I traveled with them to the Northern Song Dynasty

Chapter 212 The Integrity of the Ministers of My Great Song Dynasty
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After proposing that gentry and commoners pay taxes together and that land tax be converted into poll tax, Chen Gongfu showed no nervousness or fear whatsoever.

Firstly, he was an upright person, and he believed that the gentry paying taxes together and the land tax system were good policies for strengthening the country, so he spoke with confidence and without any fear.

Secondly, as a top scholar, he was certainly not stupid. How could he not understand that Zhao Yu had ordered him to do this? Zhao Yu had always been a very responsible emperor, so naturally he wouldn't ignore him. Even if he suffered some injustice for a while, it didn't matter. Sooner or later, Zhao Yu would compensate him tenfold or a hundredfold.

Therefore, Chen Gongfu naturally had nothing to fear.

The one who was truly nervous was Zhao Yu.

Zhao Yu was well aware that if he did not promote the unified taxation of gentry and the integration of land tax and poll tax, he could live a comfortable life as long as he did not make any major mistakes, given the foundation he had laid. Moreover, based on his recovery of Longyou, the Western Xia, and at least the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun, as well as the scientific and technological achievements of Ma Xiaojiao and the agricultural achievements of Yuan Qingcheng during his reign, his reputation in history would be excellent.

On the contrary, his policies of requiring gentry to pay taxes together and merging land tax with poll tax, which touched the interests of the gentry class and the foundation of the Zhao Song dynasty's rule, were what truly shook his rule and made him a controversial, even reviled, monarch.

After all, the gentry class has always held the power of discourse; they are the elite of society, the inheritors of culture, and the bridge between the court and the people.

Since ancient times, the gentry class has enjoyed the privilege of tax exemption and exemption from corvée labor. This tradition is deeply rooted and has far-reaching consequences.

Zhao Yu knew that touching this sensitive nerve would inevitably cause turmoil in the court, and might even provoke a strong backlash from the gentry class, leading to national instability or even destruction.

Zhao Yu hadn't been unaware of the possibility that, 'After I die, even if the world is engulfed in flames!'

As a time traveler and a very successful emperor so far, Zhao Yu really wanted to solve this problem completely in his generation. He wanted to leave his descendants, if not a dynasty that would last for thousands of generations, but at least a foundation that would last for a hundred years. He didn't want to leave them a huge mess.

The key issue wasn't that Zhao Yu was arrogant. If he couldn't solve these problems, his descendants certainly wouldn't be able to either. Sooner or later, the Song Dynasty would have met its end because of these deeply entrenched problems.

Therefore, after much deliberation, Zhao Yu decided to give it a try.

At this moment, after Chen Gongfu dropped this bombshell, Zhao Yu immediately looked at the expressions of the ministers, especially the chief ministers, wanting to see what their attitude was towards promoting the implementation of the tax collection system for both gentry and commoners and the integration of land tax and poll tax.

The previously relaxed and joyful atmosphere in the court instantly froze, as if even the air itself had become heavier. The chancellors either bowed their heads in deep thought or their eyes flickered with complex and unreadable light.

Zhao Yu looked at Zhang Dun first.

The iron-fisted prime minister was frowning, seemingly weighing the pros and cons and secretly calculating the possible consequences of this policy. His gaze occasionally met Zhao Yu's, revealing both his respect for Zhao Yu and his concern for the current situation.

Privy Councilor Zeng Bu, renowned for his wit and adaptability, wore a barely perceptible smile, as if he had anticipated this sudden turn of events. However, no one knew what thoughts lay hidden behind that smile. He gently stroked the jade tablet in his hand, his eyes flickering, seemingly contemplating how to maintain his stance amidst this storm.

Vice Prime Minister Han Chung-eun, the leader of the conservative faction, wore a gloomy expression, showing no sign of surprise. Clearly, he had anticipated this day. Perhaps he just hadn't expected it to come so soon.

