Chapter 972
Who Will Take the Lead?
Chen Xuncai objected, but Yu Qian stood up to support Hu Ying, and he did so strongly.
The Minister of Revenue couldn't help but say, "The court is not short of talent at this time. Grand Secretary Yu has repeatedly submitted memorials pointing out the redundancy of the court's staff. Why do we still need to cultivate talent?"
"Shortsighted!" Yu Qian said bluntly. "Talent is not limited to official positions. In all industries under heaven, what industry does not need talent?"
Hu Ying wholeheartedly agreed and wholeheartedly supported Yu Qian's viewpoint.
"The so-called strength of the people is not only about food, clothing, and shelter, but also about education. If our Great Ming can enable every student to be literate and knowledgeable in etiquette, then the people will be strong," Yu Qian said. "Only when the people are strong can the country be rich. When the country is rich, the people become even stronger, and thus the world will be in harmony."
As Yu Qian spoke, his emotions became more and more intense, and his eyes shone as if he had rediscovered the lofty ambitions of his youth.
It's been too long; he's forgotten this feeling for far too long.
Wasn't this the blueprint for the future he envisioned before he entered officialdom?
Our nation, our people, and humanity can all take a step further.
But after entering officialdom, he devoted himself to disaster relief, investigating corruption, and consolidating the borders. Not only him, but many ambitious ministers in the court did the same.
When the late emperor was alive, their greatest goal was to make him close to virtuous ministers and keep away from wicked men, to overthrow Wang Zhen, to put out fires everywhere, and to reduce the burden on the people.
Today, Hu Ying's suggestion finally reminded Yu Qian that besides putting out fires everywhere and easing the burden on the people, they could actually "dare to do something more".
Yu Qian was greatly encouraged and strongly supported Hu Ying's proposal.
Chen Xun was so angry that his beard almost flew off, and he kept repeating, "The national treasury has no money."
However, more than half of the officials actually agreed with Yu Qian and Hu Ying.
Chen Xun almost resigned on the spot, and he didn't give anyone a kind look until the end of the grand court assembly.
When Lu Yuqian spoke, he even gave a heavy snort.
Yu Qian didn't mind, and instead put his arm around Chen's shoulder like a good brother: "Brother Chen, I don't think this is a problem for you."
“Then let’s switch. You become the Minister of Revenue, and I’ll become the Minister of War,” Chen Xun said irritably. “Why don’t you go and take a look at the national treasury? The rats there are almost starving to death.”
Yu Qian: "Everyone has their own expertise. Minister Chen is good at financial management, so he should be in the Ministry of Revenue. The community school will not start until next spring, and we will not expand the scale at the beginning. I believe that Minister Chen will be able to save up this amount of money in half a year."
Hu Ying appeared from behind at some point and said, "I believe it too."
Believe what? He doesn't even believe in himself.
Chen Xun frowned: "This year, the weather in Jingchu has been favorable. Should we adjust their taxes after the autumn harvest?"
Yu Qian's face turned cold. He pulled his arm away from Chen's shoulder and said in a deep voice, "Minister Chen, don't raise taxes every time money is needed. Jingchu suffered from drought the year before last and was also affected by the wind disaster in Jiangzhe last year. The rain came just when the rice was about to be harvested. It can be said that it was just an average year with no major disasters. They have only just recovered this year. Raising taxes now would cut off the life they have just begun to breathe."
Hu Ying stroked his beard and said, "Isn't Minister Chen afraid that Jingchu might produce another Deng Maoqi?"
"If it is to be used for the people, it must be taken from the people. You can't expect me to lay eggs out of thin air without chickens, can you?" Chen Xun asked, suppressing his anger.
Yu Qian: "If the Ministry of Revenue can only increase revenue by raising taxes on the people, how can it be the head of the Six Ministries?"
Chen Xun sneered, "You said the same thing to Cao Nai last time, when the Ministry of Personnel was the head of the Six Ministries."
He glanced at Hu Ying beside him and sneered, "You wouldn't turn around and tell Minister Hu that the Ministry of Rites is the head of the Six Ministries the moment I leave, would you?"
