Chapter 131: Change. (1)
The ministers, who had been pondering the meaning of Hyang's words, soon began to speak one by one.
"Property... are you suggesting we impose taxes based on whether one owns slaves?"
"Imposing taxes... the resistance won't be insignificant, but if implemented, it would be an excellent measure."
"The problem is resistance."
"I also think the Crown Prince's proposal is novel, but I believe resistance is the issue."
The ministers' reactions were largely similar.
'The idea seems good, but tax resistance is concerning.'
Hyang's response to the ministers' answers was simple.
"If they resist, we crush them."
"Pardon?"
At Hyang's extreme hardline approach, the ministers asked briefly with dumbfounded expressions. At the ministers' expressions, Hyang asked back.
"From the beginning. Whose land is this Joseon, in principle? In principle, I mean."
After thinking for a moment at Hyang's question, Maeng Sa-seong answered.
"In principle, it belongs to His Majesty the King. In principle, that is."
"Correct. Therefore, since we are borrowing His Majesty's land, we pay land tax. Can we view it that way?"
'Is the public concept of land such a big deal!'
At Hyang's point, Maeng Sa-seong nodded.
"In principle, it can be viewed that way. The Crown Prince is advocating the Wangto (King's Land) ideology. However..."
Hyang interrupted Maeng Sa-seong's words.
"But! That very 'but' is the problem! It is His Majesty's land, but! I acknowledge that they have possessed that land for generations. If one passed the civil service examination, it is natural to immediately enter officialdom. But! Since they claimed they would study further before entering service, I will exempt them from taxes."
Hyang paused to catch his breath and continued.
"Through countless 'buts,' they have accumulated wealth. This is shameless behavior! And yet, they say they will resist? Where are such shameless characters!"
At Hyang's outcry, I Jik and Maeng Sa-seong exchanged quiet words.
"The Crown Prince has gone on a rampage again."
"But, in principle, he is correct. In principle..."
"That's the problem."
While I Jik and Maeng Sa-seong conversed quietly, Hyang continued.
"Therefore, I petition Your Majesty. If those local magnates consider slaves as property, then tax them accordingly!"
Hyang explained the tax system he had devised.
- The people of Joseon pay the most basic tax once a year. This tax is named 'Property Income Tax.'
- This property income tax determines the amount to be paid by adding the income earned over one year and the property owned.
- Property includes owned land, owned houses, slaves under one's control, livestock raised, etc.
- Progressive tax rates are applied.
- For slaves, the progressive rate is set especially high.
"This way, the local magnates will have no choice but to reduce their slaves. If slaves decrease, they will have no choice but to lease their farmland, which is their main source of income, as tenant farms. Or they will have to hire wage laborers."
"Hmm..."
At Hyang's explanation, the ministers nodded.
The wealth that local large landowners obtained through tenant farming was considerable, but the core income source was the profit from fields directly cultivated using slaves. Most of the land that tenant farmers cultivated was land that had originally been possessed by those tenant farmers when they were independent farmers.
If taxes were applied to owned slaves as Hyang proposed, and at high progressive rates, local magnates would have no choice but to reduce their slaves.
"The problem is the resistance of the local magnates. Most of such large landowners are those registered in the Hyang'an (local genealogical records)."
At Maeng Sa-seong's point, Hyang answered firmly.
"If the Hyang'an is the problem, then we eliminate the Hyang'an."
"Gasp!"
At Hyang's firm answer, the ministers were shocked. But Hyang rather wore an expression of puzzlement.
"Why are you all so surprised? Wasn't the Yuhyangso already abolished during the reign of King Taejong?"
"That is true, but..."
At Hyang's point, the ministers answered with uncomfortable expressions.
* * *
High officials who had retired from the court tried to distinguish themselves from the local officials in their hometowns. To seize leadership in rural society, they needed an organization with themselves at the center.
Thus was created the Yuhyangso.
However, the Yuhyangso continued to clash with local magistrates. The biggest reason was that the ranks of the Yuhyangso members were higher than those of the local magistrates, so slighting the local magistrates was commonplace.
