Yang Ling returned to the residence from Jiao Fang's place and entered Young-niang's room. The child was tired from playing and was sleeping. Her chubby legs were bare and there was a thin blanket around her waist. Her face was flushed and there were beads of sweat on the tip of her nose.
The two sat by the bed and whispered to each other. When Han Youniang heard Yang Ling's words, she worriedly said: "Husband, that's the Great Teacher of All Ages, the descendant of Sage Kong. He can't be easily touched. In this world, there are scholars and officials everywhere. If you offend someone, you won't even know."
Yang Ling smiled: "Don't worry, I won't act on impulse. This kind of thing happened at the right time. I just want to make a good plan and use his Kong family's influence to give the ship of reform a boost. It can be considered as letting him make up for his mistakes.
I won't make a big move against him. Although his power is not greater than imperial power, there are many cases of forcibly occupying people's land and bullying the lower. It's not a big deal. If I really want to use him to test my blade, it would be making a big fuss over a minor issue and make people think that I am deliberately targeting him. Moreover, if I want to test my blade, I won't find such a difficult piece of meat to cut.
Don't be too harsh when attacking someone's evil, think about how they can endure it. Don't be too harsh when teaching someone good, make it feasible. Husband understands this principle. Haha, don't treat husband as a young boy who doesn't know the ways of the world. "
Han Youniang glanced at him and said with a smile that wasn't a smile: "Oh? Husband is very knowledgeable about the ways of the world? Haha, then what made Miss Adeni so unhappy? "
Yang Ling was startled and asked: "Why do you say that? Why is she unhappy? "
Young-niang chuckled: "I see that she is depressed. She has been staying in the back garden all afternoon and only forced a smile when she saw me. This matter, we can't persuade her. Other than you, there shouldn't be any other reason. Ai! Her maiden home is thousands of miles away. Since she is dead set on following you, we can't wrong her. Don't you agree? "
Yang Ling smiled bitterly and said, "You're just overflowing with sympathy. Is my husband that kind of person? Forget it, I'll go take a look and see what's on her mind."
"Hmm," Young's mother said, then gently helped him change into a light robe. Yang Ling leisurely walked towards the back garden.
Due to the construction of more houses, this area has expanded by a lot. The place where Young-niang practiced martial arts was moved to the top of the warm cellar. Beside the orchard, there were still vegetables planted. There were also rows of corn, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and peanuts that had just arrived in the Central Plains due to the opening of the passage to the south.
Adeni sat on a rock next to the tomato field, holding a wooden stick in her hand and gently tapping the ground. She looked lonely and lost in thought.
Yang Ling tiptoed to her side. Adeni was startled and her shoulders shrugged. When she saw that it was him, she was about to stand up. Yang Ling had already pressed her shoulder and sat down next to her with a smile. He said softly: "What's wrong, what's on your mind?"
Adeni shook her head and said: "Nothing."
Yang Ling kept staring at her. Adeni's eyes gradually became flustered. Finally, she turned her head slightly and sighed softly: "I found that what I know is almost useless in Ming Destiny, except for making killing weapons. I don't understand Ming Destiny, so I can only take a lot of things for granted. What I think is right is sometimes very ridiculous behavior. "
Yang Ling was slightly startled, and then came to a realization: "It turns out that this beautiful Spanish genius girl has been a proud daughter of heaven since she was a child, and she is not proud of her beauty, but her talent. Her knowledge is not limited to weapons, but now she is bold. Once she leaves the battlefield and leaves her expertise in making weapons, her carefully conceived ideas are easily denied by others. Her self-esteem can't take it anymore."
Yang Ling laughed. Westerners matured quickly, plus she had experienced ups and downs, so her character became stronger and more independent. He had neglected that she was still a little girl, and her mentality was still very fragile. He didn't expect that because of her defeat in the debate with Cheng Qiyun, and his eagerness to meet the court officials, he had neglected her, causing her to feel a sense of loss.
"Silly girl, who said you're useless! Hehe, only you have such a strange idea. We women of Ming Destiny still believe that a woman's lack of talent is virtue, haha … "Yang Ling intimately held her in his arms and laughed.
Adeni frowned and said very seriously: "I'm serious, I don't know how to do needlework, I don't know how to cook, and I can't help you in your official career. When I marry into the family, do you want me to be responsible for making guns, cannons, and bombs for the Yang Family? As a woman, I'm really useless! "
"Who said you're useless?"
"What's the use?"
"Uh … if you don't make guns, you can still make people. Help me give birth to a Yang Family doll first!"
Adeni was startled for a moment before she reacted. Two red clouds suddenly flew to her cheeks. She bashfully hit Yang Ling twice, then snuggled into his arms and said faintly: "Yang, don't lie to me, do you really like me?"
"Strange, we've already … already done that, if I don't like you, would I want you to … do that?"
