The fifteenth year of Qianyou's reign, although slow and long, was over after all. On New Year's Day, Emperor Liu, who had not held a formal court meeting for nearly three months, appeared in front of all the court officials with an exciting attitude, and the big man also Officially ushering in the first year of Kaibao.
The court meeting was grand in scale but extremely concise. Emperor Liu only delivered a New Year's speech, briefly summarizing the development achievements of the Han Dynasty, and officially announced three major events.
First, change Yuan Kaibao;
Secondly, the "Treasure Opening Ceremony" will be held on February 7th, with the whole country celebrating, dedicating merit, and conferring honors and titles;
Third, according to the imperial edict, before the first year of Kaibao, the taxes owed by the people of all Daozhou states in the world will be exempted!
The above three items were basically discussed in advance and even announced at the court meeting. The second item made the heroes of the Han Dynasty look forward to and nervous, while the third item was about kindness to the common people. In the past, when natural disasters or other special circumstances led to food shortages or even food shortages, the court generally implemented a policy of tax exemption or reduction, or simply stopped tax collection and paid it back next year.
However, when the New Year comes, local governments often focus on collecting the two taxes for the current year. As for the past, they pay them if they can, and postpone them if they can't. Since then, after years of accumulation, the people in the Han states have owed more taxes. Now, perhaps even the local governments do not know the specific arrears.
But no matter what, the total number of people in all parts of the country must be an extremely huge number. Now that they are exempted by Emperor Liu's imperial edict, you can imagine how happy those simple people will be.
Although in today's social environment, the money owed to the country is not so stressful, but being exempted is definitely a blessing. Therefore, in the new year, perhaps people will be more enthusiastic about paying taxes.
On the other hand, the newly acquired Liangjiang, Lingnan, Zhangquan and even Zhejiang also enjoyed this grace. This was also through this policy to further show the court's attitude towards the people who were newly under the rule of the Han Dynasty.
Regarding this matter, during the discussion, Third Secretary Red Xiang also raised objections. After all, he is the person in charge of the money bag. He is particularly sensitive in terms of money and taxes. The reason for his objection is also very simple. Therefore, the country will Reduce massive taxes.
However, the newly appointed Secretary of the Ministry of Household Affairs, Wang Pu, only asked one question: How much time, energy, and cost did the court and local officials spend to collect the old taxes that had been owed for several years or even more than ten years and were scattered among the various states of the Han Dynasty? Bring it up?
Officials who came to Beijing from local areas were different. Wang Pu also understood Emperor Liu's intentions better, so naturally he greatly agreed. Emperor Liu also appreciated this, so there was no doubt that the matter was passed. However, Red Xiang felt a little displeased when he saw Wang Pu. He always felt that the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance was just a springboard, and the emperor might replace him with Wang Pu at any time.
Perhaps Emperor Liu's intentions were too obvious, and he himself did not expect that an internal struggle among the three divisions would quietly begin...
After the beginning of spring, Emperor Liu gradually moved around the harem more and more. From the queen on down, they took turns visiting. Before the Lantern Festival, Emperor Liu stayed overnight in Kunming Hall again. After this round, my energy was vented, but my waist couldn’t stand it anymore...
The atmosphere in the Han Palace has become more relaxed and festive. In the early morning, Emperor Liu and Empress Fu had their breakfast. They calmly supported their waists in a natural posture and said to Da Fu: "By the way, Liu Yang, Liu Xu The brothers are arriving in Beijing soon and should be in time for tomorrow’s family dinner!”
Hearing this, Dafu couldn't help but sigh: "In so many years, this is the first time Liu Yang has left us for so long!"
Listening to his emotion, Liu Chengyou said: "When a young eagle spreads its wings, it is always necessary to give it a chance to fly solo. This time, I am very satisfied with his performance in Jiangnan!"
Emperor Liu seemed to have said this specifically to Da Fu. He carefully paid attention to her reaction. Seeing a smile on her beautiful face, Liu Chengyou also smiled easily and continued: "I originally planned to let them I will stay in Jiangning for a while, but if my two grandchildren are not present at Shangyuan’s family dinner, I’m afraid I won’t be able to explain to the Queen Mother...
Da Fu's beautiful eyes looked at Emperor Liu, and his bright eyes seemed to be smiling, and asked: "Don't the officials miss them?"
"I am not only the head of a family, but also the king of a country. I am too busy with military and national affairs, so I have no time to care about my son." Liu Chengyou replied in a pretentious manner.
However, how could Emperor Liu not care about or miss his sons, especially the prince who was concerned with the foundation of the country?
"Your Majesty!" On the way back to Chongzheng Hall, he saw Lu Yin coming in a hurry: "May I see your Majesty?"
Liu Chengyou looked at Lu Yin in surprise, frowning slightly: "What happened? You are so urgent, please come and report it in person?"
Lu Yin calmed down his breathing a little and said: "Uncle Wang Wen came to report that the prince is dying!"
Upon hearing this, Emperor Liu's originally relaxed mood was suddenly cast into a shadow. He waved his hand and solemnly commanded: "Get ready! Leave the palace!"
"Yes!" Yantuo's eyesight has been greatly improved as he became the emperor's personal attendant. He did not dare to neglect and responded hurriedly.
In the past year, Wang Pu's illness has come and gone. He was almost fully recovered at good times, and almost in critical condition at bad times. He couldn't do without the medicine jar, and he endured it for nearly a year. However, after surviving the severe winter and the severe cold, I never thought that spring would return to the earth, but people finally couldn't stand it any longer.
This is the fourth time Emperor Liu has set foot in Wang Pu's residence this year, which seems to be a bad omen. The entire residence is already immersed in a depressing atmosphere, and there seems to be sadness brewing in the air. .
When Liu Chengyou saw Wang Pu, the scene was a bit surprising to him. There was no smell of soup, the room was clean, and the air was fresh. Wang Pu had changed into a brand new robe, and his gray hair had been carefully combed, but his sick look could not be concealed at all. He collapsed in a soft chair and saw that time was running out.
His four sons, Wang Qian, Wang Yan, Wang Bei, and Wang Yan, plus the Wang family, all knelt aside. When Liu Chengyou stepped into the hall, Wang Qian greeted him with a heavy tone: "Your Majesty!"
Ignoring him, Liu Chengyou stepped forward and walked up to Wang Pu. He could not imagine that the haggard old man in front of him was the high-spirited and virtuous minister who took the world as his own responsibility.
Emperor Liu's eyes suddenly turned red, and the pity in his heart surged. When he saw Liu Chengyou, Wang Pu's old face flashed with excitement, and he struggled to get up to salute. He hurriedly knelt down. , holding a hand that has been so thin that only bones are left. It is very cold, cold...
"Wang Qing!" The past scenes appeared in his mind one by one. Emperor Liu's strong and cold heart rarely softened, and he called out with some emotion.
Emotions can be contagious and transmitted. Wang Pu obviously realized it. There was a slight smile on his face that was full of ravages of vicissitudes. His old eyes were especially bright. He trembled his lips and said hard: "Your Majesty, I have no regrets! "
Meeting his gaze, Liu Chengyou took a deep breath and said solemnly: "Wang Qing has no worries about his future affairs!"
Hearing this, Wang Pu moved his lips again. Judging from the shape of his mouth, he seemed to be saying thank you, but he could no longer make any sound and slowly closed his eyes...
