Red Mansion: I am Jia Lian

Chapter 553 Secretly assassinating Chen Cang
Li Yuan hosted a banquet to entertain Jia Lian, which was attended by a constant stream of people, including businessmen from home and abroad.

Li Yuan asked Jia Lian to speak to everyone. Jia Lian did not refuse and stood up to face everyone.

"Since ancient times, Nanyang has been a vassal of China. We lost contact for more than 200 years. Now Nanyang has returned to China. This is a cause for celebration. China has always loved peace. If foreigners are willing to abide by the rules and do business properly, then we can do business. If they cannot abide by the rules, the Nanyang Fleet will teach them what the rules are. Nanyang is very large and can accommodate countries to come here to do business. Remember to abide by the rules."

After a very brief speech, Jia Lian sat down and did not stand up again, leaving the center of the stage to Li Yuan.

Although his title was "Minister of Nanyang" instead of "King of Nanyang", Li Yuan had already made the mental preparations to divide Nanyang. He had sent someone to send a letter back to Beijing, asking for permission to send his family to Manila.

This was Li Yuan’s last test. If the emperor really sent his family, Li Yuan would really give up.

Li Yuan, who was at the member banquet center, seemed to be in good spirits. He was drunk when the banquet ended. He knew how he felt.

Jia Lian came here this time to discuss important matters. Maintaining the South China Sea Fleet is a considerable expense, and it could not be sustained for long relying on looting.

Nanyang is rich in spices, and the profits are very high whether they are shipped domestically or to Europe and the United States.

Manila and Jakarta attract domestic and foreign merchants. As a domestic goods transit station and distribution center, it is necessary to improve government agencies as soon as possible, among which the tax agency is the most important.

How to distribute the collected taxes needs to be discussed carefully with Li Yuan.

The next day, Li Yuan sobered up and learned that Jia Lian was waiting outside. He immediately signaled to wash and change clothes.

When the two sat opposite each other, Jia Lian mentioned the issue of taxation. Li Yuan hesitated and asked, "How about comparing it to Jiaozhi?"

What about Annan? As Wang Ziteng's fief, the court allowed him to collect taxes on his own within three years. After three years, half of the taxes were handed over to the court and the other half was kept by him.

Jia Lian had always kept silent on the situation in Annan, but this time he told Li Yuan the truth: "Giao Chi's approach cannot last long. Second Prince should look at the long term."

Li Yuan was stunned when he heard this and asked, "Why can't it last long?"

Jia Lian sighed, "The Wang family is too greedy. They gained fiefdoms with the help of the imperial court, but they are unwilling to give back to the imperial court. Their timidity is too narrow-minded. Your Majesty encourages external expansion, so he tolerates the Wang family's behavior. Let me ask you, if the Wang family collects taxes themselves instead of the imperial court, and they have the final say on how much to collect, if you were a cabinet minister, would you accept this? Maybe you can ignore it in the short term, but what about in the long term? Annan borders Guangxi, and the army can go there at any time. There is no corresponding strength to support it, but it has to enjoy unequal treatment. The root of disaster has been planted."

Li Yuan suddenly realized, and at the same time he felt a little grateful to Jia Lian. To put it bluntly, the real helmsman of the Nanyang army, whether it is the navy or the army, is Jia Lian. As long as Jia Lian is willing, he can circle Li Yuan with just a word. At that time, Li Yuan can only get a quota and cannot interfere in Nanyang government affairs, let alone taxation.

"Please teach me, sir!" Li Yuan stood up and bowed to ask for advice. Jia Lian was very satisfied. This was a smart man and it was not tiring to talk to him.

"Your Highness can submit a memorial to His Majesty, in the name of the Minister of Nanyang, requesting the court to send officials to be responsible for taxation. Then make a request, keep it for yourself within three years, and take half after three years. It seems similar to Jiaozhi, but in fact, the court knows exactly how much tax is collected each year. If Your Highness is short of money, you can use the captured Spanish armed merchant ships. Nanyang is rich in rice, and Your Highness can specialize in this business. It may seem that the profit is not high, but it is safe. When you return, you can bring back a lot of scarce goods and sell them to European and American merchants. It is a very profitable business."

Li Yuan understood Jia Lian's meaning and asked the court to send someone to take charge of taxation, which showed his true feelings. He could have shipped spices and other specialties back, but he specialized in rice trading, which showed that he cared about the people's livelihood. As for the goods shipped on the return voyage, can the fleet of the Nanyang ministers compare with that of ordinary merchants? At that time, Li Yuan could ask the court for a very low price for the export of tea, silk, porcelain and other in-demand goods.

