I am the villain in the book

Master? ? ?

With a tremble of his hand, the teacup shook, and Wei Changtian almost spilled the tea on Ning Yuker's head.

Since crossing over, he had many identities, sometimes acting as a son, sometimes as a grandson, sometimes as a disciple, sometimes as a master, sometimes as a husband, and sometimes as a senior brother.

But "Master" was a first for him!

Wait, what exactly did I just do?

Why did Ning Yuke suddenly "let herself go" like this? ?

Wei Changtian stared blankly, holding the teacup, and didn't recover for a long time.

As for Chen Zhong in his mouth, he is now the Minister of Revenue of the "Shu Kingdom".

Wei Changtian was quite familiar with this Lord Chen.

He previously held the official position of Judge of Shuzhou, and was a typical neutral local official.

Later, he was frightened by Wei's operation of "pointing at a human head and calling it a dog's head", so he joined the Wei family's "pirate ship" in a daze.

To be fair, although Chen Zhong's political stance was not very firm, his ability was indeed outstanding.

Otherwise, he would not have been "promoted six levels in a row" and jumped from a small seventh-rank state judge to the position of today's "first-rank official".

"Master..."

Slowly raising her head, Ning Yuke softly called out, as if waiting for Wei Changtian's instructions.

The latter was eager for someone to come and ease his embarrassment, so he immediately replied:

"Ahem, let's see him."

"Yes."

Ning Yuke nodded very obediently upon hearing this, and then softly asked: "Master, may this servant rise?"

"."

Wei Changtian instantly had a black line on his forehead: "Get up."

"Thank you, Master."

After receiving permission, Ning Yuke slowly got up, and the blush on her face gradually faded.

She gently smoothed out the wrinkles on her dragon robe caused by kneeling for a long time, then turned to look at the closed palace door, and her voice suddenly became cold and noble.

"Invite Lord Chen in!"

"Lord Chen, His Majesty invites you in..."

Outside the hall, the little eunuch's voice faintly sounded, and after a few breaths, the palace door was slowly pushed open.

"Creak ~"

"This humble minister greets Young Master Wei! Greetings, Your Majesty!"

Chen Zhong, with white hair, knelt down as soon as he entered the door, not surprised at all by Wei Changtian's presence, the little eunuch must have told him earlier.

"Lord Chen."

Ning Yuke, who had already sat back in her chair, looked dignified and raised her hand slightly to help him up: "Rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Chen Zhong slowly got up, secretly glanced at Wei Changtian who was silent, and then bowed and said: "Your Majesty, this old minister has something to report."

"Speak."

Ning Yuke nodded lightly.

"Yes"

Chen Zhong didn't waste any time and immediately raised his head to start talking.

The Ministry of Revenue is in charge of household registration and finance, and its functions are roughly equivalent to a combination of the modern Ministry of Civil Affairs and the Ministry of Finance.

As Minister of Revenue, Chen Zhong came today to ask for instructions on the matter of land tax.

The previous land tax system of Da Ning was "one tax for twenty", that is, regardless of how much the farmers harvested, they had to hand over 5% of the tax grain to the court.

Logically speaking, this ratio is not very high, and it is far from reaching the level of "exorbitant tax".

However, all those who established themselves as kings would appropriately reduce the tax rate after the rebellion to show that they were more considerate of the people.

Ning Yuke was naturally the same, so on the first day of the court, she asked Chen Zhong to handle this matter.

After several days of research, the latter has finally come to a conclusion.

"...Your Majesty, therefore, this old minister believes that changing the tax system to one tax for twenty-five would be just right."

"I wonder what Your Majesty thinks?"

One tax for twenty-five, 4%, a decrease of one percentage point from before, also means that the national treasury will receive at least hundreds of thousands of taels of silver less each year.

For Shuzhou, which has a good financial situation, hundreds of thousands of taels are not a big deal, but it can make farmers truly feel the benefits, so this is indeed a more appropriate "tax reduction range".

"Well, this matter..."

Ning Yuke turned to look at Wei Changtian, and seeing that the latter had no reaction, she nodded and said:

"This palace thinks it's acceptable, so please ask Lord Chen to arrange it as soon as possible before the autumn harvest."

"Yes, this old minister will order someone to do it."

Chen Zhong cupped his hands and flattered him: "Your Majesty is so considerate of the people's sentiments, I believe the people will be more devoted, and Your Majesty's good deeds will surely spread throughout the world one day."

"."

I have to say that officials are skilled at flattering.

Wei Changtian curled his lips, thinking that he couldn't say such things anyway.

However, he suddenly had some other ideas about this "tax reduction".

"Your Majesty, Lord Chen, I think this tax rate is still too high."

"Hmm?"

Chen Zhong, who was originally preparing to say goodbye and leave, suddenly turned his head and asked in a low voice after hesitating for a moment: "Then I wonder what Young Master thinks is appropriate?"

"This..."

Wei Changtian rubbed his chin.

