On the day of the Great Court, Lord Wang Anshi's remarks were exceedingly shocking.
There's no issue with inspecting the nation's farmland, and no issue with inspecting the national population.
There's no issue with easing labor burdens, and no issue with abolishing exorbitant miscellaneous taxes.
But under no circumstances should your hand extend to the powerful noble families, high-ranking officials, and wealthy merchants!
Each of them is as rich as a nation, each has encroached upon countless interests.
And now, Wang Anshi actually wants to inspect them and make them pay taxes—how could this be possible!
"Your Majesty! This precedent must never be set!"
"Your Majesty! We are disciples of the sages, extremely upright, truly have no money to pay taxes!"
"Your Majesty! A king does not speak of gain, dukes do not speak of quantity; those who eat from the state do not compete with the people for benefits."