As long as this route is established, Li Yuan's personal wealth will surely continue to flow in. By then, with administrative power in hand, he can do many things with money.

It was not a problem to raise an army that obeyed his orders. He might even be able to impress his father with this choice and return to Beijing to fight for his position.

"Thank you for your teachings, sir. I am grateful." Li Yuan thanked him again and again, but Jia Lian turned aside and only accepted a half-bow.

It would be much easier to discuss how to share the retained tax revenue in the next three years. Jia Lian suggested that Li Yuan take the initiative to submit a memorial, saying that he was willing to take out 30% of the Nanyang tax revenue in the next three years to subsidize the Nanyang fleet and reduce the financial pressure of the court. Jia Lian also made it clear that the Nanyang New Army would eventually be withdrawn to China and could not stay in Nanyang for a long time. When Li Yuan submitted a memorial, he should mention the importance of the Strait of Malacca and ask the court to send troops to garrison for a long time to ensure that the golden waterway was under the actual control of the court.

Having said that, Li Yuan basically had an idea in his mind and knew what to do next.

Jia Lian had said everything he could, and if Li Yuan still didn't understand, there was nothing he could do. There were so many islands in Southeast Asia, and if they were all included in the ruling area, even if he didn't fight for the throne, it wouldn't make much difference.

The key is here. Li Yuan has the final say. This life is so comfortable. If you are more ambitious, you can use Nanyang as a springboard to continue to look for new islands for expansion.

After reaching an agreement with Li Yuan, Jia Lian summoned some Spanish and Dutch businessmen to learn the latest news from Europe and the United States.

These businessmen were able to get the opportunity to meet Jia Lian privately, so they naturally tried their best and told him everything they knew.

Things turned out just as Li Yuan said.

There was a strong backlash in Britain over the protracted North American independence war, and coupled with the fact that India's progress was not as good as expected, the cabinet decided to negotiate with the North American rebels.

At the same time, the Netherlands was unable to fight against Britain and chose to kneel down, becoming another little brother of Britain after Portugal. The situation in France was also very bad, with a high government debt and difficult people's livelihood.

Austria-Hungary and Prussia were competing for German orthodoxy, and the conflict was serious, resulting in a standoff. Tsarist Russia and Türkiye, the two enemies, were brewing the next war.

In comparison, the situation in the UK is relatively good.

Now can be said to be the best period for Dongda to expand, and it would be a pity to miss it.

Under the pretext of inspecting the fleet, Jia Lian went to the port station and met Jim, the deputy commander of the South China Sea Fleet.

"I have reported your merits to the court and requested a title for you. If nothing unexpected happens, you will be the first foreigner to receive a title in the empire. When the time comes, go to the capital to receive the title and decide whether to continue to retain your British citizenship. I must tell you in advance that my Great Zhou does not accept people who are indecisive."

Jim stood up and said solemnly: "Your Excellency the Governor, I am willing to give up my British citizenship."

This is a really heartless performance, after all, when he was in the UK, he didn't see any future at all.

Moreover, before the French Revolution, Europeans did not have a strong sense of national identity, and their sense of belonging and identity was relatively weak. In contrast, the Great Zhou Empire, as a country with a dominant ethnic group, had much stronger centripetal force. For Jim, the attraction was really irresistible, and the choice was naturally clear.

"Very good. I have something I want to ask for your opinion on." Jia Lian said calmly. Jim's expression was serious: "Your Excellency the Governor, please ask."

Jia Lian spread out the map and pointed to Australia and said, "Here, the British discovered it. I hope the flag on it is the blue dragon flag of the Great Zhou Empire."

Jim glanced at the map and sneered, "Sir, I am willing to lead the fleet and have them surrender to the Azure Dragon flag and accept the rule of the Minister of the South Seas."

"Is there a problem? Will it arouse protests from the British government?" Jia Lian seemed worried, but in fact he was still testing Jim.

"What's the use of protesting? If protesting is useful, Britain will not give up the South Seas, and even withdraw from the Strait of Malacca. Please rest assured, Your Excellency. At present, the British have not officially established a colony. The Strait of Malacca is still in our hands. After the fleet arrives, they will know what is the right choice."

