Listening to Pang Gang talking endlessly about the reform system of scientific examinations, Wei Tongnian and others were worried that their hearing was hallucinating, so that they heard such incredible things.
Finally, Hua Yan stammered: "Your Majesty... you... are everything you said true?"
"Nonsense!" Pang Gang rolled his eyes at him and said impatiently: "Do you think I'm kidding you? The so-called profession has specialization. No matter how capable a person is, he can't be good at everything. For example, I saw some people in your household department
, how can you contribute to the country and run errands for the court if you can’t even do abacus calculations well? Take for example the batch of silver that was escorted to Beijing from Shandong and Henan a few days ago. It’s been three days, and you people from the Ministry of Revenue still haven’t been able to do anything.
Calculate clearly how much tax Shandong and Henan have to pay and how much money should be returned, and you don’t want to be such an idiot!"
Hearing that Pang Gang actually called his household department a fool, Hua Yan broke out in cold sweat. At the same time, he felt a little aggrieved. When he established the household department, he encountered a series of problems. Those in the previous dynasty
He didn't dare to recruit too many official officials, and the newly recruited officials knew how to calculate too few. Even Hua Yan himself went to the battle to get the abacus, but because there were too many accounts, he couldn't finish them all at once.
Seeing Hua Yan lowering his head and saying nothing, Pang Gang sighed and said: "Look, look, what did I say? There are specialties in the art, so how about bringing in those nerds who can only speak about Confucius and Kong Yun?"
The Account Department can't even keep an account book, and they just sit there and drink tea all day long. What's the use of such people? In my opinion, it would be better for them to hire a few accountants on the street.
At least Mr. Accountant still settles the accounts for me!"
At this time, Hua Yan's head almost shrank into his crotch, and his face was so red that it almost bled.
After teaching Hua Yan a lesson, Pang Gang turned to Wen Renjun again and said, "Wen Aiqing, your staff should also draw up a policy. From now on, we in Dahua will have no regard for scholars or officials.
There are so many discounts. From now on, we must implement the concept of "officials and gentry working together as servants and paying taxes together". No one can be exempted from it. I don't care what fame he has or what official he is. As long as he does business or farms, he must pay taxes to the government.
The imperial court pays grain and taxes, regardless of its seniority. If the tax that should be paid is less than a penny, I will still punish him!"
But Wen Renjun didn't even have the energy to be surprised at this time. The emperor now wants to make enemies of the scholars and gentry all over the world. As soon as this decree came out, it just stirred up a hornet's nest. Originally, Wen Renjun wanted to say
Something like that, but seeing Pang Gang put on a determined look, he could only shake his head and sigh silently.
Regarding this point, Pang Gang's attitude is very resolute. Although Pang Gang asked himself that he could not be absolutely fair after taking over the world, there are some things that must be done, such as the tax exemption, and he will never allow it in his
Under the rule, any class or force can be exempted from tax.
There will also never be allowed to be fields that do not pay taxes, and businessmen and individuals that do not pay taxes. Otherwise, given the nature of the Chinese people to seek benefits and avoid disadvantages, decades later, the loopholes in tax exemption will be infinitely expanded, eventually leading to the policy of paying taxes and paying taxes.
Transformation, repeating the tragedy of the late Ming Dynasty, either not to accept them all! Or to accept them all! This is Pang Gang's idea.
After sitting in this position, Pang Gang also spent some time doing research, and he found that the cultivated land area of the former Ming Dynasty was about 100 million acres, and the total area was quite large (the cultivated land of later China in 2010
The area is 100 million acres, which is the red line for cultivated land protection repeatedly mentioned by the central government). According to the tax rate of two dou per mu (about 37.6 catties) established in the early days of the founding of the Ming Dynasty, 30 billion catties (about 37.6 catties) can be collected every year
The land rent is 1.6 billion taels). Calculated at 5 taels of silver per shi, the country’s land tax revenue should be approximately 80 million taels of silver.
But in fact, could the Ming Dynasty court really receive so much tax? The fiscal revenue of the Ming Dynasty court (i.e., the Treasury of the Ministry of Revenue) was only about three to four million taels per year. Including the emperor's private money (internal funds)
Eh) 2 to 3 million taels, which is only about 7 million taels a year, less than 10% of 80 million taels. Why is there such a big difference? It’s simple. Because more than 90% of the fields are
It is in the hands of the gentry and bureaucratic class, and the gentry and bureaucratic class do not need to pay for it.