Although many countries in his previous life had already completely abolished agricultural taxes and even provided certain subsidies to farmers who cultivated the land.

However, he certainly cannot completely copy the system of his previous life at present.

After all, agriculture is still the largest industry in this era, while the scale of manufacturing and service industries is still very small, and tax revenue is far from being able to support a country's finances.

Therefore, land tax still has to be collected.

It's just that 4% is still too high, and it is far from achieving the purpose of attracting population.

So...

"I think"

After thinking for a while, Wei Changtian slowly gave the answer: "The opposite is just right."

"The opposite?"

Chen Zhong was stunned when he heard this, obviously not understanding what Wei Changtian meant: "Young Master Wei, what do you mean..."

"What I mean is that it is almost the same to use the amount of this reduction as the standard for collecting land tax."

Wei Changtian paused slightly and said it a little more bluntly.

"That is, one tax for every hundred."

"What, what? ? ?"

In an instant, Chen Zhong's eyes suddenly widened, only thinking that he had misheard.

One tax for every hundred?

Directly reducing the largest item of fiscal revenue by 80%?

This, this is simply nonsense!

Of course, although he thought so in his heart, Chen Zhong certainly didn't dare to say so in front of Wei Changtian.

"Young Master Wei, one tax for every hundred, throughout ancient and modern times, no one has ever done this!"

"Hahaha, so what if no one has done it? We will be the first to do it."

Laughing twice, Wei Changtian got up and patted Chen Zhong on the shoulder: "Lord Chen, I know what you are worried about."

"But I will do the math for you and you will understand."

"Think about it, now less than 20% of the farmland in Shu is cultivated, and the remaining 80% is abandoned as forest..."

"If we can"

"..."

In the next quarter of an hour, Wei Changtian carefully explained the benefits of a "low tax rate" to Ning Yuke and Chen Zhong.

One tax for every hundred, such a shocking land tax standard will inevitably attract a large number of people to flock to Shuzhou.

After these people come, they will naturally reclaim wasteland, and at that time, the total area of cultivated land in Shuzhou will undoubtedly be much larger than it is now.

The tax rate is low, but the total amount of cultivated land is high.

Offsetting each other, Shuzhou's fiscal revenue can return to normal levels after a few years.

But those extra people and cultivated land can be earned for nothing.

Well... to put it simply.

Wei Changtian actually just wanted to use the sharp decline in fiscal revenue in recent years to exchange for an explosive development in Shu Province.

“This”

The reasoning was not complex, so Ning Yuke and Chen Zhong quickly understood the key.

The two quietly exchanged glances, both seeing a hint of shock and astonishment in each other's eyes.

High EQ: This idea is truly imaginative and far-sighted.

Low EQ: This kind of national governance concept is simply like playing house.

Directly reducing from twenty taxes to one to one hundred taxes to one.

No one knows what consequences this reduction will have, but it will definitely bring drastic shocks to the entire Shu Province.

Even if there are really so many benefits, it must be strictly and repeatedly studied and demonstrated.

How could it be as casual in Wei Changtian's mouth as deciding what to eat for dinner tonight??

“Young Master Wei, this matter must not be decided so easily.”

Chen Zhong swallowed his saliva, wanting to refute a few words.

However, before he could finish a sentence, Ning Yuke's cold voice came over first.

“Lord Chen, this palace thinks that what Young Master Wei said makes a lot of sense.”

“How about this, you go back and think carefully about the advantages and disadvantages, list them one by one, and we will discuss it again in a few days.”

“If it is found that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages at that time, then Young Master Wei will probably not insist on his own way.”

“.”

As if a gust of cold wind blew past, Chen Zhong suddenly shivered involuntarily.

Ning Yuke's wording was not harsh, but the majesty of the superior was undoubtedly revealed in these few words.

“This humble official obeys.”

He didn't dare to say anything more, and hurriedly bowed his head and cupped his hands.

“Your Majesty, Young Master Wei, if there is nothing else, this humble official will take his leave first.”

Your Majesty, Young Master Wei.

Two quarters of an hour ago, Chen Zhong put Wei Changtian in front when he first entered the door to greet him.

But now he subconsciously put Ning Yuke in front.

The change in order does not mean that the positions of Wei Changtian and Ning Yuke have been reversed, after all, Chen Zhong knows very well how the latter became this “King of Shu”.

Therefore, his current behavior can only explain one thing—

That is, he really regarded Ning Yuke as an empress for the first time, and not just Wei Changtian's puppet.

“.”

“Yes, step back.”

Waving her hand, Ning Yuke stopped looking at Chen Zhong.

On the contrary, Wei Changtian kept smiling and watching the latter leave the hall.

He was still very satisfied with Ning Yuke's handling method just now.

Reducing taxes is indeed not a child's play, and it is undoubtedly more prudent to let Chen Zhong carefully study the advantages and disadvantages.

Tsk tsk tsk.

