Transmigrated into a female county magistrate during a famine, leading her country to prosperity

Chapter 322 The Emperor Orders: Reduce Grain Tax

But this is not the case with the new monthly salary system for police officers.

Shen Zheng did not change the concept, but added another piece of cake to the original one.

The detectives looked confused.

They had clearly heard every word before, but when they were put together, how come it became something new?

Shen Zheng explained to them one by one: "'Year-based monthly salary' means that for every year you serve as a constable in the county government, your monthly salary will increase by 50 wen."

"!!"

This time even Zhao Xiu was shocked.

He counted on his fingers and exclaimed, "Sir, if the rate is increasing every year, then in ten years, our monthly salary will be five hundred more coins?!"

"hiss--"

Everyone took a deep breath.

An extra fifty coins a year may not sound like much, but isn't the advantage of being a constable stable? If they are in good health, they will definitely work until they can't do it anymore!

In the first year, I got 50 more coins per month. In the second year, I got 100 more coins per month. In the third and fourth years, I got 50 more coins per month.

Wow, there is something new to look forward to every year!

But...are they worthy?

Shen Zheng saw their panic and said both good and bad things at the same time.

"Indeed, this system is intended to motivate you, to have enthusiasm for your duties, and to have hope for the future of the county government. It is not intended to make you feel that your duties are stable and become lax and careless. Therefore, after the New Year every year, there will be additional assessments for constables. If someone becomes a good-for-nothing, the county government will definitely not tolerate him."

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief for some reason.

What the adults said made them feel more at ease and motivated.

Shen Zheng continued, "Zhao Xiu and other constables who entered the county government earlier will have their 'monthly salary' added to their salary starting from this month. For constables who are newly employed today, their salary will start from this month."

A group of 'old detectives' secretly calculated in their minds, grinning and laughing.

They want to work in the county government for the rest of their lives! When they can no longer be constables, they will come to sweep the floor of the county government for free! They will wash dishes for free!

Shen Zheng was infected by their joy and said with a smile:

"Then there is the second system - 'night patrol allowance'. Now we have a new night patrol. Those of you who have done it know that although there is not much work to do during the night patrol, you must be vigilant and the danger is greater than patrolling the streets during the day. After one night's patrol, it takes several days to recover."

"So after discussing with Xu Zhubu, I decided to give each member of the night patrol team a subsidy of ten coins per night, and the yamen will prepare meals for you."

The detectives were deeply moved when they heard this.

In fact, the night patrol said that he was tired, but he was not tired either - if there was someone with bad intentions and no one was watching, he could just find a place to sleep for a night, and who would know?

But they couldn't do it. Every time it was their turn to patrol at night, they walked from dusk to dawn. When they got tired, they took turns drinking water and eating dry food, for fear that something might go wrong in the county if they were not careful.

Now that the adult has said this, it means that she really sees their hard work. Who wouldn't be moved?

Everyone's voices were a little hoarse, and they said in unison: "Thank you, sir! I will do my duty and serve the county government with all my heart!"

"This is what you deserve." Shen Zheng waved at them and said, "The last item is 'Performance Monthly Payment'."

This is the new system that the detectives are most curious about.

"I know that recently, if the people have some minor conflicts, they will think of looking for you first. You can solve it if you can, and don't want to trouble the government. This saves the county government a lot of trouble."

Zhao Xiu didn't think there was anything worthy of praise in this, so he scratched his head and said:

"Sir, it is our duty to help you and the yamen solve your problems."

Shen Zheng shook her head. "That's true, but it's also true that you saved the county government a lot of trouble, and you do your job conscientiously. Even when you're off duty, you'll deal with problems."

"So after discussing with Xu Zhubu, I have decided that you will write a short note every month to record the incidents you handled properly. After verification at the end of the month, Xu Zhubu will give you a variable amount of bonus money based on the difficulty of the incident. This is the 'performance monthly salary'."

"what--"

When the detectives heard that they had to write a note, their faces turned bitter.

"Sir... I only know a few words, how can I write a short note?"

"Yes, sir... How can I refuse this 'performance-based monthly salary'? But don't worry! If there are conflicts among the people, I will handle them seriously and will never be perfunctory!"

In order not to have to write, they would rather not have money.

Shen Zheng smiled brightly and uttered two cold words: "No."

Her eyes swept across everyone's faces.

"You have some outstanding qualities to be able to become county constables. But in the future, it will be a general trend for the people to be literate. If the county government still needs to recruit new constables, they will also give priority to those who can read."

"Let me give you an analogy. If someone comes to you with a note asking for directions or help, and you don't even know what's on it, wouldn't that be a disgrace to the county government? Besides, the introductory class will start tomorrow. Do you think you can't even compete with the kids in the introductory class?"

Everyone shuddered when they thought of that scene.

"How can that be possible! I will write it! I will learn to write right now!"

Shen Zheng smiled with satisfaction.

"If you have children studying at home, you can ask them to be your 'little teachers'. They will help you consult the teacher. If that doesn't work, the young master Fang Ziyan who lives in the county government office can also help you. Oh, by the way, your boss can write a lot. In short, no matter what method you use to learn to write, you must hand in the notes to Xu Zhubu at the end of the month."

"Yes... Sir, I obey your command."

Some are happy and some are sad.

Brothers Zhao Xiu and Xiao Yuan looked at each other and smiled.

The two of them have prepared for a rainy day and have been learning characters privately for a long time. This time, they will definitely stand out among the constables and amaze your Excellency!

Several people came from the door. They were Li Hongmao and the teachers from the county school.

Shen Zheng nodded to them and said to the detectives:

"Okay, if you don't understand anything about this new system, you can ask Xu Zhubu. Next, let your leader take you to familiarize yourself with the county government."

"Sir, please take care—"

Several people entered the study, and Shen Zheng took out the "number comparison table", "addition and subtraction table within twenty" and "multiplication table" that she had prepared long ago.

"This method is simple. Take a look at it first. If you don't understand, you can ask me and Li Shanchang."

......

Shangjing, the imperial palace.

The soldiers standing on both sides of the golden steps did not look away, but moved their ears several times.

The Golden Throne Hall is so lively today. Isn't it——

"God bless my Great Zhou, God bless my Great Zhou!"

This was Ji Benchang’s first words after being strangled awake, almost insane.

He rolled off Yue Zhenchuan and fell straight onto the rice seeds on the ground.

"Ouch--"

Eunuch Hong wanted to step forward to help the man, but was stopped by the emperor.

"Let Lord Ji be happy. This is something we should be happy about."

The emperor thought for a moment and then said, "Pass the order down. This autumn harvest, grain tax in all places will be reduced by 20%. If there are local governments that have already collected grain tax, they should return the amount to the people and not embezzle it."

Deducting 20% ​​of the original grain tax will not cause any major damage.

He frowned and called out, "Chen Xingshen."

"The minister is here."

"This matter is under the charge of Minister Ji, and you will assist in it. Keep a close eye on all places and report any corruption in a timely manner. Otherwise, you will be held accountable."

“I—I obey the order!”

Ji Benchang, who was surrounded by rice seeds, had not yet reacted to what was happening.