Chapter 110 Father really loves us! What a big pie, endless motivation!
"Your Highnesses, the so-called cultivation resources refer to..."
Although Lu Fang felt that Prince Yu and Prince Jing looked somewhat resentful, he couldn't tell why, but he continued talking.
"..."
"So, your highnesses..." After Lu Fang briefly explained to Prince Yu and Prince Jing the importance of resources on the road to cultivating immortals, he took a deep breath and looked at the Lingtian courtyard with deep emotion.
"Cultivating spiritual fields can grow more spiritual rice, spiritual herbs, spiritual melons, and spiritual fruits to assist in cultivation."
"Otherwise, even if you have immortal techniques, you are not qualified to embark on the immortal path. Without spiritual fields, you have no resources for cultivation. Without cultivation resources, the immortal path is cut off and there is no hope for immortality!"
After listening to Lu Fang's detailed account, Prince Yu and Prince Jing both looked as if they had realized something. Looking at the Lingtian courtyard in front of them, their faces became solemn and their expressions were full of seriousness.
"So, there is a difference between the immortal cultivators and the immortals we are talking about, right?" At this time, Prince Yu thought of the purpose of their trip, which was to ask his father whether immortals really existed.
It is now very clear before our eyes that my father has definitely embarked on the path to immortality. So what is the difference between the immortals who appeared on the battlefield in the northern border?
In their eyes, cultivators are immortals.
As for cultivating immortals, cultivating immortals, obviously the emphasis is on the word "cultivate". Because one is not an immortal, one needs to cultivate immortals.
But what he wanted to know more was, was the person who directly destroyed Yinshan on the battlefield in the northern border also a cultivator?
Or maybe, that was a real immortal, and it was because of that person that my father was able to get a glimpse of the immortal?
Of course, Prince Yu, who paid more attention to state affairs, wanted to know how his father obtained the immortal fate and whether he paid a price. Was this price borne by his father himself or by the Ming Dynasty?
He was used to being cautious, and his father was, well, to put it bluntly, a selfish person.
When I was a mortal in the past, I just lived a more extravagant life, but the people below controlled me, so I could restrain myself to some extent.
But this time, the emperor was "playing" with something more mysterious, a level that none of them had ever encountered before.
If there is any price involved, I am afraid my father will pay it without hesitation. What kind of price does it cost to embark on the path of immortality?
Just thinking about it, Prince Yu felt heavy in his heart, but he looked fine on the surface and nothing seemed unusual.
"Haha," Lv Fang chuckled and explained to Prince Yu, "Your Highness, in the eyes of mortals, immortal cultivators are naturally high and mighty 'immortals', but immortal cultivators cannot regard themselves as immortals."
"Immortals are immortal and will never fall. However, if an immortal cultivator's spiritual energy is exhausted, all his methods will be useless and he will be no different from an ordinary person. Even immortal cultivators can get injured, grow old, get sick, and die."
"If you can't cultivate to become an immortal, even if your life span increases, you will die when your life span runs out," Lu Fang said, and couldn't help but think of what Jiajing said to him, and sighed:
"If you can't become an immortal, you will end up being a mortal."
After hearing this explanation, Prince Yu's eyes showed a hint of understanding, so he couldn't help but say, "The battlefield in the northern border..."
"Father, I understand!" Without waiting for Prince Yu to finish his words, Prince Jing immediately clasped his fists, bowed, and spoke loudly.
Prince Yu frowned, and when he glanced around, he saw Lu Fang shaking his head slightly at him. He was stunned and suddenly realized.
Yes, is there any need to ask? Who else has the ability to destroy the world like that, except for a true immortal?
Lu Fang's previous description of the immortal cultivators was divided according to their realms. The immortal cultivators at a low level could not even fly in the air. If they were not assisted by some unique methods of immortal cultivators, they could even outlast an army of mortals.
The person who attacked on the battlefield in the north must be a real immortal, and also my father's secret. What does he want to do by trying to find out about the immortal? What would my father think with his suspicious character?
For a moment, Prince Yu felt a wave of fear in his heart and couldn't help but look at Prince Jing with gratitude, but he was met with a cold stare.
