It was midsummer, and the weather was extremely hot. Even late at night, there was an unbearable scorching heat in the air, which was in contrast to the restless atmosphere in Beijing recently.
Accompanied by several servants and guards, Zhao Kuangyi rode a horse and galloped lightly on the street. Zhao Kuangyi didn't mention what he was like as a person, but he was extremely diligent in his political work. He liked to do things by himself and never tire of hard work. This was recognized by Emperor Liu.
He has a gentle appearance, is reasonable, and cooperates with his officials, but in his heart he is arrogant and has a strong style. Of course, Zhao Kuangyi himself still leads by example and is more convincing.
He also attaches great importance to efficiency. From the moment he entered the officialdom, he spent almost all his time on official affairs, focusing on power management, and refused to waste any time on unnecessary things.
I always rode a horse to go to and from get off work, but I thought the vehicle was too slow. After I was transferred to Beijing, my behavior became even more extreme. In recent years, the Han Dynasty court has been troubled, and Zhao Kuangyi has become more diligent and hardworking.
However, recently, especially after Emperor Liu decided to promote fiscal and tax reforms, Zhao Kuangyi was not in a good mood. It was not that he was forced to oppose this decision because of his status as a distinguished noble. Zhao Kuangyi, who had always been highly politically aware, quickly adjusted his mentality after sensing Emperor Liu's determination, and figured out how to deal with and behave in the tide of restructuring. .
At the same time, with Zhao Kuangyi's knowledge, he also knew that as long as the tax reform was completed, it would indeed be beneficial to the country and the people, help consolidate the foundation of the empire, and be a strategic reform measure.
As the spokesperson of interest groups whose interests are bound to be harmed under the tax reform, they may try to protect themselves and stop their losses, but they only intend to follow the trend. As for representing the Xungui Group and directly confronting this stupid approach, the smart Zhao Kuangyi is Won't do it.
Zhao Kuangyi even intends to take over the task of restructuring. In the eyes of "fools" like Li Fang, this is a troublesome, difficult and thankless task.
But in Zhao Kuangyi's view, this is indeed a rare opportunity. Rather than retreating and only arousing Emperor Liu's suspicion and hostility, if you can take the lead in the reform, there will be a lot of room for maneuver. This is almost a rare opportunity in ten years. Opportunities to expand influence and cultivate power.
Promoting reforms in accordance with Emperor Liu's wishes will first gain Emperor Liu's approval and reflect his noble character of being dedicated to public service, not afraid of resistance, and daring to do things.
In the process of presiding over, although some people will be offended, the bureaucracy and their nobles are not the same people. They should suppress the increasingly expanded common people bureaucrats. This is the duty of nobles.
At the same time, the noble groups are not a harmonious group. There are different factions and there are many mountains, and the competition for interests is particularly fierce. This was especially obvious when large-scale knights and honors were awarded in the early years of Kaibao. For the sake of rank and rank, Successively, a group of arrogant soldiers fought openly and secretly to the death.
As far as the Zhao family is concerned, at least they have little to deal with the Murong family. When it comes to the East Palace and affects the heirs of the next generation, the conflict between the camps becomes more intense.
Therefore, isn't it also a matter of course to take advantage of the reform to attack political opponents? Zhao Kuangyi knew very well that it was very common for those noble families to cheat on others behind the scenes and do misbehavior, and the officials only managed to deal with some miscellaneous fish.
There is no doubt that to be able to preside over tax reform, he must have great power, otherwise how can he promote it? In that case, he, Zhao Kuangyi, will truly reach the pinnacle of power, which is the goal he has been striving for for many years.
Once it's done, wouldn't it be natural to officially become the Prime Minister of the Han Dynasty?
How could Zhao Kuangyi let go of such a profitable, famous and powerful job? Compared with this real big profit, the loss of money and food that the tax reform may bring to the Zhao family is really negligible.
