The atmosphere at the wine table was harmonious, and after the meal, Zhu Jianshen's depression eased a lot.
After the meal, Zhu Jianshen was not in a hurry to leave. He talked about government affairs with Li Qing, and showed off to Li Qing the great achievements he had made by tricking officials.
Li Qing was also pleased that this emperor did not disappoint him.
"Your Majesty, how much tax money was found this time?"
"Nearly four million taels." Zhu Jianshen said in high spirits, "This is only the missing tax money for one year in the first year of Chenghua."
Li Qing hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, the future dynasties should not ask about the previous dynasty. If you insist on investigating, you will really cause a big mess."
"Ang, I know." Zhu Jianshen sighed with regret, and then said, "However, if this standard is followed every year, then Ming Dynasty will no longer be in a state of poverty."
The commercial tax alone amounts to more than five million taels a year, which is endless and impossible to spend.
Li Qing said: "This is just an ideal situation. In fact, it probably won't work. Cutting the flesh is too harsh. They will also think of other ways to avoid it and reduce the losses."
"The standards have been announced, but they still dare to blatantly pay less and fail to deliver?" Zhu Jianshen disapproved, "Those people have to pretend, otherwise what's the difference between them and rebellion?"
Li Qing nodded: "It's definitely a pretense. No matter how domineering they are, they would not dare to openly challenge the imperial power, but they can use other means to pay less taxes;
They even pass on the overpaid taxes to the people, leaving you, the emperor, to bear the bad reputation. "
Zhu Jianshen frowned, the relaxation on his face gradually disappeared, and he became serious: "Sir, do you have any countermeasures?"
Li Qing said: "First make certain concessions, and then negotiate a set of labor laws to protect the people."
"Is this... giving in?" Zhu Jianshen said depressedly: "I have been generous enough and made concessions more than once. This time I finally took the initiative, and I still want to give in to them?"
"Don't worry, Your Majesty, just listen to me first." Li Qing took a sip of tea and said, "Sea trade is in full swing, and it is true that everything is prosperous. It is true that merchants are making money, but... profits continue to decline."
"I don't believe it!" Zhu Jianshen snorted, "I asked the factory guards to go to Jiangnan to investigate earlier. There are merchant ships going to sea at the port almost every day. Those ships and ships of cargo...you said they make little profit?"
Li Qing said with a smile: "They do make money, big money, but it is also true that profits are decreasing. The basis for them to make big money is based on the premise of increment."
After a pause, "If the quantity of goods remains unchanged, they will make less and less."
Zhu Jianshen was startled and said in surprise: "You mean... Ming products are no longer popular?"
"Of course not." Li Qing said, "This is just the law of the market. Scarce things are more valuable. As trade continues, goods are no longer as scarce as they were at the beginning. It is normal for prices to continue to fall..."
After listening to Li Qing's explanation, Zhu Jianshen fell silent.
After a long while, he asked: "You mean, lower business taxes?"
"Yes, but we can take advantage of the business tax reduction and add some necessary conditions."
"Did you just talk about labor laws that protect people?"
Li Qing nodded: "Yes, when profits continue to decline, squeezing workshop workers is their only choice to protect profits. A red line must be set, a red line that everyone knows."
Zhu Jianshen frowned and thought for a moment, then said: "The interests of the people are protected, but what about the interests of the court?"
"Reducing commercial taxes is more practical and more profitable than evading commercial taxes," Li Qing said.
"...Okay, I'll think about it first." Zhu Jianshen didn't agree immediately. He stood up and said, "I still have some official business to deal with. I'll go back to the palace first."
After taking two steps, he turned back and said, "I hope you will think carefully about joining the cabinet."
Li Qing nodded: "Your Majesty, walk slowly."
~
Li Hong sent his uncle away, squeezed in front of Li Qing, and asked, "Godfather, do you really want to join the cabinet?"
"I haven't thought about it yet." Li Qing took a sip of tea and said thoughtfully: "Being in the cabinet is a double-edged sword. It has pros and cons. I have to think about it carefully."
Li Hong nodded and said humbly: "Then...what about me?"
"You?" Li Qing looked strange, "What are you?"
Li Hong: -_-||"How do you arrange for me?"
"What do you think?"
"I want to be a military commander and pursue an official career!" Li Hong said firmly.
Li Qing sighed and said, "Think carefully. Once you enter the official career, are you sure you can withstand the intrigues of the temple? Can you guarantee that you will survive a hundred battles on the battlefield and not die on the battlefield?"
"No, but if you back down because of this, what's the difference between that and a coward?" Li Hong said solemnly, "If I were just an ordinary citizen, I wouldn't think about this;
But my godfather is Yongqinghou, and my ancestor is Cao Guogong. I have this condition, and if I still choose to be mediocre, that’s my problem. "
Li Qing was stunned for a moment, then he smiled with relief:
"Okay, since you have this intention, I will help you."
Although there are differences in his ideas, everyone has their own way of living. If his godson doesn't want to follow the rules and become a good second generation, he will not force it.
Li Qing thought for a moment and said, "Don't worry, I will make arrangements for you after Shi Biao comes back from the grassland and understands the situation in Mobei."
