My aunt is Queen Ma

Chapter 108 Untitled
Emerging from the palace, Ma Yu breathed a sigh of relief; it had been another successful lecture.

The policy of "integrating land tax into poll tax, with gentry paying taxes as a whole" sounds simple, but it is very difficult to implement.

This would inevitably provoke fierce opposition from the powerful and wealthy elites.

Most emperors would choose to compromise, and then everyone would plunder the people together.

The two main points of Yongzheng's reforms were these.

However, during his lifetime, these two lines were only in trial operation for a period of time in some areas such as Shandong and Henan.

It was not promoted nationwide.

He died not long after.

Not long after Emperor Qianlong ascended the throne, he abolished all of them and restored the old system.

Emperor Qianlong was a smart man; did he not know the effects of these two policies?

No, he knew better than anyone else.

But it was precisely because he was smart that he abolished it without hesitation.

To put it bluntly, in his mind, the suffering of the common people was just a temporary hardship, and wouldn't lead to any major upheaval.

Even if the people rebelled, the bureaucratic landlord group would help suppress them.

If the bureaucrats and landlords suffer, they will truly dare to unite and rebel.

Unless Emperor Qianlong takes the initiative to overturn the table and use force to clear the way.

But he didn't have the courage to do it.

But Zhu Yuanzhang had the courage to do so.

Even Ming Dynasty haters have to admit that he was one of the most distinctive monarchs in history.

What sets him apart from other monarchs is his willingness to overturn the table at any time.

Most monarchs, once they have secured their rule, will strive for stability.

Zhu Yuanzhang was different; was he stable?

Anything uncontrollable is an unstable factor, and we should try our best to eliminate it.

Disobedient? Making a scene?
They were all killed.

Compromise on policy in exchange for the support of powerful officials?

What a joke! They don't even deserve it!

Those who opposed my policies were all killed, and the rest all agreed.

He reigned as emperor for over thirty years and handled four major cases.

In almost every major case, tens of thousands of people were executed, and hundreds of thousands were implicated.

The key point is that those who were executed or implicated were basically powerful officials and bureaucrats, members of the management team.

At the height of the killings, only two vice ministers remained in the Six Ministries, leaving more than half of the official positions in the court vacant.

It was precisely because he dared to overturn the table that when he refused to grant tax exemptions to the powerful and wealthy, those people dared not cause trouble.

Therefore, the Ming Dynasty became the only dynasty that did not grant tax exemptions to the powerful and wealthy, or to the scholar-officials.

In other words, no one in his previous life told him about the "equalization of land tax and poll tax," otherwise he would most likely have promoted it along with the land tax.

A strong monarch is a good thing in itself, but only if he has the right mindset.

Unfortunately, this was exactly what Zhu Yuanzhang lacked.

His policies were riddled with loopholes, and he killed people not to promote proper etiquette, but to protect his own family's interests.

Therefore, his toughness turned into arrogance, cruelty, and bloodthirstiness.

but……

"His personality is actually quite convenient for me," Ma Yu thought to herself.

Various policies that increase the burden on the wealthy have become possible.

Combating the Confucianism that was turning into a religion and promoting new ideas was no longer just empty talk.

In short... Zhu Yuanzhang, the tool, is activated.

Whether Chinese civilization can complete its transformation depends on you.

The thought of Zhu Yuanzhang becoming his tool made Ma Yu laugh with delight.

Zhu Shuang looked puzzled: "Didn't my father refuse to let you marry that fat girl? What are you so happy about?"

Ma Yu's smile froze, and she said irritably, "I think you're the one who's blinded by lust, all you think about is getting married all day long."

"Besides, that's called voluptuous, a perfect example of slightly plump. Don't you understand aesthetics?"

Zhu Shuang chuckled, “Whether I understand aesthetics or not is not important, but if you like fat girls, you definitely don’t understand aesthetics.”

Ma Yu: ...

