When the Manchus and Qing Dynasties entered the customs, the mainland of China sank, and the war was so brutal that I couldn’t bear to witness it.@
But such a costly national war, if it is just a simple military victory, will lose its fundamental significance. If we cannot learn lessons from this war and correct our mistakes, then the price of mountains of corpses and seas of blood can only be exchanged for
After decades or hundreds of years of peace, we will go back to the old path of chaos and reincarnation.
As for the trend of reincarnation of chaos, it seems inevitable. The longer the history of the empire, the more obvious this trend becomes. At the end of this process, there is a cycle of empire collapse and the ensuing
Anarchy, as well as warlords fighting in the Central Plains and the suffering and struggle of ordinary people.
And in the melee for the world, the system that finally gains competitive advantage is bound to be an imperial system that is easy to master and does not need to take risks and experiments. This is the system with the highest efficiency in war and the widest social recognition. Therefore, the imperial system once again appeared in the new era.
The beginning of the cycle of dynasties.
Of course, in the history of more than two thousand years, the imperial system has never stopped repairing its own weaknesses. In the Han Dynasty, there were reductions in vassal status and in favor of Confucianism; the Sui and Tang Dynasties invented the imperial examination system for selecting talents; the Song Dynasty perfected the system to suppress warlords and feudal towns.
The acting officer system; the Ming Dynasty invented the cabinet system to replace the power of the prime minister and the factory guard system to improve the emperor's personal monitoring ability; the Qing Dynasty's principle of passing the throne to merit established a new mechanism to encourage princes to compete for quality.
In addition, there are constantly improving but ineffective eunuch control systems, descendant control systems, etc. Although the imperial system has been improved and developed in all aspects, the most fundamental relationship is between agricultural producers and violent tax collectors.
In terms of group relations, there has never been an effective check and balance of power. This is because the most vulnerable victims of checks and balances are always ordinary people who have no power.
Therefore, after the empire has been at peace for a long time and the population has increased significantly, the land resources on which agriculture depends have become increasingly tense, and the competition for land resources among all classes of the empire has become increasingly fierce. Resource competition has led to serious polarization. On the one hand, winning in the competition
Bureaucratic landowners and civilian landowners obtained large amounts of land. On the other hand, a large number of people who failed in the competition became tenants, farm laborers, slaves, refugees, beggars, bandits or thieves. The opportunity cost of their rebellion was very low, and the risk of empire collapse was also
Therefore it was increased.
In the fierce competition for the means of production, the destruction of the small peasant economic system on which the empire relied for survival created more refugees and rebels like adding fuel to the fire, until the rebellious violence aroused exceeded the newly gathered empire.
Suppression ability.
As a result, order collapsed, the world was in chaos, productive activities stopped in large areas, and people died in large numbers in wars and famines. The land was barren, the population dropped sharply, and natural resources were relatively abundant. Various violent groups formed small-scale separatism, attacking and annexing each other.
, and finally established a new empire. At this time, the interests of plundering were lower than the interests of maintaining order and engaging in production. Production began to recover, and the peaceful years came again.
Ultimately, the empire was unable to absorb the excess population it created. So it solved the overpopulation problem in this way, using dynastic changes and cycles of chaos as regular self-correcting mechanisms.
Therefore, in order to break out of the cyclical law of reincarnation, we must not only solve the long-term problem of the relationship between population and resources, but also form social forces that construct a new political equilibrium, thereby solving the cyclical problem of the degradation of the ruling group. But the foundation of the small-scale peasant economy
If it remains unchanged, the pattern of interests that induces or coerces fundamental changes in the imperial system cannot be formed, and the dynastic cycle will not end.
Obviously, even if the current Ming Empire has a far-sighted leader like Zhu Yongxing, there is no possibility of forming a force that can break out of agricultural civilization in the short term. But this does not mean that it should stop moving forward, but that it must move forward bravely.
Even though it is stumbling, it is moving forward.
"Government-run industry and commerce must gradually withdraw from industry and commerce. Starting from the field of people's livelihood." Zhu Yongxing's will was quite determined, even though government-run industry and commerce made great profits and contributed greatly to the war.
Because, no matter how developed government-run industry and commerce is, it is ultimately a vassal of the empire and a political and military organization supported by the surplus products of the small peasant economy. It has no life and development power of its own.
Moreover, the power of the empire is too great, and profitable areas will be occupied and monopolized by it, while the consequences of poor management will be passed on to private industrial and commercial groups and to craftsmen of all sizes in the form of cost apportionment and free expropriation.
, merchants and business owners. Therefore, through the two methods of monopoly and apportionment, government-owned industry and commerce not only occupied the development space of private industry and commerce, but also weakened their development capabilities.
On the other hand, for development and self-defense, private industrial and commercial groups will bribe and curry favor with imperial officials and even the emperor himself. They will be forced to invest huge amounts of money and energy in the political field, offering bribes and gifts, donating money to buy officials, and training their children to participate in the imperial examinations.
In this way, we strive for social status and political protection for ourselves and our descendants. Then, the source of corruption will arise again.
"Long live the war, the war is not over yet, it would be too hasty to abolish government offices at this time." Cai Ming, Minister of Industry, bowed and remonstrated.
"That's why we have to withdraw gradually." Zhu Yongxing insisted on his own point of view. He could not wait for interest groups to become stronger before weakening them. There is no doubt that the harm of government-run organizations outweighs the benefits. "There must be a time plan, which ones should be withdrawn first, and which ones should be withdrawn later.
