Chapter 304 The gentleman is different, the widow is the greatest gentleman
The throne of the number one sycophant since the founding of the Han Dynasty is beckoning towards Zhou Chang.
And Zhou Chang knew this very clearly.
Especially when he was preparing to deal with the official salt and iron affairs, he already understood that no matter what happened in the future, even if he was doing these things now, he would definitely become a traitor.
If Liu Jing's imperial mausoleum system was to cut off the wealthy families' leeks, then what Liu Chang wants to restore now is to destroy the wealthy families' jobs.
When the Han Dynasty was just born, in the face of domestic difficulties, Prime Minister Xiao tried his best to restore various places, so he deliberately abolished many policies that were not conducive to recovery, including Guanshanhai... However, Prime Minister Xiao probably did not expect that
, Dahan will develop so fast.
In the past few decades, salt and iron have been in the hands of local governments, and a large number of big merchants and princes have been born. The local princes and wealthy families all like to engage in salt and iron, and make money through it, which has rapidly expanded and continued.
The snowball is rolling.
Liu Chang lowered the taxes too low, and the people became rich, but the national treasury was always short of food, and many things could not be done because of the lack of food.
Liu Chang suddenly remembered this policy and used "mountains" and "sea" to make money.
Historically, this policy was restarted during the reign of Emperor Wu and has been used ever since. During this period, the control of iron was gradually relaxed, but the control of salt became increasingly strict, becoming a major source of finance for the future feudal dynasty. Salt
Until the Ming and Qing Dynasties, taxes were the second largest source of finance after land taxes.
This policy has advantages and disadvantages. The advantage is that it allows the country to accumulate a large amount of wealth very quickly, but the disadvantage is that it leads to monopoly.
"Competing with the people!!!"
When Zhou Chang summoned his ministers and talked about this matter, he immediately aroused opposition from the ministers.
"How can a temple do business in person?! How dare Prime Minister Zhou speak out about such harsh policies in front of the ministers?!"
"The temple conducts trade in person. How is it different from merchants when it humbles itself? In this case, what prestige does the temple have?"
Among the ministers, almost no one expressed approval, only some did not speak, and the rest opposed such a policy.
Among those who objected, some objected because they felt it was inappropriate for the temple to conduct business in person, and of course some were worried about affecting their family's business.
In the face of these doubts, Zhou Chang always showed very calmness. He said seriously: "This is also a last resort. Now the temple has to operate in Hexi, Liaodong, South Vietnam and other places, and there are many political leaders in the country to implement it, all of which require food.
..Now the people are rich, but the national treasury is empty. The Huns are conquering the Western Regions, and the Han Dynasty can't even get enough food to send troops to the Western Regions..."
Zhao Yao asked angrily: "Isn't this caused by the king's aggressive military tactics?"
"Since your Majesty came to power, you have repeatedly mobilized troops and refused to listen to advice, which has led to such a situation. Your Majesty does not want to regret it, but wants to gather wealth through such means? There is nothing better than this!"
"I think Prime Minister Zhou is a wise man, respects you very much, and treats you as his teacher. Now you don't advise the king, but you want to help him implement such a harsh government. What's the reason for this?!
"
"Asshole! How dare you say that His Majesty is resorting to violence?!"
"Come here, capture this person and throw him into the court!"
Zhang Buyi was furious and immediately pointed at Zhao Yao and cursed.
Zhao Yao was not afraid of him, he just cursed loudly: "How can we kill all the wise ministers in the world?!"
The ministers immediately became confused, blaming each other and talking about each other.
With Zhao Yao, a wealthy salt and iron man, taking the lead, several ministers risked their lives and almost had a fight with Zhang Buyi. Zhou Chang promoted Zhao Yao at first, but then he was tricked by Zhao Yao and sent to Zhao State. After Emperor Gao was gone, Zhao Yao did not dare to be high-profile anymore. After being kicked out of the position of San Gong, he settled down to do his own thing and no longer participated in major affairs in the temple. Especially after the rise of Zhou Chang, he was worried If you are being retaliated against, don't speak if you can, and be a transparent person with peace of mind.
But this time, Zhao Yao couldn't help it, because his people were engaged in the salt and iron business in their Jiangyi Kingdom and lived a very prosperous life.
Zhao Ping watched this scene helplessly and hurriedly stepped forward to start a fight, but Chen Ping stood beside Han Xin. The two of them were talking about something unknown, and they were talking with great interest. The chaos in the court seemed to have nothing to do with them.
Zhou Chang couldn't suppress the situation anymore. Seeing everyone quarreling, he shouted with a dark face to silence everyone.
