After all, they had not yet achieved a deeply entrenched position in this new dynasty. The Ming Dynasty might not necessarily need to rely on them to jointly govern the country.
If we wait any longer, and the court and the scholar-official class truly become interdependent, it will be very difficult to change them. Therefore, this system must be implemented, the sooner the better, and it must be implemented now.
Yang Shiqi and Yang Rong nodded repeatedly after hearing Zhu Yunwen's words.
Although everyone knows that doing this requires great courage, determination, and an iron fist.
At the same time, it will be fraught with difficulties and difficult to achieve.
However, they could not deny that Zhu Yunwen's idea was absolutely good.
Then Zhang Shan, the Minister of Revenue, stood up and said to Zhu Yunwen:
"Then, Your Highness, how do you intend to carry out this plan? And how exactly will it be done?"
Zhu Yunwen stood up and said with a serious expression:
"Abolish land annexation and the system of rewarding officials with fertile land. All land already awarded must be taken back. The Ministry of Revenue shall order local officials to strictly implement land surveys."
All usable land throughout the land was measured and registered. Then, population statistics were conducted in each region, which were then compiled by officials of the imperial court, such as the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Works, and other departments.
All the land in the world should be distributed equally according to the population ratio, or distributed differently according to the different conditions of each place. In places with a large population and little land, each person should receive a smaller share. Alternatively, the local people could be organized to reclaim and cultivate the land.
Clear out enough land for them to distribute equally. This will ensure that each household receives an equal share, and that each person has at least two to three mu (approximately 0.33 acres) of land – absolutely not less than this!
Zhu Yunwen suddenly became serious as he spoke:
"I will tentatively call this decree on land reform: the Land Distribution Decree!"
After Zhu Yunwen finished speaking, the three Yangs and Zhang Shan all became excited.
Then Yang Shiqi said excitedly:
"Although this task seems difficult, it is also very challenging. If we succeed, it will be recorded in history and will be a great achievement."
Zhu Yunwen smiled and nodded, saying, "That's right. So, do you have the confidence to help me accomplish this great task, thereby benefiting the country and its people?"
Yang Shiqi, Yang Rong, Yang Pu, and Zhang Shan all looked at Zhu Yunwen with excitement and nodded seriously.
Zhu Yunwen smiled with satisfaction, then said to Zhang Shan:
"After you return, write down a detailed implementation proposal using the method I just described. Give it to me to review first, and if there are no problems, I'll submit it to Grandfather. As long as Grandfather gives his approval, this matter will begin immediately."
Zhang Shan nodded and quickly left to carry out the task.
Zhu Yunwen paced back and forth in the room a couple more times, then said to Yang Rong:
"I know your personality. You are very capable, but you are a bit arrogant. Sometimes that is an advantage."
Yang Rong was puzzled, wondering why Zhu Yunwen would suddenly bring this up.
Then Zhu Yunwen said:
"Next, I need you to do one thing. Find a way to bring down the Minister of Justice!"
Yang Rong said, "Minister of Revenue? Why bring him down?"
Zhu Yunwen said, "Since land reform is to be implemented, there will inevitably be some people who resist in various places."
My idea is that this situation needs to be resolved forcefully, and we must be tough on the issue. Therefore, the Ministry of Justice must be under our control.
If any local nobles or officials try to obstruct the implementation of this land distribution decree, we will kill them as soon as they go too far, to show our determination and our attitude.
Under these circumstances, the Ministry of Justice can perfectly demonstrate its value and significance.
Yang Rong immediately understood that Zhu Yunwen meant that if he controlled the Ministry of Justice, then if anyone caused trouble, the Ministry of Justice would step in to resolve it.
Otherwise, if only the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works were to implement it, they would certainly encounter great resistance.
However, since they lack the authority to enforce the law, it will inevitably cause them considerable trouble.
Yang Shiqi said with a smile:
“Your Highness often says how capable and talented the three of us Yangs are, but now it’s clear that Your Highness is the one who is thoughtful and considerate. The three of us combined can’t compare to Your Highness. We have no choice but to admit it.”
Zhu Yunwen smiled and waved his hand, saying:
"I'm just playing a guiding role; there are some things that still require your assistance. Alright, I'll leave the Ministry of Justice matters to Yang Rong."
Yang Shiqi and Yang Pu, you two still need to keep a close eye on that memorial that's being submitted. I don't have that much energy to devote to these matters, so you mustn't neglect them.
If there's any oversight, and my grandfather scolds me, I, the crown prince, will lose face. After all, you personally found this talent; you can't let me down.”
Upon hearing his words, Yang Shiqi, Yang Rong, and Yang Pu all burst into laughter.
The three of them were extremely grateful to Zhu Yunwen, who not only helped them rise to prominence but also appointed them to official positions in the Wenhua Hall, where they were responsible for handling important state affairs.
At the same time, they were also asked to participate in implementing the land redistribution order. If it were successfully accomplished, it would truly be a name that would go down in history.
Therefore, they are all very motivated.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
