After entering Xiaoshu, Emperor Liu moved out of Bian Palace and moved into Qionglin Garden to escape the summer heat. He originally planned to go to Songshan Mountain, but thinking that Qionglin Garden had green pools, green forests, and complete facilities, he didn't move much.
In the past two years, Emperor Liu's life has been relatively comfortable. After persisting for more than half a year, Emperor Liu once again delegated power. It seems that his original move to personally manage the government was just to prove that his authority had not been affected and had not been compromised.
The prince, Zhao Pu and his ministers violated him, and after proving that he still had control, he felt at ease and continued to rule.
The sun is shining brightly, and the water in Jinming Pond is shining with sparkling waves and golden light under the sunlight, which is almost dazzling. Probably due to the influence of the hot weather, even the swimming fish in the pond are diving deep under the water.
On the waterside pavilion, Emperor Liu was wearing a plain robe and a straw hat like an old farmer. He slightly bent his waist and held his three-year-old grandson Liu Wenhuan in his hand.
Ever since several older princes raised their families to guard the border, Liu Wenhuan was the only royal grandson left in Beijing. Last year, Duke Liu Yun of Qi gave birth to a little grandson, but he was still in his infancy. Therefore, Emperor Liu recently
All these relatives from another generation are pinned on Liu Wenhuan.
"Is there another fraud in Yangzhou?" Emperor Liu knelt down and straightened the hat on Liu Wenhuan's head. Emperor Liu said casually. There was nothing unusual in his tone, not even much surprise.
Prince Liu Yang was also waiting at the side at this time. Hearing this, he replied respectfully: "Exactly! However, it is only the Metropolitan Procuratorate that has been reported. The matter is not yet clear. The specific situation still needs to be investigated!"
Listening to Liu Yang's slightly conservative answer, Emperor Liu said calmly: "There is no storm without fire. Since someone has complained, it can be seen that there must be something fishy. What kind of place is Yangzhou and the prosperity there, I have personally witnessed it.
It is also a place with a heavy salt tax. In recent years, no matter how strict the imperial ban is, there are still people who risk beheading to sell salt to the north. As for private salt sales among the people, it has been banned repeatedly.
Yangzhou officials are close to the water, sitting on such a precious land, and have some power in their hands. It is not surprising that there are collusions between officials and businessmen to make profits secretly! "
It can be seen from Emperor Liu's words that although the matter has not been investigated clearly, when such a situation came to his ears, he had already concluded that there must be something wrong with it. This is also his consistent style, often making assumptions with a malicious attitude, and when things happen, he will
Think more about the consequences.
"What Dad said is that such a sacred place can easily confuse people's hearts. If you are not a moral gentleman, it will be difficult to keep your heart!" Hearing what Emperor Liu said, Liu Yang agreed.
"A moral gentleman will not be tempted by ordinary people?" Emperor Liu asked with a slightly disdainful tone: "In your opinion, is Hou Zhi a gentleman or a villain?"
Liu Yang knew that his answer made Emperor Liu not so satisfied. So he pondered for a moment and then said: "After the incident, I checked Hou Zhi's resume and learned about his reputation and political talents from the side.
, this person can be called a capable official, but it is said that he is cunning, jealous, and often slanders his colleagues. He can hardly be called a gentleman..."
"What were his political achievements in his past positions?" Emperor Liu asked again.
Liu Yang: "The political performance is good, otherwise, even with Lu Duoxun's recommendation, it would be difficult to know Yangzhou!"
"Then what do you think, should the court use such a person or abandon it?" Emperor Liu turned his head and looked directly at Liu Yang.
Regarding this, Liu Yang frowned slightly, considered it for a moment, and then said: "At the beginning of the founding of the country, talents were scarce and the court needed to recruit talents from all over the world. Anyone in the world who has a skill and can benefit public security can be appointed.
Nowadays, the Han Dynasty is peaceful all over the world and has many talented people. If it wants to maintain long-term peace and stability, the court should also have higher requirements for the moral integrity of its officials and ministers.
Otherwise, if the imperial court is filled with corrupt officials, the government will only become increasingly disorganized and the country will be unable to maintain stability..."
"Why do these words sound so familiar?" Emperor Liu asked after hearing his words.
Liu Yang remained calm and answered honestly: "Back then, my father gave similar instructions at the meeting in front of Chui Gong Hall. I think he also understood the truth. In the past ten years, he has only strengthened the investigation of officials and cracked down on corruption.
....."
