Chapter 221: Unexpected Discovery
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
In Fu Ning County, Ji Yuchen’s office.
The citizens of the city all had sorrowful expressions. Many of them had tears streaming down their faces.
Ever since Ji Yuchen took over the office, he had changed the tax system, causing the revenue of the magistrate court to increase greatly. Other than handing over the money to the Royal Court, he had also built bridges, paved roads, built schools, built medical clinics, and treated the elderly for free.
The officials invested and brought the commoners to cultivate the wastelands and grow the fruits, herbs, and food.
They also opened the mines, built the processing departments, and imparted craftsmans.h.i.+p to the commoners…
The officials would rent fis.h.i.+ng boats, fis.h.i.+ng nets, and other tools to the commoners at low prices and let them catch fish and shrimp…
Under Ji Yuchen’s rule, the government was no longer a high and mighty man. Instead, they were people who helped the commoners live a better life.
He did not directly give money to the commoners, but during this process, who knew how many people’s lives would become better?
After a period of time, the entire Fu Ning County had become prosperous.
The commoners were all striving for better days.
Most people appreciated his kindness.
However, now he was dead.
It was coincidentally raining in Fu Ning County. Under the dark sky, in the drizzle, the citizens were gathered in groups on the way out of the city.
Ji Yuchen’s coffin slowly appeared.
A few government laborers carried a thin coffin.
Ji Yuchen had prepared this for himself.
He only had this thin coffin, a few ancient books, and some clothes.
He even donated his salary to the office.
The commoners gathered on both sides of the road, crying.
Ever since they had their memories, Ji Yuchen had treated them the best.
“Why? How can Heaven let Lord Ji leave just like that!”
“That’s right… just as things were getting better…”
“Lord Ji…”
Regardless of whether they were adults or children, as they watched the coffin slowly leave the city, they all exuded endless sorrow…
In the capital, Su Wen finished reading the letter in his hand.
He heaved a sigh of relief and revealed a sad expression. This kind of person was admirable. He casually said, “This old fellow has found the wrong person. Where can I find an heir for him?”
Su Changqing smiled and said, “It’s up to you. By the way, there’s one more thing. Ji Yuchen’s family encountered bandits on the way to the funeral in Fu Ning County. Their entire family died without a single survivor.”
Su Wen clenched his fists tightly. Ji Yuchen did not bring his family with him to Fu Ning this time, instead choosing to let them stay at Jiang Prefecture.
In the end…
Su Wen stared at Su Changqing and asked seriously, “Minister Su, how do you plan to handle this matter?”
Su Changqing didn’t answer. He stood up and took out a stack of memorials and letters.
He placed it beside Su Wen and said, “This is the memorial that Ji Yuchen sent over recently. There are also some letters.”
“Fu Ning County’s taxes are more than three times higher than before. That’s why the government has the money to do things that benefit the common people.”
“As for the commoners, their lives are indeed good, especially those at the bottom.”
“He also perfected and deduced the next step with his old friends.”
Su Wen shook his head slightly. “Minister Su, I’m asking, how do you think we should deal with Ji Yuchen’s death? I’m not interested in how much he has changed!”
Su Changqing could sense the anger in Su Wen’s words.
However, he still calmly took out another memorial and placed it in front of Su Wen.
“Your Majesty has noted that Ji Yuchen has performed meritorious services for the country, but unfortunately died of illness in his hometown. The entire country will mourn for him, and he is to be conferred a posthumous t.i.tle of Marquis.”
Su Changqing continued, “Since ancient times, officials have never been conferred the t.i.tle of marquis. However, if they die, they won’t be conferred such t.i.tles posthumously. Ji Yuchen can be considered to have made his mark in history.”
“Hehehe!” Su Wen laughed bitterly.
He caught the main point of the message.
Dying from illness?
In other words, Emperor Zhou did not want to pursue the matter any further?
“Why? Can you tell me why?” Su Wen asked.
Su Changqing calmly said, “Perhaps it’s because His Majesty is currently unwilling to fall out with some aristocratic families and influential officials!”
“On the surface, the matter of Fu Ning County is a test from His Majesty. He is testing how far Ji Yuchen can go before these people will retaliate!” Su Changqing said calmly, “Especially now, the war in the northern borders is tight! His Majesty needs the support of those aristocratic families!”
