The wind rises at the end of the Ming Dynasty

After he finished speaking, the entire hall fell silent, and all the officials bowed their heads.

The vast Fengtian Hall fell silent once again.

Chen Wang watched the scene unfold before him with cold indifference, his heart unmoved. This was exactly what he had expected.

He knew very well that these courtiers would never dare to disobey absolute power in the slightest.

When Nanjing fell, those truly upright and principled civil and military officials had already followed Lu Xiang-sheng and died under the walls of Nanjing.

The weak and frail ministers went to their deaths with their entire families, while those who still had strength drew their swords and fought bravely.

They held their ground in the outer city, relying on the streets and alleys, and led their servants and able-bodied men in a desperate resistance, sacrificing their lives for the city.

They then retreated all the way to the imperial city, fighting to the death in the corridors and palaces until their last breath.

By the time the People's Army had completely occupied Nanjing, these loyal ministers had already perished along with the capital.

If these people were still alive, the court would not be so quiet today.

Perhaps some of them have moral failings, or even some are corrupt and lawless.

However, there were still a group of upright officials who were honest and incorruptible and refused to offer bribes or engage in deceitful schemes. They adhered to the old system of the court and their tax exemption privileges were extremely limited.

These people will definitely stand up and refute him.

However, what he refuted was not his proposal to confiscate all the land in the country or to rewrite the taxes for the gentry.
Instead, they should condemn him for plotting to usurp the throne, denounce him for being disloyal and unfilial, and question his overstepping of authority in controlling the court.

only……

Those upright officials.

It was buried by history along with Nanjing, which had been breached by the Wanmin Army.

Most of the officials still standing in the Nanjing court today were people who fled in panic when the city of Nanjing fell.

What kind of integrity can such a person possess?
How much courage and spirit would such a person have left?
That is, Shi Kefa and a few others who were not in Nanjing before still had some courage.

However, these people had already been dealt with by him when he went to the capital for court, either losing their official positions and being imprisoned, or being dismissed from their posts and sent back to their hometowns.

They dared not rebuke them.

They dare not resist.

Just like when the Qing army marched south and entered the Central Plains, these civil and military officials also knelt down and submitted.

Facing the Qing army wielding their butcher knives.

Even if it meant shaving one's head and changing one's clothes.

Facing the arrogant and domineering Eight Banners soldiers.

Even if they suffer all kinds of bullying, even if they become slaves of a conquered nation
They can all accept it.

If that's the case, then what is there that they still can't accept?

During the reign of Emperor Yongzheng, it was announced that all gentry and officials would pay taxes.

Faced with that raised butcher's knife, how many storms did they stir up?
In an instant, they were suppressed.

Ming dynasty.

They are far too lenient with scholars.

They were treated so well that they forgot why the Ming Dynasty was treating them so generously.

Chen Wang gripped the goose-feather knife tightly in his hand, his knuckles turning white, his voice echoing throughout the palace.

"During the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, the country was divided and fragmented for nearly a century."

"The Song Dynasty was weak, and the ancient lands of Yan and Yun were lost for four hundred years."

"For thousands of years, war has raged, and the people have suffered greatly from displacement."

Chen Wang scanned the court officials in their robes, his heart filled with murderous intent, his killing intent undisguised.

"Emperor Taizu Gao established the country and treated scholars well, hoping that they could govern the world with the way of sages, establish a life for the people, make the country strong, and let the land of China be free from the suffering of war for a long time."

Chen Wang's tone suddenly turned stern.

"But what have you done?!"

Chen Wang strode forward, his imposing presence overwhelming the officials, and roared angrily.

However, these scholars and officials of today have long forgotten this original aspiration.

“You have taken the profound truths of governing the country and ensuring its stability out of context and misinterpreted them as tools for flaunting your own power and concealing your personal desires.”

The wise and virtuous writings left behind by sages were read by them as rigid, formulaic essays that stifled thought.

Chen Wang's voice was as cold as a knife, and his gaze swept over the assembled officials as if it were a physical object.

"Have you ever cared about the common people? Have you ever considered the safety of the nation?"

“From beginning to end, you only cared about the wealth and glory of your own family and clan, completely disregarding the suffering of the common people.”

Chen Wang suppressed his anger, his voice resolute.

"I ask you, what teachings of Confucius and Mencius, what Confucian classics, have ever instructive about such selfish and self-serving matters?"

The Book of Documents states, "The people are the foundation of the state," Confucius said, "Cultivate oneself to bring peace to the people," and Mencius went even further, saying, "The people are the most important, the state is next, and the ruler is the least important." Did they remember even a fraction of these teachings of the sages?

In his "Preface to Sending Ma Sheng of Dongyang Off," Song Lian recounts the hardships of his studies, urging scholars not to forget the bitterness of studying and to keep the world in their hearts.

Ultimately, they are merely using the name of Confucian classics to pursue their own selfish interests.

"Scholars should take the world as their responsibility, not use the world to serve themselves."

“You take the court’s leniency for granted and the people’s support for you for granted.”

Chen Wang spoke with a cold laugh, forcing all the civil and military officials to bow their heads in silence.