The meaning in King Jing's eyes was very clear: You want to anger my father, I have no objection, I'd be happy to see it happen, but don't take me with you!
Well, Prince Jing doesn't want to be dragged down by Prince Yu at all. This third brother has really been turned into a nerd by that group of upright people.
You dare to find out everything. You are simply courting death. Is it because your father has been very nice to you for a few days that you are becoming arrogant?
My father, who has embarked on the immortal path, wants offspring, and he could probably have more at any time. He only has two sons, so it’s not that he can’t abandon them.
It has to be said that Prince Jing is indeed the most like Jiajing. His mind is changeable and deep, with thousands of calculations overlapping one after another.
"I, your son, will definitely assist you and plan for your immortal path and ambition!" King Jing's voice was very loud.
"The same goes for me!" Prince Yu knew that he had made a mistake just now, so he quickly clasped his fists and lowered his head to reduce his presence.
Lu Fang watched Prince Yu and Prince Jing silently retreat to the side. He naturally knew that the immortal on the battlefield in the northern border was his master, as for the other figure sent back from the northern border.
That must be Hai Rui!
Well, when thinking of this, Lu Fang envied Hai Rui a little, for he could be with his master and witness that great moment.
As for why the master did not tell the two princes the truth, based on Lu Fang's understanding of the master's character, he did not find it strange.
Everyone believes that the closest people in the world are father and son, but sometimes this is not necessarily the case.
It is human nature that the most difficult thing to repay in life is the kindness of parents. But how many sons think like this?
Nine out of ten sons think that it is their parents' duty to be kind to them, so it is natural for them to be kind to them. The love between father and son is only for the father to love the son, but how often have you seen the son love the father?
Sometimes the closest relationship is not between father and son, but between monarch and subject, master and servant, teacher and apprentice! Sons take their parents' kindness for granted, while subjects, disciples, and slaves can regard kindness as a reward.
Just like himself and Wen Fu. Master, superior, this corresponds to the feelings of the two of them towards the emperor.
However, unlike ordinary masters and servants and superiors, the emperor likes these things but does not really need them.
For emperors, sometimes ordering the death of their subjects and slaves is also a favor to them, but it is cold and heartless.
Only after being useful can you be qualified to think about repaying a favor.
Even though they knew this, they were still grateful to the emperor. Even though it was always their one-sided contribution, they were still happy to do it. Did the master know? Yes!
It is in this way that they can become the confidants of their master, and be granted with magical powers by their master to lead them in the practice of cultivation.
Therefore, not everyone can be a confidant.
These were the reasons why the master gave the immortal cultivation techniques to him and Lu Bing first, instead of giving them to his two sons, Prince Yu and Prince Jing.
Because ordinary people can understand this truth, but emperors understand it more thoroughly and extremely than others.
What is an emperor? He is the one who is alone and helpless!
All emperors trust no one, including their own sons.
At the moment when Lu Fang's thoughts were wandering, Jiajing spoke.
"You also want to practice Taoism?" Jiajing walked out of the spiritual rice field, washed his hands in the golden basin handed to him by Lu Fang, and looked at his two sons while wiping his hands.
"Father, Your Majesty, can I really do this?" Seeing their father asking them so bluntly whether they wanted to cultivate immortality, Prince Yu and Prince Jing were startled, then ecstatic and unable to speak clearly.
This is cultivation. Didn't they come to the emperor just to get a little blessing from the immortals? I didn't expect the emperor to be so generous. Was he going to give them some immortal skills?
Well, father really loves us!
"Lv Fang," Jiajing raised his hand and pointed at the two of them. Lv Fang immediately understood and took out two copies of the 'Qi Induction Technique' that he had prepared earlier, one for each of them, and handed them to Prince Yu and Prince Jing respectfully, "Your Highnesses."
Looking at the thin pages of paper in front of me.
Thinking that what was recorded here might be the magic bestowed by immortals, Prince Yu and Prince Jing were shaking with excitement.
Trembling, they took the few thin pages of paper and looked at the three large characters "Yin Qi Jue" on them. Both of them breathed quickly.
