The strongest eldest son of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 26, The Single Whip Method?!

"The Single Whip Method?!"

Zhu Yuanzhang and Liu Bowen looked up at the same time, their eyes filled with doubt. This was a name they had never heard of before.

Zhu Yao slowly began to explain in detail: "The so-called Single Whip Law is to combine the original land tax, corvée labor, and various miscellaneous taxes into one, no longer collecting them in kind, but converting them into the same currency, levying them per mu, and having local officials collect and remit them in a unified manner."

"Simply put, in the past, people had to pay grain and cloth as well as perform corvée labor, which was troublesome and cumbersome, and the transportation and storage losses were enormous."

"After the implementation of the Single Whip Law, the people only need to pay money. The corvée labor can also be converted into money and paid. They no longer need to perform the service themselves, as the government can hire people to do it on their behalf."

He paused, then continued, "This method has many advantages. First, it simplifies the tax collection process, reduces the space for officials to embezzle or commit fraud, and the people will no longer be exploited at every level, thus significantly reducing their burden."

"Secondly, the unified collection of taxes in cash makes it more convenient for the people to pay, reduces the costs of transporting and storing grain, and greatly improves the efficiency of government services."

"Thirdly, corvée labor is paid in cash, so people can stay at home and farm with peace of mind, without worrying about being conscripted for service and missing the farming season, which allows them to better develop agricultural production."

"Fourthly, with unified taxation, local officials will find it difficult to engage in favoritism and corruption, which will effectively rectify official corruption, make the imperial tax revenue more stable, and allow the people to live a more secure life."

As soon as Zhu Yao finished speaking, Zhu Yuanzhang and Liu Bowen froze on the spot, their faces filled with astonishment, their pupils shrinking and their breathing becoming rapid.

If the three good suggestions Zhu Yao had previously put forward made them think that Zhu Yao was a rare talent with foresight and strategy, then this whip method completely exceeded their understanding.

This method takes into account the interests of the court, officials, and the people. It not only solves the current problem of chaotic taxation, but also reduces the burden on the people, rectifys official corruption, and can even promote the development of agriculture and commerce. Such a comprehensive and ingenious approach could not have been conceived by an ordinary genius.

Zhu Yuanzhang was deeply shocked, and his gaze toward Zhu Yao was filled with awe.

This is not just a great talent, this is clearly an unparalleled genius!

To have such a person as one's own son is truly a blessing bestowed upon the Ming Dynasty by Heaven!

Liu Bowen was equally shocked; his hand stroking his beard trembled slightly as he inwardly marveled.

Young Master Zhu is so young, yet he possesses such astonishing strategic acumen. If this Single Whip Law can be implemented, it will surely change the landscape of the Ming Dynasty, allowing the people to live in peace and prosperity, and ensuring the long-term stability of the court!

After the initial shock, both Zhu Yuanzhang and Liu Bowen had the same question in their minds. Zhu Yuanzhang spoke first, his tone full of curiosity and urgency: "Yao'er, how did you know about these astonishing methods, and this whip technique?"

Liu Bowen quickly echoed, his eyes full of anticipation: "Yes, Young Master Zhu, these strategies far surpass the understanding of the world today, and cannot be recorded in ordinary books. Could it be... that they were also learned from those books you mentioned earlier?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yao couldn't help but laugh and nodded: "Haha, Father and Mr. Liu were right after all. These methods, as well as this Single Whip Method, are all things I learned from these books."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang's face instantly lit up with ecstatic joy. He quickly stepped forward and said eagerly, "Excellent! Excellent! These books are simply divine! Yao'er, may I borrow one of these books to take a look?"

"Father also wants to see how many more such brilliant strategies are inside!"

Liu Bowen, also looking expectant, quickly said, "Yes, Young Master Zhu, if I could see this book, this old minister would die without regret. Please grant my request, Young Master."

Seeing their anxious expressions, Zhu Yao looked somewhat troubled and slowly said, "Father, Mr. Liu, it's not that I'm unwilling to lend it, but this book isn't something I kept myself; it's something I dreamed about."

"When I was a child, I once met a wandering monk at the entrance of the village. He said that he had returned from the Western Paradise to obtain Buddhist scriptures and that he had brought back many scriptures with him. These books were just a part of the many scriptures he had obtained."

"I was young at the time and curious, so he told me the contents of the book one by one and taught me many of the principles in it. Later, when I woke up, I remembered all of these contents, but I never actually got my hands on the book."

"I see!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang and Liu Bowen nodded in unison, their faces showing a look of sudden realization.

No wonder Zhu Yao knew so many advanced strategies; it turns out he was guided by a divine monk and learned them from a divine book.

Reasonable, very reasonable!

But then, upon further reflection, both of them frowned, a hint of hesitation on their faces, and muttered to themselves:

This claim sounds absurd no matter how you look at it: a wandering monk, a journey to the West to obtain scriptures, a book obtained in a dream—it all seems like Zhu Yao is just fooling them.

Liu Bowen pondered this to himself, but he had no evidence to prove that Zhu Yao was lying.

Of course, apart from this seemingly absurd explanation, they couldn't think of any other reason why Zhu Yao could possess such advanced knowledge and astonishing strategies. This seemed to be the only reasonable explanation.

Seeing that the two were no longer pressing the issue, Zhu Yao's face turned serious, and he quickly reminded them, "Father, Mr. Liu, what I just said, as well as the Single Whip Method and those high-yield crops, you can just listen to it here. Don't go out and brag about it, and don't let outsiders know."

"Don't forget, Zhu's personal guards are everywhere in the country. They can be found in every street and alley, in the mansions of officials, and even in the homes of ordinary people. They are everywhere and can find out any information."

"Those Imperial Guards are extremely ruthless. Once they hear something they shouldn't hear, they'll seize any evidence against them. At best, they'll confiscate your property and exile you; at worst, they'll execute your entire family. You won't even have a chance to defend yourself. In addition, Zhu Yuanzhang is ruthless and suspicious. If he finds out that we're discussing his politics here and that he has a better way than him, the consequences for my father and me, and Mr. Liu, would be unimaginable. We'd probably be left with nothing but bones."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang's expression instantly fell, he was speechless, and couldn't help but roll his eyes.

That's going too far! How am I... heartless?

Are we really that scary?!

I think I'm quite benevolent. After unifying the country, I reduced taxes, comforted refugees, and built water conservancy projects. I did so many things for the people. How come in your mouth I'm a ruthless, suspicious, and distrustful person?

Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't help but argue with Zhu Yao.

Zhu Yao rolled his eyes at his serious expression and retorted without hesitation, "Old Zhu is merciful? Dad, you're probably not a die-hard fan of Old Zhu, are you?"

"Don't you know the ruthless things Old Zhu did before he became emperor? Have you forgotten them all?"