2. The Troika of the New Deal Reform
Although the Later Han Dynasty was the shortest in existence, it was the most abnormal among the "Five Dynasties". Administration, economy, justice, etc. were on the verge of collapse. It cannot be said that it was terrible, but at least it was unbearable to look at it.
Guo Wei's top priority was to get rid of the old and usher in the new, and rescue the working people from the dire straits of the reactionary rule of the Liu Clan of the Later Han Dynasty.
2.1 Reform of the official system
When Shi Hongzhao and Yang Bin were in power, in order to strengthen the centralization of power, they implemented a system similar to the "staff selection system", that is, the central court selected professional talents for various observer envoys and military governors, such as Duya Yamen (General Manager of Honor Guards). Bodyguard), Kong Muguan (in charge of documents and files), Nei Zhike (in charge of diplomatic reception).
According to their explanation, since most of the local chiefs (Jiedushi) were founding heroes or relatives of the emperor, although they were in charge of one party, they did not know much about specific administrative affairs, so the imperial court selected professionals in various fields from the central government. , distribute it to local areas and assist in management.
This is a high-sounding statement. But what about reality?
Du Yamen, commanding the tooth soldiers, is responsible for the security work of Jiedushi, preventing him from accidents, and also preventing him from accidents;
Kong Muguan, who is in charge of documents and files, is like X-raying the place, and Jiedushi is naked in front of him, with no secrets at all;
He knows the guests inside, and the daily reception and delivery of the local Jiedushi are all under his control. Whether the Jiedushi wants to form gangs in the local area or install spies in the court, he cannot escape his eyes;
In addition, relatively professional financial work will also receive help from the central government...
In a word, the central government exercises strict supervision over local governments (especially meritorious generals and relatives of the emperor and the country), and the real power of local governments is controlled by these "special commissioners".
To a certain extent, this can be regarded as a victory for the imperial court to reduce the vassalage. In fact, it laid a certain foundation for Zhao Kuangyin's "cup of wine to release military power" in the future.
These special commissioners were nominally subordinates of the local Jiedushi envoys, but in fact they became local emperors, with actual power over the Jiedushi envoys and other local leaders.
After Guo Wei ascended the throne, he immediately abolished this system; at the same time, he announced that the princes, vassals and towns in the world could appoint their own relatives as local officials. This move was similar to Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty's "Tianfa Order", which actually gradually disintegrated local power. .
Through a two-pronged approach, Guo Wei won the unanimous support of the feudal princes, and the new regime was consolidated. Guo Wei now does not have the strength to cut down the vassal, but only needs to win the recognition of the vassal town.
2.2 Fiscal reform
The reform of the civil servant system is the root of Guo Wei's reform. It is very important but also very secret and will not be easily discovered by the general public. The financial reform is the backbone. It is obvious. It is also the contradiction that is closely related to the working people, has the most intersections, and is most concerned by the people. The most prominent topic.
2.2.1 Tax reduction and exemption
The summer and autumn taxes in the first and second years of Qianyou (948) and the second year (949), as well as the summer taxes in the third year (950), were all exempted; the prefectures and counties in Hebei that were ravaged by the Khitan were also exempted from the autumn taxes in the third year of Qianyou (950). .
2.2.2 Abolition of exorbitant taxes and miscellaneous taxes
The "province consumption" and "province Mo" invented by Wang Zhang in the first three divisions were all abolished; similar clever names, such as Douyu, Weighing consumption, etc. were also immediately abolished.
2.2.3 Stop donating
In the edict on his accession to the throne, Guo Wei personally took the lead in advocating frugality and simplicity:
"It is advisable to stop all useless things and non-urgent tasks. In the way of an emperor, virtue comes first, and false reputations are respected. I will not adopt them."
Guo Wei made his attitude clear and then put forward several specific requirements:
Things used by the palace must not be luxurious, and everything must be simple and concise;
reduce meals;
It is prohibited to donate exotic animals such as eagles, dogs, auspicious animals, etc.
Presenting exotic animals, auspicious signs, etc. to the imperial court is actually very laborious and costly, but corrupt local officials enjoy it endlessly. Because whenever there is a donation to the local government, money must be collected from the local people in the name of donation, because this is the county and the state expressing their feelings to the emperor. Can you not pay?
After searching through the county and the state, the escort team also extorted money along the way. It was obviously to ask the states and counties along the way to pay for the transportation and provide security, but it was covertly to extort. How dare you let this thing be lost or damaged? On your little piece of land? The emperor blames you, can you bear it? Pay money, pay money.
Therefore, whenever a new emperor ascends the throne, corrupt officials from all over the country rush to contribute to the central government.
The prohibition on the donation of auspicious items and exotic animals, like the reduction and exemption of exorbitant taxes and miscellaneous taxes, is a sign of caring for the people. It is also a sign that the emperor is diligent in political affairs and does not lose his ambition by playing with things.
Guo Wei is determined to correct the unhealthy trends of advocating extravagance and pursuing pleasure. He is definitely not issuing one or two edicts and showing off. He is serious about it and plays hardcore:
A few days after the issuance of the imperial edict, Guo Wei said to Wang Jun: "I was born in a poor family and experienced all the sufferings in the world. In this era of war and chaos, I suddenly became an emperor. How dare I forget my roots? How can I oppress the poor people for my own arrogance and luxury?" "
Later, another edict was issued to completely stop tribute from all parties, mainly targeting local specialties. For example, fine wine and seafood from Zhejiang and Zhejiang, white sugar from Hunan, pears from Zhenzhou, chestnuts from Yizhou and Dingzhou, musk and bear bile from Huazhou, etc. “Although they are all local products, some are also obtained from private households. . . . Working hard to carry loads, traveling on the road, accumulated in the affairs of society, it is a very useless thing."
In order to make a gesture, the previous emperor could only issue an edict to stop presenting rare birds and animals, eagles and dogs, and it was just for show, one thing in front of others and another behind his back. For example, Mingzong Li Siyuan said on the surface that he did not play with eagles and dogs, but secretly he secretly accepted white eagles as tribute from the Western Regions, and then secretly hunted with his young eunuchs, and also told them not to let An Zhongjie know.
Guo Wei not only stopped useless things, but also stopped useful things. There is no need to eat hairy crabs from Yangcheng Lake. People are not buried in the loess. Just make do with it and save people's resources.
A few days later, one morning at court, the civil and military officials were surprised to find that the floor of the hall was filled with jewelry and jades, gold and silver knotweed, precious bed tables and other gorgeous and exquisite royal objects.
Everyone thought that today's theme was a commendation meeting, where officials were to be rewarded, so they were very excited, and the "Long Live" was shouted particularly loudly that day.
However, Guo Wei had a serious expression on his face and ordered his attendants to smash the treasures in front of him to pieces on the spot. Then he said to the astonished ministers: "As an emperor, please use this!" He immediately issued an edict that from now on, any such objects for appreciation and appreciation will not be allowed to enter the palace!
The emperor lives a simple life, who dares to show off or fight for wealth anymore? Serve the people wholeheartedly.
