Chapter 624: Spreading the Word
When the little brat shouted recklessly and without restraint.

Yan Shaoting almost ran away.

This child has too little homework. If this matter were to get out, God knows what kind of slander it would bring.

Think about it.

Yan Shaoting felt that it would be better to give the boy more homework to kill off his energy.

He then went to the cabinet.

Although his position in the cabinet has not yet been clarified, he is the Grand Secretary of the Huangji Palace after all. In addition, with such a big change in the court now, many things need to be handled urgently.

What's more, enough people have been killed in the south, and it is indeed time to stop the war and govern the country.

Killing can only solve a temporary problem, but it cannot solve the problem forever.

Killing was just one of the necessary means to implement the new policy. Next, Nanzhili and Zhejiang would truly enter the deep waters of deepening reform.

All aspects need to be advanced, and official vacancies in various prefectures and counties need to be filled by selected talented people.

There are many things.

Yan Shaoting did not show any signs of monopolizing power in these matters. Whether it was Gao Gong, Zhang Juzheng, or even Gao Yi, they were all nominating officials to take office in Jiangsu and Zhejiang.

However, Yan Shaoting only transferred back half of the 80,000 soldiers of the Beijing Camp who followed Gu Huan to the south of the Yangtze River, that is, 40,000 people, to stabilize the garrison of the capital. The remaining 40,000 soldiers of the Beijing Camp went directly into Nanjing. According to the plan, Hu Zongxian, Gu Huan and others were to reorganize the troops of the Nanjing Garrison.

As for the dismissal of hundreds of officials in the capital by Yan Shaoting this time, although it attracted a lot of discussion, the opinion was unified from the emperor to the central cabinet.

Unless they dare to impeach all members of the cabinet.

Yan Shaoting was in control of the military power in the capital, was favored by the emperor and entrusted with important military and national tasks, and had the cabinet working together, so the discussions in the court were still somewhat weaker.

The rest of the days.

The capital gradually calmed down.

The various ministries and government offices also gradually began to focus on handling various government affairs in an orderly manner.

The lives of the people in the capital have become much more stable because of the frequent troop movements in the capital recently and the reduction of the sneaky bandits that usually occur.

If the capital is safe both inside and outside, the social environment will naturally become lively.

At one time, there were countless merchants inside and outside the capital, and the goods were abundant.

This day.

Take a bath in the middle of the court.

Yan Shaoting only sent someone to deliver a piece of homework to the palace, asking the little emperor to complete it today and then stay at home, not planning to go anywhere.

Although it is early autumn now, it is already a bit cold.

Tea house in the courtyard.

Yan Shaoting slowly brewed a pot of tea and poured it into two white porcelain tea cups.

The tea aroma rises and the fragrance is faint and clear.

Sitting opposite him was Yan Song, the current Grand Tutor, who was now 92 years old and a well-known figure in the Jiajing period who held power. He had a ruddy complexion and reached out to pick up a teacup with a smile on his face.

Sniff the tea aroma.

Yan Song said softly, "You have made great progress in the art of tea in the past few years. You no longer drink tea with a touch of impatience like before."

Say it.

He took a small sip.

Don't drink it down, but roll it around your teeth three times and slowly put it into your stomach.

Then he lowered his head and looked into the teacup.

Then he drank it all in one gulp.

Put down the teacup and don't place it on the tea table.

Yan Song added: "This year's new Yunwu tea from Huizhou Prefecture."

Yan Shaoting nodded with a smile on his face: "Grandfather is the one who deserves to taste the tea ceremony. Although Huizhou Yunwu is not very famous and should not be brewed repeatedly, it has a unique flavor. It was sent to Hai Mansion by the commander of Huizhou Guards and was given to me by Madam Hai."

Yan Song raised his eyebrows and asked, "Is it the commander who took the military seal from Hai Rui back then?"

Now it seems like this was all many years ago.

At that time, the Yan family sent Hai Rui to the south to fight Xu Jie. Hai Rui went from Suzhou to Huizhou Prefecture to investigate the case of silk and silk. Because of a civil uprising, Hai Rui broke into the camp and seized the military seal of the commander of the Huizhou Guard to mobilize troops and suppress the uprising.