"Alright, let's not talk about it anymore. Since we've brought her up... send someone to investigate her thoroughly and find out what kind of person she really is."

Her perfectly aesthetically pleasing demeanor, coupled with the added appeal of the real-life Zhao Min, truly captivated him.

But it was just a fleeting attraction; it wasn't that he was determined to marry her.

Moreover, there are few historical records about her, and her personality is completely unknown.

Who knows what kind of person she is?

If she has a bad temper and your ideal image is shattered, then forget it.

Zhu Shuang laughed and said, "Do you even need to tell me? I already sent people to investigate yesterday."

"But in the end, her brother Wang Baobao is a big problem. Even if my father agrees, I'm afraid the court officials will oppose it."

Ma Yu shook her head and said, "Wang Baobao is not a problem."

He then analyzed for Zhu Shuang the predicament Wang Baobao faced and his inevitable fate.

"The tribal system still prevails on the grasslands, and tribes form the state."

"The common people are actually controlled by the tribal chiefs."

"Whoever's tribe has the most people and the most power has the most say in the court."

“Wang Baobao’s family has lived in Han lands for generations and has no roots on the grasslands.”

“Once he has lost all his troops, he will be all alone, and no one will listen to him.”

"Judging from the current situation, Wang Baobao will be out of the picture in two years at most."

"At that time, Guanyin Nu will be a discarded pawn, and no one will care whether she lives or dies."

Zhu Shuang pondered for a moment, then suddenly said, "That makes sense. Do you think we can use this reason to persuade him to surrender?"

Ma Yu shook his head and said, "You can try it, but it won't be of much use."

Zhu Shuang asked, puzzled, "Why? I've never seen him be particularly loyal to the Yuan Dynasty before."

Ma Yu sighed, "You'll have to ask your father about that."

Zhu Shuang asked in confusion, "My father? What's wrong? He also wants to recruit Wang Baobao."

Ma Yu couldn't help but laugh and said, "Has no one ever told you that your father likes to show off his writing skills, especially his love of writing letters to his opponents?"

"This has led to many feuds."

Zhu Shuang exclaimed in surprise, "Is that so? Tell me about it quickly."

So Ma Yu first told him about Zhang Shicheng.

Zhu Shuang was so shocked that his jaw almost dropped: "You mean, Zhang Shicheng hates my father so much because of that letter?"

Ma Yu laughed and said, "He and your father are bound to have a battle; it's a struggle for interests."

"But the hatred I feel for your father is indeed because of this letter."

"It's unlikely that Wang Baobao would surrender to the Ming Dynasty, partly because your father used to write to him frequently."

Zhu Yuanzhang frequently wrote letters to Wang Baobao, and his attitude could be described as initially arrogant but later becoming obsequious.

When he faced a formidable enemy, his tone in writing to Wang Baobao was quite amicable.

What do you mean, that our two families have no enmity? We each have our own enemies, so let's not fight each other.

Once the predicament was resolved, he wrote to Wang Baobao in a fatherly tone.

What? You're still young, you're not doing this well, you're not doing that well either. You should do it this way.

He scolded Wang Baobao like a grandson.

Such humiliation would never be surrendered to by anyone with a modicum of backbone.

After the Battle of Lingbei in his previous life, Wang Baobao's army was almost completely wiped out.

The fact that they became like mascots in the Yuan court and still did not surrender to the Ming Dynasty is the best proof of this.

This is also why Ma Yu was not optimistic about recruiting Wang Baobao to surrender.

"Therefore, if Wang Baobao had even a shred of backbone, he would never have surrendered to your father."

Zhu Shuang was speechless: "How did my father become emperor with his personality?"

Ma Yu shrugged and said, "There's nothing we can do. Your father's military capabilities are just too strong."

"If we were to rank all the emperors' military capabilities, Emperor Taizong of Tang would undoubtedly be number one, and your father would be number two."

"The others are vying for third place."

Zhu Shuang asked curiously, "Heh, it's rare for you to praise him like this." Ma Yu replied, "One is one, two is two. In terms of magnanimity and ability to govern a country, your father doesn't even rank high."

