Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1238: Overbearing Measures

Imperial Court Tremors: The Unforeseen Taxation Crisis

It was widely presumed by the officials in the Capital that a tax-related upheaval would first erupt in the two Prefectures near Central State in Jianghuai. Nevertheless, the initial chaos actually broke out in Zhili.

Zhili, being adjacent to the Capital and situated directly under the Emperor’s watchful eye, was presumed by both the Emperor and his court to be prosperous enough to bear a doubled tax burden. The assumption was that citizens could merely sell a small portion of their land, a minor inconvenience at most.

However, an unseen reality escaped the Emperor and his ministers: the land in Zhili had been almost entirely appropriated by the royal family, nobility, and high-ranking officials long ago. The common populace owned precious little land, and the imposition of the additional Kangrong tax, amounting to one tael per person, exacerbated their plight.

This was merely the summer levy; the autumn tax was slated for October, pushing the impoverished families of Zhili to the brink of desperation. Many individuals over the age of forty-five, unable to find buyers willing to purchase them, opted for a tragic end, committing suicide to alleviate their families’ tax liabilities.

Within a single village in Zhili, over thirty souls met their demise in this manner, with nearly all the village elders choosing death to spare their kin the crushing weight of taxes.

The remaining young women, capable of being sold, resorted to that measure, slightly reducing the tax burden while providing a meager sum of silver for their families. Though the silver's value had plummeted to one tael, younger girls fetched only five hundred cents. Yet, survival was the paramount concern, and any sale offered a lifeline.

The news reached the Emperor and officials in the Capital, leaving them utterly astonished.

Beyond shock, the Emperor was consumed by fury. He overturned tables in a rage and immediately issued a decree condemning the officials in Zhili. He even summoned the cabinet ministers for a late-night dressing-down, accusing them of incompetence that allowed such disastrous events to unfold right beneath his nose!

Elder Shangguan and his colleagues conveyed their deep consternation. “Your Majesty, when you first proposed the doubled taxes, we voiced our opposition, warning of severe repercussions. You did not heed our counsel. Now that lives have been lost, do you intend to place the blame solely on us?”

The other four cabinet ministers promptly prostrated themselves before the Emperor, pleading, “Your Majesty, we implore you to quell your wrath. It is indeed our inadequacy; we accept your punishment!”

With a resounding crash, Emperor Jingyuan slammed his teacup down, pointing a trembling finger at them. “Must you always resort to these worn-out phrases? Whenever trouble arises, all you do is confess fault and bid me to calm down. Is there nothing more useful you can utter?!”

Indeed, we did attempt to offer useful counsel, but you chose not to listen.

Elder Shangguan let out a sigh and addressed Emperor Jingyuan, stating, “Your Majesty, the mass suicides of elders in the village, undertaken to lighten their families’ tax burdens, are but a symptom of a larger issue. The most pressing concern lies with the military camps. These soldiers all have families. Should their families be unable to meet the tax demands, a rebellion becomes a distinct possibility.”

This dire prospect struck at Emperor Jingyuan’s deepest anxieties, darkening his expression. However, with the Duke Wei’s faction dismantled and other military commanders posing no significant threat, his apprehension somewhat lessened.

Yet, the specter of military uprising unnerved him, prompting him to declare, “I shall personally issue an Imperial edict, granting a fifty percent tax exemption to the families of soldiers.”

As he spoke, Emperor Jingyuan felt a pang of financial strain. The Great Chu was a dynasty forged by martial prowess, its vast military perpetually engaged in conflict with the Da Rong. A fifty percent tax exemption for soldiers' families represented a substantial fiscal loss.

Elder Shangguan’s brow furrowed once more. “Your Majesty, the army is soon to be deployed against the Da Rong. Strategic considerations are paramount at this juncture. Might I suggest a full tax exemption for the families of soldiers? Such a gesture would inspire profound gratitude towards Your Majesty, ensuring their valiant efforts in battle against the Rong people.”

Emperor Jingyuan flatly refused. “The logistical and financial sustenance of military campaigns hinges entirely on silver. The Great Chu maintains a formidable army; if we grant complete tax exemption to soldiers' families, from where will the funds for war be procured? Will you ministers provide it, or perhaps the noble families?”

He concluded with a pair of sneering laughs, his piercing gaze fixing upon the five cabinet ministers present in the hall.

