Generally speaking, when the emperor faced a rebellion, the words he asked his ministers were "what should be done". Rarely, like Zhu Changxun's question just now, was it directly "who should be appointed as general".
Because counterinsurgency is never as simple as sending troops to defeat the rebels.
For example, what is the root cause of the rebellion, and it must be solved before countering the rebellion, so as to disintegrate the morale of the rebels and avoid the next rebellion; for example, whether it is possible to put down the rebellion at a smaller cost in the form of "pacification"; for example, Tell us how troops will affect all aspects of the overall situation, etc.
This is the so-called "the first is to attack the enemy with the enemy, then the second is to attack the enemy, the second is to attack the enemy, and the third is to attack the city." This is the case.
But this time, the newly crowned Emperor Wuxing directly asked about counterinsurgency.
Those who were able to reach the cabinet were all old foxes, and they were all good at reading people's hearts. They could also see that the emperor had not considered this at all when he asked this question, and only wanted to quell the rebellion with a large army!
Moreover, I am afraid that the Wuxing Emperor has never thought of following the emperor's last words! Otherwise, it would have been several months since the emperor ascended the throne, and it would already be February of the first year of Wuxing. If he wanted to do it, he would have already issued the decree!
That's why when Yan Chenhao said this, the ministers in the cabinet would cast their eyes in surprise, feeling puzzled by the other party's "unreasonableness".
In fact, this is indeed the case. In Zhu Changxun's view, mining taxes and increased taxes can fill his own internal funds. Now that the country is changing, it is a time when a large amount of silver is used. How can it be stopped?
The eunuchs were also the closest people to the emperor. The mining supervisors could ensure that these minerals and taxes would not be misappropriated by "outsiders", that is, those civil servants. They could also monitor the local area. Even if there was any illegal behavior, they would only need to be warned. Or replace it, there is no need to abolish it.
There were only spices and jewelry. Zhu Changxun didn't particularly care about enjoying them, so he could definitely stop.
He believed that although these things were criticized by the people, they still had more benefits than disadvantages for the court as a whole, so he had no plans to follow Wanli's last words before.
Can Yan Chenhao really not understand what Zhu Changxun is thinking? Not really. But the court always needs someone who dares to give advice, tell the best solution, plead for the people of Li, and make suggestions for the stability of the dynasty!
Otherwise, even if the rebellion can be quelled, the people will still live in misery and fire, which is neither in line with the original intention of governing the world nor the way to govern the country. The empire will eventually fall into chaos after losing the hearts of the people.
He couldn't watch his disciple's empire fall, and he couldn't watch the people fall into disaster again.
So he stood up directly.
But Zhu Changxun didn't think so. After hearing Yan Chenhao's words, he couldn't help but regret asking him.
He said rather reluctantly:
"My master, must this be the case? I don't care about spices and jewels, but now that the rebellion is about to be suppressed... I am also worried about the military pay on the front line!"
"Your Majesty, the money in the national treasury and internal funds should be enough to complete this campaign. On the contrary, if the root cause is not eliminated, the rebellion will continue, and no matter how much money you have, it will not help!"
Yan Chenhao said firmly.
Looking at his eyes and listening to his words, Zhu Changxun felt dazed for a while.
He seemed to have returned to a few years ago, and those words rang in his ears again:
"My master, where is the way to govern a country?"
"The people are the foundation of a country, and if the foundation is solid, the country will be peaceful. As the saying goes, 'Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it.' The livelihood of the people is the fundamental way to govern the country. If the people are peaceful, the world will be peaceful. As for other things, It’s all based on this.”
At that time, Zhu Changxun didn't understand it very well, but now he has some understanding.
He wanted to be famous in the history books and leave behind great achievements. Therefore, when he took the throne, his first thought was to treat the people well, and then rely on people's hearts to achieve his career.
But until he actually started to rule, he could feel how difficult it was to truly stabilize the people, especially now that the Ming Dynasty was in decline.
After thinking for a moment, he took a deep breath and said:
"What my teacher said is very reasonable. I have learned from it. I will follow your advice."
Several people in the cabinet heard the words, and their eyes flashed with surprise. They thought just now that the words of Yan Shangshu did not satisfy the emperor. Although he was once the emperor's master, he would inevitably be ignored. Unexpectedly, in the end, the emperor actually That's the reaction.
It seems that the relationship between master and disciple is far beyond their imagination. I am afraid it can be compared with that of the strict and loyal Duke Wu to Ying Zong. You must know that the latter is also a good talk among the people today.
You must be cautious about your attitude towards this minister in the future.
Although there were a lot of thoughts in their hearts, on the surface they still bowed their heads and held their hands, speaking in unison.
"Your Majesty."
Yan Chenhao also lowered his head, but his eyes were shining with joy.
My disciple, it seems that you have not forgotten my teachings.
Don't be distracted by the supreme power and enjoyment.
…
The edict was issued quickly.
The biggest impact is the cessation of mining.
Wanli's mining tax is actually two things, one is mining and the other is taxation.
The tax refers to the additional commercial taxes that are paid to the internal funds. The tax envoys are here to collect these commercial taxes, as well as some exorbitant taxes and miscellaneous taxes imposed by Wanli, such as taxes on the prince's wedding.
After all, except for some black mines, legal mines are already collecting taxes. There are several coal mines under the Yan family that are paying taxes, but these taxes are only handed over to the court. As for the internal funds that flowed into Wanli, it was the tax supervisors sent by Wanli who "mined" themselves.
These tax inspectors, in order to please the emperor, falsely reported their minerals to claim credit.
So much so that within ten months, dozens of minerals were discovered, all of which were gold and silver mines.
Needless to say whether it is true or false.
However, this money still has to be paid to internal funds. Without real mines, they can only rely on exploiting local people, or extorting wealthy businessmen and landlords in the name of "grave digging and mining" to collect the money to be handed over to Wanli.
Even with the small amount of real mines, the mine supervisors are extremely oppressive to the miners for their own benefit.
Under such circumstances, there were complaints from all over the country, and the Henan and Jiangsu and Zhejiang areas were the most popular among them. After all, Jiangsu and Zhejiang already had a lot of minerals. For the sake of credibility, they all reported to Jiangsu and Zhejiang. Moreover, Jiangnan was rich and it was easier to search for wealth. Henan is close to Beizhili and the Central Plains is also a prosperous land.
Eventually a rebellion broke out.
Among the rebel armies in Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Henan, many were miners rioting, many were peasants who couldn't stand being exploited by tax supervisors, and even landlords and gentry who couldn't stand it.
With this edict, a few mines were sealed and the mine supervisors were recalled. The people breathed a sigh of relief. They no longer had to worry about being forced to work as miners or being exploited by the mine supervisors. Rich merchants and landlords from all over the country no longer had to worry about being forced to work as miners or being exploited by mine supervisors. I'm worried that the mine supervisor will extort money on the grounds that "you have a mine under your house."
(End of chapter)
