"I'll wait and see!" In response to Lu Duoxun's words, Emperor Liu finally gave a less positive answer.
The conflict between Hu and Han and ethnic issues cannot be solved so easily. Especially in the vast land of the northwest, the problems left over from history are too serious. Let alone just a few years, if they are magnified ten times or relaxed to a hundred years, they can be solved. Has it been completely resolved?
In this regard, Emperor Liu's attitude was reserved. Ethnic differences, status differences, interest entanglements, and cultural conflicts all turned into a mess. What's more, as time goes by, the contradiction may not be improved, but will become more serious. These are all unexpected events.
However, Lu Duoxun had this idea and plan, and Emperor Liu naturally supported it. The tolerance and assimilation ability of Han culture is also worthy of trust. Maybe there will be unexpected gains and results?
If you can't solve the problem, you can solve the problem by solving the problem. It's that simple and straightforward. However, if we really adopt the "once and for all" approach, won't there be new problems in Hexi? Obviously, that will be inevitable.
In such a large empire, there will always be problems. Once the old problems are solved, new ones often follow. In today's Hexi and even the northwest, the Hu-Han issue is the main contradiction in governing the country, ensuring peace of the people, and stabilizing the territory. But at least it is on the surface, and it has attracted the attention of the court and officials, so they can prepare for it at any time and respond in time... ...
Visible problems are often not so scary.
Although Lu Duoxun was astute, it was difficult to truly guess Emperor Liu's thoughts. He did not know that Emperor Liu viewed these matters from a very profound and lofty perspective.
While feeling the unfathomable power of God, Lu Duoxun still felt the support expressed by Emperor Liu. After paying attention to Emperor Liu's still calm face, Lu Duoxun continued: "Your Majesty, I want to further promote Hanization in Hexi in order to return to the country. In addition to your Majesty's approval, I also need certain support!"
"If you have any requests, just ask them boldly!" Looking up at Lu Duoxun, Emperor Liu chuckled when he saw his proactive look.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Lu Duoxun bowed, and then said: "It's nothing more than money and food! I am petitioning on behalf of the people of Hexi, hoping to reduce some taxes and leave enough money and food to fund development..."
"Have there been any major disasters or famines in Hexi in the past few years?" Seeing Lu Duoxun's rudeness, Emperor Liu asked calmly.
"This..." Immediately aware of the change in the emperor's tone, Lu Duoxun lowered his voice: "We have never."
"If there is no disaster or famine, why should we reduce or reduce taxes?" Emperor Liu's tone became even stronger: "Although Hexi has not been under control for a long time, it has implemented appeasement policies in the past few years. According to the Kaibao tax system , the two-tax quotas of the northwest provinces have been adjusted, and Hexi has been given more emphasis.
In terms of remoteness and poverty, some are not as good as Hexi. If I agree to today's request and provide additional preferential treatment, then other states will also submit requests in the future. This one wants to have taxes reduced, and that one wants to be exempted from taxes. How will I respond?
The national fiscal and taxation has been reduced, and the money and food allocated by the central government are lacking. How to maintain the imperial court, how to support the army, and how to build engineering facilities that benefit the country and the people..."
Although since he came to power, Emperor Liu has issued this edict several times to reduce the burden on the people and improve their living standards. Whenever a disaster occurs, it is common to reduce the taxes of states and counties affected by the disaster.
However, if you analyze it carefully, you can find that caring for and caring for the people is largely for the purpose of establishing a persona and winning people's hearts.
Emperor Liu's policies to benefit the people were always implemented step by step. Taking the reduction of taxes as an example, we are often decisive and generous only when the country's finances are in good condition or when the burden on the people reaches a level that is close to danger.
When he first came to the throne and implemented the Qianyu New Deal, he abolished a large number of exorbitant taxes and miscellaneous taxes, but they were all unreasonable and even absurd tax laws, such as weddings, funerals, begging, etc. As for the official tax, it is only a symbolic reduction, which gives people hope.
Only the two methods of "saving roads" and "saving consumption" implemented by Wang Zhang exploited a large amount of money and grain from the people and earned a large amount of "price difference". This lasted for nearly five years and was adjusted only after Huainan was collected. Remember, it is an adjustment, not an abolition. The savings caused in the taxation process have always been borne by taxpayers. This point has not changed substantially in the seventh year of Kaibao.
The hardships and financial constraints in the early days of the country are unbelievable when I think about it now. How did you survive in the first place? It can be said that Dahan's early development was strong due to internal exploitation and tapping of potential.
In the first ten years of the Qianyu era, there is no doubt that the life of the Han people could be described as difficult. It wasn't until the continuous victory of foreign wars, the world gradually became unified, and the internal hematopoietic ability gradually returned to normal that it began to improve.
The people of the Han Dynasty will have real good days after entering the Year of Kaibao. The series of new policies formulated at the beginning were truly beneficial and caring for the people.
