Longevity by Picking up Attributes in the Battlefield Chapter 781 Chapter 318: Ying Zheng: With This National Policy, We Unify Dingshen, Achieve Cultural Unity, and Mark the Beginning of the Yun Dynasty!...

"Taxation is akin to tenancy rent," Zhao Feng stated with a smile.

"The Crown Prince is indeed wise," Lv Buwei responded, his conviction absolute.

"What is the current tax rate within our Qin?" Zhao Feng inquired.

"Reporting to the Crown Prince."

"Our Qin is a nation forged through military merit; the sustenance for our army largely originates from civilian taxes. The grain tax stands at seventy percent, a figure that is one-tenth lower than the oppressive eighty to ninety percent levied by various states in the past," Lv Buwei answered without hesitation.

"Hmm."

Zhao Feng gave a nod, and after a brief period of reflection, he declared: "Effective immediately, the grain tax for the people of Qin shall be reduced to fifty percent."

Such pronouncements.

Shattered the prevailing quietude like a bolt of lightning.

"Crown Prince,"

"Is it not a rather drastic measure to slash the tax rate by two-tenths?"

"With our current national policies in full effect, the demand for funds and grains is immense, and the national treasury is already depleted. If we were to further decrease taxes, our Qin might indeed encounter significant challenges," Han Fei voiced with concern, urging a more cautious approach.

Although Han Fei understood internally that reducing taxes would be beneficial, Qin's immediate circumstances necessitated a substantial influx of funds and grains.

A reduction in taxes would inevitably impede the execution of crucial national policies.

"Chancellor Han,"

"I specifically mentioned reducing the grain tax, not all forms of taxation," Zhao Feng clarified with a smile.

Then.

His gaze shifted towards Ying Zheng, who occupied the throne.

"Father,"

"What is our current commercial tax rate?" Zhao Feng inquired with a pleasant demeanor.

"Under heaven, merchants are considered to be of the lowest social standing, and consequently, their tax burden is not substantial, amounting to merely ten percent," Ying Zheng stated.

"Too little."

"Severely insufficient."

Zhao Feng expressed his disagreement by shaking his head.

"From this day forward,"

"The commercial tax shall be elevated to thirty percent."

"Furthermore, our Qin will actively encourage the populace to engage in commerce, incentivizing merchants to establish workshops, and urging them to conduct trade throughout Shenzhou," Zhao Feng articulated his plans.

"Increasing the commercial tax to thirty percent still doesn't seem to compensate for the two-tenths reduction in the grain tax, does it?" Ying Zheng questioned, a hint of doubt in his voice.

It wasn't only Ying Zheng.

The assembled Hundred Officials in court echoed this sentiment.

In this era, and indeed in many subsequent ones.

Merchants held.

The lowest rung of the social ladder.

Scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants –

This hierarchical order had always prevailed.

Despite the lowly status afforded to merchants, having lived two lifetimes, Zhao Feng was keenly aware that bolstering national revenue necessitated the vigorous promotion of commerce.

"Father,"

"You remain unconvinced."

"Await the implementation of the commercial tax and the court's active encouragement of trade."

"Once dedicated merchant districts are established within the capital,"

"You will undoubtedly witness the considerable revenue that commercial taxes can generate," Zhao Feng declared, his confidence palpable.

"Hmm." Ying Zheng assented, "Since the Crown Prince has put forth this proposal, instruct the ministers to proceed with its execution."

"Chancellor,"

"Herein lie the numerous detailed regulations I have meticulously drafted to foster commerce, encompassing provisions for merchant shops in the capital and the designated scope of commercial activities."

Zhao Feng extended his hand, holding a neatly compiled booklet.

The attending Inner Eunuch promptly stepped forward, respectfully conveying the booklet to Lv Buwei.

"I shall endeavor to implement this to the best of my ability,"

Lv Buwei pledged, accepting the booklet with a sense of duty.