Adeni's cheeks were boiling hot. She squeezed into his arms again and said coquettishly: "Of course not, you men, there are a lot of playful things. I … I thought you would definitely like me, but when I came to your house, I found that not only is Sister Qiyun extraordinarily beautiful, but also Yu'Er, Cher, and Madam Young-niang, all of them are delicate and lovely, and their skin is so tender and white, they are beautiful, and they know how to manage the house. I really feel inferior. "
"Hehe, you also have your strengths, smart, independent, hot body … ha! Don't always think that you have to be of great help to my career to prove your value. Keep your mind simple. Look at Young-niang, Yu'Er, Cher, and the others, aren't they very happy? "
Adeni hugged him tightly and whispered: "Yang, in the Far East, only you can love me, only you can rely on me. Sister Qiyun said that this … is worrying about gains and losses. I'm always afraid that I'm not worthy of your love. Once I enter the capital, I can't compare to the ladies in every aspect. It makes me feel that you are simply wasting your life by being with me."
Yang Ling slapped his forehead: "My God, the more you talk, the more serious it is, right? Uh … are you suffering from depression? What's wrong with wasting it? Life should be wasted on beautiful people and things. In my heart, you are a treasure that no one else can replace. Why do you have to feel self-pity and belittle yourself? "
When Adeni heard this, her gem-like eyes shone brightly, and she said happily: "Yang, is what you said true?"
Yang Ling gently held her in his arms, gently sniffed her hair and said: "Of course it's true, you are all treasures in my heart. Young-niang is my harbor, no matter how far I sail, I will only feel at ease when I return to her side; Qiyun is my assistant, I will only feel at ease when I sail side by side with her; Cher is a happy person, she will always try her best to make me happy; Yu'Er is a hot spring, if I don't enjoy her gentle taste for two or three days, I will feel itchy. "
Adeni's eyes became hazy as she listened, and she softly murmured: "Yang, then what am I in your heart?"
"You?" Next to the round and plump buttocks, slender and plump thighs, and the towering and moving breasts in his arms, Yang Ling was moved. He whispered in the ear of this provocative stunner, "You, you are my aphrodisiac. When you sit here, even the tomatoes on the shelf immediately become sexy."
He thought that Adeni wouldn't understand the word aphrodisiac, but he didn't know that Adeni was an instructor on a pirate ship. She taught the crew to play with women as soon as they got ashore, talk about women crazily as soon as they got on the ship, and talk about aphrodisiac. She had heard a lot of things. Otherwise, as a woman who had never been intimate with anyone, how could she know how to satisfy him on the car to Jinan?
When Adeni heard this, she was very shy. She bit her lip and hit him. Thinking of his metaphor, she couldn't help but giggle. Adeni's face finally glowed with a happy and confident look.
She gently wrapped her arms around Yang Ling's neck, and with a soft voice, sweet tone, and coquettish demeanor, she seductively teased: "So … Dear Yang, when are you going to eat my aphrodisiac?"
Yang Ling hesitated for a moment. If it was according to the ceremony of taking in a concubine, he was afraid that she wouldn't be used to it. Besides, this girl had a very strong self-esteem. It was already very difficult for her to do as the Romans do. He couldn't make her kowtow to each of the wives, at least she wouldn't be used to the kneeling ceremony.
Why not, Yang Ling had an idea and thought: "How about a Western-style wedding? It seems that it's monogamy. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. If he doesn't change the rules, then come back five hundred years later. Which man would like to be taught by him? It shouldn't be a problem. These priests can even tamper with the map of the world created by God to cater to Ming Destiny's people. It's not a big deal to change the wedding ceremony. "
Thinking of this, Yang Ling said: "Well … I'm busy with state affairs these days. How about this, I'll go back and tell Father Jacob. After seven days, we'll hold a Western-style wedding for you and me. What do you think?"
The sunset filled the sky, birds chirped and cicadas chirped, and a pair of figures leaned against each other: "Really? Dear Yang! "
"A gentleman's word?"
"A whip on the horse!"
This time, Adeni didn't understand.
※ ※ ※
In the Leopard Garden, in the large room where Emperor Zhengde worked, played, listened to scriptures, and enjoyed singing and dancing, a large group of Dharmaraja, Living Buddhas, and eminent monks sat cross-legged in solemn clothes. They wore bright red and yellow monk robes, and on their heads were red pointed monk hats or jeweled protector's medallions.
Emperor Zhengde was also dressed in Buddhist robes, a kasaya draped over his shoulders, and a red hat on his head. He was sitting high up on the throne. Two huge and expensive Tibetan incense sticks emitted smoke that shrouded his body. He looked solemn and dignified, just like a living Buddha.
He was originally a Buddha. He had bestowed the title of Dharmaraja of the Qing Kingdom, the Buddha of Great Determination and Wisdom, and had these eminent monks give him enlightenment. He usually talked with these lamas and monks, so he was dressed like this. Of course, now he was dressed neatly.
However, he was not talking about Buddhism, but political affairs.
"After our dynasty's Prince of Zhongshan, Xu Da, expelled the remnant of the Yuan dynasty, Wang Baobao, the Duogan region became the territory of Ming Destiny. The court established there the River Guard, Xining Guard, Anding Guard, Aduan Guard, Qu Xian Guard, Handong Guard, and Bili Guard. For the convenience of the local people and the trust of the court, the officials of these guards were all held by the local tribal leaders.