, let the Ministry of Industry draw up regulations!"
"Yes, I obey the order."
Zhu Yongxing turned to the traffic of the new member of the cabinet. Nasong, the Minister of Posts and Communications, asked: "Na Qing, I have read your article. It is very good, but there are still a few points to be improved. I have Zhu's approval. You can call your subordinates to discuss it."
Study it."
As part of the administrative reform, Zhu Yongxing abolished the post of governor. The largest administrative division is the province, and the highest chief executive is the governor. And a high-ranking official like Nasong who has made great contributions to the country and is a representative of ethnic minorities naturally has to
With appropriate arrangements, becoming a cabinet minister is a good choice. The construction and development of transportation and postal mail are also the main means to promote population and information circulation and change social isolation.
"Long live Qi Zuo, the postal system needs to be re-established, which will cost a lot of money. I think that we can combine the government-dedicated post station with similar institutions run by the private sector, which can speed up the progress." Na Song replied respectfully.
Zhu Yongxing thought for a while and said: "It seems that we need to implement letter classification. Urgent correspondence related to military reports and government affairs cannot be delayed. Well, this is a good method, but it must be formulated more specifically."
"Weichen understands." Nasong paused for a moment and then said: "What Long Live said about raising funds to build roads and paying back fees, Weichen thought we should be cautious."
Zhu Yongxing thought for a while, smiled bitterly, and sighed: "A bit like a robber blocking the road!"
"Banzai forgive me, I know that the imperial court's finances are tight, so I have no choice but to do so." Nasong explained quickly.
Are toll roads feasible or not? Zhu Yongxing naturally knows that this is not a policy issue, but that people's psychological thinking is difficult to accept. Building bridges and paving roads is a good thing. If the government has money, it will be built. If there is no money, it will not be built. It is certainly true that some people make donations to charity.
Okay, you can leave without anyone donating, right? But why is there suddenly a charge? Isn’t this almost like a robbery?
"You must know that the objects of this fee are not ordinary people, but the merchants of the brigade, or vehicles of a certain size and load exceeding a certain standard." Zhu Yongxing tried to make an effort, "Well, the road is wider and flat, and the traveling speed
It’s faster, the transportation and circulation of goods are also more convenient, and the people have actually benefited.”
"Long live Qi Zuo." Yicheng, the Minister of Household Affairs, said: "Wei Chen thinks that we can change the method, such as commending and rewarding good people who have built bridges and roads; or the merchants can contribute money, and the court can provide tax exemptions; or local governments can provide tax exemptions and exemptions.
The government provided money and people, and the court granted some exemptions in paying money and food..."
Still not working, Zhu Yongxing knew that Yicheng said it euphemistically, but in fact he was opposed to his road toll collection. Anyway, although it seems to be effective quickly, it may not be so in the long run. To charge fees, there must be a management agency, and there must be
If you raise a large group of people and the charging period has passed, how to arrange them is another problem.
"I've approved these points. In addition, let's issue highway construction bonds!" Zhu Yongxing pondered for a moment and said: "The bank must develop and expand its branches across the country, and deposits, loans and other projects must also be launched quickly. Speaking of
Fund-raising, financing, and banks are the most powerful tools, but the role they play now is far from proportional!"
"Yes, I obey the order." Yi Cheng felt secretly in his heart and felt that he must concentrate on the work of the bank. Otherwise, the emperor is likely to separate it, just like the transportation, postal mail, water conservancy and other departments, all from their original
It seems to be a trend to become independent from the major departments to which it belongs, making the distinctions more detailed and professional.
"Although the war is still being fought, the internal construction and development cannot be stagnant." Zhu Yongxing glanced at the ministers and said earnestly: "Just like a person, if his muscles and bones are strong, how can external evils invade, and how can disasters come close to him?
Body? Just like the construction of infrastructure, such as water conservancy, transportation, postal mail, etc., they are all major issues related to people's livelihood. And what does the army rely on to support it? It is not the ordinary people who are farming, working, and doing business. Their lives are better.
With more output, the army’s backing can be considered solid and its combat effectiveness can be continuously improved.”
After a pause, Zhu Yongxing continued: "If you don't say anything, I also know that for now, the people have been suffering from war for a long time, and people's minds are settled. Even if the previous policy is still followed, as long as there is peace and peace, the people will not die of hunger.
Most of them want to praise the wise king and the prosperous age. This is not my credit, and I have never been complacent about it."
"Long live the wise and powerful warriors, you have brought chaos to an end, and your achievements are obvious to all." Chen Shaoyu, the Minister of Rites, followed the words and complimented him.
"Is it my own merit? All the ministers and assistants also contributed indispensably." Zhu Yongxing smiled and nodded, and then said seriously: "However, I think that at this time, we must not listen to the words of praise and be satisfied with the enjoyment.
.I express my determination here today, and I will use up my mind and energy throughout my lifetime to find a way to end the thousand-year cycle of chaos and dynasty changes."
Zhu Yongxing stood up, glanced at the faces of each of his ministers, and said sincerely and sincerely: "It is difficult for me to complete this extremely difficult task alone. You are all my loyal ministers. I hope you will do your best." Try your best, assist me, and accompany me. We, the monarchs and ministers, will work together to achieve this glorious goal."
…………(To be continued, please search Piaotian Literature, the novel will be better and updated faster!