There are indeed some changes on the side of Youzhou. On the side of Yan Wang Zhao Kuangzan, there are indeed more ideas. Things are never static, but it is more difficult for people.
The reasons are not complicated. First, Zhao Kuangzan inherited his father's throne and has been in Youzhou for many years. He has great power. He is the most powerful king with a different surname and will also consider the future. Both of these are also the changes in the court in the past two years, which have made him suspicious. Although he has not explicitly shouted the slogan of reducing the vassal, the move to take back power is actually going on.
What this triggered was that in recent years, Prince Yan's Mansion has continuously improved its strength and strengthened its control, especially the control of its affiliated Yan Army. Among the Yan army, Zhao Siwan, a strong general, gained more and more trust and respect from Zhao Kuangzan.
However, limited to You and Zhuozhou, and the border stability had not been stable for two years, Zhao Kuangzan's efforts were limited, but his achievements were limited. With the help of the Han Dynasty, he still had to rely on the increasingly powerful central court.
At the court level, Liu Chengyou could understand the concerns of Li Tao and other officials. However, he could listen but not accept it. In Liu Chengyou's view, it was far from time to consider Youzhou and King Yan. Why did Zhao Kuangzan come to the table many times to ask for this or that? On the one hand, it was a real need, and on the other hand, it was to test the court's attitude.
When the center of gravity is not in the north, Liu Chengyou strives for stability and naturally does not want to cause trouble and destroy the existing balance. Judging from his attitude towards the northwest border affairs, we can see that he can tolerate even Yanzhou affairs, not to mention the important land of Youzhou.
Furthermore, no matter how many discords and suspicions there were behind the scenes, Zhao Kuangzan and Yan Jun had made great contributions to the Han court over the years. This is undeniable.
As far as Liu Chengyou is concerned, Zhao Kuangzan has some thoughts and suspicions, which are normal and can be reconciled. What he didn't want to see was that the Yan army and the court were completely alienated because of some untimely suspicions.
You know, there is Khitan in the north. In the past two years, the Han Dynasty has continued to develop and progress, and its civil and martial arts have advanced three generations, but the Khitan is also recuperating and recuperating.
Rumor has it that the Khitan Emperor Yelu Jing was idle in political affairs and indulged in hunting and drinking. However, with the help of his ministers such as Yelu Wuzhi and Yelu Tarlie, his strength was recovering and growing. The most important thing is that the strengthening of the power of the Khitan royal family and nobles has eased the internal conflicts that had accumulated during Yelu Ruan's reign.
Under such circumstances, if Zhao Kuangzan is forced to favor the Khitan, the gain will definitely outweigh the loss. In the early years, Liu Chengyou had no worries due to heavy blood debts. But as time goes by, hatred will gradually fade away and become nothing, especially in the past two years, when the Han and Liao parties have maintained restraint and strengthened economic exchanges from top to bottom.
Therefore, sensing that there was criticism and dissatisfaction in the court against the Yan army, Liu Chengyou took action with the most decisive and firm attitude. As the prime minister of the Han Dynasty, Li Tao was qualified. Even if he could not immediately guess the emperor's concerns and thoughts, Liu Chengyou believed in him and could fully implement his orders.
"What's going on over there in Huainan?" Liu Chengyou asked frequently.
Mentioning this, Li Tao's face softened slightly, and he chuckled: "Since September, the drought has been greatly alleviated! Dou Zhengu and Wang Pu were both officials of the imperial court. They dealt with disasters and appeased the people, and dealt with them well, which made the superiors and subordinates All is well, and the Huai people return to their hearts.
However, this drought happened in early autumn, and the fields in Huainan were so full that there was no harvest, and it was difficult for the people to provide food. Since the Huainan War, the local area has been severely damaged, and it has taken less than two years to recuperate. If it wants to return to its former glory, it will have to be postponed for another one or two years. "
"Huaidong is rich, has well-developed waterways, and has convenient transportation. It took two years to accumulate it. With a little coordination from the court, it can be safely settled. The same cannot be said for Huaixi. The court still needs to coordinate the relief work. However, the disaster in Huaixi is worse than that in Huaixi. Dong, be lighter..."
"You have clearly understood these situations and can handle them as appropriate!" Liu Chengyou looked very satisfied and said to Li Tao.
After a brief consideration, Liu Chengyou added: "There are floods everywhere. Although the drought in Huainan has been resolved, we must not neglect prevention of floods!"
"Your Majesty is wise!" Li Tao reported: "Both governments have made great achievements. Wang Pu mobilized the people to dredge rivers and ditches, repair abandoned canals and ponds, and open up large areas of land to prepare for farming. In addition, Wang Pu I wish to rebuild the Baishuitang in Chuzhou."
"Wang Pu deserves to be the pillar of the imperial court. He is not slow in his actions. He is trying to take the opportunity to make a big splash!" Liu Chengyou said with emotion: "Chuzhou, Baishuitang?"
