Chapter 214 Busy

Before social productivity reaches a certain height, taxation of agriculture is a necessary condition for the continued existence of a country.

In the time and space before Ying Yi traveled through time, industry and commerce were developed, and their tax revenues met the needs of the government. Therefore, the proportion of agricultural taxes was gradually reduced, until agricultural taxes were not collected or even subsidies were provided.

But in the current time and space, it will be difficult to do so, at least for a period of time.

To replace agricultural taxes, industry and commerce would have to be highly developed. The productivity of society is far from meeting the corresponding conditions.

For the time being, the 50% tax on agriculture cannot be considered a heavy tax based on the current improved varieties. On the one hand, the people can accept it and have enough surplus grain to subsidize their families. Secondly, the collected grain can fully meet the needs of Ying Yi's regime.

For example, in the three counties of Nanyang, based on the yield of twelve shi per mu, the total harvest is about 7.2 million shi. Collect half of it, which is 3.6 million stones. The main food consumer under Ying Yi's command is the army, which only has 27,000 people.

Twenty-seven thousand troops, if allowed to eat ten thousand dan a day, can last for a year.

What's more, 27,000 people may not be able to eat 10,000 shi in one day. Furthermore, there are only three counties, accounting for a very small part of the entire Henan state.

Because according to the provisions of the Agricultural Tax Law, each household is taxed only once a year.

This is the real welfare for farmers!

For the improved seeds improved by Di Ji Yi, the harvest cycle is two months. Even if you include plowing in the front and harvesting in the back, and another month, plowing and harvesting every three months is inevitable. It is neither afraid of severe cold or heat, nor drought or flood, and can harvest four seasons in a year.

The tax is only levied in one quarter and not in the other three quarters.

In this way, one can imagine how abundant the people's surplus food will be.

"Of course, this is an ideal situation, but it is not desirable."

Ying Yi walked side by side with Zheng Yunzhi, walking all the way to the study, saying: "Although improved seeds are high-yielding, they also consume more soil. Planting four seasons a year is difficult for the land to bear. Because there are two seasons a year, there is an interval between each season. One season is used to grow other crops, such as beans, to conserve soil fertility.”

Zheng Yunzhi nodded slightly: "Yes. In addition, we must encourage people to apply more fertilizer. Rotating crops and fertilizing are consistent, so that everything is foolproof."

Ying Yi smiled and said: "Not only that, water conservancy facilities in various places will also be included in the plan. There are currently 80,000 slave workers, half of which are used to build roads and half of which are used to repair water conservancy. I plan to have all the water conservancy facilities in Henan by this time next year. The main roads between states and counties must be completed. Major water conservancy facilities must also be built."

He added: "The 100 million mu plan will definitely enter its first harvest in the spring of next year. The amount of food obtained is foreseeable. If the 80,000 slave labor force is not enough, ordinary people can be recruited. The results must be seen in about a year."

Zheng Yunzhi said: "As long as there is enough food, everything is not a problem."

Then he said: "The grain output is huge, and I'm afraid it will have an impact on the price of grain. After discussing with the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Commerce, the State Animal Husbandry Yamen decided to fix the price of grain, otherwise the low price of grain will hurt farmers."

Ying Yi nodded: "That's why cheap grain hurts farmers. To avoid this hidden danger, not only must the price of grain be fixed, but the government must also vigorously purchase it. Hoarding grain is necessary for a long period of time. It is necessary. Several official large granaries should be established just in case."

Zheng Yunzhi nodded.

"The price of grain and salt is the basis of commercial pricing." As he spoke, he arrived in the study. The two sat down and Ying Yi said: "Various fruits and vegetables, daily necessities, and production tools are closely related to this. Only by limiting the price of grain and salt to a specific range can order and stability be ensured."

Based on the current grain yield per mu, the further the future goes, the more grain will be left. If left unchecked, food prices will inevitably plummet. When food prices fall, it will affect the entire economic system.

Food prices cannot rise too high, as rising prices will affect all walks of life. Don't let it fall too hard, otherwise it will affect social order.

"The Zhoumu Yamen is already planning to build granaries." Zheng Yunzhi said: "Build one each in Kaifeng, Luoyang and Nanyang. The standard is 20 million dan."

"I'm afraid it won't be enough." Ying Yi thought for a moment: "Once the 100 million mu plan is completed, five to six dan of grain per mu will be levied, and the tax revenue alone will be 5 to 6 billion dan."

Zheng Yunzhi smiled and said: "Build main warehouses in Kaifeng, Luoyang and Nanyang. The granary system cannot be limited to three. Under it, each county must also build warehouses to store grain. If it is spread out, 600 million shi of grain will not be a problem."

Only then did Ying Yi nod in agreement.

Then he said: "How are the preparations for the issuance of new coins in the Department of Commerce?"

Zheng Yunzhi said: "Within half a month."

Ying Yi laughed: "Okay. What's the specific release plan?"

"Start from the General Chamber of Commerce." Zheng Yunzhi said: "The Shilling Chamber of Commerce recycles old gold, silver, and copper coins from major merchants and exchanges them for new coins of the corresponding amount. At the same time, it opens banks in various commercial department branches to open exchange entrances to the public. "

"Where's the publicity?" Ying Yi asked.

"It's already being done." Zheng Yunzhi said: "I have seen the new coins. No matter the appearance or safety, they are extremely high-end. I believe the people will not reject them."

Ying Yi nodded: "That's good."

...

The government affairs involved in a political power include all aspects of society. Whether it is the food and drink of the people, the various needs of officials, the various developments of society, whether it is foreign wars, or domestic unification of thoughts, it is not an easy task to become the master of a country. There are extremely high demands on both the body and the mind.

Especially in the early days of the new life, many rules have not yet been established and must be implemented by those in power. Therefore, it is not easy to win.

Of course, it's not difficult.

Both physically and mentally, Ying Yi is strong enough.

For Ying Yi, this period is a good time. The Ming court had no spare power to deal with him, and the Tatars had not yet entered the border. This is a good opportunity for development.

As various government orders were issued and various measures were implemented, Henan Province began to show its vigorous vitality.

In terms of agriculture, by October, the reclamation plan of 100 million acres will come to an end. At the same time, the land that was reclaimed in the early stages has entered a state of cultivation.

I believe that by the end of October or before November, the 100 million acres plan will be successfully completed. From December to January, the 100 million mu project enters the harvesting stage. By the beginning of spring, Henan will be completely free from the threat of hunger and enter a period of stable development.

However, for the entire Henan state, the 100 million mu plan is not the whole story, but only a part. One hundred million acres of fertile land may seem like a huge amount, but in fact it’s only 10,000 square kilometers. Ten thousand square kilometers is only equivalent to the area of ​​a small prefecture.

In the entire Henan prefecture, except for Zhangde Prefecture, Weihui Prefecture, and Huaiqing Prefecture on the other side of the river, Ying Yi controls the six prefectures of Henan Prefecture, Kaifeng Prefecture, Ruzhou Prefecture, Guide Prefecture, Nanyang Prefecture, and Runing Prefecture. . The total area exceeds 150,000 square kilometers.