The Ming Dynasty: The opening scene features Zhu Di angrily accusing him of illegitimate succession.

Lin Yue's memorial was actually a tentative one, because, logically speaking, the privileges of scholars involved all the scholars in the country.

As expected, it would encounter resistance from both the court and the public, and it would require reasoned arguments and even offending powerful figures to barely get it done. How could Zhu Di agree so readily?

In reality, Lin Yue underestimated the prestige and power of the Hongwu and Yongle Emperors.

Zhu Yuanzhang abolished the position of prime minister and executed powerful ministers, making decisions on major national affairs with a single word. Zhu Di seized the throne through the Jingnan Campaign, held military power, and no one in the court dared to disobey his will.

The so-called interest groups in the mid-to-late Ming Dynasty were nothing but paper tigers in the face of the Hongwu Emperor and the Yongle Emperor.

For example, lifting the sea ban, re-establishing the Ming Navy, and taking control of the Ming capital were all extremely difficult tasks for Zhu Qizhen, Zhu Houzhao, and Zhu Houcong.

But for Zhu Di, it was simply a matter of whether he wanted to do it or not.

Zhu Di slammed the memorial onto the table, his voice like metal and stone: "You don't need to publicize this matter, nor do you need to waste your breath on the officials of the Ministry of Revenue."

I will issue an edict to directly clarify the tax exemption authority for scholars, and I will bear all the blame.

Lin Yue looked up abruptly, once again deeply shocked.

Most emperors weren't like Jiajing, who had his ministers handle affairs and take the blame when things went wrong, pushing his ministers out as shields in the face of adversity, taking credit for the achievements and blaming others for the mistakes.

What kind of move was Zhu Di made? He actually took on all the pressure himself. What kind of emperor would personally take the lead and fight on the front lines?

Lin Yue snapped out of his daze, thought for a moment, and then decided to push his luck, speaking in a firm voice: "Your Majesty is wise! I have heard that the way to govern a country lies in fairness, and the key to managing finances lies in equal distribution of taxes!"

In the past, Emperor Wu of Han implemented state monopolies on salt and iron, which reduced the private interests of the feudal lords, thus providing the resources for territorial expansion. During the Zhenguan era, the equal-field system was implemented, which equitized the taxes of all officials, laying the foundation for a prosperous era that would last for ten thousand generations!

Since Your Majesty has granted permission to abolish the power of the scholar-official, I have another request, and I hope Your Majesty will grant it.

Officials who receive salaries from the national treasury and are also granted the right to be exempt from taxes are excessively privileged and unfair to the people!

Sang Hongyang's salt and iron monopoly was solely aimed at dismantling powerful clans and consolidating the central government. Now, I request that the tax exemption for officials be abolished, and that all officials be issued silver instead. Half of the increased tax revenue should be used to fund shipbuilding, to help Your Majesty spread your power around the world, and the other half should be used to establish academies to cultivate pillars of the Ming Dynasty!

In the eighth year of the Hongwu reign, Emperor Taizu issued an edict to establish community schools in prefectures and counties. By the end of the Hongwu reign, there were more than 10,000 community schools throughout the country, all for the purpose of enlightening the people and consolidating the foundation of the country!

Now that the academy is being expanded, priority will be given to admitting scholars who have passed the imperial examinations, so that they can study physics and mathematics, thus achieving both academic success and benefiting the country!

If this matter is not resolved, the foundation of the Ming Dynasty's finances will crumble day by day, and the land tax will never be abolished. I am willing to offer my neck for execution to atone for my sins to the world!

Zhu Yuanzhang always valued education and issued an edict to establish community schools in all prefectures and counties. By the end of the Hongwu reign, there were hundreds of primary schools in Nanjing alone.

In Quanzhou and Zhangzhou, Fujian, there were as many as seventy or eighty community schools each, and more than 1,700 academies in various prefectures and counties. There were more than 10,000 community schools throughout the country, which were historically known as schools that were established in every place and that were taught to every person.

Zhu Yuanzhang's civil administration may have been rather rough, but in terms of education and Sinicization, he was indeed unprecedentedly strong.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Di frowned slightly.

Abolishing tax exemptions for officials is not a matter like the problem of a mere scholar; it involves the entire court of civil and military officials, making it far more difficult to handle.

Emperor Yongle remained silent for a moment, then gritted his teeth and said, "I approve this plan as well!"