This has been going on for almost ten years.

Yan Shaoting smiled and responded, "Although this incident didn't make a big fuss back then, the commander has not been promoted in these years. But in the past two years, he has been thinking about Hai Rui, and seems to want to use Hai Rui's relationship with the seal to get a chance to work in the Nanjing Military Department."

Yan Song had a look of recognition on his face. "If the commander really didn't allow Hai Rui to take the seal, how could he have taken it by himself? It's because they didn't want the Huizhou people to revolt. So the commander shouldn't be held responsible for this."

Yan Shaoting immediately said, "So my grandson accepted the matter on behalf of Hai Rui. The order to transfer that person to Nanjing to serve was issued yesterday."

"Look after Nanjing?"

Yan Song said something immediately, then frowned slightly and pondered for a moment: "Are you going to control Fujian and Guangdong this time, or are you going to move westward to Jiangxi and Huguang?"

nowadays.

Yan Song, who was already in his nineties, felt that his life was getting better and better.

Now he is living in retirement at home with the honor of being a Grand Tutor, while the Yan family has many children and grandchildren, and their children and grandchildren hold high positions and receive generous salaries.

What else can't satisfy you?

Looking back to the past, although the Yan family seemed to be in great prosperity, it was already in a precarious situation at that time.

Now, even if there is another shocking storm in the court, the Yan family can protect themselves safely.

This confidence made Yan Song only want to live a few more years to see the prosperity of the Yan family and the Ming Dynasty.

But being idle at home does not mean that Old Yan has lost the ability to observe state affairs.

When Yan Shaoting mentioned this today, he naturally understood immediately what his great grandson was referring to.

Yan Shaoting nodded with a smile: "Indeed, we need to make new moves. After the affairs of Nanzhili and Zhejiang are dealt with, the government can be assured of no worries about finances and taxes. The government now has troops and the financial and taxation center of the southeast. I think other things will go more smoothly. Using this Huizhou Guard Commander is just a token of his gratitude. After all, the merits of Nanjing before the Jingnan Rebellion are no longer credible, so it would be better for us to keep our people in charge. By then, it will be easier for Hu Zongxian and Gu Huan to move to other places and deal with them."

Yan Song pondered for a moment and nodded from time to time.

Yan Shaoting was not in a hurry either.

No matter what the old man was like in the past, politics is not about right or wrong. Now the Yan family is a family of loyal officials of the Ming Dynasty.

In recent years, the influence of academies in the world has become increasingly greater.

The old man actually played a crucial role.

but.

Master Wang Ji, who had been in poor health to begin with, eventually died of illness a few years ago. Even Li Shizhen could not cure him.

The remaining masters Nie Bao and Qian Dehong were also stripped of most of their teaching duties by Yan Shaoting, and now they live in the academy to recuperate. Recalling the journey over the past few years.

Yan Shaoting couldn't help but sigh.

Yan Song had already figured it out by now, and said, "Whether it's Huguang, Guangdong and Guangxi, or Jiangxi and Fujian, they all need to be governed well because they are thousands of miles away from the capital. Henan, Shandong and Hebei are close to the capital, so we can take it slow. Shanxi, Shaanxi and Liaodong must cooperate with the Qing army. So... Hai Rui?"

Yan Shaoting did not hold back and answered in detail: "Hu Zongxian and Gu Huan are in charge of the south, and my grandson and the cabinet are in charge of the center. Hai Rui is preparing to be promoted to the Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate this year and will be in charge of the military affairs of Shanxi, Shaanxi, and Liaodong. The cabinet has been discussing these matters recently, and an order will be issued in the near future."

Seeing that everything has been arranged for my eldest grandson.

Yan Song also breathed a sigh of relief, but inexplicably asked, "What about the Emperor?"

Yan Shaoting immediately showed helplessness on his face, and shook his head with a smile, saying, "The emperor is still a little young, and sometimes he speaks without thinking. He still needs to increase his schoolwork, but I will prepare to let him slowly get in touch with more political affairs, and after a few years, slowly let him ask about state affairs. When he is about 20 years old, I can let him handle all the state affairs."

