After traveling through time, I became Han Zhang’s grandson?

Chapter 203: Land Survey!!!

Late at night in the Anyang Marquis Mansion, the sound of three men laughing could be heard from time to time, causing Yong Zeng, who was guarding the courtyard, and Yu Yanran and others who came to ask if they needed a snack to smile bitterly.

"Madam, shall I go inside to report to the Marquis?"

Yong Zeng saluted and asked cautiously.

"Forget it, they are chatting enthusiastically at the moment, so we won't disturb them."

"They probably won't have enough food, so I asked the kitchen to prepare some extra food."

"If the Marquis and the two gentlemen need it, just get it for them."

Yu Yanran stood in the corridor, looking at the messy figures and noisy voices in the study, and couldn't help but smile helplessly.

"Yes, madam." Yong Zeng clasped his fists and saluted to show that he understood.

"Also, please don't let irrelevant people know about the conversation between the Marquis and the two adults today."

Yu Yanran gave a somewhat worried reminder, then took Jin Rui and Ju Cao away from the courtyard.

Behind him, Yong Zeng bowed slightly and nodded, looking around vigilantly.

In the study, Han Ming took the slightly tipsy Wang Jiefu and Sima Junshi with him, and kept pointing at the reform methods in his hands, explaining their true meaning.

Whenever there were any issues or disagreements, the three of them would argue under the influence of alcohol, and gradually explain their ideas for reform in politics, economy, culture, military, etc.

"So, no matter which direction we advance reform, we must ensure one basic point—the stability of the court!"

"If the entire Song Dynasty is plunged into turmoil, then no matter how good the reforms are, they will fall into chaos."

"This is something neither side wants to see. Even the elders will use these arguments to attack us and abolish the new policy!"

After all, Sima Junshi came from the Taijian and Jianyuan courts, and his contact with too many conservatives made him understand the other side's methods and psychological bottom line.

"Also, we can't say that the initial reforms were directionless. In my opinion, rather than struggling with the political system, it's better to advance first in the economic or military fields."

Wang Jiefu's idea is consistent with Han Ming's historical impression of him. After all, Wang Jiefu's reform slogan is "enrich the country and strengthen the army"!

Large-scale reforms from the economic to the military fields gave the corrupt Song Dynasty a chance to survive.

During the reign of Emperor Zhezong, a large-scale foreign war was launched, which resulted in victory and suppression over the Western Xia and the capture of the entire Qingtang region. These can be regarded as the outstanding achievements of Wang Jiefu's "Reforms".

If Zhezong had not died early, the Song Dynasty would probably not have been oppressed by the Jin people and could do whatever they wanted.

"Every item must be revised, everything must be changed. We cannot give up on a step just because it's too difficult."

"The foundation of the Song Dynasty needs to be rebuilt, and it can't be solved by just one or two simple things."

"Brother Jiefu seems to be planning to initiate reforms in the economic and military sectors. What do you think, Brother Junshi?"

Han Ming sat down on the ground with a wine jug in his hand, looking for something in a very ungraceful manner.

"My thoughts are similar to Brother Jiefu's, but I'm afraid that military reforms will easily unsettle the military and cause chaos."

"So I think we still need to start with the economic and fiscal sectors to address local deficits, fiscal deficits, and issues like taxation and land."

Sima Junshi thought for a long time and felt that he had gone down a dead end. If he suddenly changed camps and engaged in oppositionism or conservatism, his reputation would be ruined.

Just dig up the roots, it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Even without the land, you may be able to survive in other ways.

This is the inherent concept of the landlord class, who feel they cannot live without land.

In ancient feudal society, land, as the most common resource within the Chinese national regime, was deeply loved by these aristocratic families and wealthy gentry.

The Han family is also a typical representative of the landlord class. After all, Han Ming's actions are not very noble.

On the one hand, as modern people, we hope to give the ancient people a peaceful and prosperous life.

The saying "when you are successful, you should help the world" refers to people like him.

On the other hand, as the ruling class, they were seeking a better direction of "change" to prolong the dynasty's rule and enable the family to enjoy long-term peace and stability, achieving the point where they could prosper together with the country.

