The spring day at the end of February was not only bright, but even a bit charming, with wisps of silk falling mischievously between the palace rooms. It was also because of the good weather that Emperor Liu did not huddle in the Chongzheng Hall and interact with the beautiful spring scenery outside.
In comparison, the palace looked dark, damp and cold under its gorgeous appearance.
The recliner that Emperor Liu had used for more than 20 years was placed in front of the palace. There was a table beside it with fruits and snacks. Emperor Liu was dressed in single clothes and wrapped in a light robe, lazily leaning on his side.
Lying down, enjoying the gentle caress of the warm spring light.
Under the sunlight, Emperor Liu's gray beard and hair complemented each other with the light, and seemed to be competing to see who was whiter. Emperor Liu just lay there quietly, quiet and peaceful, with a feeling of returning to nature and returning to nature. Such a temperament
, which is rare in Emperor Liu.
Until a shadow covered Emperor Liu's face, he didn't have to speak or even open his eyes. He just frowned, noticed the "culprit" who frowned at Emperor Liu, and immediately took two steps back to return the blocked sunlight to Liu.
Emperor, his expression has just returned to calmness.
"What's the matter?" Emperor Liu's voice was not as lively as Chunri's, and seemed lazy.
"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is here." Yan Tuo spoke in a low voice, cautious but humble, obviously afraid of breaking Emperor Liu's self-absorbed atmosphere.
"What else are you reporting? Let him come over!" Emperor Liu responded casually: "Prepare a seat for the prince as well!"
"yes!"
Soon, he passed through the servants, palace maids and imperial guards who were standing nearby with their heads bowed and their hands tied, and arrived in front of the emperor to see the ceremony. Emperor Liu finally opened his eyes and calmed down a little. Only then did he look at the white world and noticed Gong Gong.
Liu Yang standing in front of him.
"Sit!" Emperor Liu raised his hand and said softly: "Looking at your face as sinking as water and your brows with a worried look, what is it that worries you so much?"
Hearing this, Liu Yang shook his head slightly and sighed: "Why do you ask questions knowingly? The quarrel in Guangzheng Hall is both annoying and annoying. I really feel helpless!"
Emperor Liu looked surprised: "What? Are you still arguing? There is no result yet?"
"Not only is there no result, the internal and external officials are still at odds with each other, but there are signs of intensification. I don't know when it will end!" Liu Yang looked annoyed.
"Not bad!" When Emperor Liu heard this, he had a completely different attitude and said with a smile: "It has been a long time since the imperial court was so lively!"
Emperor Liu was watching the fire from the other side of the bank, with an attitude of clapping and cheering, which made Liu Yang stunned for a moment, and he couldn't help but hesitated: "Ke Yi'er seems that such endless quarrels will not only not help solve the problem, but will harm the harmony of the court.
Not conducive to unity..."
After listening to what he said, Emperor Liu raised his eyelids slightly, glanced at Liu Yang, and said calmly: "There is nothing wrong with making noises. You have been in power for so many years, so you should not be so naive. You think that harmony within the court means that there is peace in the world.
It’s over!”
"If the words are unclear and the reasoning is unclear, I asked you to summon the internal and external ministers and workers. This is not to hold a peaceful symposium. I want you to listen to the voices of the local people. You must not listen to what they say, and you will not
Let others talk! Zhao Pu was red-faced arguing with them, but why are you immersed in it?" Emperor Liu said.
Emperor Liu's words made Liu Yang a little depressed, and he smiled bitterly and said: "My son's mental stability is far from being comparable to that of my father, and I cannot be as open-minded as you. In the past, there were no disputes in the court, but this tit-for-tat confrontation
, it’s the first time!”
Emperor Liu was silent for a moment and said: "This shows that in the Han court and within the government, many conflicts did arise, and there was also a lot of grievances accumulated in the local government!
The imperial court is integrated, but conflicts will inevitably arise between the central government and local governments. The ministers of the imperial court, who are high up in the temple, need to view issues and implement policies from the perspective of the entire country. Local ministers are not completely ignorant of the overall situation.
But when they serve as officials and govern one side, their stance will inevitably be biased towards local considerations, which is not incomprehensible."
After a pause, Emperor Liu said leisurely: "It's just that, as you said, there was no such turbulent public sentiment in the past. It seems that over the years, the officials in these places have become more and more confident, and they have actually begun to
Start bargaining directly with the imperial court!"
Emperor Liu's tone was calm, but the meaning behind his words was a bit heartwarming: "Perhaps some people have stayed in their positions for too long!"
Liu Yang was slightly shocked. He felt that Emperor Liu's words had some unclear meaning, because the first person to hold the position for a long time was Zhao Pu. Of course, there was another person, but Liu Yang didn't dare to think about it.
