Ming Dynasty: Pick up attributes from the battlefield to create the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 389 The entire court was shocked! Zhu Ying's reforms were too drastic!
As Zhu Ying finished speaking.

With an unquestionable air of authority, it's clear that the enactment of this decree was a foregone conclusion.

No one can change it.

Faced with Zhu Ying's domineering attitude, no courtier dared to meet his gaze.

"This was reported by the Crown Prince."

"I second the proposal."

Without even thinking, Lan Yu immediately stood up and loudly echoed.

"I also second my opinion."

“The salaries of officials in our Great Ming Dynasty have increased several times over. Not to mention ordinary people, even some merchants cannot compare to the salaries of officials in our Great Ming Dynasty. If we still embezzle, then we are betraying the Emperor’s grace.”

"Yes."

"Your Majesty the Crown Prince's proposed laws and decrees to punish corruption."

"I second the proposal..."

Lan Yu stepped forward.

Xu Huizu, Chang Mao, Guo Ying, Fu Youde.

Whether they were from Huaixi or other factions, all the military officials stood up and loudly echoed their sentiments.

Apart from that.

There were many ministers in the imperial court.

Liu Jing, Minister of Rites.

High-ranking officials, including Yu Xin, the Minister of Revenue, also stepped forward to echo this sentiment.

Suddenly!

The majority of ministers in the court echoed this sentiment.

Everything seems to be happening naturally.

This was Zhu Ying's method of governance: domineering.

He didn't have the time or inclination for political maneuvering; he simply used domineering tactics to subdue his enemies.

"What the Crown Prince said."

"It makes sense."

“In the past, we were indeed a bit too harsh on the salaries of Ming Dynasty officials. The subsequent salary increase was also insisted upon by the Crown Prince alone, raising the salaries of officials several times over, which already far exceeded those of ordinary people.”

"When the Crown Prince raised salaries, he not only considered officials, but also the civil servants and yamen runners who served the Ming Dynasty."

“His salary far exceeded that of ordinary people.”

"As the Crown Prince said, high salaries should be used to encourage integrity."

"If such a high salary cannot quell the greed of some people, then they are not worthy of this favor, nor are they worthy of living." Zhu Yuanzhang spoke slowly, thus establishing the fundamental basis for this decree.

immediately.

He didn't even wait for the court officials to say anything.

"Convey our will."

"From today onwards."

"The decrees and regulations established by the Crown Prince shall be compiled into punitive laws for officials of our Great Ming Dynasty, applicable to all officials, civil servants who receive government pay, yamen runners, and even the army throughout our Great Ming Dynasty."

"Therefore, we proclaim this to the world."

Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at it and said authoritatively.

The official responsible for recording the imperial edict on one side of the main hall immediately wrote down Zhu Yuanzhang's edict, and then sent it to the Ministry of Rites to be stamped at the Wenyuan Pavilion.

"Yongying."

"Go on."

"At the first court meeting of the year, there are indeed many things that need to be resolved." Zhu Yuanzhang smiled as he looked at Zhu Ying.

"it is good."

Zhu Ying did not hesitate and continued to look at the court officials.

All eyes of the court officials were focused on this place.

Many ministers were filled with trepidation. It was only the first court session of the year, and Zhu Ying had already prepared such decrees for them as officials. They dared not even think about what else might come next.

"The first national policy of the year."

"Lift the sea ban."

Under the watchful eyes of the entire court, Zhu Ying spoke in a deep voice.

As soon as these words fell.

Many ministers in the court wore expressions of surprise.

Obviously, they hadn't considered this.

Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao exchanged a glance, neither of them expecting Zhu Ying to bring up the maritime ban.

"Except for the maritime ban."

"On top of the household registration system, an identity system should be added."

"With this system in place, people can move freely within the territory of our Great Ming Dynasty based on their identity and place of origin, without the need for travel permits or other restrictions."

"The craftsmen who have lost their skills will inherit the craft."

"Abolish the name of strange skills and tricks, and enlighten the people."

"Abolish the eight-legged essay system for selecting officials."

"Abolish the heavy agricultural policy and suppress commerce, and encourage the prosperity of commerce in the Ming Dynasty."

Before the officials could react, Zhu Ying's voice rang out repeatedly, echoing throughout the hall.

Each sound was deafening.

Make all the ministers open their eyes wide.

Even Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao were astonished by the many abolition proposals put forward by Zhu Ying, and stared at Zhu Ying with wide eyes.

no doubt.

Every word Zhu Ying spoke was a bombshell, enough to fundamentally influence the Ming Dynasty.

"Yongying."

"Are you...are you serious?"

Zhu Yuanzhang also stared at Zhu Ying with wide eyes, seemingly wanting to say something but holding back.

"You always say that."

"I will be in charge of implementing national policies."

