Reform of Ming Salt Law

Timeline

1. 1442–1444Huai-Zhe salt-producing regions · East ChinaDuring the Zhengtong era, salt-tax collections fell short, officials embezzled, and salt smuggling was rampant. The Ministry of Revenue and the Censorate repeatedly reported the situation, and the court resolved to investigate and reform.
2. 1444–1445Beijing · BeijingThe Ming court reaffirmed the kaizhong system and the salt-certificate inspection system, strictly defined the duties of the salt transport and salt tax offices, dispatched officials to inspect Lianghuai and Liangzhe, and prosecuted officials who embezzled salt taxes.
3. 1445–1446Yangzhou · Jiangsu ProvinceSalt law in Lianghuai and elsewhere was somewhat reformed and salt-tax revenue recovered in the short term, but deep-rooted problems such as salt smuggling and eunuch interference in salt policy remained unresolved.