Emperor Liu has always been rational when it comes to tax issues. He rarely agrees easily just because you ask me to do it and I tell you how hard it is. This can be regarded as his consistent style. He will never reduce taxes easily if it is not necessary or established.
This is also the fundamental reason for rejecting Lu Doson's petition. We cannot be biased just because Hexi is remote, difficult and of great military significance. After all, the Financial Secretary has already taken into account the preferential treatment of Hexi's tax revenue when formulating the annual quota. . Emperor Liu played with balance, not only in the central court, but also in the local states.
Sensing Emperor Liu's attitude, Lu Duoxun was stunned at first. After thinking for a moment, he bowed his head and confessed: "I didn't think carefully. Please punish me!"
"When have I ever been guilty of my words?" Emperor Liu waved his hand magnanimously, stared at Lu Duoxun, and said with a little encouragement: "It is your duty to govern Hexi and benefit the people under your rule. It’s understandable. However, you can’t just focus on Hexi. It’s best to look at the whole country and have an overview. As for the pattern, you might as well enlarge it!”
Hearing these words, Lu Duoxun's originally depressed mood was immediately swept away. He chewed the words silently and immediately responded: "Your Majesty taught you a lesson! I have a narrow vision!"
He couldn't help but blame himself. Lu Duoxun's goal was to become the Prime Minister. It seemed that he had to set his sights higher and further, focusing on the future. However, if Hexi did not do well in office and had no outstanding political achievements, how could he enter the government?
Lu Duoxun's mental activities began to become richer, and he, who was always neat and tidy, rarely hesitated.
"However, if you have the idea of making changes to consolidate the territory, I naturally support it. Well, during my tour to the west, I felt that the livelihood of the people in the northwest was difficult and that it was difficult for officials to govern. After returning to the court, I will allocate part of the money and food in front of the Financial Secretary. , Use the warehouse to improve it!" Emperor Liu said again.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Lu Duoxun thanked him immediately and smiled happily.
Compared with tax cuts, perhaps this kind of special financial support is more beneficial to local governments, so that they have more capital available for governance and are more practical.
"I have one more request!"
"Tell me! If you have any other requests, let's finish them all!" Emperor Liu couldn't help but glance at him.
"I feel that if we want to promote Hanization, we need a group of officials and more available people. This is what the Hexi government is most lacking. At present, many people in the Hexi government have multiple positions. I hope that one more person can be assigned. Approval of talents, although Hexi is remote, it is a place where things can be accomplished..." Lu Duoxun said.
"Very good, whether it is running a country or an army, the most important thing is talents!" Emperor Liu said: "You report the vacancies in various government offices in Hexi to Luoyang, and I will meet with the officials to confirm them. A new batch of bachelors of political science will also arrive. It’s time to go out!”
"However! What happened in Fengzhou also reminded me that the quotas for officials at all levels in the Han Dynasty are not suitable for all places! Hexi is also a vast and sparsely populated place, and the personnel will be assigned to you, but, but... Don't waste redundant personnel!" Emperor Liu expressed his attitude directly.
Upon hearing this, Lu Duoxun immediately expressed his position: "Your Majesty, don't worry! I will make the best use of people, and we will never allow anyone to be idle and waste the imperial salary!"
Seeing this, Emperor Liu stroked his beard that was blown by the wind and chuckled: "Very good!"
Of course Emperor Liu recognized Lu Duoxun's guarantee, and he understood some of Lu Duoxun's official style. Just before visiting Hexi, he had heard Li Chongju's report about Lu Duoxun.
This gentleman is not a good person! Emperor Liu had long seen his arrogance.
Since passing the Jinshi examination, Lu Duoxun has had an official career for nearly twenty years. During this process, his abilities, experience, and methods have improved rapidly. But one thing has not changed much, and that is his arrogance. He has always been conceited about his talents. Even if he was assigned to be the librarian of the third library two years ago, it only made him restrain himself a little.
Now, it has been less than a year since he was promoted to Hexi Chief Envoy, but his style of handling politics has become more and more distinctive. In order to achieve the goal, no matter what, even use any means.
In terms of ability, Lu Duoxun is definitely one of the most capable officials in the Han Dynasty. He is decisive and has a strong style. However, those who work as officials under him are all spurred by him and feel great pressure. An official once complained, which was known to Lu Duoxun. Later, after a lot of manipulation, not only did he lose his official position, but he was also unable to stay in Hexi. He could only move to Guzang with his family in despair and hide far away. , so you can feel at ease...
Now that he has made his promise, Emperor Liu believes that he will definitely implement it. As for personal ethics, Lu Duoxun's not-so-good official reputation was not what Emperor Liu cared about the most.
From the bottom of his heart, Emperor Liu did not expect or even be happy that the officials of the Han Dynasty would be that kind of "moral model". The officialdom of the Han Dynasty also needed people like Lu Duoxun!