“To put it bluntly, how many experts can there be among the commoners? In return, how many experts are there among the aristocratic families and n.o.bles?”
“Taking a step back, even if there are experts among the commoners, they will not be ordinary citizens. They will soon be absorbed into the ranks of the influential and wealthy.”
Su Changqing looked at Su Wen and said, “Ji Yuchen is going against the strongest caste in the entire Great Zhou! From the royal court to the ground, I don’t know how many people want him dead! Even His Majesty can’t ignore this power.”
“Do you think His Majesty will protect the influential officials or the commoners? You have to know that even you and I are considered influential officials! Those who are willing to split the profits will always be in the minority.”
Su Changqing said coldly, “Therefore, from the beginning, your policy was destined to fail. Because in the end, Ji Yuchen lost His Majesty’s support, and only one outcome awaited him!”
“His Majesty only sent Ji Yuchen as a test subject. That’s about it. His Majesty will promote the current tax system in the country, but it will not further deepen the reform of the tax system.”
Hearing Su Changqing’s words, he recalled the Zhou Emperor’s att.i.tude on that day.
Su Wen suddenly understood why Emperor Zhou did not seem to care too much about that strategy they proposed.
From the beginning, he had no intention of really attacking the aristocratic families.
It was just a trial on reallocating the benefits.
As for Ji Yuchen, he was akin to the ruler used to measure the benefit allocation. If the ruler could not withstand it and broke, so be it.
“Then why did they kill Ji Yuchen’s entire family?” Su Wen squeezed out the question through gritted teeth.
Su Changqing shook his head and said, “Killing his entire family might not be His Majesty’s decree. Perhaps it’s just some aristocratic family venting their anger. There’s no way to investigate this matter.”
“It’s not bad. At least according to the current situation, the lives of the commoners will be much better,” Su Changqing said.
Su Wen felt his entire body turn cold.
He suddenly realized how heartless the emperor who had protected him so much in the palace was.
He recalled Yan Ze’s words.
He was calm and rational to the point of being disgusting.
That’s right, from the moment he directly abandoned the cities in the northern border to this matter, Su Wen could clearly sense it.
Emperor Zhou was just that cold.
In his eyes, everyone was a tool.
They all had a certain price tag attached to them.
They were either high or low in value.
Su Wen looked at Su Changqing and said in a deep voice, “What about Ji Yuchen? Are we going to let it go just like that?”
Su Changqing did not say anything.
However, Su Wen knew, so what if they didn’t want to let go of this matter?
The Imperial Brush has written, the decree sealed with cinnabar!
Who would investigate? Who would care?
Su Wen walked out of the Prime Minister’s residence.
He walked along the streets in a daze.
He suddenly thought of Su Changqing’s ‘joke’.
“Leave Zhou Country? Go to Great Chu?”
“Is Old Su joking, or is he giving me another choice?”
As they walked, Su Wen suddenly saw some people gathered together.
He leaned over and saw a scholar standing on the high platform. He spoke loudly, “Ji Yuchen’s actions are completely seizing the interests of the people and establis.h.i.+ng his reputation. He took the wealth of the rich to save the poor. What’s the difference between this behavior and robbing the rich? Are the rich not commoners as well?”
This was the debate platform of the capital of the Great Zhou. Many scholars usually gathered here, and if they had any opinions, they could speak freely.
“Bullsh*t!” Su Wen charged forward.
He shouted angrily, “Who are you? How dare you spout nonsense here?”
If it was any other time, Su Wen might have laughed it off when he heard this. However, at this moment, Su Wen could not tolerate it no matter what.
That person sized up Su Wen and said, “Bai Lu Academy, Zhao Jingzhi!”
“Who are you?”
Su Wen sneered. “Why do you care who I am? Just listen to me!”
Zhao Jingzhi flung his sleeves and said disdainfully, “So it’s someone who doesn’t even dare to report his name! I’m ashamed to talk about this with you!”
Su Wen slapped him and said, “Did I let you debate? I told you to listen!”
“Why did you hit him?”
“That’s right! What kind of logic is it for you to hit someone the moment you come up?”
“Get lost!”
The scholars watching the commotion were also unhappy. Su Wen shouted, “Shut up!”
