mtl008 Chapter 972
Chapter 972
Indeed, the entire Jiangnan gentry and aristocracy were involved, and they were undoubtedly a huge force.
What Wei Wu couldn't understand was that building a cement road would indeed bring huge benefits, and long-term benefits.
But the problem is that no matter how great the benefits of this road are, they won’t take it to this extent!
With so many people involved, even if we get this road, how much can we get when the time comes to distribute it?
At most, they don’t have to pay for transporting their own goods, but that little bit of money means nothing to them!
To be honest, Wei Wu really couldn't figure it out, but he didn't know much about the situation of the gentry and nobles in the south of the Yangtze River.
Thinking of this, Wei Wu turned to look at Master Zheng and asked the doubts in his heart.
"Master Zheng, in your opinion, why do they insist on taking this road? Is there any secret behind this?"
Hearing Wei Wu's question, Master Zheng also frowned.
"I share the same opinion as you, young master. I also find it very strange. After all, the benefits of one road are obviously not enough for them to share."
"However, we don't know much information at the moment. If we want to find out the truth about this issue, I'm afraid we'll only have a chance if we go to Jiangnan."
Wei Wu nodded, thinking that this was the only way to deal with it, but then he asked again:
"According to your speculation, they will spare no effort, even involving the imperial court. So what is your countermeasure?"
"Hehe, I actually came up with an idea."
Having said that, Master Zheng suddenly chuckled, and there was a hint of unscrupulousness in that smile.
After laughing, seeing Wei Wu's somewhat surprised expression, Master Zheng immediately explained with a smile:
"My idea is that even if they use their influence to cause trouble in the court, it doesn't matter. It can also help you vent your anger."
"We won't even need to recruit workers to repair the roads on the eastern line anymore. But before that, I have to ask you something."
"Last year, the imperial court used Shandong as a pilot province, with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince personally implementing the land reform of equalizing the land tax. What are the results so far?"
Although he didn't understand why Master Zheng asked this, Wei Wu still gave the answer truthfully.
"I haven't asked about the specific details, but from what Your Majesty has said, the land tax system has been very effective in Shandong."
"Really? That's good."
Master Zheng responded, his smile growing even brighter, and then he asked another question.
"I remember that this land reform, in addition to abolishing the Ding tax, also seemed to have exempted the preferential treatment for scholars, right?"
Wei Wu nodded, then talked about the hidden dangers of land annexation caused by the land transfer, and then explained it again.
"In the future, the imperial court will establish academies and schools. It won't cost too much money, and children of ordinary people will also be able to study well."
In this regard, Master Zheng did not ask much, but only asked about another privilege of scholars.
"What about corvée labor?"
"It has also been abolished. In the future, corvée labor will be replaced by work-for-relief. Since there are no people to work, there will naturally be no need for preferential treatment."
When Master Zheng heard the answer given by Wei Wu, his mouth corners almost reached his ears.
"It will be changed in the future. That means the corvée will still exist, but the preferential treatment for scholars will be gone. Haha, that's good!"
After hearing what Master Zheng said, Wei Wu had a rough guess about what he was thinking.
But Zhang Hai next to him was completely confused and had no idea what Master Zheng was trying to say.
We were just discussing how to deal with those people in Jiangnan, so why are we suddenly talking about land and preferential treatment for scholars?
So when Master Zheng was laughing triumphantly, Zhang Hai couldn't help it any longer and asked directly about his doubts.
"No, I'm saying, Old Zheng, why are you just smiling? If you have something to say, just get to the point. You've been asking me questions for so long but you still don't get to the point."
After being rebuked by Zhang Hai, Master Zheng was not annoyed. He just glanced at him and turned to Wei Wu and said: