Rule over Ming Dynasty

Chapter 310 Sharpening the Knife to the Pig and Sheep

This……

The officials present couldn't help but look at each other. It wasn't that they didn't want to contribute to the empire, but that this was an almost impossible problem to solve.

Ridiculous, I’m not going to give up yet!
When the Secretary of the Ministry of Punishment saw that Zhu Youtang still wanted to increase fiscal revenue, he suddenly laughed in his heart.

"Your Majesty, do you still remember what I told your Majesty about light taxes when we were in the mansion?" Zhou Jing, the right minister of the Ministry of Rites, glanced at the people around him with disdain, and looked at the attic while everyone seemed drunk. Zhu Youtang said.

Zhou Jing was a Jinshi in the fourth year of Tianshun. He entered the Hanlin Academy as a Shujishi at a young age, and held various positions such as Hanlin Minister and Zhongyun. He even entered the East Palace to serve as a Japanese lecturer, that is, the nominal emperor's teacher.

Because Liu Jian made political mistakes this year and was dismissed from office by the imperial court, Qiu Jun, the right minister of the Ministry of Rites, took over Liu Jian's position, and Zhou Jing became the right minister of the Ministry of Rites.

After all, it is impossible for every Qingliu to naturally want to rebel against the emperor. Faced with this opportunity to express himself, Zhou Jing also wanted to show off his knowledge.

Huh?
Li Yu, the Minister of Personnel, and other officials felt that Zhou Jing was full of confidence at this time, and couldn't help but look at each other, and then turned to look at Zhang Jing with confusion.

Zhu Youtang actually had no impression, and asked calmly: "Master Zhang, isn't the thirty-one tax set by Taizu not a light tax?"

"Your Majesty, the saint advocated thin taxation and limited taxation, and used the tithe as the standard for thin taxation! Taizu was born in a poor family, so when he was in power, he thought about the hardships of the people's livelihood, so he set a tax of thirty to one. However, the country has been in the dynasty to this day , the people have been resting and recuperating for more than a hundred years. Now Huang Zhi is eager to control the water, and the state should be built to build the Northeast Granary. The cost of all things is related to the prosperity of the country, so I thought that if I could levy one or two more from the people, the national treasury would be filled!" Zhou Zhou Quoting the standards of Confucius, he suggested in a formal manner.

This is a tax increase!
Li Yu, the Minister of Civil Affairs, and other officials listened for a long time and finally came to their senses.

Zhou Jing has been going around here for a long time. The so-called solution to the Ming Dynasty's finances is actually to increase taxes. This is to imitate the blood draining of the people at the bottom.

As soon as he finished speaking, Jia Jun, Minister of the Ministry of Industry, was the first to stand up and object to the great powers: "The thirty taxes are an ancestral system. Now the people are far from rich. Even if the court needs money again, it cannot collect it from the people! Once taxes are increased, it will definitely lead to the Ming Dynasty." The place is in turmoil, so this strategy is absolutely unacceptable!”

"It is also an ancestral policy not to put a piece of ship into the sea, but facts have proved that since the opening of commercial shipping, the current country has benefited a lot. It is a good policy to adapt to the current conditions, and in order to better develop the current country, why not add one or two levies? "Zhou Jing, the right minister of the Ministry of Rites, has good eloquence skills and immediately argued for the truth.

This……

Officials such as Li Yu, the Minister of Civil Affairs, originally wanted to join the war group, but after hearing Zhou Jing's arguments, they had to seriously think about the pros and cons.

Unlike previous dynasties, which simply pursued financial solutions, this time the court aimed to regulate the Yellow River and develop the northeastern granary of Jianzhou. If more taxes or dispatches were imposed on the people, the current financial problems could indeed be solved.

"I will never mention raising taxes again. As long as I am in office, I will never raise taxes!" Zhu Youtang straightened his face and openly stated his attitude.

In fact, he knew that additional taxes and subsidies could indeed solve the current financial problem. Even if each citizen was levied half a tael of silver, that would still be a terrifying figure.

Why do many historians always believe that "the Ming Dynasty fell in Jiajing"? It was Jiajing who continued to recruit and send more troops to the lower class people in order to build the Chengtian Palace and other buildings, thus slowly losing the foundation of the group.

For those in power, half a tael of silver is insignificant, but this half a tael of silver may be life-saving money for many people, or it may directly cost the lives of some people.

In this era, the people at the bottom live a very humble life. A dose of medicine can save a person, or a few pennies can keep a person alive.

Although it seems that the reason for this expropriation is very good, after all, it is for the development of the country!

If Jianzhou is built into the granary of Northeast China, it will not only solve the food problem of the capital and the frontier army, but also eliminate the water transportation that consumes millions of taels every year.

However, this still cannot be a reason to add additional troops.

Zhu Youtang's original intention was to lead China to become prosperous and powerful, rather than to persecute the people at the bottom in order to become prosperous and powerful. This approach is undoubtedly putting the cart before the horse.

