Chapter 131
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Chapter 131
The ministers pondered what Hyang’s words meant and soon began to voice their thoughts one by one.
“A tax on property... you mean to levy taxes based on the ownership of slaves?”
“Imposing taxes... There will be considerable resistance, but if implemented, it could be a good strategy.”
“The problem is the resistance.”
“I too find the Crown Prince’s proposal innovative, but I believe resistance will be an issue.”
The ministers’ reactions were largely similar.
‘The idea seems good, but the worry is the resistance to taxation.’
Hyang’s response to the ministers’ answers was straightforward.
“If they resist, we simply crush them.”
“What?”
The ministers were stunned by Hyang’s extreme hardline approach, asking briefly with bewildered expressions. In response to their expressions, Hyang asked:
“Originally, to whom does the land of Joseon fundamentally belong? Fundamentally speaking.”
After a moment of thought, Maeng Sae-seong replied.
“Fundamentally, it belongs to His Majesty the King. Fundamentally speaking.”
“Correct. Therefore, we’re essentially paying rent for using His Majesty’s land. Wouldn’t you agree?”
‘The concept of public land isn’t so different!’
Maeng Sae-seong nodded at Hyang’s point.
“Fundamentally, that is one way to see it. You are advocating the idea of royal land ownership, Your Highness. However...”
Hyang cut off Maeng Sae-seong.
“But! That’s exactly the problem! It’s His Majesty’s land, but we recognize it as owned through generations. If someone passes the civil service exam, it’s natural for them to start a government position. But! If they choose to further their studies and then enter public service, they are granted tax exemptions.”
Hyang paused to catch his breath before continuing.
“Through numerous ‘buts,’ they have amassed wealth. This is shameless! And now, they resist? Where are such shameless people!”
At Hyang’s outburst, Lee Jik and Maeng Sae-seong quietly conversed.
“The Crown Prince is on a rampage again.”
“But fundamentally, he’s correct. Fundamentally...”
“That’s the problem.”
While Lee Jik and Maeng Sae-seong conversed quietly, Hyang continued.
“That’s why I implore His Majesty. If these landowners consider slaves as property, then tax them accordingly!”
Hyang then explained the tax system he had in mind.
– The people of Joseon pay a basic tax once a year. This tax will be named ‘Property Income Tax.’
– This Property Income Tax is calculated based on the income earned and the assets owned over the year.
– Assets include owned land, houses, slaves, livestock, etc.
– A progressive tax rate will be applied.
– A particularly high progressive rate will be set for slaves.
“By doing this, the landowners will have no choice but to reduce their number of slaves. As the number of slaves decreases, they will have to either give their agricultural land for sharecropping or employ wage laborers.”
“Hmm...”
The ministers nodded thoughtfully at Hyang’s explanation.
The income from sharecropping was significant for the regional landlords, but their primary source of revenue came from the fields directly cultivated by their slaves. Most of the land being sharecropped had originally belonged to small-scale farmers who had been forced into tenancy.
If Hyang’s proposal to impose a high progressive tax rate on owned slaves was implemented, the regional landlords would have no choice but to reduce their number of slaves.
“The problem is the resistance from these landlords. Most of them are registered in the local registers.”
Hyang responded firmly to Maeng Sae-seong’s point.
“If the local registers are the problem, then we simply abolish them.”L1tLagoon witnessed the first publication of this chapter on Ñøv€l--B1n.
“What!”
The ministers were shocked by Hyang’s decisive response, but Hyang looked at them with a puzzled expression.
“Why are you so surprised? Didn’t King Taejong already abolish the Yuhyangso?”
[TL/N: Yuhyangso or ‘Local Government Advisory Committee’, is an organization made up of retired high-class officials in charge of watching out for immoral politico-cultural behaviour and conduct of the local authorities.]
“Well, that’s true, but...”
The ministers replied with hesitant expressions at Hyang’s point.
***
Retired high-ranking officials sought to distinguish themselves from the local villagers in their hometowns. To assert their dominance in rural society, they needed an organization centered around themselves.
This led to the creation of the Yuhyangso.
However, the Yuhyangso constantly clashed with the local officials. The main reason was that the members of Yuhyangso often belittled the local officials due to their higher social status.
While going through the records, Hyang chuckled upon reading this.
“That is our position.”
“What if the regional landlords respond with armed resistance?”
At King Sejong’s question, Jo Mal-saeng stepped forward.
“Thanks to the smooth progress of the northern frontier development, there is flexibility in troop deployment.”
King Sejong seemed pleased with Jo Mal-saeng’s response but cautiously confirmed the reality.
