Chapter 37

Chapter 37: Just Happens to Be Two

The “Palace of Listening to Heaven” in the imperial capital of the Wu Kingdom.

Everyone except for the Emperor of Wu, who had yet to arrive, stood quietly in their positions.

The officials would occasionally glance at the tall man standing at the front.

The man stood with his eyes closed, holding a jade tablet, unmoving, like a pine tree standing firm in the Imperial Court.

Mochi, currently a hotshot figure, was also someone many officials feared and attacked.

“His Majesty has arrived—”

“Is there anything else to report?” Emperor Wu continued.

For merchants without a fixed residence, the state where they conduct business levies one-thirtieth of their income.

Greedy officials have devised various schemes beyond the two-tax system quotas, such as the “framework tax” and “removal money,” causing unbearable suffering for the common people.

“The current dual-tax system implemented in our Wu Dynasty did indeed increase fiscal revenue in its early stages and somewhat alleviated the burden on the common people.

The subsequent reports from the officials were no different from usual. However, the Minister of Rites stepped forward and reported, “Your Majesty, the Qi Kingdom’s delegation will arrive in our Wu Kingdom next month. We need to decide on our diplomatic team.”

The main purpose of this method is to simplify the tax system, making it convenient to collect taxes while preventing local officials from cheating, thereby increasing fiscal revenue.”

If we don’t make changes soon, the long-term consequences will be unimaginable!”

But the Chancellor remained silent, seemingly lost in thought.

First, the unification of taxes and labor services merges all land taxes, corvée duties, and other miscellaneous levies into one unified silver payment per acre.

“Alright, alright, stop arguing.” Emperor Wu waved his hand as if in pain, “Minister Xiao, this matter you mentioned is significant, I must consider it carefully. Let’s put it aside for now and discuss it later. You should first draft a detailed plan.”

All Rent, Labor Service, and Poll Tax and all miscellaneous taxes are abolished.

Sure enough, after Mochi finished speaking, several officials stood up to criticize him.

Previously, Mochi had suggested that “regardless of background, everyone can participate in the imperial examinations.”

“To Your Majesty, I request reform of the law.” Mochi’s straightforward words made most officials tremble.

He might just be too young and lacks experience.

Now the civil officials themselves are fighting among themselves.

Mochi remained calm as if he hadn’t heard anything.

Emperor Wu looked at Mochi, “Minister Xiao, if you want reform, do you have any plans?”

The heavy burdens of exorbitant taxes have plunged the common people into a miserable situation worse than death.

Mochi took a deep breath.

“My fellow ministers, pay your respects to His Majesty.” All officials bowed together in unison.

Officials in the Wu Kingdom never kneel before the emperor; they only bow.

“Minister Xiao.” Emperor Wu looked at Mochi with a gentle expression but concealed some heaviness within.

Soon, another official stood up:

“The dual-tax system does have certain flaws, but ask yourself, which tax system is perfect?

“Your Majesty! The rules set by our ancestors cannot be abolished!”

Mochi raised his head, “I have some ideas,

Not military reform, nor reduction of feudal domains.

The officials wanted to refute but found that they couldn’t this time.

“Hush!” With Emperor Wu’s command, all officials fell silent and bowed their heads.

“But now, the dual-tax system has completely changed.

“Does anyone here have anything to report?” Emperor Wu smiled gently, appearing approachable, but in reality, no one truly believed Emperor Wu was easy to deal with.

The military officers in the court watched happily.

Who doesn’t secretly own thousands or even tens of thousands of acres of land?

If this tax system is implemented, how much tax would we have to pay?

No wonder he’s a scholar from the White Deer Academy, he’s different from those bookworms in the court.

Everyone looked at Mochi, then at the Chancellor standing at the front.

Labor service is abolished, and replaced with government-hired laborers, requiring farmers to only pay in silver.

Simplify the collection items. Convert past levies such as summer taxes, autumn grain, village headship, equal labor service, miscellaneous labor service, and additional tribute collections into silver, merging them into a single total.

Similarly, Emperor Wu glanced at the Chancellor, his smiling face instantly becoming serious, “Minister Xiao, do you know what you’re about to say?”

“I know.”

Mochi’s actions undoubtedly infringed upon their interests.

This Mochi, since he entered the court two years ago, has never been quiet.

Since Mochi joined the court, the melons we’ve eaten over these two years have been quite satisfying.

As the eunuch’s voice rang out, the Emperor of Wu dressed in dragon robes walked out.

“Yes.” Mochi nodded.

“Indeed.” Emperor Wu thought for a moment, “Then let Minister Xiao take charge of this matter. Minister Xiao, select the personnel, and the task of welcoming the Qi Kingdom’s delegation will be entrusted to you.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” The officials straightened up.

“…” Many officials showed signs of difficulty, silently cursing their misfortune.

Recently entering politics, the younger officials fought back fiercely.

Just as everyone was arguing more intensely, Emperor Wu glanced at the Chancellor again.

In an instant, the court became chaotic, with many rolling up their sleeves ready to fight.

We are not good enough compared to scholars from the White Deer Academy.

“Your Majesty.” Mochi thought for a moment and reported, “I hear that Qi will bring two children with remarkable literary aura. Our Wu Kingdom must respond equally. I believe we should also send two young friends.”

“Yes.” Mochi bowed in agreement.

“Your Majesty.” Mochi stepped forward, his voice echoing throughout the court.

“Oh?” Emperor Wu smiled, “Do you have any candidates in mind, Minister?”

Mochi nodded and said, “There happen to be two suitable ones.”