The Princess of Northern Land
Chapter 359: Reform (6)_1

Chapter 359: Chapter 359: Reform (6)_1

"That sounds great. If we have all these good things, farming wouldn’t be that laborious anymore," Lou Zheng slapped his thigh as he spoke. Just think about it, spraying pesticide could be completed on dozens of acres of land within a day; how efficient would that be. Also, sowing beans is equally convenient; within a day, a person can cover seven or eight acres. So it would only take a few days to cover dozens of acres. He would also have cultivated the land and cleared out weeds...

The more he thought about it, the more excited he became, and in a split second, he was determined to clear out more for cultivation this time.

Land reclamation is a good thing for commoners, but for the aristocratic families, it is not so much of a good thing.

"Father, I have no idea what the Prince is thinking, suggesting that the commoners should clear land for cultivation. If everyone were to cultivate their own lands, to whom would we lease our land? Should we cultivate it ourselves?" Li Jiesong spoke up in constant criticism of Chu Suifeng after he saw the proclamation that had been posted. "He must be looking for trouble intentionally, I refuse to believe that the aristocratic families would agree to this!"

"Shut up," Marquis Li snapped at his son’s insensate ramblings, glaring at him in anger. From his observations over this period, he had found that his eldest son was utterly incompetent, whereas his second son had demonstrated exceptional abilities in managing affairs.

"Issue this command, due to ill health your Marquis is unable to receive guests at present. No one in the residence is allowed to leave," Marquis Li dismissed coldly.

"Father," Li Jiesong reproachfully glared at Marquis Li. "Even if you do not want us to get involved in the Prince’s affairs, we will not object, but why should we be grounded?" The first among the courtesans of the Drunken Moon Building and Li Jiesong had just begun to foster a warm relationship recently; keeping him confined to the residence would leave him feeling stifled.

"If you dare leave, you shall henceforth leave this residence and take nothing from it," Marquis Li was firm in his decision.

"Father, I did not really say anything. If we’re not allowed out, then I will stay within. " Li Jiesong was terrified. Leaving him without a livelihood, expecting him to move out, and providing him with nothing to spend - such conditions were absolutely not acceptable.

"Hmph, the Prince is inviting the peasants to clear out land and cultivate it, clearly intending to cut off our livelihood," In the backyard of the Drunken Moon building, the heads of several aristocratic families of Feng City had gathered to discuss their plans. Necessarily, their conversation was speculating about the new land reform of King Ling.

"Without commoners and free men to lease and cultivate, our estates will certainly be abandoned."

...

Everyone was incensed at Chu Suifeng’s new reforms. All the people in the backyard, lit by candlelight, were all filled with indignation.

"Elder Zhang, what do you think we should do?" A portly, big-eared man couldn’t help but ask the old man who was sitting in the middle.

Upon hearing this, all the people arguing momentarily fell silent, and looked at the old man.

"The entire Northern Land is the Prince’s land grant, and we are his people. If the prince wishes to do something, or reform something, it’s only natural for us to cooperate fully." The man known as Old Zhang was actually named Zhang Da. He was the head of the finest aristocratic family in Feng City. Since the Zhang Family was involved in various businesses and was one of the most prominent and native to Feng City, they possessed significant influence among the nobility.

Everyone was taken aback by Zhang Da’s words, all of them looking at him in confusion.

"The Imperial Court has exempted us in the Northern Land from paying taxes, replacing them with the original military salary and grain. But ever since the early days, everyone in all areas knew that due to the weather, the crops grown aren’t as successful from year to year. Now that commoners and freemen are clearing out land for cultivation, without spare hands to manage, it would be reasonable if we can’t pay the taxes," Zhang Da sighed.

Upon hearing this, everyone laughed. That’s right! What could Prince Ling do even if he was powerful? The Imperial Court wouldn’t intervene, and there were external threats from the Tatars. Without the support of these aristocratic families, Chu Suifeng wouldn’t achieve much, probably even having insufficient military wages and grains. They all just had to halt or delay their tax payments in unison, certainly, Chu Suifeng wouldn’t be able to hold out, then he’ll have to bow to them.