"How are you any different from woodworms that gnaw at the beams and pillars?"

"you……"

Chen Wang's voice was icy cold, like that of a demon lord from the deepest hell.

"Are we worthy of the expectations that our founding emperor placed on countless scholars across the land, and worthy of the thousands of years of civilization that have been passed down through the ages?"

Chen Wang had now reached the center of the main hall, directly below the steps, with his back to Longwu, who sat high on the throne.

After taking one last look at the assembled civil and military officials in the hall, Chen Wang turned around, his hand on his sword, and looked directly at Emperor Longwu, who sat at the head of the table. He lowered his hand from his sword, clasped his hands together, and said in a deep voice.

"His Majesty……"

Chen Wang's voice was steady and powerful.

"In my opinion, the reason why the world is so exhausted and the country is so dark is that the biggest reason is the financial difficulties."

"The financial difficulties are due to the corruption of the bureaucracy and the fact that the old laws are no longer applicable to the present world."

The Tao Te Ching says, "Governing a large country is like cooking a small fish."

Chen Wang paused for a moment, then bowed again and spoke in a solemn and dignified voice.

"However, the nation is now in grave danger, its illness too deep to be cured."

"If we want to revitalize the court and restore the country, we must thoroughly eliminate these deep-seated problems."

Chen Wang took a deep breath, turned his back to the silent officials in the hall, and stared intently at Emperor Longwu, who sat high on the dragon throne. His voice resounded throughout the Fengtian Hall.

"Your Majesty, I request that reforms be implemented!"

The hall was deathly silent. The carved beams and painted rafters were illuminated by the morning light, which clearly showed the pale faces of the civil and military officials.

Emperor Longwu sat high on the steps, his gaze calm, and spoke slowly, his voice deliberately steady.

"Since the Duke of Yan has submitted his request for reform, he must already have a strategy in mind." He had already received Chen Wang's memorial from deep within the palace and was clear about the new policies that Chen Wang was going to implement.

"Today, all the officials are present at the court assembly. You are permitted to present your reports one by one."

Emperor Longwu did not address Chen Wang by his given name, but instead referred to him as the Duke of Yan.

This was also the last honor Chen Wang received—the title of "Praise and Respect Without Name"!
"I will obey Your Majesty's decree."

Chen Wang bowed his head in response, took out the memorial, and the eunuch from the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs who was standing below the steps stepped forward, took the memorial with both hands, and bowed to present it to Emperor Longwu on the imperial desk.

"In this reform, I have drafted four new policies and humbly request Your Majesty's decision."

"The first point is: abolish all taxes, duties and corvée labor on all land, and make officials and gentry the same, serving and paying taxes."

The first new policy proposed by Chen Wang was to emphasize the law.

These words struck like a thunderclap.

The silence inside the hall could no longer be suppressed, and in an instant, it was filled with noise.

Although Chen Wang did not elaborate, just hearing this short sentence was enough to make the officials unable to contain themselves.

Chen Wang had anticipated this scenario; such a sudden change would inevitably be difficult for many to accept.

The salaries of Ming Dynasty officials were extremely low compared to those of any other dynasty in history.

Removing the tax-free privilege is undoubtedly like cutting off a piece of flesh, hitting the Achilles' heel, and resulting in a significant loss of revenue.

The removal of their exemption from corvée labor further diminished their status, forcing them to perform corvée labor just like ordinary people. The abolition of their exemption made them no different from commoners, and this disparity in status was particularly difficult to accept.

Chen Wang slightly turned his head, looked back at the noisy courtiers in the hall.

The court officials, who were originally in a state of uproar, melted away like ice and snow under the scorching sun after meeting Chen Wang's cold gaze.

After Chen Wang's gaze swept across the hall, the entire hall returned to calm once more.

Silence returned, and Chen Wang turned back to continue.

“Gentlemen in various places neither pay taxes nor are exempt from corvée labor, which has led to the prevalence of ‘deceptive donations’ and ‘offering gifts’ in various places. The rich own vast tracts of land but do not pay taxes, while the poor own no land but are required to perform corvée labor. As a result, the national treasury is depleted every day, people’s livelihood is becoming more and more difficult, and rebellions are breaking out everywhere.”

"The same applies to the regional princes. The court grants them estates, and all the taxes collected go to the prince's residence, with not a single penny going into the national treasury. The entire region's resources are devoted to supporting the princes, resulting in the imperial family becoming as wealthy as the nation, while the national treasury is completely empty."

"minister."

Chen Wang bowed slightly and said solemnly.

"All officials and those who own land, from princes down, shall pay taxes according to the acreage of land and perform corvée labor in the same way as commoners. Corvée labor is arduous. If one does not wish to perform corvée labor, one may pay silver in lieu of it."

As Chen Wang finished speaking, although the officials in the hall remained silent, all eyes turned to Ma Shiying, who had been standing at the head of the civil officials.

At this critical moment, Ma Shiying, as the Grand Secretary, knew that he could no longer remain uninvolved.

If he does not speak up now, the overwhelming public criticism from all over the country after the court assembly will engulf him.

