After entering Xiaoshu, Emperor Liu moved out of Bian Palace and moved into Qionglin Garden to escape the summer heat. I originally planned to go to Songshan Mountain, but thinking about Qionglin Garden, where there are green ponds, green forests, and complete facilities, I didn't move much.
In the past two years, Emperor Liu's life has been relatively comfortable. After persisting for more than half a year, Emperor Liu once again delegated power. It seems that his original move to personally manage the government was just to prove that his authority had not been affected and had not been compromised. After the Crown Prince, Zhao Pu and other ministers violated him, once he proved that he still had control, he felt at ease and continued to rule.
The sun is shining high, and the water of Jinming Pond is sparkling and golden under the sunlight, which is almost eye-catching. Probably due to the hot weather, even the swimming fish in the pond are diving deep underwater.
On the waterside pavilion, Emperor Liu was dressed in a plain robe and a straw hat like an old farmer. He slightly bent his waist and held his three-year-old grandson Liu Wenhuan in his hand.
Ever since several older princes raised their families to guard the border, Liu Wenhuan was the only one left in the capital. Last year, Duke Liu Yun of the State of Qi gave birth to a little grandson, but he was still in his infancy. Therefore, Emperor Liu's wealth of relatives from another generation has recently been pinned on Liu Wenhuan.
"Is there another fraud in Yangzhou?" Emperor Liu knelt down and straightened the hat on Liu Wenhuan's head. Emperor Liu said casually. There was nothing unusual in his tone, not even much surprise.
Prince Liu Yang was also waiting at the side at this time. Hearing this, he replied respectfully: "Exactly! However, it is only the Metropolitan Procuratorate that has been reported. The matter is not yet clear. The specific situation still needs to be investigated!"
Listening to Liu Yang's slightly conservative answer, Emperor Liu said calmly: "There is no smoke without fire. Since someone has complained, it can be seen that there must be something fishy. What kind of place is Yangzhou? I have personally witnessed the prosperity there."
It is also a place with a heavy salt tax. In recent years, no matter how strict the imperial ban is, there are still people who risk beheading to sell salt to the north. As for private salt sales among the people, it has been banned repeatedly.
Officials in Yangzhou are close to the water, sitting on such a precious land, and have some power in their hands. It is not surprising that there are collusions between officials and businessmen and secret profit-making! "
It can be seen from Emperor Liu's words that although the matter has not been investigated clearly, when such a situation came to his ears, he had already concluded that there must be something wrong with it. This is also his consistent style. He often assumes a malicious attitude and thinks more about the consequences when encountering problems.
"What Dad said is that such a sacred place can easily confuse people's hearts. If you are not a moral gentleman, it will be difficult to keep your heart!" Hearing what Emperor Liu said, Liu Yang agreed.
"A moral gentleman will not be tempted by ordinary people?" Emperor Liu asked with a slightly disdainful tone: "In your opinion, is Hou Zhi a gentleman or a villain?"
Liu Yang knew that his answer made Emperor Liu not so satisfied. So he pondered for a while and then said: "After the incident, I looked up Hou Zhi's resume and learned about his reputation from the side. In terms of political ability, this person can be called a capable official. However, it is rumored that he is cunning in nature. , he is very jealous and often slanders his colleagues. He can hardly be called a gentleman..."
"What was his political performance in his past positions?" Emperor Liu asked again.
Liu Yang: "His political performance is good, otherwise, even with Lu Duoxun's recommendation, it would be difficult to know Yangzhou!"
"Then tell me, should the court use such a person or abandon it?" Emperor Liu turned his head and looked directly at Liu Yang.
In this regard, Liu Yang frowned slightly, considered it for a moment, and then said: "At the beginning of the founding of the country, talents were scarce and the court needed to recruit talents. Anyone in the world who has a skill and can benefit public security can be appointed.
Nowadays, the Han Dynasty is peaceful all over the world and has many talents. If it wants long-term peace and stability, the court should also have higher requirements for the moral integrity of officials and ministers.
Otherwise, if the imperial court is filled with corrupt officials, the government will only become increasingly disorganized and the country will be unable to maintain stability..."
"Why do these words sound so familiar?" Emperor Liu asked after hearing his words.
Liu Yang remained calm and answered honestly: "Back then, my father gave similar instructions at the meeting in front of Chui Gong Hall. I think he also understood the truth. In the past ten years, he has only strengthened the investigation of officials and cracked down on corruption. ....."
