Chapter 307 The plan was perfect, but it failed in the end
It is already midsummer, and the weather is extremely hot. Even late at night, there is an unbearable scorching heat in the air, which is in contrast to the restless atmosphere in Beijing recently.
Accompanied by several servants and guards, Zhao Kuangyi rode a horse and galloped lightly on the street. Zhao Kuangyi did not mention what he was like as a person, but he was extremely diligent in his political work, liked to do things himself, and never tire of hard work. This was recognized by Emperor Liu
of.
He has a gentle appearance, is reasonable, and cooperates with his officials, but in his heart he is arrogant and has a strong style. Of course, Zhao Kuangyi himself leads by example and is more convincing.
He also attaches great importance to efficiency. From the moment he entered the officialdom, he spent almost all his time on official business, focusing on power management, and refused to waste any time on unnecessary things.
He always rode a horse to go to and from get off work, but he thought the vehicle was too slow. After he was transferred to Beijing, his behavior became even more extreme. In recent years, the Han Dynasty court has been troubled, and Zhao Kuangyi has become more diligent and hardworking.
However, recently, especially after Emperor Liu decided to promote fiscal and tax reform, Zhao Kuangyi was not in a good mood. It was not that he was forced to oppose this decision due to his status as a distinguished noble. Zhao Kuangyi, who has always been highly politically aware, felt that Emperor Liu
After making up my mind, I quickly adjusted my mentality and figured out how to deal with the situation and how to behave under the tide of restructuring.
At the same time, with Zhao Kuangyi's knowledge, he also knew that as long as the tax reform was completed, it would indeed be beneficial to the country and the people, and would help consolidate the foundation of the empire. It was a strategic reform measure.
As the spokesperson of interest groups whose interests are bound to be harmed under the tax reform, they may try to protect themselves and stop their losses, but they only intend to follow the trend. As for representing the Xungui Group and directly confronting this stupid approach, the smart Zhao Kuangyi is
Won't do it.
In fact, Zhao Kuangyi even intended to take over the task of restructuring. In the eyes of "fools" like Li Fang, this was a troublesome, difficult and thankless task.
But in Zhao Kuangyi's view, this is indeed a rare opportunity. Rather than retreating and only arousing Emperor Liu's suspicion and hostility, if you can take the lead in the reform, there will be a lot of room for maneuver. This is almost a rare opportunity in ten years.
Opportunities to expand influence and cultivate power.
Promoting reforms in accordance with Emperor Liu's wishes will first gain Emperor Liu's approval and reflect his noble character of being dedicated to the public good, not afraid of resistance, and daring to do things.
In the process of presiding over, although some people will be offended, the bureaucracy and their nobles are not the same people. They should suppress the increasingly expanded common people bureaucrats. This is the duty of nobles.
At the same time, the noble group is not a harmonious group. There are different factions and there are many hills and mountains, and the competition for interests is particularly fierce. This was especially obvious when large-scale knighthoods were awarded in the early years of Kaibao. For the sake of rank and rank,
Successively, a group of arrogant soldiers fought openly and secretly to the death.
As far as the Zhao family is concerned, at least they have little to deal with the Murong family. When it comes to the East Palace and affects the heirs of the next generation, the confrontation between the camps becomes more intense.
Therefore, isn't it also a matter of course to take advantage of the reform to attack political opponents? Zhao Kuangyi knows very well that it is too common for those noble families to work behind the scenes and commit crimes.
Just disposed of some trash fish.
There is no doubt that if he can preside over tax reform, he must have great power. Otherwise, how can he promote it? In that case, he, Zhao Kuangyi, will truly reach the pinnacle of power, which is the goal he has been striving for for many years.
Once the matter is accomplished, wouldn't it be natural to officially become the Prime Minister of the Han Dynasty?
How could Zhao Kuangyi let go of such a profitable, famous and powerful job? Compared with this real big profit, the loss of money and food that the tax reform may bring to the Zhao family is really insignificant.