Our dynasty's Emperor very much respected the Dharma Kings and Living Buddhas of Nyingmapa (Red Sect), Kagupa (White Sect), Sakyaba (Flower Sect), Gelupa (Yellow Sect), and other sects passed down by Daoist priest Lianhuasheng. He established the Xining Sangha Discipline Division at Qutan Temple, and also established the Sangha Discipline Division at Minhe Temple.
Toward the local tribal leaders and monks, my dynasty was extremely respectful. Toward the local people, the court also vigorously developed farming, opened schools, and developed the tea and horse trade. It could be said that our kindness was not generous.
But right now, We are very disappointed, very disappointed, too disappointed. We handed Dugan over to the headmen to guard for We, We gave them the fertile Qinghai Lake as a pasture, but they watched as Gasi Bu and Bayan Mengke invaded one after the other. Qinghai Lake was bestowed by us to the tribes that submitted to Ming Destiny, and not used to raise the evil wolf Boyan Mengke.
Today, we summoned all the Dharmarajas, Living Buddhas, and eminent monks here to tell you that since the tribal leaders of Duogan cannot defend against the wolf pack's attack, and the teachings of Buddhism cannot change the enemy's vicious nature and ambition, then only we can be the angry Vajra. We will definitely not sit and watch as Duogan falls into Boyan Mengke's hands.
We have an army of two million, how can we let Boyan Mengke occupy Qinghai for himself? Does he think that because Ming Destiny is in civil war, he can take advantage of this opportunity? What a joke. We have the wealth of the four seas and the national treasury. Not to mention fighting on two sides, so what if we have a few more? Attacking Boyan in the north, suppressing the Wokou in the east, retreating Frang Ji in the south. After a few battles, we have won every battle and won every battle.
Will our hands and feet be tied down by a motley crew of less than fifty thousand people in Hebei and Shandong? Shandong's horses and Hebei's bandits! These places have been prone to trouble since ancient times, it's not a big deal. If the tribal leaders and Living Buddhas of Qinghai have no ability to expel the evil wolf Boyan Mengke, we understand your difficulties. We will send troops to drive him away or destroy him. "
Zhengde was awe-inspiring. He looked around and saw the Living Buddhas and Dharmarajas looking uneasy and whispering to each other. He couldn't help but reveal a sly smile.
There were many tribes in the Qinghai area, and none of them obeyed each other. Because of this, they had never been able to form a powerful unified political power. Thus, they were even more polite to Ming Destiny. Since Ming Destiny had established the country, they had paid tribute every year and come to court every year. Although this was a show of face, the ones who benefited were still them. At least, they could be considered respectful.
The court implemented almost complete autonomy in the Duogan Qinghai area. Most of the Guards' generals and soldiers were from the local tribes. They were far away from the Emperor and were free and unfettered. How free and unfettered were they? In particular, these respected Living Buddhas and Dharmarajas, who were united in politics and religion, knew very well where the benefits lay.
The court sent troops? Once the court's army arrived, what would happen to their homeland in the chaos of war? Most importantly, since the local tribe's Guards had disappointed and unhappy the Emperor and Dharmaraja of the Qing Kingdom, Ming Destiny Emperor and Dharmaraja of the Qing Kingdom, would his army retreat once it entered Qinghai?
These Living Buddhas were all cultivated in a society where politics and religion were united. They considered problems in detail and immediately thought of the consequences and long-term effects of the war.
What if the Emperor, the Little Buddha, thinks that the round-trip fare is too expensive and only buys a one-way ticket? After the battle, he conveniently removes the leaders of the tribes mentioned above and replaces the soldiers with the proud Han soldiers who have just won the battle, and all of them will stay there and not leave? This kind of thing is not impossible. The strategy of 'borrowing the road to attack the enemy' is not an exclusive invention of the Han people's Thirty-Six Stratagems.
If Emperor Ming Destiny really did cut the grass and hit the rabbit and solved the two problems at the same time, then could he still be supreme in Qinghai? Each of the religious leaders had their own thoughts. They nervously calculated their own gains and losses.
Emperor Zhengde rolled his eyes and added another piece of information. "As far as I know, after Boyan took over Qinghai Lake, the Wala tribe and Huo Zhe were deeply uneasy about Boyan taking over their territory. The countries in the Western Region were worried that once Boyan's power grew, he would swallow them up. Thus, they are actively contacting each other and preparing to send troops to Qinghai Lake. Qinghai Lake is about to become a pot of boiling water. I love the people, but I have no other choice.
Today, I have invited all the Dharmarajas and Living Buddhas here to ask you to hurry back immediately and restrain your believers and disciples. Let them stay away from the source of the disaster and avoid the center of the war to avoid undeserved disasters.