"His military capabilities are indeed rare in the world, and the key is that he is willing to go all out and dare to fight."

Zhu Shuang nodded and continued the previous topic:
"However, I think your analysis of Wang Baobao could be the subject of an article."

Ma Yu asked, "Oh, how do you write an article?"

Zhu Shuang said, "It's just a divisive tactic."

Ma Yu was intrigued and nodded, saying, "It is indeed feasible. The Yuan Dynasty was already plagued by a disconnect between the emperor and his ministers."

"Furthermore, Wang Baobao has a criminal record, which might actually cause a rift between them."

"Even if it doesn't work out, it doesn't matter, there's no loss."

The two then discussed some details and refined the plan.

Zhu Shuang was very excited. After sending Ma Yu home, he returned to the palace.

Ma Yu originally wanted to review the day's events and fill in any gaps in her understanding.

But because he was so happy, he couldn't calm down and went to Chang Yuchun's house next door.

Chang Yuchun was teaching Chang Mao martial arts in the backyard training ground.

A long spear weighing over ten kilograms was wielded by Chang Mao with great force.

The moves are not actually complicated; they are all wide and sweeping, but each move emphasizes a powerful and heavy force.

It felt as if the air itself was being torn apart.

Ma Yu couldn't help but applaud and exclaim, "Excellent martial arts!"

Chang Mao was startled when he suddenly heard his voice. His hand slipped and the long spear flew out of his grasp, hitting the weapon rack next to him.

With a loud crash, the solid wood weapon rack was smashed to pieces, and weapons fell to the ground.

Chang Yuchun had originally wanted to boast a little, but his son made a mistake, and his face immediately darkened.

"You good-for-nothing! I always tell you to practice properly, but you never listen. Now you've embarrassed yourself, haven't you?"

Chang Mao glanced at Ma Yu, then quickly lowered his head and dared not utter a sound.

Ma Yu roughly guessed what had happened, and felt both amused and exasperated.

I never expected it would frighten the child and cause him psychological trauma.

"Uncle, please don't blame Brother Chang. It was my sudden outburst that startled him. If anyone is to blame, it's me."

Chang Yuchun understood this in his heart, but what could he say as a father?

Seeing Ma Yu hand over the ladder, he climbed down.

"Hmph, that's because he's not skilled enough. On the battlefield, nobody cares whether you're sudden or not."

"What are you standing there for? Hurry up and pack your things."

Chang Mao then ran over and, together with the servants, picked up the scattered weapons.

Some weapons require two people to lift, but he can lift one with one hand.

"Brother Chang is truly powerful! He will surely become a fierce general in the future. Uncle has a worthy successor."

Chang Yuchun sighed, "Having a lot of strength but no knowledge of military strategy, at best he'll be a general who charges into battle."

"But he is arrogant and probably wouldn't even be a good general."

Ma Yu couldn't help but shake his head and say, "It is the father's fault if the son is not taught. Brother Chang is not knowledgeable in military strategy and has personality flaws. It is caused by your incompetence as a father."

Changmao naturally heard his father's dissatisfaction, but he just kept his head down and worked without saying a word.

But when he heard Ma Yu speak up for him, he couldn't help but show a surprised expression.

Chang Yuchun was surprised that he would take the blame upon himself, and said with dissatisfaction:
"Is it my fault? If I hadn't risked my life on the front lines, he wouldn't have the wealth and glory he enjoys today."

"Back then, I couldn't even afford to eat. In order to learn martial arts, I had to take care of other people's excrement and urine."

"He lives a life of luxury but has no ambition, how can you blame me for that?"

Ma Yu sighed, "People are all different."

"Even planting a tree requires watering it from time to time, let alone raising a child?"

"Providing children with excellent external conditions is not enough; a good education is equally indispensable."

"But this can't be blamed on you."

"The Ming Dynasty needs you to fight on the front lines, so naturally you can't take care of your family."