Yan Song nodded and thought for a moment: "By that time, you will be nearly 40 years old. Although according to our age, it is the time to govern the country. But it is not the case for you. Then you can return to the academy and study hard."

Say it.

Yan Song's eyes revealed a hint of sadness: "Ten years have passed. I don't know if Grandpa can take care of you for another ten years."

Yan Shaoting hurriedly poured a cup of tea for the old man, and smiled and comforted him, "There are centenarians in our dynasty. In ten years, Wuyou and his family should have started a family and established a career. Your grandson is still waiting for you to have five generations living together, and your children and grandchildren will call you ancestor."

It seemed that the words "five generations living under one roof" irritated Yan Song.

The old man's face was full of smiles.

"Let alone five generations living under one roof, even if it is the Ming Dynasty built by my grandson himself, I want to see it with my own eyes!"

……

"Look at this..."

"If it is correct, there is no need to add anything. Your Majesty, please read and seal this decree, and then issue it to the six ministries."

The Cabinet's Collegial Office.

Gao Yi personally compiled the latest imperial edict and distributed it to Gao Gong, Yan Shaoting and Zhao Zhenji.

Everyone lowered their heads to check.

The words "Promulgate new policies to the two capitals and thirteen provinces" were clearly written on the draft edict this time, indicating the relevant content of the edict.

Gao Gong put the imperial edict aside and took out a memorial he had prepared.

"The matters concerning Nanzhili and Zhejiang have now been settled. Who among you is willing to present this resignation letter to the emperor on my behalf?"

Gao Gong's words immediately attracted everyone's attention.

Everyone knew that the time had come for power to shift in the Ming Dynasty’s central cabinet.

Gao Gong retreated and Yan Shaoting stepped forward.

One retreat and one advance.

The Prime Minister of the Ming Dynasty is about to be replaced.

Yan Shaoting immediately stood up and walked in front of Gao Gong: "The emperor personally asked about the prime minister a few days ago. The emperor meant that... the prime minister should still work hard on state affairs for a few more years."

Gao Gong looked up at him with a smile on his face, but said nothing.

Yan Shaoting was stunned for a moment, then said, "It was not me who proposed it, but the emperor who said it after the class was over."

Gao Gong's eyes flashed with a trace of emotion: "Your Majesty..."

Yan Shaoting nodded: "It is true that the emperor mentioned it himself."

But Gao Gong shook his head and said: "Each generation has its own talented people. It is time for me to resign from the government and go home to enjoy my grandchildren."

Yan Shaoting looked a little dazed, and said lightly: "Huating will be changed to Shunyi. I hope the Prime Minister will not refuse this matter. In addition, he will be granted a residence outside Xi'an Gate, and Shunyi Earl's Mansion will be built in Shunyi County. Three memorial archways will be built in Gaolaozhuang Village, Xinzheng, with the words "Glorious Career", "Great Achievements", and "Good Minister of the Country". His grandson will inherit the title of Jinyiwei Qianhu, and his son will be promoted to the third rank."

This was what he had promised Emperor Longqing.

Let Gao Gong retire with dignity.

just now.

Not only did he give Gao Gong dignity, he also gave him supreme glory.

The cabinet was actually mentally prepared for Gao Gong to relinquish power and leave the court, and hand over the position of Prime Minister.

See Yan Shaoting mentioning one gift after another in front of everyone.

Even Gao Yi, Gao Gong's good friend, showed joy on his face: "This kind of grace is unmatched in the country. Lord Su...you can have no regrets in this life!"

Gao Gong stood up suddenly and looked at Yan Shaoting.

"I...I will accompany you to the Emperor, present the new law, and...express my gratitude."

Yan Shaoting nodded with a smile.

Although Gao Gong left the court, being able to keep him near the capital was also a guarantee for the central cabinet.

Whether you are looking after the other party or activating the other party at any time to deal with unexpected events, it can take effect in time.

Then the two of them went into the palace together to look for the little emperor.

later.

The imperial edict, stamped with the seal "Emperor's Treasure", was then sent to the six ministries and five temples in the capital to inform all civil and military officials. The ministries then passed the message to the two capitals and thirteen provinces throughout the country, ordering the new dynasty to use new laws to be announced to the whole country and inform the military and civilians.