Hyang, who was digging through related records, burst into a chuckle upon seeing this record.
"So 'back in my day...' was a problem even in this Joseon era?"
As such friction intensified, the Yuhyangso was eventually abolished.
* * *
"If even the Yuhyangso was abolished, what problem is the Hyang'an?"
"Well... that is true."
When Hyang mentioned the Yuhyangso, the ministers took a step back.
As the ministers took a step back, Hyang took a step forward.
"The Hyang'an is also a problem. What is the Hyang'an? Isn't it a record of noble families in the regions?"
"That is correct."
"Isn't that a problem? As I mentioned earlier, and have said repeatedly before, if one passed the small or large civil service examinations, it is proper to enter service and serve the country. Yet they hole up in their hometowns taking only profits - is this the proper conduct of one who follows the way of sages?"
"That is not..."
Since there was nothing wrong with Hyang's point, the ministers had no choice but to retreat again. Each time the ministers retreated, Hyang continued to pressure them.
"When the tax exemption benefit for 30 years was first granted, those who knew shame should have done their utmost in study and entered service. Yet those who make excuses saying 'my learning is still insufficient' and linger in the countryside for long periods are of only two types. One is those truly dull and without talent for learning, the other is cunning small men who use this as an excuse to fill their own bellies. Both are people this Joseon does not need."
At Hyang's words, Maeng Sa-seong answered as if muttering.
"Well, that is true, but..."
"Therefore, it is the correct policy to redirect not only slaves but also the benefits given to them to those who truly need them."
At Hyang's words, Heo Jo spoke up.
"Who are those who truly need them?"
"Those who died or became disabled before completing their full term while working for the country, and their families. The state should care for their children at least until they reach adulthood and can pursue their own will."
"I see..."
At Hyang's words, Heo Jo nodded.
With Heo Jo's acceptance, the situation was somewhat resolved, and Hyang summarized.
"To summarize, reducing the number of slaves should not end with simply reducing the number of slaves, but should proceed in a direction that reduces the power itself that local magnates possess."
At Hyang's final words, the ministers nodded. The ministers present here were officials of dangsang rank or higher. Considering the hardships they endured to reach that position, it was human nature not to look kindly upon those who lived comfortably in the provinces.
"As a linked policy for this..."
"Wait..."
When Hyang tried to explain the linked policy, Sejong raised his hand to stop Hyang's words.
"Crown Prince, listen."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Your opinion is good, but we need to discuss it further. So let us end here for today."
"I obey your command."
"And..."
Pausing briefly, Sejong looked at Hyang with eyes that held some worry.
"I understand to some extent what you felt while examining records at the Records Office, but do not forget that the local magnates too are subjects of our Joseon."
"...I will keep that deeply in mind."
"Then you have worked hard. Go and rest today."
"Yes."
At Sejong's command, Hyang bowed his head politely and exited Gangnyeongjeon.
As Hyang left Gangnyeongjeon, Sejong let out a sigh.
"Hoo~. What do you think of the Crown Prince's opinion?"
At Sejong's question, I Jik answered.
"Though radical, he was not wrong."
"Is that so? What do the Left State Councilor and the Minister of Taxation think?"
At the question thrown to Maeng Sa-seong and Heo Jo, the court's representative moderates, they organized their thoughts and answered.
"It is true that the number of slaves increased rapidly during the frequent poor harvests of the past few years. However, it is also true that with the Slave Succession Law, the number of female slaves decreased, and the number of newly born slaves has rapidly decreased. However, considering the overall picture, it is true that the number of slaves has increased, so adjustment is necessary."
Following Maeng Sa-seong's answer, Heo Jo continued.
"It is true that local magnates expanded their influence using the frequent poor harvests as opportunity. It is also true that the power of local magnates is overreaching the authority of Your Majesty and the court, so countermeasures are certainly needed."
As Maeng Sa-seong and Heo Jo showed attitudes supporting Hyang's proposal, Sejong stroked his beard.
"I also think the Crown Prince's opinion has merit. However, the problem is the backlash from local magnates."