Just when Zhao Yao was riding on Zhang Buyi and raising his fists, Liu Chang finally arrived.
Liu Chang frowned and stared at everyone seriously.
The originally chaotic scene subsided in an instant. The ministers returned to their respective positions and did not dare to curse. The atmosphere was very quiet.
Seeing the king approaching, Zhao Yao did not dare to be rude and hurriedly got up from Zhang Buyi and saluted Liu Chang solemnly, "Your Majesty, please forgive me..."
Before he finished speaking, Zhang Buyi stood up, reached out and punched Zhao Yao.
"How dare you?!"
Zhao Yao was furious. He really didn't expect that even after he stopped attacking, this guy would still attack sneakily.
"presumptuous!"
Liu Chang shouted loudly, and Zhao Yao stopped his hand and suppressed the anger in his heart.
Liu Chang sat in the upper position, looked at the ministers in front of him, and was particularly angry, "I can hear your curses from a long distance away. Is this a court meeting or a city meeting? How dare you do this?! How dare you do it in front of me? When you come to do something in front of me, you simply don’t take me into consideration!"
The ministers lowered their heads and did not dare to speak.
Liu Chang looked at Zhang Buyi and said, "How dare you do something to Mr. Zhao?"
"Your Majesty... Your Majesty..."
"Humph, you people really disappoint me!"
"There are areas for improvement and different opinions on the temple's policies. Isn't this something surprising?"
"Gentlemen are harmonious but different; villains are harmonious but not harmonious!"
Liu Chang said sadly: "How can we, as officials of the Han Dynasty, quarrel like this? If we have different opinions, we can discuss them and see who has the right. How can we take action? Zhang Buyi, as a third official, why can't you lead by example? Woolen cloth?"
"When you face different opinions, you have to take action. How can you govern the country well?"
"A king must be tolerant, and a minister must be able to accept different opinions and listen to advice."
Liu Chang talked about the truth for everyone. The ministers were a little ashamed at the moment. It was really embarrassing to be taught by a king who was half a month old and taught him the doctrines of a saint. Zhou Chang nodded approvingly, "Your Majesty. I’ve definitely gained a lot from studying recently.”
"Your Majesty is right. Regarding the policy of Guanshanhai, you can express your own thoughts. We will discuss it together. There is no need to argue, let alone take action."
Liu Chang looked at Zhang Buyi, "Buyi, do you understand?"
"Your Majesty, this person said that you are militaristic, like Jie and Zhou!"
Zhang Buyi said seriously.
"What? Old dog!"
"Come here, take him down and throw him into the court!"
Liu Chang was furious and gave an order. Zhao Yao looked at him blankly and then shouted: "Your Majesty! A big man will not be punished with his words! He will not be punished with his words!"
Wang Tianqi didn't care about this, and dragged Zhao Yao away with his men.
Liu Chang then looked at the ministers with a smile, "Next, we will discuss the politics of the mountains and seas... If you have any ideas, you can tell me. Gentlemen are harmonious but not different. No matter what you say, I will agree with you."
No blame at all!"
When the ministers heard Zhao Yao's increasingly distant shouts, they suddenly did not dare to speak.
Liu Chang stood up with a smile, "Then I will go to rest first... Prime Minister Zhou, you continue to discuss with them to see if there are any ways to improve... The policies of the past may not be suitable for today's era. This is what Han Zi said
That’s what you said!”
"Your Majesty is really knowledgeable."
Zhou Chang said with a straight face.
"Hahaha, Prime Minister Zhou is over-reputed. I am just a learned man who knows everything about ancient and modern times."
Liu Chang smiled and left.
Zhou Chang then looked at the ministers and said, "Then let's continue talking."
Liu Jing, who had remained silent, stood up and said seriously: "The king's idea is right and can be improved... However, people's livelihood must be taken into consideration. If it is run by a temple, the initial investment will be huge, and the output will not be as good as before.
..It will have a great impact on the common people, but if we set up another tax and increase the tax on salt and iron instead of monopolizing it, the wealthy families will drive up the price, and in the end the pressure will still fall on the common people."
This time, no one argued anymore, and everyone finally started discussing the matter calmly.
...
"Your Majesty, this is the good news from Hexi."
Chen Ping is currently helping Liu Chang deal with the memorials, but he still dare not read the memorials for this kind of war in private, so he sends them to Liu Chang as quickly as possible.
Liu Chang was so happy that he hurriedly picked up the good news and read it.
"Hahaha, Zhou Bo is indeed Zhou Bo!"
