Tax reform was something Zhu Yunying had been planning for a long time. He genuinely wanted to abolish the poll tax, a system that had lasted for over two thousand years. This would be a significant change and a considerable step forward.

Since Old Zhu didn't have many objections, and they had discussed it for a long time, Zhu Yunying felt it was time to consider implementing it.

After the morning court session, Zhu Yunying summoned the ministers of the six ministries, the five courts, the Censorate, and the Office of Transmission to the Wuying Hall. Xu Huizu, Chang Mao, and others also came. These were truly important officials of the Ming Dynasty.

The reason they didn't discuss it in the imperial court was mainly because Zhu Yunying was used to discussing it with his senior officials first, and everyone needed to think it over.

Furthermore, those qualified to attend the morning court session naturally possessed a certain rank. However, Zhu Yunying also understood that some officials wanted to rise in the ranks, or that some officials would actively speak out on matters outside their area of ​​expertise.

That was something Zhu Yunying was not happy to see, mainly because he felt it was a huge waste of time.

Sitting on the dragon throne, Zhu Yunying noticed the expressions of the civil and military officials and knew that they must think something big was about to happen.

This is quite obvious; something truly significant is about to happen. Tax reform is undoubtedly a major event. This is not only a major issue for Emperor Ying Shi's reign, but also a national policy for the future of the Ming Dynasty, so it cannot be taken lightly.

Zhu Yunying said to Wang Chengen naturally, "Grand Master, please offer seats to all my beloved ministers."

When the emperor bestows a seat upon them, a gesture of gratitude is naturally expected. This is a favor from the emperor, a sign of his respect for these important officials. Being offered a seat signifies respect; if not, these officials would feel it is their duty to stand.

After the civil and military officials stood up, Zhu Yunying said with a smile, "The reason I summoned you all here this time is that I want to change the tax system of our Great Ming Dynasty."

These words did indeed surprise these high-ranking officials. However, as they exchanged bewildered glances, they didn't seem particularly surprised, as if they had already heard about this matter beforehand.

Ultimately, it was because Emperor Ying Shi was dissatisfied with the Two-Tax System, a fact that had already spread far and wide. Many people were speculating about when the emperor would attempt to reform the tax system, and what kind of resistance he would encounter.

Of course, many people were also looking forward to seeing what kind of reform strategies Emperor Ying Shi would come up with.

After all, it's no secret that Emperor Ying Shi was capable of causing trouble. Furthermore, most of Emperor Ying Shi's actions over the years have had some effect.

Given this, it naturally aroused the anticipation of many. If Emperor Ying Shi could come up with a tax system better than the Two-Tax System, it would once again prove his great talent, wisdom, and brilliance.

At that time, many people might feel that this is the mandate of heaven, and many might look forward to serving the emperor with all their might, working together to create a glorious era for this wise ruler, and thus making their names in history.

Zhu Yunying ignored the whispers and bewildered glances of some ministers, but he took in all their expressions.

"The Two-Tax System is good, but as you all know, it also causes a lot of trouble for the people," Zhu Yunying said directly. "The local prefectures and even some minor officials impose many exorbitant taxes."

Everyone understands these things. No matter what kind of tax system there is, there will always be corrupt officials who add layers of taxation, placing a heavy burden on the people. Everyone naturally understands these principles.

"This time, the imperial court collected taxes, but some local prefectures and counties actually intercepted them," Zhu Yunying said with great distress. "I had previously resolved to clean up the bureaucracy, but now these people dare to intercept even the imperial court's taxes. They are truly lawless!"

Now they have to start preparing an apology. At least for many civil and military officials, even if they don't agree in their hearts, they still need to show their attitude on the surface.

Looking at Ru Chang, Zhu Yunying said, "From now on, the Ministry of Personnel shall remember that any official who is corrupt shall not pass the evaluation and shall not be promoted for ten years."

In fact, everyone understands that this refers to officials who are suspected of embezzlement or who have solicited bribes of a small amount. These officials do not need to be removed from their posts or imprisoned, but their future prospects are basically ruined.

What else could Ru Chang say? He even felt fortunate. Because if it were the Hongwu Emperor, if he discovered that an official was indulging in play, dismissing him from office would be something to be thankful for; being skinned alive and having his family's property confiscated and his entire clan exterminated would be the norm.

These were merely treating the symptoms, not the root cause. Zhu Yunying knew that his methods were only addressing the symptoms, not the root cause. However, completely eradicating corrupt officials was also impossible.

Gu Zhen

It is only hoped that corrupt officials can have some sense of awe, and that they can think of the sword hanging over their heads. At this stage, it seems that is all.

Cutting off the upward mobility channels for some corrupt officials is naturally of paramount importance. However, everyone understands that this strategy is actually a last resort, merely a way to bring things to a close.

"The three judicial departments must also abide by the laws of the court and not tolerate corruption." Zhu Yunying became serious and said to Bao Zhao, Lian Zining and others, "Now that corruption is on the rise again, the court should suppress it with thunderous force."

Bao Zhao, Lian Zining, and the others nodded hastily, as this was indeed part of their job duties, and they could not neglect their responsibilities.

In fact, the imperial court is not doing nothing. After the thirteen censors were dispatched and discovered that corruption had resurfaced in the Ming Dynasty's officialdom, the court began to clean up the bureaucracy once again.

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