Jim stood at attention and promised! He fought for the title. Jia Min nodded with satisfaction: "After this is done and the title is conferred, you will be allowed to visit your relatives in England and bring all your family members over. Those who serve the empire will not be treated unfairly. The Great Zhou Empire does not look at one's background, but at one's efforts and achievements." Jia Lian, who was born in a top family, was talking nonsense with his eyes open.

The current naval power really needs these British people. Jia Lian is a pragmatist. As long as you are useful, the reward will be generous enough.

As for Jim, Jia Lian will make him a role model.

In the place of Nanyang, although Li Yuancai seems to be the Minister of Nanyang, the actual controller is Jia Lian. The reason is simple: the army is in Jia Lian's hands.

For example, after Jim stayed in the Great Zhou for a long time, he knew a lot of inside information. He only recognized Jia Lian, and the prince did not seem to be very attractive to him.

The reason why Jim was sent to take over Australia was very simple. First, the gold mine was discovered, then a large number of immigrants were attracted, and then coal and gold mines were discovered. Australia is a place that is too suitable for Dongda, and the complementarity is too strong. If there is no opportunity, forget it, but if there is an opportunity, we must take it.

Of course, due to factors such as geographical environment and population, Australia cannot become a great power and must rely on others to feel safe.

Now Jia Lian is giving them a sense of security. As for whether they are willing or not, does it matter? The cannons of the warships are the answer. As for the British protest, Jia Lian has good reasons, as it has been the case since ancient times.

You have even withdrawn from the South Seas, so what does it matter if you have one more Australia? As for discovering gold mines, that will happen in the future.

At that time, whether the British dare to send warships over, or whether they can send warships over, will be another matter.

What's more, the Great Zhou had a stranglehold on Britain in trade.

It is very difficult for Europe, which is a fragmented country, to unite. As long as it does not lag behind in technology and does not have a generation gap in military equipment, there is nothing to be afraid of.

Jia Lian was still thinking about sending an inspection team to observe the subsequent wars that broke out among Europeans.

In short, now that our horizons have been opened, we must let the people of Da Zhou see clearly what the current world situation is like, and we must put aside our ideals of benevolence, righteousness, and morality when dealing with the outside world.

The benefits you put into the bowl are yours.

Jim, who received the mission, decisively mobilized the fleet and prepared to go to war. Jia Lian stayed in Manila to wait for news and take a vacation to rest for a while.

Li Yuan's memorial was sent to the capital by clipper ship, and it arrived a month and a half later.

At this time, the cabinet in the capital was fully focused on the land tax. The process seemed to be going smoothly. After a large number of officials were replaced, the successors took strict measures for their own future. If the gentry did not cooperate, they would clamor for treason and demand troops to suppress them.

In order to keep their own official hats, officials made great efforts to beat the runners who did not do their job well in the yamen every day.

In the face of the non-cooperation of clerks, some officials simply laid off the clerks and requested the deployment of soldiers to assist in clearing the fields.

Overall, the progress of Henan's land clearing operation was not fast, but it was moving forward. As the number of hidden fields found increased, the Henan governor did not dare to neglect it after the data was reported, and sent it to the capital urgently to ask for instructions on how to deal with it. After seeing the memorial, Emperor Chenghui was furious and asked the cabinet to come up with a set of regulations for handling it first.

At the same time, Li Yuan's memorial arrived in the capital. Emperor Chenghui, who was annoyed by Qingtian, was very pleased after reading the memorial and praised: "After all, it is my people who care about me, unlike outsiders who always want more benefits from the court."

At the cabinet meeting, Emperor Chenghui did not rush to ask the cabinet to come up with a charter for dealing with the land clearing. Instead, he circulated Li Yuan's memorial first, and then said to the ministers: "You all saw that Li Yuan, as a minister of Nanyang, was thousands of miles away, but he still asked the court to send someone to take over the taxation. He could have done the same as Jiaozhi, but he didn't do so, and instead handed over the financial power. Look at these gentry in the country, what did they do? They paid less tax if they could, and didn't pay if they could. They tried every means to dig into the court's corners. It's simply abominable. This is intolerable! The cabinet must come up with a solution that satisfies me."

After reading the memorial, Li Qing asked, "Your Majesty, I have a question. Should the various places in Nanyang be set up as provinces and governed as subordinates, or should they be converted from natives to officials and registered as common people, or should they be treated as vassal states? The differences are huge. Your Majesty should first decide on a tone."

