The Princess of Northern Land
Chapter 354: Reform (1)_1

Chapter 354: Chapter 354: Reform (1)_1

"Prince, the Imperial Court is becoming more and more excessive. The grains and forage sent to the Northern Land in recent years are decreasing, and now even the military salary is in severe shortage. Our Northern Land has a small population and chilly weather. Other places can grow crops twice a year, whereas here we can only grow for one season, and we can’t even grow wheat and rice. If we only rely on our taxes, I’m afraid we won’t be able to last for long." Another military general spoke angrily.

Chu Suifeng’s brows furrowed slightly. The generals felt uneasy, and how could he not?

The Northern Land was his territory, and the late emperor decreed that neither he nor his descendants shall return to the capital. The emperor’s recent decree was like stabbing him behind his back. With the Tatars lurking at the border, without provisions, would the Imperial Court not fear losing the fort or believe that losing a Northern Land does not matter to Daqin?

"The Northern Land will no longer have to pay taxes to the Imperial Court. This is good news," Situ Gong said.

"Liao City is the gateway to the Northern Land. If the Imperial Court prohibits merchants from coming to trade, it will be a headache for us. The one stationed in Liao City is Guan Qinggu. This upright and stubborn man has always been loyal to the emperor. To prevent any unforeseen incidents, Prince, we need to be vigilant," Si Jinhan said grimly.

"We need to infiltrate some of our people into Liao City and also find ways to have the Imperial Court send more prisoners here," Chu Suifeng suggested.

The eyes of Situ Gong and Si Jinhan lit up; it seemed that the prince had made up his mind.

"Issue the order, from next spring, ordinary people can reclaim wasteland. An honest citizen can clear up to eight acres, and a lower-class citizen must not exceed five acres. For three years, there will be no tax on the reclaimed wasteland, and only half the tax in five years," Chu Suifeng swiftly gave his instructions.

"Prince, I’m afraid the wealthy households in Feng City may stir up trouble," a strategist worriedly said.

"Anyone who dares to hinder us shall be killed," Chu Suifeng emitted an intimidatory aura, "Whichever fool dares to take the first step forward will see their entire family sentenced to death."

The Northern Land may not have many people, but Chu Suifeng would surely not go easy on anyone who stood in his way. Those who have been living a luxurious life in the Northern Land for so many years, better remember who the real ruler of Feng City is.

"Prince, we mustn’t," another strategist hesitantly said, "I think we should take it one step at a time. The absence of grain and military salary from the Imperial Court has already slowed your pace, Prince, and if we lose the support of the aristocratic families, I’m afraid there might be a rebellion in Feng City."

"You want me to submit to them and then be dependent on them for a lifetime?" Chu Suifeng asked coldly.

The strategist was shocked but plucked up the courage to answer, "I do not wish for you to depend on them, Prince. Yet for you to change the situation in the Northern Land, we need to wait until we have new replacements for the current aristocratic families."

"No need to worry," Chu Suifeng responded nonchalantly, "Follow my orders and distribute them. Each of you is responsible for your area. If anyone is found to be unsatisfied or conspiring, execute them immediately."

"You need not worry," Situ Gong reassured his colleague with a smile. "What’s destined will come no matter how prepared we are, and there will always be some who will oppose. But if the prince only relies on the support of a few wealthy households, he will end up tied down by them. If the citizens had a surplus of grains, even without the supplies from the Imperial Court, there would be no more worry. And those so-called nobles will have to shut their arrogant mouths."

"This battle is inevitable, sooner or later, we have to face it. Rather than waiting for them to be prepared, we should make the first move," Chu Suifeng said coldly, "Let them see if I am a pushover."

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