Zhu Ying's words rang out with force.
Taking advantage of the results from collecting commercial taxes, he brought reform-centered governance fully into the open.
No empty rhetoric could compare to tangible results.
And the eighty million taels in commercial taxes, together with the labor tax revenue, were the true display of those results.
And this—
Under Zhu Ying's subtle influence, with Royal Industry at its foundation, had driven the fundamental profits of merchants.
Because Royal Industry had needs. Salt production required all manner of purification tools; making soap, cane sugar, and perfume also required supplies of various raw materials. Under the enormous market demand of the entire Ming Dynasty, many downstream suppliers had emerged.
This was what commerce gave rise to.
Many far-sighted merchants among the common people had even spotted the opportunity. They had seen that the Ming Dynasty's future would no longer be one of emphasizing agriculture and suppressing commerce, and they had increased their investments.
At this moment!
In the imperial court.
There was utter silence. Not even a crow cawed.
"A strong nation lies in national wealth."
"National wealth lies in reform."
"Only when the treasury has money can the court have the ability to bestow benefits upon the people, provide infrastructure for their livelihoods, strengthen the army to protect the nation, and raise the salaries and grant favor to officials serving the Ming Dynasty across the realm!"
"All of this depends upon the treasury."
"If the treasury is to be full, then all so-called empty talk is false."
"My lords."
"In the twenty-fifth year of the Hongwu Era, the Ming Dynasty abolished the poll tax and adopted the land tax. The results are plain for all to see."
"In the twenty-fifth year of the Hongwu Era, the Ming Dynasty adopted a new commercial tax. Minister