Forty years old, awakening attribute panel

Chapter 212 Extra 14
In the twenty-fifth year of the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty, the land of China had gone through a hundred years of vicissitudes under the ravages of the Yuan Dynasty. Finally, under the wise governance of the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, it gradually became full of vitality.

Along the Qinhuai River in Yingtian Mansion, the once prosperous scene is slowly recovering in the baptism of time, with singing and dancing, as if it has returned to the prosperous days of the past.

Beside the bridge by the river, under an old willow tree, a boy of about seventeen or eighteen years old was busy running his stall. The young man's name is Jiang Sheng. He is a time traveler from the twenty-first century Earth. He has only been in this world for three months.

When he first arrived, Jiang Sheng was full of ambitions, thinking that by virtue of his understanding of history, he would be able to carve out a world in this land and become an emperor, occupy a high position, or become rich. However, reality poured cold water on him, making him deeply realize the huge gap between dreams and reality.

In just three days, he was reduced from an ambitious young man to a beggar wandering the streets, even worse than those organized and disciplined members of a beggar gang. At the most desperate moment, a kind old man saved him, not only gave him food, but also funded him to buy this car, so that he could make a living by setting up a street stall.

Although life was difficult, Jiang Sheng did not give up. He used his relatively good cooking skills in his previous life to start selling haggis soup. At first, his business was not good due to the low price and low reputation of the haggis. But Jiang Sheng, relying on his advantages of affordable prices and unique taste, has gradually attracted some customers who can't eat meat but are greedy. As time went by, his business gradually improved.

At the end of the day, although I don’t make much, after leaving aside the costs, I can barely make ends meet. For Jiang Sheng, this is already much better than when he first crossed over.

As the sun went down, Jiang Sheng began to pack up his stall and prepare to go home. At this moment, he noticed a white-haired old man holding a stone lion on a small bridge beside the Qinhuai River and watching him. The old man's eyes were filled with memories, as if he saw something in him that made him miss.

Jiang Sheng's heart moved and he hurriedly walked over to say hello: "Grandpa Huang!"

The old man approached with a smile: "Is the stall closed?"

The old man did not refuse: "Okay, let's go."

"But what's the use? If the top is not clean, how can we expect the bottom to be clean? If one person in the court is greedy, the lower level will be greedy. If the time comes to promote someone, it is not greed."

Seeing Jiang Sheng's resolute attitude, Old Man Huang had no choice but to accept the broken silver with a smile. He knew that for the young and energetic Jiang Sheng, dignity was as important as money.

I can no longer have a drink with my brothers like I used to.

But Jiang Sheng insisted on returning it: "Grandpa Huang, I told you that I borrowed it from you. Since I borrowed it, I must pay it back."

"Corruption exists in every dynasty and every generation. Speaking of which, our emperor is courageous. If he dares to be corrupt, he dares to kill. At worst, we will have to replace them all. After all, the people will not be wronged."

"Actually, I think although our emperor did kill a few more people, it's not a big deal."

But the old man smiled and shook his head: "No, it's useless for me as an old man to ask for these silvers. You can keep it."

Since the fifteenth year of Hongwu, the people closest to him have died one after another.

After more than ten years of bloody fighting, he brought the land of China back to its orthodoxy.

After the meal, Jiang Sheng took out a bag of broken silver from his pocket and handed it to the old man: "Grandpa Huang, this is the silver you lent me, and now I will return it to you."

Listening to Old Man Huang's words, Jiang Sheng vaguely felt that something was wrong with Grandpa Huang today.

In fact, what kind of old man is he? He is the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang.

But he also lost friends and brothers.

After hearing this, Old Man Huang couldn't help but sigh, with a trace of worry flashing in his eyes.

He obtained the throne and became the emperor above all others.

How can outsiders understand the hardships involved?

"I just think it's cruel to kill corrupt officials. Isn't it cruel to leave them to harm the people?"

The old man pursed his lips and nodded: "Grandpa Huang, you haven't eaten yet? I have some haggis left. Do you want to come home with me and I'll cook you a bowl?"

Jiang Sheng nodded doubtfully.

After Jiang Sheng heard this, he smiled and shook his head: "Grandpa Huang, what kind of world is it now? Who dares to take the exam for merit? Those who are officials are frightened before going out, for fear of losing their lives. The emperor put all the officials in the court They are almost all killed, and today’s scholars avoid scientific examinations.”

Jiang Sheng shook the broken silver in his pocket: "Not bad."

