Longevity by Picking up Attributes in the Battlefield

Chapter 781  Chapter 318: Ying Zheng: With This National Policy, We Unify Dingshen, Achieve Cultural Unity, and Mark the Beginning of the Yun Dynasty! (Part 2)

"Taxation is akin to tenancy rent," Zhao Feng smiled.

"The Crown Prince is wise," Lv Buwei replied, sincerely convinced.

"What is the current tax rate in our Qin?" Zhao Feng asked aloud.

"Reporting to the Crown Prince."

"Our Qin is a nation built on military merit; the supplies for the army largely come from civilian taxes. The grain tax amounts to seventy percent, which is one-tenth lower than the eighty to ninety percent tax levied by the various countries in the past," Lv Buwei replied promptly.

"Hmm."

Zhao Feng nodded, and after a moment of contemplation, he decided: "From today onwards, the grain tax for the people of Qin will be reduced to fifty percent."

Such words.

Shattered the silence like a thunderbolt.

"Crown Prince,"

"Isn't reducing the tax rate by two-tenths a bit too drastic?"

"With our current national policies in operation, the need for funds and grains is immense, and the national treasury is already empty. If we were to further reduce taxes, our Qin might indeed face issues," Han Fei's expression changed and he urged restraint.

Though Han Fei understood in his heart that lowering taxes was beneficial, the current situation in Qin required a substantial amount of funds and grains.

Lowering taxes would hinder the implementation of national policies.

"Chancellor Han,"

"I only referred to reducing the grain tax, not other forms of taxes," Zhao Feng smiled.

Then.

He turned his gaze to Ying Zheng on the throne.

"Father,"

"What is our commercial tax rate?" Zhao Feng asked with a smile.

"In all under heaven, merchants are of the lowest status, and their taxes are not high, only ten percent," Ying Zheng said.

"Too little."

"Far too little."

Zhao Feng shook his head.

"From today,"

"The commercial tax will be raised to thirty percent."

"Furthermore, our Qin will encourage the common people to engage in commerce, encourage merchants to establish workshops, and encourage the merchants to trade within Shenzhou," Zhao Feng said slowly.

"Raising the commercial tax to thirty percent still does not seem to make up for the two-tenths reduction in grain tax, does it?" Ying Zheng asked, somewhat doubtful.

It wasn't just Ying Zheng.

The Hundred Officials at court shared the same thought.

In this era, as well as many future eras.

Merchants!

Of the lowest status.

Scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants.

Such has always been the case.

The status of merchants was the lowest, but having lived two lifetimes, Zhao Feng naturally understood that to increase national revenue, it was necessary to promote commerce.

"Father,"

"You still do not believe it."

"Wait until the commercial tax is implemented and the court encourages commerce."

"When merchant shops are specifically designated in the capital,"

"You will then realize the substantial revenue commercial taxes can bring," Zhao Feng smiled, full of confidence.

"Hmm." Ying Zheng nodded, "Since the Crown Prince proposed it, let the ministers prepare for execution."

"Chancellor,"

"Here are the numerous detailed regulations I've devised to encourage commerce, one for merchant shops in the capital, and another for the scope of commerce."

Zhao Feng raised his hand, holding a booklet.

The Inner Eunuch serving by the side immediately stepped forward, respectfully presenting the booklet to Lv Buwei.

"I will implement it to the best of my ability,"

Lv Buwei promptly replied, taking the booklet.

"Aside from commercial tax,"

"The future tax revenue of our Qin will also come from the Tian Xuan Mirror," Zhao Feng smiled.

"How does the Tian Xuan Mirror collect taxes?" Ying Zheng asked curiously.

"Currently, the Tian Xuan Mirror is widely used in our Qin Court, government offices, and the military."

"In the future, all people of the Daqin World will have access to the Tian Xuan Mirror."

"The power to transmit messages through it will be available to everyone."

"If it is an official matter, such as reporting to the court, no tax will be charged, putting the nation first."

"However, if the Tian Xuan Mirror is used for personal messages and communication."

"A transmission tax will be charged."

"My son has already formulated the corresponding regulations, and the Artifact Spirit of the Tian Xuan Mirror has organized all the rules. For example, if the Tian Xuan Mirror possessed by the ministers is used for official matters, the mirror will detect it and exempt the tax."

"If it is for personal matters, the Tian Xuan Mirror will charge the fee, or the message will not be transmitted."

"Furthermore,"

"In the various provinces and counties of our Qin, the transmission of military supplies through the Tian Xuan Mirror will be exempt from tax, but civilian transmission of goods and letters will require a fee."

"To sum up,"

"Tax exemption for official uses of the Tian Xuan Mirror; the Artifact Spirit will automatically exempt."

"For personal matters, regardless of who it is, taxes must be paid," Zhao Feng explained with a smile.

Hearing this,

Ying Zheng's eyes brightened: "If the Tian Xuan Mirror becomes widespread in the future, this will result in unimaginable tax revenue. However, it must not be overextended in its implementation."

"Father, do not worry."

"Ordinary message transmission is only ten cents."

"As for the transmission of goods, it depends on the item's size and weight," Zhao Feng smiled.

With memories of two lifetimes,

Zhao Feng naturally knew how significant the revenue from the Tian Xuan Mirror's transmission ability would be for Qin.

In the future, Qin would not need to worry about sources of funds or grains.

"That is excellent," Ying Zheng nodded.

"Now then."

"Is there anything else to report?" Zhao Feng smiled.

"No further matters to report, Your Majesty," the ministers collectively responded.

"If there are no more reports,"

"Let us adjourn the court."

"Today's discussion, the national strategy to reclaim land for distribution to the people, reduce taxes, and implement various policies, Chancellor will immediately use the Tian Xuan Mirror to announce it to the Nine Provinces and Thirty-Six Counties, post proclamations, and inform the world," Zhao Feng commanded in a deep voice.

"I shall obey," Lv Buwei declared loudly.

As the ministers retreated,

The Morning Discussion Hall was left with just Ying Zheng and Zhao Feng.

"Feng'er,"

"Your policy has truly cut off the remnants of the Six States," Ying Zheng laughed, greatly pleased.

"Father,"

"Throughout history, dynasties have rarely lasted long."

"Do you know why?" Zhao Feng looked at Ying Zheng.

"Simply because of foolish kings and traitorous ministers," Ying Zheng replied.

"No."

Zhao Feng shook his head, "Perhaps that is part of it, but fundamentally, it's because of land consolidation. If all the land under a dynasty's rule falls into the hands of aristocratic families, leaving the common people with no land to farm or food to eat, they will have no choice but to rebel and create chaos."