"This is why one cannot have both family and country."

Chang Yuchun, who was initially somewhat angry, felt a mix of emotions upon hearing these words:

"It was indeed my negligence in educating the brothers."

"The eldest is older and has more bad habits, while the second child is fortunate to have been guided by you and has not gone astray."

"Alas, I have indeed been a terrible father."

Chang Mao was shocked. When had he ever heard his father admit his mistakes, especially when it came to his children's issues?

Ma Yu's mouth... is truly terrifying.

Not only did he dare to criticize the emperor, but he could also make my father admit his mistakes.

And this time he even spoke up for me, I'll remember that favor.

Ma Yu was quite surprised that Chang Yuchun would actually put aside his pride and admit his mistake.

But he quickly realized what was happening and laughed:

"It's never too late to mend the fence after the sheep are lost."

“You’re at home now, so you can teach him properly.”

“We can’t just teach martial arts; we also need you, as the father, to teach us military strategy and how to conduct ourselves in society.”

Chang Yuchun nodded and said, "I'll try my best. I hope it's not too late."

Ma Yu laughed and said, "When Zhou Chu was young, he was also an idle and troublesome person, but he suddenly realized his mistakes and became a hero."

"Brother Chang is only a few years old this year, how could he be late?"

"With a great hero like you as his father, he will surely become a hero too."

Who doesn't like others praising their child? Chang Yuchun was no exception.

"Haha... then I'll take your good wishes."

Chang Mao, who was standing to the side, was also very excited. It turned out that they didn't look down on me after all.

Their attitude towards Ma Yu has completely reversed.

No wonder everyone likes him so much; he really is a good person.

Chang Yuchun was a straightforward person, and immediately asked for advice:

"To be honest, most of my skills came from fighting on the battlefield, so I don't know how to teach others."

"You are highly learned and skilled at educating people. Do you have any way to teach me?"

Ma Yu thought for a moment and said, "The Wujing Zongyao compiled in the Song Dynasty can be used as a preliminary teaching material, and it is sufficient to supplement it with the Spring and Autumn Annals."

The Song Dynasty valued civil officials over military ones, so what could they do if they didn't have enough military generals?
They compiled military primers and taught people how to lead troops into battle step by step.

It includes detailed tutorials on how to deploy troops, the application scenarios for each type of soldier, and even how to make military rations.

It can be considered an introductory textbook for military commanders.

As a result, the Song Dynasty cultivated a large number of generals who came from scholar backgrounds.

Regardless of their abilities, at least they can provide a safety net.

Moreover, the Song Dynasty won more wars than it lost.

Without cavalry, even if they won, they couldn't expand their gains and remained in a passive, defensive position.

Overall, however, this military treatise is indeed very useful.

As for the Spring and Autumn Annals, it was also a basic textbook for many generals in ancient times.

Although this is a history book, it describes the course of the war in great detail.

Moreover, as a historical record, it describes the causes, process, results, and impacts of the war.

This involves strategic aspects and is more useful than a simple military treatise.

Combined with the Complete Guide to Martial Arts, it is a perfect introductory textbook.

Chang Yuchun had naturally heard of this book, and immediately made his decision:
"Okay, we'll use this one. I'll go to the palace later and ask the higher-ups for one."

Then he asked, "You just said that in the early stages of learning martial arts, one must study the Spring and Autumn Annals, so there must be a later stage?"

Ma Yu couldn't help but shake his head and chuckle, "You really are ungrateful."

"The next step is to go from military strategy to philosophy, which requires studying 'The Art of War' by Sun Tzu."

To everyone's surprise, Chang Yuchun frowned and said, "Sun Tzu's Art of War? What use is that mystical book?"

Upon hearing this, Ma Yu couldn't help but let out a long sigh.

It's not that Chang Yuchun looked down on Sun Tzu's Art of War; in fact, since the Song Dynasty, this book has been largely ignored.

(End of this chapter)