“Does this mean that we can suppress any armed resistance that may arise?”
“The majority of the troops stationed in the northern region are cavalry. I believe suppression is feasible.”
“Hmm...”
As King Sejong pondered Jo Mal-saeng’s response, Kim Jeom intervened again.
“Your Majesty, as you have been reforming the administration both centrally and regionally by setting examples and conducting experiments, I suggest using the same approach for tax reform. This way, if any rogue elements resort to armed resistance in the experimental areas, they can be effectively subdued, serving as a strong example to other regions.”
“A strong example... An example...”
Mulling over the idea of setting an ‘example,’ King Sejong looked around at his ministers.
“Make an example of them... The Ministry of Taxation’s view is correct. Ministers, based on the Crown Prince’s and the Ministry of Taxation’s opinions, deliberate and devise a policy.”
“We obey Your Majesty!”
Thus, in this session led by King Sejong, a decision was made to implement one of the most drastic policies.
The historian recording these events added a note:
– Accordingly, the ministers began to deliberate policies concerning slaves and landlords.
The historian comments:
It’s true that the regional landlords abused their privileges. However, the court’s decision is extremely harsh, and the landlords’ backlash is foreseeable.
It seems a storm is brewing.
***
The next day, King Sejong summoned Hyang.
“Crown Prince, announce your proposal related to the policy discussed yesterday.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Following King Sejong’s command, Hyang first outlined some precautions before discussing his proposal.
– All these policies are interconnected with strategies regarding war, construction, and slaves.
– Thus, each policy requires careful consideration, but overall coordination and adjustment are also essential.
“I understand the precautions. Now, tell me about the policies you’ve thought of.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Hyang cleared his throat and began to explain.
– First, we need to impose restrictions on the interest rates charged by landlords on their tenant farmers.
“I’ve thought about this aspect too. I plan to prohibit charging interest exceeding the principal amount.”
“That seems appropriate.”
Responding to King Sejong, Hyang continued:
– Limit the proportion of rent paid by tenant farmers, and prohibit additional charges for seeds and fertilizers.
– Develop large-scale horse breeding, especially large breeds, using horses brought in by traders, to enhance terrestrial transportation.
– Utilize this improved land transportation to enhance the movement of goods and facilitate the relocation of people.
“In simple terms, we use post stations to operate horse-drawn carriages.”
“Horse-drawn carriages?”
– Distribute a standardized identity document, made by the state, to all adult citizens.
– Make it mandatory for citizens to register their departure and arrival when relocating, enabling accurate tracking of their movements and efficient management of household registration.
– Strengthen the management of household registries to enhance the mobilization capabilities of the military.
As Hyang’s speech grew longer, the faces of Heo Jo and Kim Jeom gradually turned pale.
Hyang’s proposals continued for a considerable duration.
“...That is all.”
“Whew...”
As soon as Hyang finished speaking, King Sejong and the ministers let out a collective sigh of relief, while the historians and clerks massaged their sore wrists.
King Sejong, after reflecting briefly on Hyang’s words, instructed the historians.
“Historians, listen.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“The Crown Prince’s remarks are quite extensive, and there might be parts that the ministers missed. Therefore, summarize those parts and distribute them to the ministers.”
“We obey Your Majesty’s command.”
At King Sejong’s command, the historians and clerks answered with gloomy faces.
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Chapter 131
The ministers pondered what Hyang’s words meant and soon began to voice their thoughts one by one.
“A tax on property... you mean to levy taxes based on the ownership of slaves?”
“Imposing taxes... There will be considerable resistance, but if implemented, it could be a good strategy.”
“The problem is the resistance.”
“I too find the Crown Prince’s proposal innovative, but I believe resistance will be an issue.”
The ministers’ reactions were largely similar.
‘The idea seems good, but the worry is the resistance to taxation.’
Hyang’s response to the ministers’ answers was straightforward.
“If they resist, we simply crush them.”
“What?”
The ministers were stunned by Hyang’s extreme hardline approach, asking briefly with bewildered expressions. In response to their expressions, Hyang asked:
“Originally, to whom does the land of Joseon fundamentally belong? Fundamentally speaking.”
After a moment of thought, Maeng Sae-seong replied.
“Fundamentally, it belongs to His Majesty the King. Fundamentally speaking.”
“Correct. Therefore, we’re essentially paying rent for using His Majesty’s land. Wouldn’t you agree?”
‘The concept of public land isn’t so different!’
Maeng Sae-seong nodded at Hyang’s point.
“Fundamentally, that is one way to see it. You are advocating the idea of royal land ownership, Your Highness. However...”
Hyang cut off Maeng Sae-seong.
