(This chapter is a continuation of the previous chapter and deals with government affairs. If you are not interested, please skip it.)
Returning to the Chui Gong Hall, I took off my heavy court clothes and put on light regular clothes under the service of the chamberlain. I breathed a heavy sigh of relief, leaned on the throne and closed my eyes for a while to recover. A court meeting was very taxing on the mental and physical strength. It's really big, especially when most of the officials are listening to his speech like this time.
"The officials and ministers are all here!" I only had time to drink some water to moisten my dry throat when I heard the general sound of illness.
"Xuan!" Liu Chengyou's answer was short and forceful.
After going to the court, the ministers were summoned again to discuss the policies issued by the court. Liu Chengyou was very clear in his mind. The policies he proposed were still on paper and needed to be implemented. The effect of the implementation is also unknown. However, Starting under Zhongshu, he still needs to discuss with the ministers how to implement it.
Compared with the seriousness of the court meeting, the atmosphere of the palace meeting was slightly more relaxed, but not much more relaxed. Everyone could feel that after returning from the Western Tour, the young emperor seemed to have fully entered the role of emperor, and he was gradually giving orders. He regained the strength he had at the feudal residence.
The five prime ministers Yang Bin, Wang Zhang, Dou Zhengu, Li Tao, and Su Yugui, plus the privy councilor Guo Wei, and the deputy commander of the bodyguard Liu Xin are also here. The generals are complete. The only one who seems special is Wei Renpu. After all, " "Inferior status and low position" is even more special than the Fan Zhi who is waiting next to him.
In terms of persuading farmers, in addition to the two policies to reduce burdens, it was also decided that the imperial court would send several envoys to persuading farmers to inspect prefectures and counties and encourage farmers to teach farmers. Of course, this must be accompanied by other intelligence, such as supervising officials and stimulating people's sentiments. The central government has begun to reach out to local governments as a means, but it is hidden under the cloak of "persuading farmers".
The suggestion was put forward by Yang Bin. This was the first time that Yang Bin proposed advice that was completely in line with Liu Chengyou's wishes. Naturally, there was no reason why he should not accept it.
When it came to suppressing the bandits, Liu Xin took the initiative to make a simple and rude suggestion, asking the local government and soldiers to go and kill more people, until the bandits were frightened, and the grassroots bandits were frightened, and they would naturally go down the mountain to surrender. It was very consistent. The advice of Liu Xin's character, given today's situation, may have an immediate effect if used in this heavy example.
However, Liu Chengyou vetoed it without much hesitation. Because he knew that as long as the imperial court issued such an edict, local generals would most likely go too far in executing it. What Liu Chengyou wanted to do more was to turn bandits into civilians.
Moreover, after the previous policies, the banditry problems in the Han Dynasty have been greatly alleviated and improved. Those who are still in chaos are not only distrustful of the imperial court, but also due to the ineffective implementation of policies by local officials.
Being categorically rejected by Liu Chengyou, Liu Xin sat there with a somewhat ugly expression on his face. He turned away and sulked, feeling that as the emperor's uncle, his face had been lost.
"Your Majesty, recently there have been reports of ineffective suppression of bandits in the Central Plains and Hebei. I suggest that the imperial army may be dispatched to patrol the areas!" At this time, Wei Renpu took the initiative to speak for the first time.
As soon as these words were said, the ministers were more or less lost in thought. Wang Zhang subconsciously expressed his objection: "The imperial court will send troops. If the noise is too great, it may arouse local suspicion, and it will definitely cost a lot of money."
Thinking about it, the latter point is the real reason for Wang Zhang's objection.
Guo Wei thought for a while, but took the initiative and said: "I think Wei Scholar's strategy is good."
As soon as he finished speaking, Li Tao, the assistant minister of Zhongshu, also spoke, stroking his beard, his face full of approval: "I believe that this policy has three advantages, and it is very appropriate."
"Please give me a try." Liu Chengyou gestured to Li Tao while thinking about it.
Li Tao recounted in a mellow tone: "Firstly, it is conducive to suppressing bandits, and the combat power of the Forbidden Army can destroy those stubborn bandits; secondly, the Forbidden Army patrols around to show the power of heaven, highlight the strength of the court, and frighten the local area, so as not to There is a small change at night; thirdly, the food shortage in Tokyo is unsustainable, so we can use part of the forbidden army to eat in the local area and make a small fortune, which can always alleviate its difficulties."
"In addition, we can send troops in turns to suppress thieves, which can have the effect of training troops!" Guo Wei added.
"Wei Qing, do you think so?" Liu Chengyou looked at Wei Renpu.
Upon hearing the question, Wei Renpu bowed his hands in a polite manner and responded: "Li and Guo Dukes have fully stated my thoughts."