As for the pros and cons of the tax reform, Zhao Kuangyi made a full assessment of himself, constantly trying to figure out Emperor Liu's thoughts, and observing the developments and changes in the situation between the DPRK and China. Especially seeing Li Fang's poor performance in the preparation process of the tax reform, he could not suppress it.
Various arguments were made to make effective progress, and the clearing of the land that Emperor Liu had focused on made progress even more slowly. Even Zhao Kuangyi's city government could not help but feel happy, and intuitively waited for only one initiative to ask for help, and then he could take on the important task.
However, all the ideas and reveries were just wishful thinking after all. Seeing that the time was almost here, Zhao Kuangyi took the initiative to make side remarks and expressed to Emperor Liu that he was willing to share the worries for the emperor. In the end, he was only praised by Emperor Liu, and then nothing more happened.
Zhao Kuangyi made enough gestures and flirtatious glances, but the result seemed to be for the blind. Emperor Liu never let go. He would rather let Li Fang continue to stand on the stage and make a fool of himself than use him. Zhao Kuangyi also approached the prince Liu Yang.
After trying it out, Liu Yang just tried to comfort him and didn't make any statement.
Therefore, during this period, although Zhao Kuangyi actively participated in the tax reform and made suggestions for the new tax system, he only had the right to participate in the tax reform and the leadership he longed for, but he never got it.
And when he learned that Emperor Liu had sent someone to summon Zhao Pu back to the capital, Zhao Kuangyi had a rare break. At this moment, Zhao Kuangyi couldn't tell that Emperor Liu wanted to use Zhao Pu! That was Zhao Pu.
!
It is difficult to understand! How could Emperor Liu do this? He could look down upon Li Fang and Zhao Kuangyi. He had the confidence to compete or even suppress anyone in the court, but Zhao Kuangyi had no confidence and was particularly afraid of Zhao Pu.
What Zhao Kuangyi didn't understand even more was that Zhao Pu had been prime minister for twenty years and had great power and influence. Emperor Liu was so afraid of him at the beginning! How could he suppress his suspicion now and use Zhao Pu again, with great power and important responsibilities?
.
Zhao Kuangyi was puzzled, but more out of anger and unwillingness. He, Zhao Kuangyi, had been an official for more than 20 years. He had always been conscientious and dedicated to serving the public good. After working hard for so long, he finally took root in the power center of the Han Dynasty.
Now, there is only one last step left, but it is this last step that cannot be taken. It is like there is an insurmountable gap between him and the position of prime minister, so close yet so far away.
In the past, Zhao Kuangyi has been holding back, enduring, and waiting, hoping for good things in the future, and even made a final plan for himself, which is to wait for Prince Liu Yang to take over.
However, psychological comfort is not useful all the time. Nowadays, Zhao Kuangyi's patience is somewhat insufficient. He, Zhao Kuangyi, is not young anymore and is about to enter the age of knowing his destiny. Emperor Liu is too old to die, etc.
It has to make people anxious.
What worried Zhao Kuangyi the most was that he gradually realized that the one who really suppressed him was Emperor Liu. Although it was relatively obscure, Zhao Kuangyi still felt the vague fear coming from Emperor Liu.
This was what Zhao Kuangyi was most confused about. He thought to himself that there was nothing for Emperor Liu to be suspicious of. After all, he was not his brother who had great military exploits and high prestige in the army.
If it is said that Zhao Kuangyin is involved, it does not make sense. After all, Zhao Kuangyin has been retreating behind the scenes for more than ten years and has been in poor health in recent years. What's more, although the Zhao family is a top dignitary, he is not unique.
The family can be counted on two hands. What's more, if they are really suspicious of their brothers, why bother to promote him step by step and promote him to the position of prime minister Zhao Kuangyi?
With a heavy and depressing heart, Zhao Kuangyi did not return to his mansion, and instead came to the Rongguo Duke's mansion without hesitation.