At the same time, I have a decision to tell you. To prevent Ming Destiny's goods from being obtained by Boyan and to prevent information about Ming Destiny's troop movements from being detected by Boyan's horse scouts, before Boyan can withdraw from Qinghai Lake, I will seal the border and stop all trade and trade! "
What? The countries in the Western Region are coming to attack us. The Wala and Huo Zhe are also coming to join in the fun. Ming Destiny is also rushing to send troops and stop the trade. Are they all coming to Qinghai Lake for the market?
Once the Great Ensemble starts, will there still be peace in Qinghai? As the head of the Temple, the Dharmaraja, and the Living Buddha, he had thousands of people serving him. Where could he hide? The most prosperous area was hit by a military disaster, and the trade had stopped. How could he lead his people to a remote and desolate place to starve?
This time, the Living Buddhas are really anxious. They whisper to each other, talking quickly and hurriedly. Their voices gradually become louder and louder. No one knows what they are arguing about.
Emperor Zheng De sat upright and still, with a compassionate expression on his face. He had been compassionate for a long time, but before the Buddhas could come to a decision, Zheng De let out a sigh, formed the 'Immovable Fundamental Mudra', and entered into meditation. One move, one motionless …
After an unknown period of time, the discussion in the hall gradually stopped. It seemed that the Living Buddhas had reached a consensus on some kind of opinion. Emperor Zhengde was still meditating, and the Living Buddhas did not dare to disturb him. Fortunately, meditation was really nothing to these people, so everyone made a mudra and simply accompanied the Emperor to cultivate.
Emperor Zhengde finally stopped meditating. The Living Buddhas who pretended to meditate with him but were actually very anxious immediately woke up.
A few Living Buddhas who are sitting in the front row and have a high status whispered to each other. Living Buddha Wenjia bowed respectfully and said, "Your Majesty the Great Emperor, we all agree that the long journey and continuous war is not a good thing for all living beings. We request to return to Dugan immediately and do our best. With the power of our Buddha, we strive to expel Boyan Meng from Qinghai Lake. We request Your Majesty the Great Emperor to postpone the dispatch of the troops. If we fail, it will not be too late to send out the troops. "
Emperor Zhengde said with emotion, "Soldiers are weapons of murder. I believe in our Buddha, how can I be willing to kill? However, Boyan Meng will cause endless troubles in the future. I have no other choice. Since all the Living Buddhas are willing to do great good, how can I not allow it? Let's do it this way. I'll immediately send someone to escort all the Living Buddhas back to Qing. It would be best if we can bury the hatchet. If not, all the Living Buddhas have done their best. Let me bear the rest. "
The Living Buddhas were overjoyed when they heard this. How could they stay any longer? They immediately agreed and took their leave. They immediately prepared to pack up and return to Qinghai.
The huge room was empty in an instant. Emperor Zhengde stretched his neck and looked left and right. He could not help but chuckle. His face turned serious. He flipped the sky with one hand and lifted the ground with the other. He pointed at the sky and the earth and shouted, "What are you doing …" Then he formed the Great Vajra Seal. He was actually addicted to playing.
* * *
The corner door opened and two figures flashed in. The one in front saw Zhengde and giggled, "Look at you. Are you addicted to playing? Are your legs numb from sitting? Get up. "
Tang Yixian smiled and kicked the praying mat Zhengde was sitting on. She said coquettishly, "What are you doing? Get up."
Zhengde frowned and said, "Don't touch me. I can't stand this big praying mat for a long time. My legs are numb. Ouch, don't touch me."
He grimaced in pain and pulled his legs down. He carefully let go and waited for the blood to flow. He smiled and said, "How is it? I'm pretty good at singing, reading, and fighting, right?"
Yang Ling walked into the hall and bowed, "Your Majesty, long live the Emperor, long live …"
"I say, Brother Wan Nian, I already said that there is no need to adhere to the etiquette of a ruler and minister. I am going to get married soon. In the future, this will be my and Yixian's home. Here, I want to live a normal life. Ouch, don't make me angry. I can't move. I can't compare to those who have been sitting for a lifetime. Hey, this is numb! You find a place to sit. "
Tang Yixian giggled and brought a chair over. Yang Ling saw that the Emperor was sitting on a praying mat. The chair he was sitting on was much higher than the Emperor. He pulled over a praying mat and sat opposite Zhengde. Tang Yixian saw this and also took a praying mat. She also took a plate of grapes from the dragon writing table and placed it between the three of them.
Zhengde gently stroked his thigh and said, "Bayan has occupied Qinghai Lake, Shandong is providing disaster relief and helping the poor. Liaodong is migrating to open up wastelands. Shanxi Madman Zhao is recruiting troops at Mount Zhongtiao. There is also the White Coat Army in Jiangnan … there is life and there is death. There is hope and there is disappointment. Zhen is also happy and worried."
