Chapter 1829: Starting with Land Surveying

As his mind turned, Emperor Liu also stood up, surveying the assembled ministers, and said in a tone that brooked no dissent: "Tax reform is an imperative that cannot be reopened for debate. What you, my ministers, need to consider is how exactly to execute it, how to carry out the court's will, and how to smoothly implement the new system!"

Can it be smooth? That was probably the shared question among the several chief ministers, and they all held a common answer in their hearts: it cannot be smooth!

But, seeing Emperor Liu's resolute demeanor, could they really oppose him? Probing with indirect remarks earlier was one thing, but now that Emperor Liu had laid his cards on the table and made his stance clear, voicing further objections would truly be an act of defiance.

And given Emperor Liu's consistent style, he would likely deal with the opposition first, then implement the new system—the intervening steps were merely additional procedures. Whether it was Li Fang, Zhao Kuangyi, or the other ministers, none of them had any desire to be a "martyr."

At the same time, if it was unavoidable, rather than resist at the risk of dismissal or even death, it was better to participate—if any problems arose, they could respond in time.

Therefore, without remaining silent for long, the group of chief ministers uniformly declared: "Your servants obey the decree!"

"Very good!" Seeing that he had finally suppressed these chief ministers, Emperor Liu's expression relaxed somewhat, no longer so severe, but still solemn. He knew in his heart that this was only temporary—they dared not openly oppose him to his face, but what about behind his back, during the execution process? Their obvious forced and reluctant posture was enough to warrant heightened vigilance.

Emperor Liu sat down, also gesturing for the ministers to take their seats, and after a moment's deliberation, said: "Continue, then—how should the new tax system be implemented?"

Emperor Liu's relentless pressing left the several men feeling quite helpless. He truly gave them not a shred of room to maneuver—not only forcing them to state their positions, but also demanding they quickly produce solutions and execution measures. But tax reform was hardly easy; a single oversight could cause serious damage, and this was not something that could be rushed.

Therefore, even knowing it might displease Emperor Liu, Li Fang, as the de facto Chief Chancellor, steeled himself and reported: "Your Majesty, tax reform concerns the nation's livelihood and the people's welfare; it requires stability and cannot be rushed! Even after deliberation, before formal implementation, the court should conduct meticulous investigation and preparation, formulate a detailed and clear new tax system, consider what is lacking, perfect the loopholes, and only after making foolproof preparations should we proceed steadily.

During the process of implementation, discover problems and solve them—in this way, even if unexpected incidents occur, the impact can be contained within the smallest possible scope.

Furthermore, the determination of the new system must also be combined with local actual conditions, and it should maintain continuity with the old system, with parts that can be summarized and merged. To produce a complete new tax system, it still requires careful discussion by the relevant authorities and thorough consideration.

Even after the new tax system is perfected, it is still necessary to instruct and educate local officials and tax clerks, letting them fully understand the new tax measures and grasp the court's intentions before proceeding with implementation..."

Li Fang spoke at length, and Emperor Liu listened with reasonable attentiveness. Only after his lengthy discourse concluded did the Emperor seem to snap back to attention, glancing around before pointing at Li Fang and saying: "So this is what mature counsel for the state looks like? Minister Li's words do seem quite reasonable!"

At the same time, Emperor Liu couldn't help but mutter inwardly—Li Fang's line of argument gave him a familiar feeling, because in the past, when Emperor Liu gave speeches and opinions, it was in this same style.

On this point, even if Emperor Liu wanted to find fault, he himself would feel awkward doing so. Li Fang's opinion actually struck quite close to Emperor Liu's own thinking. You can't become a fat man in one bite—though Emperor Liu was old, his mind was still very clear on this point.

But Emperor Liu still had concerns. The reactions of these chancellors just now had already raised his guard to a high level; he feared this was merely rhetoric Li Fang had produced to fob him off, intending to delay. And some matters, once delayed, become unpredictable in outcome. On one hand, he wanted to act with thunderous decisiveness; on the other, reforms touching such fundamental policy issues forced Emperor Liu to exercise more caution and make thorough preparations.

With this contradictory mindset, after pondering for a moment, Emperor Liu said: "The new tax system naturally requires multi-faceted investigation and deliberation, formulation and refinement. Local officials and tax clerks also need education, and even the propaganda of the Pacification Commission must keep pace. In the past, no matter how perfectly the court's various policies were promulgated in the halls of power, problems often arose during implementation—these are all issues with the executing officials, insufficient understanding of the policies, inadequate grasp of the imperial will. This process is the most difficult part!

