"According to the law, a tax of three shi of fodder and two shi of straw should be levied annually. However, in Shangjun and Daijun, where the land is poor, the tax is reduced to two shi of fodder and two shi of straw!" Zhang Tang, still too young, hadn't thought things through and simply answered honestly, "According to the law, if this is not done properly, a fine of four liang will be imposed. Furthermore, if the fodder and straw are of poor quality, money can be paid to offset the tax: fifteen coins per shi of fodder and five coins per shi of straw!"
The so-called fodder and straw were actually dry grass and straw, a common commodity in the Han Dynasty.
The fodder and straw tax was a strategic resource for Han Dynasty revenue.
Because this levied fodder and straw was ultimately used as fodder for warhorses.
In the Qin Dynasty, rigid Legalist officials demanded only dry grass and straw, and those who couldn't pay were subjected to severe punishments.
While the Han law inherited the Qin law, it was modified.
Drought or floods, if someone couldn't provide enough fodder or simply didn't want the trouble of cutting hay, the government was very understanding; they could pay a fee to offset their taxes, and the price was clearly stated!
How about that? Sound familiar?
The original version of Zhang Juzheng's Single Whip Law?
This is why, despite having the same laws, the Qin Dynasty only lasted two generations, while the Han Dynasty emperors, with just a few additions, ultimately ruled China for five hundred years.
Essentially, the laws of the Han Dynasty, especially the early Han Dynasty, were simply Qin laws with Han Dynasty characteristics?
"Yes!" Lu Ming nodded, getting down to help Zhang Tang up. "I've long heard of your great name, and seeing you today, it truly lives up to its reputation!"
It was just a formality, a show for others to see, to avoid accusations that Lu Ming was ignorant of the rules and misused personnel. Therefore, there was no need to actually conduct a formal inquiry into matters of state.
Of course, when acting, one must go all the way.
As the Romance of the Three Kingdoms says, winning people's hearts is nothing more than offering them clothes and food; in short, it's about making them feel that you are a wise ruler who craves talent, and that following you guarantees a bright future (and wealth).
So Lu Ming took Zhang Tang's hand and asked, "Would you be willing to condescend to serve me?"
Without waiting for Zhang Tang to speak, he directly produced a warrant and handed it to him, saying, "The nine markets of Didao are currently the most difficult to manage. Would you be willing to clear the way for me?"
Zhang Tang took the warrant from Lu Ming and was astonished.
"Your Excellency's kindness is too much! How could I not serve you?" Zhang Tang said, bowing deeply. "I am deeply grateful for your kindness, Your Excellency! I will certainly not fail your expectations!"
Although the warrant Lu Ming gave him only indicated the rank of a mere hundred-stone official, a market magistrate in charge of market registration, this rank was equivalent to Zhang Tang's promotion from a clerk to an official. The difference in status was, without exaggeration, like heaven and earth. For someone of Zhang Tang's age and status, this was like a windfall.
Zhang Tang felt as if he had encountered a legendary, enlightened ruler, finally able to realize his ambitions, and his heart was naturally filled with excitement!
Seeing Zhang Tang's status as a follower, Lu Ming felt relieved.
Although two of the three major families had already perished, leaving only the Tong family,
continuing to deal with the Tong family was absolutely necessary, but how to do so, how to weaken their power, was a skill in itself.
And every aristocratic family, whether princes, nobles, or high-ranking officials,
their core interests lay in commerce. It's often said that scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants—commerce is the lowest of the low, but it is undeniably the most profitable.
With Zhang Tang around, at least the chaotic market could be regulated, and in conjunction with his policies, idlers could be put to work in workshops, reducing the unstable idle population, and thus stabilizing public order.
Conquering a city isn't actually difficult; there are many ways to do so.
The key lies in its subsequent governance. If the most crucial elements aren't captured, the city will remain under the control of powerful families.
Lu Ming hopes to conduct a test in Didao and then replicate it throughout Liangzhou.
There are many Legalist disciples, but none will submit to him; he must recruit or cultivate them himself.
This makes Legalist members like Zhang Tang invaluable.
This is only the first step; he needs to build momentum for him, promote him, and make him a figurehead.
Many are affiliated with powerful families, but even more are frustrated and unfulfilled. He needs to acquire as many as possible.
Talent is still too scarce; otherwise, he wouldn't need top strategists to handle official duties.
"I'll give you another five hundred taels of gold. Two hundred taels are for you to use to settle your family and buy a house. The remaining three hundred taels are for you to use to recruit men and reorganize Huai City!" Liu De clapped his hands, and two servants carried out a box. Liu De opened the box, revealing a gleaming gold interior.
Even though these were followers sent by the system, Lu Ming believed they were flesh-and-blood people. They could even verify Bao Zheng's background and childhood deeds, which meant Zhang Tang was the same; he must have friends. Bringing these people over would be the initial source of talent, wouldn't it?
Without money, Zhang Tang definitely wouldn't be able to make a name for himself in Huai City.
Although Zhang Tang was capable, he wasn't a god with three heads and six arms. Without money to reward his subordinates and recruit capable people, he simply couldn't get those clerks to obey.
Besides, while words might move people for a moment, in the long run, empty promises would be seen through.
To maintain the unity and efficiency of a political group throughout history, the leader's talent and prestige are essential, followed by generous rewards to subordinates, and strict discipline and the establishment of rules.
Therefore, historical records often praise wise rulers who reward merit and punish wrongdoing.
Lu Ming is not short of money, although he spends it lavishly, but correspondingly, all of it is invested in infrastructure.
The cities of Liangzhou are interconnected, attracting merchants from beyond the Great Wall, resulting in thriving business. Tax revenue can be used to maintain the city's expenses.
The profits from Lu Ming's merchant caravans are then invested in construction and memory research. The Mohist school's research is reliable, representing top-tier industrial technology in ancient times; its only drawback is its enormous cost.
After deducting the tributes to Emperor Ling of Luoyang and the Ten Attendants, there isn't much left.
You can't catch a wolf without spending money; sooner or later, the principal will be recouped with interest.
Emperor Ling probably never imagined that what he thought was a virtuous minister turned out to be a heartless ingrate!
Not only did he want to impregnate his empress, but he also plotted to seize his Han dynasty empire. He was a complete ingrate.