"Son, do you think God will really hate you for killing too many people? Look at our emperor. First he lost his grandson, then his wife, and now his son is also dead."

The old man stood next to Jiang Sheng and looked at him with a smile: "How is business today?"

It took several decades to restore the ruins of the Ming Dynasty to life and usher in the Hongwu rule.

As he said that, he took another sip of soup and hesitated: "In real comparison, I still think that our emperor is a good emperor once in a lifetime. At least he is dedicated to the people. If these recent dynasties were placed in any dynasty in history, it would be a good emperor. If the law does not punish everyone, just chop off the heads of a few leaders. "

Returning to the small courtyard in the west of the city, Jiang Sheng hurriedly put down the burden on his shoulders and helped the old man sit down. Then he went into the kitchen and cooked a bowl of hot haggis soup for the old man. The two of them chatted while eating, and the atmosphere was very harmonious.

Jiang Sheng smiled: "Hey, the emperor has things that the emperor should consider, and the people have things that they should consider. Different positions naturally lead to different ideas."

Along the way, from a big soldier to the current emperor, he gained a lot, but also lost more.

Because there is a difference between king and minister.

Not long ago, his son Zhu Biao, who was also the current prince, passed away.

"He killed so many people, and I don't know how many people hate him. Do you think he did something too wrong to make God not let him go?"

"Well, the sun is setting, and the haggis is almost sold out." Jiang Sheng nodded and replied.

Listening to Jiang Sheng's words, Old Man Huang showed an expression of relief on his face.

Jiang Sheng looked up at Old Man Huang and shook his head: "I don't know, maybe."

When Old Man Huang heard this, he immediately smiled and said, "It's nothing. It's just that I'm older and it's easy to overthink something I hear."

Old Man Huang was stunned: "Oh? Doesn't everyone call him cruel now?"

So, Jiang Sheng supported the old man, and they walked towards the west of the city together. Along the way, Jiang Sheng told interesting stories about his day in business, and the old man responded with a smile. His eyes were always on Jiang Sheng, as if he was looking for something.

"Grandpa Huang, what happened to you today? Why do you feel so strange? Did something happen to you?"

Zhu Yuanzhang, who was already lonely, truly became a loner.

At the dinner table, Old Man Huang looked at Jiang Sheng's handsome face and asked casually: "Son, you are young, do you plan to sell haggis all the time? Have you ever thought about studying and getting a degree?"

He has lost his family, and he cannot abandon everything for his family like an ordinary head of a family.

Because he is an emperor and his home is Ming Dynasty.

He still can't forget the desperate look in Queen Ma's eyes towards him before she died.

He dedicated his life to the Ming Dynasty, but when he got old, he was scolded by countless people, and cruelty became synonymous with him.

Although he lived a life of pride, he ended up in a life of misery.

With Jin Yiwei by his side, he knew all this clearly.

But how had he ever harmed an innocent commoner?

But now, I feel very happy when I hear these words from the young man in front of me who looks very much like his son Zhu Biao.

"You really think so?"

Jiang Sheng quickly drank the last bit of mutton soup in the bowl, wiped his mouth, and said: "Grandpa Huang, I don't know what you think, but from my own perspective, our emperor can be regarded as the emperor of the ages. ”

"Since ancient times, there is no better country than the Ming Dynasty."

"Our emperor took a broken bowl and conquered the great Ming Dynasty. It can be said that it shocked the past and the present. Looking at the history in detail, except for Liu Bang, no one was born in the noble gentry, or they usurped the country and established it."

"For this reason alone, it is not an exaggeration to call him an emperor through the ages."

Speaking of Zhu Yuanzhang, Jiang Sheng is not bragging.

In his previous life, he had great admiration for this Han emperor who was born as a poor peasant.

Now, although he has suffered some punishment after traveling to his dynasty, it still cannot change his view of Zhu Yuanzhang.

"One emperor through the ages, this is the first time I have heard someone say that." Zhu Yuanzhang said with a smile.

Although he was still immersed in the pain of losing his son at this time, he was still very happy to be recognized by someone who didn't know his identity.

After Jiang Sheng returned the dishes and chopsticks to the kitchen, he was chatting with Zhu Yuanzhang while walking. After hearing Zhu Yuanzhang's slightly questioning words, he felt as if someone had insulted his idol and said, "Grandpa Huang, don't believe it. Let’s not talk about the emperors and kings who succeeded us since ancient times. Let’s talk about the founding kings. Which one has done as well as our emperor?”