After shouting, he looked at the scholar and asked, “Let me ask you, what is the royal court about?”
“Of course it’s to govern the country!”
“Then is it idealized to let all the citizens live a good life?”
Zhao Jingzhi replied, “That’s right! But so what? Can we exploit the rich and save the poor?”
Su Wen said coldly, “Let me ask you again, are those rich people citizens of the Great Zhou?”
“Of course.”
Su Wen said in a deep voice, “Then I have to tell you! Every citizen has to bear the corresponding responsibility. Whether you are willing or not, you have to bear it!”
“For example, the commoners are protecting the country! If you think like this, everyone is afraid of death, so why should they be allowed to go to the battlefield? Why don’t you go to the front lines of the northern border? For example, if the commoners are willing to serve as soldiers, why don’t you go and serve as soldiers?”
Zhao Jingzhi defended himself, “I am a scholar! I am a scholar, and I have scholarly honors! The Great Zhou has its laws, and scholars are not required to serve!”
Su Wen spat at him. “Pfft! Now you remember the rules now? With His Majesty’s approval, Ji Yuchen’s tax system is the rule of the Royal Court. What’s wrong with following the rules after being issued? When you want money, you will exploit the rich. When you are forced to serve, you suddenly remember the rules of a scholar?
According to what you said, the rich and poor are the same. You naturally have to be like the commoners. Then you should go to the battlefield!”
Su Wen reprimanded sternly, “If the Royal Court rules and allows them to pay more taxes, then it will be their responsibility! All the citizens of the Great Zhou must abide by it. If you say that all the cla.s.ses and responsibilities are equal, then you will let all the officials of the Royal Court carry their weapons to the front lines.
After they survive, then they will come back to govern the country, does that make sense? Everyone has to be equal, right? So they might as well make up for all the unpaid labor they’ve been making the poor do!”
“You are being unreasonable! How can the lords of the Royal Court do this?”
Su Wen said in a strange voice, “Oh! Oh! We can’t do this now? Could it be that you’re born to be a high and mighty lord, yet you don’t care about the lives of the commoners and the poor?”
“The rich have the responsibility of the rich, while the poor have the responsibility of the poor. The scholars have the responsibility of the scholars, and the officials have the responsibility of the officials! This is what they should be a.s.signed.
Furthermore, Ji Yuchen is holding the office. If he repairs the roads, will the rich leave? If he opens a school, can the children of the rich attend? If he builds a medical center and treats the elderly citizens for free, has he ever differentiated between the poor and the rich?”
Su Wen solemnly concluded, “The poor are poor to begin with, but they also pay taxes. The rich have more money, and their lives are rich, so they should bear more responsibilities. Have the Sage’s Records you were supposed to read when into your dog’s stomach instead?
You are an official, but you’re trying not to bear more responsibility for your country, could it be that you are trying to profit from your position? People like you are not fit to be an official for the rest of your life!”
In reality, Su Wen also knew that most people were officials in order to stand out and reap benefits. This was actually understandable, but if they did not have any sense of responsibility or compa.s.sion, then they might as well not be officials.
Initially, those below thought that Su Wen was being unreasonable.
But after he said that, everyone immediately cheered.
Actually, one of the functions of the tax system was to adjust the gap between the rich and poor so that more people could live better.
This was because this was the conclusion of society’s development many years into the future.
However, in this era, most people thought that the tax system was still mainly used to maintain the operations of the Royal Court.
This was the difference in perception created by different eras.
To put it bluntly, before Su Wen transmigrated, almost all countries had the same tax system. Those with more income would pay more taxes and bear more social responsibility.
To put it bluntly, many tax evaders were extremely selfish and irresponsible.
They only wanted to enjoy the benefits, but did not want to pay any price.
Zhao Jingzhi was dumbfounded by Su Wen’s words.
How could he beat Su Wen?
Furthermore, his words exposed his short-sightedness.
After refuting, Su Wen did not want to stay any longer. He quickly got off the stage and squeezed out of the crowd.
The man was already dead, yet he was still being slandered. Su Wen could not stand it anymore.
However, he had not walked far when someone stopped Su Wen.
It was a maidservant. She said in a cute voice, “Sir, my Miss invites you to have a chat.”
“Eh?”