The other chancellors all had similar expressions. They were all neither surprised nor sure how to respond to the conversation.

In fact, these experienced ministers all knew the crux of the problems of the Song Dynasty and guessed that Emperor Zhao Yu, who had already considered land reform when he was still a prince, would definitely take action against the biggest problem of the Song Dynasty when his prestige was at its peak.

At the same time, these officials were all aware of the consequences and resistance that would result from implementing the policy of requiring gentry to pay taxes in the same way as the land tax and the poll tax to be merged into the land tax.

Therefore, all the ministers remained silent at this moment.

Even the prime ministers dared not easily step forward to comment, let alone the other ministers. Even though they were as anxious as ants on a hot pan, worried that they and their families would have to pay a huge amount of tax every year from now on, they dared not be the first to speak out.

Which of the officials who could enter the Daqing Hall wasn't a cunning old fox? How could they not understand that Chen Gongfu was just a pawn? The one who truly wanted to promote the unified taxation of gentry and the integration of land tax and poll tax was Emperor Zhao Yu, whose prestige was so high that no one could shake his throne.
The key point is that everyone knows Zhao Yu wanted to implement the policy of requiring gentry to pay taxes together and the land tax to be merged with the poll tax in order to save the Song Dynasty. If this policy could be implemented without causing too much backlash, the country could indeed get rid of its long-standing problems and enjoy long-term stability. However, if someone were to openly oppose such a policy, even if Zhao Yu didn't say anything now, he would definitely kill that guy who only cared about his own and his family's petty interests and make sure that his whole family would never be employed again.

Therefore, all the ministers remained silent at this moment.

Zhao Yu took in all these reactions, and frankly, he was getting a little anxious. "Whether it's okay or not, give me an answer!"

However, Zhao Yu also understood that if he himself was so cautious about implementing the policy of requiring gentry to pay taxes together and merging the poll tax into the land tax, then the prime ministers and ministers would be even more cautious.

After thinking for a moment, Zhao Yu thought to himself, 'I have to ask them one by one, otherwise these guys might just keep pretending to be mute.'

With this in mind, Zhao Yu said loudly, "What do you all think?"

After saying this, Zhao Yu looked at Zhang Dun and asked him to speak.

Zhang Dun hesitated for a moment, then said, "This matter... involves many aspects, so we must be extremely cautious."

'Saying that is as good as saying nothing.'

Zhao Yu thought to himself, then looked at Zeng Bu.

Zeng Bu, in a very slick manner, said, “This strategy is indeed a good one for strengthening the country, but it goes against ancestral rules. If it is implemented hastily, it may cause unforeseen changes. The peace and stability of the nation is hard-won, and this move may lead to turmoil and shake the very foundation. I have thought about it many times and dare not make a hasty decision. It is because I am concerned about the country and my family, and I am afraid of failing Your Majesty’s grace. I humbly beg Your Majesty to forgive my crime of hesitation and indecision!”

Zhao Yu, displeased, shifted his gaze from Zeng Bu to Han Zhongyan.

Han Zhongyan sighed inwardly, then said, "Your Majesty, I support this plan. However, I am of meager ability and fear that I will fail Your Majesty's grace. I dare not accept this heavy responsibility."

Zhao Yu nodded inwardly. 'For Han Zhongyan, as the leader of the conservatives, to speak out in support of the gentry paying taxes together and the integration of land tax and poll tax is quite remarkable.' Zhao Yu then looked at Cai Jing.

This was the prime minister Zhao Yu had been most looking forward to. Zhao Yu believed that if Cai Jing was willing to take on this task, the system of requiring gentry to pay taxes together and the integration of land tax and poll tax would have the best chance of being successfully implemented.

