World peace?
When Song Gongwen said this.
Even Zhang Zhengming couldn't help but widen his eyes.
Because these four words represent the supreme thought of Confucianism.
As a master of Confucianism, he fully understood the significance of this.
But I know in my heart that the so-called world peace is just a vision.
Looking through history books, Zhang Zhengming deeply understood that it was almost impossible to achieve this.
Now, these words came out of the other person's mouth.
He was really shocked. After a pause, he continued, "Why do you say that?"
"Throughout the dynasties, corvée labor was almost always unpaid and compulsory. Regardless of whether the people were willing or not, every household had to contribute at least one person, with the exception of certain individuals, who would be exempted."
Song Gongwen pondered for a moment and continued, "But what about Your Majesty? You're able to pay the corvée laborers and give them ample rest time. This can almost be considered the greatest feat of all time."
"Teacher, think about it. The common people nowadays have almost no other income besides farming. So no matter what the court does, the most it can do is to feed them and relieve them of the worries of survival."
"And now, once your Majesty's two projects are completed, how many people can be fed and how many people can support their families in Hukou?"
In fact, Song Gongwen’s current thoughts are very simple.
That is, his Majesty, perhaps he wants all the people to live a prosperous life.
Digging the Grand Canal and building the straight road were just methods and accessories.
In this way, it will have a reputation and make the people rich.
after all.
Even he had never heard of conscripting labor and paying wages.
"You are right, but what does this have to do with the great harmony of the world?" Zhang Zhengming nodded, but was still confused.
Indeed, once the two projects were launched, the number of people conscripted for labor service was likely to reach one million, which was equivalent to giving the people another way to make money.
He also had to admit that this decision was indeed a first in history, especially giving corvée laborers enough rest time, which was something that had never been thought of before.
But the problem is that this matter will cost a lot of money, which the court cannot afford at all.
If even the imperial court collapses, how can we really achieve world peace?
Zhang Zhengming meant.
Song Gongwen naturally understood this very well. He smiled and continued, "Teacher, do you remember why His Majesty said that just because the court was short of money didn't mean others were short of money? And why did he specifically propose the idea of allocating taxes based on the amount of land he ploughed?"
"That's what His Majesty said, telling me to boldly find a way to get silver, and the source of the silver is actually those gentry and nobles."
"These people have exploited the people and made so much ill-gotten wealth. If it were just one or two families, it might not be a big deal."
"But what if all the gentry and nobles in the world contribute a portion of the money?"
"So, teacher, do you still think there will be no money by then?"
Most of the money in front of the court came from taxes.
Although the base number of people is very large.
Even if everyone collects a little, the total amount will be considerable.
But no matter what, these taxes were collected from the common people, with almost no gentry or aristocracy.
The number of these people is not as great as that of the people in the world, but is the silver in their hands really not as great as the taxes collected by the people in the world?
As the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, even though he had only been in the position for a short time, Song Gongwen was still very knowledgeable about this aspect.
In particular, he thought, what if he could get more from these people?
"You mean... you mean..."
At this moment, Zhang Zhengming's expression changed slightly, and then he said, "Your Majesty, do you want to take money from the nobles and gentry, and then use the name of the Grand Canal and the Straight Road to distribute it to the people?"
When he said this, even he was stunned.
He has been the Prime Minister of the Cabinet for so many years.
Zhang Zhengming knew it very well.
A large portion of the wealth in the hands of the gentry and local gentry was ill-gotten gains.
This money was squeezed from the people and seemed to be in compliance with national laws, but if you look closely, you can find all kinds of problems.
He also had his own opinions on this, but he was powerless because the power of the gentry and gentry was too great, and even the imperial court found it difficult to shake it.
Now, from what my students have said, Your Majesty should take the money back and give it to the people in some way.
Zhang Zhengming could fully foresee that if this could really be achieved.
Not all the people became rich.
But it will definitely not be like before, where I just look at it to fill my stomach.
"That's right." Song Gongwen smiled and continued, "If the people have money, then the people are rich, and if the people are rich, then the country will definitely be strong."
"Although the court will face various problems due to the huge expenditures during this period, as long as we overcome this difficulty, the national strength of our Great Wei will surely soar in the future, completely surpassing any previous dynasty."
If the people are prosperous, various problems will be reduced, and it will be difficult for the country to be weak.
However, at this time Zhang Zhengming thought about it and then said.
"What if the nobles and gentry choose to resist?"
Take money from them.
I'm afraid no one is willing to do that.
Throughout the dynasties, these people have been extremely powerful.
Sometimes, even imperial power has to be compromised.
therefore.
What Zhang Zhengming was worried about was that if he went too far, it would be difficult to end the situation.
"I think Your Majesty must have thought of this as well."
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