During the intimate conversation between the two brothers, Yantuo asked for instructions from outside the car as to where to stop next. Emperor Liu opened the curtain and looked at the sky. He saw the high sun at noon and felt hungry again. He immediately ordered: "Find a place to use it." meal!"
"Yes!" Yantuo asked again: "What kind of food should I use? Please ask the officials for instructions!"
"Let's just eat, why are we talking about instructions!" Emperor Liu couldn't help but laughed and said to Liu Chengxun: "These people have been in the palace for a long time, and when they talk, they really have no interest at all, and there is no trace of fireworks!"
Liu Chengxun also smiled and said: "In the palace, the rules are strict, and all words and deeds are in accordance with etiquette. It is understandable that the servants are in awe!"
"Aries!" Emperor Liu called out.
"Here!" Upon hearing this, the young military attache with guards around the car quickly approached and lowered himself to listen to the instructions.
The young man from Guanzhong who came from a humble background has now crossed the dragon gate. His brows are full of heroism, he is guarding the forbidden palace, he has been baptized by the rules, and his behavior is extremely decent.
"What kind of meat do you like to eat?" Emperor Liu asked, leaning against the car window.
Aries was a little confused, but after thinking about it, he replied with a bit of nostalgia: "When I was a young boy in Pizhou, I cooked and killed a dog and shared it with my friends. I still recall it..."
"Okay!" Emperor Liu immediately agreed and said to Yan Tuo: "Is there a dog meat restaurant in Xijing? If so, find one. I have never tasted dog meat in so many years!"
"Yes!" Yantuo responded, then looked at Zhang Dejun.
Although the two chief eunuchs usually had a lot of conflicts and arguments, in this case, they still had a good understanding. Zhang Dejun gave Yantuo a look of affirmation and then went to make arrangements.
There are no restaurants in places like Luoyang. Although dog meat is not commonly eaten by scholars and people, there is always something good to eat. Moreover, even if not, with Zhang Dejun and the energy of the Imperial City Division, they would be able to perfectly satisfy Emperor Liu's sudden desire for words.
Amid the tight guards outside and inside, the carriage drove away slowly without attracting the slightest attention from the government office. The spectators in front of the government office also dispersed one after another. Mr. Zhao of Luoyang Mansion returned to the second hall and continued to read official documents, not even caring about lunch. It is said that Zhao Kuangyi often forgets to eat when he is doing official business.
The place arranged by Zhang Dejun is interesting. It is called Yulin Dog Meat Restaurant. It is located in Tonglifang in Nancheng, just across the street from Nanshi, the largest market in Luoyang City. It is said to be the best dog meat restaurant in the city, so the business is booming and the customer flow is constant.
Zhang Dejun arranged everything properly. When Emperor Liu and his entourage arrived, the food table was already set with cooked meat and wine. Emperor Liu and his brothers also enjoyed the meal. It tasted good, and it was difficult for Emperor Liu to take more than two bites.
Noting Emperor Liu's satisfied look, Yan Tuo and Zhang Dejun who were waiting on him were also secretly happy. Emperor Liu looked at Aries, who was sitting at the same table with their brothers a little awkwardly, and said, "What do you think? Is it still to your liking?"
Aries was a little flattered. Although he had only been working with Emperor Liu for half a year, his knowledge had been greatly improved. He knew what an honor it was to eat with the emperor, even if it was just in such a hotel. Big figures in the Han Palace such as Xiang Yantuo and Zhang Dejun could only stand by waiting attentively, but he, a little guard officer, could sit down. Although he was honored, he was also uneasy.
Facing Emperor Liu's question, Aries thought for a moment, showed a simple smile, and replied: "The seasonings are excellent and it is very delicious, but I always feel that it is not as tasty as what I tasted when I was young..." .”
After hearing this, Emperor Liu said: "It seems that what makes you remember deeply is not the smell of dog meat, but the fun of traveling with young friends!"
"Your Majesty is right! It should be like this!" Aries looked stunned, then stood up and returned to his post as a guard. With his status, he always felt like sitting on pins and needles when sitting with the emperor and princes, but it was easier to stand.
"To have a prosperous age, you must have enough food and clothing. When the people of the Han Dynasty have enough food and clothing, and have time to go to these restaurants to taste delicious food, then the Han Dynasty will usher in a prosperous age!" Emperor Liu habitually expressed some emotions.
Of course, this is just talk. After so many years, Emperor Liu has already had a very clear understanding. With the productivity of the current society, it is simply a fantasy to want everyone to have enough food and clothing.
No matter how prosperous the capital city is, it is not representative. And outside the capital city, let alone those remote areas, even in traditional places where "good things and people are prosperous", there are still poor families who cannot afford enough food and clothing.
However, although it is an extravagant hope, such an ambition to benefit the common people and unite the world is still worthy of encouragement. Emperor Liu often talked about it and talked about it with his concubines, his children, and his ministers. got used to......
