NOVEL NEXT Chapter 442
Chapter 442: The Policy of Shared Taxation per Acre – Zhao Gao Seeks Help!
“Yes.”
Li Mo had long anticipated that he would say this and calmly replied after taking a sip of tea.
Ying Zheng’s eyes lit up instantly.
He had only suggested it as a test, but he didn’t expect Li Mo to genuinely have a solution!
“What brilliant plan do you have?”
A way to continue collecting taxes while improving the people’s lives.
If everyone lived comfortably, who would even think of rebelling?
In that case, as Li Mo said, it would be like defeating the enemy without a battle.
Without spending a single soldier, the threats from anti-Qin forces could be dismantled.
Encouraged by Ying Zheng, Li Mo held up four fingers. “Four words: Shared Taxation per Acre.”
Ying Zheng and Han Fei both paused in surprise.
This was a completely new term; it was clear they had never heard it before.
Han Fei repeated, “Shared taxation per… per acre?”
Li Mo corrected him, “It’s ‘per acre,’ as in ‘measure of land’.”
“Shared taxation per acre… as in attaching tax to land tax?” Ying Zheng asked.
Li Mo nodded firmly, “Exactly! We abolish the head tax and include this tax in the land tax.”
“Shared taxation per acre” means no more head taxes, and the reduced amounts from the head tax would be redistributed and shouldered by those who own land.
The more land one has, the more they pay; the less land, the less they pay.
This would ease the burden on those who own little or no land.
Farmers who previously couldn’t pay the head tax often sought to become tenants or servile workers under landlords to survive.
In this way, the head tax would fall on the landlords.
However, to maximize their profits, landlords would report fewer tenants or servants to the government, evading taxes—talk about shady!
But with shared taxation per acre, there’s no head tax!
With less burden on poor farmers, they might no longer endure exploitation in landlords’ houses.
They’d actively break free from dependency and become self-cultivating farmers.
Thus, national revenue would increase!
The state’s tax income wouldn’t be affected, but the pressure on the common people would lessen significantly.
Those with little land would pay less, while those with ample land could accept paying more without issue.
The best ideal state would, of course, resemble that of over two millennia later—where not only are farmers tax-free, but they also receive subsidies!
Li Mo wished it could be that way, but the historical context is different.
We can’t leap too far in one go; it has to be a gradual process.
Right now, the primary task is to resolve the people’s grievances and soothe their lives, extinguishing the anti-Qin forces.
Only then can the Qin State develop!
At this moment, Han Fei suddenly spoke, “Your talent astounds me, Sir!”
He was genuinely curious about how Li Mo came up with such a method.
Li Mo sheepishly touched his nose.
You overestimate me, brother Han Fei; I’m just borrowing the brilliance of future minds.
“Shared taxation per acre” was proposed and implemented by Emperor Yongzheng of the later Qing Dynasty.
It alleviated the economic burdens on landless or less-landed farmers, promoting population growth.
Workers gained more personal freedom, benefiting social and economic development.
“Han Fei.”
Ying Zheng finally snapped back to reality from the shock of this policy.
“At your service.”
Han Fei sat up straight, waiting for Ying Zheng’s following words.
Ying Zheng said sternly, “I command you to draft today’s discussed policy immediately for swift implementation.”
“Yes.”
Han Fei dared not be negligent and earnestly took note of the order.
Li Mo suddenly added, “It needs to be instituted nationwide, not something that can be done overnight. We can start with a trial in a specific area.”
Ying Zheng and Han Fei pondered this and agreed.
“Where do you think would be suitable for the trial?”
Li Mo responded slowly, “Land of the Lost Chu.”
That’s the territory of the former Chu State!
The reason for choosing there was simple.
First, Chu was the most resilient of the six states.
Even though it has fallen now, some dissenting voices still linger.
The second reason is even more straightforward: the headquarters of the Farmer’s Organization is located in Chu!
“Although the policy for calming the people can stabilize the realm, if stubborn individuals remain unyielding, eradication is necessary.”
Before leaving, Li Mo suddenly remarked.
Ying Zheng nodded, “I understand.”
Actually, he didn’t need to be reminded; he was already aware.
If I, Ying Zheng, provide you with food, lands to cultivate, and a good life, yet you still have the gall to rebel, don’t blame me for being cold-hearted!
After leaving the study for a short while, Li Mo noticed Zhao Gao rushing toward him in a flurry.
He came before Li Mo, pleading, “National Advisor, please save me!”
Li Mo looked at him quizzically: “Master Zhao, you’re a mighty figure, energized and alive; what could I possibly save you from?”
Zhao Gao wore a comically anguished expression on his blue face, almost tearing up as he said, “I lost my composure earlier in front of His Majesty, and I’m sure he doesn’t want to see me again. National Advisor, you must help me!”