Returning to the Chui Gong Hall, he took off his heavy court clothes and put on light casual clothes under the service of the chamberlain. He breathed a heavy sigh of relief, leaned on the throne, closed his eyes and rested for a while. Holding a court meeting takes a lot of mental and physical energy, especially when most of the officials are listening to his speech like this one.
"The officials and ministers are all here!" He only had time to drink water to moisten his dry throat when he heard the general sound of illness.
"Xuan!" Liu Chengyou's answer was short and powerful.
After going to court, the ministers are summoned again to discuss the policies to be issued at the court meeting. Liu Chengyou is very clear in his mind. The policies he proposed are still on paper and need to be implemented. The effect of implementation is also unknown. However, starting under Zhongshu, he still needs to discuss with the ministers on 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.
Yang Bin, Wang Zhang, Dou Zhengu, Li Tao, Su Yugui, the unknown prime ministers, plus the privy envoy Guo Wei, and the deputy commander of the bodyguard Liu Xin were also there, so the generals and ministers were complete. The only one who seemed special was Wei Renpu. After all, he had a "lower position" and was even more special than Fan Zhi who was waiting beside 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 out several groups of envoys to persuading farmers to inspect prefectures and counties and encourage farmers to teach farmers. Of course, they must be accompanied by other wisdom, 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 just hidden under the cloak of "persuading farmers".
The suggestion was put forward by Yang Bin. This was the first time that Yang Bin put forward advice that was completely in line with Liu Chengyou's wishes. Of course, there is no reason why this is not allowed.
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, so that the fat buttocks and timid people would be killed, and the bandits would be frightened, and they would naturally go down the mountain to submit. The advice is very in line with Liu Xin's character. In today's current situation, if you use this heavy code, the effect will be immediate.
However, Liu Chengyou vetoed it without much hesitation. Because he himself knew that as long as the imperial court issued such an edict, local generals would most likely go too far when executing it. What Liu Chengyou wants to do more is to turn bandits into civilians.
Moreover, through the previous policies, the banditry problem in the Han Dynasty has been greatly alleviated and improved. Those who remained in chaos were 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 local 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, and Wang Zhang subconsciously expressed his objection: "The imperial court will send troops, and the noise will be too great, which 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 to say: "I think Wei Scholar's strategy is good."
After 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 motioned to Li Tao while thinking about it.
Li Tao spoke 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 everywhere 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, even if it is a drop in the bucket, it 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 this, Wei Renpu bowed his hands in a conciliatory manner and responded: "Young Masters Li and Guo 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 bandits. The Zhongshu will cooperate in selecting the prefectures and counties where thieves should be promoted, the Guards Department will cooperate with the generals, and 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 Etiquette Department.
"Yes." Su Yugui responded.
In this era, the Ministry of Rites was not necessarily responsible for the imperial examinations. More often, a minister was responsible for the imperial examinations. In fact, even if Liu Chengyou uses Guo Wei to know the tribute, it is not impossible. However, Liu Chengyou planned to slowly restore various official positions in the court 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 already thought about it.
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 is obvious that the ministers are not particularly concerned about it, except for Fan Zhi and Wei Renpu. After a few brief mentions, it was revealed.
But now, people like Yang Bin and Wang Zhang in the imperial court are concerned about military affairs, money and food, and border defense affairs. Even in Yang Bin's opinion, there is no need to conduct the imperial examination. Why choose Confucian scholars to do it? Important officials may be recommended by courtiers, or they may be 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 emperor 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 said little, 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 unfair. The government affairs have been piling up recently, and it has been... This leads to political indolence. Please, Your Majesty, consider the candidates and take charge of their affairs!"
Liu Chengyou really had to think carefully about this matter. The governor of Kaifeng is an important position. It 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, if you don't think too much, Liu Chengyun's imperial brothers Liu Chengyun and Liu Chengxun would be a good choice, even if they only serve in vain. However, 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 review and decide." I can't think of a personal choice for the time being, so I can only work together.
"yes!"
We discussed it for a while, but 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 is impossible to avoid such an important matter as the prime minister being imprisoned.
In fact, regarding this, the imperial court has discussed this more than once, both openly and secretly, including the ministers present. However, when Liu Chengyou asked, everyone stopped talking.
"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, slowly raised his hand without any delay, and expressed his feelings directly, saying: "Su Fengji is the prime minister, so he should not be treated carelessly. He must convince the people. In my opinion, I will 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 my opinion."
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 Mansion 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 again symbolically. Everyone could see that Liu Chengyou had no intention of further discussion, and of course, the same was true for the ministers.
"Official, I have something to report!" It was Liu Xin who spoke.