More than 90% of the people only own less than 10% of the land and need to bear heavy taxes. Less than 10% of the gentry and bureaucrats hold more than 90% of the land but do not need to pay taxes. In order to cope with the increasingly powerful
The Manchus, the imperial court continued to allocate grain and wages, but in the end it could only be distributed to the poor farmers. The burden on less than 10% of the land was already very heavy, how could it withstand repeated increases in wages? The farmers could not survive.
The Ming Dynasty naturally wanted to rebel, so rebels like Li Zicheng and Zhang Xianzhong appeared. In the end, the Ming Dynasty killed itself like this.
Wen Renjun no longer knew what to say, so he smiled bitterly and said: "Sir, if this is the case, then all the gentry in the world will be against you."
After hearing this, Pang Gang sneered: "Go against me? Whoever wants to fight me on this matter is my enemy, and I will mobilize my cavalry to reason with him!"
Looking at Pang Gang's expressionless face, Wen Renjun was startled and stopped saying anything. He knew that whenever his boss showed such an expression, even the King of Heaven would not be able to hold back his determination.
At this time, Pang Gang was sneering in his heart, why should the extremely rich people not have to pay taxes, but the poor farmers have to bear heavy taxes? And this is a true portrayal of the late Ming Dynasty. This,
It is also the most fundamental reason for the demise of the Ming Dynasty. This is also the crux of all problems in the late Ming Dynasty. If the problems of farmers are not solved, the country cannot be stable. Therefore, the implementation of the integration of officials and gentry into responsibilities and payment of grain is a national policy that must be implemented by the new dynasty.
Any person or force who stands in the way is Pang Gang's enemy and will be mercilessly attacked by him!
There was silence in the royal study room, except for a few rapid breathing sounds.
Pang Gang's words were so surprising that he had strong doubts about the values and outlook on life of the three of them.
Whether it was the Song Dynasty or the Ming Dynasty, the emphasis was on scholar-bureaucrats and the emperor co-ruling the world. The emperor was just their elected representative. Of course, this representative was also the most powerful force among them, but if this force did not have enough strength,
It is not impossible to be represented by others.
As the ruling class, the scholar-bureaucrats naturally have to speak for their own class. Since the officials and gentry have the same abilities, there is no reason to collect their own taxes. Therefore, I don’t know when it became a common rule that the scholar-bureaucrats do not need to pay taxes.
It was also openly incorporated into the country’s laws.
Since the beginning of the scientific examination system in the Sui Dynasty, the scholar-bureaucrat class has grown from scratch, grown from small to large, and slowly replaced the old clan power and became the main class of this society. The power of this class is so great that even the
Even the emperor did not dare to shake it easily. But today, a person who does not know the heights of heaven and earth is going to disturb them. He wants to take away the most important privileges enjoyed by this class.
Pang Gang ignored the three ministers who had fallen into a sluggish state in front of him. He stood up, walked to the three of them and said in an unquestionable tone: "This matter is settled, there is no room for negotiation. By the way,
Wei Aiqing, I can answer you now about the imperial estates. Those imperial estates must be taken back and then distributed to the homeless people around. The descendants of the Zhu family have been worms for hundreds of years. Now it is time to be self-reliant!"
Pang Gang's words were full of undoubted charm. A determined look flashed in his eyes.
At this time, a sharp voice came from outside the door, "Your Majesty, Wu Sangui, the commander-in-chief of Shanhaiguan Pass, and others request an audience..."
Outside the Chaoyang Gate, Wu Xiang and a dozen other people were walking toward the southeast, following the guards in front who were wearing black stainless steel armor.
Wu Xiang and others, only two brothers, Zu Dashou and Zu Dalue, had gone to the palace to meet the emperor a few years ago. Others, such as Wu Xiang and others, had only had an eye-opening experience outside the Forbidden City. Now everyone was walking in the palace.
On the road paved with neat bluestones, looking at the majestic buildings and the majestic guards around me, I felt really uneasy.
