Seeing Zhao Feng's serious demeanor, everyone in the grand hall straightened up, their expressions solemn.
"We ministers humbly await the Crown Prince's decree!" the assembled officials declared in unison.
Zhao Feng's voice was firm and resolute as he announced:
"Before Shenzhou is fully unified, all land in Great Qin shall be state-owned. Only those with noble titles may be granted land, and only those who have contributed to the empire shall receive such rewards."
"However!"
"In the former territories of the Six States, this policy has not been fully implemented. Much of the land remains in the hands of wealthy merchants and nobles of the Six States."
"When we eliminated the ruling elites of those states, only their confiscated lands were returned to the state."
"Land, farmland no matter the era is the very foundation of a nation and cannot be taken lightly."
"Therefore!"
"I have decided!"
"To reclaim all land under Heaven!"
"Within Great Qin's territory, all land shall be state-owned, except for that granted to nobles. No individual shall be permitted to privately trade or sell land. Any violation of this law will result in confiscation, with no future grants!" Zhao Feng's voice was commanding, brooking no argument.
Throughout history, why did dynasties collapse after two or three centuries?
The root cause was simple: land fell into the hands of the powerful, leaving ordinary people with no land to farm, and forcing them into rebellion.
Zhao Feng's goal was to place all land under the state's control. Only military nobles and contributors to the empire would receive personal grants. All other lands would be state-controlled, forbidden from private sale or trade, and distributed to citizens based on household registration. Undistributed land would be designated as government land, cultivated by the military.
Hearing this, Han Fei stepped forward and respectfully asked, "May I ask, Your Highness, after reclaiming all land, what will become of the landless citizens?"
"Once all land is state-owned," Zhao Feng replied without hesitation, "all Great Qin citizens will be allocated land for farming according to household registration."
"I want every citizen to have land to cultivate."
Li Si then inquired, "If land is distributed according to household registration, how will it affect those who have been granted land for military merit?"
"The land granted to meritorious soldiers will remain theirs," Zhao Feng explained with a smile. "Additionally, they will receive the same allocation as other citizens based on their household registration."
At this, Wei Liao voiced his concern: "Your Highness, in the former Six States, much of the land is still controlled by noble families. If we forcibly reclaim it, they will certainly resist."
"Resist?"
A cold smile played on Zhao Feng's lips.
"I welcome their resistance."
"If they dare to rebel, we will exterminate their entire clans, confiscate their wealth and land, and return it all to the state! Our national treasury is already strained from implementing these policies what better way to replenish it than with the fortunes of these traitors?"
The ministers could feel the chilling weight behind Zhao Feng's words.
"Great Generals, deliver my decree!"
"The Five Great Camps of the Qin Army will be stationed across the Nine Provinces, each assigned to one region."
"Should any unrest arise, the provincial and county forces will respond first. If they cannot suppress it, the elite troops shall intervene."
"Anyone who dares to defy the imperial edict shall be charged with treason. Those who take up arms will be executed on the spot! Their accomplices will be arrested and handed over to the Minister of Justice."
"This policy will ensure that every citizen of Great Qin has land to farm and a livelihood to sustain."
"From this day forth, our empire will not only unify Shenzhou through military might but also win the hearts of the people, creating a true cultural and civilizational unity."
"This victory!"
"Shall be celebrated by my father, myself, and all of you, my ministers!"
Zhao Feng spread his arms wide, his expression solemn.
"All for Great Qin!"
The court officials bowed deeply in unison.
From his high seat, Ying Zheng's eyes gleamed with satisfaction.
He fully understood the significance of Zhao Feng's decree.
Land was the lifeblood of the people where there was land, there was food; where there was food, families could survive.
For 800 years, Shenzhou had been ravaged by war. The common folk had two fates:
Be conscripted and die on the battlefield.
They are crushed by exorbitant taxes, leaving them to starve.
In all states except Qin, land was monopolized by noble families. Ordinary people had no land of their own and were forced to rent from the aristocracy, paying high rents that left them with barely enough to survive.
But now, Great Qin would change that.
"Feng'er."
"You are the true sage of Great Qin."
Ying Zheng's voice was filled with undisguised pride and admiration.
"We ministers wholeheartedly agree!" the court officials echoed.
This policy did not greatly affect them, as their landholdings were granted by the state as military rewards earned through blood and merit.
