In the following period, Gao Gong, Zhang Juzheng and others rushed to the cabinet one after another. When they saw Yan Song's figure, their reaction was the same as that of Xu Jie before, full of surprise.
After Yan Shifan also entered the cabinet, Yan Song coughed twice, attracting everyone's attention to him. After looking around, he said slowly.
"I have two pieces of news, one good news and one bad news. Which one do you want to hear first?"
"Hear the bad news first!"
When Xu Jie heard this, he couldn't help but frown. He immediately turned his eyes to Yan Song and said in a deep voice.
Yan Song nodded, and after organizing the words in his mind, he spoke.
"Not long ago, I went to the Yangxin Hall under the leadership of Eunuch Lu."
"What His Majesty means is that he wants to gradually implement the integrated payment of grain by officials and gentry, and this issue will be discussed at the next cabinet meeting."
As soon as Yan Song finished speaking, Xu Jie seemed to be frightened. His face turned pale and he was speechless for a long time.
After a long time, Xu Jie came back to his senses and asked Yan Song.
"Mr. Yan Ge, what do you mean by what you just said? Officials and gentry will receive food together!"
Yan Song took in the expression on Xu Jie's face, nodded, and repeated what he just said.
"Well, that's right. His Majesty wants to implement the integrated payment of grain by officials and gentry."
"And this is an unchangeable fact!"
After Yan Song finished speaking, he added another sentence.
After Gao Gong suppressed all the chaotic thoughts in his heart, he immediately spoke.
"Mr. Yan Ge, didn't you explain to His Majesty the possible consequences of this matter?"
Seeing this situation, Yan Song sighed helplessly and explained.
"Before this, I have advised His Majesty, but it has no effect. Your Majesty will implement this policy no matter what, and his attitude is extremely resolute. No one can waver!"
After hearing Yan Song's explanation, Xu Jie also looked troubled. After thinking for a moment, he gave his own thoughts.
"If this policy is to be implemented, the resistance it will encounter will be immeasurable!"
"Besides, even if we agree to this proposal and vigorously implement it, those gentry whose interests have been harmed will definitely try their best to obstruct the implementation of this policy."
"Moreover, officials who pursue this policy will be despised by scholars all over the world, and will be permanently removed from the gentry."
When Xu Jie said this, he paused for a moment and then continued.
"Don't forget, we are also scholars."
Although Xu Jie didn't make it clear, the meaning behind his words was already obvious.
He, Xu Jie, did not support this policy, and he was not willing to risk offending scholars all over the world by going to implement it.
After Xu Jie, Gao Gong also expressed his attitude.
"I think it's too early to discuss this matter now. It's better to wait until the time is right to discuss it!"
After hearing what Gao Gong said, Yan Song looked away from Gao Gong and said to himself.
"If we keep putting it off like this, how long can we put it off? That day will come sooner or later."
Zhang Juzheng on the side also fell into deep thought after listening to Xu Jie and Gao Gong's speeches respectively.
He could keenly sense that if the policy proposed by His Majesty could be implemented smoothly, it would have indescribable benefits for the entire Ming Dynasty.
Not only will the imperial court's taxes be guaranteed, the burden on the common people will also be reduced a lot. The most important thing is that the tax-free privileges of officials and landlords will be abolished!
And once their tax-free privileges are abolished, the people's dependence on these people will also be greatly reduced.
In order to maintain their current status, these officials and landowners can only become more dependent on the emperor, thereby reducing the possibility of committing rebellion or violating the government, and the government orders issued by the court will be smoother.
After thinking about all this, Zhang Juzheng also fell into entanglement.
In any case, Zhang Juzheng was also a scholar. He also belonged to the gentry class and enjoyed the benefits and privileges that this class brought him!
"Zhang Juzheng, do you really dare to risk the disapproval of the world and insist on implementing this policy?"
"Or are you ready to face this huge wave?"
While Zhang Juzhengtian and his men were fighting, Gao Gong on the side seemed to see what he was thinking, patted his shoulder gently, and spoke comforting words.
"Don't get too entangled, just follow your inner wishes!"
After Zhang Juzheng heard this, he seemed to have a clear understanding in his heart, his face was full of gratitude, and he said in a deep voice.
"Thank you, Mr. Gao Ge, for clearing up the confusion!"
Yan Song saw that everyone had been discussing for a long time and could not reach an agreement, so he spoke helplessly.
"Forget it, let's leave this matter as it is for now!"
"Everyone, please go back and think carefully about how we should explain to His Majesty then."
After Yan Song finished speaking, and when he was about to return to his seat to deal with the corresponding memorial, Yan Shifan, who had been silent for a long time, stood up and asked Yan Song.
"Father, didn't you say before that there is another piece of good news?"
Upon hearing this, everyone present turned their attention to Yan Song, waiting for his answer.
"Yes, I almost forgot about this!"
Yan Song was seen holding his forehead, with a bit of self-blame on his face, paused, and then spoke.
"His Majesty said that officials will have one day off every week to rest."
As soon as Yan Song finished speaking, everyone's faces were full of eagerness and they asked him.
"Mr. Yan Ge, is this news true?"
After hearing this, Yan Song nodded slightly and then said in a deep voice.
"Your Majesty said this to me personally!"
After receiving confirmation from Yan Song, everyone present could not help but breathe a sigh of relief.
At this moment, they all had only one thought in their minds, and that was: "Your Majesty is wise!"
…
Zhejiang, Zhejiang Governor's Mansion.
At this moment, Hu Zongxian was sitting at the top, looking at Zheng Michang and He Maocai in front of him in surprise. He couldn't figure out what these two people wanted from him.
"Tell me, what do you two want from me?"
Hu Zongxian picked up the teacup on the side, took a sip, and asked.
When Zheng Michang saw this, a flattering look appeared on his face, and he immediately greeted Hu Zongxian.
"Mr. Governor, you have worked hard these days!"
When Hu Zongxian heard this, he frowned, with an impatient look on his face, and immediately ordered.
"Okay, if you have anything to say, just say it, don't go around in circles with me!"
After hearing this, Zheng Michang bit his lip and asked Hu Zongxian after hesitating for a long time.
"My Lord Governor, haven't you been training the group of Japanese pirates who are willing to be loyal to my Ming Dynasty?"
"I also want to share some affairs with you, so that you can devote more energy to it!"
As soon as Zheng Michang finished speaking, He Maocai on the side also followed suit.
"Yes, Mr. Governor, we also want to share some affairs with you."
Even after talking about this, Hu Zongxian still couldn't tell what the two people were thinking.
Immediately, Hu Zongxian looked away and gave instructions.
"Well, since you two have this intention, I will be embarrassed to refuse you!"
"In this way, you will be temporarily responsible for logistics supplies and other related matters!"
Seeing that the matter was settled, Zheng Michang and He Maocai's faces were full of joy and they immediately responded.
"Yes, Lord Governor, we will definitely live up to your expectations!"
(End of chapter)