Dynasties have changed. These generals guarding the border are like rootless duckweeds. They are in panic all day long, fearing that the newly ascended emperor will not like them and send them to some place where birds don't shit, or even
If you reduce yourself to a commoner, then everything will be over.
It's not like Wu Sangui and others have never thought about resisting or making a living on their own. But no matter how they try, they can't get around a hurdle, that is, they have powerful force, but they don't have the foundation and foundation to support this force.
Without the support of the mainland, if they dare to show even a trace of dissatisfaction, the other party will grind them into powder. They don't even need to do it themselves, as long as they cut off their supplies.
The Forbidden City is very large, but Wu Sangui and the others are not qualified to ride horses here. They followed the guards for nearly two quarters of an hour before arriving in front of a magnificent hall.
"You guys wait here for a while!"
A guard told them to wait here, and he stepped forward to say a few words to an eunuch standing at the door. The eunuch immediately looked over and saw several Ming army generals wearing red mandarin duck jackets standing there.
In front of him, there was a hint of surprise in his eyes. He nodded, and then walked quickly into the hall.
After a while, the eunuch came out. It seemed that this eunuch still had some status. He waved the dust in his hand towards Wu Sangui and others and said sharply: "You are Wu who came from Liaodong.
Xiang, Wu Sangui, Zu Dashou and other generals, you are so lucky today that you can be summoned by His Majesty as soon as you come here. I don’t know how many lifetimes of hard work you have earned. Okay, you all come with our family."
After speaking, the eunuch turned around and walked forward without waiting for their reply.
"Hey...my father-in-law, please stay!"
Wu Xiang who was on the side quickly stepped forward, took out a small gold bar from his arms and stuffed it into the eunuch's hand. He asked with a smile: "I wonder what my father-in-law is called? I am Tongzhi, the governor of Liaodong, and the commander-in-chief of the army." Wu Xiang, the Commander-in-Chief of the Second Military Command, is right. We are all warriors in the army and do not understand the rules of the emperor. I would like to trouble my father-in-law to give me a few pointers."
Gently tipping the gold bar in his hand, he felt its heavy weight. Seeing these generals being so polite, a smile gradually appeared on the eunuch's face. He nodded and said, "Our family name is Ma. I am on duty here at Qianning Palace. You can rest assured that the emperor is in a good mood today. As long as you are careful and answer questions after entering, you should not make any big mistakes. Also, the emperor's temperament is extremely kind. You just need to deal with it. Just be decent."
For the sake of money, Eunuch Ma took the trouble to "point out" Wu Xiang, so that Wu Xiang, who had never entered the palace, couldn't help but thank him.
Everyone quickly arrived at the door of the imperial study. Eunuch Ma asked everyone to wait outside while he went in to report. Soon, Eunuch Ma came out and motioned for everyone to go in quickly.
When Wu Sangui and others entered the Imperial Study Room, they saw a man in his thirties sitting behind the dragon desk in the splendidly decorated Imperial Study Room, wearing a dragon robe, with a slightly delicate face but an indescribable aura all over his body. The majestic young man was looking at everyone intently. Next to him sat three ministers wearing vermilion uniforms of first- and second-grade officials, who were also looking at them.
Brothers Zu Dashou and Zu Dale had fought side by side with Pang Gang and knew Pang Gang. When they saw Pang Gang, they quickly knelt down and kowtowed. They shouted loudly: "I am the Governor of Liaodong, General Secretary. Wu Xiang, the Commander-in-Chief of the Military Office of the Second Army, Wu Sangui, the Commander-in-Chief of Shanhaiguan Pass, and Governor Zuo, the Young Master, are in charge of the great longevity of the ancestors of Jinzhou... Waiting to see my emperor, may my emperor live long live!"
"My beloved, I will be exempted from the courtesy! Come here, I will give you a seat for all of you!"
A majestic and clear voice sounded.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
After everyone stood up, someone soon brought soft stools for everyone to sit down.
Pang Gang sat behind the dragon case, looked at everyone with squinted eyes, and said with a smile: "My dear friends, who is Wu Sangui, the commander-in-chief of Shanhaiguan Pass?"
