Changchun Palace, Xinuan Pavilion.

Mu Zhiqing saw that Zhu Linmiao hadn't eaten a bite of chopsticks for a long time, and couldn't help but whisper with concern: "Your Majesty, but what's the trouble?" ”

"Hey," Zhu Linmiao sighed, "The Northern Expedition cost a lot, and the treasury was difficult to support, so it was just enough to add the entry of the ocean-going caravan."

"After that, there were still millions of people north of the Huai River and southern Shaanxi waiting for money and food to save their lives, and the imperial court was already stretched......

At this time, he deeply felt that it was difficult to be a family, and it was even more difficult to be the biggest "family" in the world.

Mu Zhiqing had already heard about the burning of Yangzhou and southern Shaanxi by Jianyu in the afternoon and the drive out of the people, and at that moment he frowned slightly, nodded and said: "These millions of victims must be relieved, otherwise under hunger and cold, civil unrest is most likely to occur." She looked at Zhu Linmiao again, "What can Your Majesty do?" ”

Zhu Linmiao put down the wooden chopstick, looked out the window and said, "Yang Tinglin wants me to levy the 'Jihuai' tax. ”

He sighed again, "It's just, where do the bitter people below have any silver to supply to the imperial court?" Taxes are imposed, and perhaps the country's problems have not been solved, but there are many people who cannot survive and are forced to sell their children and daughters......"

Mu Zhiqing looked at his worried expression, bit her lip, and said softly: "Your Majesty, the concubine will write a letter to her father tonight." There are no more Mu families, and they can still take out 200,000 taels. ”

Zhu Linmiao touched her head lovingly, "The savings of dozens of generations of the Mu family, how can I say that I can take it?" ”

"But Your Majesty ......"

He put his finger on her lips, "Even if my father-in-law can help me for a while, he can't help me for a lifetime."

"Not only do we have to solve the immediate urgency, but if we want the society to be stable, the old disease of Daming must be completely eradicated!"

Mu Zhiqing doubted: "What does Your Majesty mean?" ”

"Let the rich pay taxes, and pay more than the poor people, so that the treasury of the Ming Dynasty can be filled!"

Mu Zhiqing was slightly surprised when she heard this, "Your Majesty, most of the rich people in this world are eunuchs and gentry, even if they have no background, they will also attach their family property to these people.

"They don't pay taxes for a long time. You suddenly want to share their profits, I'm afraid...... It will make the whole court an enemy of you. ”

Zhu Linmiao nodded, "I naturally know this." Originally, I planned to wait for the end of the Northern Expedition to free up troops to suppress various places, and then slowly plan for it. But for now, we can't wait until then.

"Even if I am the enemy of all the officials, I can only try!"

"When does Your Majesty plan to implement this?"

"Tomorrow, I will announce in public that in the future, the level of official position, whether there is merit or fame, will be the same tax rate. Only those who have contributed to the country can receive a small reduction, and it cannot be passed on to future generations. No exceptions! ”

Mu Zhiqing said worriedly: "What if the courtiers unanimously oppose it? ”

"It is impossible to say that it can only be suppressed with soldiers, and the brocade guards are sent to count personal property, and then forcibly requisitioned into the warehouse." He also frowned as he spoke, "It's just that there will be some turbulent waves above the court." ”

Mu Zhiqing said: "Your Majesty, if you want to use troops on the Huai River, where can you deter the courtiers?" If it is pressed, there are dogs jumping over the wall in a hurry, or it will lead to chaos.

"Even if you take a step back and say, there is really no chaos, but it will definitely shake the court, damage your prestige, and benefit Jianyu."

"How could I not know this. But this is the only way to receive tax money at this time. Zhu Linmiao said helplessly, "Besides, you can't always let these people lose the court, someone has to do something to end this situation." While I still have some prestige, I should cut through the mess with a quick knife. If it is left to future generations, I am afraid it will be even more difficult to solve. ”

Seeing that he was so persistent, Mu Zhiqing couldn't help but stroke the jade cup with her hand and became silent.

After a long time, Zhu Linmiao asked suspiciously: "Why, don't you agree with me to reinstate the gentry tax silver?" ”

Mu Zhiqing suddenly raised her head and smiled slightly, "Your Majesty is for the country and the people, and the concubines naturally support it!" However, this should not be too drastic. ”

"Oh?" Zhu Linmiao heard what she said, and hurriedly got together, "What is Zhiqing's clever plan?" ”

"It's not a clever idea." Mu Zhiqing blinked slyly, "Tempt each other with profit, divide and conquer." ”

Zhu Linmiao pondered these eight words, "Tell me in detail." ”

Mu Zhiqing didn't sell it anymore, and continued: "The gentry are against paying taxes, but they have been benefiting from this for a long time, and they are naturally unwilling to give it up when they are suddenly ordered to give it up. But if His Majesty could grant them a greater benefit in exchange for making them pay taxes, they would certainly not object. ”

Zhu Linmiao groaned: "Xu Li? The only thing that can make these people feel is high positions and powers, and they can get ahead. ”

"Yes." Mu Zhiqing nodded and said, "Scholars have been cold for ten years, just to become an official once they enter the court." Your Majesty will link the payment of taxes with their official career, so why worry about them not obeying? ”

"But it's not going to work for those who are already in high positions," she added. Moreover, the limited number of official positions cannot satisfy everyone. ”

Zhu Linmiao only picked up the teacup and took a sip, waiting for her next step.

Therefore, the concubine thought that she would divide and conquer it.

"Your Majesty may choose to strike at those who are less resistant to paying taxes, and then hold them high. They will 'deal with' the recalcitrant ones. It won't take long for His Majesty to do it himself, and the wind of paying taxes will blow through the court. ”

Zhu Linmiao's eyes suddenly lit up when she heard this, "Yes! Instead of forcing them to pay for it, let them pay their own taxes! ”

He suddenly lifted Mu Zhiqing's pretty face, kissed it fiercely, and praised: "It is worthy of being my virtuous helper!" I'm going to give you a good credit! ”

Mu Zhiqing blushed suddenly, and turned her head to see that the eunuchs and palace maids had all turned around-they had all practiced these days, and they turned around and turned their heads at the slightest "abnormality"-only then did she feel a little relieved, but she remembered something, and said puzzledly: "Your Majesty, you just said that they should take the initiative to pay taxes?" This is not the method that the concubine told you. ”

"I was inspired by you." Zhu Linmiao was generous, "The credit is also credited to you." Come, let's continue to eat, don't waste your craft! ”