Yang Ling smiled faintly and said, "I want them to go south. South ships and north horses. Once they reach Jiangnan, they will find that there is indeed a lot of wealth there. But their advantage on horseback will be gone. They will try their best to break up and weaken them. In another three to four months, they will drive the remaining soldiers and defeated generals to the north. The weather is cold and they lack food and clothing. From the start to the end, they will not last more than a year. Your Majesty can rest assured. "
"As for Qinghai, it depends on the ability of these Living Buddhas. If they can't solve Bayan's problem, we will have dealt with the White Coat Robbers and can free up our hands. Liaodong's matter is easy to handle. It is a matter with long-term results. We can feel the stones to cross the river. If there are any problems, we can solve them at any time. As long as the court gives more support and policy support, it will be fine.
As for Shanxi's Zhao Sui, when there is progress on this side, I want to personally pay him a visit. It will be best if we can recruit him. If not, we will not allow him to grow. Once the roving bandits have a stable base, they will not be able to run away. We must chase him away. "
Zhengde nodded, his expression turned serious, "You are right. After all these things, the shortcomings in the imperial government have been exposed. This is not necessarily a bad thing. If we can solve it in time, we can avoid further intensification of the conflict. Zhen wants to have some achievements in political and military affairs, but I still have a pile of problems that have not been solved. If I want to expand my territory, I will be biting off more than I can chew. To forge iron, one must be strong. "
Hearing this, Yang Ling was delighted. "Your Majesty is right," he said, "Your Majesty is right," he said, "Your Majesty, after discussing with the several daren from the cabinet and the six ministries, we have reduced the twelve strategies of reform and reform to ten. I think it is already very appropriate. I am prepared to send someone to deliver a memorial to the throne in the next two days, to spread the news first, so that everybody can be prepared in their hearts. Afterwards, the cabinet will formally request Your Majesty to implement it. I will first tell you the result of our discussion, so that you will have a clear idea. "
Yang Ling picked out the important things and narrated them. In terms of tax reform, the various officials had tried out various new tax laws by the local officials, such as' Inner Armor Silver ',' Uniform Silver ',' Ten Sections of Brocade ', and selected the' One Whip Law '. Hearing this, Zhengde spat out a piece of grape skin, nodded repeatedly and said, "Good, good, good, this Ming Destiny's tax abuses should be changed. One Whip Law is very reasonable.
Ming Destiny's vast country, I need to use troops without money, I need to deal with disasters without money, even the palace treasury has been cleaned out. It is pitiful to this extent, but the poor people still say that they can't breathe because of the pressure of taxes. Is Ming Destiny really that poor? It is just that the tax is uneven. The rich pay less than a hair from nine oxen, but the poor people pay more than half of their annual income.
In the end, some people are so fat that even their farts flow grease. I heard that there was a rich merchant in Jiangnan who wanted to eat a bowl of parrot tongue meat, so he killed a hundred parrots. Is that thing really delicious? It is just to put on airs. To eat fish whiskers, he bought a hundred carps and only cut off the whiskers for later use. This kind of extravagance, I don't have that kind of style. "
Yang Ling was a little surprised. The reason was to the point, but why did the Emperor use so many vulgar words, and seemed to know a lot about the matters of the people. If it was the factory guards who told him, at least these vulgar words couldn't be said to the Emperor, it would be very disrespectful.
He looked at Tang Yixian, and his heart seemed to understand: "Most likely it was this little girl who doesn't know how to cover her mouth to talk nonsense to the Emperor, and the Emperor still fell for it. He likes to let people treat him as a normal person. These two people, one is willing to fight, the other is willing to suffer. I am not a Taoist teacher, I am too lazy to admonish this kind of small matter."
If these words were heard by Wang Qiong, Liu Jian, and even now Yang Tinghe, Liang Chu and the others, they would probably turn pale with fright and immediately admonish the Emperor, asking the ruler of a country to be careful with his words and actions, even mobilizing the officials to hold a court meeting, to let the Emperor do a deep reflection. Only Yang Ling didn't take it seriously at all. Zhengde was the most relaxed in front of him, he was not tired of being a person, it was no wonder that he was willing to talk to him.
When Yang Ling mentioned the reform of the military system, Zhengde, whose blood had flowed smoothly, slapped his thigh and said with deep sympathy: "This is good, it was Lu Wan who suggested it? En, his idea is not bad. Now we can recruit troops, train the people, and train the soldiers for the court without spending the court's money. When the time is right, we can directly replace the Wei Suo Army. Good idea. To be honest, I don't have money now, and the military system has to be changed, so I have to think of some tricks.
Now when I see the war report from the Ministry of War, I am angry. They say that I have two million soldiers, but how many of them only know how to farm? If it wasn't for you leading the troops to help me vent some of my anger, look at the war, what kind of grandma would it be? Those who want to be soldiers can't become soldiers, and those who don't want to force them to become soldiers, how can they have the mood to fight? It should be changed! "
Yang Ling gradually talked about the true purpose of his visit. He talked about the seriousness and harm of the annexation of land, and then glanced at Zhengde. Seeing that he was listening attentively, Yang Ling sighed and said worriedly: "Your Majesty, with Your Majesty's support, the reform will definitely be pushed forward, and the resistance from the court will not be too great. What this subject is worried about is, will the ten policies that have been pushed out really be implemented?"