Hearing that the emperor was the first to ask about Wu Sangui, everyone could not help but be slightly surprised. Wu Sangui quickly got up and bowed: "Your Majesty, the minister is Wu Sangui."
Pang Gang narrowed his eyes slightly and took a closer look at this famous traitor in later generations. He found that this wise guy was quite good-looking, with thick eyebrows, big eyes, and a face with Chinese characters. Whether in later generations or now, , that is a standard official face, in other words, he was born to be an official.
Seeing the emperor staring at Wu Sangui intently, Wu Xiang couldn't help but feel a little nervous. Could it be that the eldest uncle had offended the current emperor? Logically speaking, it was impossible. The eldest uncle had never left Liaodong even when he was so old.
Seeing Pang Gang staring at Wu Sangui intently. Not to mention Wu Xiang, Zu Dashou and the others, even Wu Sangui himself felt a little panicked.
Fortunately, Pang Gang quickly turned his attention to Zu Dashou and Zu Dale, with a smile on his face and said: "Zu Dashou, Zu Dale, my dear friends, we meet again!"
The two brothers Zu Dashou and Zu Dalue stood up and saluted Pang Gang. They both felt a bitter taste in their mouths. In the past, Pang Gang was just a small Qianhu, but now he is the emperor of a country. He has the opportunity of life.
How mysterious it is.
Zu Dashou smiled bitterly and said: "In the past, the general was blind and did not recognize your majesty's face. You are really blind, please atone for your sins."
Pang Gang burst out laughing, "Zu Aiqing said that wrong. In the past, you and I fought side by side to kill the enemy together. That was the friendship between robes and robes. Today, when you and I meet, it is the friendship between kings and ministers. Moreover, in the past, even I never thought that there would be such a thing."
Today, if Qing had known this a long time ago, you might as well have taken off your armor and returned to your fields to become a fortune teller instead!"
Seeing what Pang Gang said was interesting, everyone laughed, and the atmosphere in the imperial study became more relaxed.
Pang Gang pointed to the three officials sitting on the left and said: "By the way, Ai Qing and others haven't met these adults yet? I would like to introduce to you, this is Mr. Wei, who was the capital of the cabinet at the time, in the same year.
, This is Mr. Hua Yanhua, the Minister of the Ministry of Finance, and this is Mr. Wen Renjun, the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel. You are ministers in the same palace, so you must get along well with each other!"
Wu Xiang and others had done some homework before coming, and when they heard it now, they realized that... they were all big-shot figures in the dynasty, especially that Wei Tongtai, who was not only the dynasty elder, but also the elder of the court.
The head of the state is the father of the current Queen of the West Palace, and may be the grandfather of the future Crown Prince of the East Palace. This requires a lot of fawning. There are also the Minister of Libu who is in charge of the officials in the world, and the Shangshu of Hubu who is in charge of the money in the world. They are all
Not being able to offend the Lord, everyone quickly stood up again and paid tribute to these three people one by one.
Pang Gang smiled as he watched everyone greet them one by one in front of him, and secretly made plans in his heart.
Although Zu Dashou surrendered to the Qing Dynasty in history, he only surrendered after being besieged for three months, with no food or reinforcements, and was forced to eat human flesh. With this man's temperament
, if it were placed in the United States in later generations, maybe he would be able to get a Congressional Medal of Honor to wear when he comes back. I can't convict him based on what he hasn't done yet, right?
There is also Wu Sangui. People in later generations say that he was a traitor because of his anger. But everyone who knows it knows that the situation in the late Ming Dynasty was indeed very bad in history. After Chongzhen died, people like Li Zicheng were too unkind and occupied.
He took someone else's daughter-in-law, asked him to surrender, and finally killed his whole family. Anyone with such bullshit would have to rebel.
But Pang Gang could also see that Wu Sangui was talented, but his ambitions were not small, and his power was too heavy. Historically, when he saw that Kangxi decided to eliminate the feudal clan, he jumped out to rebel.
You can see it.
Among the remaining people, Wu Xiang, Zu Dale and others would be much easier to deal with. They could just give them a seat. However, their family has been rooted in Liaodong for so many years. How to arrange them is a difficult task. Thinking of it,
Here, Pang Gang couldn't help but think deeply... (To be continued...)
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