After a pause, "In the military, seniority is more important than in the officialdom. Don't think that you can go smoothly just by relying on your father's influence. If you want to be a general, you have to rely on yourself;
Even if I help you get a chief military officer and no one is convinced, you are just a decoration. "Li Qing said solemnly, "The army is more taboo about parachute generals. Only the military exploits they have performed can convince people. "
Li Hong nodded: "I don't want any high official, I just need an opportunity, an opportunity to show myself."
"Well, don't worry about this. It doesn't matter what others do, at least you won't be treated unfairly." Li Qing said.
He felt that the old Li family still had the gene of a military general. Li Wenzhong, one of the founding fathers of the Six Kingdoms, did not rise to power through connections, but through actual military exploits.
Although Li Jinglong was a playboy, he also inherited part of his father's military talents, but he did not receive enough tempering.
Coupled with the subsequent peace battle, the reputation was completely ruined.
After Zhu Di came to power, he was never used in big or small battles, which made Li Jinglong look like a waste.
Actually, if you really train him well, the 'God of War' may not be able to become the God of War!
Li Qing couldn't help but sigh when he thought about this. He patted Li Hong on the shoulder and said warmly:
"Your great-great-grandfather has never seen many talents in his life. You are his favorite great-great-grandson. If you have the chance, give him a little shout-out!"
Li Hong scratched his head. His great-grandfather passed away when he was very young, and his childhood memories have become blurry. However, he still knows some of his great-great-grandfather's deeds. How can I put it...
It's somewhat of a negative teaching material.
"Don't worry, godfather, I won't embarrass you, nor will I disgrace the reputation of the Li family." Li Hong promised seriously, "I will definitely do something good."
Li Qing smiled and said, "Well, don't put too much pressure on yourself, just try your best in everything."
"Yeah, the kid will understand."
Li Qing picked up what was on the table and said, "Okay, let's clear away the dishes."
"Okay." Li Hong went to work quickly.
Seeing how happy he was, Li Qing couldn't help but shake his head in amusement.
To be honest, Li Qing didn't like the choice of his godson very much. He wanted him to enjoy the glory and wealth comfortably.
Taking an official career... is not something to be happy about.
~
In a flash, the New Year is here again.
The small courtyard looked very festive under Li Hong's decoration. Red lanterns were hung high, and even the fruit trees had the words "Spring in the Garden" posted on them.
Although there were only two people celebrating the New Year, Li Hong was full of ceremony and bought a lot of fireworks.
Night falls.
Li Hong brought out the fireworks one by one and chuckled: "It's finally dark."
After stacking them neatly, he turned around and shouted: "Godfather, watch the fireworks."
"You're so old, what are you looking for..." Li Qing muttered and walked out of the living room, sat on a chair under the eaves, and hummed, "Let's light it up."
"...Okay."
Li Hong took out the fire stick and blew it on, lighting the fuse...
"Chirp~Pah!"
"Chirp chirp..."
"Pah, pah, pah...!"
The fireworks took off and exploded, blooming with gorgeous fireworks, making the small courtyard even more red and festive...
Li Qing stared blankly, feeling somewhat regretful that there were far fewer people enjoying the fireworks this year. In the past...
But it's very lively.
The night sky was gorgeous, and the air was filled with the smell of nitric acid, just like back then. Li Qing sniffed, empathizing with the past...
Fireworks get cold easily, and within two-quarters of an hour, the night sky returned to calm and the small courtyard became dim.
Li Qing sighed leisurely, got up and walked to the living room, carrying his back and saying, "It's New Year's Eve dinner."
"Coming."
Li Hong looked at the dark night sky and giggled twice, clapped his hands, turned around and followed...
The father and son had New Year's Eve dinner and chatted, Li Hong paid New Year greetings, Li Qing handed out red envelopes... and finally stayed up late on New Year's Eve.
The same process, but Li Qing was always empty and uninterested.
~
Looking back on the past, Li Qing felt more and more that time flies by, and time always slips away inadvertently. In the blink of an eye, it has been three years since Chenghua.
At the fourth watch, Li Hong knocked on the door.
"Godfather, it's time to enter the palace and pay New Year's greetings to the Emperor."
"I heard it." Li Qing stretched, stood up and opened the door, "Go back and continue sleeping."
Li Hong yawned and said helplessly: "Dad, are you awake?"
"Well, I can't sleep because I have something on my mind."
You didn't sleep and you asked me to get up in the middle of the night to remind you... Li Hong also lost his temper and said depressedly: "I wish my godfather a big red envelope."
Li Qing chuckled and said, "That's necessary. With so many business taxes discovered, this upstart can't do it without bleeding money."
…
Fengtian Temple Square.
When Li Qing arrived, almost everyone was here and it was very lively, especially the lower-level bureaucrats. Everyone's face was filled with joy and they were all looking forward to receiving red envelopes this year.
With so many business taxes discovered, the red envelopes must be doubled this year, right?
Not long after, a fish belly white appeared in the east, and a ray of rays broke through the clouds and sprinkled on the glazed tiles of the palace hall, making it even more magnificent.
Then, the dragon chariot slowly approached...
The noisy crowd immediately calmed down and made a gesture of respect. It was the first day of the Lunar New Year and it was also the day for giving out red envelopes. No one would find the emperor unhappy at this juncture.
After all...it's the Chinese New Year.