The expressions of four out of the five cabinet ministers wavered. These four hailed from prominent noble families and had not entirely opposed the taxation, fearing that if Emperor Jingyuan failed to secure sufficient funds, he would inevitably turn his attention towards their noble clans. During Emperor Jingwu’s reign, a significant portion of noble families had faced execution and confiscation, leaving few remaining. They were determined to prevent a repeat of Emperor Jingwu's legacy of targeting noble lineages for three generations.

Emperor Jingyuan observed their silence and offered a sneer: "I am aware of your tireless efforts, Your ministers. However, regarding the matter of taxation, I have been exceedingly lenient. The northwestern, northeastern, and central states have not experienced any tax increases. The lands selected for taxation are, in fact, the most prosperous regions. If taxes cannot be dutifully collected from these affluent territories, I shall be forced to question whether the wealthy expanses of Great Chu harbor any hidden conspirators?"

The most prosperous area within Great Chu, without a doubt, is Jiangnan. Following the turmoil of the previous dynasty, numerous noble families sought refuge there, escaping the ravages of war. They established considerable estates, making it no exaggeration to label these noble families as the de facto rulers in Jiangnan.

The 'scheming rats' that Emperor Jingyuan alluded to, impeding the collection of taxes in affluent lands, were precisely these entrenched noble families of Jiangnan.

Elder Shangguan found sweat trickling down his brow. He, along with the cabinet ministers, promptly knelt, proclaiming: "Your Majesty is profoundly benevolent, cherished by both his ministers and the populace alike. The purpose of tax collection is to retaliate against Da Rong, avenging and bringing justice to the people of Great Chu. Naturally, the people are eager to offer their generous support."

Emperor Jingyuan let out a laugh: "If that is truly the sentiment, then, ministers, proceed with your duties. Maintain a vigilant watch over the local military garrisons and prevent any further disturbances, lest..."

He would not hesitate to follow in his Imperial Grandfather's footsteps, confiscating the wealth of noble families!

"Your subject obeys your decree." Elder Shangguan and the others hastily withdrew, mopping their cold sweat as they exited Mingwei Palace.

Emperor Jingyuan's ruthlessness was truly chilling; while Emperor Jingwu's execution of noble families was to avert their potential dominance over the court, Emperor Jingyuan's actions were solely motivated by a desire to fill the imperial coffers.

Beyond the execution of noble families, Emperor Jingyuan also had a penchant for eliminating founding nobles, almost completely eradicating those who held significant military influence. Those who remained compliant were still compelled to offer their daughters and granddaughters to the harem as a demonstration of their continued loyalty.

Within the hearts of the cabinet ministers: It has merely been three generations since the founding of this dynasty; resorting to such barbarous methods, its end may be drawing near.

Qi Yi had been waiting outside Mingwei Palace and only re-entered once the cabinet ministers had departed.

Within Mingwei Palace, the eunuchs and palace maids quietly managed the cleanup; in a short while, everything was restored to order. Qi Yi bowed to Emperor Jingyuan and returned to his desk, resuming the drafting of imperial decrees for the Emperor.

Upon noticing him, Emperor Jingyuan's brow furrowed, and he inquired with an edge of anger in his voice: "Have you nothing to say to me?"

In the past, upon witnessing similar affairs, would you not have advised me to exercise restraint and refrain from rash actions?

Now you remain silent?

Or perhaps you believe I am beyond redemption?!

Hearing this, Qi Yi did not lift his head, maintaining his bowed posture and obediently turning towards Emperor Jingyuan, stating: "Your humble subject dares not."

Bang! The table, freshly tidied by the eunuchs, was once again overturned. Emperor Jingyuan, in a fit of rage, pointed at Qi Yi and exclaimed: "Dare not? Are you not the one who proclaimed himself a loyal minister? The one who, during the Imperial Examination, boldly declared his ambition to become Prime Minister and assist the King? Now you stoop to the same tricks as those old foxes, uttering perfunctory and insincere words to me!"

Qi Yi responded: "Your Majesty, not a single insincere word has your humble subject ever spoken to Your Majesty."

"Not a single insincere word?" Emperor Jingyuan scoffed. "Look at your perfunctory and listless demeanor; where is the spirited and ambitious countenance you displayed when you vowed to help me establish a dynasty that would endure for a hundred generations?"