But no matter how difficult, once a policy is decided, it must be carried out unwaveringly. As for problems during implementation—solve problems as they arise; overcome difficulties as they come! A perfected new tax system that can replace the old one needs preparation, and the court's executive capacity also needs to be guaranteed—these are all proper requirements.

However, the implementation of this new system must have a definite timeline; it cannot remain indefinitely in the preparation stage! Minister Li, how long do you think these preliminary preparations will take?"

Facing Emperor Liu's somewhat oppressive gaze, Li Fang felt somewhat troubled—this was practically forcing him to sign a military pledge! Could this kind of timeline be given casually?

Seeing his hesitation, Emperor Liu sighed inwardly—perhaps this was the difference! If it were Zhao Pu, regardless of length, he would quickly give an answer to show his stance, then devote himself wholeheartedly to driving it forward according to the timeline—not this hesitant dithering.

As he mused, Emperor Liu couldn't help but think of Zhao Pu, now retired in Jiangxi. It had only been a few years, yet Emperor Liu suddenly found himself missing Zhao Pu...

The thought flashed by. Seeing Li Fang still agonizing there, Emperor Liu narrowed his eyes slightly, his tone unconsciously turning colder: "Is this question so difficult? Or does Minister Li lack confidence?"

Unable to withstand Emperor Liu's urging, Li Fang's nerves tensed, and clenching his fists he said: "Your Majesty, your servant believes a period of three years would be appropriate!"

"Three years..." Emperor Liu couldn't help but sneer: "Is this the court's current style of doing things? Who can know what the situation will be three years from now? Could it be you still intend to delay!"

"Your Majesty, your servant has absolutely no such intention—I merely seek to be thorough!" Li Fang said hastily, a hint of panic on his aged face.

"Being foolproof is inherently a paradox. If you seek thoroughness in everything, then will anything ever get done?" Emperor Liu said coldly: "I cannot wait three years. I'll give you two years!"

Li Fang: "Your Majesty!"

Before he could speak, Emperor Liu glared at him angrily: "Eighteen months!"

"Your Maj—" Noticing Emperor Liu's terrifying gaze, Li Fang replied with some bitterness: "Yes!"

He dared not bargain with Emperor Liu any further—otherwise, truly provoking the Emperor to his limit would bring trouble upon himself and the entire court. In fact, the very fact that these ministers had begun daring to bargain with Emperor Liu already said something.

Emperor Liu sensed this, and it made him deeply displeased. He couldn't help but reflect: when he had been young and vigorous, how would they have dared to be so long-winded? Now they took advantage of his old age—or was it that he had delegated too much power for too long, causing his authority to be eroded?

A hint of gloom appeared in his aged eyes. Emperor Liu continued: "Speaking of other things is too vague. I want practicality—tell me, what should be the first step of implementation?"

Facing this question, Wang You stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said: "If we follow Your Majesty's proposal, the crux of the new system lies in land. Your servant believes we should begin with surveying and measuring the land!"

"Minister Wang's words hit the mark!" Emperor Liu immediately expressed approval of Wang You, and even cast a sidelong glance at the somewhat embarrassed Li Fang, saying: "This is what you all should be earnestly considering!"

As he spoke, Emperor Liu couldn't help but sigh, and remarked with feeling: "The tax system is the foundation of the nation's finance. The old system has been in place for decades—even if it has problems, everyone above and below has grown accustomed to it. A malady of several decades is not so easily cured.

I also understand that impatience won't do. When setting about change, one must first correct one's attitude in thought and understanding. You, my lords and ministers, should lead by example and serve as models for the realm!

Even if the new system is finalized, directly promoting it comprehensively across the entire nation is unrealistic—we must proceed step by step! But let me say it again: remember this—my resolve on tax reform is fixed. Whoever dares to delay, obstruct, or secretly oppose it, I will not forgive lightly!"

"Yes!" The ministers all felt a chill of awe.

"Your Majesty, your servant suggests we might trial it in one circuit or prefecture to see the results—any problems can be discovered in time, facilitating the summarization and refinement of the new system, and preparing for nationwide implementation!" At this moment, Liu Yang raised another point.

Hearing this, Emperor Liu immediately expressed approval of Liu Yang's suggestion. After brief consideration, he said: "One isn't enough—begin the pilot program in the Capital Region and Henan Circuit!"

These two places were naturally highly representative. The Capital Region was where the powerful and noble gathered, while Henan was a major center of population and agriculture. It could be predicted that all the problems that might arise during the advancement of the new reform would be encountered there. If these two circuits could solve them and set an example, then all the nation's problems could be resolved.

"Some things haven't even been done yet—stop always talking about problems and impacts. Do it first, then talk..." Emperor Liu concluded today's meeting with these words.