Southern Ming Rebel Army

Chapter 555

Reform has never been an easy matter. A truly successful reform will inevitably affect interest groups, while a reform that does not affect interest groups is destined to be just a patchwork outside the core area.

The method of allocating taxes based on land had been debated in the court of the Qian Dynasty for several days. Later, Li Weita dropped the bombshell that officials and gentry would pay taxes and serve in the military together. In an instant, the court and the public fell silent. Immediately afterwards, there was a quarrel. The discussion was so heated that the sound of the debate could shake the palace steps.

Lu Zhenfei wrote in a letter: "To govern a large country, it is better to be steady, not to make hasty advances. The gentry are the pillars of the country, so why do they become a burden to themselves?"

The Imperial Secretary Lü Ji urged, "In prosperous times, rules need to be set, and in declining times, flexibility is sought. We will set rules today, and we must not make such a drastic change!"

However, the reform also had supporters. For example, Gu Yanwu, who always followed Meng Jun, argued with opponents in the court. He said: "Those who govern the country should not stick to the old rules, but should adapt to the times and make changes to the old and establish the new. As the saying goes, people are born in sorrow and die in comfort. If we don't eliminate the evil and promote the good, how can we talk about long-term peace and stability!"

There were huge disputes among the ministers, and one elderly minister even fainted in the court due to being too excited. Qian Biao, who had been watching the show for many days, was stunned.

After the court was dismissed, Yang En did not return home, but waited until all the ministers left before asking to see Meng Jun.

Meng Jun walked on the imperial road of the palace wall, and Yang En followed closely behind him.

After the two chatted for a while, Yang En brought the topic to the current court: "Your Majesty, there are endless disputes in the court, and all the ministers are afraid that the changes will be too drastic and will cause unrest in the world."

Yang En said this and looked up at Meng Jun. Seeing that Meng Jun did not show any dissatisfaction, he continued, "Your Majesty, I think that those who oppose the reform are not all mediocre officials. They are also considering the country. I hope Your Majesty will forgive me and not set up a large prison!"

It turned out that Yang En was worried that the emperor would want to make changes, but the ministers would oppose it. In a rage, he launched a large-scale trial, implicating many people. This was extremely detrimental to the stability of the Qian Dynasty.

Meng Jun smiled slightly when he heard this. In fact, he had a plan in mind to demote or dismiss some of the ministers who strongly opposed the reform. How could a reform be accomplished without bloodshed? However, he had not taken any action yet, so Yang En came up to persuade him.

Reform was imperative, but Meng Jun also knew that governing a large country was like cooking a small fish and one should not rush into things, so he decided to first select a province for a pilot project.

Meng Jun told Yang En about this idea. After thinking for a moment, Yang En nodded and said, "Your Majesty is a man of talent. This method is feasible. If something unexpected happens, the court can control the province easily. But I wonder which province Your Majesty wants to use as a pilot?"

Meng Jun put his hands behind his back and asked slowly, "According to Mude, which province is more suitable?"

Yang En thought for a moment and said, "In my opinion, we should start with the easy ones and then move on to the difficult ones. We can choose Shanxi, Shaanxi, or Henan as pilot areas."

Meng Jun shook his head. He thought that starting with the easy and then the difficult also depended on the situation. When it comes to reforming a law, the first step is to start with the hard parts. Therefore, Meng Jun turned around and looked at Yang En, saying, "When reforming a law, we have to change the hard parts. As long as the hardest parts are successful, then the other easy parts will be solved easily."

Then Meng Jun said the place he had in mind: "Nanzhili!"

Yang En was shocked. In today's world, the richest place with the most gentry would be Jiangnan. If the emperor wanted to reform Jiangnan, the turmoil caused would certainly be greater than the last reform of the salt and iron monopoly.

At the court meeting the next day, Meng Jun issued an edict to transfer Wu Jinkun as the inspector of Southern Zhili, in charge of checking the land area in preparation for the reform of the land tax system.

The discussion of reform in the court had already spread to the south of the Yangtze River. Countless gentry in the south of the Yangtze River were looking for ways to make the court change its ways. However, when the news came that Wu Jinkun was appointed as an inspector in charge of checking the land, everyone knew that the emperor was really going to reform!

Many of the gentry were angry and said, "Isn't this move by the court taking away people's jobs? How can the system of our ancestors be changed so easily?"

Some even cursed in private: "The emperor is extremely incompetent, competing with the people for profit, which is truly a move that harms the country and the people. How can the history books record this in the future!"

In the house, after dinner, such words are heard all the time. "The emperor was born in Suzhou, but he is so resolute and doesn't care about his hometown at all!"

Huang Chongren, Lin Weining and Wen Yunde are all well-known gentry in the south of the Yangtze River. At this time, the three of them gathered in the study of the Huang Mansion with solemn expressions. Outside the window, the sound of rain was trickling, just like their inner feelings, they were extremely troubled.

Huang Chongren stroked his forehead with one hand, and said with a worried look on his face: "The court's move is really to cut off the firewood from under the cauldron. What have we done wrong to deserve this disaster!"

Lin Weining added: "This move is clearly intended to undermine our foundation. The hard work of several generations may be wasted."

Wen Yunde said in a bad tone: "Although the court wants to implement evil policies, how can we just sit there and wait for death? There is always a way out. In my opinion, it is better to send assassins to intercept Wu before he reaches Nanjing, and directly cut off the court's thoughts!"

Huang Chongren was stunned, and quickly waved his hands and said, "No, no, this is too risky. If we are not careful, I am afraid that the whole family will be destroyed. In my opinion, it is better to find a way to make the court change its course."

Lin Weining said bitterly: "If I had known this would happen, I would have supported the Qing Dynasty. Even if I shaved my hair, it would not matter. In order to stabilize the situation in Jiangnan, why would the Qing Dynasty carry out such an evil policy!"

Wen Yunde nodded to show his agreement with Lin Weining, but Huang Chongde hurriedly said, "Be careful with your words. You must not say this. If the Qingluan Guards' hawks and dogs find out, your clan will be exterminated!"

The three chatted for a long time. Huang Chongren hoped to persuade the current emperor to stop the pace of reform at the court level, but Wen Lin and the others disagreed and thought it was impossible. Because from the last salt and iron monopoly incident, it can be seen that the emperor has the habit of destroying the bridges after crossing the river and pulling up the ladder after climbing up the roof.

After Wen Lin and the others left Huang's house, they went to Wen's house.

Lin Weining shook his head and said, "Brother Huang is old and has no courage, so he is not qualified to make plans!"

Wen Yunde nodded and said worriedly, "Wu Jinkun is the inspector. He is a vicious man and is definitely not a good person. He was ordered to check the land this time. The scholarly family in Jiangnan may be ruined and have no chance of survival."

Lin Weining agreed: "Brother Wen, why don't we take action and kill Wu Jinkun, and then clean up the mess afterwards, so that no one can trace it back to us."

Wen Yunde showed an interested look on his face. After a long while, he showed a ruthless look on his face and said in a gloomy tone: "Okay, then do it. Prepare a few plans and see where to do it. It's best not to do it in Jinling City!"