I, the Ming Dynasty, can still save me

Chapter 66 Increased Commercial Tax
After the three cabinet members were settled, Zhu Youxiao breathed a sigh of relief. When Shen Guan went back and told Sun Ruyou the news, he thought Sun Ruyou would definitely agree, or at least no longer object.

Although politics is a struggle between different interest groups, it is bound to be mixed with compromises.

Seeing that the matter was half successful, Zhu Youxiao did not summon anyone else. After taking a short rest in Nuange of Qianqing Palace, he rode a dragon to drive to Wenhua Palace.

The ministers in the palace have been waiting for a long time, and the imperial edict review began in the afternoon.It's just that the atmosphere in the palace is no longer as tense as it was in the morning.

"Bi Ziyan, haven't you finished what you said this morning? There are two remaining measures: strict exams and more punishments. What's the explanation?"

Bi Ziyan thought about the emperor's sudden suspension of the imperial edict in the morning and summoned the cabinet ministers for discussion during lunch, thinking that he was not very satisfied with his remarks. However, he had already made preparations for this. When he heard the questions, he went out and continued to answer. :

"Your Majesty, the so-called strict examination means that many tax arrears are caused by officials at all levels who feel that arrears have become the norm. They dare not collect taxes when large households owe taxes, dare not take action, and do nothing.

Therefore, I request you to take a strict examination. Based on the original examination method, if you cannot meet the tax amount, according to the amount of tax owed, your salary will be reduced in light cases, and in severe cases, your salary will be reduced by one level, or even two levels, or three levels. The most serious case is the reduction of status, although promotion, dismissal, and Dingyou will all be discussed. "

When everyone heard this, they felt that Bi Ziyan was really cruel. If he did this, many people would hate him to death.But before Bi Ziyan finished speaking, he continued to add:
"After passing the rigorous examination, measures will be taken against large arrears. These traitors among the people, some of whom are even officials of the imperial court, with millions of assets, are unwilling to give a cent to the court. It is really hateful. I suggest that measures should be taken against large arrears." Severe punishment.

Those with assets of more than 1000 taels who wantonly default on tax arrears will be fined [-]% for one month, [-]% for three months, and so on.The same is true for those who have been officials in the court. If they are in arrears for a long time, they will be demoted and reduced in rank. "

Everyone in the hall was so surprised by his words that they were speechless, and there was silence for an instant.

A fine is nothing, but if you want to reduce the rank and rank of an official, it will definitely arouse public outrage!Only then did Shen Guan wonder whether he should have rashly agreed to the emperor's offer in the Qianqing Palace just now.

Zhu Youxiao looked at the silent crowd.

"What's wrong? Why aren't you talking? Liu Yishen, please tell me first whether Bi Ziyan's four strategies are feasible."

For the first time, Liu Yishen felt that he was in such a miserable position as the first assistant, so he could only speak with his scalp on his face.

"Your Majesty, Lord Bi said that he is devoted to the public service and loyal to his duties. I agree with you, but you should not be too hasty at this time. Therefore, I suggest that the taxation power of the Nanjing Ministry of Household Affairs be returned to the capital. Furthermore, those who have served as officials in the court owe taxes. , I believe that the amount of fines and taxes is enough, and it is better not to demote or reduce the rank."

Seeing what Liu Yishen said, Han Xu and Zhou Jiamo seconded their opinions one after another.Zhu Youxiao looked at Shen Guan again. Seeing the emperor's gesture, Shen Guan could only bite the bullet and express his approval. Sun Ruyou was also informed of Zhu Youxiao's promise by Shen Guan during lunch. For his own admission, although No matter how much I disagree, I won’t come out to oppose it now.

Seeing that all the ministers in the cabinet agreed, Li Ruhua, the Minister of Household Affairs, and others also came out to express their approval.

Seeing this scene, Zhu Youxiao said with satisfaction:

"Okay, then as you all have requested, I agree to submit a self-respecting report. However, Liu Aiqing said that those who served as officials in the court owed taxes and were demoted and reduced in rank. I believe that officials are exempted from chores and understand the difficulties of the court. We should be more considerate of the court. If we eat the royal food but smash the court bowl, why should I show sympathy to them?"