That's it. No matter how high-sounding Zhou Jing's words are, his original intention has not wavered at all.

"Your Majesty, your Majesty!" The Minister of Civil Affairs and other officials heard Zhu Youtang's decisive statement of position, and they respectfully raised their hands and shouted loudly.

This was not the first time they heard Zhu Youtang express his position like this, but now they still felt a little touched when they heard it again. The current emperor indeed cared for the people in accordance with his words and deeds.

With such an emperor, why would the Ming Dynasty be unhappy?
How could this be?
Zhou Jing, the right minister of the Ministry of Rites, frowned slightly, and suddenly found that he, a student who suddenly became shrewd, seemed pedantic again, and did not even intend to adopt his own method of solving financial problems.

It is clear that increasing taxes by [-]% or [-]% will solve the problem, but the result is like a woman's kindness.

Zhu Youtang knew that he could not allow these ministers to express themselves freely, so he expressed his position seriously: "You are all important ministers of the country and the wisest scholars in the Ming Dynasty. Nowadays, the finances of the country are stretched thin, and you really only know how to reach out to the people at the bottom." Yet?"

This was said very rudely, and it simply slapped a label of inaction on all the important ministers present.

"I know you are guilty!" Jia Jun, the Minister of Industry, and other officials faced this accusation and bowed their heads with a dignified attitude.

If I didn't understand the emperor's intention just now, but now the emperor's attitude is very clear, that is, he will never increase taxes on ordinary people.

In fact, whether they were scholars or important ministers of the Ming Dynasty, they had a growing sense of belonging to this country, and in their hearts they were opposed to imposing additional taxes and stipends on the people.

But... they really don't have any good solutions. The grain tax and salt tax, which account for the highest proportion of the fiscal budget, have already done their best.

"Your Majesty, I have something to report!" Dong Shan, the right servant of the Ministry of Personnel, took a deep breath and stood up.

Zhu Youtang didn't have much hope for this usually taciturn right servant of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, so he picked up the tea cup that had just been delivered and said: "Play!"

"In today's country, there are still ordinary people who don't have enough clothes to hide themselves. However, the rich people wear silk and satin, travel in four sedans, and ride on high horses and carts when traveling far away. Therefore, it is not uncommon for locals to overstep their boundaries! They live in wealthy mansions. One meal costs thousands of gold, so I thought I could levy a luxury tax on such extravagant people!" Dong Shan, the right minister of the Ministry of official affairs, knew that he, a minister who had come up from the official position, was about to show off, and immediately boldly pointed the finger at the imperial court rich people said.

Luxury tax?
The eyes of Jia Jun, Minister of the Ministry of Industry, and others were slightly bright, as if they had been opened to new ideas.

Zhu Youtang found that his ministers really had many talents. At least now the right minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs dared to think about it, so he took a sip of hot tea: "Dong Qing, how should we collect the luxury tax?"

"Reporting to your majesty, there is nothing more important in a person's life than food, clothing, housing and transportation. Clothes are made of silk and satin, which are taxed [-]%; food is taxed [-]% for banquets in big restaurants in each city; and houses that cost a thousand taels are taxed. Thirteen; travelers, carriages and sedans, march to the fourteenth." Dong Shan, the right servant of the Ministry of Personnel, felt the mission he shouldered, and spoke out his plan without any scruples.

In fact, it has something to do with his own experience. Since he was born in a wealthy family, although he saw many naked people in the fields, he also saw the extravagance of local officials and gentry early on.

After observing the emperor over this period of time, he knew that the emperor did not pay much attention to the behavior of local wealthy households who exceeded the regulations, and he always cared about the common people.Now if the country legalizes the crossing of sedan chairs and carriages, although it will impose a [-]% tax on these wealthy households, they may still happily accept it.

Food and shelter?

After hearing what Dong Shan said about the extravagant tax, officials such as Li Yu, the Minister of Civil Affairs, also showed solemn expressions on their faces.

In fact, the first thing they think of is themselves.The capital is a place where every inch of land is at a premium. Even a house in the north of the city costs a thousand taels, let alone one in the south.

Once things get serious, they may also need to pay taxes to the court.

However, everyone present quickly gave up this narrow idea, but seriously considered the feasibility of the luxury tax.

Zhu Youtang gently put down the tea cup in his hand, but stood up directly from the chair, came to the guardrail and glanced condescendingly at the important ministers present.

When Wan An and other officials realized the emperor's appearance, they immediately lowered their heads silently and appeared to be sitting upright.The current emperor has already become the object of their complete surrender.

Dong Shan was promoted from the position of doctor in the Literary and Selection Department. Since this position is of low status and weight, it takes longer to complete the qualifications, so he is already a middle-aged man in his 40s.

Perhaps he was used to seeing too many ups and downs in officialdom, so Dong Shan seemed more like seeking advantages and avoiding disadvantages.

