Liu Jichang, who was surrounded by stars one moment, restrained all his majesty and demeanor the next moment, and even felt a little uneasy. When he saw Liu Yang, he stepped forward and bowed respectfully: "Your Highness is here, but he didn't come far enough to greet you, so he begged for forgiveness."
Liu Yang subconsciously glanced outside. After Liu Jichang left the table, he had become much quieter. Looking at him, Liu Yang chuckled and said, "I heard that you got married to a new love. It's such a happy marriage, so I came here to ask for a drink and a drink to feel happy. But I came uninvited, so I need your forgiveness as the master!"
There was something wrong with these words. Liu Jichang felt nervous and hurriedly said humbly: "Your Highness has said something serious. I am only honored that Your Highness can come. It's just that my trivial matter is not worthy of publicity. How can I disturb His Highness?"
"The banquet hall in Taihe Building cannot be used on the stage. Is it not bright enough or not flashy enough?" Liu Yang asked rhetorically.
You know, when Liu Yang accepted Xiao Chuo, there was no big deal, and he didn't even hold a decent banquet. He just went through a simple etiquette process, that's all. Therefore, seeing Liu Jichang making such a big fuss about taking a concubine, how could Liu Yang not have any ideas in his mind.
Liu Jichang was not drunk and understood the words. He cupped his hands eagerly and said, "I am guilty!"
Like Emperor Liu, Liu Yang didn't like his ministers to plead guilty at every turn. Emperor Liu felt it was hypocritical, but Liu Yang thought it was a sign of evading and shirking responsibility when things happened, which was not helpful.
"Don't be too busy apologizing!" Liu Yang waved his hand vigorously and frowned slightly, saying, "I'm just curious. The dignified Prince Xu of Kaifeng, the Prince of Kaifeng, has attracted the attention of the whole court and attracted the attention of the whole city. He took a concubine. , it needs to be so publicized, I wish all the people in the city would know about it. Where are the court rituals? Where is the decency?"
Hearing this, Liu Jichang couldn't stand anymore and knelt down quickly: "I didn't think well and acted in a disgraceful manner. Please forgive me. I will order you to move down and remove the banquet!"
"We've already created such a big scene, do we need to add some more criticism?" Liu Yang asked.
It's not that Liu Jichang didn't understand the reason, he was just expressing an attitude, so he lowered his head and said, "I obey your Highness's orders."
Liu Yang looked at Liu Jichang silently for a while, then said again: "Get up!"
"Thank you, Your Highness!" Liu Jichang couldn't help but breathed a sigh of relief.
"Who are the people attending the banquet?"
"Except for some relatives, friends and colleagues, the rest are all dignitaries and sages in Tokyo!" Liu Jichang answered honestly. After observing Liu Yang's expression, seeing that his expression softened, he said carefully:
"Your Highness, you are kind enough to host this banquet, but it is not just out of vanity. I want to receive gifts and listen to the compliments and praises of those in the hall, but I have other reasons."
Hearing what Liu Jichang said, Liu Yang raised his eyebrows and stared at him: "Oh? I would like to hear if there is any hidden secret in this."
Feeling the prince's suspicious attitude, Liu Jichang couldn't help but hold his breath and concentrate. The words had already been spoken, and he naturally wanted to round them off.
After a moment of organizing his words, Liu Jichang held up his hands and said, "Your Highness, I have been in charge of Kaifeng Mansion for a year. Although I have done nothing serious in my post, I have not made any great achievements in the country or the people. Every time I think about it, I feel quite ashamed.
I don’t dare to claim that I have devoted all my efforts, but I am not lacking in thought. I have recently discussed with my staff, listened to the opinions of the group, and made up my mind to do what I can to help the people of Kaifeng and fulfill my duties to repay His Majesty’s favor. . "
Listening to Liu Jichang's roundabout words, although Liu Yang did not feel impatient, his brows were raised high: "What do you think of and what you can do today?"
Liu Jichang shook his head repeatedly and said: "Under the rule of Chen Cha, Tokyo City is prosperous, but Kaifeng governs, besides Tokyo City, there are 15 other counties with nearly 200,000 households.
Previously, the government had neglected the people in these counties and towns. Although they were located in the hinterland of Gyeonggi and bathed in the glory of the capital, they did not enjoy many benefits compared to the people in the capital.