To Zhao Yu's disappointment, Cai Jing remained silent for a long time before speaking: "Your Majesty, I object. Although this policy is ambitious and aims to eliminate long-standing abuses and revitalize the court, the time is not yet ripe. Acting rashly may harm the harmony between the court and the people and shake the foundation of the nation. The gentry class has always been the pillar of the country. Sudden changes may incite their discontent and lead to unrest. Moreover, folk customs are deeply rooted. Sudden changes to the land tax system may easily cause instability among the people and affect agriculture, which would be detrimental to the country. I dare to suggest that the long-standing abuses of the nation must be eliminated, but the methods must be carefully considered to avoid being too hasty and causing instability. It is advisable to proceed gradually."

Fearing he wouldn't be able to persuade Zhao Yu, Cai Jing specifically reminded him: "Your Majesty's virtue is radiant, comparable to that of Emperor Yao, who governed with benevolence, bringing spring breezes to the land; your wisdom rivals that of Emperor Shun, who managed all affairs with sagacity, ensuring the prosperity of the land; your might is like that of Yu the Great, who restored the Xia dynasty and defeated the Liao dynasty to secure peace; and your wisdom is like that of Emperor Tang, who cleansed the country of its filth and brought prosperity. Since Your Majesty ascended the throne, the government has been efficient and the people harmonious, all industries have flourished, the sun and moon have shone brighter, and the mountains and rivers have been rejuvenated. You are truly a sage ruler unprecedented in history, and we, your subjects, are fortunate to follow you—it is a blessing beyond measure! The advice given by Imperial Censor Chen may be a policy that could harm the country; we humbly hope Your Majesty will consider it carefully before acting!"

Zhao Yu understood Cai Jing's meaning.

Cai Jing was essentially saying, "Your Majesty, you have already been very successful as emperor, excelling in both civil and military affairs. If you put in a little more effort in other areas, you will definitely become a great emperor for all time. Just don't touch the land reform issue. The resistance to this matter is too great. Even if you succeed, because the scholar-official class controls the discourse, you will never have a good reputation. The key is that if you are not careful, your brilliance may be completely ruined. Can we not take this risk?"

Although Cai Jing openly contradicted him, at this critical juncture, it's quite commendable that such a shrewd person, knowing he wanted to do this, could still try to dissuade him.

More importantly, Cai Jing is right. If I really did this, I might be lucky to get a mixed evaluation of merits and demerits.

In fact, Zhang Dun, Zeng Bu, and even Han Zhongyan, who supported Cai Jing's policy of requiring gentry to pay taxes together and integrating land tax into the poll tax, all shared Cai Jing's intentions.

To sum it up, they all want to say three words—it's unnecessary.

However, Zhao Yu was only "twenty years old," he was still very young, and he did not want to just give up like that. He also had his own political ambitions.

'In my past life, I lacked a stage to showcase my talents, which led to a mediocre life. In this life, I lack nothing; I've obtained everything I was meant to have. I've slept with several empresses and empress dowagers. If I were to act like I did in my past life, knowing it was right but hesitating for fear of failure, what would be the point of my transmigration?!'

Zhao Yu shifted his gaze from Cai Jing to Xu Jiang.

Upon seeing this, Xu Jiang bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I support this plan. However, I am afraid that I will fail Your Majesty's grace and dare not take on such a heavy responsibility. But if Your Majesty is willing to entrust me with this matter, I will gladly die for it."

Zhao Yu nodded to Xu Jiang, seemingly satisfied with his performance.

Zhao Yu looked at Zhang Shangying.

Zhang Shangying bowed and said, "Your subject seconds the motion."

Zhao Yuchong and Zhang Shangying also nodded.

Zhao Yu looked at Li Qingchen.

Li Qingchen bowed and said, "Your subject agrees with Minister Cai's proposal."

Zhao Yu looked at the last two officials currently in court—the chief ministers Cai Bian and Su Shi.

Emperor Zhao Yu considered these two last, not because their rank was lower than the other chancellors, but because he had the highest expectations for them. They were also Zhao Yu's most favored candidates after Cai Jing for implementing the policy of unified taxation for gentry and the land tax reform.