"Hahahaha. You kid, this means you didn't become an official, otherwise our emperor wouldn't be stunned by your boast. There is no perfect person in this world."

Listening to Zhu Yuanzhang's words, Jiang Sheng rarely nodded this time.

While thinking about the history in his memory, he said, "Grandpa Huang, what you said is true."

"If our man can change two things, he will truly be the emperor of all times, unprecedented and unprecedented."

Jiang Shengben sighed like this, but he didn't expect Zhu Yuanzhang to take it seriously.

"Oh? Change two things? Which two points?"

Jiang Sheng smiled and waved his hand: "Actually, it's nothing, it's just something I suddenly felt. No one is perfect, so how can we demand perfection."

"You kid, you talk but don't make it clear, old man, I'm quite interested."

Seeing Zhu Yuanzhang's request, Jiang Sheng had no choice but to continue: "Actually, it's nothing. It's just that there are some flaws in the tax policy and the king's method."

"Can you tell me in detail?"

Zhu Yuanzhang asked curiously.

Jiang Sheng did not hesitate and said directly: "The flaws in this tax policy mainly focus on the head tax on farmland."

Zhu Yuanzhang wondered: "Isn't the poll tax like this since ancient times?"

Jiang Sheng did not deny it: "It is true, but there is still a problem with this order. If I remember correctly, our dynasty should have some tax-free orders specifically for scholars and noble families, right?"

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded doubtfully.

"So does this mean that no matter how much land is in the name of some scholars, they don't have to pay taxes? If this continues for a long time, won't the land be in the hands of the nobles? Once the trend of annexing land becomes popular, it will really become a chronic disease that is difficult to cure. I’m afraid even the emperor’s order can’t reverse the resistance of the nobles in the world, right?”

"After all, food and land are in the hands of those noble families."

Zhu Yuanzhang is also a smart man, and he immediately understood the meaning without Jiang Sheng's explanation.

Indeed, if the Ming Dynasty is passed on for a long time, this tax flaw will definitely bring disaster to future generations.

For a moment, Zhu Yuanzhang frowned.

Looking at Zhu Yuanzhang's solemn expression, Jiang Sheng smiled. "Grandpa Huang, what are you worrying about? That's all for the future. Now that our emperor is still in power, with his majesty, such a thing will not happen so easily."

However, Zhu Yuanzhang said: "My child, since you can see this problem, do you have a way to solve it?"

"Of course there is a way, and it's very simple. Just spread it out."

Zhu Yuanzhang was taken aback: "What does it mean to spread a small family into a family?"

"Well, it's actually very simple. It's to cancel the poll tax and determine the tax amount based on the number of fields owned. In this way, the poor people don't have to worry about high taxes. Of course, the tax exemption for the gentry must also be abolished. "

Upon hearing Jiang Sheng's solution, Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes suddenly lit up.

As a ruler, he clearly understands the significance of this.

Once the poll tax is abolished, more and more farmers will choose to grow their own food, and the food will be in their own hands.

Why did the ancient population never reach a certain level when it reached a certain point?
The main reason is that food cannot satisfy population growth.

And who are the people who cannot be satisfied by food? Aren’t they just the common people?
Once this policy is implemented, the population will increase, which will benefit the people.

However, the most important thing is not only to spread the land among the people, but also to abolish the tax exemption for the gentry.

The reason is very simple. If it is just a matter of allocating land to farmers, then for the people, if you give them land, you are harming them.

Because if he didn’t have the land, he wouldn’t have to pay taxes.

So what’s the best solution for farmers? Naturally, the fields were given to the gentry who did not pay taxes.

Therefore, the tax exemption for the gentry must be abolished.

Of course, this will be blocked by gentry interest groups.

But who is he, Zhu Yuanzhang? Is he afraid of the gentry?
Zhu Yuanzhang, who wanted to understand the relationship between this, suddenly flashed with joy, then looked at Jiang Sheng and asked: "Then what's wrong with the vassal king's policy?"

Jiang Sheng couldn't help but feel happy when he saw that Grandpa Huang, who was not in a good mood just now, now felt better when he heard him talking about these things.

Then he didn't think too much and said: "The vassal king's policy is actually good, but there is only one thing, and that is the crown prince."

"If the prince is strong, he can control the feudal prince, just like the prince of our dynasty. If he is here, the Ming feudal prince will naturally not dare to make any changes."

"But now that he is gone, how will the lord solve the problem?"

