Super Cultivation System of the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 908 Undercurrent
Cui Yan looked a little puzzled and shook his head: "I don't know, please enlighten me."

Qian Li held up seven fingers and said, "These so-called wealthy families, which account for less than 10% of the total number of households and have less than 500,000 in total, own more than 70% of the paddy fields and nearly 60% of the dry fields, and the number of fields increases every year. Take the Qinghe Cui family where you are from for example. The registered fields of the main branches of the family include 12,472.6 mu of paddy fields and 7,659.3 mu of dry fields, which is equivalent to the land owned by 200 to 300 ordinary people. As for how much land is concealed and not reported..."

He looked at Cui Yan and said with a smile: "Haha, I think Mr. Cui knows better than I do."

Cui Yan's expression changed slightly. He lowered his head and thought for a moment, then showed a look of shame.

"I understand, Cui. Thank you for your guidance, Captain Sili."

Qian Li was somewhat impressed by his answer. His eyes changed, and with a look of admiration, he bowed respectfully to Cui Yan again.

"Mr. Cui is a great man of the time, with broad knowledge, profound learning, and an open mind. Qian Li admires him and will ask for his advice in the future."

"I dare not, I dare not." Cui Yan said a few humble words, then returned to his seat with a guilty look.

However, after he sat down again, he glanced in Wang Yun's direction with an imperceptible movement. His eyes were full of resentment, but Wang Yun didn't know whether he didn't notice it or deliberately turned a blind eye to it. In any case, he still had an expression as if it had nothing to do with him.

Although this action and look were fleeting, they were still noticed by Liu He who had been observing carefully.

There were also many ministers who, when they saw Cui Yan's "defeat", showed disappointment and panic on their faces, and everyone involuntarily focused their eyes on Wang Yun.

Liu He saw all of this.

"I was wondering, given Cui Yan's character, why would he suddenly become the first to take action in this matter? It seems that Wang Yun did this. According to historical records, after he defeated Dong Zhuo, this guy began to regard himself as a great hero of the Han Dynasty and made arbitrary decisions. He was blinded by greed. But I am not Emperor Xian of Han, and you cannot manipulate me..."

After saying that Cui Yan should be dismissed, Qian Li bowed to Liu He and was about to return to his seat, while Liu He was also preparing to give a final "summary" speech.

"Your Majesty..." An old but powerful voice sounded in the hall.

Liu He looked in the direction of the voice and said, "Old man, you finally showed up in person."

Wang Yun took a step towards the center of the hall. Despite his old age, he stood straight without any hunchback. He looked energetic, but he lowered his head. Liu He could not see the expression in his eyes, but he imagined that his gaze was very sharp.

"Why, does Wang Situ have any better ideas?"

"I am not as talented as the Grand Coachman, nor as competent as the Inspector General of the Imperial Guards. I dare not accept the word 'high opinion'. But Your Majesty has not abandoned me despite my old age and rebelliousness, and has entrusted me with a high position and generous salary. I shall sacrifice my life and not shy away from the axe to repay Your Majesty's kindness. Therefore, I have a few vulgar words in my heart, but I dare not lie to you in this court meeting."

Liu He's eyebrows jumped: "The old man's words are flawless, worthy of being a man who has been in the officialdom for half his life. Well, I'll listen to what you have to say."

He extended his right hand forward and made a "please" gesture: "Si Tu is loyal to his country and has profound ideas. I will listen to them attentively."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Wang Yun bowed with full courtesy.

"I don't understand a few things about what the Sili Xiaowei said just now. You said that many wealthy families own a lot of land. Does that mean that those with more property should pay a higher tax rate? The land owned by the local wealthy families may be obtained through reclamation, purchase, or reward from the court. There is nothing illegal about it. Why is it that everyone else has to pay 45% tax, but when it comes to the wealthy families, they have to pay 30, 20, or even 15% tax? In this way, who will dare to open up wasteland and work hard to cultivate it in the future? Is this fair?"

His tone of voice and his speaking speed were extremely slow, but to Liu He and Qian Li, they sounded very aggressive.

However, Qian Li was not afraid. He stepped forward and said, "What Situ Wang said is not unreasonable. However, Situ just said that most of the land occupied by the big families is land awarded by the court. For example, your Taiyuan Wang family, who supported Your Majesty in the enthronement of Your Majesty, was awarded the two cities of Qi County and Jinyang, with a total of more than 1,400 acres of paddy fields. When Yunhai County was first established, the Taiyuan Wang family donated 200 servants to serve as laborers and was awarded 200 acres of water and dry land on the east side of Yunhai County. And later, when your son Wang Gai and your nephew Wang Chen were promoted to the governor of a county, Your Majesty also granted them 300 acres of good land each as a reward. There are too many examples like this to list."

"Therefore, the reason why you, the great families and wealthy families, can enjoy the prosperity today is because of the mighty power of heaven. Your Majesty is wise and intelligent, and the court is clear about rewards and punishments, which is why we have such a prosperous era."

