The flesh-eaters, how could they have been so arrogant and overbearing in the past? It was all because they controlled the very means of survival for the common people.
For the sake of taxes and survival, the common people had no choice but to become slaves to the flesh-eaters and landlords, working tirelessly to ensure their comfortable lives.
Even with all their hard work throughout the year, they could barely fill their stomachs. They might even fall into debt with high interest rates by borrowing grain and money from the landlords.
Crop yields were not always abundant. A slight shortfall could make life difficult for the common people.
Yet, these flesh-eaters and landlords would rejoice, as they could then lend grain and money to these people.
It could be said that the two sides were in a confrontational relationship. The common people were at an absolute disadvantage, forced to bow their heads to the flesh-eaters and landlords.
An official immediately stepped forward and said.
"Your Majesty, this minister disagrees with this approach. I possess a great deal of land, and taxing it this way would be too burdensome for me."
Another official also stepped forward.
"Indeed, Your Majesty. The land I hold was earned through my years of hard work, without theft or robbery."
"If taxes are increased further, I dare not hold so much land. I would have to sell some of it."
"If it were only me, it would be one thing. But I fear many others would share my sentiment."
"At that time, the land across Yunyue Kingdom might become worthless, potentially impacting domestic stability."
"Indeed, Your Majesty, this measure is ill-advised. It would be akin to competing with the people for profit, and the common people of Yunyue Kingdom would suffer."
Sun Mo, the Minister of Personnel, stepped forward.
Wu Sheng, the Minister of Rites, also nodded and said.
"Your Majesty, please reconsider. Such a measure would likely harm all those who own significant amounts of land, and it would not be beneficial to Yunyue Kingdom."
Xie An, the Minister of War, also stepped forward.
"Indeed, Your Majesty. We in Yunyue Kingdom rely on these influential figures who possess vast tracts of land."
"If we were to impose heavy taxes on them, it might incite their dissatisfaction."
"Should war break out, they might very well defect, and Yunyue Kingdom would be in peril."
Meng Yuan, the Minister of Works, also cupped his hands and said.
"Indeed, Your Majesty, we cannot do something that harms the foundation of our nation. Such an action would alienate the people."
These officials stepped forward. While the rest did not, their attitudes were the same.
The Empress Dowager frowned and looked at Chu Chen.
"Chu Chen, you brought this matter up. How should we proceed? Offer your suggestion."
"I believe what they say has some merit."
As she spoke, a faint, almost imperceptible smile flickered across the Empress Dowager's lips.
Chu Chen inwardly cursed the Empress Dowager, knowing she was deliberately provoking a conflict between him and these officials.
However, even without the Empress Dowager's instigation, the conflict was inevitable given his decision to enact reforms.
Chu Chen stepped forward and said, "Esteemed colleagues, you speak as if you are in dire straits. You are able to stand here in court and loudly express your opinions."
"But what about the common people who toil in the fields? Can they voice their dissatisfaction?"
The officials merely snorted. In their eyes, what right did those so-called common people have to be compared to them?
The talk of benefiting the people was just lip service; their primary concern was to amass wealth and benefits.
Chu Chen continued, "You claim you can no longer make a living, and that my actions have harmed the interests of the landlords, threatening the peace of Yunyue Kingdom."
"But even if you are suffering and finding it difficult, you at least possess vast amounts of land. Even if you were to cease being officials, you could still return to your hometowns to live out your days like Qian Jieren."
"No one can do anything to you. You will always have a way to survive, unless you seek your own demise."
As he spoke, Chu Chen looked at the officials, his gaze carrying a clear warning.
Upon hearing this, the officials couldn't help but shiver.
They felt as if Chu Chen's gaze could pierce through them.
"But what about the true common people? For them, ensuring a good harvest each year is already a great fortune."
"They are the truly vast majority of the populace. They live just above the poverty line, yet they still have to pay the head tax, just like you."
"Do you consider yourselves honorable?"
Hearing this, the officials' faces flushed slightly, but they quickly adopted an air of righteousness.
Of course, they would not admit that what they were doing was wrong. Chu Chen's words were clearly hypocritical; he was one of them, after all.
Chu Chen continued, "If you feel you are on the verge of ruin, and that the land you hold has become a hot potato, you can give it to those who have no land."
"I believe they would be more than willing to take over your land, even if they have to pay a small amount in taxes. The rest would be entirely theirs."
Upon hearing this, the officials were dumbfounded.
To have them exchange their assets with the impoverished commoners? Chu Chen certainly had a way of thinking.
"If any of you wish to hand over your land to the common people, you may step forward, and I, Chu Chen, will help you compile a list."
"Then everyone will have a record."
Hearing this, the officials were rendered speechless. No one stepped forward.
While it was true that if they were to be additionally taxed on their land, their monthly burden would increase slightly.
However, to them, this was mere pocket change.
As long as the land remained in their possession, they could recoup any increased tax from the common people.
But if they lost their land, they would lose their leverage over the common people.
Seeing that no officials spoke, Chu Chen let out a cold laugh.
"Since none of you are stepping forward, then you have no need to speak of ruin. You will pay the taxes as you always have."
"Furthermore, I humbly request Your Majesty's approval to encourage reporting of any violations."
The officials exchanged glances upon hearing this.
Encouraging reporting. Chu Chen intended to pit them against each other. It was a cunning move, but one that might very well be effective.
The Empress Dowager also showed a flicker of interest.
"Encouraging reporting, what does that mean? Can Prime Minister Chu elaborate?"
Chu Chen nodded and said, "Yes, Your Majesty."
"Encouraging reporting, as the name suggests, some people hold vast amounts of land, but they do not disclose it, and others are unaware."
"However, if someone familiar with them, or someone with a vested interest, knows their situation."