Daming: I can’t kill such a greedy prince-in-law?

Chapter 512: Aren't you afraid that they will fight you to death if you do this? (Subscribe please!!)
"Your Majesty, Queen Mother-in-law, although there will be tax exemptions and tax refunds this year, this will not reduce our tax revenue, but will increase it!"

"Tax exemptions and tax refunds are only for ordinary people with low incomes. On the contrary, according to the new tax rate, the taxes paid by those with higher incomes will increase significantly. Overall, the tax revenue has actually increased."

Ouyang Lun spoke slowly.

After listening to Ouyang Lun's explanation, Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma's worried and confused expressions dissipated a lot.

"Ouyang, your idea is indeed good, but those with higher incomes are gentry, wealthy businessmen and even royal nobles. If they knew about the new tax law, I'm afraid trouble would arise. It's almost the end of the year, won't it be too late?" Queen Ma worried again.

Zhu Yuanzhang muttered, "Ouyang Lun, you are too bold. If you raise the taxes on these gentry, wealthy merchants, and royal relatives, it is equivalent to cutting flesh from their hands. Are you going to fight them to the death?"

"If you do this, aren't you afraid that they will kill you?"

At this point, Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Ouyang Lun with a hint of admiration in his eyes. In fact, Zhu Yuanzhang had long wanted to take action against the gentry, wealthy businessmen, and royal relatives and nobles, but the power of these people was so huge that even Zhu Yuanzhang did not dare to act rashly.

But Ouyang Lun started to do it without saying a word. Of course, although he admired him, Zhu Yuanzhang was not optimistic about Ouyang Lun this time.

Hearing this, Ouyang Lun smiled and said, "Your Majesty, since it is a reform, it will always offend many people. Now it is most important to improve the tax law of the Ming Dynasty and collect taxes in full."

"Besides, I have offended many people recently. It is like having too many debts to bear. A few more people who hate me are just like a few more lice on a cow."

Hearing Ouyang Lun's words, Zhu Yuanzhang looked sideways and said, "You have a good attitude, kid."

"It's not good to have a bad attitude! If I had a bad attitude, I would have been depressed to death!" Ouyang Lun smiled, "Your Majesty, don't worry too much. Tax reform will definitely offend a lot of people, but we will also unite many people, and even more people!"

"Can this way of playing really unite people?" Zhu Yuanzhang was stunned for a moment, somewhat unconvinced.

"Yes! Didn't I just say that this time, the tax reform is not only going to increase taxes, but also exempt and refund taxes. Those who are exempted from taxes and refunds will support us. If they want to protect their own interests, they have to unite around us." Ouyang Lun said with a smile.

"They are just poor people, how many of them can there be? Besides, how can they fight against those royal relatives, nobles, gentry, and wealthy businessmen? It is too unrealistic to expect them to help you." Zhu Yuanzhang shook his head in disappointment and still did not think highly of Ouyang Lun's tax reform this time.

"Your Majesty, you don't seem to know your own people very well!" Ouyang Lun said with a smile: "According to the statistics of the Ministry of Revenue, the population exempted from tax and tax refund this time has reached 60% of the people of the Ming Dynasty! What does this mean? It means that 60% of the people will stand on our side!"

"Sixty percent! So much!" Queen Ma was also surprised when she heard this ratio.

"Sixty percent? It is indeed the majority. How many people in my Ming Dynasty have an income below thirty-three taels?" Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Ouyang Lun with some doubt.

Ouyang Lun rolled his eyes and said, "Your Majesty, do you think that under your wise leadership, the Ming Dynasty has embarked on a road of prosperity for all people?"

"Isn't that so?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked in confusion.

"Of course not." Ouyang Lun shook his head. "The current situation is just better than before. The fact that the treasury has more money does not mean that the people have more money in their pockets! Although the lives of the people have indeed improved after these years of development, they are only able to avoid starvation. Not many people can earn more than thirty-three taels a year."

"Even if their income reaches thirty-three taels, it is only enough for one year. They can't save any money at all. Exempting these people from taxes can improve their lives!"

"They will also be more determined to support Ming Dynasty."

Hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slowly, as if he agreed with Ouyang Lun's words, but then he spoke again: "But there are still 40% of the population. If you want to increase taxes on them, they will definitely oppose it! Moreover, these people are royal relatives, nobles, gentry, and wealthy businessmen. Are you sure you can deal with them?"