Those who want to annex land are either rich or noble. Who would be willing to spit out meat from their mouths? There are big and small nobles among these nobles, and they will definitely compete with each other. Those who are rich and noble are not willing to follow the system of the court, and those who are small and noble will follow suit. When the decree of the court is issued, it will be put on the shelf, and will only be accepted as an official document. That way, all the previous efforts will be wasted. "
Zhengde's eyes turned, and he sneered: "Hee hee, you want me to listen to the ten policies of the reform? Can't I see the memorials when they come up? I just know that you have other ideas. Don't worry, it doesn't matter if it's a prince, duke, marquis, or a relative of the emperor, or a first or second-ranked official, if they dare to disobey the decree, zhen will support you and punish them all! "
Yang Ling shook his head with a bitter face, saying: "It's no use, this person … … is too high, and has too much power. Even if Your Majesty supports this subject, this subject doesn't dare to offend him."
"Ha!" Zhengde laughed angrily: "Alright, don't keep zhen in suspense. Just say who it is, let me see who it is that's so impressive."
"This person is you, Your Majesty!"
"Me?" Emperor Zhengde was stunned, and then became a little angry: "Did zhen annex land? Under the heavens, is there any land that belongs to the emperor? Whose land does zhen want to annex? I would like to expand my territory and exert myself to the outside world, but now is not the time to do so. Tell me, how did zhen become the main culprit of annexing land? "
When Tang Yixian saw this, she hurriedly picked up two bunches of grapes and handed them to the two brothers: "Come, come, come, eat some grapes."
No one paid attention to her. Yang Ling looked straight into Zhengde's eyes and very seriously said: "Imperial Plantation! Has Your Majesty forgotten about the Imperial Plantation? "
"Imperial Plantation?" Emperor Zhengde was indescribably surprised: "You said the Imperial Plantation? Tell me, how does the Imperial Plantation count as annexing land? "
Yang Ling said: "Your Majesty has already annexed twenty-one Imperial Plantations, about two million mu of land. If Your Majesty is like this, then the local vassal kings are even more so. The vassal kings have been appointed by the imperial family, and each of them own more than a million mu of land. The amount is huge, the amount is astonishing, and it's shocking to hear … …"
Emperor Zhengde's lungs were about to explode from anger, and for a moment, he was filled with grief and indignation. He loudly roared: "Zhen is guilty of the most heinous crimes! You've managed seven Imperial Plantations for zhen, so you should know what's going on. What do you mean that zhen owns tens of thousands of mu of land, and how many tens of thousands of mu of land do the vassal kings own? This is pure falsehood. Don't you understand the details? "
Tang Yixian's round eyes glanced left and right. Seeing that the two brothers were about to break down, she hurriedly picked up two bunches of grapes and persuaded: "Come, come, come, eat some grapes."
The two still ignored her. Tang Yixian hatefully plucked a grape and threw it into her mouth.
Yang Ling lightly laughed: "When this subject managed the Imperial Plantation on behalf of the emperor, you also knew that it was just a pretense. However, this time, in order to reform the Imperial Plantation, this subject did a detailed investigation, so naturally I understand now.
The imperial family, the imperial family, the expenses were originally paid by the imperial court, so where did this money come from? It came from the common people's taxes. The common people's land had to pay taxes, this was the natural order of things. The vassal kings were vassal kings, and the imperial family appointed some of the king's land. It wasn't how much land this king owned, but that the taxes paid on this land were no longer paid to the Ministry of Revenue. Instead, it was managed by the imperial family and used directly by the imperial family. The same was true for the emperor's Imperial Plantation.
The imperial family, the imperial family, originally drew their expenses from the imperial court's treasury. When this part of the land was designated as the Imperial Plantation, the Ministry of Revenue would reduce the amount provided. The existence of the Imperial Plantation and the King Plantation only made the taxes paid by the common people go through the Ministry of Revenue. The taxes were directly given to the imperial family, the imperial family, to use.
By paying the imperial tax and king tax, there was no need to pay the official tax. It wasn't a double tax. So, whether this land was called official land or the Imperial Plantation, it was just a difference in management. For the common people, there was no difference. "
Zhengde's expression slowly relaxed. Yang Ling continued: "Moreover, the Imperial Plantation and King Plantation collect land rent at a rate of three cents per mu of land, which is slightly less than that of ordinary landowners. The burden of the Imperial Plantation's tenant farmers is less than that of ordinary tenant farmers."
Emperor Zhengde snorted and unhappily said: "You already know and you still say that? You really angered me to death just now. "
Yang Ling smiled slightly and said: "The imperial family always needs an income to cover their daily expenses. If it doesn't come from the Imperial Plantation, then it comes from the official land. If it doesn't come directly from the Ministry of Revenue, then what difference does it make if the land is called the Imperial Plantation or official land?