“But! That’s exactly the problem! It’s His Majesty’s land, but we recognize it as owned through generations. If someone passes the civil service exam, it’s natural for them to start a government position. But! If they choose to further their studies and then enter public service, they are granted tax exemptions.”
Hyang paused to catch his breath before continuing.
“Through numerous ‘buts,’ they have amassed wealth. This is shameless! And now, they resist? Where are such shameless people!”
At Hyang’s outburst, Lee Jik and Maeng Sae-seong quietly conversed.
“The Crown Prince is on a rampage again.”
“But fundamentally, he’s correct. Fundamentally...”
“That’s the problem.”
While Lee Jik and Maeng Sae-seong conversed quietly, Hyang continued.
“That’s why I implore His Majesty. If these landowners consider slaves as property, then tax them accordingly!”
Hyang then explained the tax system he had in mind.
– The people of Joseon pay a basic tax once a year. This tax will be named ‘Property Income Tax.’
– This Property Income Tax is calculated based on the income earned and the assets owned over the year.
– Assets include owned land, houses, slaves, livestock, etc.
– A progressive tax rate will be applied.
– A particularly high progressive rate will be set for slaves.
“By doing this, the landowners will have no choice but to reduce their number of slaves. As the number of slaves decreases, they will have to either give their agricultural land for sharecropping or employ wage laborers.”
“Hmm...”
The ministers nodded thoughtfully at Hyang’s explanation.
The income from sharecropping was significant for the regional landlords, but their primary source of revenue came from the fields directly cultivated by their slaves. Most of the land being sharecropped had originally belonged to small-scale farmers who had been forced into tenancy.
If Hyang’s proposal to impose a high progressive tax rate on owned slaves was implemented, the regional landlords would have no choice but to reduce their number of slaves.
“The problem is the resistance from these landlords. Most of them are registered in the local registers.”
Hyang responded firmly to Maeng Sae-seong’s point.
“If the local registers are the problem, then we simply abolish them.”L1tLagoon witnessed the first publication of this chapter on Ñøv€l--B1n.
“What!”
The ministers were shocked by Hyang’s decisive response, but Hyang looked at them with a puzzled expression.
“Why are you so surprised? Didn’t King Taejong already abolish the Yuhyangso?”
[TL/N: Yuhyangso or ‘Local Government Advisory Committee’, is an organization made up of retired high-class officials in charge of watching out for immoral politico-cultural behaviour and conduct of the local authorities.]
“Well, that’s true, but...”
The ministers replied with hesitant expressions at Hyang’s point.
***
Retired high-ranking officials sought to distinguish themselves from the local villagers in their hometowns. To assert their dominance in rural society, they needed an organization centered around themselves.
This led to the creation of the Yuhyangso.
However, the Yuhyangso constantly clashed with the local officials. The main reason was that the members of Yuhyangso often belittled the local officials due to their higher social status.
While going through the records, Hyang chuckled upon reading this.
“That is our position.”
“What if the regional landlords respond with armed resistance?”
At King Sejong’s question, Jo Mal-saeng stepped forward.
“Thanks to the smooth progress of the northern frontier development, there is flexibility in troop deployment.”
King Sejong seemed pleased with Jo Mal-saeng’s response but cautiously confirmed the reality.
“Does this mean that we can suppress any armed resistance that may arise?”
“The majority of the troops stationed in the northern region are cavalry. I believe suppression is feasible.”
“Hmm...”
As King Sejong pondered Jo Mal-saeng’s response, Kim Jeom intervened again.
“Your Majesty, as you have been reforming the administration both centrally and regionally by setting examples and conducting experiments, I suggest using the same approach for tax reform. This way, if any rogue elements resort to armed resistance in the experimental areas, they can be effectively subdued, serving as a strong example to other regions.”
“A strong example... An example...”
Mulling over the idea of setting an ‘example,’ King Sejong looked around at his ministers.
“Make an example of them... The Ministry of Taxation’s view is correct. Ministers, based on the Crown Prince’s and the Ministry of Taxation’s opinions, deliberate and devise a policy.”
“We obey Your Majesty!”
Thus, in this session led by King Sejong, a decision was made to implement one of the most drastic policies.
The historian recording these events added a note:
– Accordingly, the ministers began to deliberate policies concerning slaves and landlords.
The historian comments:
It’s true that the regional landlords abused their privileges. However, the court’s decision is extremely harsh, and the landlords’ backlash is foreseeable.
It seems a storm is brewing.
***
The next day, King Sejong summoned Hyang.
“Crown Prince, announce your proposal related to the policy discussed yesterday.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Following King Sejong’s command, Hyang first outlined some precautions before discussing his proposal.
