Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 622 - 458

"Your Majesty, regarding the matter of the tea tax, I have a small suggestion concerning the tax proportion. I believe it best to tax one out of ten, with tea priced in three grades. This taxation is not harsh and can alleviate the crisis of the National Treasury. Of course, this is merely a small suggestion of mine; Your Majesty and the ministers present certainly have more discretion than I do."

Gu Chengyu could do only these things. If His Majesty is dissatisfied with the proportion of this tax, then he would be helpless.

He had already tried his best to lower the proportion of the tea tax; thereafter, it depends on the Emperor’s decision.

Although he proposed the tea tax, causing loss to the interests of tea merchants and tea farmers, he is clear in conscience.

The tea tax is certainly going to become one of the important taxes of the Dayan Dynasty in the future. The long-standing emptiness of the National Treasury, if border warfare suddenly breaks out, which aspect of ration, soldiers’ pay, horses, weapons, and so forth does not need the support of Silver Coin?

Moreover, all the tax silver collected annually is entirely used for court expenses, with nothing remaining.

Further, every few years, the court has to strengthen the dikes of rivers in various regions, all of which are large projects, representing considerable expenditure.

Gu Chengyu acted out of self-interest, but also to consolidate the kingdom and allow the people to live and work in peace.

Born in Dayan, he naturally could not stay out of it.

Still, as the saying goes, when the nest is overturned, how can the eggs remain unbroken?

"Gu Xiu, taxation cannot be decided solely based on your words. Naturally, after the relevant government offices have understood the situation, a conclusion will be drawn. Your Majesty, I believe that the tea tax matter should not be rushed and should proceed gradually."

Xia Qing pondered for a moment before speaking. Although he spoke out of self-interest, he was reasonable.

The Emperor did not speak but narrowed his eyes slightly, pondering something.

The courtiers did not dare whisper; they evidently saw that the Emperor was intent on implementing the tea tax, perhaps he had long made up his mind.

Gu Chengyu glanced at the three princes before him, seeing that the Eldest Prince and Second Prince appeared to be supportive.

Only the attitude of the Third Prince was unclear, perhaps receiving considerable benefits from tea merchants.

However, as a Prince of the Dayan Dynasty, although ambitious for the throne, he could not disregard the crisis of the National Treasury for such small gains.

As for the other officials, can they not see the Emperor’s intentions?

If one lacks this discernment, one’s seat would not be stable for long.

After a long time, the Emperor finally spoke.

"Where is Shen Shikang, Minister of Revenue?"

Shen Shikang promptly stepped forward, "I am here!"

"The Ministry should have detailed records of the land of tea gardens and tea farms, ascertain their situation. Annually produce how much, set the price of tea, and draft a detailed account book. As for the tea permit, it should proceed simultaneously. The establishment of the government office for the tea tax will only start after the tea permit is drawn up."

The Emperor was not clear on how much tea could profit annually. Since a tea tax is to be imposed, it must be kept in mind.

Otherwise, if those below deceive him, would not the tea tax become a good means for the officials below to amass wealth?

Also, the Emperor has yet to decide whether the tea tax should be as Gu Chengyu said, taxing one out of ten.

"I obey the decree!" While this matter is somewhat challenging, it is only because of determining the profit from tea.

As for the tea permit, Gu Chengyu has explained it clearly, needing no further additions, it is not difficult.

The Emperor nodded, then threw out a phrase that made Shen Shikang jump.

"I give you one month, is it possible?" The Emperor glanced at Shen Shikang, feeling a month was more than enough.

Shen Shikang hurriedly exclaimed, "Your Majesty, one month is too short, there are countless tea farms and gardens in the Dayan Dynasty. Only giving one month is surely insufficient even for travel expenses; I simply can’t manage it!"

He made a bitter face, undoubtedly it could not be done in one month.

The Emperor’s face darkened slightly, "Does the Emperor instruct you to record every tea garden? Use your mind."

Upon hearing this, Shen Shikang breathed a sigh of relief.

Of course, he couldn’t find them one by one, but without the Emperor’s words, how dare he act on his own?

Now given permission, naturally, he would take liberties, using the opportunity.

At the time, saying it could not be done, delaying a few days, or investigating a few less places, even if the Emperor blamed him, he could still plead.

"I obey the decree!"

Gu Chengyu cleared his throat, then said again, "Your Majesty! I have another matter, please allow me to report."

Gu Chengyu’s words made the officials present frown, is there no end to this?

The tea tax matter had already delayed for more than an hour, by this time some ministers were already hungry.

Originally, things should be dismissed by now, who would have thought Gu Chengyu would stir things up again.

The Emperor became somewhat interested, "Speak freely!"

"Your Majesty! I believe the salt tax can also be like the tea permit, using a salt permit, thus reducing the phenomenon of selling private salt much more than before."

Gu Chengyu just thought of this, if a salt permit were introduced, allowing salt merchants to buy the permit with gold and silver and gain government support to sell everywhere, wouldn’t it be much simpler than the current salt tax?

Upon hearing this, the Emperor also sat up straight, pondering the feasibility of this matter.

Shen Shikang was also thinking, he believed if salt and tea permits were implemented simultaneously, it would make things much easier for them.

Moreover, salt merchants for their own interests could boost the court’s salt tax; this is mutually beneficial.

The Third Prince could not help but look again at Gu Chengyu, somewhat disbelieving, how could such a wise and shrewd person exist?

Could there be someone advising Gu Chengyu behind the scenes? He was simply unbelieving of Gu Chengyu’s continuous thoughts on tax law reform.

Xia Qing frowned, Gu Chengyu certainly drew attention today.

After today’s court session, surely the Emperor would favor him even more. It won’t be so easy to trip him up anymore.

"Father! I think this matter is feasible. If the tea permit is implemented and successful, then after the salt tax reform, its benefits won’t be few."

The Third Prince had an idea at this moment: such a clever person.

If this person could become part of his faction, wouldn’t he be like adding wings to a tiger?

Simply from the tea tax and tea and horse exchange proposed by Gu Chengyu today, it was enough to catch his eye.

Not to mention the salt permit; he believed this person was truly a rare talent.

Therefore, he decided to support him in front of his father, aiding Gu Chengyu with a favor.

There were not only the Third Prince with such a thought.

Even the Eldest Prince, with a proud nature, looked at Gu Chengyu with admiration, glancing several times.

Previously, he always heard his younger brother talk about Gu Chengyu’s literary talent, yet he did not know Gu Chengyu was also adept at state affairs, which aroused his desire to recruit him.