Hu Ying also looked at Yu Qian: "Yes, Grand Secretary Yu, where does our Ministry of Rites rank among the Six Ministries?"
Yu Qian: "...Chen Xun, tell me, do you have any way to increase the national treasury revenue? You must not increase the taxes levied on the people, and you must not issue more paper money."
Chen Xun's eyes widened: "They're not even issuing more paper money for me?"
Yu Qian said in a deep voice, "This is His Majesty's will." He paused, then continued, "It is also the Imperial Preceptor's suggestion. Because of the paper money, the credibility of the court and the royal family is very low. Now that we need to increase the credibility of the court and the royal family, we cannot issue more paper money."
Chen Xun turned to leave: "This won't work, that won't work, you can just wait for the national treasury to go bankrupt."
This is just something said out of spite.
As the Minister of Revenue, he had more than just these two ways to increase revenue; they were simply the most convenient methods.
Increasing taxes on the people puts pressure on them.
Issuing more paper money is fine; since paper money has already depreciated to this extent, what difference would further depreciation make?
Another method is to add a loss charge, which is to collect transportation and storage loss fees in addition to the regular tax and distribute them to every taxpayer.
Three additional taxes were levied: the Northern Expedition Tax, the Suppression Tax, and the Training Tax.
Last year, a major battle was fought in the north, and now we still have to guard against the Oirat Mongols. Small-scale conflicts break out on the border from time to time, so we have to levy funds on the northern army, which is called the Northern Fund.
"Suppressing the rebels" refers to suppressing local uprisings, while "training the army" refers to training the new army.
The three taxes and one allowance could generate considerable revenue, which is similar to raising taxes.
In addition, salt tax, tea tax, and customs duty can be added. These three items are commercial taxes, not civil taxes. However, the National Preceptor is advocating for opening up trade, so this move is also inappropriate.
If we can't print more paper money, then we can't just convert official salaries into paper money like last year. Thinking of the lower-level officials, Chen Xun sighed and crossed out this method. Last year, when official salaries were converted into paper money, even during the New Year, officials brought back huge piles of paper money. Some lower-level officials from poor backgrounds couldn't even afford charcoal for the winter.
This year, the Imperial Advisor spoke up, and the Emperor issued a strict order that no more paper money should be printed. Since salaries are now half silver and half paper money, continuing this practice would not only be difficult to explain to the Emperor and the Imperial Advisor, but would also chill the hearts of the officials.
Then let's donate?
Chen Xun wrote down two words and began to think: what official positions in the court could be sold right now?
It can't be a real position, it can only be an honorary title, otherwise his reputation would be too bad.
Chen Xun made a circle behind him.
In addition to the methods mentioned above...
Chen Xun unconsciously drew circle after circle on the paper, his expression solemn.
Actually, there is another way: land survey!
Not only can it uncover a large amount of hidden land and increase land tax, but it can also increase population tax. This method will also expose many corrupt officials, and the revenue from confiscating their property will be considerable. However!
Chen Xun frowned, his breathing slightly rapid. However, if he were to advocate this method, he, Chen Xun, would either be crushed to pieces after the success, or be held accountable in his old age.
The Grand Preceptor has done so much, yet he has never formally spoken of reform. Is it really his responsibility to point out the most difficult point?
Chen Xun snapped out of his daze and saw the messy circles on the paper. His heart tightened, and he immediately crossed them out.
Yu Qian waited for three days and repeatedly urged Chen Xun, but Chen Xun didn't say a word. He knew that Chen Xun was unwilling to do it.
He thought for a moment, then personally wrote a letter and handed it to him.
Chen Xun thought he was crazy; why would he write a letter in person?
He ripped it open in a flash, skimming through it quickly, and Chen Xun was slightly taken aback.
Yu Qian said, "I will submit the memorial on the land survey. If Your Majesty agrees, I will ask Minister Chen to preside over this law. I will bear all the consequences."
Chen Xun clenched the letter, pursed his lips, remained silent for a moment, and then nodded.
That's settled then. (End of Chapter)