Looking at the expressions of indignation on the faces of the Cabinet ministers, Emperor Chongzhen said calmly, "Gentlemen, this time the mining tax will only be levied on the extraction of ore, not on commerce."
"When the time comes, the eunuchs from the Imperial Palace will take charge of the overall situation, the Ministry of Works Research Institute will dispatch experts to survey the land, the Censorate will be responsible for supervision, and the Ministry of Revenue will verify the tax amounts."
"All mining taxes collected will be sent directly to the state treasury; not a single copper will go into the Imperial Treasury!"
Chapter 626