More than a month later.

It is the Mid-Autumn Festival on August 15th.

In a villa far away in Leizhou.

The children made loud noises.

"The emperor is destined to be transported by heaven, and the edict says..."

"In the past, Emperor Wen of the Han Dynasty exempted land rent and the state finances were not in short supply. Emperor Taizu of the Song Dynasty took back the power of the military governors and the world was at peace. I have received the mandate of heaven and rule over the Chinese and foreigners. I am the head of the cabinet and work day and night, thinking only of the suffering of the people. Recently, I have observed the abuses of taxes and labor service in various provinces, prefectures and counties. They are like a carbuncle that has broken out of the body. It cannot be cured without cutting out the bones."

"The two capitals and thirteen provinces, the central government is supported by the people, and the finances and taxes of the whole country are used for the common people. Now there are traitors in the local areas, which have become a den of the rich and powerful. The tax for the people is transferred, and the land tax is fraudulently sent. The gentry enjoys preferential treatment while the common people sell their children to pay for their food. This is not a natural disaster, but a man-made disaster! Now we will resolutely change the system and announce it to the world..."

"First, strictly implement the tax on land. From this year on, in the two capitals and 13 provinces, the territory of the country, and the places where the king's law is applied, the tax on land will be paid on land. Each prefecture and county will re-make the fish scale map. Regardless of whether it is official land, private land, or guard posts, temples, or monasteries, if anyone conceals or falsely reports the land, all the land will be confiscated by the government, and the head of the village will be exiled to Liaodong. The provincial government will send imperial censors to re-examine every year. If the tax on land exceeds three liters, all prefects and below will be dismissed and questioned."

"Second, scholars and common people must pay taxes together. All Jinshi, Juren and Shengyuan, except for 20 mu of sacrificial land, are exempted according to ancient rituals, and the rest of the land is taxed according to the actual acres. All provinces, prefectures and counties must pay the arrears of taxes within three months. The Imperial Censor will inspect the school land. Those who are found to be deceiving and concealing will be stripped of their titles, and their descendants will not be allowed to take the exam for three generations. Those who dare to gather together to resist paying taxes will be arrested by the Jinyiwei and brought to the capital to be charged with treason."

"The third is to rectify the commercial tax. The taxation office will be upgraded to the same position as the six ministries, and named the Ministry of Taxation. The head will be the governor. The two capitals and 13 provinces will have taxation offices and tax barracks. The customs duties of the Maritime Customs Office, the stall taxes of market shops, the taxes on the collapsed houses of pawnshops, etc. will all be collected and sent directly to the Ministry of Taxation. Red slips will be kept every month and submitted to the Ministry of Revenue for audit. Anyone who dares to indulge the powerful and evade tax will be tortured to death and his property will be confiscated."

"Fourth, make the laws and regulations clear. Formulate the "Regulations on Land Surveying", "Newly Compiled Regulations on Performance Assessment", and "Regulations on the Taxation Department" and make them permanent. Now, we will also issue the "Law on Collective Responsibility for Extorting Taxes". Unless it is a natural disaster, the six departments, the Taxation Department, the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Justice, the Censorate, and the Dali Temple will be investigated for the actual situation. If a prefecture levy less than 90% of the tax will be demoted according to the performance assessment, and if a county magistrate less than 80% of the tax will be punished according to the performance assessment, and if a clerk extorts one penny for fire consumption, he will be chopped off and the public will be informed. Twelve iron notices will be hung at the gates of each prefecture, and both the military and civilians can beat drums to report bad gentry."

"Now, I am implementing these four policies, which are in accordance with the will of heaven and the will of the people. They are not fixed policies. They respect heaven and the people, and will be updated in due course. On the day when the edict arrives, a notice will be posted immediately to order the grain ships and river boats to be stationed along the rivers. The generals of each town will send soldiers to escort and measure. Anyone who gathers a crowd with weapons to obstruct will be killed without mercy!"

"Announce it to the whole world, and let all know it."

"Appreciate this."

…………

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(End of this chapter)