"Don't be like Li Shanchang, who had high aspirations but poor skills, and ended up causing a big mess. Even I won't be able to protect you then. I advise you to think it over carefully, or there may be a more reliable solution."

Ouyang Lun just smiled indifferently at Zhu Yuanzhang's persuasion. He could understand Zhu Yuanzhang's concerns, which were nothing more than his worry that the Ming Dynasty would be in chaos, which would undoubtedly affect the progress of the Ming Dynasty's prosperity.

"Your Majesty, if I were not sure, I would not have made this suggestion."

"You are wrong about one thing. The remaining 40% of the population is not just made up of gentry, wealthy merchants, and royal relatives and nobles. There is already an additional class among the people of the Ming Dynasty!"

Ouyang Lun said calmly.

"An extra level?" Zhu Yuanzhang was stunned for a moment, then looked at Empress Ma, "Sister, do you know about this?"

"I don't know?" Queen Ma also shook her head in confusion.

"Your Majesty, it's normal that the Queen's mother-in-law doesn't know, because this class has only been formed in recent years." Ouyang Lun explained directly, "In recent years, infrastructure, workshops, and factories have been built all over the Ming Dynasty. Trading companies have recruited a large number of employees. These are all former farmers. They gave up their farmland and chose to work as workers in construction sites and factories and employees of trading companies, private enterprises, and state-owned enterprises. They receive fixed wages, which are higher than farmers, but lower than gentry and wealthy businessmen!"

"But there is no doubt that their total annual income is more than thirty-three taels!"

"These people account for 20% of the total number. I have given them a name as a whole - the middle class of the Ming Dynasty!"

"The middle class of the Ming Dynasty accounts for 20%?!" Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma were both stunned when they heard this new term.

"That's right, it's the middle class of the Ming Dynasty. Although they will not be exempted from tax in this tax reform, they still have to pay taxes, but after deducting the tax-free amount, the taxes they need to pay will be less than in the past!"

"If they pay less, they will definitely support the new tax reform plan! If we add the 60% of people who were exempted from tax and received tax refunds, then the proportion of people who can benefit from this tax reform will reach 80%!"

“The main resistance to tax reform comes from the remaining 20%!”

Ouyang Lun said with a smile.

Hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang said sourly: "Twenty percent is a lot, okay? Those gentry, wealthy businessmen, royal relatives, especially those in the local area, will definitely not watch you carry out tax reforms. Are you sure?"

Ouyang Lun nodded, "I originally wanted to discuss it with the Queen and her mother-in-law first, and then discuss it with Your Majesty. Now that Your Majesty is here, I will speak frankly. This tax reform plan is my way to solve the tax problems of the Ministry of Revenue. I am naturally confident that I can complete it. Of course, if Your Majesty disagrees, then I can only ask Your Majesty to find someone else!"

"You are forcing me!" Zhu Yuanzhang immediately stared at Ouyang Lun with his eyes wide open.

At this time, Empress Ma also spoke up, "Chongba, I think Ouyang's idea is a good one. You've always told me that many policies of the imperial court cannot be implemented because of the secret obstruction of local gentry, wealthy businessmen, and royal relatives and nobles. You've always wanted to deal with this, so it seems that you and Ouyang have the same idea!"

"Who has the same idea as this kid?" Zhu Yuanzhang denied it.

Empress Ma smiled and continued, "I think this tax reform is an opportunity. When Ouyang promotes tax reform, there will definitely be people who stand up to stop him. Chongba, you are behind the scenes and can see these people clearly. If Ouyang succeeds, everyone will be happy. Even if he fails, there will be no loss. More importantly, you have also figured out who is behind it!"

"Sister, you have a point!"

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded repeatedly, feeling very excited. He then looked at Ouyang Lun and frowned, saying, "Regarding the tax reform you proposed, I preliminarily agree. However, this is not because of how good your proposal is. It is entirely because of the Queen's face!"

"You have to work hard, otherwise we will never forgive you!" "Thank you, Your Majesty." Ouyang Lun nodded calmly.

"Ouyang, don't worry about the tax reform. His Majesty and I support you." Queen Ma encouraged.

"Thank you, Queen Mother-in-law!" Ouyang Lun showed a natural smile on his face when speaking to Queen Ma.

Next, Ouyang Lun chatted with Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma for a few more words before choosing to leave.

After Ouyang Lun left Kunning Palace, he immediately went to the Ministry of Revenue. He had already made a big promise to the emperor, empress and their couple that if this thing failed, Zhu Yuanzhang would definitely mock him mercilessly.