"I'm also very curious. Zhao Pu has been serving as prime minister for sixteen years, and his order has been spread throughout the world. Who else dares to compete with him like this?" Emperor Liu said playfully, which further deepened Liu Yang's thoughts.
"Prime Minister Zhao has been in power for many years, and he has always convinced people with reason!" Liu Yang thought for a while and replied.
Seeing that Liu Yang was still speaking for Zhao Pu intentionally or unintentionally, Emperor Liu smiled: "Where is the most intense dispute now? Is it still the issue of national tax?"
Liu Yang nodded: "Exactly!"
"After hearing so many appeals and seeing so many disputes, what do you think?" Emperor Liu asked.
Liu Yang: "I think that Prime Minister Zhao and his colleagues have a more overall perspective in their considerations. Besides, the share of tax retention was decided by you. It has been implemented for so many years and there has never been a problem. The opinions of the local ministers,
It’s inevitably a bit narrow-minded!”
After listening to his words, Emperor Liu shook his head: "I have said more than once that no policy can be guaranteed forever. The government's policies must be adapted to the times and local conditions. Being unchanging often means being conservative and complacent.
!”
Emperor Liu's words surprised Liu Yang. In his consideration, Emperor Liu should agree that Zhao Pu and the others were the ones, and Zhao Pu and the others were obviously following Emperor Liu's will.
Therefore, he hesitated for a moment and said, "Does dad intend to agree to their request?"
Emperor Liu still shook his head: "I didn't say that either. You have to figure out first what the purpose of the local ministers' gathering to plead with each other is. If there are really long-standing disadvantages in the local area and they have to be corrected, then the court also needs to consider it.
Consider and respond. After all, they are the ones who govern the place, and their emotions also need to be comforted!"
In response, Liu Yang fell silent and did not answer the question for a while.
After a while, Emperor Liu chuckled and said, "What are you thinking about?"
Liu Yang looked at Emperor Liu, cupped his hands and said, "I'm thinking, how should we resolve this matter? We can't keep arguing like this forever! If it's just a political disagreement, now it has risen to the level of
It’s getting to the point of criticizing each other, which is not a good sign!”
Emperor Liu raised his eyebrows and said, "You are referring to Lu Duoxun, right?"
Liu Yang was a little embarrassed, but he didn't hide it. He said: "Xiang Lu thinks that Xiang Zhao is stubborn. He feels that the local government's request can be considered as appropriate. Even if it is not accepted in full, it should be recognized in part. He has also met Er in private and hopes to get it."
Support, he said, if these ministers of the Zhuguo State get nothing and return without success, it will intensify the conflicts between the central and local governments in the future, and it will not be conducive to the implementation of the imperial government's policies in the future!"
"This Lu Duoxun!" Emperor Liu couldn't help but sneered: "Thankfully he can say it! No matter how strong and tyrannical Zhao Pu is, at least there is no problem with his position. Where is this Lu Duoxun?"
"You are driven by lust for power!" Emperor Liu said coldly, with a hint of disappointment in his eyes. Lu Dosun really doesn't want to learn lessons.
This was the first time that Emperor Liu expressed his dissatisfaction with Lu Duoxun in front of Liu Yang, and his words were heartbreaking. However, Liu Yang did not feel much joy about this, even if he did hate Lu Duoxun.
At the same time, there is also a feeling of Ji Ji. Obviously, no matter how much Emperor Liu valued Lu Duoxun before, or even created a conflict between him and Zhao Pu, it was only for the purpose of balancing power, and he regarded Lu Duoxun as a tool.
Just people.
"What does Zhao Kuangyi think?" Emperor Liu suddenly remembered something and asked.
Liu Yang: "Basically consistent with Prime Minister Zhao!"
"Look!" Emperor Liu smiled: "I know that Zhao Kuangyi and Zhao Pu are also at odds with each other, but in this matter, his butt is sitting straight!"
It's hard for Liu Yang to comment. After all, Zhao Kuangyi is now the spokesperson of the Xungui Group, and he also has a close relationship with him.
"This matter must be resolved. I sincerely ask for your advice!" Liu Yang stood up and said seriously.
"Why, do I still have to say something about this matter?" Emperor Liu's eyes flashed with something bright, seemingly carelessly.
"I'm afraid no one can resolve the dispute except you!" Liu Yang said.
Although it was meant as a compliment, Emperor Liu was obviously very pleased with it, but he was still unforgiving and said to Liu Yang: "You, the prince, must also start to play a role! In the past, I asked you to listen more, see more, and learn more.
Now, you have to speak more!"
"Thank you for your attention, dad. However, I still lack experience and still need to learn from you!" Liu Yang said modestly.
Emperor Liu was noncommittal, thought for a moment, and said: "How long has it been since the imperial court conducted large-scale rotations and transfers of these ministers of the Zhuguo Kingdom?
It’s time to make some moves, otherwise it won’t take long for this Han officialdom to be in stagnant water..."