The annual tax for one million mu of land is about ten thousand taels. Some of the nobles, salt merchants, and sea merchants earn far more than this amount. The imperial family's entry doesn't seem that shocking, and it can't be said to be annexing the land, leaving the common people with no way to live. "
"But …" Yang Ling became serious and said: "Who among the common people would calculate how much this land produces in a year? How much does the imperial family expropriate? They only hear that the imperial family owns a few million mu of land, and they already feel shocked. Moreover, it is human nature to spread falsehoods and make irresponsible statements. People are also willing to enthusiastically talk about it and exaggerate it.
The nobles are willing to spread this rumor. By spreading this rumor, it creates the conditions for them to truly annex the land. The more people spread this rumor, the more people will believe it. Even if this rumor is passed down to future generations, people who don't know the truth will feel indignant.
What I have said is only the normal situation. Under normal circumstances, there is no harm to the farmers. Annexing the Imperial Plantation and the King Plantation is extremely detrimental to the imperial family's reputation. So, does the Imperial Plantation exploit the people? Do the common people who farm these lands really pay less taxes than the common people who pay taxes to the government? Do they receive more benefits? In fact, it's very, very little. "
He faced Emperor Zhengde's somewhat stunned gaze and explained: "The reason is very simple. The Imperial Plantation has its own stewards outside of the government, so where do they get their wages from? Wool comes from the sheep's back, but the final source of income is still the land tax. Thus, with their wages, the taxes on the Imperial Plantation are no less than the taxes paid to the government.
In addition, these private stewards and advisors of the Imperial Plantation represent the authority of the government. Above them are the noble relatives of the emperor, who can never meet the tenant farmers face to face. Below them are the tenant farmers who farm the Imperial Plantation for the emperor's relatives. How much land rent is set and how much is collected, isn't it all up to them? With such convenient conditions, how could they not be greedy?
The emperor thinks that he is collecting taxes at a rate of three percent per mu and giving the common people seven percent of the profits. However, in reality, the common people who work hard for a year might not even receive three percent of the profits. The majority of the profits are taken by the stewards, advisors, and hired thugs. Do the common people know who is exploiting them like this? This debt is naturally placed on the emperor's head. "
Yang Ling's tone became heavy as he said: "This subject is only talking about your Imperial Plantation. As for the vassal kings … cough cough! This subject does not dare to hide this from the emperor. You must also know that there are virtuous and foolish vassal kings. Not all of them know how to sympathize with the common people. If the vassal king is greedy for money and desperately squeezes the common people to increase the tax rate, coupled with the layers of stewards exploiting them, the common people may only have one percent of the profits left to barely survive. Once there is a famine, if they don't become refugees or rebel, how will they survive? "
When Zhengde heard this, he sucked in a breath of cold air and said in a daze: "There's … there's such a thing?"
Yang Ling solemnly said: "That's right. That's why the Imperial Plantation and the King Plantation don't take away the ownership of the land, while the nobles take away the ownership of the land. It looks like there are some differences, but the harm is actually the same."
When Zhengde heard this, he hung his head and didn't say anything. He looked very depressed.
Although he liked to play around, he also wanted to be a wise ruler and a good emperor. He didn't think that he would directly assign the Imperial Plantation to supply the imperial palace with money. In the middle, he would be exploited layer by layer and actually harm so many common people. This time, the refugees rebelled. Perhaps some of the common people were forced by him, so he felt very sad.
The corner of his mouth suddenly turned cold. Zhengde, who was deep in thought, turned to look and saw Tang Yixian picking up a grape and bringing it to his mouth. She smiled gently at him, her eyes full of comfort and encouragement. Zhengde felt a sweetness in his heart. He unconsciously opened his mouth and put the grape in it.
Tang Yixian handed another bunch of grapes to Yang Ling and said angrily: "Big brother, since you have a good idea, just say it. Don't make the emperor sad."
Zhengde's eyes lit up and said: "Yang Qing, do you have a good idea?"
Yang Ling said: "There is no need for a good idea. We only need to remove all the people in charge of the plantation. The tax revenue of the Imperial Plantation and Wang Plantation will still be handed over to the Ministry of Revenue. At the end of the year, the Ministry of Revenue will calculate and allocate the tax revenue. The number of mu of land will be changed to official land. The name of the Imperial Plantation will no longer be called the Imperial Plantation.
Zhengde stared and said: "It's that simple?"
Yang Ling smiled and said: "It's simple for the emperor, but for the people who manage the land on behalf of the emperor, it is extremely difficult. This official is cutting off other people's source of income. I believe that it won't be long before I come to tell the emperor how the Imperial Plantation is riddled with problems and how the Ministry of Revenue is delaying corruption. It's better for the emperor to manage the land yourself. Then, I will fill your dragon desk with suggestions. "
Zhengde was stunned, then laughed and said: "It doesn't matter. I think whoever comes to advise me like this must be a greedy person. I will first ask the guards to check three generations of their ancestors and four relatives and eight neighbors. If there is no corruption, then it won't be too late to speak up."
Yang Ling said: "There is one more difficulty, and that is the Imperial Plantation. Logically speaking, the amount of money given to the royal family by the imperial family has not decreased. It's just that it has changed from being directly collected to being allocated by the government. However, those vassals who have privately raised the tax rate to reap the benefits will certainly oppose it. However, they will not be able to say this out loud.