Su Wen was stunned. ‘Invite me for a chat?’
Unfortunately, Su Wen was not in the mood. “Sorry, I’m not interested!”
With that said, he was about to leave when the maidservant hurriedly came up and said anxiously, “Sir, you must go. My Miss has spoken. If I can’t bring you, I will be punished. You spoke so righteously on the stage just now. You can’t watch a young lady like me get punished, right?”
Su Wen smiled.
However, he did not stop walking. He said, “Then let your Miss punish you. You can go back and slowly recuperate.”
Su Wen did not believe her.
At this moment, a man rushed over.
When he arrived in front of Su Wen, he bowed and said, “My family’s Miss is just upstairs. Please don’t reject her!”
Su Wen was helpless. Weren’t they just being f*cking plasters, sticking to him wherever he went?
However, he did not want to expose his cultivation level, so he pondered for a moment.
He followed the two of them to a nearby restaurant.
“The top floor has been reserved by my Miss. Sir, you can go up by yourself.”
The two of them clearly had no intention of following.
Su Wen went upstairs himself as instructed.
When they reached the top floor, the area was only covered by wooden dividers, making it extremely s.p.a.cious.
With a gentle breeze, a woman in green stood by the fence and looked down.
When she heard Su Wen coming up, she turned around and said with a smile, “Sir, I heard your wonderful theory just now. It was extremely interesting. Please come up and have a chat.”
This woman had fair skin and long black hair that hung down her back. Her eyebrows were curved, and her eyes were clear and bright. Her facial features were exquisite, and she could be considered a top-grade beauty.
Su Wen raised his eyebrows. He knew this fellow!
It was the Fifth Princess, Zhao Xuanxuan, who was known as the number one woman genius in the capital.
However, he could not expose his ident.i.ty.
He could only pretend not to know her and cupped his hands. “Miss, may I know why you summoned me here?”
Zhao Xuanxuan stretched out her hand slightly, “Mister, please sit. We can slowly talk.”
Su Wen rolled his eyes and sat down. “If you have something to say, just say it. Not everyone is as carefree as Miss. I still have to be trapped by my livelihood.”
Zhao Xuanxuan shook her head slightly and stretched out her hand. A gold ingot appeared in her hand. She shook her hand slightly and the gold flew straight to Su Wen’s table.
Zhao Xuanxuan smiled, “Mister, don’t be impatient, I have no ill intentions.”
Su Wen picked up the gold ingot and pretended to look at Zhao Xuanxuan suspiciously. He then pulled up his clothes to rub it and took a bite. Finally, he smiled and said, “Thank you, Miss.”
Zhao Xuanxuan asked curiously, “Sir knows me?”
Su Wen denied without hesitation. “No!”
She smiled. “Then why do you have to put on an act to disgust me?”
Um… I didn’t expect this fellow to be so smart
However, Su Wen naturally would not admit it.
“My name is Li Qingxuan. I’m very happy to see you today!” Zhao Xuanxuan said.
Su Wen sneered in his heart. F*ck, you’re still lying to me. If it wasn’t for your father, would I be in such a bad mood?
“And?”
Su Wen’s bluntness made Zhao Xuanxuan a little confused. All along, everyone who saw her was usually polite. How could there be someone with such a lack of manners?
These words were not wrong. Even Su Wen did not appear too rude during the few times he met her.
“I just admire your opinion and talent. I would like to invite you to discuss Senior Ji Yuchen’s tax system.” Zhao Xuanxuan frowned.
Su Wen pursed his lips. “What’s there to talk about? He’s already dead.”
Zhao Xuanxuan shook her head, “That’s not the case. Mister might not know, but this old man’s tax system is not just limited to this…”
“Eh?”
Su Wen was stunned.
Logically speaking, no one should know that the memorial was sent to Emperor Zhou, right?
His eyes narrowed slightly.
How did Zhao Xuanxuan find out?
He heard Zhao Xuanxuan continue, “By chance, I’ve heard someone say that this tax system is only the tip of the iceberg. Once it’s implemented, it will shake the country’s foundation. It looks good, but in reality, it has a deep root of trouble!”
Su Wen’s mind raced.
Who said that? Emperor Zhou?
Su Wen became patient and shook his head. “I don’t know the full picture, but from the looks of it, I think this is a strategy to benefit the country and the people!”