"Under the wise leadership of my second brother, given time, that day will eventually come!" Compared with Emperor Liu, Liu Chengxun seemed very confident and responded.
As he spoke, he couldn't help but sigh with emotion: "However, we still need to provide the people of the world with a peaceful environment, without heavy tax pressure, without evil officials bullying each other, where they can work with peace of mind and have stable output. Only in this way can the world be unified!"
Liu Chengxun's statement is somewhat one-sided, but it represents the simple understanding of most bureaucrats today. In their view, if they can do this, the world will be peaceful.
"I previously inspected Henan and Hebei. During the Northern Expedition, more than 500 crimes, large and small, occurred in various places. Public security seriously deteriorated. There were countless people who were picking quarrels and causing trouble, bullying men and dominating women. Even in the Gyeonggi region, more people were sentenced to death than in previous years. More than thirty years ago." Liu Chengxun said: "After the victory of the Northern Expedition, the imperial court turned its attention back to the country, and the various places suddenly became peaceful, and the crimes were greatly reduced. I am particularly touched by this!"
Liu Chengxun is now in the court, supervising the affairs of the criminal department with the dignity of a prince. Although he does not have the title of prime minister, he has the actual status of a prime minister. In terms of authority, he is even better than the prime ministers of the Zhengshi Hall. Liu Chengxun also lived up to Emperor Liu's trust and training for more than 20 years. Among the clan members of Emperor Liu's generation, he was the most outstanding in ability and talent. After all, he is his own brother. Even if he has a cold personality like Emperor Liu, he still has to trust Liu Chengxun more in his heart.
After listening to his words, Emperor Liu calmly pointed out: "In this world, there is no shortage of people with ulterior motives. People like this are afraid that the world will not be chaotic. If it is a peaceful season, they can only hide in secret. Once something happens, they can't wait to jump. They come out to commit crimes and violate laws and disciplines! This is human nature, and the only way to deal with these people is to severely punish them to warn the world!"
Emperor Liu spoke harshly and his expression was a bit cold. Seeing this, Liu Chengxun opened his mouth and finally agreed with his words.
He originally planned to take this opportunity to admonish Emperor Liu and talk about the issue of punishment and sentencing in the Han Dynasty. Over the past twenty years, the criminal law of the Han Dynasty has undergone several rectifications and has gradually improved to this day. Overall, it is evolving in a rational direction.
The Han law in the early years can only be described as harsh, with severe corporal punishment and frequent talk of death. Compared with the original, it is much kinder now. But even so, some penalties are still severe. Even if many prisoners would eventually prefer to be sentenced to exile due to some considerations of enriching the local population, severe corporal punishment was often unavoidable during the trial process before sentencing.
There were also some comments within the imperial court about the harsh punishments of the Han Dynasty, and some suggested that Emperor Liu should show mercy again, raise the sentencing standard, and be slightly lenient. However, they were all rejected by Emperor Liu. His attitude towards criminals was always harsh, and his grace was only for good people, while criminals were never treated as civilians.
Emperor Liu has been in power for more than 20 years. Although there are many stories of extrajudicial mercy, there has never been an edict of universal amnesty. This is evident from his dislike of criminals.
"What kind of meat is the most expensive for people in the capital?" Emperor Liu picked up a handkerchief and wiped his mouth, then looked at Zhang Dejun and asked.
Knowing that Emperor Liu was caring about people's livelihood again, Zhang Dejun quickly replied: "It is common food in Xijing. When it comes to meat prices, beef is the most expensive!"
Emperor Liu nodded and asked, "What kind of meat do people like to eat the most?"
"Mutton!" Zhang Dejun said: "However, in the past half year, the price of mutton in Xijing has remained high, and many ordinary people have lost weight!"
"Why?" Emperor Liu asked subconsciously.
"In the past, a large part of Xijing's mutton was sold from the north! However, last year, with the Northern Expedition of the Han Dynasty and the war between the two countries, the two countries were fighting on all fronts, and transportation was cut off. The supply of mutton was naturally affected..."
When Zhang Dejun said this, Emperor Liu immediately understood. After thinking about it, he chuckled and said: "Obviously, not everyone supports the Northern Expedition of the Han Dynasty. At least, the sheep traders who were affected by their financial path and the people who can only enjoy the high price of meat The people will be dissatisfied!"
"Second brother is serious!" Liu Chengxun said: "Even in the capital, not every household enjoys meat every day. Moreover, the price of mutton is high, and there are still chickens, ducks, fish and pigs that can be used as substitutes. However, the people in the capital are very fond of mutton. I really love it!"
"Very good!" Emperor Liu smiled slightly and pointed to the north: "At least, the northern grasslands are of higher value to the Han Dynasty. Setting up pastoral supervisors to supply cattle, horses and alpacas to the Han Dynasty will be beneficial to the country and the people! Even if It is to allow the people in the capital to eat cheap enough mutton, and the Monan Grassland must be firmly controlled by the imperial court!"