"The Prince Consort is back!"

When Ouyang Lun appeared in the Ministry of Revenue again, the ministry was much more lively than when Ouyang Lun had just left. Of course, there were many familiar faces among these newcomers.

"I've met the Prince Consort!"

"Good luck to the Prince Consort!"

"Yeah, okay!" Ouyang Lun nodded, looking amiable.

"This subordinate greets the Prince Consort!"

After hearing that Ouyang Lun had returned, Guo Zi immediately brought people to greet him.

"Well, quickly call all the management from the Ministry of Revenue and the Tax Investigation Department to come to me. I have important matters to arrange!"

Following Ouyang Lun's order, Guo Zi and temporary officials from the Ministry of Revenue rushed over immediately.

"Your Majesty, the middle and senior management of the Ministry of Revenue and the Tax Inspection Bureau are here. Please give us your instructions!" Guo Zi reported to Ouyang Lun, who was sitting at the top seat in the Ministry of Revenue.

"Ah."

Ouyang Lun slowly opened his eyes and scanned the hall with a sharp gaze.

The originally empty hall of the Ministry of Revenue was now filled with officials, including many familiar faces, such as Mao Youde and Liu Dongqiang.

"Your subordinates are here to see the Prince Consort!"

The officials all saluted towards Ouyang Lun, and more than ten officials shouted together, making a loud noise.

"Ok!"

Ouyang Lun nodded slowly, "You are all the backbone of the Ministry of Revenue and the Taxation Inspection Department, and you are all brothers who fight together!"

"Li Shanchang took the Ministry of Revenue from us in the past, but now he has returned it obediently. However, this old man has bad intentions. If we can't solve the problem of the Ministry of Revenue, this old man will definitely take the opportunity to cause trouble. Can we let this old man succeed?!"

"Of course not!" Mao Youde shouted first.

Other officials also echoed.

"Yes, no!"

"We must not let Li Shanchang get his wish!"

Ouyang Lun nodded. "Li Shanchang and the Huaixi Party are just waiting for us to make a mistake. We certainly can't let them do that. Not only that, we have to show them what professionalism is!!"

"Next, pass on my orders!"

Swipe!

Seeing that Ouyang Lun was going to give the order personally, officials such as Guo Zi and Mao Youde immediately stood up straight with serious expressions, ready to listen carefully to Ouyang Lun's orders.

"Liu Dongqiang!"

"I'm here!" Liu Dongqiang's face flushed and he seemed a little excited.

You have to know that in the past, he was just a businessman, and not a big businessman, but after meeting Ouyang Lun, he got a series of opportunities. Now he has become the editor-in-chief of the People's Daily of the Ming Dynasty, and also serves as the second-in-command of the State-owned Assets Management Department of the Ministry of Revenue. Although he is not a formal official, he is also a civil servant, and there is no difference between him and an official outside.

From a businessman to an official, this is definitely a class leap!

All this is because of the man in the front—Prince Consort Ouyang Lun!

What excited Liu Dongqiang the most was that today was his first time to attend a meeting chaired by the Prince Consort himself. What he never expected was that the first person the Prince Consort called was him!

"Liu Dongqiang, you are in charge of the People's Daily, the leader of the Ming Dynasty's newspaper industry. I plan to publish an article in the newspaper, which is to publish that the Ming Dynasty is about to carry out tax reforms!"

"For the specific content, you can come down and meet with the officials of the Ministry of Revenue. There are two key points to promote. One is that this tax reform will exempt 60% of the people in the Ming Dynasty from income tax, and it will start from this year. Those who have paid or overpaid will be refunded after the Ministry of Revenue has finished the calculation! The second is that high-income citizens will be taxed more no matter who they are!"

"Of course, I still have to explain why. With great ability comes great responsibility, and with more money comes more contribution to the country. That makes sense!"

Hearing Ouyang Lun’s words.

The officials in the Ministry of Revenue had different expressions, some were supportive, some were confused, and some were shocked!

Ouyang Lun had anticipated the reactions of his subordinates, and immediately said with a smile: "I have discussed this matter with Your Majesty and the Queen, and have received their support. The reason for doing this is to improve the tax system of the Ming Dynasty, benefit the majority of the people, and seek benefits for them!"

"You must know that only when the majority of the people live a good life can the Ming Dynasty last forever! Only then can we live a good life!"

"understand?"

(End of this chapter)