Officials' tax exemptions are abolished, and they are instead issued cash. Anyone who objects will be summoned to see me!

Lin Yue was shocked again. He actually approved this? Zhu Di must be crazy.

So Lin Yue decided to strike while the iron was hot and continue to offer advice. He didn't even say anything as tough as asking for the execution of his ministers, but instead gave gentle and persuasive advice.

"Your Majesty is wise beyond compare!"

However, since that's the case, why not also tax His Majesty's imperial estates and fields?

The imperial estates possess vast tracts of land. If taxes are paid according to regulations, it will not only demonstrate His Majesty's impartiality and selflessness, but also add to the national treasury, supporting the academy and shipbuilding.

"You brat!" Zhu Di was amused by his words, and pointed at him. "There's a limit to how much you can push your luck! The imperial estates are my private property, how dare you covet them?"

Although his words were stern, there was no anger in his tone; instead, there was a hint of appreciation.

Zhu Di shook his head and chuckled, then pondered for a moment and said helplessly, "Fine, let's do it all at once."

"Imperial estates and fields will be taxed according to the system for privately owned land. Is that alright?"

Seeing this, Lin Yue was surprised again, so he decided to continue to speak.

Seeing Lin Yue about to speak again, Zhu Di quickly waved his hand to interrupt him: "Stop talking! Get out of here! If you keep going, you might even have to use my personal treasury to pay taxes!"

Under the watchful eyes of the palace guards, Lin Yue bowed and turned to leave the Qianqing Palace.

In the early years of the Yongle reign, the Ming Dynasty had an ambitious, unconventional, and powerful emperor who also encountered a censor who was unscrupulous and dared to say anything.

This pair of ruler and minister, one who dared to speak out on anything, and the other who dared to do anything for merit and fame, could be said to be a perfect match.

In fact, judging from Zhu Di's blatant alteration of the Jianwen Records, it is clear that the Yongle Emperor had a somewhat rogue-like personality.

However, whether a policy can be implemented often depends on people's will.

.....

Just as they reached the Golden Water Bridge inside the Meridian Gate, a young eunuch carrying a brocade box quickly caught up with them and bowed.

"Lin, please wait! His Majesty has bestowed upon me a set of official robes, and I hereby order you to deliver them immediately."

Lin Yue opened the brocade box, and a set of scarlet official robes was immediately visible.

According to the official dress system of the Ming Dynasty, a third-rank civil official wore a scarlet robe with a round collar and narrow sleeves, made of the finest Lu silk, with a bright and vibrant color like the sunset.

Under the leadership of Zhu Yuanzhang, the Ming Dynasty court was consistently very stingy with its officials. For official robes, the court only issued rank badges, and officials had to purchase their own clothes.

Therefore, Lin Yue, a poor seventh-rank official, would find it difficult to acquire the attire of a third-rank official without engaging in corruption.

Zhu Di couldn't stand this situation any longer. He had previously bestowed a set of third-rank official robes upon the emperor as a political show, but now that the emperor was too poor to afford them, his performance as Emperor Yongle had been in vain.

Therefore, Zhu Di once again made an exception and bestowed upon Lin Yue a complete set of official robes.

As his fingertips brushed against the cool jade belt, Lin Yue, a modern man, couldn't help but feel a deep sense of emotion.

Zhu Di tolerated his magnanimity and paid little attention to his frequent remonstrances, even to the point of risking his life. Now, he even bestowed upon him official robes as a sign of favor. This kindness and recognition was truly profound.

Lin Yue secretly resolved that he should grasp both the practical aspects of reform and the principle of speaking out against injustice, and be firm in both. However, when criticizing Emperor Yongle in the future, he could be a little more tactful and avoid making baseless personal attacks.

At the very least, personal attacks must be based on reason and evidence.

With the help of palace servants, Lin Yue changed into the official robes of a third-rank official. He immediately felt more upright and walked on the streets of Nanjing. Passersby stopped and gave way, their eyes filled with awe.

Wearing a bright red robe to go out shopping, and being so young, he must be either a prince or a crown prince. We have to avoid him.

Lin Yue loved strolling around Nanjing, especially enjoying the lively urban atmosphere.

As he walked along the market on the banks of the Qinhuai River, he was suddenly struck by the sight in front of a stall.

Isn't that a glass fish tank?!