"These are all limitations if we want the Ming Dynasty to become strong and prosperous."

"If you want the Ming Dynasty to truly become strong, this is the only way. If you want China to stand at the pinnacle of the world, this is the only way," Zhu Ying replied solemnly.

Do you know what these national policies mean for our Great Ming Dynasty?

"With the lifting of the sea ban, pirates will plunder the coast, and chaos will ensue."

"The household registration system restricts the movement of people, which makes it easier to manage and avoid too much chaos. Once it is completely liberalized, there will inevitably be a lot of chaos within the territory of our Great Ming."

"As for the eight-legged essay system for selecting officials, let's not talk about that. It's true that it can't select truly talented people."

"We must prioritize agriculture and suppress commerce because merchants value profit above all else and disregard the nation's interests, so we have no choice but to suppress them," Zhu Yuanzhang said very seriously.

"emperor."

"Since I brought this up, I must have considered all the consequences; otherwise, I wouldn't have mentioned it."

"If we want the Ming Dynasty to become strong and prosperous, and if we want the Ming Dynasty to unify the world in the shortest possible time, then the only way is through reform," Zhu Ying replied without changing his expression, his determination unwavering.

Hear this!

Zhu Yuanzhang also had a thoughtful expression on his face.

However, not a single minister in the imperial court dared to speak.

because.

They realized that Zhu Ying's proposal had not even been discussed with Zhu Yuanzhang.

This.

Something is clearly not right.

And this time!
"Father."

"Your subject thinks we should do as Xiong Ying says."

"Your subject believes he is right."

Zhu Biao, who had been silent until now, spoke up at this moment, addressing Zhu Yuanzhang.

The words fell.

All the officials in the court turned their attention to him.

It was filled with surprise.

Obviously.

Zhu Biao's statement will bring about real change.

With the consent of both father and son, Zhu Yuanzhang's will could be swayed.

Seeing Zhu Biao speak.

After a moment of contemplation, Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Ying again: "Xiong Ying, you should think this through carefully. Perhaps these things can bring about a transformation for the Ming Dynasty and complete the reforms you speak of."

"but……"

Zhu Yuanzhang paused for a moment, his voice serious and earnest: "The drawbacks are also considerable, and they have a significant impact on my imperial power."

In this regard.

Zhu Ying smiled and said, "With my grandfather and father here, we can keep things under control."

"And I."

"Also there."

"It's even more effective at maintaining order."

A single sentence can be quite authoritative, but it contains much more. However...

This also demonstrates Zhu Ying's absolute confidence in this matter.

The source of everything lies in faith.

"it is good!"

Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at it carefully and nodded emphatically: "Then let's do it your way."

The words fell.

Shocking.

All the ministers in the court stared wide-eyed, seemingly never expecting that Zhu Yuanzhang would agree to the national policies proposed by Zhu Ying.

In their view, many people secretly thought that Zhu Yuanzhang might oppose or refute these proposals, and ultimately they would not be approved.

But I never expected it.

Everything actually passed!
How can this be?

"Your Majesty, Crown Prince, Grandson of the Crown Prince."

"Are they crazy?"

"The household registration system is intended to ensure the Ming Dynasty's long-term prosperity and prevent any unrest among the people."

"But the Crown Prince has added an identity system this time, which allows people to move freely within the Ming territory without any restrictions or travel permits. This... this will make the entire Ming Dynasty uncontrollable, won't it?"

"Countless refugees, countless chaotic situations."

"Didn't they think about that?"

"The sea ban only allows our imperial ships to go to sea to trade with those small countries, and even then, only in small quantities. But now that the sea ban has been lifted, it means that ordinary people are allowed to go to sea, and the coast is going to be in chaos."

"And there's encouragement for doing business?"

"Merchants, who are blinded by profit and forget morality, are the lowest of people. How can they be encouraged now? Won't this disrupt the moral order of our Great Ming Dynasty?"

"Reckless, truly reckless."

……

now.

Most of the court officials were in turmoil, completely shocked by the abolition of Zhu Ying's policies.

After a while, after it fermented for a while.

"I beg Your Majesty to rescind your decree."

"The household registration system is a matter of national importance."

"It must not be abolished under any circumstances."

"Your Majesty, I am possessed."

"It's not just about household registration; it's also about prioritizing agriculture and suppressing commerce, which is a national policy of our Great Ming Dynasty. We must never encourage this, or the social order will be thrown into chaos."

"Your Majesty, please reconsider your decision..."

That's when.

One by one, the censors and civil officials stepped forward, their faces filled with anxiety, some even kneeling in the court with tears streaming down their faces.

in a blink.

Dozens of officials then stood up and loudly objected.

Obviously.

Perhaps some of them are unwilling to see this, some are short-sighted, and some are loyal.

But at this moment.

Zhu Ying had already made his decision, and there was no way they could oppose it.