When Cai Bian implemented the Green Sprouts Law, he decisively opened granaries to lend grain to the people, relieving their urgent needs and curbing the arrogance of unscrupulous wealthy individuals. Actively participating in the formulation and implementation of new laws, he faced pressure and challenges from all sides without flinching, consistently upholding his political stance. He was a relatively upright person, adhering to principles and beliefs. As an official responsible for remonstrating with the emperor, he did not shy away from powerful figures, impeaching incompetent and morally questionable officials, including relatives of the prime minister. Furthermore, he demonstrated a certain degree of political savvy in political struggles.

These traits all align with the character of a political strongman.

Only such people could withstand the enormous pressure from the large and powerful gentry class and promote the integration of gentry and land tax into the land tax system.

As for Su Shi? Although he was a conservative leader of the old party, Zhao Yu believed that his thinking was not stagnant, and that deep down he must have always harbored a profound concern for the common people and anxieties about the future of the nation. He had hesitated and opposed the implementation of Wang Anshi's New Policies, but this was because he adhered to his ideals of benevolent governance and did not want to see the people suffer due to short-sighted policies. The policy of requiring gentry to pay taxes together and the integration of land tax and poll tax were both good measures to reduce the burden on the people and promote social fairness. Zhao Yu felt that unless Su Shi was seeking fame and fortune, he shouldn't disappoint him.

Seeing Zhao Yu's gaze fall on him, Cai Bian straightened his clothes and said clearly, "The rise and fall of the nation is the responsibility of every citizen. I am willing to implement this policy to share the burdens and difficulties of Your Majesty and the nation. I am willing to go through fire and water for it!"

Su Shi retorted without backing down, "I request that this policy be implemented. Even if my reputation is ruined and I am shattered to pieces, I will promote this sound strategy for stabilizing the country. If I fail, I will die for it!"

Looking at Cai Bian and Su Shi, Zhao Yu exclaimed, "With ministers like these, how can my Great Song not prosper?!"

Whether moved by Cai Bian and Su Shi's words, or finally made up his mind, or realized that he wouldn't be prime minister for long if he didn't support Zhao Yu's policy of requiring gentry to pay taxes together and merging the poll tax into the land tax, Zhang Dun stepped forward and bowed, saying: "The advice of Imperial Censor Chen is the only good policy to strengthen the country. I request to review this policy and divide the policy of requiring gentry to pay taxes together and merging the poll tax into the land tax into two parts, with Cai Shaobao and Su Yuanshi each responsible for one part."

Zhao Yu understood. Zhang Dun meant that if anything went wrong in the future, he was willing to take the blame for him.

To be honest, the reactions of the chief ministers far exceeded Zhao Yu's expectations.

Most importantly, the national policy of requiring both gentry and commoners to pay taxes and the integration of land tax and poll tax, which would inevitably face numerous difficulties, could now be implemented.

This pleased Zhao Yu greatly. He thought to himself, 'The ministers of the Ming and Qing dynasties were either overly cautious and reduced to mere mouthpieces, or they shirked responsibility and tried to protect themselves in times of crisis. They truly lacked a sense of duty and integrity. In contrast, in my Great Song Dynasty, Fan Zhongyan, with his "worry before pleasure" spirit, devoted himself to defending the borders and reforming the government; Wang Anshi, with his "three insufficiencies," resolutely promoted reforms, unafraid of criticism; Su Shi, even in exile, continued to manage water resources and repair dikes, benefiting the people. They could both argue righteously in the court and work diligently in the local areas. They possessed both the responsibility to "establish a moral compass for the world" and the courage to break with convention—qualities that the ministers of the Ming and Qing dynasties could hardly match.'

Zhao Yu stopped wasting words and didn't bother to ask the opinions of the ordinary ministers. Instead, he directly issued the decree: "Zhang Dun, Cai Bian, and Su Shi, stay. The rest of you may leave..."

……

(End of this chapter)