No matter what time it is, even if there are no landlords, tenants will definitely exist.
Because, if you don’t have your own land and work for others, you can also be considered a tenant.
The emperor was still hesitant and hesitant about nationalizing land. He had other ideas and thoughts on the pros and cons of land annexation.
Everyone has land to farm and food to eat. In feudal society, this may be a symbol of peace and prosperity.
But the emperor knew that agricultural society would eventually be replaced by industrial society. It wasn't that no one would farm anymore, but that more people would work and no longer needed to own land.
But the Ming Empire must have enough arable land to feed its people. This is the emperor's bottom line. The rice bowl in hand must be held firmly, and it must not rely solely on external plunder or purchase.
Even so, with the advancement of agricultural technology and farming machinery, it is not necessary for everyone to farm.
One third or one quarter, and may be reduced to one tenth in the future. This proportion of farmers should be able to feed the entire population.
In other words, setting the goal of nationalizing land and ensuring that everyone has land is no longer in line with the laws of historical development.
The emperor's thoughts were indeed changing, which was very different from his ideas a few years ago. They were more in line with the laws of historical development and more in line with the actual situation of the Ming Empire.
On the one hand, taxes were constantly being reduced or exempted, giving the peasants, who were struggling to make a living, a break; on the other hand, industry and commerce were being developed, textile machinery was being improved, road transportation was being accelerated, and overseas trade was being expanded.
Industrial and commercial taxes were the bulk of the revenue, new products such as mirrors were windfall profits, and land taxes were gradually weakening from their position as the financial pillar of the Ming Empire.
The emperor believed he had found the right path for development and would certainly continue on this path unwaveringly. He would naturally not be polite to the landlords and gentry who stood in his way of supporting farmers and seeking stability.
Because he knew very well that the Ming Empire in history was not destroyed by natural disasters or the Jiannu, but by corrupt officials and evil landlords.
When a major disaster struck, did the landlords and gentry really have no surplus food? How did the thousands of peasants who revolt survive? They just ate the food of the rich.
Did the Ming army really lack money and food? Chongzhen did not reduce taxes for the victims despite being criticized. How much of the three taxes he plundered despite the chaos in the country actually fell into the hands of the Ming army soldiers?
The court invested a lot of money, but the victims of the disaster rose up in rebellion, and the Ming army's combat effectiveness did not improve. It can be said that Chongzhen did nothing well and messed up both ends.
He did not grasp the crux of the problem and was unaware of his own poor abilities. The more he did, the worse the situation became. This was Chongzhen's tragedy.
The emperor looked up at Prince Xin in the hall, with complicated thoughts in his mind, but there was no special expression on his face, and he even had an encouraging smile on his face.
"When you arrive in Shaanxi, you should explore more and observe more before making a decision. Don't blindly believe rumors." The emperor said slowly, "I still trust the eyes and ears of the factory guards in Shaanxi."
Zhu Youjian bowed in agreement, understanding the profound meaning behind his brother's instructions. It was common knowledge that his brother trusted the Imperial Guards, though he didn't quite agree, believing it was unjust.
However, the emperor did not want to know what Zhu Youjian was thinking. Since he had asked for the mission on his own initiative, it would be nice to let him go to the disaster area and take a look.
Although the imperial court had made preparations in advance and disaster relief was not interrupted, the disaster area was still a disaster area after all, and that scene must have touched Zhu Youjian more.
"I have approved the Shaanxi Governor's memorial." The emperor paused for a moment before continuing, "My brother will take this imperial edict with him to commend those righteous gentry."
The emperor is really good at using both kindness and force. Zhu Youjian responded respectfully, and couldn't help but admire him in his heart.
There are ungrateful landlords and wicked gentry, and there are also righteous gentry who generously donate money to help their fellow villagers. I don't ask you to spend all your wealth, as long as you have this intention, the emperor will have an example to set and issue an edict to commend you for others to see.
It's just a matter of rewards and punishments, the simplest way of dividing and disintegrating, or using both kindness and force, giving a slap in the face and a sweet date in return. Where is the good method?
The emperor did not feel complacent at all. This was just like when he had previously cleansed out the gentry and landlords who had defaulted on taxes, and also rewarded some timid and obedient guys.
Human nature is such that selfishness is inevitable. Since the emperor didn't strike a blanket death blow against the entire gentry and landlord class, how many people would dare to resist with all their might? Let alone unite and jump into the fire pit.
Although the emperor was tyrannical, he had limits and a sense of propriety. Since he had issued an order to reduce taxes, it was reasonable for everyone to comply and for those who violated it to be severely punished.
"Shaanxi's vassal states—" The emperor frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and a stern expression appeared on his face. He said, "If anyone violates the law or discipline, they will be severely punished."
"I understand," Zhu Youjian said, bowing. "Please rest assured, my dear brother."
Don't worry, I really don't trust you. The emperor rolled his eyes secretly and complained in his heart. Fortunately, he sent people to accompany him, all of whom he trusted and also served as a supervisor.
"My brother is getting older, and his marriage shouldn't be put off any longer." The emperor's face was gentle, and he looked at Zhu Youjian with a smile and said, "I have granted the Tang Dynasty's grandson the grace to choose his own partner. My brother is not as good as him, so shall I do the same?"
What grace is this? It's just to save money and stop doing the old-fashioned talent shows and beauty pageants.
Zhu Youjian was unaware of his brother's true thoughts. He felt that this was his brother's trust in him, his belief in his own judgment, and the freedom to choose, so he immediately bowed to express his gratitude.
The emperor smiled and waved his hand, feeling relieved.
Prince Xin Zhu Youjian took his leave and left to prepare for his inspection tour of Shaanxi. It seemed that the trip would not be possible without a few days.
The emperor sat in the hall for a while, and then Eunuch Wei from the East Factory came to meet him.
Old Wei will not be sent to accompany him, but the emperor still needs to set the tone for how the people sent by the East Factory should cooperate with Prince Xin and play a supervisory role.
"Wei Ban, get up!" The emperor looked at the increasingly aged Eunuch Wei and said gently, "I have given you this house, why don't you live there?"
Eunuch Wei kowtowed respectfully, then stood up and replied, "Your Majesty, your grace is great, but I have no merit, so I dare not accept it."
"The East Factory is well managed and operated, thanks to Wei Ban," the emperor said. "The local intelligence is also accurate, keeping me alert and undeceived. This is also thanks to Wei Ban."
After a pause, the emperor continued, "This time, we are sending someone to accompany Prince Xin, and Wei Ban must also make careful arrangements."
Whether Eunuch Wei had any merits or not, or whether he wanted to live in a large house, was not a problem. But Old Wei also knew that he was not well-liked by the court officials and eunuchs in the palace.
Therefore, he adopted the method of retreat in order to advance. Since polite refusal was not effective and the emperor was determined to do so, the outsiders' comments and criticisms would naturally not be too fierce.
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