Emperor Liu couldn't help but smile: "Are you using my words to answer my question? Aren't you afraid that I will contradict myself and lose my face?"
Sensing Emperor Liu's relaxed tone, Liu Yang was not nervous and said, "I just keep my father's teachings in mind!"
Raising his hand, Emperor Liu thought for a moment and then asked: "Zhi and Lu Duoxun have always been close at this time. I have heard about it. They say that those who are close to vermillion are red and those who are close to ink are black. In your opinion, this Lu Duoxun is
How is Dosun like a person?"
Compared with Hou Zhi, Liu Yang is obviously more cautious when it comes to Lu Duoxun. After all, Lu Duoxun is now an important minister of the imperial court and ranks among the prime ministers. He is also his own faction within the imperial court, although his influence is not as good as that of Zhao Pu.
, but no one dares to ignore him.
Liu Yang has been observing people and affairs for so many years. He has a deep understanding of the important ministers and the situation in the court, not to mention having a thorough understanding of them.
The grievances between Zhao and Lu are no longer a secret. Lu Duoxun's aggressiveness in the past year has been fully visible. Emperor Liu transferred Lu Duoxun to the central government to pay homage to the prime minister, and for the first time divided the power of personnel organization from Zhao Pu. Among them
The purpose of checks and balances cannot be concealed from others.
At this time, when Emperor Liu asked about Lu Duoxun, Liu Yang's answer was clever again: "Gong Lu is a great official of the Han Dynasty. He has made outstanding achievements. He has been an official for more than 20 years. He has worked hard and made great achievements. He is worthy of admiration!"
Emperor Liu was almost amused by Liu Yang's words. He smiled and scolded him: "Am I asking you about his merits? Without those meritorious achievements, do you think I can put him in the political hall? Even if he can, he can
To convince the public?"
Liu Yang smiled, showing a bit of embarrassment.
Seeing this, Emperor Liu spoke more directly, saying: "There is no doubt that Lu Duoxun is a capable minister, but he is by no means a wise minister! During the year he became prime minister, he placed many people inside and outside the court.
Man, in front of me, you didn’t criticize Zhao Pu, not just once!
Over the past year, the court has been quite unstable. This is not a bad thing. If the court is always calm and will become a pool of stagnant water sooner or later, Lu Duoxun has injected a vitality into it!
The ministers fight for power and gain, and invite favors and flattery. There is no need to criticize. Only when they fight for the ministers, the king can feel at ease!
However, you must remember one thing, no matter how you fight, you must fight without defeating, maintain the integrity of the court, and not affect national affairs."
"Yes!" Faced with Emperor Liu's teachings, Liu Yang responded humbly: "I remember it!"
"How did Zhao Pu respond to the Yangzhou incident?"
Liu Yang replied: "Xiang Zhao presided over the court discussion and decided to send officials from the Sanfa Division to Yangzhou to investigate!"
"Haha!" Emperor Liu laughed and pointed out: "Zhao Pu has been more tolerant in the past year, but now it seems that he is retreating in order to advance. Now that he has found an opportunity, he will take action decisively. Regardless of the outcome of the investigation, Lu
I'm afraid Dosun's prestige will be completely ruined.
Compared to Zhao Pu, Lu Duoxun is still too young! His nature is too arrogant, and his mind is not broad enough!"
After hearing what Emperor Liu said, Liu Yang also said: "My father is really familiar with the ministers! From my perspective, Duke Lu is indeed very anxious and impatient when dealing with politics!"
"Okay, don't interfere in this matter. Let them deal with it. Just watch it from the other side. There will be no trouble in each small Yangzhou mansion!" Emperor Liu warned.
"Yes!" Liu Yang agreed happily. Although he was closer to Zhao Pu from his own heart, he did not show any inclination towards the discord between Zhao and Lu. At least on the surface, he was always impartial.
of.
"But!" Liu Yang hesitated and asked, "Dad, what should we do if the final investigation results involve Mr. Lu?"
These words seemed to have stopped Emperor Liu from asking. He pondered for a moment and then said: "Then it depends on Lu Duoxun's human ability! If he can't even adhere to the basic bottom line, then there is no need to appoint him like this.
As for Zhao Pu, we can also take a look at how magnanimous he is as a prime minister, and whether he can still tolerate others after holding his position for such a long time!"
Hearing this, even Liu Yang couldn't help but be shocked. Obviously, Emperor Liu didn't care at all whether a mere Hou Zhi was corrupt, but wanted to observe his prime ministers...