Regarding the pros and cons of the tax reform, Zhao Kuangyi made a full weighing of the pros and cons of the tax reform, constantly trying to figure out Emperor Liu's thoughts, and observing the developments and changes in the situation between the DPRK and China. Especially seeing Li Fang's poor performance in the preparation process of tax reform, he was still unable to suppress various debates and make effective progress. Emperor Liu's focus on clearing the land was making slow progress. Even Zhao Kuangyi's city government could not help but steal it. Fortunately, I intuitively only need to take the initiative once, and then I can take on the important task.
However, all ideas and reveries are ultimately just wishful thinking. Seeing that the time was almost up, Zhao Kuangyi took the initiative
He made some insinuations and expressed to Emperor Liu that he was willing to share the worries for you. In the end, he was only praised by Emperor Liu, and then nothing happened.
Zhao Kuangyi made enough gestures and flirtatious glances, but the result seemed to be for the blind. Emperor Liu never let go. He would rather let Li Fang continue to stand on the stage and make a fool of himself than use him. Zhao Kuangyi also tried it with the prince Liu Yang, but Liu Yang only tried to comfort him and did not make any statement.
Therefore, during this period, although Zhao Kuangyi actively participated in the tax reform and made suggestions for the new tax system, he only had the right to participate in the tax reform and the leadership he longed for, but he never got it.
When he learned that Emperor Liu had sent someone to summon Zhao Pu back to the capital, Zhao Kuangyi had a rare break. At this moment, Zhao Kuangyi could not tell that Emperor Liu wanted to use Zhao Pu! That's Zhao Pu!
It is difficult to understand! How could Emperor Liu do this? Zhao Kuangyi could look down upon Li Fang. Zhao Kuangyi had the confidence to compete or even suppress anyone in the DPRK, but Zhao Kuangyi had no confidence and was particularly afraid of Zhao Pu.
What Zhao Kuangyi didn't understand even more was that Zhao Pu had been the prime minister for twenty years and had great power and influence. Emperor Liu was so afraid of him at the beginning! Now, how can we suppress our suspicions and use Zhao Pu again, giving him great power and entrusting him with important responsibilities?
Zhao Kuangyi was puzzled, but he was more indignant and unwilling. He, Zhao Kuangyi, has been an official for more than 20 years. He has always been conscientious and dedicated to serving the public good. After working hard for so long, he finally took root in the power center of the Han Dynasty.
Now, there is only one last step left, but it is this last step that cannot be taken. It is like there is an insurmountable gap between him and the position of prime minister, so close yet so far away.
In the past, Zhao Kuangyi had been holding back, enduring, and waiting, hoping for good things in the future, and even made a final plan for himself, which was to wait for Prince Liu Yang to take over.
However, psychological comfort is not useful all the time. Nowadays, Zhao Kuangyi's patience is running out. He, Zhao Kuangyi, is not young anymore and is about to enter the age of knowing his destiny. Emperor Liu is too old to die, which makes people anxious to wait.
What worried Zhao Kuangyi the most was that he gradually realized that the one who really suppressed him was Emperor Liu. Although it was relatively obscure, Zhao Kuangyi still felt the vague fear from Emperor Liu.
This was what Zhao Kuangyi was most confused about. He thought to himself that there was nothing worthy of Emperor Liu's suspicion. After all, he was not his brother with great military exploits and high prestige in the military.
If it is said that Zhao Kuangyin is involved, it makes no sense. After all, Zhao Kuangyin has been retreating behind the scenes for more than ten years, and his health has not been good in recent years. What's more, although his Zhao family is a top power, it is not unique. The families at the same level can be counted on two hands. What's more, if he really suspected their brother, why bother to promote him step by step and promote him to the position of prime minister, Zhao Kuangyi?
With a heavy and depressed mood, Zhao Kuangyi did not return to his mansion, and instead went to Rongguo Duke's mansion without any hesitation.
