Since arriving at Qionglin Garden, the emperor has been staying there for a while, apparently staying there for a while. Because Liu Chengyou lived elsewhere, the ladies in the Han Palace could not sit still, and came out of the palace to accompany him.
It's true that the Han Dynasty's royal garden is just a place for him to go out, enjoy and relax. It's just a place, which is quite simple. The princes also came with them. By the fifteenth year of Qianyou's reign, Liu Chengyou's sons had grown even more.
The eldest son of the emperor, Liu Xu, was about to turn fourteen, and not long ago, Queen Mother Li had summoned Liu Chengyou to discuss finding a real wife for him. Although Liu Chengyou felt that it was still too early and was not even under the legal age for marriage, the Queen Mother was anxious and Liu Chengyou had to consider the matter.
It can be said that Liu Xu grew up under the care of the Queen Mother, and the relationship between grandfather and grandson is very deep. There is a reason why the Queen Mother is so anxious. In the past few years, her health has been poor and she has become older. After all, she is nearly sixty years old.
In the season when the grass is growing and the orioles are flying, the wind is gentle and the sun is shining brightly. I am wandering among a patch of green. There is a long carpet spread out on the flat grass. I lie on my side in a comfortable posture with the beauty by my side, basking in the sun and blowing the lake breeze. Drinking some wine, listening to music, and looking at the children playing in the distance, they looked relaxed.
A horse galloped forward, grass clippings flying, approaching, a guard quickly led the horse and started riding. When the visitors saw Liu Chengyou's gesture, they smiled and said from a distance: "Your Majesty, you are so at ease! I am envious of you!"
After hearing the news, Liu Chengyou sat up and looked at the person coming. He opened his mouth and said, "The emperor's uncle is here! Please set up a seat for the emperor's uncle!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Murong Yanchao is also in his fifties, but his body and bones are well maintained and strong. His face is rosy, and his beard and hair are not gray. In fact, in addition to being greedy for money, Murong Yanchao, the emperor's uncle, also had many advantages and lovable qualities in him. Under the constraints of Liu Chengyou, his reputation has been pretty good in recent years, and he has done a lot of things for the court.
Therefore, Liu Chengyou was very kind to this imperial uncle. When he sat down, he asked with a smile: "What can I do for you to go to Qionglin Garden in person?"
Murong Yanchao was not polite. He took a swig of wine to moisten his throat, and then said to Liu Chengyou: "I come to see your majesty. Naturally, I have something important to report!"
"Uncle, please speak!" Liu Chengyou raised his hand and gestured towards him, feeling more relaxed and even thinking that he wouldn't come to ask for instructions on construction projects again.
Murong Yanchao said: "Your Majesty, I have been investigating the world's prisons in recent years. I have some doubts about some punishments and judgments, and I am here to report them!"
"Huh?" Liu Chengyou frowned subconsciously, and an alarm bell sounded in his heart: "Could there be some unjust case or malpractice?"
Murong Yanchao said: "No! It's just that during the process of judging the case, I felt that there were some penalties and the severity of the sentence needed to be adjusted. I also listened to the opinions of many officials from the Third Division, and they responded one after another."
Liu Chengyou became interested and said: "Tell me the details!"
Seeing that the emperor's attention had been attracted, Murong Yanchao said: "For example, in the law of theft, the "Xingtong" stipulates that those who steal more than a thousand feet will be put to death. I think this is a little harsh, and I sincerely ask for a leniency in the sentence!"
According to the customization, one Mo is one hundred qian. Of course, the actual situation is very different. The government's loss per Mo is set at 93 qian, while the people's payment is the same as before. The difference is called Shengmo. In the early Han Dynasty, under the leadership of Wang Zhang, it was even more exaggerated. The government's expenditure was 80 or even 77 yuan per Mo. Although it alleviated the financial pressure on the court, it caused a great deal of trouble. Big public dissatisfaction.
It can’t be said to be excessive, but it is definitely a harsh government. Even though it was abolished later, until now, I have never used money from the government. After all, "provincial money" is really a huge income.
A thousand feet of mo, that is, a hundred min, if the value of the stolen goods exceeds that, you will be put to death. Objectively speaking, it is indeed a bit serious. Theft is not a minor crime, but due to the seriousness of the circumstances, there should be a more appropriate sentencing.
After thinking for a while, Liu Chengyou asked: "How many criminals have been sentenced to death for theft over the years?"