"Moreover, after your majesty took over the country, the technology was innovated, and the tools used for labor were also updated with each passing day. Ordinary people still had to make or buy these new tools themselves. However, if someone in the family served as an official in the court or made meritorious service in the army, he could be granted many tools according to the level of his official position and the size of his merit. As far as I know, the harvest of the more than 600 acres of paddy fields of the Wang family of Taiyuan in the east of Jinyang City increased by more than 70% last year compared to five years ago. Isn't this the blessing of the emperor? Does the Minister of Education have another opinion on this?"

Wang Yun's expression changed slightly. He never expected Qian Li would bring up this topic. How could he dare to deny it?

"This... This is naturally due to the great blessing of Your Majesty. The people of the world are all grateful for this."

"That's it." Qian Li said, "But the few acres or dozens of acres of thin land owned by ordinary people were not given by the emperor. They were all earned through their own hard work. The oxen and tools they needed had to be purchased with money or labor. How could they be compared with those of many big families?"

"The rich families have received the emperor's grace, several times, even dozens of times more than the common people. Now they have to pay more taxes, but they are fussy and resentful. How can this be the way to repay the country? How can it be loyal and filial? Moreover, judging from the current land production, if a rich family has 500 acres of paddy fields, after deducting the land tax, they can still get about 2,300 to 400 dan of millet and more than 1,000 dan of vegetables, which is enough to feed a family of 100. If someone is an official in the court, he will also receive a salary. For example, a county magistrate can get an annual salary of 600 dan, plus some cloth. Why are they still not satisfied?"

Listening to Qian Li's words, Wang Yun's expression became a little unnatural at first, but he soon returned to normal.

"The Captain of the Imperial Guard is very thoughtful and far-sighted. I admire him very much."

Just when everyone thought he was going to give up, Wang Yun changed his tone and said, "However, since ancient times, scholars, farmers, merchants and artisans have been the leaders of all people, assisting the emperor in herding the people, and are not comparable to farmers and merchants. Therefore, every dynasty has been lenient to scholars, especially in prosperous times. This will encourage officials in the court and local gentry to enforce the law for the country and spread education on behalf of the emperor, so that there will be peace in the world and submission to the world."

"For this reason, for hundreds of years, the imperial court has made clear regulations that new land opened by the gentry will be tax-free for three years, and half tax for five years. Since the founding of the country by Emperor Guangwu, this dynasty has made many efforts to value the gentry. The gentry can rent land to the poor, which can stabilize the local area and provide livelihoods for the people. Therefore, the rented land is only taxed 40% to 60%, which is not only a reward, but also reduces the burden on the tenants."

"Your Majesty's move is not without mercy, and it is also out of concern for the country and the people. It is understandable. However, if you rashly change the custom left by your ancestors, it may alienate the scholars of the world. If people's hearts are lost, what is the use of more money and taxes? I am concerned about your majesty, and I hope your majesty will understand."

"Situ..." Qian Li looked a little indignant and wanted to argue a few more times, but was interrupted by Liu He.

"Well, what the two of you said is reasonable, and it is difficult to tell right from wrong. Especially Wang Situ, you are mature and loyal to the country."

Wang Yun hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, I am so ashamed to receive such praise. I am deeply ashamed."

"Sir, you don't have to be so modest." Liu He said, "It's just that the court is surrounded by powerful enemies, especially Cao Cao in Yuzhou. I have fought against him many times, but I can't gain any advantage. Instead, I almost lost my life. He is the enemy of the country. It is urgent to reorganize the army and improve the martial arts. We must act quickly. Therefore, I have a compromise plan. I wonder what Sir Wang and my dear ministers think? If I am not thoughtful, you can point it out."

Wang Yun didn't know what Liu He meant, but as the emperor, what else could he, as a subject, say after hearing what Liu He said?
"Your Majesty is a wise ruler who can be called an all-time great ruler. Since you have a plan, how can we not follow it?"

"Okay." Liu He raised the corner of his mouth and said, "I think that the previous reform policy will remain basically unchanged. I am just afraid that the number of acres of land for tax increase is too low. As the saying goes, more haste makes waste. Such a reform may be suspected of being a harsh policy. Therefore, I intend to increase the number of acres of land for tax increase at all levels by ten times. Although this will greatly reduce the increase in the court's annual revenue, it will allow many aristocratic families to have a respite." "This..." Many ministers hesitated.

Previously, the land tax rate was unchanged at 45% for households with less than 20 mu of paddy fields. For households with more than 20 mu of paddy fields, the land tax rate was changed to 40%; for households with 60 mu of paddy fields, the tax rate was 35%; for households with 100 mu of paddy fields, the tax rate was 30%; for households with 200 mu of paddy fields, the tax rate was 25%; and for households with 400 mu of paddy fields, the tax rate was 15%. Every two mu of dry land was converted into one mu of paddy field.

According to this standard, if the tax rate is increased tenfold within 200 acres, the tax will remain unchanged. To reach the 15% tax rate, it will require 4,000 acres of paddy fields. In this way, only a few first-class families can achieve this. Even among the senior officials present in the court today, there are less than one-third of such famous families.

