Gao Shiming asked again: "Who will collect the taxes and grain? We can't let the soldiers do this kind of work, right?"
Qiu Yu pretended to look up and think, but he was actually making eye contact with Chongzhen.
After receiving Chongzhen's instruction, he said: "No tax, no tax! This move can not only promote the public disclosure of family property, but also win a good reputation, which can be said to kill two birds with one stone."
Gao Shiming pointed at Qiu Yu and said, "How dare you to take advantage of the national treasury."
Qiu Yu bowed to Chongzhen and said, "I have heard that the treasury is rich. Now that the war has just ended, the people are in urgent need of rest and recuperation. Your Majesty is gifted and talented, far superior to Emperor Wen of the Han Dynasty. Emperor Wen has reduced the land rent and taxes of the people several times. Since Your Majesty is far superior to Emperor Wen of the Han Dynasty, you should follow Emperor Wen's example and reduce taxes."
In the eyes of others, Qiu Yu was forcing Chongzhen to exempt the people from taxes.
In reality, it was the emperor and his minister who were acting.
Xie Sanbin knew they were acting.
However, he could only pretend not to know and deliberately stopped her, saying, "Your Majesty, I think we can reduce taxes throughout the country, but we should not let officials disclose their assets! Disclosing one's assets to the people is like taking off one's clothes in front of the people. Which scholar can stand this?"
Qiu Yu asked: "How do we solve corruption? Rely on the Zhenfu Division? Rely on the East Factory? Or rely on the self-awareness of officials? If there was a little self-awareness, the government would not be so corrupt."
Xie Sanbin asked back: "Qiu Yu, if you do this, many people will no longer be willing to serve as officials. How can we govern the people without officials? How can we govern the country without governing the people? Aren't you afraid of destroying the Ming Dynasty?"
"There are many scholars in the Ming Dynasty, and there are countless people who are willing to disclose their property and serve as officials. You have repeatedly opposed the disclosure of your property, so I guess there must be something in your house that you cannot let on, right?"
This sentence hit Xie Sanbin's soft spot.
However, he did not surrender, but launched a personal attack: "Qiu Yu, you spread rumors to confuse the people and disrupt the government, and you still don't admit your crime and accept the punishment?"
Many officials echoed: "Qiu Yu, you deserve to die, but if you confess now, you can keep your body intact!"
Qiu Yu said calmly: "There is no need for you to make personal attacks. If you disagree, you can go home and farm. No one will stop you."
"I read the books of sages, not the creation of nature!"
"The Exploitation of the Works of Nature is also a book written by sages. Why don't you read it?"
"You're looking for trouble, aren't you?"
"What's wrong with looking for trouble? Are you going to hit me if you don't agree? I'll blackmail you to death!"
The court meeting ended in a chorus of arguments and insults.
Although the issue of public disclosure of officials' assets has not been finalized, the trend has already spread.
Different people react differently.
The people applauded and said, "This is a good idea! If it can really be implemented, I will definitely go to the Ministry of Revenue to see how much silver those officials have at home."
"We'll go together then."
"Yes, let's go together."
The attitudes of scholars who have not yet entered officialdom are polarized.
Some gnashed their teeth, thinking that this move was a humiliation to them.
Some applauded and thought their chance had come.
Because public disclosure of assets will cause a large number of officials to leave their posts.
In order to fill the vacancies, the admission of scholars will inevitably be downgraded.
Many poor students thought they could turn their lives around through this.
Officials' attitudes are even more polarized.
Some honest officials were eager to make the matter public so that the court, especially Chongzhen, could see how poor their families were.
According to Chongzhen's style of doing things, it is very likely that he would reward them with some silver to help them get through the difficult times.
Many corrupt officials are prepared for the worst.
As long as the court asked officials to disclose their assets, they would immediately resign and go home.
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