– All these policies are interconnected with strategies regarding war, construction, and slaves.
– Thus, each policy requires careful consideration, but overall coordination and adjustment are also essential.
“I understand the precautions. Now, tell me about the policies you’ve thought of.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Hyang cleared his throat and began to explain.
– First, we need to impose restrictions on the interest rates charged by landlords on their tenant farmers.
“I’ve thought about this aspect too. I plan to prohibit charging interest exceeding the principal amount.”
“That seems appropriate.”
Responding to King Sejong, Hyang continued:
– Limit the proportion of rent paid by tenant farmers, and prohibit additional charges for seeds and fertilizers.
– Develop large-scale horse breeding, especially large breeds, using horses brought in by traders, to enhance terrestrial transportation.
– Utilize this improved land transportation to enhance the movement of goods and facilitate the relocation of people.
“In simple terms, we use post stations to operate horse-drawn carriages.”
“Horse-drawn carriages?”
– Distribute a standardized identity document, made by the state, to all adult citizens.
– Make it mandatory for citizens to register their departure and arrival when relocating, enabling accurate tracking of their movements and efficient management of household registration.
– Strengthen the management of household registries to enhance the mobilization capabilities of the military.
As Hyang’s speech grew longer, the faces of Heo Jo and Kim Jeom gradually turned pale.
Hyang’s proposals continued for a considerable duration.
“...That is all.”
“Whew...”
As soon as Hyang finished speaking, King Sejong and the ministers let out a collective sigh of relief, while the historians and clerks massaged their sore wrists.
King Sejong, after reflecting briefly on Hyang’s words, instructed the historians.
“Historians, listen.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“The Crown Prince’s remarks are quite extensive, and there might be parts that the ministers missed. Therefore, summarize those parts and distribute them to the ministers.”
“We obey Your Majesty’s command.”
At King Sejong’s command, the historians and clerks answered with gloomy faces.
Chapter 131The ministers pondered what Hyang's words meant and soon began to voice their thoughts one by one.A tax on property... you mean to levy taxes based on the ownership of slaves?Imposing taxes... There will be considerable resistance, but if implemented, it could be a good strategy.The problem is the resistance.I too find the Crown Prince's proposal innovative, but I believe resistance will be an issue.The ministers' reactions were largely similar.The idea seems good, but the worry is the resistance to taxation.'Hyang's response to the ministers' answers was straightforward.If they resist, we simply crush them.What?The ministers were stunned by Hyang's extreme hardline approach, asking briefly with bewildered expressions. In response to their expressions, Hyang asked:Originally, to whom does the land of Joseon fundamentally belong? Fundamentally speaking.After a moment of thought, Maeng Sae-seong replied.Fundamentally, it belongs to His Majesty the King. Fundamentally speaking.Correct. Therefore, we're essentially paying rent for using His Majesty's land. Wouldn't you agree?The concept of public land isn't so different!'Maeng Sae-seong nodded at Hyang's point.Fundamentally, that is one way to see it. You are advocating the idea of royal land ownership, Your Highness. However...Hyang cut off Maeng Sae-seong.But! That's exactly the problem! It's His Majesty's land, but we recognize it as owned through generations. If someone passes the civil service exam, it's natural for them to start a government position. But! If they choose to further their studies and then enter public service, they are granted tax exemptions.Hyang paused to catch his breath before continuing.Through numerous buts,' they have amassed wealth. This is shameless! And now, they resist? Where are such shameless people!At Hyang's outburst, Lee Jik and Maeng Sae-seong quietly conversed.The Crown Prince is on a rampage again.But fundamentally, he's correct. Fundamentally...That's the problem.While Lee Jik and Maeng Sae-seong conversed quietly, Hyang continued.That's why I implore His Majesty. If these landowners consider slaves as property, then tax them accordingly!Hyang then explained the tax system he had in mind. The people of Joseon pay a basic tax once a year. This tax will be named Property Income Tax.' This Property Income Tax is calculated based on the income earned and the assets owned over the year. Assets include owned land, houses, slaves, livestock, etc. A progressive tax rate will be applied. A particularly high progressive rate will be set for slaves.By doing this, the landowners will have no choice but to reduce their number of slaves. As the number of slaves decreases, they will have to either give their agricultural land for sharecropping or employ wage laborers.Hmm...The ministers nodded thoughtfully at Hyang's explanation.The income from sharecropping was significant for the regional landlords, but their primary source of revenue came from the fields directly cultivated by their slaves. Most of the land being sharecropped had originally belonged to small-scale farmers who had been forced into tenancy.If Hyang's proposal to impose a high progressive tax rate on owned slaves was implemented, the