"Speaking of something transgressive, Grandpa Huang, I feel that our Emperor Zhu may want to make the crown prince's son, Zhu Yunwen, the crown prince!"

Hearing Jiang Sheng's words, Zhu Yuanzhang's expression changed instantly!
He looked at Jiang Sheng and asked, "How did you know?"

Jiang Sheng looked at Zhu Yuanzhang's strange eyes and was a little confused, but he still said: "I also made a guess, but judging from the situation of the emperor's general Lan Yu being imprisoned, he should be inseparable."

Zhu Yuanzhang said in disbelief: "I heard that General Lan Yu and others were arrested because they intended to rebel. What does it have to do with this prince?"

Jiang Sheng replied: "Yes, what is mentioned above is all because of the rebellion, but Grandpa Huang, have you ever thought that these people are all brothers who follow our emperor to conquer the world. Let's not say whether they are true or not. If you want to rebel, even if you really want to rebel, why?”

"Now it appears that there are only two people who are most likely to succeed to the throne. One is the emperor's son, King Yan, who has the best reputation and ability. The other is the crown prince's legitimate son Zhu Yunxi."

"However, the emperor has already established rules for the Ming Dynasty. According to these rules, other princes must not be made emperor."

"Since this is the case, it means that the future throne must belong to Zhu Yunwen."

"Under such circumstances, a young grandson ascends the throne, but he faces generals who are decisive and decisive on the battlefield. Will the emperor feel relieved?"

"Therefore, General Lan Yu's imprisonment is consistent with the emperor clearing the way for his young grandson to ascend the throne."

After listening to Jiang Sheng's analysis, Zhu Yuanzhang was silent for a long time, with a complicated light shining in his eyes. He knew very well that what Jiang Sheng said was true, and that the imprisonment of Lan Yu and others was indeed related to him clearing the way for his young grandson Zhu Yunwen to ascend the throne.

He said slowly: "You are right, I do have this consideration. Although Lan Yu and others have made outstanding achievements, their existence is indeed a hidden danger for the young grandson to ascend the throne. I have to make such a decision, To ensure the stability of the Ming Dynasty.”

Jiang Sheng nodded to express his understanding, but he went further: "Grandpa Huang, I understand your painstaking efforts. However, have you ever thought that doing so may cause bigger problems?"

Zhu Yuanzhang raised his eyebrows and asked, "What's the problem?"

Jiang Sheng continued: "Lanyu and others are all meritorious generals, and their influence in the army is very important. You killed them all in one fell swoop. Although the obstacles have been temporarily removed, it will also make other generals doubtful and even resentful. . Moreover, this will also make the civil servants in the court see the ruthlessness of the imperial power, further deepening the confrontation between them and the military commanders. "

When Zhu Yuanzhang heard this, he couldn't help but fell into deep thought.

He really didn't think about these issues, he just wanted to pave the way for Zhu Yunwen. Hearing Jiang Sheng's analysis at this moment, he realized that the consequences of his decision were far more complicated than imagined.

Zhu Yuanzhang took a deep breath and said slowly: "You are right. I did not consider these aspects. But now that the matter has come to this, how can I make up for it?"

Jiang Sheng pondered for a moment and said: "Grandpa Huang, I think the most important thing now is to stabilize the situation and eliminate the generals' doubts. You can release some imprisoned generals appropriately to show your tolerance and generosity. At the same time, strengthen Communicate with civil servants and let them understand that your decision is for the long-term interests of Ming Dynasty, not for individuals. "

After Zhu Yuanzhang heard this, a hint of appreciation flashed in his eyes. He nodded and said: "You are right, I will seriously consider your suggestion. Thank you, Jiang Sheng."

Jiang Sheng waved his hands quickly and said, "Grandpa Huang is serious. I'm just a haggis vendor. It's my honor to be able to help you solve your problems."

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled, patted Jiang Sheng on the shoulder, and said: "Don't underestimate yourself, your wisdom and knowledge are very good. If there is an opportunity in the future, I will definitely use you again."

Jiang Sheng felt excited and quickly thanked him. He knew that although he was from a humble background, as long as he had talent and hard work, he would be able to gain a foothold in the Ming Dynasty's court.

After Zhu Yuanzhang left, Jiang Sheng returned to the house, unable to calm down for a long time. He sat at the table, resting his chin on his hands, lost in thought.

He recalled his conversation with Zhu Yuanzhang, and his heart was filled with shock and excitement. He didn't expect that he, a haggis vendor, could have such an in-depth conversation with the emperor of the dynasty, and that he would be appreciated and reused by him.