At Sejong's point, the ministers could not immediately open their mouths. This was because a momentary slip of the tongue could result in taking the blame or leaving a major stain.
While the ministers carefully organized their thoughts, Kim Jeom spoke first.
"Looking at the budget, it is true that problems have arisen in revenue as local magnates abused tax exemptions. This is certainly shameless conduct and disloyal conduct."
"Is the Minister of Taxation suggesting we actively accept the Crown Prince's proposal?"
"That is the Ministry of Taxation's position."
"What if the local magnates show resistance accompanied by force?"
At Sejong's question, Jo Mal-saeng stepped forward.
"Thanks to the smooth development of the northern frontier, there is leeway in troop deployment."
At Jo Mal-saeng's answer, Sejong brightened, but cautiously confirmed the reality.
"Does that mean suppression is possible even if there is armed resistance?"
"The troops waiting in the northern region are mostly cavalry. I believe suppression is possible."
"Hmm..."
As Sejong fell into thought at Jo Mal-saeng's answer, Kim Jeom stepped forward again.
"Your Majesty, just as Your Majesty set a model and conducted experiments while reforming central and local administration, please use the same method for tax reform. In this way, even if unjust persons in the area where the experiment is conducted use force to commit disloyal acts, suppression will be fully possible, and it can serve as a sufficient example for other regions."
"An example... an example..."
Sejong, who was pondering the word 'example,' looked back at the ministers.
"Killing one to warn a hundred... The Minister of Taxation is correct. Ministers, devise policies based on the opinions of the Crown Prince and the Minister of Taxation."
"We obey your command!"
Thus was decided the implementation of the most cruel policy in the Gyeongjang (reforms) conducted by Sejong.
The historian who recorded all this situation added a note.
- Accordingly, by the King's decision, the ministers came to devise policies regarding slaves and local magnates.
The historian argues:
It is true that local magnates abused favors. However, the court's decision is extremely hardline, and backlash from the magnates can also be expected.
It seems another wind of blood will blow.
* * *
The next day, Sejong, who had summoned Hyang, gave a command.
"Crown Prince, announce the proposals connected to the policy you spoke of yesterday."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
At Sejong's command, Hyang cleared his throat and first discussed the precautions.
- All these policies are linked to countermeasures for fields, construction, and slaves.
- Therefore, while careful deliberation is needed for each individual policy, work to review and adjust them overall must also proceed.
"You have understood the precautions well. Then tell me what policies you have in mind."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
At Sejong's command, Hyang moistened his throat and began his explanation.
- First, restrictions must be implemented on the interest rates that local magnates charge on loans.
"I have thought about that part as well. I intend to prohibit receiving more interest than the principal."
"That seems appropriate."
Hyang responded to Sejong's words and continued.
- Restrictions on the ratio of rent that tenant farmers pay, and additionally prohibit payment for seeds and fertilizer.
- Through the Huihui people (Muslims), horses that have entered, especially large horses, should be raised in large numbers to develop land transportation.
- Using the land transportation developed in this way, strengthen the ability to transport goods and facilitate the migration of the people.
"To put it simply, I propose operating horse-drawn carriages using the relay stations."
"Horse-drawn carriages?"
- Afterwards, distribute identification implements of uniform specifications created by the state to all adult subjects.
- Make moving-out and moving-in registration mandatory for migrating subjects, accurately check the movement status of the people, and manage household registers accurately.
- Through strengthened management of household registers, also secure the ability to operate farmland.
As Hyang's words grew longer, Heo Jo and Kim Jeom's faces began to turn increasingly pale.
Afterwards, Hyang's proposals continued for quite a while.
"... That is all."
"Hoo~."
As soon as Hyang's explanation ended, from Sejong to the ministers all exhaled at once, and the historians and scribes rubbed their sore wrists.
Sejong, who had briefly reflected on Hyang's words, commanded the historian.
"Historian, listen."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"What the Crown Prince has just said is very extensive in volume, so even the ministers have likely missed parts. Therefore, organize only those parts and convey them to the ministers."
"We obey your command."
At Sejong's command, the historians and scribes answered with pained expressions.