If the actual income of the Norman kingdom is really calculated according to the proportion of forty percent, then the real tax should be 350,000 to 400,000 pounds of silver, and the more than 200,000 pounds of silver that disappeared probably went into the hands of the noble lords and the church, but because they were too numerous, they did not appear rich.

Of course, Mayor Freilly's words were not entirely correct, as the Norman kingdom was newly created, and after several wars, a large number of territories were taken into William's hands after sweeping away the rebellious Norman nobles and other local nobles in the newly conquered areas.

Even if William later divided a lot of them, the total number of territories left in his hands still accounted for more than half of the total cultivated land area in the country, and most of the mountains, forests, public land, wasteland, and minerals belonged to William.

Thus, more than half of the so-called 200,000 pounds of silver that was swallowed up by the nobility and the church belonged to William, and together with the income from mining, workshops, handicrafts, and trade, William's private treasury was at least twice as much as the revenue of the Norman kingdom.

With so many territories, it can be said that William is the largest feudal lord in the Norman kingdom, and his interests are consistent with the interests of the nobles, and it is impossible for him to pass any laws that are harmful to the interests of the noble feudal lords, unless the situation has reached the point where the final measures have to be implemented, William will push out some scapegoats to vent the anger of the people.

"The reform of the tax system must be gradual and gradual, and the interests of the nobility and the church must not be lightly touched, they are the cornerstone of the Norman kingdom, and their interests must not be harmed." Although William did not say it explicitly, his words had fully expressed his attitude that he would carry out reforms without harming the interests of the nobility and the church, and that as long as it did not affect the Norman kingdom and stability, he could take advantage of other classes.

Mayor Freilly also understood William's intentions, not only to protect the interests of the common people, to appease their grievances, but also to not harm the interests of the nobility and the church, then he can only take the merchants, those rich but unkind, and have no power to protect their huge wealth are the best targets for tax reform.

"If your Majesty is determined to reform, then you should first remove the exorbitant taxes, such as the road tax, which is completely unnecessary, and then establish a system of taxation, collect the taxes, and distribute them uniformly among the nobles and churches in all places, instead of being taken out by them on the way." Mayor Freilly, with a serious face, a mixture of anticipation and apprehension, cautiously proposed his reform plan.

To tell the truth, he was very disturbed that this reform plan actually harmed some of the perverse interests of the aristocracy and the church, and that their grey income was taken away and nationalized.

"Of course, the toll tax can be abolished, especially between the counties and dukes, which is simply inexplicable." Even without taking into account the price hike caused by the toll tax, William hated it, as he had seen the toll tax on the common people during his inspections of the territory.

Although he can't control the area outside the control of the Norman Kingdom, as long as there are no annoying toll taxes in the Norman Kingdom, then it is enough, because his first purpose is to entrap the millions of civilians in the Norman Kingdom.

"Your Majesty, if the tariff is raised by about twice the current level after the reduction of the toll tax, then the loss can be minimized." Mayor Freilly suggested.

"Tariffs are increased, so what if the business travelers don't come because of this? If most of the tolls are abandoned and tariffs are reduced, the tax reform will undoubtedly be frustrated. William asked, confused, looking at Mayor Freilly with a conquiring look.

"Your Majesty, in the past, merchants did not pass through Normandy, but detoured through Paris or by sea, because they were worried about the multiplicity of tolls in the Norman kingdom, so they would rather pay two customs duties to clear customs from other countries than pay an unknown amount of tolls.

However, if the toll tax is exempted, even if it is only in Normandy and Flanders, the amount of toll tax that the merchant has to pay is much less, and the cost to the merchant is much less. And by calculation, in the case of tariffs being raised twice as much as they are now, the merchants will not complain. Mayor Freilly patiently explained.

William smiled and nodded, he had already had this idea in his heart, but it was just a thought, inspiration, and he didn't dare to take rash measures without knowing the specific data. Now, under the explanation of Mayor Freilly, a professional, he can be regarded as relieved of his doubts.

"So what should the nobility and the church do?" William had relaxed, and by this time he was already satisfied with Mayor Freilly. Nor did he really want to know what Mayor Freilly could do to the aristocracy and the church, for this was no longer an area for a mere financial expert to touch.

"This, as I have just said, can reduce the domination of the nobility and the Church over the place and the freedom of property by means of a joint seizure, but... But..."Mayor Freilly had lost his composure and spirit, and he was talking with a lot of concern.

"Are you afraid that the nobles will cut your neck with their swords, or that the priests will hold the cross and curse you to God?" William said with a smile what Mayor Freilly was thinking, and then said, "Agriculture is closely related to the nobility and clergy, but fortunately, this is not France, and the nobility and clergy of the Norman kingdom are not too strong, so your plan can be carried out well." ”

William, the aristocracy of the Kingdom of France and Paris, had seen that luxury far exceeded that of the nobility of other regions, and these nobles lived on debt, and the nobility of the Norman kingdom was more or less tainted with luxury, spending lavishly and never thinking about the future.

In addition to some thrifty nobles, several of these Norman nobles were debtless, and if William held the distribution of their gray income and legitimate income, it would be tantamount to taking control of their lives.

"Your approach is generally good, and you should have heard Osborne when you came to me." William said very bluntly, "I need a treasurer for economic reform, would you like to take on this position?" ”

"Your Majesty, if I had hesitated before this, but after meeting you today, I have already decided to work for you." Mayor Freilly bowed and said respectfully, "I am only confined to one place with my talents and experience, and I cannot compare with Lord Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer, so I ask you to retract your fate." ”

"Were you doubting my determination to reform?" William's eyes were fixed on him, and he forced.

"No, not at all. I just lack confidence in myself, it's you who misunderstood. Mayor Freilly hurriedly waved his hand and explained.

"Hahaha......" William smiled heartily and said seriously, "In my eyes, you already have the ability to help me reform, but I can only give you a week to adapt and understand the specific situation." In a week's time, I'm going to see you do it! ”

"Forgive me for asking, what is my identity now?"

"The head of the Tax Agency under the Ministry of Finance, under the jurisdiction of Chancellor of the Exchequer Osborne, is directly responsible to me on matters relating to tax reform, and has the power to submit a written hearing directly to me. I give you the power to override all the government agencies of the Norman kingdom over the finances and taxes, and you can control all matters related to taxes and finances freely, without worrying about the legitimacy of the power. William gave him great power in a dignified tone.