Obviously, Liu Chengyou was moved. He glanced around and directly ordered: "The Privy Council will draw up a plan for the imperial army to suppress the bandits. The Zhongshu will cooperate in selecting the prefectures and counties where the thieves will be promoted. The Guards Department will cooperate with the generals. The three divisions will allocate supplies!" "
"Yes!" Seeing that Liu Chengyou's plan was agreed upon, even if he still had reservations in his heart, he could only obey the order, including Yang Bin.
"The Ministry of Etiquette will coordinate the matters concerning the examination and preparation, and redraft the procedures and regulations!" Liu Chengyou looked at Su Yugui and ordered, he also judged the affairs of the Ministry of Etiquette.
"Yes." Su Yugui responded.
In this era, the Ministry of Rites was not necessarily responsible for the imperial examinations. More often, a minister would inform the court officials about the tribute examination. In fact, it is not impossible for Liu Chengyou to know about the tribute examination through Guo Wei. However, Liu Chengyou planned to Slowly, various official positions in the court were restored to their functions, starting with the tribute examination.
The reform of the official system is also a troublesome matter and cannot be rushed.
"Who do you want to know about the tribute ceremony? Do you have anyone in mind?" Liu Chengyou asked.
"I think of you as a courtier. If I turn it in to you, I will know what happened." Su Yugui said, seeming to have had an idea for a long time.
Liu Chengyou frowned slightly and did not directly express his opinion on this. He just warned: "Be sure to do it properly and select talents for the country. Don't be negligent!"
"yes!"
As for the revision of criminal laws and the writing of national history, it was obvious that the ministers were not particularly concerned about it, except for Fan Zhi and Wei Renpu. After a few words, they dismissed it.
But now those who are above the imperial court, like Yang Bin and Wang Zhang, are still concerned about soldiers and horses, money and food, and border defense affairs. Even in Yang Bin's opinion, there is no need to conduct the imperial examination, so why choose Confucian scholars to do it? Important officials are recommended by courtiers or removed from the local area.
It's just that Liu Chengyou vigorously promoted it, and even if he opposed it, it seemed weak.
Just discussing the policy of the court meeting took nearly an hour. He ordered people to serve new tea, and the monarch and his ministers tasted a cup of tea. After relaxing for a while, Liu Chengyou asked again: "Do you have anything to report?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Dou Zhengu, who had not spoken much, took the initiative to speak: "Your Majesty, the post of Kaifeng Prefect has been vacant for more than three months. There is no one to take it. He is only a judge in charge. His name is not justified. Recently, the government affairs have piled up, and it has been It leads to political indifference. Please, Your Majesty, consider the candidates and take charge of their affairs!"
Liu Chengyou really needs to think carefully about this matter. Kaifeng Prefect is an important position, which governs the administration of the capital. It is indeed difficult to leave it vacant forever, but because of its importance, it is not something that ordinary people can hold. In fact , without thinking too much, Liu Chengyun's imperial brothers Liu Chengyun and Liu Chengxun would be a good choice, even if they only perform their duties in vain, but Liu Chengyou is worried about releasing some political signals that are easily misunderstood...
"After the discussion is over, the ministers can each draft a candidate for the memorial, and I will make a decision again." I can't think of an individual choice for the time being, so I can only work together.
"yes!"
After discussing for a while, it was nothing important. Seeing that all the ministers were exhausted, Liu Chengyou paused, glanced around, and finally asked in a calm voice: "The last issue, regarding Su Fengji, how should the court deal with it?"
As soon as these words were said, all the ministers immediately became energetic, and at the same time they secretly thought in their hearts that they had finally taken over. It was impossible to avoid such an important matter as the prime minister being imprisoned.
In fact, the entire imperial court had discussed this matter more than once, both openly and secretly, including the ministers present. However, when Liu Chengyou asked about it, none of them spoke.
"Why are you so silent?" Seeing this, Liu Chengyou said calmly and looked at Yang Bin: "Yang Qing, what do you think?"
When his name was called, Yang Ben's eyebrows furrowed slightly, he raised his eyes and stared at Liu Chengyou, raised his hand slowly, but without any delay, expressed his feelings directly, and said: "Su Fengji is the prime minister, so he should not be careless in his handling. He must convince the people. In my opinion, I will punish him for his crime and punish him in accordance with the law."
"What do you think?" Hearing this, Liu Chengyou raised the corner of his mouth slightly and asked.
"I second the proposal."
The opinions were basically unanimous, and no one spoke for Su Fengji. Su Fengji's popularity was indeed poor due to his usual official style.
"In that case..." Liu Chengyou was still looking at Yang Bin: "The three yamen of Dali Temple, the Ministry of Punishment, and the Kaifeng Prefecture will try it. Yang Qing, you are the chief judge!"
Yang Bin was stunned for a moment, surprise flashed in his eyes, and he agreed slightly hesitantly.
"Do you have anything else to report?" Already very tired, Liu Chengyou took a deep breath and asked another symbolic question. It was obvious that Liu Chengyou had no intention of discussing it further, and of course, the same was true for the ministers.
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"In the official family, I have something to report!" It was Liu Xin who spoke.