"What is Your Majesty's intention in repurchasing farmland on such a large scale?" Ouyang Ji asked tentatively. "Doesn't our country already have thirty percent of its land as official fields?"
"Official fields are still too few," Xiao Qing replied with an air of arrogance. "After the屯田 (tun tian) reform, the demand for farmland among the屯民 (tun min) is enormous. They wish they could cultivate a few more acres. This move is to cater to public sentiment!"
Ouyang Ji nodded repeatedly. "Indeed, we should acquire them vigorously. I suggest we acquire all of them. The national treasury should only retain a portion of its funds for regular expenses! If the treasury runs low, it won't be too late to sell the acquired official fields. After all, the驸马 (fu ma) also likes to acquire farmland…"
Xiao Qing smiled with satisfaction and looked down at his officials. "Even Lord Ouyang supports the repurchase of farmland. Do the rest of you have any objections?"
The officials shook their heads. Only the Gu father and son, who were about to take up their posts in the Ministry of Revenue, felt a secret worry.
They didn't quite understand the situation in the Ministry of Revenue. For the past two months, they had been diligently studying it under Xiao Qing's secret orders, combining their knowledge with what was recorded in historical texts and books about the ministry.
However, after Xiao Qing ascended the throne, he introduced many reforms, such as屯田 (tun tian) and contract taxes, which they knew nothing about. They relied entirely on Xiao Qing and Wang Canghai to provide them with information.
From their perspective, Ouyang Ji seemed to want to deplete the national treasury, creating a hidden danger.
For example, if unexpected events occurred across the country in the future, such as a famine, would the national treasury have enough funds and provisions for allocation?
At that time, if the Ministry of Revenue failed to handle it properly, Ouyang Ji and his allies would have a reason to impeach them and demand to return to the Ministry of Revenue?
This was a minor issue. It would be disastrous if they couldn't even disburse military salaries in the future!
Two people were parachuted into the Ministry of Revenue, but many officials within the ministry still belonged to the Ouyang family, making it difficult to control.
"Lord Gu, your father and son are united. You must work hard. I will take note of your achievements," Xiao Qing said earnestly.
Gu Hong understood and immediately pledged, "This minister will do his utmost!"
For his son's official career, Gu Hong was prepared to risk his old life, working diligently to pave the way for Gu Shaoyan!
"Your Majesty, the lands registered under the征田令 (Zheng Tian Ling - Land Acquisition Order), are scattered across the country. How will they be repurchased?" Ouyang Ji was still unwilling to give up, wanting to showcase his abilities.
"I will arrange for the Shadow Guard and the Imperial Guard to supervise the officials responsible for purchasing the land!" Xiao Qing said, then smiled. "Some of the talents selected by our beloved Minister Liang are still awaiting assignment. They are excellent candidates for officials. For now, we will appoint three hundred of them as 'temporary land acquisition officials,' to be jointly managed by the Ministry of Revenue and the Prime Minister's Office!"
Ouyang Ji, He Wanli, and Dugu Qun were all shocked.
This was clearly a move to give these "talents" opportunities for experience and promotion!
Ouyang Ji had nothing more to say. He felt heartbroken and dejectedly retreated from the court.
Back at the West Palace Villa, Xiao Qing's face was flushed with joy.
"Did Brother Xiao see how frustrated they looked? When Shuang'er ascended the throne back then, they acted so arrogantly, almost pointing fingers and lecturing her, as if she owed her position to them!"
Liang Xiao held Xiao Qing in his arms and comforted her. "Shuang'er will no longer have to endure their grievances. However, the war with them is only truly beginning now! After repurchasing the land, we will improve the屯田 (tun tian) profit sharing, and finally implement the摊丁入亩 (tan ding ru mu - tax based on land area instead of population). This will benefit the people and deal a severe blow to landlords and gentry across the country. If not handled properly, it could lead to national unrest. Regardless, we must strengthen our control over the army and never let it fall into their hands."
Xiao Qing's heart stirred, and she nodded obediently. "The strong enemies surrounding us will also constantly improve their military strength after being stimulated by Brother Xiao, so we cannot be careless and risk border conflicts coinciding with internal unrest from these powerful landlords… But with Brother Xiao here, they won't be able to stir up any major trouble!"
Liang Xiao couldn't help but pinch Xiao Qing's little cheek, his face full of affection.
This little girl was already eighteen, yet she was becoming more clingy and more adorable.