He is not Chen Wang; he does not have as many armed and powerful troops under his command.

Thinking of this, Ma Shiying glanced at Chen Wang, who was standing at the very front, with a subtle look in his eyes.

Before this court assembly, Chen Wang also gave him some instructions.

Ma Shiying took a deep breath, lightly flicked his sleeves, steadily stepped out of the ranks, and bowed deeply.

"Your subject, Ma Shiying, Minister of Personnel and Grand Secretary of the Dongge Pavilion, reports this."

Ma Shiying's stepping forward stirred a subtle commotion in the silent hall.

Many civil officials saw their hopes rekindled and looked intently at the Grand Secretary.

"What the Duke of Yan said was well thought out and truly a move for the benefit of the country."

"I speak out not to obstruct the new policies, but because I am deeply worried."

Ma Shiying's voice echoed in the hall, each word carefully chosen.

"The salaries of officials in our Great Ming Dynasty have always been extremely low. Even for a seventh-rank county magistrate, the annual salary, including the base salary and the silver equivalent, is only about thirty taels. The annual salary of ministers in various ministries is only about three hundred taels."

At this point, Ma Shiying paused briefly, and seeing that Chen Wang did not interrupt, he felt a little relieved before continuing.

"Such meager salaries are barely enough to support staff and cover social obligations. If the tax exemption is also lost, I fear that honest officials will find it difficult to continue, while corrupt officials will be even more inclined to exploit. I fear that before the new policies are implemented, the bureaucracy will be corrupted."

"Given this difficult situation, I urge the Duke of Yan to reconsider and hope His Majesty will make a wise decision."

Ma Shiying first bowed to Chen Wang, and then turned to pay his respects to Emperor Longwu, who was seated high on the dragon throne.

Emperor Longwu nodded slightly, seemingly agreeing with Ma Shiying's words, and then slowly spoke.

"What the Grand Secretary says makes a lot of sense. What does the Duke of Yan think?"

When Emperor Longwu asked Chen Wang for his opinion, all the officials in the hall couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness.

However, what Chen Wang said next surprised everyone.

"Your subject agrees with what Grand Secretary Ma said."

Chen Wang now wants to implement new policies, while Ma Shiying opposes them, yet Chen Wang agrees with Ma Shiying's advice.

Everyone was filled with doubt, because wasn't this a contradiction?

Before the crowd could begin their wild guesses, Chen Wang took over the reins of the conversation and continued.

"Therefore, I have drafted the second clause of the new policy, entitled: Fire Loss to be Returned to the Public."

“In the past, provinces, prefectures and counties collected taxes and grain under the name of ‘fire loss’. Local officials often used this name to impose large amounts of taxes, and the collected ‘fire loss’ was far higher than the actual loss.”

"The corrupt collect a large portion of the taxes, which ends up in their own pockets, while the honest collect the taxes accurately and live a simple life."

"Your Majesty, I request that an imperial edict be issued throughout the land, stipulating that all taxes and grain collected should be subject to the appropriate fire loss rate based on the actual conditions of each region, and that all such losses should be turned over to the public."

"In addition to the funds collected from the fire tax, a separate item called 'integrity-maintaining allowance' was set up. The amount of the allowance was determined according to the official's rank, the complexity of the administrative affairs, the remoteness of the locality, and the amount of fire tax collected. The allowance was distributed to maintain integrity by providing generous salaries."

Chen Wang turned around, his gaze sweeping over Ma Shiying and then over the assembled ministers in the court, his tone calm.

"This will both eliminate corruption and ensure integrity, giving officials no worries about the future, thus allowing the new policies to be implemented smoothly."

"What do you think of this plan, Grand Secretary Ma?"

The practice of accepting bribes is a product of unspoken rules and cannot be brought to the forefront.

There are corrupt officials, but no honest ones. At this moment, Chen Wang publicly brought this up in the court.

Now Chen Wang has openly placed him in the imperial court.

To oppose this law is tantamount to admitting to corruption.

After Chen Wang returned the fire tax to the public treasury, he implemented the measure of distributing allowances to support honest officials.

If this decree is issued, it will be a heavy blow to local corrupt officials.

However, it was a great boon to honest and self-disciplined local officials and Beijing officials who had nothing to do with tax collection.

Especially for low-ranking officials in the capital, how could they have ever received even a single penny from this fire tax in the past?
Departments with real power can earn a decent income through illicit means, but some less influential government offices struggle to even make ends meet.

Therefore, the new policy of returning the fire tax to the public treasury was actually a beneficial measure for them.

but……

How much of that "anti-corruption allowance" is there?
Their tax and exemption privileges have been revoked...

The ministers in the hall were all making their own plans.

"According to estimates, a county magistrate can receive at least two to three hundred taels of silver for maintaining integrity each year, while a prefectural-level official can receive at least a thousand taels. If an official in the capital has fewer duties, although his or her silver will not be distributed in the same way as that of local officials, he or she will receive at least half of that amount."

When Chen Wang finished speaking, all the officials in the court were stunned. (End of Chapter)