Emperor Liu couldn't help but smile: "Are you using my words to answer my questions? Aren't you afraid that I will contradict myself and lose my face?"
Sensing Emperor Liu's relaxed tone, Liu Yang was not nervous and said, "I just keep my father's teachings in mind!"
Raising his hand, Emperor Liu thought for a moment and then asked: "Zhi and Lu Duoxun have always been close at this time. I have heard about it. They say that those who are close to vermillion are red and those who are close to ink are black. In your opinion, this Lu Duoxun is How is Dosun like a person?"
Compared with Hou Zhi, Liu Yang was obviously more cautious when it came to Lu Duoxun. After all, Lu Duoxun was now an important minister of the imperial court and ranked as the prime minister. He also had his own faction within the imperial court, although his influence was not as good as that of Zhao Pu. , but no one dares to ignore him.
Liu Yang has been observing people and affairs for so many years. He has a deep understanding of the important ministers and the situation in the court, not to mention having a thorough understanding of them.
The grievances between Zhao and Lu are no longer a secret. Lu Duoxun's aggressiveness in the past year has been fully visible. Emperor Liu transferred Lu Duoxun to the central government to pay homage to the prime minister, and for the first time divided the power of personnel organization from Zhao Pu. Among them The purpose of checks and balances cannot be concealed from others.
At this time, when Emperor Liu asked about Lu Duoxun, Liu Yang's answer was clever again: "Mr. Lu is a great official of the Han Dynasty. He has made outstanding achievements. He has been an official for more than 20 years. He has worked hard and achieved great results through hard work. He is worthy of admiration!"
Emperor Liu was almost amused by Liu Yang's words. He smiled and scolded him: "Am I asking you about his achievements? Without those meritorious achievements, do you think I can put him in the political hall? Even if he can, he can To convince the public?"
Liu Yang smiled, showing a bit of embarrassment.
Seeing this, Emperor Liu spoke more directly, saying: "There is no doubt that Lu Duoxun is a capable minister, but he is by no means a wise minister! During the year he became prime minister, he placed many people inside and outside the court. Come on, people, it’s not the one who criticized Zhao Pu in front of me, not just once!
Over the past year, there has been considerable unrest in the court. This is not a bad thing. If the imperial court is always calm and will become a pool of stagnant water sooner or later, Lu Duoxun has injected a vitality into it!
Officials compete for power and gain, and invite favors and flattery. There is no need to criticize. Only by fighting for the ministers can the king feel at ease!
However, you must remember one thing, no matter how you fight, you must fight without breaking up, maintain the integrity of the court, and not affect national affairs. "
"Yes!" Facing Emperor Liu's teachings, Liu Yang responded humbly: "I remember it!"
"How did Zhao Pu respond to the Yangzhou incident?"
Liu Yang replied: "Xiang Zhao presided over the court discussion and decided to send officials from the Sanfa Division to Yangzhou to investigate!"
"Haha!" Emperor Liu smiled and pointed out: "Zhao Pu has been more tolerant in the past year, but now it seems that he is retreating in order to advance. Now that he has found an opportunity, he will take action decisively. Regardless of the outcome of the investigation, Lu Dosun is afraid that his prestige will be ruined.
Compared to Zhao Pu, Lu Duoxun is still too young! His nature is too arrogant, and his mind is not broad enough! "
After hearing what Emperor Liu said, Liu Yang also said: "My father is really familiar with the ministers! From my perspective, Duke Lu is indeed very anxious and impatient in his political affairs!"
"Okay, don't interfere in this matter. Let them handle it. Just watch from the other side. There will be no trouble in each small Yangzhou mansion!" Emperor Liu warned.
"Yes!" Liu Yang agreed happily. Although he was closer to Zhao Pu from his own heart, he did not show any inclination towards the discord between Zhao and Lu. At least he was always impartial on the surface.
"But!" Liu Yang hesitated and asked, "Dad, what should we do if the final investigation results involve Mr. Lu?"
These words seemed to stop Emperor Liu from asking, he pondered for a moment, and then said: "Then it depends on Lu Duoxun's personal abilities! If he can't even adhere to the basic bottom line, then there is no need to appoint him like this. As for Zhao Pu, we can also take a look at how magnanimous he is as a prime minister, and whether he can still tolerate others after holding his position for such a long time!"
Hearing this, even Liu Yang couldn't help but be shocked. Obviously, Emperor Liu didn't care at all whether a mere Hou Zhi was corrupt, but wanted to observe his prime ministers...
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