In fact, many people are burdened with providing gifts to the capital, and there are many poor people in the villages. Therefore, I do not think of myself and want to be kind to the people under my rule as compensation.
I intend to carry out more construction projects, widen roads, build reservoirs and dredge ditches in the counties under Kaifeng Prefecture. Last year, the yield of the fields decreased, and the small
The livelihood of small farmers is very difficult, and I also plan to provide them with corresponding subsidies..."
As he spoke, he observed Liu Yang's expression. Seeing that he was thoughtful, Liu Jichang calmed down slightly and his words became more fluent. He continued: "If you want to implement new policies to benefit the people, the first priority is finance."
Liu Yang interrupted him: "The idea is good, but what does this have to do with today's scene in Taihe Tower? In terms of financial affluence, how many places in the world can compare with Kaifeng Mansion?"
Liu Jichang said: "What your Highness said is true. Kaifeng has always been at the forefront of the world in terms of finance and taxation. However, the annual consumption and fixed expenses are also quite huge. I plan to invest two million yuan in the new policy, half of which will be made by The government treasury will contribute the capital, and the other half will be considered for raising funds for charity.
Back then, when the Duke of Luan was building Kaifeng, due to lack of funds, he specially invited talented people in the capital to provide food and money. Today, I am just following the policy of benefiting the people..."
At this point, Liu Jichang stopped and waited quietly for the prince's reaction. At this time, Liu Yang seemed to be convinced by Liu Jichang. After thinking for a while, his tone became much gentler: "Is that so?"
"How dare I deceive Your Highness? Regarding the new policy plan, the government has discussed and formulated it. It has been written down and has complete records, ready for inspection at any time!" Liu Jichang said confidently.
"If so, this is good governance. The country is based on the people, and the people rely on agriculture as their livelihood. In this regard, it is appropriate to show more kindness!" Liu Yang finally agreed.
"However, when Emperor Murong's uncle raised public funds for the city's construction, he used coercion and inducement, and perhaps promised a lot of benefits. What conditions are you planning to offer now? Otherwise, how can those "virtuous people" outside be willing to donate money? Liu Yang asked.
"Your Highness, I can only give you certain preferential treatment in terms of taxation. Furthermore, this is a good deed and they don't dare to ask for too much," Liu Jichang said.
Liu Yang immediately asked: "Can we get support from the Financial Secretary?"
"This..." Liu Jichang: "Not yet."
"Issues involving taxation can only be done with the approval of the Financial Secretary!" Liu Yang said directly. Nowadays, the imperial court pays more and more attention to commercial taxation.
Obviously, Kaifeng Mansion, as a powerful government, has a special political status, but similarly, with a lot of mothers-in-law in charge, it does not have that much freedom. After all, it is under the nose of the central government.
In response, Liu Jichang nodded and said, "I understand!"
"In this way, you formulate the Kaifeng Prefecture's policy of benefiting the people and report it to the Central Committee to show it to the prime ministers to see if it is possible to pass it. Kaifeng Prefecture has made a start. If so, other places can also try it!" Liu Yang thought for a while and ordered.
"Yes!" When Liu Jichang heard this, his face suddenly lit up with joy. If this policy can be promoted according to the prince's wishes, then Liu Jichang's reputation can also be spread through this. This is a good name.
"There are inevitably flaws in the plans of Kaifeng Mansion, and we need the guidance of Your Highness and your ministers to improve them!" Liu Jichang followed up with a compliment: "I have a narrow vision and only focus on Kaifeng Mansion. Your Highness is in a lofty position, but he can take into account the whole world. , I truly admire you!"
"Okay!" Liu Yang waved his hand: "You initiated the New Deal, that's great!"
Seeing Liu Yang expressing his approval again, Liu Jichang lowered his head and said modestly: "I just handled this matter. My behavior was inappropriate and I feel deeply ashamed."
"Being able to raise money and get things done is the most important thing!" Liu Yang said, "As for the little details, don't worry too much about it!"
"Your Highness is wise!"
At this point, through Kaifeng Mansion's new policy of benefiting the people, Liu Jichang finally got rid of the concubine banquet. Of course, it also means that he must succeed in this new deal and do it beautifully, otherwise, how will he explain it to the prince.
But equally, with the support of the prince, the possibility of success also increases. Liu Jichang is full of confidence at this moment.
