"Even with tax exemption rights, why were they still unable to survive?" Zhu Yuanzhang frowned deeply. Though he had already thought of something, he did not dare be certain.
"Land annexation."
Zhu Ying spat out four words.
The moment those words fell.
Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao's expressions changed drastically.
"After founding the Ming Dynasty, I strictly forbade the buying and selling of farmland."
"Even the gentry and vassal kings would not dare go too far." Zhu Yuanzhang spoke in a low voice, clearly unwilling to believe it.
"Perhaps that was true before the tenth year of the Hongwu Era, but it is now the twenty-fourth year of Hongwu."
"The Ming Dynasty has stood for so many years. Does Your Majesty truly think those gentry would remain honest?"
"As long as land annexation brings enough profit, they would dare take the risk."
"Furthermore, vassal kings are tax-exempt, so they can lawfully purchase land."
"Jinshi degree holders are tax-exempt as well, and they too can lawfully purchase land."
"These policies were all established by Your Majesty. Even without forcibly annexing land, many commoners willingly hand over their fields to them. They do not even need to buy the land with money. Instead, the commoners must pay vassal kings or jinshi degree holders rent every year."
"The imperial court collects taxes from the realm, but the first layer of taxes is collected by the gentry and vassal kings."
"If Your Majesty does not believe me, you may send people to investigate, or personally go among the people and see for yourself." Zhu Ying said gravely.
These matters.
Were naturally not empty words from Zhu Ying.
They were the reality facing the Ming Dynasty today.
And what Zhu Ying had personally witnessed.
Not only in Beiping Prefecture, but also in Daning Prefecture.
Zhu