This sentence actually reveals a very sensitive topic, that is, the imperial court did not have a special agency for collecting taxes. If in the mainland, taxes are collected by government offices at all levels, then what about in Southeast Asia?

According to the original intention of Emperor Chenghui to establish the Nanyang Minister, did he keep Li Yuan in Nanyang and make Nanyang a vassal of Li Yuan? Did he follow the example of Annan and let Wang Ziteng decide the officials at all levels?

There is a huge difference here. In fact, the current King of Dongping, King of Xining, King of Mobei and Governor of Annan, Wang Ziteng, all adopted the so-called control. That is why all power was delegated.

When it came to Li Yuan's turn, he advocated the handing over of financial power, which meant that he had to implement the system of converting native peoples into officials and making them equal citizens.

In this way, what is surrendered is not only financial rights, but also administrative rights.

Emperor Chenghui was also stumped by the question. Yes, the court did not have a dedicated taxation agency. The Maritime Customs Office was responsible for foreign trade, which was equivalent to tariffs. It collected commercial taxes from domestic merchants on one end and export taxes from overseas merchants on the other. Before all goods were exported, the Maritime Customs Office had to add taxes before they could be exported.

Obviously, this approach doesn't work in Southeast Asia.

If the government were to implement the household registration system and the transformation of the natives into officials, the imperial court would have to take away the administrative power. Wouldn't that be treating Li Yuan differently? Wouldn't that be treating him unfairly?

Emperor Chenghui really hadn't thought of this. He was stunned for a while before looking at Zhang Tingen: "Does Prime Minister Zhang have any countermeasures?"

Zhang Ting'en was keenly aware that the memorial also included content asking the court to take over Penang and Lijiaopo. As the golden waterway, they must be stationed. The local area must be registered as a household, and government offices at all levels must be established to be included in the normal scope of rule. Java and Borneo were like Li Yuan's fiefdoms, and at least the administrative power must be given self-determination.

Zhang Tingen didn't believe that Li Yuan had come up with this memorial on his own, so the answer was there.

"Your Majesty, I think that Nanyang is an overseas place, and we cannot copy the imperial system in everything. We can be more flexible." Zhang Tingen made his suggestion calmly, and Emperor Chenghui nodded in approval: "Indeed!"

"Since we need to be more flexible, we can set up an independent agency under the Nanyang Minister to collect taxes from all over Nanyang. As for officials at all levels in Borneo and Java, they can be left to the Nanyang Minister to decide. Even Penang and Lijiapo can be handled in the same way. As for the garrison, the local taxes will cover the expenses. If there is a shortfall, the court will discuss it again. The jurisdiction of the garrison will be handed over to the Governor-General of Guangdong and Guangxi."

Zhang Tingen's suggestion was indeed very flexible, and it made it clear that Li Yuan was not qualified to control the power of the court army.

"Your Majesty, I object. Even in Nanyang, a special tax collection department cannot be set up." Li Qing heard that Zhang Ting'en was beating around the bush. Since there couldn't be a special tax collection agency in China, then he would start in Nanyang. Once Nanyang was established, new territories could be added later. This would not delay the fiefdoms or the tax collection. As long as we work hard here and make the tax figures look better, and then compare them with those in China, wouldn't the emperor be furious? The matter is very obvious. Can tax collection in China be the same as tax collection in Nanyang?

The same is true for local tyrants. If the local tyrants in Southeast Asia do not pay taxes, the army will really suppress them. In the mainland, if the gentry evade taxes, the army will not suppress them, and even the officials and gentry will collude to pass the burden on to the people.

In terms of numbers, we are definitely not as good as Nanyang. What will the emperor think then?
It turns out that setting up a special agency for collecting taxes has such a significant effect.

At that time, won't we just copy it back to China? It's already so difficult to distribute the tax on land, and what about this?

The other ministers had different reactions to Li Qing's opposition. Lin Ruhai chose to remain silent, and Guo Yan wanted to speak but stopped, and simply shut up. Pan Jixun asked back: "Prime Minister Li, since you are against Prime Minister Zhang's proposal, please come up with a suitable response. You can't compare it to Jiaozhi, right? Or should we compare it to the two kings of the East and the West? They all have private soldiers."

Li Qing was immediately confused. This was really a dilemma. Did the emperor really want to see these people holding heavy troops?

Isn't it obvious that they are forced to do this due to financial difficulties?
This was Jia Lian's secret plan. The master and his disciple were in collusion and wanted to put Li on the fire!
(End of this chapter)