However, the restriction that land could no longer be sold would impact them slightly.
At this moment, Lü Buwei respectfully asked, "Your Highness, if the land is redistributed, what rent shall be charged?"
Zhao Feng turned to him and smiled.
"Prime Minister," he said, "the land will be distributed to the people, but it will not be their personal property. They will only have the right to cultivate it, not to own or transfer it."
"The first law after land reclamation will be that land cannot be transferred. If a citizen chooses not to farm, the land will be reclaimed by the government."
"As for rent?"
"Taxes shall serve as rent."
Lü Buwei's eyes shone with understanding. "Your Highness is truly wise."
Zhao Feng then asked, "What are the current tax rates in Great Qin?"
Lü Buwei promptly replied, "Your Highness, as a military state, Great Qin relies on taxation to supply the army. The current grain tax is seven-tenths of the harvest, which is already lower than the eight- or nine-tenths taxed by the former Six States."
Zhao Feng nodded thoughtfully. After a moment's consideration, he declared:
"From this day forward, the grain tax for Great Qin's citizens shall be reduced to five-tenths."
These words
like a thunderclap in a clear sky.
"Your Highness,"
"Isn't reducing the tax burden by a full two-tenths too much?"
"The implementation of our Great Qin's national policies already requires vast amounts of money and grain. Our national treasury is nearly empty. If we reduce taxes further, Great Qin will truly be in trouble," Han Fei's expression changed drastically as he hurried to dissuade him.
Although Han Fei understood in his heart that lowering taxes was beneficial, Great Qin was currently in a period of extreme financial strain. Reducing taxes now would surely hinder the execution of these policies.
"Prime Minister Han,"
"I only said we are reducing the grain tax, not other taxes," Zhao Feng smiled.
Then, he turned his gaze toward Emperor Ying Zheng.
"Royal Father,"
"What is the current commercial tax rate in our Great Qin?" Zhao Feng asked with a smile.
"In all the lands under Heaven, merchants are of the lowest class! Their taxes are not high only one-tenth of their profits," Ying Zheng replied.
"Too little."
"Far too little," Zhao Feng shook his head.
"From this day forth,"
"Commercial tax shall be increased to three-tenths."
"Moreover, our Great Qin shall actively encourage private merchants to engage in trade, promote the establishment of workshops, and facilitate commerce across all of Shenzhou," Zhao Feng declared.
"But even if we raise the commercial tax to three-tenths, wouldn't it still fail to make up for the two-tenths reduction in grain tax?" Ying Zheng asked with a doubtful expression.
Not only Ying Zheng, but all the court officials shared the same skepticism.
Throughout history, and even across multiple dynasties
Merchants!
A lowly caste.
The order of social hierarchy had always been scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants.
Merchants occupied the lowest rank in society. But having lived two lives, Zhao Feng deeply understood that a nation's tax revenue could only be significantly increased by fostering commerce.
"Royal Father,"
"You don't believe it yet."
"But once commercial taxes take effect, and the court encourages trade,"
"Once we establish dedicated commercial districts within the capital,"
"Then you'll see just how much tax revenue business can generate," Zhao Feng said confidently.
"Hmm." Ying Zheng nodded. "Since the Crown Prince has proposed this, the officials shall see it implemented."
"Prime Minister,"
"This is the detailed plan I have drafted to encourage commerce one outlining designated commercial districts in the capital, and another defining trade regulations,"
Zhao Feng raised his hand, revealing a scroll in his palm.
A nearby palace attendant immediately stepped forward, respectfully accepting the scroll before passing it to Lü Buwei.
"I shall ensure its full implementation,"
Lü Buwei said solemnly as he accepted the document.
"Aside from commercial taxes,"
"In the future, our Great Qin shall have another major source of tax revenue Tianxuan Mirrors," Zhao Feng smiled.
"How will Tianxuan Mirrors be taxed?" Ying Zheng asked curiously.
"As of now, Tianxuan Mirrors have been distributed within the imperial court, government offices, and the military."
"But in the future, every citizen of Great Qin shall possess a Tianxuan Mirror."
"All citizens will have access to its communication abilities."
"However, if the mirrors are used for official government matters such as submitting petitions they shall be exempt from tax, as such actions serve the state."
