"You have to remember, when the time comes, you can sacrifice your life to protect your family." After saying this, Zhang Weixian reached out and patted his son's shoulder and said, "Get ready, I'm going to the palace."
"Father, are you going to see His Majesty to discuss the estate tax?" Zhang Zhiji said hesitantly.
"This kind of thing should be dealt with sooner rather than later, because those nobles you're worried about who understand will naturally understand, and those who don't will be blinded by greed. I'm afraid there won't be many left after this."
"Since you'll have to admit it sooner or later, you might as well go and get some credit. Maybe this time, I, your father, can even get you a reward."
After saying this, Zhang Weixian patted his son on the shoulder, turned around and walked out.
Watching his father leave, Zhang Zhiji stood there pondering his words.
In the Western Garden.
The weather here is pretty good today. Zhu Youxiao did not hide in the house, but took Concubine Yuan for a stroll outside.
After a few days of getting along, Concubine Yuan's attitude towards Zhu Youxiao changed a lot. Although she was still afraid, she seemed more intimate with him.
The two people were walking outside, basking in the sun, and the atmosphere was harmonious and friendly.
At this time, Chen Hong came in from outside, came to Zhu Youxiao and said, "Your Majesty, the Duke of Ying requests an audience."
"You're here quite early." Zhu Youxiao said with a smile.
Reaching out and patting Concubine Yuan's hand, Zhu Youxiao said, "You go back first. I'll come to you after I finish these things."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Concubine Yuan said softly, "But Your Majesty, please don't stay outside for too long. Although the weather is nice today, it is winter after all. It would be bad if you catch a cold."
"Don't worry, my dear, I will finish it soon." Zhu Youxiao said with a smile.
After Concubine Yuan left, Zhu Youxiao said to Chen Hong, "Let's go! Let's go meet our Duke of Ying."
After saying this, Zhu Youxiao took the lead and walked forward.
Zhu Youxiao could probably guess the purpose of the arrival of Duke of England Zhang Weixian.
The reason was simple: it was because of the farmland tax. As for whether Zhang Weixian came to oppose or support this matter, there was no need to think about it. He was definitely here to support it; if he was against it, he wouldn't have come.
An old minister like the Duke of Ying, who had seen several generations of emperors and had witnessed several major cases, knew what was going on and was completely in the dark about it. He simply wouldn't stand up for the opposition; he wouldn't do such a foolish thing. So now that he was here, he could only be here in agreement.
When he saw the Duke of Yingguo, Zhu Youxiao simply waved his hand and said with a smile, "Alright, no need to kneel. It's freezing cold, and you're old and weak. It would be bad if you got hurt again."
"I thank Your Majesty." Zhang Weixian said quickly.
After Zhang Weixian stood up, Zhu Youxiao said to Chen Hong, "Bring a chair for the Duke of Ying."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Chen Hong hurriedly moved a chair and placed it in front of the Duke of England.
Zhang Weixian quickly said, "Thank you, eunuch."
After saying this, Zhang Weixian sat down gently with a calm expression on his face.
He said with a smile: "Your Majesty, I came to the palace today because I have something to tell you."
"Really? Then tell me about it." Zhu Youxiao also said with a smile, his eyes full of anticipation.
"I recently heard a piece of news outside: Duke Chengguo hopes that the court will levy a tax on estates and lands. I heard that Your Majesty is unwilling to do so, so I came to the palace today to talk to Your Majesty about it." Zhang Weixian said.
After hearing this, Zhu Youxiao's face darkened. He said directly: "Don't take this matter seriously. It was just a drunken joke by Duke Chengguo!"
"I have already sent someone to reward him, praising his dedication to the country and the king. This tax exemption for farmland is a rule established by our ancestors. How can it be changed at will?"
"I understand your patriotism, but how can you truly put it into practice?"
Seeing Zhu Youxiao's serious expression, Zhang Weixian's expression also became serious. He said directly: "Your Majesty, I disagree with this statement. We, the nobles and relatives of the nobles, can be said to have been blessed by the Ming Dynasty for generations. We have been prosperous and wealthy for many years. I speak from the bottom of my heart. Only when the Ming Dynasty gets better and better, will we get better and better."
"The court is short of funds, so we, as ministers, should show our support. Sending money directly to the palace would be inappropriate and would damage Your Majesty's reputation. However, we haven't paid taxes on this farm for over 200 years. Frankly, enough is enough. Even if our ancestors had made great contributions, this is enough."
"Besides, it's just the tax paid by the farmland. Who among these nobles and relatives in the court needs this little rice? If anyone needs this much rice, let them come to me and tell me."
After hearing this, Zhu Youxiao still shook his head and said firmly: "This is not good. Since ancient times, the emperor has not competed with the people for profit. How can I compete with the nobles and relatives for profit?"
"Your Majesty, this isn't a fight for profit, but rather a gathering of people's hearts. Most of the nobles and military relatives in the court are now corrupt, and the younger generation are mostly useless. They spend their days riding horses in the imperial court, and there aren't many who can ride horses and serve the country on the battlefield."
"Many people know this in their hearts, but they still have a heart to serve their country. Duke Cheng's proposal is a good one. Although we can't go to war, we will still be loyal to the emperor and serve the country, just in a different way. This is the whole heart of the ministers. If Your Majesty refuses this, I am afraid it will chill the hearts of the ministers!"
"The rise and fall of nations depends on the gathering of people's hearts. This has been said since ancient times. I am a simple man and do not understand these principles, but I do know that a heart for a heart, a four-ounce for a half-pound. Your Majesty cannot refuse the loyalty of your subjects who are willing to serve the king and the country!"
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