"From now on, you two can come to the palace to practice every day." Jiajing said as he turned around and went back to Yuxi Palace. Although Prince Yu and Prince Jing were excited, they reacted quickly and followed him.
"Next, I will entrust you with a few tasks." Jiajing sat in the temple again, and Prince Yu and Prince Jing stood respectfully.
"Please give us your instructions, Your Majesty. I will try my best!" At this moment, the two people who obtained the immortal magic were filled with pride.
There was only one thought in my mind, that is, I must not let my father down and I must complete his task!
"I want to restore the garrison system and implement the recruitment system inland to ensure that finances and military supplies can be restored."
"Now that the northern border and the southeastern coast have stabilized, if we want to restore the finances, we must rectify the administration next."
Hearing the words "rectify the administration of officials", Prince Yu and Prince Jing's excited hearts gradually calmed down.
They were not surprised by their father's plan.
Although my father has already embarked on the path to immortality and there are real immortals behind him, governing a country requires gradual progress.
Human hearts are changeable and complex.
Just because you are an immortal, you can’t make your words come true.
Those incompetent and greedy people, even if the government orders are issued, even if they want to do a good job, will end up making a mess of things, just like the "Xining Reforms" in the Song Dynasty.
Although there are various reasons, they are all due to people acting too hastily and thinking too simply, believing that government orders can be implemented smoothly wherever they are issued, which is completely out of touch with reality.
This causes those termites who have no real ability to do all kinds of stupid things, which hurt the country and make it a mess.
As members of the royal family, Prince Yu and Prince Jing naturally understood this; the world belonged to their family, so of course they had to be careful with their own property.
"After rectifying the administration, the finances will be restored. With the finances as support, the next issue is the land issue," Jiajing said, raising his finger and said, "What do you two think about the current land system of our Ming Dynasty?"
Upon hearing their father's question, Prince Yu and Prince Jing felt nervous, knowing that this was a test, and began to think seriously about it.
"Move a seat for them." Jiajing raised his finger and said.
"Thank you, Father." The two thanked him and sat on the stools that Lu Fang brought. Then Prince Yu spoke first, saying, "Father, I think the land needs reform."
Prince Yu started the conversation first and then continued.
"I wonder if your Majesty still remembers Gui E, who was the Second Assistant Minister of the Cabinet in the eighth year of Jiajing?"
Hearing this name, Jiajing looked at Prince Yu with a touch of relief. Gui E was one of Jiajing's most valued ministers ten years ago. It was a pity.
Jiajing did not say anything but gestured to Prince Yu to continue.
King Jing, who was standing by, was very good at observing people's expressions. He naturally saw his father's face gradually widening, and his heart tightened. However, he knew nothing about land. He was just very talented in making money.
For a moment, King Jing felt for the first time that his brother, who was usually timid and had no imperial bearing, was not a simple man.
Before this, he looked down on Prince Yu and felt only resentment and jealousy towards him. Why was he the third child just because he was born a few days earlier than himself? After his eldest and second brothers died, he became the first in line?
It was obvious that I was loved and valued by the emperor more than he was. The only difference was that I was born a few days later.
But now, he suddenly discovered that Prince Yu had already accumulated some strength and was stronger than himself. He couldn't accept it!
"Gui E submitted a memorial on 'Ren Min Kao' in the ninth year of Jiajing." Prince Yu naturally didn't know what Prince Jing was thinking. At this time, he just wanted to answer his father's questions with all his strength.
"In his memorial, he mentioned expanding the scope of taxation to make the taxation relatively even."
"Through land surveying, all the hidden lands of the gentry families in various places will be measured, so as to achieve equalization of taxes and labor service and reduce the taxes borne by ordinary people."
Prince Yu paused and continued, "In addition, he also proposed to unify taxes and labor service."
"The land tax, corvée and other miscellaneous taxes of each prefecture and county will be combined into one, and silver will be collected and paid on a per-acre basis."
“This greatly simplifies the tax system, makes it easier to collect taxes, and makes it more difficult for local officials to cheat, thereby increasing fiscal revenue.”