However, he also understands that all of this is based on his own efforts and wisdom. Without his keen observation and profound analysis of the current situation, and without his loyalty and love for the Ming Dynasty, he would not have been appreciated by Zhu Yuanzhang.

At the call of the court, Jiang Sheng embarked on a new journey. He left the familiar haggis stall, walked into the magnificent palace, and began his official career.

However, this time he did not see Zhu Yuanzhang, nor even an important official in the court. All he received was a decree.

A letter asked him to go to Ping'an County to be the county magistrate.

Although Jiang Sheng was a little surprised not to see Zhu Yuanzhang, he also knew that since he was in the palace, his Grandpa Huang was the emperor and could not be like usual.

Jiang Sheng, who wanted to understand this, naturally wouldn't worry too much.

From a hawker selling haggis soup to becoming the county magistrate he is today, it is already a very big leap for him.

Without thinking much, Jiang Sheng returned home to pack his things with his will.

Originally, there was nothing in the house, so naturally there was nothing to pack. After bringing only a few daily clothes, Jiang Sheng found a carriage, negotiated the price, and headed towards Ping'an County.

Ping'an County is located not too far from the capital, although it is not within the direct jurisdiction of the capital.

Jiang Sheng, who was now wearing official uniform, began to quickly become familiar with all the departments and daily office procedures in the county government after arriving at the county government.

Although he is not very old now, he was a real adult in his previous life. He has been struggling in society for a long time, so he still has some ideas on how to do things in a completely new environment.

But as he learned more and more about Ping'an County, he suddenly understood why Zhu Yuanzhang asked him to come here.

Poor, so poor. Jiang Sheng didn't even understand why they, who were adjacent to the capital, were so poor!
The vast majority of people in the county can't even meet the requirements for one person, one piece of clothing, and one pair of shoes!

Let alone cloth shoes, even straw sandals will not work! Eating is even more of a problem.

Under such circumstances, the county government is also in dire straits. Today, the county government office looks good from the outside, but in fact it is dilapidated on the inside.

The place is overgrown with weeds, and there are places where there are leaks and there is no money to repair them.

Faced with such a situation, Jiang Sheng also felt powerless. Because no matter what he wants to do, he needs money, and now the county can't even get a penny. In this case, what can he do even with the memories of his previous life?

Just when Jiang Sheng was worrying about these problems, suddenly a voice seemed to come to his mind.

[It is detected that the host has acquired territory, and the god-level lord system is activated! 】

Listening to the voice in his head, Jiang Sheng froze on the spot.

WTF?

God-level lord system?

Although he is very clear about the cheat system that is necessary for time travellers.

But now, it has been three years since he came to the Ming Dynasty.
Only activated now?
More importantly, what is this? Lord?
How about playing Red Alert? Return the lord
"Tell me, what are you good for?" Faced with Jiang Sheng's inquiry, the system responded immediately.

"The host can obtain any help from the system by consuming silver. For example, speeding up construction, absorbing talents, increasing population, etc."

"Increase the population?"

What a mess.

As Jiang Sheng's idea arose, the system no longer bothered to explain to him. For a moment, it seemed as if there was something more in his mind.

As long as a thought arises in him, he can get the answer.

Gradually, Jiang Sheng also understood the function of the system.

To put it simply, it is to help him build up his current territory, which is now the county seat.

But if you want to accomplish something through the system, you must consume money!
After figuring out all this, Jiang Sheng almost cursed.

It’s just a joke! What he needs most now is money. It's not that he really has no way to solve the current situation in the county. But because he has no money, he has no way to develop some of his ideas. Although the system is now activated, the system tells him that he also needs money to achieve such help.

How could this keep him from being angry?

Isn't this just kidding yourself?
I thought that the emergence of the system would help me solve the problem, but it turned out that it was of no help at all.
Just when Jiang Sheng was depressed about this, a voice sounded in his mind again.

[The novice gift package has arrived! 】

Hearing this voice, Jiang Sheng's eyes instantly flashed with surprise!
He often read online novels from his previous life, and he also had some understanding of the system’s novice gift package, which was full of genuine good stuff!
however.

When Jiang Sheng figured out the contents of this novice gift package.

His little face suddenly collapsed
There is nothing in it, just a map of the county and a three-month accelerated experience card.

This made Jiang Sheng very depressed.
This is not a good idea!

(End of this chapter)