Around Liaoyang, they took the lead in launching a clearing operation.
These landowners and powerful people in Liaoyang were immediately unable to sit still.
After everyone discussed it, they couldn't wait any longer and went to find Jia Cong together.
After receiving Li Biao's report, Jia Cong asked him to bring everyone to the meeting hall first.
When I walked into the meeting hall, I saw thirty or forty people sitting inside with anxious faces.
Seeing Jia Cong come in, the meeting hall suddenly fell silent, and then they all stood up and saluted.
"I'll wait to see the commander-in-chief."
Jia Cong waved his hand with a smile on his face.
"You don't need to be polite, please take a seat. You all came together. I don't know what the matter is? If there is anything you need help with, just ask. As long as I can do it, I will never refuse."
Seeing Jia Cong pretending to be stupid and unaware, everyone felt helpless.
Don’t you know what you’re doing? Don’t you know why we are looking for you?
Everyone looked at each other and one person stood up.
"Commander, did you go too far when you sent a large army to besiege our forces? Our ancestors all lived in Liaodong, and the court did not collect taxes from us. Why did the commander do so much?"
"oh?"
Jia Cong looked at the speaker, whose name was Tan Lizhong.
His ancestors had been officials, and his family owned more than 100,000 acres of farmland, many shops, and more than a hundred thugs.
Although he has never done anything extremely sinful, he often bullies others.
There are some connections in Liaodong and Beijing.
In this land of Liaodong, he is considered a figure.
"Exceptor Tan, I heard that your family has a lot of land. You should have many tenants to help you farm the land, right? I would like to ask, do those tenants farm your land and pay you rent?"
Tan Lizhong was stunned. He didn't expect Jia Cong to ask such a question, which made him a little confused.
"Commander, if you plant my land, you have to pay rent. Isn't this a matter of course? Otherwise, what will I eat? What will I drink?"
Jia Cong smiled and said, "Exceptor Tan, you also said that it is natural for you to pay rent when you farm your land. If others farm your land, they should pay you rent. If you farm my land, you should pay rent to me. Isn't that right?" Yes?
When you do business on my territory, isn't it right for you to pay me some taxes? how? Wouldn't you be happy if you paid your own taxes instead? "
When everyone below heard this, they were all stunned and didn't know what to say for a moment.
Liaodong is now Jia Cong's fiefdom, so it is not wrong to say that it is his territory.
Even so, I still feel a little unwilling to ask them to pay taxes.
Tan Lizhong gritted his teeth and said: "Commander, those fields belong to my family. Our ancestors spent money to buy them for generations. How can they belong to the commander? Does the commander think that he can't steal them?"
"Yes, Marshal, our farmland has been managed by our ancestors for generations, and the imperial court does not collect taxes from us scholars. By doing this, Marshal, isn't he going against the imperial court?"
"Yes, there has been no commercial tax since ancient times. It is indeed inappropriate for the commander to collect taxes without authorization. Please think twice, commander-in-chief."
······
Seeing someone taking the lead, others also spoke up.
"That's enough. Whatever the noise is, please calm down."
Li Biao looked a little confused and quickly stopped everyone.
Seeing that the scene became quiet, Jia Cong glanced at everyone and sighed slightly in his heart. These people really didn't shed tears until they saw the coffin.
"Everyone, if you have managed to get into this position, you are certainly not stupid. In fact, you are like a mirror in your heart. I also understand very clearly what you are thinking. Is it just that you don't want to pay taxes?"
"To put it bluntly, people like you, who farm the country's land and don't pay taxes to the country, are simply worms in the country and have made no contribution to the country. What's the use of keeping you here."
"Liaodong is now my king's fiefdom. The entire land of Liaodong, the mountains and rivers, the wild animals in the mountains and forests, and the herbs growing in the mountains,
Everything belongs to me, even the population of Liaodong, including you people, your whole family, including your property, all belong to me. If I want, I can take whatever I want. What's wrong with charging you some tax? "
As soon as these words came out, everyone below was shocked.
Everyone was stunned, pale and at a loss.
They were all stunned by Jia Cong's domineering words.
Because what Jia Cong said is not wrong. According to the ancient system, it is indeed what Jia Cong said.
Everything on the territory belongs to the lord, and the lord has absolute power.
