After scanning the faces of his officials in the Palace of Heavenly Purity, Emperor Chongzhen spoke: "Matters concerning the people are to be handled by local authorities, while matters of business shall be left to your respective ministries."
"Take the Salt Administration as an example: after the abolition of the household registration system, any issues that arise once the salt-producing peasants leave the salt fields will be the jurisdiction of local officials. Only matters occurring within the salt fields themselves will fall under your purview. Is that understood?"
The civil and military officials in the court pondered this for a long time before they grasped the Emperor’s meaning.
Chapter 401