"He led his soldiers to defeat the chariot division and beheaded more than four thousand people!"
"The countries in the Western Regions that originally wanted to surrender to the Xiongnu are now afraid to take any action...Hahaha, they are waiting and watching again."
Liu Chang was very happy. He knew that Zhou Bo would not let him down. Zhou Bo quickly went to Hexi. The first thing he did was to go to the Western Regions. Even Ji Zhou did not expect that Hexi would send troops. Although the gains were not big, they were
To the countries in the Western Regions, it sent a signal: Don't think that the Huns are the most powerful, think carefully before going to the Huns.
This was a huge blow to Jizhu's strategy of regaining the Western Regions.
Chen Ping was very calm, and just said: "Your Majesty... Hexi will face greater pressure in the future. Jizhu will definitely continue to harass Hexi in the future to prevent Hexi from rising like the Tang Dynasty..."
"I know!"
"Soon, the big man will have enough food... At that time, the few can reinforce Hexi and capture Jizhou alive!"
"Your Majesty has not given up on this idea yet."
"Oh, my biggest wish is to defeat every powerful enemy!"
Hearing these words, Zhao Mei, who was waiting on the side, suddenly became frightened and trembled.
Chen Ping glanced at Zhao Mei who was standing aside, nodded, and said: "The king has always kept his word, but I don't know what kind of person he is, who dares to be the enemy of the king... A few days ago, the king defeated the Xiongnu
The kings made them commit suicide in grief and anger... They were considered heroes of the world, but it was a pity that they met the king and lost their lives and reputation..."
"Ah? They didn't commit suicide, they were beheaded by others!"
"Well...a few committed suicide."
"However, they are not heroes. They can't even survive a round under the iron spear of others... Just one stab is a big hole!"
As Liu Changzheng was speaking, he suddenly looked at Zhao Mei standing aside in surprise.
"Why are you shaking?"
"Big...big...big king Shenwu..."
"Hahaha, that's natural. My spear is different. It's as thick as a bowl. I've never encountered an opponent. I'll show it to you another day!"
"Your Majesty...I..."
Zhao Mei's face was full of horror, and he hurriedly bowed and said, "I have no intention of going against the king!"
Chen Ping glanced at him and asked: "Your Majesty, Prince Zhao Shi of South Vietnam is still in Tingwei Prison. How should we deal with it?"
"Bring it here and let me see it!"
Liu Chang waved his hand, and then vividly told Zhao Mei on the side his bravery on the battlefield.
Soon, Zhao Shi was escorted into the palace.
Zhao Shi was extremely tall, almost as tall as Xiahou Zao, Chen Ping and others, and a little shorter than Liu Chang. He looked very unruly. He was escorted here by several soldiers, and he was still struggling and swearing in a low voice.
He raised his head and looked at Liu Chang in front of him.
"Are you Prince Tang?!"
"That's right."
"Since you are your own son, why don't you untie your uncle?!"
Zhao Shi asked loudly.
Zhao Mei's face changed drastically and he said hurriedly: "Father! Be careful what you say!"
Zhao Shi ignored his son, but straightened his neck and said unconvinced: "I was caught for a sneak attack. If there is a real fight, I may not be defeated!"
"Oh? Are you good at fighting?"
"Heh... I've never met an opponent yet."
"Okay...someone, let him go!"
Liu Chang was so happy that he immediately ordered the soldiers to let go of him. Liu Chang pressed his hand and said with a smile: "I haven't fought with anyone for a long time. It just so happens that if you can defeat me, I will let you go back to South Vietnam now."
!”
Zhao Shi was stunned and asked: "Is this true?"
"certainly!"
"good!"
The two began to confront each other in the palace, staring at each other. Zhao Shi twisted his neck, grinned ferociously, and rushed towards Liu Chang. Liu Chang grabbed his arm and threw it violently, and Zhao Shi flew out instantly.
, fell heavily to the ground, Liu Chang shook his head with disappointment on his face.
Zhao Shi coughed and stood up, "Not counting...I haven't eaten...I have no energy at all!"
"Come here, bring some food!"
Liu Chang sat in front of Zhao Shi and waited patiently for him to finish.
"Are you ready?"
Zhao Shi held the bowl and looked at the unsuspecting Liu Chang. As soon as the bowl was thrown away, he rushed forward, hugged Liu Chang's waist, and shouted: "Okay!", looking at his father's humiliating attack.
, Zhao Mei lowered his head, feeling deeply ashamed.
Liu Chang stood still, raised his fists, and struck Zhao Shi on the back.