Jia Cong saw their expressions and smiled disdainfully.
How could a bunch of speculative rats have the right to negotiate terms with themselves?
Even Amin, the leader of a country, was respectful to him.
"Since you live in my territory, you must abide by my laws. Either pay taxes according to the rules, or take your whole family to leave Liaodong. Either you unite and overthrow me, or I kill you all. "
"My 300,000 troops have all taken their positions and sharpened their butcher knives. It depends on who strikes the edge of the knife first. Even after paying 20% of the rent, you are still rich. If you choose to fight, you will have nothing."
"If no one has made a choice after three days, then I will have no choice but to order the house to be searched. How you decide is up to you."
"Boom..."
Another bolt from the blue fell on everyone's hearts, making everyone shocked on the outside and tender on the inside.
They have already felt the murderous intention of Hong Guoguo revealed by Jia Cong.
This is really a butcher's knife prepared, really ready to kill people and confiscate homes.
If it really gets to that point, it's over.
Not only was the family property confiscated, but even if the whole family was not killed, they would probably be demoted as slaves and be enslaved for generations.
Compared with this, it is completely acceptable to just pay 20% of the grain tax and keep the family wealthy.
Everyone was not a fool. Seeing that Jia Cong was serious about it, they all made the right choice.
"We are willing to respect the commander-in-chief's decree and work together to contribute our own strength to the development of Liaodong."
Seeing these people surrendering, Jia Cong also showed a knowing smile.
Although I don't care about killing more people or stealing more wealth.
However, after all, Liaodong is short of people, so it would be best if it can be resolved peacefully.
Once the butcher's knife is raised, in order not to leave hidden dangers to oneself and future generations, one must kill them all, eradicate the roots, and leave no future troubles.
Jia Cong was very satisfied that these people were able to understand current affairs.
"I am not a mean person. You have made contributions, and I will not forget you. If there are any preferential policies in the future, I will give you priority. You can rest assured."
At this time, another person stood up.
"Commander, you also know that our land in Liaodong is vast and sparsely populated, and there are desolate places everywhere. It is very dangerous for everyone to travel without someone to protect us. What will happen to our future travels once we are disarmed?"
Jia Cong thought for a while and said: "The dangers on this road are wild animals and bandits. Don't worry about bandits. As long as Liaodong is in my hands, no bandits will be allowed to survive. Either they come back and be good citizens." , or be exterminated.
In the future, each village can form a militia, which can not only protect the elderly and children in the village, but also hire them for protection when traveling. It's okay to have more than a dozen servants in your home. If someone opens an escort agency, that's okay as long as the government allows it. "
The issue of two taxes has been resolved, and Jia Cong's goal has been achieved.
As for other things, there is no problem if you relax it appropriately.
After sending these people away, Jia Cong returned to the meeting hall.
Li Biao smiled and said, "Commander, what you said just now almost scared these people to death. Now you are being honest."
Jia Cong smiled: "Although it seems so on the surface, it cannot be
Taking it lightly, during this period, he asked his brothers to be more vigilant and asked Shi Nai to send a few more teams to patrol the city.
Tell Tie Zhu again that once he takes action, he must eliminate the root cause and not leave any future troubles. "
Li Biao cupped his hands and said, "Don't worry, Commander, my subordinates will make arrangements."
As this wave of people retreated, the landowners and gentry in various places also received the news.
In addition, seeing the army approaching, everyone no longer dared to carry it.
Some smart people took the lead in paying the grain tax directly.
Others also paid the grain tax one by one.
If there are really those who are stubborn and refuse to surrender, the army has already marched out, so naturally they will not be polite, and their homes will be ransacked directly.
Of course, there are not many such people.
Most people are still very aware of current affairs.
Troops from various places who completed their missions also began to return to Liaoyang one after another.
Yueya gathered all the news from all over the place into Jia Cong's hands.
Let Jia Cong clearly understand the current situation in various places in Liaodong, so that he can be aware of it and control the overall situation.
Just when Jia Cong was busy reforming.
The capital also received the news from Liaodong.
Imperial Palace, Imperial Study Room.
The emperor looked at the information in his hand without any expression on his face.
Instead, he raised his head and looked at the ministers below.