Zhu Youtang looked at the middle-aged man who had always had a weak sense of presence, and asked seriously: "Dong Qing, the luxury tax is so detailed, couldn't it be something you just thought of?"

Huh?
Officials such as Jia Jun, Minister of Industry, also reacted and turned to look at Dong Shan.

"I dare not deceive Your Majesty. This strategy has indeed been thought of long ago!" Dong Shan, the right servant of the Ministry of Personnel, straightened his face and answered very honestly.

Zhu Youtang's face was solemn, but he looked deeply at Dong Shan: "Why don't you start playing until now?"

This……

Jia Jun, Minister of Industry, and other officials suddenly felt a chill down their spines, and turned to look at Dong Shan sympathetically.

"Your Majesty, please forgive me! This policy is to tax the rich. I am afraid of retaliation, so I dare not report it immediately!" The right minister of the Ministry of Personnel panicked and explained frankly.

Zhu Youtang knew that this should be what Dong Shan was thinking, so he asked seriously: "Why are you bringing it up now?"

"Your Majesty is wise and loves the people, and the country is prosperous. I dare not evade it by personal misfortunes!" Dong Shan, the right minister of the Ministry of Personnel, raised his head bravely and looked very honest.

Zhu Youtang seemed to see the transformation of a dishonest minister into a good minister, and he also sighed: "A man who lives and dies for the benefit of the court, how can he avoid it for the sake of misfortune and fortune!"

"Ah?...I didn't say that, but...it's really insightful!" Dong Shan, the right servant of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, had a very complicated psychological activity.

Zhu Youtang did not intend to pursue Dong Shan's crime of delaying the report, so he began to ask probingly: "Residents, how will the house of Qianliang be expropriated?"

"The transaction price of the house shall prevail. Any house that exceeds a thousand taels when purchased, or is sold for a thousand taels in the future, will be subject to a [-]% tax! Just to make the wealthy households cooperate in paying taxes, I have a cruel request. !" The right servant of the Ministry of Personnel immediately replied seriously.

Zhu Youtang discovered that the property tax could indeed increase fiscal revenue, so he asked calmly: "What's the matter?"

"I think a special clause needs to be added! If it is not for treason and confiscation of the house, this house will not be included in the search!" Dong Shan, the right servant of the Ministry of Personnel, raised his head slightly and said with a serious face.

what?
The eyes of the officials such as Jia Jun, Minister of Industry and Industry, lit up slightly, and then they looked at Dong Shan with shock on their faces.

Not to mention those wealthy people with millions of dollars, even they themselves are already attracted by it.After all, you only need to cooperate with taxes, so your house is insured, but your children and grandchildren can live in the mansion for generations to come.

Zhu Youtang realized that the wisdom of the ancients should not be underestimated, but he was not in a hurry to express his position and asked: "My dear friends, do you have any objections?"

"I have no objection!" Li Yu, the Minister of Civil Affairs, and other officials knew that the luxury tax was indeed a good solution to the current financial situation, so they said respectfully.

If the Chongwen tariff just now was a glass of water, the current luxury tax is like opening a Pandora's box, but digging a new well.

Whether it is the collection of existing real estate or ongoing real estate transactions, this can bring a steady stream of luxury tax revenue to the country.

In particular, the controversy over the construction of the outer city of Beijing last year triggered a wave of price cuts in the capital, but then the plan for the outer city of Beijing was shelved. Especially now that the Ming Dynasty's stretched finances can no longer support the imperial court in building the outer city of Beijing, houses in the capital have experienced another wave of rising prices this year. .

This is true in any era. Once there is an expectation of rising prices, trading will naturally be very active and many speculative funds will participate.

In the past, the housing prices in the capital were naturally a game for the powerful circles in the capital, but now the emperor has extended his hand here and seems to be taking a share of the pie openly.

When Zhu Youtang saw that the luxury tax was successfully passed, he made the final decision: "In that case, the matter is settled! The Ministry of Revenue listened carefully to Dong Shilang's opinions, issued corresponding details, and submitted them to the cabinet for review!"

"I obey the order!" Li Si, the Minister of Household Affairs, and other officials immediately said respectfully.

Dong Shan also felt excited in his heart. Although he was destined to become the object of hatred by the rich, the plan he proposed was passed, and he was doing a good thing that benefited the country and the people and was famous in history.

Since the method to be thought of was almost already thought out, no too valuable proposals emerged in the following meeting.

Zhu Youtang inherited a rich family fortune from Emperor Chenghua, and also made a lot of money. Last year, he had a budget of 300 million taels that he squandered. As a result, he was stretched everywhere this year.

However, he believes that the road is tortuous but the future is bright.

As long as we survive this difficult time this year, our finances will definitely be very comfortable next year. We may have a budget of tens of millions at that time, and the railway can be put on the schedule by then.

After the financial budget meeting of the Supreme Council ended, the capital began to have a holiday, so everyone put aside all government affairs and prepared to welcome the New Year.

(End of this chapter)