"The so-called tax exemption privileges disrupt the foundation of the state, sever its fortunes, and throw the realm into chaos."
"Therefore, tax exemption privileges harm the common people, encourage land annexation, and allow the powerful and noble to seize the land held by the common folk through trickery and coercion. This is truly a great crime."
"This was my, Zhu Yuanzhang's, fault. I should remember this lesson and never commit such an error again."
"Let this serve as a warning. Zhu Yuanzhang shall confess his guilt to the realm and make it clear through this edict that he will never repeat this mistake."
Liu Jing read the imperial edict aloud, his voice carrying with solemn gravity.
After hearing this proclamation.
All the surrounding commoners were utterly shocked.
"Th-This is His Majesty's self-reproach edict."
"How could this be?"
"His Majesty actually issued a self-reproach edict."
"His Majesty has shown boundless grace to the people of our Ming Dynasty. He is a diligent and good emperor, yet he issued a self-reproach edict over this matter. Th-This truly is a sage ruler for all ages."
"Yes."
"Regarding land annexation and the powerful seizing land by force, perhaps His Majesty was deceived as well."
With the issuance of this self-reproach edict.
It was the greatest admission of fault and the greatest punishment for an emperor.
Or rather, Zhu Yuanzhang truly believed he had erred in this matter. By issuing this self-reproach edict, he was also warning the powerful and noble throughout the realm, as well as his own sons.
To ensure this national policy could be carried through.
He, Zhu Yuanzhang, the emperor of the great Ming Dynasty, had issued a self-reproach edict. This was an example to all, an example of admitting that the national policy he had once established was wrong.