Since Han Ming enjoyed the benefits of the feudal landlord class, it was difficult for him to completely revolutionize himself.

This could be seen by Emperor Renzong, Empress Dowager Cao, Emperor Yingzong, and all the officials in the court.

Compared with the unstoppable "Shang Yang Reform" and the ruthless "Qing Shizong Reform", Han Ming will ultimately pursue political balance and compromise.

"What about the first step? Have you two thought about where to start?"

Han Ming raised his head and took a sip of cold wine, staring at Wang Jiefu and Sima Junshi calmly.

Frankly speaking, he is a hawk. He would rather start with military reform, and then rely on the strength of the new army to launch a nationwide campaign to eliminate the root cause of the "three redundancies".

But everyone has different ideas. Within the Han Party, there can be countless debates; but outside the Han Party, the entire camp must speak in unison to the outside world.

This is the method and courage that Han Ming controls, and it is also his requirement for all relevant personnel of the Han Party.

Han Ming's question cheered up Wang Jiefu and Sima Junshi. They knew that the leader of the Han Party agreed with their reforms in the economic and financial fields.

"Measure the land——!"

"Measure the land——!"

The two looked at each other and immediately spoke in unison.

Obviously, they have prepared for this problem in advance, know where the root lies, and what to do about it.

"It looks like Brother Jiefu and Brother Junshi have both dug a trap here waiting for me!"

Han Ming smiled slightly and didn't say much.

After all, he was very satisfied that two historically diametrically opposed political enemies could work together for a common goal.

"Han Hou probably has his own considerations, but he might be thinking of starting with the military!"

Wang Jiefu could be said to be a worm in Han Ming's stomach. Basically, as long as the other party frowned or glanced at him, he knew what Han Ming was thinking!

"Actually, your considerations are not unreasonable. If we leave the army first, it may lead to an irreversible situation."

"After all, not every place is like Shaanxi, and it's impossible for Han to devote his energy to suppressing rebellions across the country."

"..."

Han Ming leaned back in his chair, lost in thought. Although the two men beside him were a little drunk, they still looked at the young man intently, waiting for him to speak.

"Then let's do as you wish. We'll start by surveying the land nationwide!"

A fierce look flashed across Han Ming's eyes, and his whole demeanor suddenly changed.

He then stood up, drank the cold wine in the jug in one gulp, and began pacing on the spot.

"This matter cannot be publicized. Be careful to prevent opposition forces within the court from tipping off the local authorities."

Han Ming immediately entered the working state. As soon as this sentence came out, Wang Jiefu and Sima Junshi also came back to their senses and quickly stood up.

"Then we need to secretly send people to do it, but this will easily alert the enemy!"

Wang Jiefu frowned in embarrassment.

"What's there to worry about? Right now, His Royal Highness Prince Huan and his men are inspecting the salt industry throughout the country. Ze Cheng and Liang Liulang are both talented people. Why not just have them secretly investigate the land conditions in various places?"

Han Ming curled his lips and told his plan.

As soon as these words were spoken, Wang Jiefu and Sima Junshi immediately became excited and applauded.

"Yes, as the Minister of Supervision, His Royal Highness Prince Huan holds the title of Imperial Envoy and can freely check the treasury accounts of all regions."

Wang Jiefu immediately realized the usefulness of this move.

"Not only that, His Royal Highness Prince Huan is now the eldest prince of the Emperor, and has been granted the power of military and political appointments by His Majesty. With this power, he can also solve the military and political problems in the local area."

Sima Junshi was thinking far ahead this time. He planned to use King Huan Zhao Ceying to solve the local "three redundancies" problem.

"Deputy Commander Gu is also with His Royal Highness Prince Huan. This way, safety can be guaranteed and the local troops can be effectively reorganized."

Wang Jiefu also opened his mind and continued the discussion.

"Then let's do this. I will go to the palace tomorrow to pay my respects to the emperor, and then send a personal message to His Royal Highness Prince Huan and the others to explain."

"Let them openly investigate the salt tax and secretly inspect the land!!!"

Han Ming made a summary at the end and officially launched the vigorous "Zhiping Reform"!