"On the other hand, if they are used for private communication,"
"A tax shall be levied,"
"I have already drafted the detailed regulations, and the spirit within the Tianxuan Mirrors has been programmed accordingly. For example, all mirrors issued to officials will recognize when they are being used for state affairs and will automatically waive the tax."
"But if they are used for private matters, the Tianxuan Mirror will require payment before enabling communication."
"In addition,"
"For the transportation of goods within our Great Qin whether at the state or provincial level Tianxuan Mirrors will facilitate logistics and remain tax-exempt."
"However, when used for private deliveries or letters, a fee shall be charged."
"In summary,"
"Tianxuan Mirror tax will be waived for government use, as determined by the artifact spirit."
"But for personal use, regardless of rank, all must pay," Zhao Feng explained with a smile.
Hearing this,
Ying Zheng's eyes lit up. "If Tianxuan Mirrors become widespread, this will generate an unimaginable amount of tax revenue. However, the tax rate must be set carefully."
"Rest assured, Royal Father,"
"A single private message will cost only ten coins."
"As for transporting goods, the fee will be determined based on weight and size," Zhao Feng smiled.
Having lived two lifetimes,
Zhao Feng fully understood the vast potential tax revenue that the Tianxuan Mirrors' communication capabilities would bring to Great Qin.
In the future, Great Qin would no longer need to worry about financial resources.
"This is excellent," Ying Zheng nodded.
"Very well,"
"Does anyone else have a petition to submit?" Zhao Feng asked with a smile.
"We have no further matters to report," the officials responded in unison.
"If there are no more petitions,"
"Then the court is dismissed."
"The policies discussed today nationalizing all land, distributing it to the people, and reducing tax burdens must be immediately announced across the thirty-six provinces of Great Qin through the Tianxuan Mirrors and by posting official proclamations," Zhao Feng commanded.
"We shall follow the order," Lü Buwei declared loudly.
As the court officials withdrew,
Only Ying Zheng and Zhao Feng remained in the grand hall.
"Feng'er,"
"Your strategy has truly struck at the very foundations of the Six Kingdoms' remaining forces," Ying Zheng laughed heartily, immensely pleased.
"Father,"
"Since ancient times, dynasties have struggled to endure for long."
"Do you know why?" Zhao Feng asked, looking at Ying Zheng.
"Is it not due to incompetent rulers and treacherous ministers?" Ying Zheng replied.
"No,"
Zhao Feng shook his head. "That may be part of the reason, but the core issue is land concentration. When the nobility and aristocrats monopolize all the land, leaving ordinary people with nothing to farm and no food to eat, rebellion and chaos become inevitable."
"Our Great Qin conquered the Six Kingdoms not just because of our unrivaled warriors, but also because the commoners in those states had no deep-seated hatred toward us. Most of them were already on the brink of survival. Their lands had long been seized by nobles. For countless ordinary people in the Six Kingdoms, the fall of their nations meant little as long as they were not harmed, they did not care which dynasty ruled them."
"The true reason Great Qin could amass the strength to unify the land was not only due to the wisdom of our ancestors and the accumulation of national fortune but also because of land reform."
"With the military merit system, Great Qin took back land and made it state-owned, rewarding it based on military achievements instead of allowing it to be controlled by aristocrats. The people had land to farm, and that is what they truly desired."
"In truth,"
"Throughout history, no peasant has ever been born with the desire to rebel."
"They only rise when they can no longer survive when they are left with no other choice."
Zhao Feng sighed from the bottom of his heart.
Hearing his words, Ying Zheng fell into deep thought. After a moment, he nodded and said, "You're right."
"Land annexation."
"This is a fundamental problem."
"It's best to resolve it now while the empire is newly established, rather than waiting until the nobles take root and seize power again."
Zhao Feng smiled and said, "If we're going to cut it off, we must do it thoroughly. After the land is redistributed, I will have the Inspectors intensify their patrols. If anyone is found leaving land uncultivated or secretly selling it, the land will be reclaimed immediately, and they will be imprisoned."
"Haha, just do as you see fit."
"I can already imagine how furious those remnants of the six states will be after this."
"They still dream of restoring their nations and avenging their past defeats, but as our Qin policies take effect and bring tangible benefits to the people, their so-called citizens will no longer long for their old countries."
