the window and said, "Yang Tinglin wants me to levy an additional 'Jihuai' tax."

He sighed again, "It's just that, how can those miserable people below have any money to provide to the court? If taxes are imposed, maybe the country's problems will not be solved, but many people will not be able to survive and will be forced to sell their children. girl..."

Mu Zhiqing looked at his worried expression, bit her lips, and said softly: "Your Majesty, my concubine will write a letter to Dad tonight. The Mu family doesn't have many, so I can still get 20 taels."

Zhu Linmi patted her head affectionately, "How can I take the savings of dozens of generations of the Mu family?"

"Your Majesty..."

He put his finger on her lips, "Even if my father-in-law can help me for a while, he can't help me forever.

"Not only must the immediate problems be solved, but if the country is to be stable, the old disease of Daming must be completely eradicated!"

Mu Zhiqing asked doubtfully, "What does Your Majesty mean?"

"Let the rich pay more taxes than the poor, so that Ming's treasury can be filled!"

Mu Zhiqing was slightly surprised when she heard the words, "Your Majesty, most of the rich people in this world are officials and gentry, even if they have no family background, they will attach their wealth to these people.

"They haven't paid taxes for a long time. If you suddenly want to share their profits, I'm afraid...the whole court will be against you."

Zhu Linmei nodded, "Of course I know that. Originally, I planned to wait until the end of the Northern Expedition, free up troops to control the various places, and then gradually plan it. But right now, I can't wait until then.

"Even if I am against all officials, I can only try!"

"When does His Majesty plan to carry out this move?"

"Tomorrow's court meeting, I will publicly announce that from now on, the level of official position, whether there is fame or not, will be taxed at the same rate. Only those who have made meritorious service to the country can get a small reduction, and it cannot be passed on to future generations. No exceptions will be made for others. !"

Mu Zhiqing worried: "What if the courtiers unanimously oppose it?"

"It can't be said that we can only suppress it with soldiers, and send Jin Yiwei to count personal property, and then forcefully confiscate it into the treasury." He also frowned as he said, "It's just that there will be a storm in the court."

Mu Zhiqing said: "Your Majesty, if you want to use troops on the Huaihe River, how can you separate the troops to intimidate the courtiers? If the pressure is tight, there will be people who jump over the wall in a hurry, or it will lead to chaos.

"Just take a step back and say that there is really no trouble, but it will definitely shake the court, damage your prestige, and benefit Jianlu."

"How can I not know this. But this is the only way to receive tax money at this time." Zhu Linmi said helplessly, "Besides, we can't let these people lose money to the court forever, someone has to take action to end this situation That's right. While I still have some prestige, I should cut the mess quickly. If I leave it to future generations, I'm afraid it will be even more difficult to solve."

Seeing that he was so persistent, Mu Zhiqing couldn't help but put her hand on Yuzhan and fell silent.

After a long time, Zhu Linmei asked suspiciously: "Why, don't you agree with me re-collecting the gentry tax money?"

Mu Zhiqing suddenly raised her head and smiled slightly, "Your Majesty is for the country and the people, and my concubines will naturally support it! But, this method should not be too drastic."

"Oh?" Zhu Linming heard that there was something in her words, and hurriedly joined in, "Does Zhiqing have any tricks?"

"It can't be called a clever plan." Mu Zhiqing blinked slyly, "Use profit to lure each other, divide and conquer."

Zhu Linming thought about these eight words, "Tell me in detail."

Mu Zhiqing didn't keep it up anymore, and continued: "The gentry objected to paying taxes because they had benefited from it for a long time, and if they were suddenly asked to give it up, they would naturally not want it. But if your majesty can promise a greater benefit, in exchange for They pay taxes, and they certainly don't object."

Zhu Linmei pondered and said, "Xu Li? The only thing that can tempt these people is a high position and a lot of power.

"That's right." Mu Zhiqing nodded and said, "Students have had a hard time of ten years, and they only want to become officials in one dynasty. Your Majesty will link the payment of taxes with their official careers, so why worry about them not following?"

She added: "However, it is difficult for those who are already in high positions. Besides, the official position is limited, and it cannot satisfy everyone."

Zhu Linmi only took a sip from her teacup, waiting for her next words.

"So, the concubines thought that they should be divided and ruled.

"Your Majesty can first choose those who are not so resistant to paying taxes, and then hold them high. They will 'deal' with those who are stubborn. It will not take long, and there is no need for Your Majesty to do it yourself. The wind of paying taxes It will blow all over the court."

Zhu Linmi's eyes suddenly lit up when she heard the words, "Yes! Instead of forcing them to pay, it's better to let them pay taxes themselves!"

He suddenly raised Mu Zhiqing's pretty face, kissed her fiercely, and praised: "As expected of my virtuous wife! I want to give you a good credit!"

Mu Zhiqing blushed immediately, and turned her head to see the eunuchs and court ladies all turned around—they have practiced these days, and turned around and turned their heads when there was a slight "unusual movement"—then she felt a little relieved, but she remembered something , Puzzled: "Your Majesty, just now you said to let them pay taxes voluntarily? This method is not what my concubine told you."

"It was also inspired by you." Zhu Linmi was generous, "The credit is also on your head. Come on, let's continue eating, we can't waste your craftsmanship!"

(End of this chapter)