The news of Liang Xiao concurrently serving as the Grand Marshal quickly spread throughout the capital, winning the heartfelt admiration of all citizens.
"Marquis An Guo holds more and more official positions, but each one is deserved!"
The lowest official position Liang Xiao held currently was Minister of Works, the one he took on earliest. However, Liang Xiao had also improved many crafts in Da Gan, such as the wind-resistant adjusting mechanism and the curved-shaft plow, and with Zhang Yang working for him, he was worthy of the position.
Even Liang Xiao himself couldn't help but smile when he learned that Xiao Qing intended to appoint him Grand Marshal.
With so many official positions, writing formal edicts and memorials without omitting any was quite a daunting task…
In a little while, the Minister of Works position could be concurrently held by Zhang Yang.
Promoting Dugu Xiao to Minister of Personnel was an excellent move.
This would allow Zhang Yang, Gu Shaoyan, Mu Hong, and others to be promoted legitimately.
Under the moonlight, Liang Xiao held Xiao Qing and murmured to himself, "When will I recall Li Xiuyun and Hong Jie from their posts? Let them do some hard labor too, and be promoted soon…"
"Brother Xiao just loves to ambush acquaintances. The 'most unfortunate' is Zhang Yang. You're so wicked!" Xiao Qing chuckled.
Liang Xiao smiled. "The capable should bear more burdens. Your husband is creating opportunities for them to leave their names in history. They should be grateful!"
At this moment, Hong Jie and Li Xiuyun were guests at Zhuo Zifang's home. They inexplicably shivered.
At night, at the Marquis An Guo's residence, the soldiers brought by Liang Xiao were drinking heartily, with the Marquis's residence providing "A Drunk Hundred Years" (一醉百年) freely.
Because many buyers had stored a sufficient amount of "A Drunk Hundred Years," its sales had dropped by over seventy-five percent, but it was still sellable.
Liang Xiao still had no intention of lowering the price, at least not for several years.
Amidst the clinking of glasses, everyone was in high spirits, exclaiming with joy.
"Oh my, I thought they would appoint me General Who Conquers the North, but it's the Rear General!" The drunken Lü Changhe finally let loose a bit, looking quite smug.
Yue Qingtian, giving up the chance for more titles, instead earned five thousand taels of gold, enough to provide for his entire family for life.
Nan Jiyun, Nie Yuan, and Zhuo Ying were also appointed "Four Conqueror Generals," their status second only to the Grand General, General of Chariots and Cavalry, General of Cavalry, General of Guards, and the four Generals of the Front, Rear, Left, and Right.
Zhuo Wulüe chuckled, "You young fellows, do you still covet the position of General Who Conquers the North now?"
"Oh, that's right. The barbarians have all run away, so who is there to conquer in the north!" Nan Jiyun couldn't help but burst into laughter.
Everyone couldn't help but smile.
In the past, the barbarians were a great threat to the northern borders of Da Gan, and the General Who Conquers the North held the highest position among the Four Conqueror Generals.
After Liang Xiao's actions, the General Who Conquers the North would undoubtedly be the lowest-ranking among the Four Conqueror Generals…
Even Nie Yuan's General Who Pacifies the East would have to face the Japanese pirates of the East Sea, the Taiji Kingdom in the northeast, the Xianbei, and other countries in the future.
"It's a pity Brother-in-law didn't come to the banquet!" Outside the military camp, Zhuo Ying finally dared to call Liang Xiao brother-in-law.
"There will be plenty of opportunities in the future!" Lü Changhe mumbled.
He naturally understood why Liang Xiao didn't drink much, especially strong liquor like "A Drunk Hundred Years."
He had to continue the imperial lineage with Sister Shuang…
The officers and generals present raised their wine glasses: "Still, we must offer a toast to Marquis An Guo from afar!"
Everyone, filled with gratitude, raised a toast in the direction of the imperial palace.
"The征田令 (Zheng Tian Ling - Land Acquisition Order) is about to begin! His Majesty is really planning to repurchase land nationwide! I heard it's to allow the屯民 (tun min) to be allocated more land!"
The next day, the streets and alleys of the capital were abuzz with discussions about the征田令 (Zheng Tian Ling - Land Acquisition Order).
Liang Xiao also returned to his residence, preparing to deal with matters concerning his bookshop.
"The Ouyang family has been bled dry. It's time to kick them out!"