PFC Chapter 265
Chapter 265
There are many natives on the South Pacific islands. Killing them all would not only trigger large-scale resistance, but would also likely plunge the Tang Dynasty into the quagmire of war.
But it is unclear what these populations are. Even if the Tang Dynasty immigrants migrated there, they would likely be assimilated into the local people through intermarriage over time.
Although China has an absolute leading cultural advantage, it is far overseas after all.
Without a superior population, it is simply impossible to digest the Nanyang region.
The population of the Tang Dynasty seemed large, but when it was dispersed across the Central Plains and southern regions, it seemed sparsely populated.
It would be totally insufficient to disperse them to occupy and rule the vast islands in the South Pacific.
In addition, if the officials sent out gather their own troops and establish a country overseas, it will pose a serious threat to the rule of the Tang Dynasty.
"This……"
Li Shimin was speechless for a moment and didn't know how to answer.
He stood there quietly, brows furrowed, lost in deep thought.
He realized that developing the navy and conquering the islands in the South Pacific and Japan were not something that could be accomplished overnight. It required careful consideration and the formulation of a comprehensive and long-term strategic plan.
"what do you mean?"
Li Shimin asked, his eyes full of expectation, hoping that Li Chengqian could come up with a feasible solution.
Li Chengqian spread his hands and said, "There is no shortcut. We can only encourage the people to have more children."
Li Shimin frowned and said, "Everyone knows that we should encourage childbirth, but some people simply cannot afford the heavy taxes."
His concerns are not without reason. The heavy burden of life on the people will indeed affect their enthusiasm for childbirth.
Li Chengqian looked at him and said, "Have you not read the policy of 'dividing the land tax into acreage' proposed by Emperor Yongzheng of the Qing Dynasty?"
"The tax is calculated based on the land area!" Li
Shimin had never read the history of the Qing Dynasty, and an expression of surprise and curiosity appeared on his face.
"Tell me more details." He couldn't wait to know the specific content of the policy.
Li Chengqian nodded slightly and began to explain: "'Diffusion of taxes according to land area'.
"The poll tax is incorporated into the land tax collection, or simply put, it means abolishing the poll tax."
"In this way, people no longer pay taxes based on the number of people, but rather based on the amount of land they own."
"This policy has greatly reduced the burden on farmers with no land or little land, allowing them to live a better life and be more willing to have children."
"At the same time, this will also be conducive to land reclamation and agricultural development, laying the foundation for national prosperity."
After Li Chengqian finished talking about the benefits of "spreading the tax rate according to the land area", the air seemed to freeze.
He knew in his heart that if he concealed the huge risks that might arise from this policy, it would make the aristocratic landlords completely enemies of the imperial court.
Aristocratic families have always possessed tremendous power and deep roots throughout the long course of history.
They controlled a large amount of land and wealth, and had a considerable influence on the government.
"Equalizing the land tax based on land area" is undoubtedly a sharp blade that directly stabs the core interests of the aristocratic families.
Once implemented, it will inevitably trigger their strong resistance.
This was a difficult decision, and it was a huge test for Li Shimin.
He needs to weigh the pros and cons and consider whether he has enough courage to challenge the authority of the family and cut off their roots.
This is not just the implementation of a policy, but also a game concerning the fate of the country.
Li Shimin remained silent, with a complex look in his eyes.
He was well aware of the power of the aristocratic families and also understood the possible consequences of implementing the "taxation system".
But he also understood that for the long-term stability of the Tang Dynasty and for the prosperity of the country, he had to make a decision.
The wind blew gently, bringing a hint of coolness.
The father and son stood on the steps, lost in deep thought.
The road ahead is full of unknowns and challenges. They must move forward cautiously and plan a bright path for the future of Datang.
"I understand. I'll handle this matter. Don't interfere!"
Li Shimin stood up and spoke slowly.
His voice was calm and firm, revealing an unquestionable majesty.
Li Shimin knew very well that the implementation of "equalizing the land tax" would cause huge waves, and he chose to take the responsibility of offending the aristocratic families on himself in order to leave a relatively stable situation for Li Chengqian.
He understood that the promotion and implementation of "equalizing the land tax" would not be achieved overnight.
As the king of later generations, what Li Chengqian needs to do is to clean up the mess, make some concessions, and stabilize the turbulent family again.
This period will inevitably be accompanied by resistance and even rebellion.
The aristocratic families will not give up their own interests easily, and they will try every means to resist the implementation of this policy.
A monarch of one generation might not be able to solve this problem at all, and even Li Chengqian might not be able to complete it successfully.
But Li Shimin firmly believed that as long as they, father and son, worked together and worked hard for the future of the Tang Dynasty, this goal would be achieved one day.
Li Chengqian said: "In fact, you don't have to be so nervous. After all, the income from land is negligible compared to the income from business.
As long as we let the noble families see the profits of overseas trade, I believe they will make a wise choice. "
There was a gleam of confidence in his eyes, as if he had seen the compromise of the aristocratic families in the face of interests.
"But they will never give up their land easily, so it is up to you, the Heavenly Khan, to take up the butcher's knife."
Li Chengqian's tone turned serious. He knew very well how stubborn the aristocratic families were. Only the threat of powerful force could make them afraid.
"I know that the profits from commerce are very lucrative, but after all, they are not as stable as those from land," Li Shimin said worriedly.
His brows were furrowed, his heart filled with worry...
Land has always been the foundation of a country and the basis for the survival of aristocratic families.
Although trade is profitable, in his opinion, it is not as stable and reliable as land output.
Li Chengqian explained: "That's because you haven't understood the scale of overseas trade. I'm not talking about small-scale operations, but organizing a large-scale fleet to go out to sea.
Go to Southeast Asia, India, or even to the Arab world or the European continent in the west!"
His voice was passionate and powerful, full of vision for the future...
He painted a grand blueprint, making Li Shimin seem to see the Tang Dynasty's merchant ships shuttling back and forth on the vast ocean, bringing endless wealth and glory.
"A large-scale fleet going out to sea?"
Li Shimin's mind moved, and he began to think about the feasibility of this proposal.
Overseas trade does have huge potential, but it also faces many risks and challenges.
How to organize the fleet, ensure safety, and expand the market are all issues that need to be resolved...