Wang Yun seemed to be unwilling to give up. Just as he was about to speak, Liu He sighed, "Alas, the country is in turmoil and the country is in trouble. Although I am willing to make achievements, I cannot be too harsh on the people. From now on, all expenses in the palace will be reduced by 30%. The construction of my mausoleum, which was originally scheduled for next year, will also be postponed. And..."

He waved to Gong Saner, who stepped forward with a stack of memorials in his hand.

Liu He pointed at the memorials and said, "These are the memorials submitted by the father-in-law of the emperor, Zhang Tong, Marquis of Mingliu Township, Guan Yu, the former general, Gao Shun, the right general, Cheng Liang, the general who guards the south, Zhang Yong, the left general, Zhu Ye, the general who guards the west, Ye Xiang, the prefect of Yingchuan, Xun You, the governor of Liangzhou, Cui Jun, and others. They all express their intention to respect the new policy."

Wang Yun's face turned completely dark. Even the emperor himself and the royal relatives were like this, what else could he say?
Without waiting for him to speak, Xun Yu, who had been silent all this time, suddenly stood up.

"The Xun family of Yingchuan is willing to follow the new policy."

Wang Yun was startled, and turned to look at Xun Yu, only to see Cui Yan also stood up: "Your Majesty is my holy and virtuous king. I am from the Cui family of Qinghe, and I am willing to follow your Majesty's new policy."

"Well, my two beloved ministers, you are truly the pillars of the country and unrivaled men." Liu He clapped his hands and praised: "Pass the decree to confer Xun Yu the title of Marquis of Hanmian Township and Cui Yan the title of Marquis of Wanyongting."

"Your servant Shi Tao is willing to follow the new policy."

"Your servant, Meng Jian, is willing to follow the new policy."

"Shangdang Zhao is willing to follow the new policy."

"The Fanyang Lu family is also willing to follow the new policy."

"Stabilize the Huangfu family and be willing to follow the new policy."

"The Yingchuan Zhong family is willing to follow the new policy."

Minister Cui Lie looked at the ministers around him, then looked up at Liu He's expression, bit his lip, and said, "Bo Ling Cui family is willing to follow the new policy."

Wang Yun saw the general trend, and in his heart, he sighed softly and shouted: "The Wang family of Taiyuan respects the new policy and has no second thoughts."

In the palace study, Liu He, Xun Yu, Qian Li, Xu Shu, Meng Jian, Shi Tao and others gathered together and were extremely happy.

"You have all made great contributions to the promotion of this new policy. I would like to thank you for this."

Liu He bowed to everyone and everyone stood up quickly.

"Your Majesty, I am so ashamed to accept your praise."

"Yes, this time it was all planned well by your majesty, and we are just following the plan. How dare we take credit for it?"

Meng Jian said, "Your Majesty, today, the Prime Minister Wang Yun looked very unwilling, and I'm afraid there will be more changes."

"Gong Wei's words make sense." Shi Tao also echoed: "The Wang family of Taiyuan is now the leader of the gentry in the court. Even a noble and famous scholar like Cui Yan was deceived by them for a while, let alone others. Although Your Majesty has won the hearts of farmers, workers, and merchants, you must win the hearts of the gentry. I hope Your Majesty will consider this."

Liu He nodded and said, "I know what you have said. However, I do not accept those who are only interested in their own interests and despise the country, even if they have great talents. If there are people like you who care about the country and the people, they will not be corrupted by Wang Yun and others. What do I have to worry about?"

Several people looked at each other, and for a moment they felt that what Liu He said seemed to make sense, so they didn't say anything more.

In Situ's Mansion, Wang Yun's face looked somewhat gloomy. The dozen or so seats below him were filled with many court ministers.

"Situ, now that the new policy is being implemented, it is unstoppable. What can we do?"

"Yes, after the implementation of this tax, my family will have to pay hundreds of dan of tax every year, thousands of dan, or even tens of thousands of dan."

"It's okay to pay more taxes and grain, but your majesty values ​​agriculture and commerce over the gentry. This move will really shake the foundation of the country, so we must be cautious."

Listening to what everyone said, Wang Yun's eyes revealed a hint of sinisterness.

"Your Majesty is a wise ruler, but he grew up in the countryside. This new policy must have been caused by the instigation of Qian Li and others. It is hateful that the Xun family of Yingchuan and other big families blindly flatter the emperor without any advice. They are really treacherous ministers of the country."

"For now, I wonder if Situ has any good ideas?"

Wang Yun stroked his already graying beard and suddenly smiled. However, this smile made these ministers feel cold all over.

"I heard that in the past few months, there have been many rumors circulating in various places about the court's disrespect for talented people?"

Everyone didn't know why he asked about this, and nodded, "Yes, it is true. These rumors are spreading more and more. Some say that the court only values ​​merchants, that Your Majesty despises virtuous people, and some say that the court is going to increase taxes. This tax reform is probably caused by this."

Wang Yun's eyes flashed with brilliance: "If that's the case, then it's easy to deal with..."

(End of this chapter)