"In addition, another advantage of unified taxes and levies is that it limits harassment and makes taxation more stable."
"Finally, the tax will be changed from being collected in kind to being collected in silver. The common people and households that are required to perform labor service can pay money to perform the labor service, and the government will hire people to perform the labor service."
"Not only that, it will also boost business and increase fiscal revenue."
"It's a pity that this 'One Whip Law' has not been fully implemented in our Ming Dynasty. It is only being piloted in some places."
Prince Yu said, shaking his head and sighing slightly, saying:
"I have been keeping an eye on those pilot projects. Unfortunately, the officials are corrupt and incompetent." After saying that, Prince Yu regained his composure, clasped his hands in a serious manner towards Jiajing, and said:
"I think that after rectifying the administration of officials, we can implement the 'One Whip Law' to completely change the problems existing in the land of our Ming Dynasty."
After hearing Prince Yu's words, Prince Jing lowered his head and clenched his fists slightly in his wide sleeves.
He would not mock Prince Yuzhi in his heart for reading out someone else's script. As a prince, it is important for him to learn how to employ people and make judgments.
The reason why I didn't think of these things was because I didn't have any capable ministers around me to assist and train me on the path to becoming an emperor.
For a moment, King Jing suddenly felt that Yan Song was not a good man!
However, what he didn't know was that it was not that Yan Song was not a good man, but that he was not the emperor, and he just couldn't control Yan Song.
"Heh," Jiajing chuckled, nodded to Prince Yu, then looked at Prince Jing and said, "What about you?"
"My father," King Jing forced a smile when asked by his father, and said, "I think what my third brother said is right. The Single Whip Law is indeed the best way to reform the land system."
At this time, Prince Yu finally had time to look at the fourth brother.
An inexplicable feeling arose spontaneously, making him subconsciously straighten his back, and there was a hint of condescension in his eyes when he looked at King Jing.
This kind of condescending attitude stems from the gap between the two sides in governing the country.
"The one-whip method is good, but it's too slow," Jiajing first gave affirmation, then shook his head slightly and said:
"I want to make some minor changes. After rectifying the administration, the land annexation problem will probably be solved quickly."
Hearing this, a strange look flashed in Prince Yu's eyes, and there was a struggle in his eyes, but he soon felt relieved.
Obviously, the emperor's meaning was very clear. This time the rectification of the civil service would probably be aimed directly at his faction, that is, the Qingliu faction. This was not difficult to see from the previous events in the southeast.
My father’s goal has always been land!
Restoring the military-land system and continuing to implement the Weisuo system was just a prelude; the real target was land.
Before, he was still thinking about becoming the crown prince and needed these people, so naturally he had to stand with their interests.
But now, the crown prince? Haha, don't even think about it. If he really becomes the crown prince, he feels so depressed that he will die.
In that case, since he was originally on the same boat with Qingliu, it was naturally time for him to get off.
"After the gentry and the great families in various places return their land, the capitation tax that was levied on a per capita basis will be abolished and incorporated into the land tax."
"In this way, no matter how the number of people in a household changes, their tax burden will be related to the land area they own."
"As for the food problem caused by the increase in population, there is no need to worry. I have other high-yield grains that have been nourished by spiritual energy as the staple food. The people don't have to worry about the problem of food..."
Other high-yield grains nourished by spiritual energy?
Upon hearing this, Prince Yu immediately thought of immortals! Well, perhaps these high-yield grains came from the immortal world!
"Collecting taxes based on the amount of land not only reduces the burden on the people, but also promotes population growth and increases fiscal revenue."
After listening to what Jiajing said, Prince Yu thought for a moment and nodded slightly.
The 'single whip method' that I mentioned before can indeed solve the problem of land annexation, but it is too slow.
My father's rectification of the administration of officials is an act of cutting the Gordian knot. Moreover, now that my father has shown his divine powers, the clean officials will be dealt with. If Xu Jie and others want to protect themselves, they can only cut off their arms to survive and actively cooperate.
Therefore, there was no resistance from the gentry and no non-cooperation from officials. In addition, after the rectification of the administration of officials, the finances were restored, and there was financial support to support the mature benefits of the policy.