Seeing that Liu Chengyou was a little confused, Li Tao explained to him: "Baishui Pond is connected to Shanyang in the north and Xuyijie in the west. It was first built by Cao Wei. It dried up during the Daye period. It was restored during the Zhengsheng period of Wu Zhou and opened for farming. According to Wang Pu's memorial , we want to carry out expansion and construction projects from Hongzepu on the north side of the Huai River in Xuyi."
"Hongze Lake?" Liu Chengyou muttered, suddenly realizing.
""Yuanhe County Chronicles" records that Hongze's real name was Pofujian. Emperor Yang was lucky enough to pass by Pusu in Jiangdu. There was a severe drought, and it rained and flooded, so he changed the name from Pofu to Hongze. If it was named Hongze Lake, but appropriate!”
Li Tao saw this and continued: "According to the plan submitted by Wang Pu, the expanded Hongze can be a hundred miles long and more than twenty miles across. It will be a large swamp in the north of the Yangtze River, used for flood storage, irrigation, breeding, and shipping. The people in Linhuai Prefecture County can all benefit from it and have less worries about floods and droughts!"
After listening to Li Tao's description, Liu Chengyou was obviously tempted. After thinking about it for a moment, he said: "In reply to Wang Pu, I agree! Tell him to let him go. This move is beneficial to the country and the people, and the court will not fail to do so." The principle of support. At this time of disaster, the people have more than enough strength, and they are looking for opportunities in the crisis to build a thousand-year-old lake and a century-old benefit!"
"Your Majesty is wise and far-sighted!" Li Tao immediately complimented.
"In addition, such a big project requires a lot of people and material resources. If there are difficulties, the imperial court may provide support!" Liu Chengyou said.
"Wang Pu said in the memorial that with the power of Huaidong, it can be achieved. However, there should be some exemptions when sending taxes to the court!"
"The disaster-stricken prefectures have issued tax reductions and exemptions, and the imperial edict allows it!" Liu Chengyou responded directly, thought for a while, and then said: "Tokyo can send some construction equipment and tools, which can be regarded as a share of support. Mind!"
"Yes!" Li Tao responded, but something strange flashed in his eyes. The emperor's trust in Wang Pu was rare both inside and outside the court.
After asking about the matter, Liu Chengyou stretched his muscles a little, and mainly noticed the serious and tense atmosphere in the political palace. He couldn't help but sigh to Li Tao: "Since the beginning of autumn, droughts and floods have come one after another, and urgent reports have been coming in one after another. But this is This is a test of our great Han Dynasty! In peacetime, it is difficult to see the favor of the imperial court. When a disaster strikes, it is the time when the officials at the top and lower levels can display their talents. Work with the envoys and ministers without slacking off, do your best, serve the people with heart, and the people's hearts will be free. Let’s gather together and the country will be safe!”
The emperor's words sounded quite reasonable, and Li Tao immediately praised them. As a prime minister, when facing a powerful emperor, he has to be smarter. Especially Li Tao feels that his position is not stable...
"Your Majesty, natural disasters are happening one after another. Why don't you go out to the suburbs to worship the gods of heaven and earth and pray for blessings? Over at Qintian Prison, a date has been selected and preparations for the ceremony have been made!" Seeing that the emperor's mood had eased, Li Tao took the opportunity to speak.
Hearing this, Liu Chengyou glanced at Li Tao subconsciously, and seeing his serious expression, Liu Chengyou said casually: "If God protects the great man, why does it reduce this crisis? If worshiping God is useful, why do I and you need to work hard on it? Why do we need the government to devote all its efforts to governance?”
Liu Chengyou's reaction did not surprise Li Tao. The emperor of the Han Dynasty has always been disobedient to heaven and earth, and has no respect for ghosts and gods. Since he came to the throne, except for sacrificial matters, he has neglected many things. The emperor himself didn't realize it, but it made these officials feel worried.
During this time of floods and droughts, officials had already advised Liu Chengyou to offer sacrifices to heaven and earth to pray for relief from the disaster. However, he was ignored by Liu Chengyou. He was more willing to spend his time and energy on disaster relief than offering sacrifices and praying.
Li Tao said: "As the old saying goes, the most important thing for the country is to sacrifice and serve the army. In order to calm the hearts of the officials and spread the hope of all the people, your majesty, please be careful!"
After reacting, Liu Chengyou looked at Li Tao playfully: "What if after the Jiao Festival, the disaster is not alleviated, but becomes more serious? Doesn't it prove that I have lost my morality and abandoned myself to heaven and earth?"
"This..." Li Tao couldn't help but sigh.
Seeing this, Liu Chengyou smiled, waved his hands, and said: "National sacrifices have their own reasons, how could I not know that? Pass the edict, let the Ministry of Rites and the Qin Tianjian make preparations, and choose a day to set up a sacrifice in the suburbs. Pray for the great people!"
"Yes! Your Majesty is wise!" Hearing this, Li Tao breathed a sigh of relief and responded quickly.
To say that Liu Chengyou didn't have a trace of awe in his heart was not entirely true. But more importantly, officials and people believe in the culture that is deeply rooted in the blood and bone marrow. There is no need for him to deliberately act independently.
In addition, according to reports from various places, the most difficult situation of this disaster has been overcome. If we go to worship and publicize it, the effect will be better.