"This time, with the reduction of taxes and the distribution of land."
"Countless commoners will pledge their loyalty to Qin."
"An unstoppable force!"
Ying Zheng laughed heartily.
Once the decree was issued, the entire empire would be shaken.
For the former nobles of the six states, this was a catastrophe, as the confiscation of land would be a devastating blow to them.
But for the common people, it was a tremendous blessing.
The so-called "remnants of the six states" were simply the former aristocrats of those nations.
Their goal was never truly about restoring their countries or seeking revenge but about regaining their lost power.
They had always believed that once the First Emperor died, the empire would fall apart.
However, with Zhao Feng's policies in place, their dreams of this future were now impossible.
If chaos did erupt one day, they would attempt to incite rebellion by manipulating the people of their former states.
At its core, it was nothing more than a ploy to deceive the common folk.
Their plan hinged on the collapse of Qin and the breakdown of order.
But with Zhao Feng's sweeping reforms, they would never get the chance.
Four major policies had been implemented, and the Qin Empire was beginning to solidify its rule over China.
The confiscation of all private weapons and books across the land.
The elimination of armed civilian groups and the prevention of local military uprisings.
These measures ensured that the remnants of the six states had no opportunity to accumulate power.
And now, the confiscation and redistribution of land would further win the hearts of the people, binding them to Qin not just in body but also in spirit.
The tax reductions were another step in the same direction.
Once the common people had land of their own and no longer had to pay exorbitant rents to landlords, they could sustain their families through their labor.
At that point, they would be grateful for Qin's benevolence and would no longer reminisce about the oppressive and exploitative regimes of their former states.
This was an open strategy.
A grand strategy to win the people's hearts.
It was also Zhao Feng's plan to unify the people culturally and ideologically, ensuring that all citizens of China fully pledged their loyalty to Qin.
Only by doing this could he establish a dynasty of fortune and consolidate its national destiny.
From the very beginning, every policy he enacted was paving the way for this moment.
"Feng'er, do you think those nobles will give up so easily?" Ying Zheng asked with a slight smile.
"The smart ones will hand over their land willingly. The foolish ones will gather in protest."
"Once this decree is issued, our Qin army may not even need to act commoners across the empire will take action against those nobles themselves."
"After all, this concerns the interests of every citizen." Zhao Feng smirked.
This time.
Not only did the Qin Empire have overwhelming military strength, but it also had the genuine support of the people.
A small faction of nobles could not stand against that.
"In that case."
"I truly look forward to seeing it unfold." Ying Zheng chuckled.
Prime Minister's Manor
"By the decree of His Majesty."
"By the decree of the Crown Prince."
"Governors of the Thirty-Six Prefectures of China, listen to the imperial command."
"From this day forward, all land across the empire shall be reclaimed by the state, except for lands granted as rewards to those with noble titles and military achievements."
"All other land, regardless of who owns it or controls it, shall be nationalized."
"It shall be redistributed to the common people."
"The tax rate of the Qin Empire shall be reduced to fifteen percent."
Holding the Heavenly Profound Mirror, Lü Buwei relayed the decree to the governors of the nine provinces.
"We obey His Majesty's decree."
"We obey the Crown Prince's decree."
The voices of the nine provincial governors echoed from the Heavenly Profound Mirror.
"Prime Minister."
"The decree has been drafted."
"It can be posted immediately."
An official from the Prime Minister's Office approached Lü Buwei.
"Announce it at once."
"The grace of His Majesty and the Crown Prince must be made known to all the people of the empire," Lü Buwei ordered.
"Understood."
The official quickly left.
"The Crown Prince is truly a wise and virtuous heir."
"The four major policies he previously implemented ensured the smooth execution of our governance and laid the foundation for cultural unity."
"The invention of the Heavenly Profound Mirror allowed Qin to fully control China, ensuring smooth communication of policies and seamless logistics for military and civilian supplies."
"And now, with the nationalization of land and the reduction of taxes."
"Once successfully implemented, the people of the former six states will no longer remember their old countries."
"They will truly see themselves as Qin citizens."
"The Qin Empire shall endure for generations!"
Lü Buwei was filled with excitement.
As a seasoned statesman who had been in power for many years, he naturally understood the true purpose of Zhao Feng's policies.
Everything was for the stabilization of the empire.
For the complete unification of the people.
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