Chen Jin was not busy there either, thinking about hosting a banquet for a group of courtiers at home.
Those who give these daily gifts most diligently are also those who are close to him.
There was plenty of wine and meat in front of them, and beautiful women danced enchantingly, making everyone intoxicated.
After three rounds of drinking, everyone's faces were flushed and they were slightly tipsy.
Chen Jin spoke appropriately: "My lords, our family has come to see you today because we actually have something to discuss."
As soon as these words came out, the drunkenness on the faces of everyone who was immersed in the singing, dancing and delicacies also disappeared.
There is no free banquet in the world, and this meal is really not free.
"Nine thousand years old? If you have anything to say, just go up to the stage and say it."
After sitting upright for a while, Chen Jin spoke calmly: "A few days ago, Ji Yunzhang proposed the reform of the autumn tax system in the court. I wonder if you have any impressions?"
Everyone looked at each other, but they were quite impressed.
As the Minister of Rites, Ji Yunzhang's opinions beyond his own jurisdiction are impressive.
Of course, the scene in which he was verbally criticized by many ministers was deeply rooted in the hearts of the people.
Someone looked at Chen Jin and thought quickly, "Does Eunuch Chen support the reform system mentioned by Ji Yunzhang?"
Chen Jin smiled and said nothing, everything was said without words, and everyone understood it.
I knew that this old eunuch was greedy, but I didn't expect that he would also have the idea of taxing taxes.
Everyone was a little depressed, and they all hesitated and said nothing.
Think about the scene where Ji Yunzhang was criticized by hundreds of officials. Taxation not only affects the common people, but also is linked to upright officials who care about the people. No one wants to wade into this muddy water.
The originally lively banquet seemed a little quiet after these words.
Chen Jin's face dropped slightly, and he reminded in a cold voice: "My lords, this matter actually concerns yourselves."
The rest of the people didn't know the reason, so they only listened to Chen Jin's righteous words: "The court has money, so you can have better treatment."
"What's more, why do you think Ji Yunzhang wants to meddle in other people's business and bring up such things on a whim?"
A person who has nothing to do with taxes, but takes the initiative to mention tax increases, must be under the instigation of others.
And who is this person? Far away, yet so close.
All eyes were focused on Chen Jin, and everyone suddenly realized!
No wonder Chen Jin specially held a banquet to mention this to them. It turned out that this old fox was planning everything behind the scenes.
With Ji Yunzhang as the leader, all he needs is some voices behind him to help, and everything will fall into place.
Everyone did not respond immediately, but started whispering.
"Nine thousand years old is a popular person around the emperor. I'm afraid he doesn't do these things with his own will."
"It seems that all the results have been determined a long time ago. We are just going through the motions."
After thinking through it, everyone stood up and raised their fists: "Nine thousand years old, this matter is indeed beneficial to the country. Only by enriching the national treasury can we better serve the people."
"As officials of the imperial court, we should think about the country and the people, and we know what to do."
Everyone expressed their attitude one after another, and Chen Jin's tense face softened a little.
He who knows the current affairs is a hero!
The maid next to him poured a glass of wine, he raised the glass and said with a smile: "Thanks to everyone for your support, let's have a good drink today!"
After the answer was finalized, this group of extremely hypocritical people sang and danced at night, having great fun.
It's just a cool and cold night, and how many people are suffering without clothes or food to eat.
At court the next day, the ministers who had enjoyed the banquet last night brought up the old matters one by one.
It’s nothing more than tax reform, raising tax revenue, and filling the national treasury to prepare for emergencies!
The decent people headed by Zhang Dongyang couldn't stand listening anymore.
He took a step forward and reprimanded sternly: "That's nonsense!"
"Increasing taxes and increasing the burden on the people can be called thinking about the people?"
"Land annexation and taxation are pushing Chu into the abyss step by step!"
His voice was high-pitched, with undeniable authority and indignation.
Xiao Chen shook his head and sighed, then silently glanced at Chu Yanwu who was sitting on the high seat.
He was indifferent to Zhang Dongyang's heartfelt words, and his tense eyebrows even added a bit of disgust.
Chen Jin, standing next to him, held his head high and looked like he was strategizing.
Xiao Chen sighed for Zhang Dongyang in his heart: "Old Zhang, can't you see it yet? Chen Jin is just a chess piece, and the real chess player is Chu Yanwu."
Whether it is land annexation or the current tax reform, who is the final planner?
It's a pity that Zhang Dongyang is full of talent and justice, but he doesn't meet a wise king and has no chance to display it.
Many people followed Zhang Dongyang and seconded the proposal, but it was also directly rejected by Chen Jin's group.
"The imperial court and the people complement each other. The imperial court provides shelter to the people, but the treasury is empty, so the people should just sit back and wait for death?"
"Besides, just raising the tax a little bit doesn't mean that they will go bankrupt. Add up a little and make a big pile. Only the joint efforts of everyone can keep the court running!"
This is simply a shameless example!
Even Xiao Chen felt nauseated after hearing this.
Zhao Xifeng snorted coldly: "If Master Zhu says so, shouldn't we officials also contribute a little bit?"
"I don't know how many people in the world are trapped in poverty. Life costs money and the tax burden increases. Don't they need to support their families?"
"On the other hand, those of you who keep talking about increasing taxes, you soak in wine pools and meat forests every day, even if you show something superficial, it can be better than the fruits of ordinary people's hard work for several years!"
"As human ministers, you shouldn't just sit idly by when it comes to the treasury!"
The man's face turned red and the two sides argued endlessly.
The scene was filled with spit and spit, and the atmosphere seemed like a fight was about to break out at any moment.
Xiao Chen was among them, but he was caught by Ji Yunzhang who was hanging his head and asked: "Is this the result you want to see?"
Xiao Chen shrugged: "The way to endure is to retreat and defend. Don't forget what I told you."
Both he and Ji Yunzhang had the good sense not to participate in this "chaos" until a shout interrupted their commotion.
"Enough! How can I allow you to treat this solemn place like a court hall as a bustling market place!"
The high-pitched voice echoed in the hall, drowning out all the noise.
Everyone returned to calm, but their faces were still full of dissatisfaction.
Zhang Dongyang said excitedly: "Your Majesty, please think twice before you act!"
Chu Yanwu glanced at him, and then sighed softly: "Prime Minister Zhang, I know that you are worried, but you have to consider the national treasury."
"There are floods in the south and drought and floods in the north. There are many places to use money. Although the people are suffering, they can also consider the overall situation."
"If they suffer a little bit, others will be able to survive. Can't you bear to see corpses strewn in the disaster area?"
Zhang Dongyang suddenly said, "My lord!"
"Okay, I agree to the autumn tax reform and it will be implemented immediately!"
