Seeing the panicked expressions of his ministers, Zhu Yunying couldn't help but laugh. His move seemed to have shaken the foundations of the dynasty, but it was also an empty promise with plenty of room for maneuver; of course, it might not be just empty talk.

Ultimately, this was all in preparation for the integration of land tax and poll tax. The so-called "never increasing taxes" and the like would not conflict with the integration of land tax and poll tax if implemented according to the original plan.

Moreover, even if it is decided to fix the amount of the tax and not increase it, if certain situations arise, it is still possible to "create a pretext".

The policy of never increasing taxes for increasing the population actually laid the foundation for the implementation of the land tax reform, which was also an important symbol of the transformation of corvée labor into taxation in feudal society.

This was actually to keep the total amount of the national poll tax basically fixed, and not to increase it arbitrarily from the central government to the local governments, so that the burden on the vast number of farmers would be relatively stable, the number of people fleeing would be reduced, and it would be conducive to the development of agricultural production.

"I intend to merge the poll tax into the land tax." Zhu Yunying said with a very serious expression, "When I read the history books, I found that the common people in the fields were all farming with the wealthy. In a good year, the wealthy would get more, while the poor would get very little; in a bad year, those who had no land or property would be forced to wander to other places, while the old and weak would die in ditches."

With his intentions revealed, Zhu Yunying stopped beating around the bush and stated directly, "I have decided to incorporate the poll tax into the land tax collection, relax control over the household registration system, and allow farmers and artisans to migrate. Each region should ascertain the amount of land it owns and distribute the tax equally per acre. Those with a high poll tax rate must own more land, and those with a low poll tax rate must also own land!"

In an instant, the civil and military officials looked at each other in disbelief and were filled with unparalleled shock.

It's not that no one had considered merging the poll tax into the land tax; it's just that many people believed such a system wouldn't become mainstream, and the imperial court might not necessarily implement it.

Even during the Two-Tax System, the Tang Dynasty encountered immense resistance when it was implemented because the interests of wealthy and powerful families were affected. Zhu Yunying's current policy of merging the poll tax into the land tax is directly crippling those wealthy and powerful families.

If they want to acquire more land, they will have to pay even more taxes. The idea of ​​shifting the tax burden onto landless commoners will also become impossible.

This has indeed shaken the interests of many people, especially those who own a lot of land. Their livelihood and wealth have been severely impacted!

Without an emperor of sufficient courage and prestige, implementing the land tax reform would certainly encounter enormous resistance. Many people are aware of the 'disadvantages' of this reform; while it wouldn't take away all their wealth, it would certainly limit their wealth growth and reduce their opportunities to exploit and oppress the common people.

At this point, many high-ranking officials found it difficult to accept. Some felt that such a policy would be better for the Ming Dynasty's finances and the people's livelihood. Others felt that this upheaval necessitated changes to some of the Ming Dynasty's previous policies.

Of course, some people felt that this would result in significant losses for their own families, friends, and relatives. This made them look rather displeased; the emperor was practically robbing them!

Zhu Yunying didn't care about the thoughts and ideas of these civil and military officials; he had enough confidence.

"Let me first inform you of this matter," Zhu Yunying said with a smile, but his tone left no room for doubt. "After you return, draft a proposal and submit it to me in five days. The advantages and disadvantages of merging the poll tax into the land tax can be discussed."

After saying this, Zhu Yunying naturally dismissed these important officials, allowing them to go back and think things over carefully.

Wang Chengen revealed a fawning smile and said, "Your Majesty, the Emperor Emeritus did not say that taxes would never be increased."

Zhu Yunying laughed and scolded, "I thought your ears were just for show, but it turns out they can remember things."

Wang Chengen just kept smiling. Of course, he knew his place and often pretended to be deaf and dumb. But it was impossible for him to have no memory. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to secure his position as the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial.

Zhu Yunying thought for a moment and said, "If Shuangquan comes, remember to tell us. I reckon Grandfather will be calling us soon."

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