"Beyond the commercial tax,"

"The future tax revenue of our Qin will also be augmented by the Tian Xuan Mirror," Zhao Feng revealed with a smile.

"How will the Tian Xuan Mirror facilitate tax collection?" Ying Zheng inquired with genuine curiosity.

"Presently, the Tian Xuan Mirror sees widespread utilization within the Qin Court, its government offices, and the military."

"In the future, all inhabitants of the Daqin World will gain access to the Tian Xuan Mirror."

"Its capability for transmitting messages will be accessible to everyone."

"For official governmental matters, such as reporting to the court, no tax shall be levied, prioritizing the nation's interests."

"However, should the Tian Xuan Mirror be employed for personal messages and communications,"

"A transmission tax will be imposed."

"My son has already formulated the pertinent regulations, and the Artifact Spirit of the Tian Xuan Mirror has meticulously organized all the rules. For instance, if a minister's Tian Xuan Mirror is utilized for official purposes, the mirror will automatically detect this and waive the tax."

"If the transmission is for personal use, the Tian Xuan Mirror will either charge the requisite fee or decline to transmit the message."

"Furthermore,"

"In the various provinces and counties under our Qin, the transmission of military provisions via the Tian Xuan Mirror will be tax-exempt. However, civilian transfers of goods and letters will incur a fee."

"To summarize,"

"Tax exemptions for official utilization of the Tian Xuan Mirror; the Artifact Spirit shall automatically grant this exemption."

"For personal transmissions, regardless of the individual, taxes are mandatory," Zhao Feng elucidated with a genial smile.

Upon hearing this,

Ying Zheng's eyes sparkled with delight: "Should the Tian Xuan Mirror become widely adopted in the future, this will generate unimaginable tax revenue. However, its implementation must not be excessively broad."

"Father, please do not worry."

"Ordinary message transmission is a mere ten cents."

"As for the conveyance of goods, the cost will be determined by the item's dimensions and weight," Zhao Feng added, his smile persistent.

Possessing the memories of two lifetimes,

Zhao Feng was acutely aware of the immense significance the Tian Xuan Mirror's transmission capability would hold for Qin's financial resources.

In the days to come, Qin would never need to fret over funding or essential grain supplies.

"That is truly excellent," Ying Zheng affirmed with a nod.

"Now, then."

"Are there any further matters requiring my attention?" Zhao Feng inquired, his expression serene.

"There are no additional reports, Your Majesty," the assembled ministers responded in unison.

"If there are no further reports,"

"Let us conclude this court session."

"Today's deliberations, the national strategy to reclaim land for equitable distribution among the populace, reduce taxation, and enact diverse policies – Chancellor, you shall immediately utilize the Tian Xuan Mirror to disseminate this decree across the Nine Provinces and Thirty-Six Counties, post official proclamations, and inform the world," Zhao Feng commanded, his voice carrying a deep resonance.

"I shall carry out your command," Lv Buwei declared with firm conviction.

As the ministers departed,

The Morning Discussion Hall was emptied, leaving only Ying Zheng and Zhao Feng in its wake.

"Feng'er,"

"Your proposed policies have effectively severed the last vestiges of the Six States," Ying Zheng chuckled, evidently pleased by the outcome.

"Father,"

"Throughout the annals of history, dynasties have seldom endured for extended periods."

"Do you comprehend the underlying reasons for this phenomenon?" Zhao Feng directed his gaze at Ying Zheng.

"Primarily due to incompetent rulers and corrupt officials," Ying Zheng offered as his response.

"Incorrect."

Zhao Feng conveyed his disagreement with a shake of his head. "While those factors may contribute, the fundamental cause lies in the consolidation of land ownership. If all arable land within a dynasty's domain falls into the possession of powerful aristocratic families, leaving the common people without land to cultivate or sustenance to consume, rebellion and widespread chaos become inevitable outcomes."