When Liu Yishen and others saw what the emperor said, they wanted to persuade him again, but Zhu Youxiao interrupted them directly.

"Let's not discuss this matter again. It's settled. As for who to choose as the governor of Southern Zhili, I have a plan in mind and will be strict with myself."

"I am here"

"You said the strategy just now. I want to leave this matter to you. Can you handle it well?"

Bi Ziyan was flattered and pleasantly surprised by Zhu Youxiao's firm attitude. These measures were indeed what he said from the bottom of his heart, but he did not expect that the emperor would trust him so much and let him do it.

However, since the emperor's salary is enough, he should do his best. Since the emperor trusts him so much, he must do his best. "Your Majesty, as long as your Majesty supports me, I will have the confidence to resolve this matter for the imperial court."

"Good good!"

Bi Ziyan's firm attitude made Zhu Youxiao deeply gratified. He needed someone with such a sense of responsibility. Zhu Youxiao was not worried about his financial ability, but he was afraid that someone would hinder him when the time came.

"I will give you Shang Fang's sword and allow you to use it easily."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

There was a beautiful scene in the palace where the king and his ministers were enjoying themselves, but others were not optimistic about Bi Ziyan's action.It's just that the emperor is young and energetic, so if he insists on doing it, let him play for fun. By the time Bi Ziyan meets a bloody end in Jiangnan, His Majesty will know the difficulties involved and will not make such a reckless decision.

Zhu Youxiao didn't know what they were thinking, but this matter had to be done and it had to be successful. If Bi Ziyan was responsible and talented, he would give his full support.

Therefore, the matter was decided in an atmosphere of ulterior motives, willingness or unwillingness, but the real struggle will begin soon.

After Bi Ziyan's troubles, the following imperial edicts were a little boring, but they also produced a lot of results, but they generally followed the correct content of the pre-examination book.

One is that Liu Yishui and Han Xu proposed that since official taxes cannot be increased, they can only increase business taxes.

In fact, many people in the Donglin Party support the collection of commercial taxes, such as Ye Xianggao, Liu Yishui and others, but they are very resistant to the collection of land taxes.

There are many categories of commercial tax, including banknotes, salt taxes, miscellaneous items, etc.

He suggested that the tax amount should be discussed first. The previous original amount was 34 taels (including Chongwenmen), and now the amount has been increased to 20 taels (including Chongwenmen, and two new warehouses, Huai'an warehouse and Xuzhou warehouse). At this time, the total amount is 54 taels. two.

At the same time, he also said that many businessmen would evade taxes under the banner of the government and the palace, so please order Yongxian Chaomen and the supervisors to conduct spot checks. If it is found that this is true, the tax evaders and the protectors will be punished together.

The salt tax is now 106 million taels, and an additional 34 taels will be sent to the Huaiyun Department and the Huaiyun Department, and an additional 28 taels will be sent to other departments. The actual tax collection is 168 million taels.
As for other miscellaneous items (including various fish taxes, bridge taxes, Shacheng taxes, bridge taxes, etc.), it is now 45 taels. Now an additional 20 taels are allocated, and the actual collection is 65 taels.

After a rough calculation, the tax amount can be increased by 102 million.

"Sigh, I really can't bear to impose more taxes on the people. However, the situation is like this. I have no choice but to do it according to the imperial edict.

In addition, I am afraid that officials in various places will increase taxes in the name of the imperial court, levy taxes multiple times, and line their own pockets.

Therefore, the amount of each tax and the specific amount of the increase must be widely publicized. I will also ask the Secretary of General Affairs to issue more reports to let the people know about it. If anyone knowingly commits the crime, he can file a complaint. If it is true, he will be severely punished. "

Although I know that the instructions will not have much effect, but if it can have a little effect, let's start.

Seeing what the emperor said, the courtiers agreed.

Then Huang Kezuan, the Minister of Punishment, came out. He was from Fujian, and he knew the benefit of opening up sea and customs, so he wanted to advise the emperor on the matter of setting up customs.

　Ask for a monthly pass!Ask for collection!Please follow up!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)