Zhao Xuanxuan smiled smugly, “So please listen to me.”
Then, the little girl stopped talking. She looked as if she wanted to ask him!
Su Wen said helplessly, “In that case, please enlighten me, Miss Li!”
Zhao Xuanxuan began to explain.
Su Wen listened quietly in the meantime.
Just as Su Wen thought, Zhao Xuanxuan actually mentioned the entire tax system bit by bit. He had to admire her eidetic talent.
Ji Yuchen’s memorial was almost flawlessly repeated by her.
After she finished speaking, she frowned and said, “Sir, do you think this is a strategy to shake the country instead?”
Su Wen looked at Zhao Xuanxuan and asked with a smile, “Why do you say that this plan will shake the country?”
Zhao Xuanxuan did not hide anything and said truthfully, “This plan seems exquisite, but in reality, it is affecting the interests of all the influential officials, the wealthy, and aristocratic families in the Great Zhou Dynasty. These people are the true capital of the Great Zhou. Once it rebounds, even the current emperor might not be able to suppress it.
At that time, there will be officials in the royal court slacking off, and there will be aristocratic families causing chaos in the distance. The high-ranking officials will be displeased, and in that case, won’t the country topple?”
Su Wen sighed, before slowly replying, “You’re right! This plan is to affect the interests of these people.”
“But if it’s a strategy that can topple countries, it’s actually just alarmist talk. Firstly, you have to know that there are many methods. Not to mention anything else, just this time, Elder Ji used Fu Ning County as a test point to advance. The tax system has already stabilized and produced some effects.”
“If we start from there and gradually use a few years to push the country, do you think the rebound will be strong?”
Looking at Zhao Xuanxuan’s confused expression, Su Wen answered himself, “Definitely not.”
“Even if there are some rebounds, as long as His Majesty is determined enough, all the rebounds will be suppressed!”
“In a few years… after things have stabilized a little, we will choose a new trial point and deepen the implementation of the tax reform. Do you think the influential officials of the Great Zhou will commit upheavals at the same time? It’s clearly impossible! Because no matter how the policy is implemented, these people are still the privileged cla.s.ses of the Great Zhou. Unless it’s absolutely necessary, they won’t risk their entire family losing their heads and losing everything to rebel against His Majesty.”
“However, the lives of the commoners will be much better. As long as we have patience, we can use decades or even centuries to slowly implement these tax systems. In the future, after all the reforms are complete, the commoners will be rich and have a stable foundation. We will definitely become the strongest country in the world.”
Zhao Xuanxuan frowned, clearly in a dilemma.
“Is that really the case?”
Su Wen only replied, “That’s how you prep yourself. However, I’m still very curious. How did Miss know about such a secret? Please tell me directly.”
Zhao Xuanxuan smiled, “I don’t even know your name, how can I tell you?”
“Su Daqiang!” Su Wen casually replied.
Zhao Xuanxuan smiled, “May I know where Sir is based?”
“Servant of the Wuwei Viscount, Su Wen’s Residence!”
Su Wen only wanted to know how this fellow knew the contents of the memorial.
Zhao Xuanxuan was stunned for a moment before muttering, “Sir is so talented, yet you’re only a servant?”
Su Wen was observing Zhao Xuanxuan’s expression. He had purposely mentioned that he was Su Wen’s servant.
The reason was very simple. If Zhao Xuanxuan was looking at the original copy of the memorial and Su Wen’s name was written on it, her expression would definitely change.
However, it was obvious that Zhao Xuanxuan’s expression did not change.
‘She did not see the original?’ Su Wen made a judgment.
He didn’t show it on his face and said with a smile, “What’s wrong with being a servant? My lord is elegant, handsome, and mighty. He’s famous in the capital. No one will look down on me no matter where I go. On the stage just now, I didn’t report my house. If I told him my house, that brat would pee his pants!”
“Moreover, my lord is generous, and the treatment in the residence is good. I can live and relax, and I can even read books. I won’t change that job even if I was offer a county magistrate!”
After his shameless self praise, Su Wen continued to ask, “Miss, please tell me, where did you learn about the entire tax system?”
Zhao Xuanxuan smiled, “This matter is truly confidential, I hope Sir can forgive me for not telling you!”