Your Majesty will take the lead in withdrawing the land and set an example. The virtuous vassals will gladly follow Your Majesty. Some of the greedy vassals who know the severity of the situation will also follow the emperor's orders without a shield. I'm just afraid that some vassals will be extremely daring and resolutely refuse to withdraw the land and obstruct the implementation of the new policy. If they don't withdraw, then the officials and officials will not withdraw, and the nobles and officials will not withdraw. The issue of land annexation will be difficult to solve. "
Emperor Zhengde sneered and said: "It's not up to them. The imperial court has decided to give him 40,000 taels of tax for 4 million mu of land a year. Now that the land is under the management of the Ministry of Revenue, he will still be given 40,000 taels of silver a year. What reason does he have to disobey the imperial edict? Does he dare to bring up those shameful deeds to me? Don't worry, we will take care of this! We will immediately issue an edict to abolish the Imperial Plantation and return it to the Ministry of Revenue. "
"Wait, Your Majesty, wait," Yang Ling hurriedly said: "There's no rush right now. We have to choose a good time to abolish the Imperial Plantation. Only then will there be a good effect."
Zhengde said in a daze: "This … … we still have to choose an auspicious day?"
Yang Ling's expression was treacherous as he leaned over and whispered a few words. Emperor Zhengde slapped his thigh in joy and beamed with joy. He said: "Good, good, good, this is good. We like to see them in a sorry state, hee hee!"
He laughed sinisterly and said: "Isn't it just digging a hole for people to jump in? We like to trick people. Hee hee hee, we are very good at this."
He stretched his legs and stood up: "The weather is too hot and the animal cages behind us smell terrible. We won't be fighting tigers today. Let's go, we … …"
"Wait, Your Majesty. This subject still has something to say to Your Majesty. If Your Majesty agrees, this subject will ask for an imperial edict from Your Majesty."
Zhengde asked suspiciously: "What is it?"
Yang Ling told him about Duke Yan. Zhengde frowned and said: "There are many landlords who encroach on people's land. Imperial Uncle Zhang Heling has been impeached by Li Dongyang more than once because of this. His status is rather special. If he were to be reprimanded for such a small matter, I am afraid people would criticize him. A duke beating up an official of the imperial court is originally a big matter, but unfortunately … "
Zhengde smiled bitterly and said: "Subject Yang, if you do not have a concurrent post, but still beat up an official of the imperial court, that would be a big crime. But he, Duke Yan, can do it. This is a rule passed down since the Song Dynasty. His residence has a main hall, two halls, and three halls. He even has a prison cell. He even keeps a private army. I do not like it, but at most I can reprimand him for using excessive torture. What else can I do? If the next imperial edict is just a few words of reprimand, wouldn't that be a joke? "
Yang Ling smiled and said: "I know that this matter is neither big nor small. Your Majesty is making a big fuss out of nothing. If Your Majesty does not show up, no one will dare to do anything about it. If we don't deal with this matter, there will definitely be people who will use him as a scapegoat during the reform. It is better to solve it first.
I want to use this matter to make him contribute to the reform of the imperial court. Duke Yan still has some rallying power, especially since he is the descendant of Saint Kong. If he is willing to make a call, it will not be of much use. At least many pedantic scholars and scholars will shut their mouths, and Your Majesty will have some peace and quiet. "
"Oh? Then what do you want to do? "
Yang Ling explained again. Emperor Zhengde nodded repeatedly and said: "Okay, okay, okay. I will write your edict for you." He punched Yang Ling's chest lightly and laughed. "You are not bad yourself. You are very good at tricking people. You have a lot of bad intentions."
"Heh heh heh …" The two were laughing strangely. Tang Yixian put her hands on her waist and glared at them hatefully. "Look at you two. Can't you have some dignity? You, an Emperor and a Duke, are here discussing how to scheme against people. Instead of feeling ashamed, you feel proud. Ai! I really have to hand it to you two clowns! "
She snorted and turned to leave.
Emperor Zhengde rubbed his sore cheeks. "Let's go," he said, "Accompany Zhen to the North Sea to avoid the summer heat," he said, "Let's go fishing, catch some fresh fish and let Yixian make fish soup. Her culinary skill is pretty good."
"Your Majesty is not coaxing her anymore? Your Majesty is most afraid of the lion roaring in the river. "
"Ai, she is not really angry. If I am always nervous, won't she be annoyed? It's not like we're always together. Besides, women are moody, that's all. "
"Yes, yes, Your Majesty is right. If you can't see it, you will think about it. If you see it too much, you will be annoyed … Oh, right, Your Majesty, I will be marrying a wife and concubine in two days. I know Your Majesty likes to watch the excitement. Are you going?"
"Of course I'm going. How can I miss this kind of excitement? I will also visit the Imperial Nunnery. It is almost finished … the Imperial Nunnery … Imperial Sister is about to move there … "
The pair of treacherous brothers chatted as they swaggered away.
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