Looking at these people.

Zhu Yuanzhang, sitting on the dragon throne, was also somewhat moved, but his gaze ultimately fell on Zhu Ying.

"Everything I have done is for the Ming Dynasty, for China."

"Perhaps this national policy is seen as unorthodox by many, but time will tell," Zhu Ying said slowly, his voice not loud, but it resounded throughout the court.

This time!

A minister stared at Zhu Ying and said loudly, "Your Highness, even if you want to kill me, I must say that if what Your Highness says is true, our Great Ming Dynasty will truly fall into chaos. It will not only be a disaster caused by pirates and refugees, but also a disaster that will destroy human ethics and morality."

"I second the proposal."

"I urge the Crown Prince to reconsider."

"Household registration, and encouragement for merchants."

"These two things are absolutely unacceptable."

"Please, Your Highness, reconsider..."

The ministers shouted loudly, their eyes now fixed entirely on Zhu Ying.

Obviously.

They also realized that the root of all this lay with Zhu Ying.

"Yu Xin".

Zhu Ying wasn't in a hurry, but instead turned his gaze to Yu Xin.

"The minister is here."

Yu Xin strode forward.

"Tell them how much commercial tax our Great Ming will collect after this year's commercial tax reform," Zhu Ying said in a deep voice.

The words fell.

The eyes of the courtiers kneeling and shouting in the main hall all turned to Yu Xin.

The sound also stopped temporarily.

"Since the implementation of commercial tax reform in our Great Ming Dynasty."

"It has already taken up 60% of the national treasury, which is nearly a hundred times more than the taxes that were previously levied on merchants."

"The commercial taxes collected in the 25th year of Hongwu, according to the statistics compiled by the Ministry of Revenue, amounted to as much as 80 million taels of silver, which exceeded the land tax."

"This commercial tax is not only for merchants, but also for ordinary people who earn high wages. Anyone who earns more than 3 taels of silver per month must pay 10% of it as tax. The more they earn, the higher the percentage. This is the labor tax set by the Crown Prince."

"This commercial tax is also included."

"His Highness's decision to abolish the suppression of merchants is to enrich the country and strengthen the people through merchants. Merchants must build workshops to make money. The more workshops there are, the more people they can recruit. The more people earn, the more taxes they pay, and the fuller the national treasury will be."

"This is the basis of the commercial tax revenue from the twenty-fifth year of the Hongwu reign."

Yu Xin faced the court officials with a solemn expression, and his voice was extremely loud, deafening.

As the sound spread.

The entire court was greatly alarmed.

All the ministers stared at Yu Xin in utter shock, while some glanced at Zhu Ying out of the corner of their eyes.

"Eight thousand...eighty million taels?"

"How can this be?"

"How could commercial taxes have reached such a level?"

"It even exceeded the revenue from grain taxes?"

"Isn't this possible?"

"Merchants are of lowly status, so why should they pay such high taxes?"

"No, this is not just the tax paid by merchants, but also the craftsmen in the merchants' workshops. They also pay the craft tax within this commercial tax."

"After His Highness the Crown Prince established the royal industry, he not only developed many new things on his own, but also invisibly boosted the merchants of the world and allowed many people to work in the workshops. It is precisely because of this that tax revenue has increased dramatically."

"Moreover, commercial taxes are targeted; the more you earn, the more you pay. Even royal properties are subject to taxation, which is a major expense..."

Hearing the figure of eighty million taels, he was utterly shocked.

On the Dragon Throne.

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes widened as well, and Zhu Biao looked incredulous.

"Commercial taxes have actually reached such a level?"

"It actually exceeds the grain tax?"

"This...this has never happened before in all of history!"

"This has actually happened in our Great Ming Dynasty."

"No wonder Xiong Ying said he would give us a big surprise in court today. So this is it."

"No wonder this kid wouldn't say anything when we asked about commercial taxes, and even had Yu Xin keep it a secret. So he was waiting here all along." Zhu Yuanzhang was deeply shocked.

"Commercial tax reform".

"It exceeded the grain tax."

“U.A.... This is your vision, completely surpassing mine and my father’s.”

"Who could have imagined this?" Zhu Biao was equally shocked and speechless.

And this moment.

Those ministers who had been kneeling on the ground, urging against changing the national policy and opposing Zhu Ying's change, were all speechless at this moment.

The enormous amount of commercial tax revenue stunned them all.

"Your Majesty."

"Did you hear everything?"

"Eighty million taels of silver in taxes."

"The contributions of merchants include not only the royal industry, but also the merchants and countless artisans of the world."

"The more industries, workshops, and workers my Great Ming has, the stronger my Great Ming will become, and the more abundant my Great Ming's treasury will be."

"This is the essence of reform!"

Zhu Ying surveyed the court and spoke in a commanding voice.

……

(End of this chapter)