Upon hearing this, Murong Yanchao immediately said: "In the past five years, there have been a total of 392 people!"
"So many!" Liu Chengyou looked a little surprised.
"Then change it!" Liu Chengyou was also decisive and immediately ordered Murong Yanchao: "Raise the death penalty standard for theft! However, this does not mean tolerance for theft criminals. This is still a bad behavior that endangers public security and requires no punishment. The rules continue to be improved!”
"yes!"
With his expression still serious, Liu Chengyou asked again: "It should be more than just this one!"
Murong Yanchao nodded, took the initiative to hand over a memorial, and said: "This is what I and other officials have compiled, and I hope your Majesty will review it. There are many things in it that need to be considered, especially business laws. In recent years, the imperial business tax Revenues have surged, but there are still many loopholes in the regulations..."
Liu Chengyou opened it and looked through it for a while. There were quite a few rules listed, dozens of them, and the reasons for adjustments were noted under each one. He couldn't help but look at the emperor's uncle with an unexpected look. Not long ago, he was teasing him for not doing his job properly. This was a surprise for him. He had done a lot of work behind the scenes! "
With a smile on his face, Liu Chengyou said: "It seems that the Han Dynasty's "Xingtong" should be revised again! This matter will be left to the emperor's uncle to take the lead, select the officials of the Three Laws Division, and correct the inappropriate legal provisions. Make revisions and adjustments. In addition, in addition to criminal laws, we can also conduct an inspection on civil laws!"
"yes!"
Since the completion of the "Xingtong", the laws of the Han Dynasty have been continuously added, revised, and improved, but they are all minor repairs. This is the first time for such a major revision.
Cultivation of laws and regulations is an extremely important task. If it is left to him, Murong Yanchao feels both excited and stressed. After thinking for a while, he said: "Your Majesty, amending the law is a major matter for the country. I am afraid it will be difficult for me to preside over this matter with my ability!"
Liu Chengyou was even more satisfied with Murong Yanchao's self-awareness, and immediately smiled and said: "Then find a deputy for the emperor's uncle!"
Regarding Murong Yanchao's ability, Liu Chengyou knew clearly that it was enough to conclude the case, but it would be difficult for him if legal provisions were involved. Liu Chengyou would not be relieved if he was given full responsibility.
He searched for suitable candidates for this position in his mind, and names came to mind. Suddenly, Liu Chengyou looked at Murong Yanchao: "Uncle Emperor, do you have anyone to recommend?"
Almost without thinking, Murong Yanchao said: "How about Dou Yan, the Minister of Punishment?"
"It's up to him!" After saying that, Liu Chengyou decided on the matter.
This person was among the people Liu Chengyou was considering just now. The five Dou brothers, Dou Yi and Dou Yan, were extremely accomplished in the study of the legal system. Dou Yan was appreciated by Liu Chengyou for this, and was later transferred to the East Palace, and at the beginning of last year he was transferred to the Ministry of Punishment. At the same time, Liu Chengyou was basically certain that the idea of revising the law was probably Dou Yan's idea, but it was only reported through Murong Yanchao.
"It's a rare occasion for your uncle to come here, sit with me for a while and enjoy the scenery of Jinming Pond!" After talking about business, Liu Chengyou said to Murong Yanchao again.
Hearing this, Murong Yanchao was delighted to be invited. At the same time, Murong Yanchao couldn't help but suggested to him: "Your Majesty, you are rich all over the world, but there is only one place you can visit every year to relieve the fatigue of running the country. Even horse racing can be done in this place." It's not pleasant. I know that Your Majesty doesn't like spectacles, but you have worked hard for the country for many years and built a palace to rest in your spare time. I think that if the people in the world hear this, they will not criticize it, and they will even understand it... .”
Well, what Uncle Murong loved most was architecture. First there was Kaifeng, then not long ago it was suggested to build Luoyang, and now it is directly proposed to build Li Palace in person.
Liu Chengyou asked back: "Isn't it true that the emperor's uncle has already planned a farewell palace for me with the friends you summoned?"
Suddenly energetic, Murong Yanchao raised his hand and said, "As long as Your Majesty is interested, I will immediately arrange for someone to sketch it!"
"No need!" Liu Chengyou raised his hand: "I understand the emperor's kindness! Don't say that I don't have this intention. Even if I have this intention, it is not the right time!"
