A little grace can be a blessing, but too much can breed resentment.
This holds true for the relationship between people, and it is no different for the relationship between the Imperial Court and the people. When the people were in dire straits, the Imperial Court granted tax exemptions; they would remember this grace. However, two consecutive years of tax relief have accustomed them to a life without taxes. Subconsciously, they have come to believe that tax exemption is the Imperial Court’s duty. Once the Imperial Court resumes the collection of taxes, they are likely to forget the previous grace and begin to harbor hatred. When that resentment accumulates to a certain point, civil unrest will follow.
Emperor Chongzhen was troubled by this.
Chapter 544