One thing after another, every step counts.
It seems like a quick and hasty move, but it was actually planned long ago. Every cut was precise, not even an inch off. I can only say that he is worthy of being my father.
"Your Majesty is wise!" Prince Yu said respectfully.
"Yes," Jiajing nodded, and then continued: "Rectify the administration of officials, restore finances, reform the land system..."
As he spoke, Jiajing tapped his knees with his fingers leisurely.
In fact, a thousand considerations had already emerged in his mind, and what he had just said, land reform, was only the first stage of the land issue, and there were still three stages to be completed.
His ultimate goal was to turn more than 60% to 70% of the Ming Dynasty's farmland into spiritual fields, so land reform had to be constantly improved, with generations of innovations required to mature.
However, all of this is still too far away, and we need to lay the groundwork, take it step by step, and wait until it is mature before we can implement it!
He wouldn't tell the two of them, but he could give them some hope.
Thinking of this, Jiajing smiled slightly and said, "You all heard it just now. The most important thing on the road to becoming an immortal is resources. As long as there are enough resources, becoming an immortal is only a matter of time."
"Just think about it. If all the fields in my Great Ming were turned into spiritual fields, you would have a continuous supply of resources for cultivating immortals. Then wouldn't it be only a matter of time before my Great Ming became an immortal dynasty?"
"With resources, the number of immortals in our Ming Dynasty will increase. What will the scene be like then?"
As Jiajing described, Prince Yu and Prince Jing's breathing became rapid, as if they had already seen the future Ming Dynasty.
"These three steps will take time. I intend to leave it to you two to do. Do you have the confidence that you can get it done?"
Upon hearing this, Prince Yu and Prince Jing immediately stood up, knelt down, and said loudly: "Your sons have confidence!"
Well, in order to have an endless supply of resources for cultivating immortals, in order to become an immortal, in order to achieve immortality, and for the Great Ming Dynasty!
They must do these three things well: rectifying the administration of officials, increasing fiscal revenue, and reforming the land system!
"Well, get up." Jiajing said, and raised his hand to help them up. An invisible force helped them up.
This again shocked Prince Yu and Prince Jing!
"I will go back today and learn the techniques well. Tomorrow I will start practicing in the palace. At the same time, I will prepare to rectify the administration..."
"Yes!" Prince Yu and Prince Jing bowed, then walked out of Yuxi Palace with full confidence.
The two had already made up their minds that after returning, they would immediately gather people from their faction and prepare for reform!
Especially for Prince Yu, it is time to confront the people under his command.
The most crucial person among them is Xu Jie!
"Lord Xu, I believe you have already made some preparations in your mind." Thinking of this, an inexplicable look flashed in Prince Yu's eyes.
As for King Jing standing aside, he was also feeling uneasy.
What he saw was different from what Prince Yu saw. Land was very important. It would become spiritual fields in the future, and spiritual fields were resources for cultivating immortals.
"It seems that I have to have a good discussion with Yan Song and his son. Besides, I am still lacking capable ministers on my side..." Thinking of this, Prince Jing looked at Prince Yu beside him, feeling secretly envious.
In addition to Xu Jie, Prince Yu was surrounded by capable ministers such as Gao Gong, Zhang Juzheng, and Zhao Zhenji.
On our side, apart from the Yan father and son who are good at corruption and money-making, it seems that there are still too few talented people, and we must win them over.
He has a long-term vision. If the Immortal Dynasty develops in the future, will the Ming Dynasty be satisfied with this small territory?
Such a large piece of land also needs to be managed by the royal family, right?
For a moment, the two brothers had different thoughts, but the same thing was that they were both deeply attracted by the beautiful picture of the Ming Dynasty and immortality that Jiajing had described before.
This has given me endless motivation!
The first thing he thought of was to quickly gather his team, start working vigorously, and then build the spiritual field.
After all, these are the key to whether they can become immortals in the future. If they don’t take them seriously, who will?
"..."
It’s late, 6K+ is presented, full of sincerity…
(End of this chapter)