"My dear friends, what do you think of this decree implemented by Jia Aiqing in Liaodong?"
Several people looked at each other, and Liu Jin spoke first.
"Reporting to your majesty, this is a disorder of government. The King of Liaodong is simply making nonsense. Some officials and gentry in Liaodong have come to Beijing to complain. I hope the court will come forward to stop this behavior of the King of Liaodong."
The emperor did not express his position and looked at Song Yan, the Minister of Household Affairs.
"Song Aiqing, your household department is in charge of the world's money and food. Can you tell me whether Jia Aiqing's policies in Liaodong are good or bad?"
Song Yan cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, during the founding of the People's Republic of China, 30% of the farmland was in the hands of the gentry and nobles. After more than a hundred years have passed, the farmland in their hands now exceeds Half of them."
"This is also the reason why the tax revenue of the state treasury decreases every year, because there are fewer people paying taxes. Liaodong has abolished excessive taxes and implemented grain payment for both officials and gentry, which not only reduces the burden on the people, but also increases tax revenue."
"If commercial taxes are collected, the overall tax revenue will be higher. From this point of view, if this policy is fully implemented, it can fill the national treasury, which is beneficial to the court. The King of Liaodong is worthy of being a little god of wealth. This The means of making money are really easy to come by.”
The emperor nodded, he could still see the benefits of this.
Seeing the emperor nodding, Liu Jin lost his temper and spoke again.
"Your Majesty, you must not do it. If this is the case, how can the gentry agree? Without the support of the gentry, the decree will not be implemented. Even the princes in the palace will not be willing to pay taxes, right?"
In ancient dynasties, the lowest official was the county magistrate, and further down there was a vacuum of power.
Almost all the local squires have the final say with the intellectuals.
Without the support of the gentry and intellectuals, the emperor's policies would have no way to be implemented at the grassroots level.
If the tasks of recruiting troops and food cannot be carried out, then the normal operation of this dynasty will become in danger.
The emperor looked at Hu Yong and asked, "Hu Aiqing, what do you think?"
Hu Yong cupped his hands and said, "Reporting to your majesty, what Mr. Song and Mr. Liu said are reasonable. The policy is a good policy. If it can be implemented throughout the country, it will definitely be a good thing for the country and the people.
However, as Mr. Liu said, it is too difficult to promote it and it is almost impossible. This policy would be impossible to pass in court because it involves too many people's interests. "
The emperor is deep in thought
After a long pause, he nodded helplessly.
He also understood that once the interests of those ministers were touched, all of them would jump out to oppose it.
He did not yet have the courage to confront the civil and military forces of the Manchu Dynasty.
Doing that would be tantamount to courting death.
Maybe they will join forces to oust themselves as the emperor and replace them with an obedient one.
No matter what, I still focus on stability now.
Stabilizing one's position is the first priority.
"Don't worry, my dear friends, I know the importance and will not have any thoughts about this decree. At present, the imperial court is focused on stability. In the past few years, there have been wars and wars. Now it has just stabilized. It is the time for stable development."
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty."
Seeing the expressions of these people, they looked relieved.
The emperor also understood that even these important ministers were not willing to pay taxes.
He really admired that guy Jia Cong, he really dared to take action.
On the Liaodong side, most of them were people exiled from the imperial court.
There are all kinds of people, including family members of prisoners, family members of criminals, and some criminals. The staff is very complicated.
I don't know if Jia Cong can handle them.
"My dear friends, regarding the policies implemented by Jia Aiqing in Liaodong, should our court stop it, or should we ignore it and let him do what he wants?"
Liu Jin cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I think I should issue an edict to stop King Liaodong's behavior so as not to cause more trouble."
Song Yan cupped his hands and said, "Reporting to your Majesty, I have a different idea. Since the King of Liaodong is governing in his own territory, our court can just turn a blind eye and let the King of Liaodong continue to implement it and see what the results will be. Well, let’s take a look at King Liaodong’s methods.”
Hu Yong also stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, Sir Song's words are reasonable. I also want to see how the King of Liaodong broke the situation and how he implemented this decree. This will also allow us to truly see the capabilities of the King of Liaodong."
The emperor nodded thoughtfully: "This matter is based on what Aiqing said. I also want to see how Jia Aiqing does things."
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty."