Unexpectedly, Ning Yuke is not only suitable in appearance, but also has a bit of imperial demeanor in the way she thinks about problems.

After sighing in his heart, Wei Changtian turned his head back, preparing to praise Ning Yuke and let her continue to maintain this state.

However, as soon as he turned around, the expression on his face suddenly froze again.

“No, why are you kneeling down again???”

“Master.”

The empress demeanor just now had long disappeared, Ning Yuke was kneeling on the ground like this, looking up and softly replying:

“This servant is happy, likes to kneel and serve master.”

“I also hope that master will allow it.”

“.”

The corners of his mouth twitched slightly, Wei Changtian stiffly shifted his gaze, completely not knowing how to deal with the current situation.

Good fellow!!

I haven't been so flustered even when fighting against a third-rank master!!

I haven't been so at a loss even when fighting against Xiao Feng!!

Could this be... a femme fatale??

Great Li Dynasty, Kui Xing Academy.

Just as Ning Yuke's actions made Wei Changtian's head spin for a moment, thousands of people were also kneeling on the ground in front of the majestic main hall of Kui Xing Academy.

They were all facing due north, their eyes filled with fanaticism and excitement.

Due north, this is not only the direction of the main hall of the academy, but also the position of the Wenqu Star.

However, these thousands of academy disciples are not worshiping the Literary Star.

They are worshiping the new Holy Son of Kui Xing Academy—

Shen Ran.

Magpies bridge across the waves, dragon carriages fly beyond the clouds.

The soldiers are all clad in golden armor, colorful girls wave their hands and scatter flowers, and long chimes come from all directions, sixteen great scholars of the academy stand around the Huatai.

And the only person standing on the Huatai is Shen Ran, one of the thirteen Sons of Heaven, who had a brief encounter with Wei Changtian at the Spring Dragon Poetry Meeting.

Different from the “perfunctory” establishment of Wei Changtian as the Holy Son by the Tianluo Sect, the Kui Xing Academy, as the undoubtedly largest sect within the Great Li territory, its power even faintly surpasses the Great Li Dynasty.

Therefore, the scale of this ceremony is naturally very grand, even the Emperor himself came to the scene, just to support this “Son of Hope” of Great Li.

“Senior Brother Shen is mighty!”

“Great talent! Great talent!!”

“With Senior Brother Shen's sudden appearance, my literary path will surely prosper! The academy will surely flourish!”

“In less than ten years, my Great Li will surely wipe away the shame and no longer have to be manipulated by Great Ning!”

“Wuwuwu, this old man has been waiting bitterly for a hundred years, and finally waited for this day.”

“.”

Various shouts of crying to the heavens and earth came from the bottom of their hearts, although chaotic, but they expressed the expectations of the entire Kui Xing Academy, and even the entire Great Li, for Shen Ran in the most straightforward way.

Different from the Great Ning, which takes the path of Taoism, almost all practitioners in Great Li take the path of “Literary Dao”.

Under this circumstance, Shen Ran, who has received the blessing of “Literary Dao”, has rightfully become the number one person of the younger generation in Great Li.

And the sentence he said three days ago in the final stage of the “Holy Son Competition”, “To continue the lost learning for the past sages, I will go even if there are thousands of people!”, even triggered the phenomenon of the Wenqu Star, forcibly raising the entire Kui Xing Academy by an inch.

This means that the literary fortune of the entire Great Li, or rather, the national fortune of the entire Great Li, has increased by 10% because of this sentence.

Such a “sage's act” cannot be praised too much, many people in the market have already called Shen Ran the reincarnation of the Wenqu Star, and even three-year-old children know the name of “Shen Ran”.

It's just that although all of this is already known to everyone in Great Li, it has not yet reached Wei Changtian's ears.

However, in fact, with Wei Changtian's current mentality, even if he knew it, he wouldn't be too aggrieved.

After all, he had long been aware that showing off in front of others has nothing to do with him!

When it comes to pretending to be a big shot, it's still up to you Sons of Heaven!

Of course, you can pretend however you want on your own territory, as long as you don't come looking for trouble!

It's already troublesome enough for me to deal with a Ning Yongnian and a Bai Youheng, don't let anyone else get involved!

Wei Changtian is still unaware of Shen Ran's earth-shattering move, and is too lazy to care about the affairs of Great Li, and has even almost forgotten about this person.

It's just that this doesn't mean that Shen Ran will also forget about him.

“.”

“Teacher.”

After the ceremony, Shen Ran, dressed in a white robe, respectfully bowed to an old man with an immortal demeanor.

“This student will set off for Shu Province tomorrow, I wonder if the teacher has anything else to tell this student?”

“Don't worry, we'll talk about it on the road.”

The old man smiled and stroked his beard, answering in Shen Ran's slightly puzzled gaze: “This teacher will go with you this time.”

“Go and meet that Young Master Wei who created the Spring River Flower Moon Night.”

ps: A combined chapter, also, the update is late, sorry sorry