Zhao Shi immediately lay down in front of Liu Chang, looking disgraced.
"It doesn't matter. I was detained for a few days...I don't have any strength at all."
"You guy!"
Liu Chang was angry, how could there be such a tough-talking person?
"Did you think you came to Chang'an for vacation?"
"Come here, bring me Tingwei!"
Zhao Mei helplessly watched his father being taken away, and walked to Liu Chang's side, "Your Majesty...my father is also bewitched by others. My father has no strategy and is easily bewitched by villains..."
"Really not very smart."
"However, I'm quite resistant to being beaten... Well, it's not bad to stay in Chang'an."
Liu Chang stroked his chin, not knowing what he was thinking.
"Your Majesty, I can go and persuade my father... to make him sincerely apologize to your Majesty."
Zhao Mei said hurriedly.
"Okay... then you go."
When Zhao Mei came to Tingwei's prison, Zhao Shi was not very happy. He doted on his son very much, but he was still worried about his son escorting him to Chang'an. Zhao Mei had people open the prison and carried it himself.
The food was fed to my father. While feeding it, he said: "Father... I am a fish and meat, and I am a knife and a knife... My father asked us to come here to preserve the clan. You can't do this..."
Zhao Shi didn't think so, "If the country is gone, what's the use of the clan?"
"Father, as long as we are here, we will accomplish great things sooner or later. What are you worried about?"
"I'm just so angry with that guy, he dared to hit me! I'm his elder!"
Zhao Mei looked around and asked in a low voice: "Father... do you know how the king will treat his enemies?"
"Hmm?? How to treat it?"
.........
"Your Majesty, I am guilty. I don't know how high the sky is, and I believe in the words of villains!"
"He actually went to attack and kill Wu's envoys!"
"I was taken to Chang'an and yet I was disrespectful to the king!"
"This is a capital crime for me. Please forgive me for my crime!"
Zhao Shi stood in front of Liu Chang respectfully, bowed and saluted, and his words were extremely sincere.
Liu Chang looked at him with some surprise. He didn't understand how the guy who was so unruly yesterday could become so well-behaved today? So Zhao Mei still has this ability? He is a good lobbyist!
Liu Chang originally had no intention of doing anything to this stupid big man. Although Liu Chang was unwilling to admit it, he did have some family ties with the King of Nanyue. Maybe they were not as close relatives as Zhao Tuo said, but they were of the same clan. What's more,
The Kingdom of South Vietnam has expressed its submission and fully accepted the governance of the Han Dynasty. Under such circumstances, killing Zhao Shi would not be of any benefit, but would be very detrimental to the recovery of South Vietnam.
"How come you have changed so much in just one day?"
"I don't know the majesty of the king, so I offended you."
"Hahaha!"
Liu Chang did this. He happily pulled Zhao Shi and sat him beside him, "I respect the King of Nanyue quite a lot. I didn't want to embarrass you, but you openly rebelled.
I can't tolerate it... Since you already know your fault, you should compensate for your fault, do you understand?"
"I see..."
"However, you are really strong. After Wuyang Hou, no one can take two punches from me!"
Liu Chang patted Zhao Shi's shoulder with his hand and asked for wine.
Liu Chang was a little drunk, so he put his hands around Zhao Shi's neck and began to brag loudly about his achievements.
Zhao Shi looked at Liu Chang's hand in fear, and said tremblingly: "Your Majesty... you just don't admit it... you and I are also of the same race... I am your elder."
"It's not important. You and I will have more contact with each other in the future!"
"I'm worried that I don't have an opponent... You have to practice with me. I haven't practiced my martial arts for a long time, and I'm already rusty!"
........
Zhao Guo, Handan.
Lu Lu stood in front of King Zhao and read the edict of King Tang loudly.
"My husband, King Zhao, is eager for quick success and loves great success. He fools the emperor... and makes him reflect on his mistakes behind closed doors!"
After Lu Lu finished reading the edict, Lu Lu just took out another edict.
"King Zhao...this is what the king wants me to read to you alone."
Liu Ruyi was stunned and immediately asked the officials to leave.
After everyone left, Lu Lu smiled and said, "I'm sorry..."
Immediately, he lowered his head and began to read another edict from the king.
"Inuru's Ruyi! What did you bring?! Even if it's gold-plated? Who can you do with a piece of brass? Naigong doesn't dare to kill you, right?! If Naigong wasn't busy, I had to let you kill him
Eat that brass!"
ps: Ah, there is no chapter that says I can copy it. It’s so uncomfortable. It’s like a nightmare for a writer like me who says this chapter is the only chapter.