regional landlords would have no choice but to reduce their number of slaves.The problem is the resistance from these landlords. Most of them are registered in the local registers.Hyang responded firmly to Maeng Sae-seong's point.If the local registers are the problem, then we simply abolish them.L1tLagoon witnessed the first publication of this chapter on Nvl--B1n.What!The ministers were shocked by Hyang's decisive response, but Hyang looked at them with a puzzled expression.Why are you so surprised? Didn't King Taejong already abolish the Yuhyangso?TL/N: Yuhyangso or Local Government Advisory Committee', is an organization made up of retired high-class officials in charge of watching out for immoral politico-cultural behaviour and conduct of the local authorities.Well, that's true, but...The ministers replied with hesitant expressions at Hyang's point.***Retired high-ranking officials sought to distinguish themselves from the local villagers in their hometowns. To assert their dominance in rural society, they needed an organization centered around themselves.This led to the creation of the Yuhyangso.However, the Yuhyangso constantly clashed with the local officials. The main reason was that the members of Yuhyangso often belittled the local officials due to their higher social status.While going through the records, Hyang chuckled upon reading this.That is our position.What if the regional landlords respond with armed resistance?At King Sejong's question, Jo Mal-saeng stepped forward.Thanks to the smooth progress of the northern frontier development, there is flexibility in troop deployment.King Sejong seemed pleased with Jo Mal-saeng's response but cautiously confirmed the reality.Does this mean that we can suppress any armed resistance that may arise?The majority of the troops stationed in the northern region are cavalry. I believe suppression is feasible.Hmm...As King Sejong pondered Jo Mal-saeng's response, Kim Jeom intervened again.Your Majesty, as you have been reforming the administration both centrally and regionally by setting examples and conducting experiments, I suggest using the same approach for tax reform. This way, if any rogue elements resort to armed resistance in the experimental areas, they can be effectively subdued, serving as a strong example to other regions.A strong example... An example...Mulling over the idea of setting an example,' King Sejong looked around at his ministers.Make an example of them... The Ministry of Taxation's view is correct. Ministers, based on the Crown Prince's and the Ministry of Taxation's opinions, deliberate and devise a policy.We obey Your Majesty!Thus, in this session led by King Sejong, a decision was made to implement one of the most drastic policies.The historian recording these events added a note: Accordingly, the ministers began to deliberate policies concerning slaves and landlords.The historian comments:It's true that the regional landlords abused their privileges. However, the court's decision is extremely harsh, and the landlords' backlash is foreseeable.It seems a storm is brewing.***The next day, King Sejong summoned Hyang.Crown Prince, announce your proposal related to the policy discussed yesterday.Yes, Your Majesty.Following King Sejong's command, Hyang first outlined some precautions before discussing his proposal. All these policies are interconnected with strategies regarding war, construction, and slaves. Thus, each policy requires careful consideration, but overall coordination and adjustment are also essential.I understand the precautions. Now, tell me about the policies you've thought of.Yes, Your Majesty.Hyang cleared his throat and began to explain. First, we need to impose restrictions on the interest rates charged by landlords on their tenant farmers.I've thought about this aspect too. I plan to prohibit charging interest exceeding the principal amount.That seems appropriate.Responding to King Sejong, Hyang continued: Limit the proportion of rent paid by tenant farmers, and prohibit additional charges for seeds and fertilizers. Develop large-scale horse breeding, especially large breeds, using horses brought in by traders, to enhance terrestrial transportation. Utilize this improved land transportation to enhance the movement of goods and facilitate the relocation of people.In simple terms, we use post stations to operate horse-drawn carriages.Horse-drawn carriages? Distribute a standardized identity document, made by the state, to all adult citizens. Make it mandatory for citizens to register their departure and arrival when relocating, enabling accurate tracking of their movements and efficient management of household registration. Strengthen the management of household registries to enhance the mobilization capabilities of the military.As Hyang's speech grew longer, the faces of Heo Jo and Kim Jeom gradually turned pale.Hyang's proposals continued for a considerable duration....That is all.Whew...As soon as Hyang finished speaking, King Sejong and the ministers let out a collective sigh of relief, while the historians and clerks massaged their sore wrists.King Sejong, after reflecting briefly on Hyang's words, instructed the historians.Historians, listen.Yes, Your Majesty.The Crown Prince's remarks are quite extensive, and there might be parts that the ministers missed. Therefore, summarize those parts and distribute them to the ministers.We obey Your Majesty's command.At King Sejong's command, the historians and clerks answered with gloomy faces.
